German submarine U-462: Difference between revisions

Coordinates: 45°33′N 10°58′W / 45.550°N 10.967°W / 45.550; -10.967
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{{Short description|German World War II submarine}}
{|{{Infobox ship begin}}
{|{{Infobox ship begin}}
{{Infobox ship image
{{Infobox ship image
|Ship image=[[File:U-462 kreisend.jpg|300px]]
|Ship image=U-462 kreisend.jpg
|Ship image size=300px
|Ship caption=''U-462'' and ''U-461'' taking evasive action during an air attack on 30 July 1943
|Ship caption=''U-462'' and ''U-461'' taking evasive action during an air attack on 30 July 1943
}}
}}
{{Infobox ship career
{{Infobox ship career
|Hide header=
|Hide header=
|Ship country= {{nowrap|[[Nazi Germany]]}}
|Ship country=[[Nazi Germany]]
|Ship flag={{Shipboxflag|Nazi Germany|naval}}
|Ship flag={{Shipboxflag|Nazi Germany|naval}}
|Ship name=''U-462''
|Ship name=''U-462''
Line 14: Line 16:
|Ship laid down=2 January 1941
|Ship laid down=2 January 1941
|Ship launched=29 November 1941
|Ship launched=29 November 1941
|Ship acquired=
|Ship commissioned=5 March 1942
|Ship commissioned=5 March 1942
|Ship decommissioned=
|Ship struck=
|Ship homeport=
|Ship homeport=
|Ship motto=
|Ship motto=
|Ship nickname=
|Ship nickname=
|Ship fate= Sunk on 30 July 1943{{sfn|Kemp|1999|pp=136-7}}
|Ship honors=
|Ship fate= Sunk, 30 July 1943{{sfn|Kemp|1999|pp=136-7}}
|Ship status=
|Ship notes=
|Ship notes=
}}
}}
{{Infobox ship characteristics
{{Infobox ship characteristics
|Hide header=
|Hide header=
|Header caption={{sfn|Gröner|1985|pp=118-9}}
|Header caption=
|Ship class=[[German Type XIV submarine]]
|Ship class=[[Type XIV submarine|Type XIV]] ocean-going submarine tanker
|Ship type=
|Ship displacement=
|Ship displacement={{convert|1688|t|LT|abbr=on}} surfaced<br /> {{convert|1932|t|LT|abbr=on}} submerged
*{{convert|1688|t|LT|lk=on|abbr=on}} surfaced
*{{convert|1932|t|LT|abbr=on}} submerged
|Ship length={{convert|67.1|m|ftin|abbr=on}} [[o/a]]<br />{{convert|48.51|m|ftin|abbr=on}} [[Submarine hull|pressure hull]]
|Ship length=
*{{convert|67.10|m|ftin|lk=on|abbr=on}} [[o/a]]
*{{convert|48.51|m|ftin|abbr=on}} [[pressure hull]]
|Ship beam= {{convert|9.35|m|ftin|abbr=on}} o/a<br />{{convert|4.9|m|ftin|abbr=on}} pressure hull
|Ship beam=
*{{convert|9.35|m|ftin|abbr=on}} o/a
*{{convert|4.90|m|ftin|abbr=on}} pressure hull
|Ship height= {{convert|11.7|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
|Ship height={{convert|11.70|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
|Ship draft={{convert|6.51|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
|Ship draught={{convert|6.51|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
|Ship power=
|Ship propulsion=2&nbsp;×&nbsp;[[Germaniawerft]] F46 supercharged 6-cylinder [[diesel engine]]s, {{convert|3200|PS|shp kW|abbr=on}}<br />2&nbsp;×&nbsp;[[Siemens-Schuckert|SSW]] Gu343/388-8 [[Motor–generator|double-acting electric motors]] {{convert|750|PS|shp kW|abbr=on}}
*{{convert|2800|–|3200|PS|kW bhp|abbr=on}} (diesels)
|Ship speed={{convert|14.9|kn|lk=in}} surfaced<br />{{convert|6.2|kn}} submerged
*{{convert|750|PS|kW shp|abbr=on}} (electric)
|Ship range={{convert|12,350|nmi|lk=in|abbr=on}} at {{convert|10|kn}} surfaced<br />{{convert|55|nmi|abbr=on}} at {{convert|4|kn}} submerged
|Ship propulsion=
*2 shafts
*2 × [[diesel engine]]s
*2 × [[Motor-generator|electric motors]]
|Ship speed=
*{{convert|14.4|-|14.9|kn|lk=in}} surfaced
*{{convert|6.2|kn}} submerged
|Ship range=
*{{convert|12,350|nmi|lk=in|abbr=on}} at {{convert|10|kn}} surfaced
*{{convert|55|nmi|abbr=on}} at {{convert|4|kn}} submerged
|Ship test depth={{convert|240|m|ft|abbr=on}}
|Ship test depth={{convert|240|m|ft|abbr=on}}
|Ship complement=6 officers and 47 enlisted
|Ship capacity=
|Ship complement= 53–60 men
|Ship armament=
*2 × [[3.7 cm SK C/30|{{convert|3.7|cm|in|sp=us|abbr=on}} SK C/30]] [[anti-aircraft gun]]s
|Ship armament= 2&nbsp;×&nbsp;37 mm AA guns<br /> 2&nbsp;×&nbsp;20 mm AA guns
*1 × [[2 cm FlaK 30|{{convert|2|cm|in|sp=us|abbr=on}} C/30]] AA gun
|Ship notes=
|Ship notes=
}}
}}
{{service record
{{Infobox service record
|is_ship=yes
|is_ship=yes
|label=Service record<ref name="uboatnet">{{cite web
|label=Service record<ref name="uboatnet">{{cite web
|url=http://www.uboat.net/boats/u462.htm
|url=http://uboat.net/boats/u462.htm
|title=The Type XIV boat U-462
|title=The Type XIV boat U-462
|last=Helgason
|last=Helgason
|first=Guðmundur
|first=Guðmundur
|website=German U-boats of WWII - uboat.net
|website=German U-boats of WWII – uboat.net
|accessdate=2009-12-07
|access-date=2009-12-07
}}</ref><ref>{{cite web
}}</ref><ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.uboat.net/boats/patrols/u462.html
|url=http://uboat.net/boats/patrols/u462.html
|title=War Patrols by German U-boat U-462
|title=War Patrols by German U-boat U-462
|last=Helgason
|last=Helgason
|first=Guðmundur
|first=Guðmundur
|website=German U-boats of WWII - uboat.net
|website=German U-boats of WWII – uboat.net
|accessdate=2009-12-07
|access-date=2009-12-07
}}</ref>
}}</ref>
|partof=
|partof=[[4th U-boat Flotilla]]<br />(5 March&ndash;31 July 1942)<br />[[10th U-boat Flotilla]]<br />(1 August&ndash;31 October 1942)<br />[[12th U-boat Flotilla]]<br />(1 November 1942&ndash;30 July 1943)
*[[4th U-boat Flotilla]]
|codes=
|commanders=Lt. Bruno Vowe<br />(5 March 1942&ndash;30 July 1943)
*5 March – 31 July 1942
*[[10th U-boat Flotilla]]
|operations=1st patrol: 23 July&ndash;21 September 1942<br />2nd patrol: 18 October&ndash;7 December 1942<br />3rd patrol: 20&ndash;22 January 1943<br />4th patrol: 19 February&ndash;11 March 1943<br />5th patrol: 1&ndash;24 April 1943<br />6th patrol: 17&ndash;23 June 1943<br />7th patrol: 28 June&ndash;6 July 1943<br />8th patrol: 27&ndash;30 July 1943
*1 August – 31 October 1942
*[[12th U-boat Flotilla]]
*1 November 1942 – 30 July 1943
|codes=M 26 839
|commanders=
*''[[Lt.z.S.]]'' Bruno Vowe
*5 March 1942 – 30 July 1943
|operations=*8 patrols:
*1st patrol:
*23 July – 21 September 1942
*2nd patrol:
*18 October – 7 December 1942
*3rd patrol:
*20 – 22 January 1943
*4th patrol:
*19 February – 11 March 1943
*5th patrol:
*1 – 24 April 1943
*6th patrol:
*17 – 23 June 1943
*7th patrol:
*28 June – 6 July 1943
*8th patrol:
*27 – 30 July 1943
|victories=None
|victories=None
|awards=
}}
}}
|}
|}
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'''German submarine ''U-462''''' was a [[German Type XIV submarine|Type XIV]] supply and replenishment [[U-boat]] ("''Milchkuh''") of [[Nazi Germany]]'s ''[[Kriegsmarine]]'' during [[World War II]].
'''German submarine ''U-462''''' was a [[German Type XIV submarine|Type XIV]] supply and replenishment [[U-boat]] ("''Milchkuh''") of [[Nazi Germany]]'s ''[[Kriegsmarine]]'' during [[World War II]].


Her keel was laid down on 2 January 1941, by [[Deutsche Werke]] in [[Kiel]]. She was launched on 29 November 1941 and commissioned on 5 March 1942 with ''[[Oberleutnant zur See]]'' Bruno Vowe in command. Vowe commanded the boat until she was lost.<ref name="uboatnet"/> She served, first as part of the [[4th U-boat Flotilla]] while carrying out training, then as part of the [[10th U-boat Flotilla|10th]] and [[12th U-boat Flotilla|12th]] flotillas while taking part in operations.
Her keel was [[Keel laying|laid down]] on 2 January 1941, by [[Deutsche Werke]] in [[Kiel]]. She was [[Ceremonial ship launching|launched]] on 29 November 1941 and [[Ship commissioning|commissioned]] on 5 March 1942 with ''[[Oberleutnant zur See]]'' Bruno Vowe in command. Vowe commanded the boat until she was lost.<ref name="uboatnet"/> She served, first as part of the [[4th U-boat Flotilla]] while carrying out training, then as part of the [[10th U-boat Flotilla|10th]] and [[12th U-boat Flotilla|12th]] flotillas while taking part in operations.

==Design==
[[German Type XIV submarine]]s were shortened versions of the [[German Type IX submarine|Type IXD]]s they were based on.‘’U-462’’ had a displacement of {{convert|1688|t|LT}} when at the surface and {{convert|1932|t|LT}} while submerged.{{sfn|Gröner|1991|p=79}} The U-boat had a total length of {{convert|67.10|m|ftin|abbr=on}}, a [[pressure hull]] length of {{convert|48.51|m|ftin|abbr=on}}, a [[beam (nautical)|beam]] of {{convert|9.35|m|ftin|abbr=on}}, a height of {{convert|11.70|m|ftin|abbr=on}}, and a [[draught (ship)|draught]] of {{convert|6.51|m|ftin|abbr=on}}. The submarine was powered by two [[Germaniawerft]] [[supercharged]] four-stroke, six-cylinder [[diesel engine]]s producing a total of {{convert|2800|-|3200|PS|kW shp|-1}} for use while surfaced, two [[Siemens-Schuckert]] 2 GU 345/38-8 [[Motor–generator|double-acting electric motors]] producing a total of {{convert|750|PS|kW shp|-1}} for use while submerged. She had two shafts and two [[propeller]]s. The boat was capable of operating at depths of up to {{convert|240|m}}.{{sfn|Gröner|1991|p=79}}

The submarine had a maximum surface speed of {{convert|14.4|-|14.9|kn}} and a maximum submerged speed of {{convert|6.2|kn}}.{{sfn|Gröner|1991|p=79}} When submerged, the boat could operate for {{convert|120|nmi}} at {{convert|2|kn}}; when surfaced, she could travel {{convert|12350|nmi}} at {{convert|10|kn}}. ‘’U-462’’ was not fitted with [[torpedo tube]]s or [[deck gun]]s, but had two [[3.7 cm SK C/30|{{convert|3.7|cm|in|sp=us|abbr=on}} SK C/30]] anti-aircraft guns with 2500 rounds as well as a [[2 cm FlaK 30|{{convert|2|cm|in|sp=us|abbr=on}} C/30]] guns with 3000 rounds. The boat had a [[Ship's company|complement]] of fifty-three.{{sfn|Gröner|1991|p=79}}


==Operational career==
==Operational career==
''U-462'' conducted eight patrols. As a supply boat, she avoided combat.<ref name="uboatnet"/>
''U-462'' conducted eight patrols. As a supply boat, she avoided combat.<ref name="uboatnet"/>


===1st patrol===
===First patrol===
For her first patrol, ''U-462'' departed Kiel on 23 July 1942 and arrived at [[St. Nazaire]] in occupied France on 21 September of the same year, having travelled by way of the [[GIUK gap|gap]] between [[Iceland]] and the [[Faeroe Islands]] and out into the Atlantic. The latter part of the voyage took her past the [[Azores]] on her way to her new base.
For her first patrol, ''U-462'' departed Kiel on 23 July 1942 and arrived at [[St. Nazaire]] in occupied France on 21 September of the same year, having travelled by way of the [[GIUK gap|gap]] between [[Iceland]] and the [[Faeroe Islands]] and out into the Atlantic. The latter part of the voyage took her past the [[Azores]] on her way to her new base.


===2nd and 3rd patrols===
===Second and third patrols===
The U-boat's second effort took her to a point west-southwest of the [[Cape Verde Islands]] which she reached on 9 November 1942. She arrived back at St. Nazaire on 7 December 1942.
The U-boat's second effort took her to a point west-southwest of the [[Cape Verde Islands]] which she reached on 9 November 1942. She arrived back at St. Nazaire on 7 December 1942.


Her third outing was very short. She left Bordeaux on 20 January 1943, but returned on the 22nd.
Her third outing was very short. She left Bordeaux on 20 January 1943, but returned on the 22nd.


===4th and 5th patrols===
===Fourth and fifth patrols===
The submarine's fourth sortie took her out into the Atlantic once again. The most westerly spot of this patrol was recorded on 27 February 1943. She returned to France, but this time it was to [[Bordeaux]], on 11 March.
The submarine's fourth sortie took her out into the Atlantic once again. The most westerly spot of this patrol was recorded on 27 February 1943. She returned to France, but this time it was to [[Bordeaux]], on 11 March.


The boat's fifth patrol was also routine.
The boat's fifth patrol was also routine.


===6th patrol===
===Sixth patrol===
She did not leave the [[Bay of Biscay]], being attacked by [[De Havilland Mosquito|Mosquito]] aircraft of [[No. 151 Squadron RAF|151]] and [[No. 156 Squadron RAF|156]] squadrons, RAF on 21 June 1943. One man was killed (''[[Gefreiter|Matrosengefreiter]]'' Ferdinand Brunnbaur), and four more were wounded. The patrol was aborted, the boat returned to Bordeaux on the 23rd.<ref name="uboatnet"/>
She did not leave the [[Bay of Biscay]], being attacked by [[De Havilland Mosquito|Mosquito]] aircraft of [[No. 151 Squadron RAF|151]] and [[No. 156 Squadron RAF|156]] squadrons, RAF on 21 June 1943. One man was killed (''[[Gefreiter|Matrosengefreiter]]'' Ferdinand Brunnbaur), and four more were wounded. The patrol was aborted, the boat returned to Bordeaux on the 23rd.<ref name="uboatnet"/>


===7th patrol===
===Seventh patrol===
''U-462''{{'}}s seventh patrol was also cut short. She had barely cleared the northwest Spanish coast when she was attacked by a British [[B-24 Liberator]] of [[No. 224 Squadron RAF|224 squadron]], RAF. After sustaining sufficient damage to force a return, she entered Bordeaux harbour on 6 July 1943.
''U-462''{{'}}s seventh patrol was also cut short. She had barely cleared the northwest Spanish coast when she was attacked by a British [[B-24 Liberator]] of [[No. 224 Squadron RAF|224 squadron]], RAF. After sustaining sufficient damage to force a return, she entered Bordeaux harbour on 6 July 1943.


===Loss===
===Loss===
On 30 July 1943, ''U-462'' was sunk by a British [[Handley Page Halifax|Halifax]] bomber of [[No. 502 Squadron RAF|502 Squadron]] RAF and gunfire from the British {{sclass|Black Swan|sloop}}s HMS {{HMS|Wren|U28|2}}, {{HMS|Kite|U87|2}}, {{HMS|Woodpecker|U08|2}}, {{HMS|Wild Goose|U45|2}} and {{HMS|Woodcock|U90|2}}, in the Bay of Biscay. One of these ships, ''Kite'', registered a hit at {{convert|13,050|yards|m|abbr=on}}.{{sfn|Kemp|1999|p= 137}} One crewman was killed, the other 64 survived.<ref name="uboatnet"/>
On 30 July 1943, ''U-462'' was sunk by a British [[Handley Page Halifax|Halifax]] bomber of [[No. 502 Squadron RAF|502 Squadron]] RAF and gunfire from the British {{sclass|Black Swan|sloop|0}} [[Sloop-of-war|sloops]] {{HMS|Wren|U28|6}}, {{HMS|Kite|U87|2}}, {{HMS|Woodpecker|U08|2}}, {{HMS|Wild Goose|U45|2}} and {{HMS|Woodcock|U90|2}}, in the Bay of Biscay. One of these ships, ''Kite'', registered a hit at {{convert|13,050|yards|m|abbr=on}}.{{sfn|Kemp|1999|p= 137}} One crewman was killed; the other 64 survived.<ref name="uboatnet"/>


===Wolfpacks===
===Wolfpacks===
''U-462'' took part in one [[Wolfpack (naval tactic)|wolfpack]], namely.
''U-462'' took part in one [[Wolfpack (naval tactic)|wolfpack]], namely:
* [[Wolfpack Lohs|Lohs]] (29 August - 2 September 1942)
* [[Wolfpack Lohs|Lohs]] (29 August – 2 September 1942)


==References==
==References==
{{reflist|30em}}
{{reflist}}


==Bibliography==
==Bibliography==
{{Refbegin}}
* {{cite book

| last = Edwards
*{{cite book | last1 = Busch | first1 = Rainer | last2 = Röll | first2 = Hans-Joachim | translator-last = Brooks | translator-first = Geoffrey | title = German U-boat commanders of World War II : a biographical dictionary | publisher = Greenhill Books, Naval Institute Press | location = London, Annapolis, Md | year = 1999 | isbn = 1-55750-186-6 }}
| first = Bernard
| title = Dönitz and the Wolf Packs - The U-boats at War
| year = 1996
| isbn = 0-304-35203-9
| pages = 103, 153, 154
| publisher = Cassell Military Classics
| ref = {{sfnRef|Edwards}}
}}
*{{cite book
*{{cite book
|last1=Busch
|last1=Busch
Line 124: Line 158:
|first2=Hans-Joachim
|first2=Hans-Joachim
|title=Deutsche U-Boot-Verluste von September 1939 bis Mai 1945
|title=Deutsche U-Boot-Verluste von September 1939 bis Mai 1945
|trans-title=German U-boat losses from September 1939 to May 1945
|work=Der U-Boot-Krieg
|series=Der U-Boot-Krieg
|volume=IV
|volume=IV
|publisher=Mittler
|publisher=Mittler
Line 130: Line 165:
|year=1999
|year=1999
|isbn=3-8132-0514-2
|isbn=3-8132-0514-2
|language=German
|language=de
}}
|ref=harv
* {{cite book
|last=Edwards
|first=Bernard
|title=Dönitz and the Wolf Packs – The U-boats at War
|year=1996
|isbn=0-304-35203-9
|pages=103, 153, 154
|publisher=Cassell Military Classics
|ref={{sfnRef|Edwards}}
}}
}}
*{{cite book
*{{cite book
|last=Gröner
|last1=Gröner
|first=Erich
|first1=Erich
|last2=Jung
|title=U-Boote, Hilfskreuzer, Minenschiffe, Netzleger, Sperrbrecher
|first2=Dieter
|work=Die deutschen Kriegsschiffe 1815-1945
|last3=Maass
|volume=III
|first3=Martin
|publisher=[[Bernard & Graefe]]
|translator-last1=Thomas
|location=Koblenz
|translator-first1=Keith
|year=1985
|translator-last2=Magowan
|isbn=3-7637-4802-4
|translator-first2=Rachel
|language=German
|year=1991
|ref=harv
|title=U-boats and Mine Warfare Vessels
|volume=2
|series=German Warships 1815–1945
|location=London
|publisher=Conway Maritime Press
|isbn=0-85177-593-4
|ref=CITEREFGröner1991
}}
}}
*{{cite book
*{{cite book
|last=Kemp
|last=Kemp
|first=Paul
|first=Paul
|title=U-Boats Destroyed - German Submarine Losses in the World Wars
|title=U-Boats Destroyed – German Submarine Losses in the World Wars
|location=London
|location=London
|year=1999
|year=1999
|publisher=Arms & Armour
|publisher=Arms & Armour
|isbn=1-85409-515-3
|isbn=1-85409-515-3
|ref=harv
}}
}}

{{Refend}}


==External links==
==External links==
* {{Cite web
* {{Cite web
|url= http://www.uboat.net/boats/u462.htm
|url= http://uboat.net/boats/u462.htm
|title= The Type XIV boat U-462
|title= The Type XIV boat U-462
|last=Helgason
|last=Helgason
|first=Guðmundur
|first=Guðmundur
|website=German U-boats of WWII - uboat.net
|website=German U-boats of WWII – uboat.net
|accessdate= 6 December 2014
|access-date= 6 December 2014
}}
}}
* [http://www.ubootwaffe.net/ops/boat.cgi?boat=462 U-462 at ubootwaffe.net] {{Dead link|date=November 2013}}


{{Type XIV submarine}}
{{German Type XIV submarines}}
{{July 1943 shipwrecks}}

{{coord|45|33|N|10|58|W|display=title}}
{{coord|45|33|N|10|58|W|display=title}}

{{Italic title prefixed|16}}
{{use dmy dates|date=December 2014}}
{{use dmy dates|date=December 2014}}


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[[Category:U-boats sunk in 1943]]
[[Category:U-boats sunk in 1943]]
[[Category:World War II submarines of Germany]]
[[Category:World War II submarines of Germany]]
[[Category:Shipwrecks of the Biscay coast]]
[[Category:Shipwrecks in the Bay of Biscay]]
[[Category:1941 ships]]
[[Category:1941 ships]]
[[Category:World War II shipwrecks in the Atlantic Ocean]]
[[Category:World War II shipwrecks in the Atlantic Ocean]]
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[[Category:U-boats sunk by British aircraft]]
[[Category:U-boats sunk by British aircraft]]
[[Category:U-boats sunk by British warships]]
[[Category:U-boats sunk by British warships]]
[[Category:Maritime incidents in June 1943]]
[[Category:Maritime incidents in July 1943]]

Latest revision as of 10:04, 10 February 2024

U-462 and U-461 taking evasive action during an air attack on 30 July 1943
History
Nazi Germany
NameU-462
Ordered14 May 1940
BuilderDeutsche Werke, Kiel
Yard number293
Laid down2 January 1941
Launched29 November 1941
Commissioned5 March 1942
FateSunk on 30 July 1943[1]
General characteristics
Class and typeType XIV ocean-going submarine tanker
Displacement
  • 1,688 t (1,661 long tons) surfaced
  • 1,932 t (1,901 long tons) submerged
Length
Beam
  • 9.35 m (30 ft 8 in) o/a
  • 4.90 m (16 ft 1 in) pressure hull
Height11.70 m (38 ft 5 in)
Draught6.51 m (21 ft 4 in)
Installed power
  • 2,800–3,200 PS (2,100–2,400 kW; 2,800–3,200 bhp) (diesels)
  • 750 PS (550 kW; 740 shp) (electric)
Propulsion
Speed
  • 14.4–14.9 knots (26.7–27.6 km/h; 16.6–17.1 mph) surfaced
  • 6.2 knots (11.5 km/h; 7.1 mph) submerged
Range
  • 12,350 nmi (22,870 km; 14,210 mi) at 10 knots (19 km/h; 12 mph) surfaced
  • 55 nmi (102 km; 63 mi) at 4 knots (7.4 km/h; 4.6 mph) submerged
Test depth240 m (790 ft)
Complement6 officers and 47 enlisted
Armament
Service record[2][3]
Part of:
Identification codes: M 26 839
Commanders:
  • Lt.z.S. Bruno Vowe
  • 5 March 1942 – 30 July 1943
Operations:
  • 8 patrols:
  • 1st patrol:
  • 23 July – 21 September 1942
  • 2nd patrol:
  • 18 October – 7 December 1942
  • 3rd patrol:
  • 20 – 22 January 1943
  • 4th patrol:
  • 19 February – 11 March 1943
  • 5th patrol:
  • 1 – 24 April 1943
  • 6th patrol:
  • 17 – 23 June 1943
  • 7th patrol:
  • 28 June – 6 July 1943
  • 8th patrol:
  • 27 – 30 July 1943
Victories: None

German submarine U-462 was a Type XIV supply and replenishment U-boat ("Milchkuh") of Nazi Germany's Kriegsmarine during World War II.

Her keel was laid down on 2 January 1941, by Deutsche Werke in Kiel. She was launched on 29 November 1941 and commissioned on 5 March 1942 with Oberleutnant zur See Bruno Vowe in command. Vowe commanded the boat until she was lost.[2] She served, first as part of the 4th U-boat Flotilla while carrying out training, then as part of the 10th and 12th flotillas while taking part in operations.

Design[edit]

German Type XIV submarines were shortened versions of the Type IXDs they were based on.‘’U-462’’ had a displacement of 1,688 tonnes (1,661 long tons) when at the surface and 1,932 tonnes (1,901 long tons) while submerged.[4] The U-boat had a total length of 67.10 m (220 ft 2 in), a pressure hull length of 48.51 m (159 ft 2 in), a beam of 9.35 m (30 ft 8 in), a height of 11.70 m (38 ft 5 in), and a draught of 6.51 m (21 ft 4 in). The submarine was powered by two Germaniawerft supercharged four-stroke, six-cylinder diesel engines producing a total of 2,800–3,200 metric horsepower (2,060–2,350 kW; 2,760–3,160 shp) for use while surfaced, two Siemens-Schuckert 2 GU 345/38-8 double-acting electric motors producing a total of 750 metric horsepower (550 kW; 740 shp) for use while submerged. She had two shafts and two propellers. The boat was capable of operating at depths of up to 240 metres (790 ft).[4]

The submarine had a maximum surface speed of 14.4–14.9 knots (26.7–27.6 km/h; 16.6–17.1 mph) and a maximum submerged speed of 6.2 knots (11.5 km/h; 7.1 mph).[4] When submerged, the boat could operate for 120 nautical miles (220 km; 140 mi) at 2 knots (3.7 km/h; 2.3 mph); when surfaced, she could travel 12,350 nautical miles (22,870 km; 14,210 mi) at 10 knots (19 km/h; 12 mph). ‘’U-462’’ was not fitted with torpedo tubes or deck guns, but had two 3.7 cm (1.5 in) SK C/30 anti-aircraft guns with 2500 rounds as well as a 2 cm (0.79 in) C/30 guns with 3000 rounds. The boat had a complement of fifty-three.[4]

Operational career[edit]

U-462 conducted eight patrols. As a supply boat, she avoided combat.[2]

First patrol[edit]

For her first patrol, U-462 departed Kiel on 23 July 1942 and arrived at St. Nazaire in occupied France on 21 September of the same year, having travelled by way of the gap between Iceland and the Faeroe Islands and out into the Atlantic. The latter part of the voyage took her past the Azores on her way to her new base.

Second and third patrols[edit]

The U-boat's second effort took her to a point west-southwest of the Cape Verde Islands which she reached on 9 November 1942. She arrived back at St. Nazaire on 7 December 1942.

Her third outing was very short. She left Bordeaux on 20 January 1943, but returned on the 22nd.

Fourth and fifth patrols[edit]

The submarine's fourth sortie took her out into the Atlantic once again. The most westerly spot of this patrol was recorded on 27 February 1943. She returned to France, but this time it was to Bordeaux, on 11 March.

The boat's fifth patrol was also routine.

Sixth patrol[edit]

She did not leave the Bay of Biscay, being attacked by Mosquito aircraft of 151 and 156 squadrons, RAF on 21 June 1943. One man was killed (Matrosengefreiter Ferdinand Brunnbaur), and four more were wounded. The patrol was aborted, the boat returned to Bordeaux on the 23rd.[2]

Seventh patrol[edit]

U-462's seventh patrol was also cut short. She had barely cleared the northwest Spanish coast when she was attacked by a British B-24 Liberator of 224 squadron, RAF. After sustaining sufficient damage to force a return, she entered Bordeaux harbour on 6 July 1943.

Loss[edit]

On 30 July 1943, U-462 was sunk by a British Halifax bomber of 502 Squadron RAF and gunfire from the British Black Swan-class sloops HMS Wren, Kite, Woodpecker, Wild Goose and Woodcock, in the Bay of Biscay. One of these ships, Kite, registered a hit at 13,050 yd (11,930 m).[5] One crewman was killed; the other 64 survived.[2]

Wolfpacks[edit]

U-462 took part in one wolfpack, namely:

  • Lohs (29 August – 2 September 1942)

References[edit]

  1. ^ Kemp 1999, pp. 136–7.
  2. ^ a b c d e Helgason, Guðmundur. "The Type XIV boat U-462". German U-boats of WWII – uboat.net. Retrieved 7 December 2009.
  3. ^ Helgason, Guðmundur. "War Patrols by German U-boat U-462". German U-boats of WWII – uboat.net. Retrieved 7 December 2009.
  4. ^ a b c d Gröner 1991, p. 79.
  5. ^ Kemp 1999, p. 137.

Bibliography[edit]

  • Busch, Rainer; Röll, Hans-Joachim (1999). German U-boat commanders of World War II : a biographical dictionary. Translated by Brooks, Geoffrey. London, Annapolis, Md: Greenhill Books, Naval Institute Press. ISBN 1-55750-186-6.
  • Busch, Rainer; Röll, Hans-Joachim (1999). Deutsche U-Boot-Verluste von September 1939 bis Mai 1945 [German U-boat losses from September 1939 to May 1945]. Der U-Boot-Krieg (in German). Vol. IV. Hamburg, Berlin, Bonn: Mittler. ISBN 3-8132-0514-2.
  • Edwards, Bernard (1996). Dönitz and the Wolf Packs – The U-boats at War. Cassell Military Classics. pp. 103, 153, 154. ISBN 0-304-35203-9.
  • Gröner, Erich; Jung, Dieter; Maass, Martin (1991). U-boats and Mine Warfare Vessels. German Warships 1815–1945. Vol. 2. Translated by Thomas, Keith; Magowan, Rachel. London: Conway Maritime Press. ISBN 0-85177-593-4.
  • Kemp, Paul (1999). U-Boats Destroyed – German Submarine Losses in the World Wars. London: Arms & Armour. ISBN 1-85409-515-3.

External links[edit]

45°33′N 10°58′W / 45.550°N 10.967°W / 45.550; -10.967

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