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{{Short description|German World War II submarine}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2020}}
{|{{Infobox ship begin}}
{|{{Infobox ship begin}}
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|Ship launched=31 January 1942
|Ship launched=31 January 1942
|Ship commissioned=18 April 1942
|Ship commissioned=18 April 1942
|Ship fate=''U-443'' was sunk on 23 February 1943 in the [[Mediterranean]] near [[Algiers]] by three [[escort destroyer]]s{{sfn|Kemp|1999|p=105}}
|Ship fate=Sunk on 23 February 1943 in the [[Mediterranean]] near [[Algiers]] by three [[escort destroyer]]s{{sfn|Kemp|1999|p=105}}
}}
}}
{{Infobox ship characteristics
{{Infobox ship characteristics
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|Ship class=[[German Type VII submarine#Type VIIC|Type VIIC]] [[submarine]]
|Ship class=[[German Type VII submarine#Type VIIC|Type VIIC]] [[submarine]]
|Ship displacement=
|Ship displacement=
*{{convert|769|t|LT|0}} surfaced
*{{convert|769|t|LT|0|lk=on}} surfaced
*{{convert|871|t|LT|0|abbr=on}} submerged
*{{convert|871|t|LT|0|abbr=on}} submerged
|Ship length=
|Ship length=
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*1 x [[2 cm FlaK 30|{{convert|2|cm|in|sp=us|abbr=on}} C/30]] AA gun
*1 x [[2 cm FlaK 30|{{convert|2|cm|in|sp=us|abbr=on}} C/30]] AA gun
|Ship notes=
|Ship notes=
⚫
}}
{{Infobox service record
|is_ship=yes
|label=Service record<ref name="uboatnet">{{cite web
|url=http://uboat.net/boats/u443.html
|title=The Type VIIC boat U-443
|last=Helgason
|first=Guðmundur
|website=German U-boats of WWII - uboat.net
|access-date=2010-01-15
}}</ref><ref name="patrols">{{cite web
|url=http://uboat.net/boats/patrols/u443.html
|title=War Patrols by German U-boat U-443
|last=Helgason
|first=Guðmundur
|website=German U-boats of WWII - uboat.net
|access-date=2010-01-15
}}</ref>
|partof=
*[[8th U-boat Flotilla]]
*18 April 1942 – 30 September 1942
*[[9th U-boat Flotilla]]
*1 October 1942 – 31 December 1942
*[[29th U-boat Flotilla]]
*1 January 1943 – 23 February 1943
|codes=M 44 676
|commanders=
*''[[Kptlt.]]'' Konstantin von Puttkamer
*18 April 1942 – 23 February 1943
|operations=*3 patrols:
*1st patrol:
*1 October – 4 November 1942
*2nd patrol:
*29 November – 22 December 1942
*3rd patrol:
*16 – 23 February 1943
|victories=
*3 merchant ships sunk <br/>({{GRT|19,435}})
*1 warship sunk <br/>(1,087 tons)
}}
}}
|}
|}
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'''German submarine ''U-443''''' was a [[German Type VIIC submarine|Type VIIC]] [[U-boat]] built for [[Nazi Germany]]'s ''[[Kriegsmarine]]'' for service during [[World War II]].
'''German submarine ''U-443''''' was a [[German Type VIIC submarine|Type VIIC]] [[U-boat]] built for [[Nazi Germany]]'s ''[[Kriegsmarine]]'' for service during [[World War II]].


She was [[Keel laying|laid down]] at [[Schichau-Werke]], [[Danzig]], on 10 February 1941, [[Ceremonial ship launching|launched]] on 14 January 1942 and [[Ship commissioning|commissioned]] on 18 April with ''[[Oberleutnant zur See]]'' Konstantin von Puttkamer in command. She served with the [[8th U-boat Flotilla]] for training, then with the [[9th U-boat Flotilla|9th flotilla]] from 1 October 1942 to 31 December 1942, and the [[29th U-boat Flotilla|29th flotilla]] from 1 January 1943 to 23 February for operations.
She was [[Keel laying|laid down]] at [[Schichau-Werke]], [[Danzig]], on 10 February 1941, [[Ceremonial ship launching|launched]] on 31 January 1942 and [[Ship commissioning|commissioned]] on 18 April with ''[[Oberleutnant zur See]]'' Konstantin von Puttkamer in command. She served with the [[8th U-boat Flotilla]] for training, then with the [[9th U-boat Flotilla|9th flotilla]] from 1 October 1942 until 31 December 1942, and the [[29th U-boat Flotilla|29th flotilla]] from 1 January 1943 until 23 February for operations.


''U-443'' completed three patrols, sinking three [[merchant ships]] totalling {{GRT|19,435|disp=long}} and one warship of {{GRT|1,087|link=off}}.
''U-443'' completed three patrols, sinking three [[merchant ships]] totalling {{GRT|19,435|disp=long}} and one warship of {{GRT|1,087|link=off}}.


==Design==
==Design==
[[German Type VII submarine#Type VIIC|German Type VIIC submarines]] were preceded by the shorter [[German Type VII submarine#Type VIIB|Type VIIB submarines]]. ''U-443'' had a displacement of {{convert|769|t|LT}} when at the surface and {{convert|871|t|LT}} while submerged.{{sfn|Gröner|1991|pp=43–46}} She had a total length of {{convert|67.10|m|ftin|abbr=on}}, a [[pressure hull]] length of {{convert|50.50|m|ftin|abbr=on}}, a [[beam (nautical)|beam]] of {{convert|6.20|m|ftin|abbr=on}}, a height of {{convert|9.60|m|ftin|abbr=on}}, and a [[draught (ship)|draught]] of {{convert|4.74|m|ftin|abbr=on}}. The submarine was powered by two [[Germaniawerft]] F46 four-stroke, six-cylinder [[supercharged]] [[diesel engine]]s producing a total of {{convert|2800 to 3200|PS|kW shp|-1}} for use while surfaced, two [[AEG]] GU 460/8–27 [[Motor–generator|double-acting electric motors]] producing a total of {{convert|750|PS|kW shp}} for use while submerged. She had two shafts and two {{convert|1.23|m|ft|abbr=on|0}} [[propeller]]s. The boat was capable of operating at depths of up to {{convert|230|m}}.{{sfn|Gröner|1991|pp=43–46}}
[[German Type VII submarine#Type VIIC|German Type VIIC submarines]] were preceded by the shorter [[German Type VII submarine#Type VIIB|Type VIIB submarines]]. ''U-443'' had a displacement of {{convert|769|t|LT}} when at the surface and {{convert|871|t|LT}} while submerged.{{sfn|Gröner|1991|pp=43–46}} She had a total length of {{convert|67.10|m|ftin|abbr=on}}, a [[pressure hull]] length of {{convert|50.50|m|ftin|abbr=on}}, a [[beam (nautical)|beam]] of {{convert|6.20|m|ftin|abbr=on}}, a height of {{convert|9.60|m|ftin|abbr=on}}, and a [[draught (ship)|draught]] of {{convert|4.74|m|ftin|abbr=on}}. The submarine was powered by two [[Germaniawerft]] F46 four-stroke, six-cylinder [[supercharged]] [[diesel engine]]s producing a total of {{convert|2800 to 3200|PS|kW shp|-1}} for use while surfaced, two [[AEG (German company)|AEG]] GU 460/8–27 [[Motor–generator|double-acting electric motors]] producing a total of {{convert|750|PS|kW shp}} for use while submerged. She had two shafts and two {{convert|1.23|m|ft|abbr=on|0}} [[propeller]]s. The boat was capable of operating at depths of up to {{convert|230|m}}.{{sfn|Gröner|1991|pp=43–46}}


The submarine had a maximum surface speed of {{convert|17.7|kn}} and a maximum submerged speed of {{convert|7.6|kn}}.{{sfn|Gröner|1991|pp=43–46}} When submerged, the boat could operate for {{convert|80|nmi}} at {{convert|4|kn}}; when surfaced, she could travel {{convert|8500|nmi}} at {{convert|10|kn}}. ''U-443'' was fitted with five {{convert|53.3|cm|in|0|abbr=on}} [[torpedo tube]]s (four fitted at the bow and one at the stern), fourteen [[torpedo]]es, one [[8.8&nbsp;cm SK C/35 naval gun|{{convert|8.8|cm|in|2|abbr=on}} SK C/35 naval gun]], 220 rounds, and a [[2 cm FlaK 30|{{convert|2|cm|in|sp=us|abbr=on}} C/30]] anti-aircraft gun. The boat had a [[Ship's company|complement]] of between forty-four and sixty.{{sfn|Gröner|1991|pp=43–46}}
The submarine had a maximum surface speed of {{convert|17.7|kn}} and a maximum submerged speed of {{convert|7.6|kn}}.{{sfn|Gröner|1991|pp=43–46}} When submerged, the boat could operate for {{convert|80|nmi}} at {{convert|4|kn}}; when surfaced, she could travel {{convert|8500|nmi}} at {{convert|10|kn}}. ''U-443'' was fitted with five {{convert|53.3|cm|in|0|abbr=on}} [[torpedo tube]]s (four fitted at the bow and one at the stern), fourteen [[torpedo]]es, one [[8.8&nbsp;cm SK C/35 naval gun|{{convert|8.8|cm|in|2|abbr=on}} SK C/35 naval gun]], 220 rounds, and a [[2 cm FlaK 30|{{convert|2|cm|in|sp=us|abbr=on}} C/30]] anti-aircraft gun. The boat had a [[Ship's company|complement]] of between forty-four and sixty.{{sfn|Gröner|1991|pp=43–46}}
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==Service history==
==Service history==


===1st patrol===
===First patrol===
''U-443'' began her operational service when she departed [[Kiel]] on 1 October 1942 and sailed out into the Atlantic, clearing the northern coast of Scotland. On 9 October in rough weather, a lookout broke his arm. The U-boat sank two ships from [[Convoy ON 139]] in mid-Atlantic on 22 October, but was then forced to submerge where she was held by the escort ships until the convoy had escaped. She subsequently steamed into [[Brest, France|Brest]] in occupied France, arriving on 4 November.
''U-443'' began her operational service when she departed [[Kiel]] on 1 October 1942 and sailed out into the Atlantic, clearing the northern coast of Scotland. On 9 October in rough weather, a lookout broke his arm. The U-boat sank two ships from [[Convoy ON 139]] in mid-Atlantic on 22 October, but was then forced to submerge where she was held by the escort ships until the convoy had escaped. She subsequently steamed into [[Brest, France|Brest]] in occupied France, arriving on 4 November.


===2nd patrol===
===Second patrol===
Her second sortie saw her leave Brest on 29 November 1942, penetrate the heavily defended [[Strait of Gibraltar]], sink two more ships in the western Mediterranean and arrive at the Italian port of [[La Spezia]] on 22 December.
Her second sortie saw her leave Brest on 29 November 1942, penetrate the heavily defended [[Strait of Gibraltar]], sink two more ships in the western Mediterranean and arrive at the Italian port of [[La Spezia]] on 22 December.


===3rd patrol and loss===
===Third patrol and loss===
The U-boat left La Spezia on 16 February 1943 and headed southwest. She was sunk with all hands on 23 February northwest of [[Algiers]] by [[depth charge]]s from the [[escort destroyer]]s {{HMS|Bicester|L34|6}}, {{HMS|Lamerton|L88|2}} and {{HMS|Wheatland|L122|2}}.{{sfn|Kemp|1999|p=105}}
The U-boat left La Spezia on 16 February 1943 and headed southwest. She was sunk with all hands on 23 February northwest of [[Algiers]] by [[depth charge]]s from the [[escort destroyer]]s {{HMS|Bicester|L34|6}}, {{HMS|Lamerton|L88|2}} and {{HMS|Wheatland|L122|2}}.{{sfn|Kemp|1999|p=105}}


===Wolfpacks===
===Wolfpacks===
''U-443'' took part in two [[wolfpack (naval tactic)|wolfpack]]s, namely.
''U-443'' took part in two [[wolfpack (naval tactic)|wolfpack]]s, namely:
* Panther (11–16 October 1942)
* Panther (11 – 16 October 1942)
* Puma (16–29 October 1942)
* Puma (16 – 29 October 1942)


==Summary of raiding history==
==Summary of raiding history==
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
|-
! Date
! Date
! Name
! Ship Name
! Nationality
! Nationality
! Tonnage<ref group=Note name=tonnage>Merchant ship tonnages are in [[gross register tons]]. Military vessels are listed by tons [[displacement (ship)|displacement]].</ref>
! Tonnage<ref group=Note name=tonnage>Merchant ship tonnages are in [[gross register tons]]. Military vessels are listed by tons [[displacement (ship)|displacement]].</ref>
! Fate
! Fate<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://uboat.net/boats/successes/u443.html
|title=Ships hit by U-443
|last=Helgason
|first=Guðmundur
|website=German U-boats of WWII - uboat.net
|access-date=26 December 2014
}}</ref>
|-
|-
|align="right"|22 October 1942
|align="right"|22 October 1942
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|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
|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 174: Line 221:
|title=U-boats and Mine Warfare Vessels
|title=U-boats and Mine Warfare Vessels
|volume=2
|volume=2
|work=German Warships 1815–1945
|series=German Warships 1815–1945
|location=London
|location=London
|publisher=Conway Maritime Press
|publisher=Conway Maritime Press
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{{German Type VII submarines}}
{{German Type VII submarines}}
{{February 1943 shipwrecks}}
{{February 1943 shipwrecks}}
{{Subject bar
| portal1=Military of Germany
| portal2=World War II
⚫
}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:U0443}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:U0443}}
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[[Category:U-boats sunk by British warships]]
[[Category:U-boats sunk by British warships]]
[[Category:Ships built by Schichau]]
[[Category:Ships built by Schichau]]
[[Category:Ships lost with all hands]]
[[Category:Submarines lost with all hands]]
[[Category:Maritime incidents in February 1943]]
[[Category:Maritime incidents in February 1943]]

Latest revision as of 10:53, 10 March 2024

History
Nazi Germany
NameU-443
Ordered13 April 1940
BuilderSchichau-Werke, Danzig
Yard number1498
Laid down10 February 1941
Launched31 January 1942
Commissioned18 April 1942
FateSunk on 23 February 1943 in the Mediterranean near Algiers by three escort destroyers[1]
General characteristics
Class and typeType VIIC submarine
Displacement
Length
Beam
  • 6.20 m (20 ft 4 in) o/a
  • 4.70 m (15 ft 5 in) pressure hull
Height9.60 m (31 ft 6 in)
Draught4.74 m (15 ft 7 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
  • 17.7 knots (32.8 km/h; 20.4 mph) surfaced
  • 7.6 knots (14.1 km/h; 8.7 mph) submerged
Range
  • 8,500 nmi (15,700 km; 9,800 mi) at 10 knots (19 km/h; 12 mph) surfaced
  • 80 nmi (150 km; 92 mi) at 4 knots (7.4 km/h; 4.6 mph) submerged
Test depth
  • 230 m (750 ft)
  • Crush depth: 250–295 m (820–968 ft)
Complement4 officers, 40–56 enlisted
Armament
Service record[2][3]
Part of:
Identification codes: M 44 676
Commanders:
  • Kptlt. Konstantin von Puttkamer
  • 18 April 1942 – 23 February 1943
Operations:
  • 3 patrols:
  • 1st patrol:
  • 1 October – 4 November 1942
  • 2nd patrol:
  • 29 November – 22 December 1942
  • 3rd patrol:
  • 16 – 23 February 1943
Victories:
  • 3 merchant ships sunk
    (19,435 GRT)
  • 1 warship sunk
    (1,087 tons)

German submarine U-443 was a Type VIIC U-boat built for Nazi Germany's Kriegsmarine for service during World War II.

She was laid down at Schichau-Werke, Danzig, on 10 February 1941, launched on 31 January 1942 and commissioned on 18 April with Oberleutnant zur See Konstantin von Puttkamer in command. She served with the 8th U-boat Flotilla for training, then with the 9th flotilla from 1 October 1942 until 31 December 1942, and the 29th flotilla from 1 January 1943 until 23 February for operations.

U-443 completed three patrols, sinking three merchant ships totalling 19,435 gross register tons (GRT) and one warship of 1,087 GRT.

Design

[edit]

German Type VIIC submarines were preceded by the shorter Type VIIB submarines. U-443 had a displacement of 769 tonnes (757 long tons) when at the surface and 871 tonnes (857 long tons) while submerged.[4] She had a total length of 67.10 m (220 ft 2 in), a pressure hull length of 50.50 m (165 ft 8 in), a beam of 6.20 m (20 ft 4 in), a height of 9.60 m (31 ft 6 in), and a draught of 4.74 m (15 ft 7 in). The submarine was powered by two Germaniawerft F46 four-stroke, six-cylinder supercharged diesel engines producing a total of 2,800 to 3,200 metric horsepower (2,060 to 2,350 kW; 2,760 to 3,160 shp) for use while surfaced, two AEG GU 460/8–27 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 1.23 m (4 ft) propellers. The boat was capable of operating at depths of up to 230 metres (750 ft).[4]

The submarine had a maximum surface speed of 17.7 knots (32.8 km/h; 20.4 mph) and a maximum submerged speed of 7.6 knots (14.1 km/h; 8.7 mph).[4] When submerged, the boat could operate for 80 nautical miles (150 km; 92 mi) at 4 knots (7.4 km/h; 4.6 mph); when surfaced, she could travel 8,500 nautical miles (15,700 km; 9,800 mi) at 10 knots (19 km/h; 12 mph). U-443 was fitted with five 53.3 cm (21 in) torpedo tubes (four fitted at the bow and one at the stern), fourteen torpedoes, one 8.8 cm (3.46 in) SK C/35 naval gun, 220 rounds, and a 2 cm (0.79 in) C/30 anti-aircraft gun. The boat had a complement of between forty-four and sixty.[4]

Service history

[edit]

First patrol

[edit]

U-443 began her operational service when she departed Kiel on 1 October 1942 and sailed out into the Atlantic, clearing the northern coast of Scotland. On 9 October in rough weather, a lookout broke his arm. The U-boat sank two ships from Convoy ON 139 in mid-Atlantic on 22 October, but was then forced to submerge where she was held by the escort ships until the convoy had escaped. She subsequently steamed into Brest in occupied France, arriving on 4 November.

Second patrol

[edit]

Her second sortie saw her leave Brest on 29 November 1942, penetrate the heavily defended Strait of Gibraltar, sink two more ships in the western Mediterranean and arrive at the Italian port of La Spezia on 22 December.

Third patrol and loss

[edit]

The U-boat left La Spezia on 16 February 1943 and headed southwest. She was sunk with all hands on 23 February northwest of Algiers by depth charges from the escort destroyers HMS Bicester, Lamerton and Wheatland.[1]

Wolfpacks

[edit]

U-443 took part in two wolfpacks, namely:

  • Panther (11 – 16 October 1942)
  • Puma (16 – 29 October 1942)

Summary of raiding history

[edit]
Date Ship Name Nationality Tonnage[Note 1] Fate[5]
22 October 1942 Donax  United Kingdom 8,036 Sunk
22 October 1942 Winnipeg II  United Kingdom 9,807 Sunk
11 December 1942 HMS Blean  Royal Navy 1,087 Sunk
14 December 1942 Edencrag  United Kingdom 1,592 Sunk

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ Merchant ship tonnages are in gross register tons. Military vessels are listed by tons displacement.

Citations

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Kemp 1999, p. 105.
  2. ^ Helgason, Guðmundur. "The Type VIIC boat U-443". German U-boats of WWII - uboat.net. Retrieved 15 January 2010.
  3. ^ Helgason, Guðmundur. "War Patrols by German U-boat U-443". German U-boats of WWII - uboat.net. Retrieved 15 January 2010.
  4. ^ a b c d Gröner 1991, pp. 43–46.
  5. ^ Helgason, Guðmundur. "Ships hit by U-443". German U-boats of WWII - uboat.net. Retrieved 26 December 2014.

Bibliography

[edit]
  • Bishop, Chris (2006). Kriegsmarine U-Boats, 1939-45. London: Amber Books. ISBN 978-1-904687-96-2.
  • 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.
  • 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.
[edit]

36°55′N 2°25′E / 36.917°N 2.417°E / 36.917; 2.417

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