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{{Short description|German World War II submarine}}
⚫
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2022}}
{|{{Infobox ship begin}}
{|{{Infobox ship begin}}
{{Infobox ship image
{{Infobox ship image
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{{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-279''
|Ship name=''U-279''
Line 14: Line 16:
|Ship laid down=31 March 1942
|Ship laid down=31 March 1942
|Ship launched=16 December 1942
|Ship launched=16 December 1942
⚫
|Ship acquired=
|Ship commissioned=3 February 1943
|Ship commissioned=3 February 1943
|Ship decommissioned=
⚫
|Ship struck=
|Ship homeport=
|Ship homeport=
|Ship motto=
|Ship motto=
|Ship nickname=
|Ship nickname=
⚫
|Ship fate=Sunk on 4 October 1943 by an American aircraft<ref name="uboatnet"/>
|Ship honors=
⚫
|Ship fate=Sunk, October 1943 by an American aircraft{{sfn|Kemp|1999|pp=147-8}}
|Ship status=
|Ship notes=
|Ship notes=
}}
}}
{{Infobox ship characteristics
{{Infobox ship characteristics
|Hide header=
|Hide header=
|Header caption={{sfn|Gröner|1985|pp=72-74}}
|Header caption=
|Ship class=[[German Type VII submarine#Type VIIC|Type VIIC]] [[submarine]]
|Ship class=[[German Type VII submarine#Type VIIC|Type VIIC]] [[submarine]]
|Ship displacement={{convert|769|t|LT|0}} surfaced<br />{{convert|871|t|LT|0|abbr=on}} submerged
|Ship displacement=
*{{convert|769|t|LT|0|lk=on}} surfaced
*{{convert|871|t|LT|0|abbr=on}} submerged
|Ship length={{convert|67.10|m|ftin|abbr=on}} [[o/a]]<br />{{convert|50.50|m|ftin|abbr=on}} [[pressure hull]]
|Ship length=
*{{convert|67.10|m|ftin|abbr=on}} [[o/a]]
*{{convert|50.50|m|ftin|abbr=on}} [[pressure hull]]
|Ship beam={{convert|6.20|m|ftin|abbr=on}} o/a<br />{{convert|4.70|m|ftin|abbr=on}} pressure hull
|Ship beam=
*{{convert|6.20|m|ftin|abbr=on}} o/a
*{{convert|4.70|m|ftin|abbr=on}} pressure hull
|Ship height={{convert|9.60|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
|Ship height={{convert|9.60|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
|Ship draft={{convert|4.74|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
|Ship draught={{convert|4.74|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
|Ship power={{convert|2800|–|3200|PS|kW bhp|abbr=on}} (diesels)<br/>{{convert|750|PS|kW shp|abbr=on}} (electric)
|Ship power=
*{{convert|2800|–|3200|PS|kW bhp|abbr=on}} (diesels)
*{{convert|750|PS|kW shp|abbr=on}} (electric)
|Ship propulsion=2 shafts; 2&nbsp;×&nbsp;[[diesel engine]]s<br />2&nbsp;×&nbsp;[[Motor-generator|electric motors]]
|Ship propulsion=
*2 shafts
*2 × [[diesel engine]]s
*2 × [[Motor-generator|electric motors]]
|Ship speed={{convert|17.7|kn}} surfaced<br />{{convert|7.6|kn}} submerged
|Ship speed=
*{{convert|17.7|kn}} surfaced
*{{convert|7.6|kn}} submerged
⚫
|Ship range=
⚫
|Ship range={{convert|8,500|nmi|abbr=on|lk=on}} at {{convert|10|kn}} surfaced<br />{{convert|80|nmi|abbr=on}} at {{convert|4|kn}} submerged
|Ship test depth={{convert|230|m|ft|abbr=on}}<br />[[Crush depth]]: {{convert|250|–|295|m|ft|abbr=on}}
*{{convert|8500|nmi|abbr=on|lk=on}} at {{convert|10|kn}} surfaced
⚫
*{{convert|80|nmi|abbr=on}} at {{convert|4|kn}} submerged
⚫
|Ship test depth=
*{{convert|230|m|ft|abbr=on}}
*[[Crush depth]]: {{convert|250|–|295|m|ft|abbr=on}}
|Ship complement=4 officers, 40–56 enlisted
|Ship complement=4 officers, 40–56 enlisted
|Ship sensors=
|Ship sensors=
|Ship EW=
|Ship EW=
|Ship armament={{plainlist|
|Ship armament=
*5 × {{convert|53.3|cm|in|0|abbr=on}} [[torpedo tube]]s (four bow, one stern)
*5 × {{convert|53.3|cm|in|0|abbr=on}} [[torpedo tube]]s (four bow, one stern)
*14 × [[torpedo]]es ''or'' 26 TMA mines
*14 × [[torpedo]]es ''or'' 26 TMA [[Naval mine|mine]]s
*1 × [[8.8 cm SK C/35 naval gun|{{convert|8.8|cm|in|2|abbr=on}} deck gun]] (220 rounds)
*1 × [[8.8&nbsp;cm SK C/35 naval gun|{{convert|8.8|cm|in|2|abbr=on}} deck gun]] (220 rounds)
*2 × twin [[2 cm FlaK 30|{{convert|2|cm|in|sp=us|abbr=on}} C/30]] [[anti-aircraft gun]]s
*various AA guns
}}
|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/u279.html
|url=http://uboat.net/boats/u279.html
|title=The Type VIIC boat U-279
|title=The Type VIIC boat U-279
|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=5 August 2012
|access-date=5 August 2012
}}</ref><ref name="patrols">{{cite web
}}</ref><ref name="patrols">{{cite web
|url=http://www.uboat.net/boats/patrols/u279.html
|url=http://uboat.net/boats/patrols/u279.html
|title=War Patrols by German U-boat U-279
|title=War Patrols by German U-boat U-279
|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=5 August 2012
|access-date=5 August 2012
}}</ref>
}}</ref>
|partof=
|partof=[[8th U-boat Flotilla]]<br />(3 February – 31 July 1943)<br />[[9th U-boat Flotilla]]<br />(1 August – 4 October 1943)
*[[8th U-boat Flotilla]]
⚫
|codes=
|commanders=''[[Kptlt.]]'' Otto Finke<br />(3 February – 4 October 1943)
*3 February – 31 July 1943
*[[9th U-boat Flotilla]]
⚫
|operations=One patrol:<br /> 4 September – 4 October 1943
*1 August – 4 October 1943
⚫
|codes=M 49 699
|commanders=
*''[[Kptlt.]]'' Otto Finke
*3 February – 4 October 1943
|operations=*1 patrol:
⚫
*4 September – 4 October 1943
|victories=None
|victories=None
|awards=
}}
}}
|}
|}
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'''German submarine ''U-279''''' was a [[German Type VII submarine#Type VIIC|Type VIIC]] [[U-boat]] of [[Nazi Germany]]'s ''[[Kriegsmarine]]'' during [[World War II]].
'''German submarine ''U-279''''' was a [[German Type VII submarine#Type VIIC|Type VIIC]] [[U-boat]] of [[Nazi Germany]]'s ''[[Kriegsmarine]]'' during [[World War II]].


The submarine was laid down on 31 March 1942 at the ''Bremer Vulkan'' yard at Bremen-Vegesack as yard number 44. She was launched on 16 December 1942 and commissioned on 3 February 1943 under the command of ''[[Kapitänleutnant]]'' Otto Franke.<ref name="uboatnet"/>
The submarine was [[Keel laying|laid down]] on 31 March 1942 at the ''Bremer Vulkan'' yard at Bremen-Vegesack as yard number 44. She was [[Ceremonial ship launching|launched]] on 16 December 1942 and [[Ship commissioning|commissioned]] on 3 February 1943 under the command of ''[[Kapitänleutnant]]'' Otto Franke.<ref name="uboatnet"/>


==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-279'' had a displacement of {{convert|769|t|LT}} when at the surface and {{convert|871|t|LT}} while submerged.{{sfn|Gröner|1985|pp=72-74}} It 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|shp|PS kW}} for use while submerged. It had two shafts and two {{convert|1.23|m|ft|abbr=on|0}} [[propeller]]s. It was capable of operating at depths of up to {{convert|230|m}}.{{sfn|Gröner|1985|pp=72-74}}
[[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-279'' 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|1985|pp=72-74}} When submerged, it could operate for {{convert|80|nmi}} at {{convert|4|kn}}; when surfaced, it could travel {{convert|8500|nmi}} at {{convert|10|kn}}. ''U-279'' was fitted with five {{convert|53.3|cm|in|0|abbr=on}} [[torpedo tube]]s (four fitted at its bow and one at its stern), fourteen [[torpedo]]es, one [[8.8 cm SK C/35 naval gun|{{convert|8.8|cm|in|2|abbr=on}} SK C/35 naval gun]], 220 rounds, and an anti-aircraft gun. It had a [[Ship's company|complement]] of between forty-four and sixty.{{sfn|Gröner|1985|pp=72-74}}
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-279'' 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 two twin [[2 cm FlaK 30|{{convert|2|cm|in|sp=us|abbr=on}} C/30]] [[anti-aircraft gun]]s. The boat had a [[Ship's company|complement]] of between forty-four and sixty.{{sfn|Gröner|1991|pp=43–46}}


==Service history==
==Service history==
Line 90: Line 109:


===Patrol and loss===
===Patrol and loss===
The boat departed [[Kiel]] on 4 September 1943. She entered the Atlantic Ocean after negotiating the [[GIUK gap|gap]] between [[Iceland]] and the [[Faroe Islands]]. She was sunk exactly a month after her departure (4 October), by [[depth charge]]s dropped from a US [[Lockheed Ventura|Ventura]] aircraft southwest of Iceland.{{sfn|Kemp|1999|pp=147-8}} There were men in boats and in the water, but the Ventura could not call for assistance. Its radio had been put out of commission during the attack.<ref>{{cite web
The boat departed [[Kiel]] on 4 September 1943. She entered the Atlantic Ocean after negotiating the [[GIUK gap|gap]] between [[Iceland]] and the [[Faroe Islands]]. She was sunk exactly a month after her departure (4 October), by [[depth charge]]s dropped from a US [[Lockheed Ventura|Ventura]] aircraft southwest of Iceland.{{sfn|Kemp|1999|pp=147–8}} There were men in boats and in the water, but the Ventura could not call for assistance. Its radio had been put out of commission during the attack.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://uboat.net/boats/u279.htm
|url=http://uboat.net/boats/u279.htm
|title=The Type VIIC boat U-279 - German U-boats of WWII - uboat.net
|title=The Type VIIC boat U-279 – German U-boats of WWII – uboat.net
|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=26 December 2014
|access-date=26 December 2014
}}</ref><ref>{{cite web
}}</ref><ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.u-boot-archiv.de/dieboote/u0276.html
|url=http://www.u-boot-archiv.de/dieboote/u0276.html
Line 102: Line 121:
|last=Hofmann
|last=Hofmann
|first=Markus
|first=Markus
|website=Deutsche U-Boote 1935-1945 - u-boot-archiv.de
|website=Deutsche U-Boote 1935–1945 – u-boot-archiv.de
|language=German
|language=de
|accessdate=26 December 2014
|access-date=26 December 2014
}}</ref>
}}</ref>


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===Wolfpacks===
===Wolfpacks===
''U-279'' took part in one [[Wolfpack (naval tactic)|wolfpack]], namely.
''U-279'' took part in one [[Wolfpack (naval tactic)|wolfpack]], namely:
* [[Wolfpack Rossbach|Rossbach]] (24 September - 4 October 1943)
* [[Wolfpack Rossbach|Rossbach]] (24 September – 4 October 1943)


==Previously recorded fate==
==Previously recorded fate==
Line 117: Line 136:


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


==Bibliography==
==Bibliography==
{{Refbegin}}
*{{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 }}
*{{cite book |last1=Busch |first1=Rainer |last2=Röll |first2=Hans-Joachim |title=Der U-Boot-Krieg, 1939-1945: Deutsche U-Boot-Verluste von September 1939 bis Mai 1945|trans-title=German U-boat losses from September 1939 to May 1945 |date=1999|volume=IV |publisher=Mittler|location=Hamburg, Berlin, Bonn |isbn=3-8132-0514-2 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vXKwAAAAIAAJ |language=de}}
*{{cite book
*{{cite book
|last1=Busch
|last1=Gröner
|first1=Rainer
|first1=Erich
|last2=Röll
|last2=Jung
|first2=Hans-Joachim
|first2=Dieter
|last3=Maass
|title=Deutsche U-Boot-Verluste von September 1939 bis Mai 1945
|first3=Martin
|work=Der U-Boot-Krieg
|translator-last1=Thomas
⚫
|volume=IV
|translator-first1=Keith
|publisher=Mittler
|translator-last2=Magowan
|location=Hamburg, Berlin, Bonn
|translator-first2=Rachel
|year=1999
|year=1991
⚫
|isbn=3-8132-0514-2
|title=U-boats and Mine Warfare Vessels
|language=German
⚫
|volume=2
|ref=harv
|series=German Warships 1815–1945
}}
⚫
|location=London
*{{cite book
|publisher=Conway Maritime Press
|last=Gröner
⚫
|isbn=0-85177-593-4
|first=Erich
|ref=CITEREFGröner1991
|title=U-Boote, Hilfskreuzer, Minenschiffe, Netzleger, Sperrbrecher
|work=Die deutschen Kriegsschiffe 1815-1945
|volume=III
|publisher=[[Bernard & Graefe]]
⚫
|location=Koblenz
|year=1985
|isbn=3-7637-4802-4
|language=German
|ref=harv
}}
}}
*{{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/u279.html
|url=http://uboat.net/boats/u279.html
|title=The Type VIIC boat U-279
|title=The Type VIIC boat U-279
|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=26 December 2014
|access-date=26 December 2014
}}
}}
*{{cite web
*{{cite web
Line 173: Line 188:
|last=Hofmann
|last=Hofmann
|first=Markus
|first=Markus
|website=Deutsche U-Boote 1935-1945 - u-boot-archiv.de
|website=Deutsche U-Boote 1935–1945 – u-boot-archiv.de
|language=German
|language=de
|accessdate=26 December 2014
|access-date=26 December 2014
}}
}}


{{German Type VII submarines}}
{{German Type VII submarines}}
{{October 1943 shipwrecks}}
⚫
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2012}}

{{coord|60|40|N|26|30|W|display=title}}
{{coord|60|40|N|26|30|W|display=title}}


Line 192: Line 208:
[[Category:Ships built in Bremen (state)]]
[[Category:Ships built in Bremen (state)]]
[[Category:U-boats sunk by depth charges]]
[[Category:U-boats sunk by depth charges]]
[[Category:Ships lost with all hands]]
[[Category:Submarines lost with all hands]]
[[Category:Maritime incidents in October 1943]]
[[Category:Maritime incidents in October 1943]]

Latest revision as of 00:15, 27 August 2024

History
Nazi Germany
NameU-279
Ordered10 April 1941
BuilderBremer Vulkan, Bremen-Vegesack
Yard number44
Laid down31 March 1942
Launched16 December 1942
Commissioned3 February 1943
FateSunk on 4 October 1943 by an American aircraft[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[1][2]
Part of:
Identification codes: M 49 699
Commanders:
  • Kptlt. Otto Finke
  • 3 February – 4 October 1943
Operations:
  • 1 patrol:
  • 4 September – 4 October 1943
Victories: None

German submarine U-279 was a Type VIIC U-boat of Nazi Germany's Kriegsmarine during World War II.

The submarine was laid down on 31 March 1942 at the Bremer Vulkan yard at Bremen-Vegesack as yard number 44. She was launched on 16 December 1942 and commissioned on 3 February 1943 under the command of Kapitänleutnant Otto Franke.[1]

Design

[edit]

German Type VIIC submarines were preceded by the shorter Type VIIB submarines. U-279 had a displacement of 769 tonnes (757 long tons) when at the surface and 871 tonnes (857 long tons) while submerged.[3] 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).[3]

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).[3] 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-279 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 two twin 2 cm (0.79 in) C/30 anti-aircraft guns. The boat had a complement of between forty-four and sixty.[3]

Service history

[edit]

U-279 served with the 8th U-boat Flotilla for training from February to July 1943 and operationally with the 9th flotilla from 1 August 1943.[1] She carried out one patrol, but sank no ships. She was a member of one wolfpack.

Patrol and loss

[edit]

The boat departed Kiel on 4 September 1943. She entered the Atlantic Ocean after negotiating the gap between Iceland and the Faroe Islands. She was sunk exactly a month after her departure (4 October), by depth charges dropped from a US Ventura aircraft southwest of Iceland.[4] There were men in boats and in the water, but the Ventura could not call for assistance. Its radio had been put out of commission during the attack.[5][6]

Forty-eight men died; there were no survivors.

Wolfpacks

[edit]

U-279 took part in one wolfpack, namely:

  • Rossbach (24 September – 4 October 1943)

Previously recorded fate

[edit]

The submarine was initially categorized as having been sunk by a British Liberator southwest of Iceland on 4 October 1943.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d Helgason, Guðmundur. "The Type VIIC boat U-279". German U-boats of WWII – uboat.net. Retrieved 5 August 2012.
  2. ^ Helgason, Guðmundur. "War Patrols by German U-boat U-279". German U-boats of WWII – uboat.net. Retrieved 5 August 2012.
  3. ^ a b c d Gröner 1991, pp. 43–46.
  4. ^ Kemp 1999, pp. 147–8.
  5. ^ Helgason, Guðmundur. "The Type VIIC boat U-279 – German U-boats of WWII – uboat.net". German U-boats of WWII – uboat.net. Retrieved 26 December 2014.
  6. ^ Hofmann, Markus. "U 279". Deutsche U-Boote 1935–1945 – u-boot-archiv.de (in German). Retrieved 26 December 2014.

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). Der U-Boot-Krieg, 1939-1945: Deutsche U-Boot-Verluste von September 1939 bis Mai 1945 [German U-boat losses from September 1939 to May 1945] (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]
  • Helgason, Guðmundur. "The Type VIIC boat U-279". German U-boats of WWII – uboat.net. Retrieved 26 December 2014.
  • Hofmann, Markus. "U 279". Deutsche U-Boote 1935–1945 – u-boot-archiv.de (in German). Retrieved 26 December 2014.

60°40′N 26°30′W / 60.667°N 26.500°W / 60.667; -26.500

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