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Coordinates: 40°12′N 37°29′W / 40.200°N 37.483°W / 40.200; -37.483
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{{Short description|German World War II submarine}}
{|{{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-664''
|Ship name=''U-664''
|Ship ordered= 15 August 1940
|Ship ordered=15 August 1940
|Ship builder=[[Howaldtswerke]], [[Hamburg]]
|Ship builder=[[Howaldtswerke]], [[Hamburg]]
|Ship yard number= 813
|Ship yard number=813
|Ship laid down= 11 July 1941
|Ship laid down=11 July 1941
|Ship launched= 28 April 1942
|Ship launched=28 April 1942
|Ship commissioned= 17 June 1942
|Ship commissioned=17 June 1942
|Ship fate= Sunk 9 August 1943 in the [[North Atlantic]] in position {{coord|40|12|N|37|29|W|display=title, inline}}, by depth charges from USN [[Grumman Avenger]] aircraft.
|Ship fate=Sunk on 9 August 1943 in the North Atlantic in position {{coord|40|12|N|37|29|W|display=title, inline}}, by depth charges from USN [[Grumman Avenger]] aircraft.
}}
}}
{{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|67.1|m|ftin|abbr=on}} [[o/a]]<br />{{convert|50.5|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|6.2|m|ftin|abbr=on}} o/a<br />{{convert|4.7|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|9.6|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=
|Ship propulsion=2&nbsp;×&nbsp;[[supercharged]] [[Germaniawerft]] 6-cylinder 4-stroke F46 [[diesel engine]]s, totalling {{convert|2800|-|3200|bhp|abbr=on}}. Max [[rpm]]: 470-490<br />2&nbsp;×&nbsp;[[Siemens-Schuckerte|SSW]] GU&nbsp;343/38-8 [[electric motor]]s, totalling {{convert|750|shp|abbr=on}} and max rpm: 296
*{{convert|2800|–|3200|PS|kW bhp|abbr=on}} (diesels)
|Ship speed={{convert|17.7|kn|lk=in}} surfaced<br />{{convert|7.6|kn}} submerged
*{{convert|750|PS|kW shp|abbr=on}} (electric)
|Ship range={{convert|8500|nmi|abbr=on|lk=on}} at {{convert|10|kn|abbr=on}} surfaced<br />{{convert|80|nmi|abbr=on}} at {{convert|4|kn|abbr=on}} submerged
|Ship propulsion=
|Ship test depth={{convert|230|m|ft|abbr=on}}<br />[[Submarine depth ratings|Crush depth]]: {{convert|250|-|295|m|ft|abbr=on}}
*2 shafts
*2 × [[diesel engine]]s
*2 × [[Motor-generator|electric motors]]
|Ship speed=
*{{convert|17.7|kn|lk=in}} surfaced
*{{convert|7.6|kn}} submerged
|Ship range=
*{{convert|8,500|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}}
*[[Submarine depth ratings|Crush depth]]: {{convert|250|–|295|m|ft|abbr=on}}
|Ship complement=4 officers, 40-56 ratings
|Ship complement=4 officers, 40-56 ratings
|Ship armament={{plainlist|
|Ship armament=
*5&nbsp;×&nbsp;{{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
*14&nbsp;×&nbsp;torpedoes ''or'' 26 TMA mines
*1&nbsp;×&nbsp;[[8.8 cm SK C/35 naval gun|{{convert|8.8|cm|in|2|abbr=on}} deck gun]] (220 rounds)
*1 × [[8.8 cm SK C/35 naval gun|{{convert|8.8|cm|in|2|abbr=on}} deck gun]] (220 rounds)
*1 x [[2 cm FlaK 30|{{convert|2|cm|in|sp=us|abbr=on}} C/30]] AA gun
*various AA guns
}}
|Ship notes=
|Ship notes=
}}
}}
{{Infobox service record
|}
{{Service record
|is_ship=yes
|is_ship=yes
|label=Service record<ref name="uboatnet">{{cite web |url=http://www.uboat.net/boats/u664.htm |title=The Type VIIC boat U-664|last=Helgason |first=Guðmundur |website=German U-boats of WWII - uboat.net|accessdate=12 July 2014}}</ref>
|label=Service record<ref name="uboatnet">{{cite web
|url=http://uboat.net/boats/u664.html
|title=The Type VIIC boat U-664
|last=Helgason
|first=Guðmundur
|website=German U-boats of WWII - uboat.net
|access-date=12 July 2014
}}</ref>
|partof=
|partof=[[8th U-boat Flotilla]]<br />(17 June 1942 - 31 October 1942) - Training<br />[[9th U-boat Flotilla]]<br />(1 November 1942 - 9 August 1943)
*[[8th U-boat Flotilla]]
*17 June – 31 October 1942
*[[9th U-boat Flotilla]]
*1 November 1942 – 9 August 1943
|codes=M 05 024
|codes=M 05 024
|commanders=''[[Oberleutnant zur See|Oblt.z.S.]]'' Adolf Graef<br />(17 June 1942 - 9 August 1943)
|commanders=
*''[[Oblt.z.S.]]'' Adolf Graef
*17 June 1942 – 9 August 1943
|operations=*5 patrols:
|operations=1st patrol:<br />20 October 1942 - 10 November 1942<br />2nd patrol:<br />5 December 1942 - 13 January 1943<br />3rd patrol:<br />14 February 1943 - 28 March 1943<br />4th patrol:<br />29 April 1943 - 9 June 1943<br />5th patrol:<br />21 July 1942 - 9 August 1943
*1st patrol:
|victories=3 merchant ships sunk ({{GRT|19,325|link=off}})
*20 October – 10 November 1942
*2nd patrol:
*5 December 1942 – 13 January 1943
*3rd patrol:
*14 February – 28 March 1943
*4th patrol:
*29 April – 9 June 1943
*5th patrol:
*21 July – 9 August 1943
|victories=*3 merchant ships sunk <br/>({{GRT|19,325}})
}}
}}
|}


'''German submarine ''U-664''''' 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-664''''' was a [[German Type VIIC submarine|Type VIIC]] [[U-boat]] built for [[Nazi Germany]]'s ''[[Kriegsmarine]]'' for service during [[World War II]].
She was laid down on 11 July 1941 by [[Howaldtswerke]], [[Hamburg]] as yard number 813, launched on 28 April 1942 and commissioned on 17 June 1942 under ''[[Oberleutnant zur See]]'' Adolf Graef.
She was [[Keel laying|laid down]] on 11 July 1941 by [[Howaldtswerke]], [[Hamburg]] as yard number 813, [[Ceremonial ship launching|launched]] on 28 April 1942 and [[Ship commissioning|commissioned]] on 17 June 1942 under ''[[Oberleutnant zur See]]'' Adolf Graef.


==Service History==
==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-664'' 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 [[Siemens-Schuckert]] GU 343/38–8 [[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-664'' 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 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}}

==Service history==
The boat's career began with training at [[8th U-boat Flotilla]] on 17 June 1942, followed by active service on 1 November 1942 as part of the [[9th U-boat Flotilla|9th Flotilla]] for the remainder of her service.
The boat's career began with training at [[8th U-boat Flotilla]] on 17 June 1942, followed by active service on 1 November 1942 as part of the [[9th U-boat Flotilla|9th Flotilla]] for the remainder of her service.


In 5 patrols she sank 3 merchant ships, for a total of {{GRT|19,325|disp=long}}.
In five patrols she sank three merchant ships, for a total of {{GRT|19325|disp=long}}.


===First Patrol===
===First Patrol===
Line 64: Line 110:
Outward bound from Biscay on her second patrol, ''U-664'' made a chance sighting of the slow convoy and radioed its position to base. [[Karl Dönitz]] ordered Graef to shadow the convoy while other boats were rounded up to form Wolfpack ''Sturmbock''. However the boats were well scattered and failed to make contact with the convoy, so on the night of 21 February 1943, Graef became impatient with waiting and decided to attack alone.
Outward bound from Biscay on her second patrol, ''U-664'' made a chance sighting of the slow convoy and radioed its position to base. [[Karl Dönitz]] ordered Graef to shadow the convoy while other boats were rounded up to form Wolfpack ''Sturmbock''. However the boats were well scattered and failed to make contact with the convoy, so on the night of 21 February 1943, Graef became impatient with waiting and decided to attack alone.


With one spread of torpedoes, Graef sank the {{GRT|4,659|link=off}} American steamer ''Rosario'' and the {{GRT|8,807|link=off}} Panamanian tanker ''H H Rogers''.
With one spread of torpedoes, Graef sank the {{GRT|4659|link=off}} American steamer ''Rosario'' and the {{GRT|8807|link=off}} Panamanian tanker ''H H Rogers''.


===Wolf packs===
===Wolfpacks===
U-664 took part in 8 wolf packs, namely
U-664 took part in eight [[Wolfpack (naval tactic)|wolfpacks]], namely:
* Raufbold (11 December 1942 - 22 December 1942)
* Raufbold (11 – 22 December 1942)
* Spitz (22 December 1942 - 31 December 1942)
* {{ill|Wolfpack_Spitz|lt=Spitz|de|U_664#Spitz_und_Ungestüm}} (22 – 31 December 1942)
* Sturmbock (21 February 1943 - 26 February 1943)
* Sturmbock (21 – 26 February 1943)
* Wildfang (26 February 1943 - 5 March 1943)
* Wildfang (26 February – 5 March 1943)
* [[Wolfpack Raubgraf|Raubgraf]] (7 March 1943 - 20 March 1943)
* [[Wolfpack Raubgraf|Raubgraf]] (7 – 20 March 1943)
* Without name (5 May 1943 - 10 May 1943)
* Without name (5 – 10 May 1943)
* Lech (10 May 1943 - 15 May 1943)
* Lech (10 – 15 May 1943)
* Donau 2 (15 May 1943 - 26 May 1943)
* Donau 2 (15 – 26 May 1943)


===Fate===
===Fate===
On 8 August 1943 ''U-664'' fired three torpedoes at the escort carrier {{USS|Card|CVE-11|6}} in a surprise attack, before USS ''Card'' was able to respond and forced her to dive. The following day, on 9 August 1943, ''USS Card'' got her revenge. ''U-664'' was sunk in the [[North Atlantic]] in position {{coord|40|12|N|37|29|W|display=inline}}, by depth charges from USN [[Grumman Avenger]] aircraft launched from the carrier. Seven crew members were killed or drowned; 44 others were rescued by ''USS Borie'' after seven hours in the water.
On 8 August 1943 ''U-664'' fired three torpedoes at the escort carrier {{USS|Card|CVE-11|6}} in a surprise attack, before USS ''Card'' was able to respond and forced her to dive. The following day, on 9 August 1943, ''U-664'' was sunk in the North Atlantic in position {{coord|40|12|N|37|29|W}}, by depth charges from USN [[Grumman Avenger]] aircraft launched from the carrier. Seven crew members were killed and 44 rescued by ''USS Borie'' after seven hours in the water.


==Summary of Raiding Career==
==Summary of raiding history==
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
|-
! width="120px"|Date
! width="120px"|Date
! width="180px"|Name
! width="180px"|Ship Name
! width="160px"|Nationality
! width="160px"|Nationality
! width="25px" |Tonnage<br />(GRT)
! width="25px" |Tonnage<br />([[Gross register tonnage|GRT]])
! width="80px" |Fate<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uboat.net/boats/successes/u664.html|title=Ships hit by U-664 |last=Helgason |first=Guðmundur |website=German U-boats of WWII - uboat.net |accessdate=12 July 2014}}</ref>
! width="80px" |Fate<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://uboat.net/boats/successes/u664.html
|title=Ships hit by U-664
|last=Helgason
|first=Guðmundur
|website=German U-boats of WWII - uboat.net
|access-date=12 July 2014
}}</ref>
|-
|-
|align="right"|16 December 1942
|align="right"|16 December 1942
|align="left" |[[List of shipwrecks in December 1942#16 December|''Emile Francqui'']]
|align="left" |[[List of shipwrecks in December 1942#16 December|''Emile Francqui'']]
|align="left" |{{flag|Belgium}}
|align="left" |{{flag|Belgium}}
|align="right"|8,859
|align="right"|5,859
|align="left" |Sunk
|align="left" |Sunk
|-
|-
Line 109: Line 162:


==References==
==References==
;Notes
{{reflist}}
{{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 |last1=Gröner |first1=Eric |last2=Jung |first2=Dieter |last3=Maass |first3=Martin |translator-last1=Thomas|translator-first1=Keith|translator-last2=Magowan|translator-first2=Rachel |title=German Warships 1815-1945: U-boats and Mine Warfare Vessels |date=1991 |publisher=Conway Maritime Press |location=London |volume=2 |isbn=0-85177-593-4 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Udg-0AEACAAJ|ref=CITEREFGröner1991}}
*{{cite book
*{{cite book
|last1=Busch
|first1=Rainer
|last2=Röll
|first2=Hans-Joachim
|title=Deutsche U-Boot-Verluste von September 1939 bis Mai 1945
|work=Der U-Boot-Krieg
|volume=IV
|publisher=Mittler
|location=Hamburg, Berlin, Bonn
|year=1999
|isbn=3-8132-0514-2
|language=German
|ref=harv
}}
*{{cite book
|last=Gröner
|first=Erich
|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
|last= Edwards
|first= Bernard
|title= Dönitz and the Wolf Packs - The U-boats at War
|year= 1996
|isbn= 0-304-35203-9
|pages= 156
|ref = {{sfnRef|Edwards}}
}}
* {{cite book
|last=Sharpe
|last=Sharpe
|first=Peter
|first=Peter
Line 156: Line 177:
|year=1998
|year=1998
|isbn=1-85780-072-9}}
|isbn=1-85780-072-9}}

{{Refend}}


==External links==
==External links==
* {{Cite web
*{{Cite web
|url= http://www.uboat.net/boats/u664.html
|url=http://uboat.net/boats/u664.html
|title= The Type VIIC boat U-664
|title=The Type VIIC boat U-664
|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= 29 December 2014
|access-date=29 December 2014
}}
}}
*{{cite web
*{{cite web
| url =http://www.u-boot-archiv.de/dieboote/u0664.html
|url=http://www.u-boot-archiv.de/dieboote/u0664.html
| title =''U-664''
|title=''U 664''
| 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 =29 December 2014
|access-date=29 December 2014
}}
}}


{{German Type VII submarines}}
{{German Type VII submarines}}
{{August 1943 shipwrecks}}

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


{{DEFAULTSORT:U0664}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:U0664}}
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[[Category:1942 ships]]
[[Category:1942 ships]]
[[Category:U-boats commissioned in 1942]]
[[Category:U-boats commissioned in 1942]]
[[Category:Ships lost with all hands]]
[[Category:Submarines lost with all hands]]
[[Category:U-boats sunk in 1943]]
[[Category:U-boats sunk in 1943]]
[[Category:U-boats sunk by depth charges]]
[[Category:U-boats sunk by depth charges]]
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[[Category:World War II submarines of Germany]]
[[Category:World War II submarines of Germany]]
[[Category:Ships built in Hamburg]]
[[Category:Ships built in Hamburg]]
[[Category:Maritime incidents in August 1943]]

Latest revision as of 00:18, 27 August 2024

History
Nazi Germany
NameU-664
Ordered15 August 1940
BuilderHowaldtswerke, Hamburg
Yard number813
Laid down11 July 1941
Launched28 April 1942
Commissioned17 June 1942
FateSunk on 9 August 1943 in the North Atlantic in position 40°12′N 37°29′W / 40.200°N 37.483°W / 40.200; -37.483, by depth charges from USN Grumman Avenger aircraft.
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 ratings
Armament
Service record[1]
Part of:
Identification codes: M 05 024
Commanders:
  • Oblt.z.S. Adolf Graef
  • 17 June 1942 – 9 August 1943
Operations:
  • 5 patrols:
  • 1st patrol:
  • 20 October – 10 November 1942
  • 2nd patrol:
  • 5 December 1942 – 13 January 1943
  • 3rd patrol:
  • 14 February – 28 March 1943
  • 4th patrol:
  • 29 April – 9 June 1943
  • 5th patrol:
  • 21 July – 9 August 1943
Victories: 3 merchant ships sunk
(19,325 GRT)

German submarine U-664 was a Type VIIC U-boat built for Nazi Germany's Kriegsmarine for service during World War II. She was laid down on 11 July 1941 by Howaldtswerke, Hamburg as yard number 813, launched on 28 April 1942 and commissioned on 17 June 1942 under Oberleutnant zur See Adolf Graef.

Design

[edit]

German Type VIIC submarines were preceded by the shorter Type VIIB submarines. U-664 had a displacement of 769 tonnes (757 long tons) when at the surface and 871 tonnes (857 long tons) while submerged.[2] 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 Siemens-Schuckert GU 343/38–8 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 1.23 m (4 ft) propellers. The boat was capable of operating at depths of up to 230 metres (750 ft).[2]

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).[2] 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-664 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.[2]

Service history

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The boat's career began with training at 8th U-boat Flotilla on 17 June 1942, followed by active service on 1 November 1942 as part of the 9th Flotilla for the remainder of her service.

In five patrols she sank three merchant ships, for a total of 19,325 gross register tons (GRT).

First Patrol

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On her first day of active service she was attacked by a US Catalina. The depth charge attack was so effective that she had to return to base in France.

Convoy ONS 167

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Outward bound from Biscay on her second patrol, U-664 made a chance sighting of the slow convoy and radioed its position to base. Karl Dönitz ordered Graef to shadow the convoy while other boats were rounded up to form Wolfpack Sturmbock. However the boats were well scattered and failed to make contact with the convoy, so on the night of 21 February 1943, Graef became impatient with waiting and decided to attack alone.

With one spread of torpedoes, Graef sank the 4,659 GRT American steamer Rosario and the 8,807 GRT Panamanian tanker H H Rogers.

Wolfpacks

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U-664 took part in eight wolfpacks, namely:

  • Raufbold (11 – 22 December 1942)
  • Spitz [de] (22 – 31 December 1942)
  • Sturmbock (21 – 26 February 1943)
  • Wildfang (26 February – 5 March 1943)
  • Raubgraf (7 – 20 March 1943)
  • Without name (5 – 10 May 1943)
  • Lech (10 – 15 May 1943)
  • Donau 2 (15 – 26 May 1943)

Fate

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On 8 August 1943 U-664 fired three torpedoes at the escort carrier USS Card in a surprise attack, before USS Card was able to respond and forced her to dive. The following day, on 9 August 1943, U-664 was sunk in the North Atlantic in position 40°12′N 37°29′W / 40.200°N 37.483°W / 40.200; -37.483, by depth charges from USN Grumman Avenger aircraft launched from the carrier. Seven crew members were killed and 44 rescued by USS Borie after seven hours in the water.

Summary of raiding history

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Date Ship Name Nationality Tonnage
(GRT) 		Fate[3]
16 December 1942 Emile Francqui  Belgium 5,859 Sunk
21 February 1943 H H Rogers  Panama 8,807 Sunk
21 February 1943 Rosario  United States 4,659 Sunk

References

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  1. ^ Helgason, Guðmundur. "The Type VIIC boat U-664". German U-boats of WWII - uboat.net. Retrieved 12 July 2014.
  2. ^ a b c d Gröner 1991, pp. 43–46.
  3. ^ Helgason, Guðmundur. "Ships hit by U-664". German U-boats of WWII - uboat.net. Retrieved 12 July 2014.

Bibliography

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[edit]
  • Helgason, Guðmundur. "The Type VIIC boat U-664". German U-boats of WWII - uboat.net. Retrieved 29 December 2014.
  • Hofmann, Markus. "U 664". Deutsche U-Boote 1935-1945 - u-boot-archiv.de (in German). Retrieved 29 December 2014.

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