Royal Canadian Navy U-boats HMCS U-190, HMCS U-889, 1945–1947

Royal Canadian Navy HMCS U-190, and HMCS U-889

German U-boats

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 5671801)

U-625 being sunk by Short Sunderland flying boat of No. 422 Squadron, RCAF. WO2. W.F. Norton  and F/L S.W. Butler, pilots, 10 March 1944.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4090379).

RCAF Sunderlands, Cansos, Hudsons, Venturas, Digbys, Liberators and Stranraers went after the German U-boat threat in the North Atlantic with a vengeance. This is a photo of U-754, a German Type IX U-boat under attack by a Lockheed Hudson, RCAF (Serial No.625), No. 113 Sqn, on 31 July 1942.  All 43 hands on the U-boat were lost.

(DND Archives Photo, PL-61430)

Coastal Command's first U-boat kill of 1944. The Sunderland's gunners put a final burst of fire across the U-boat's six and a half minutes after the first sighting; a few seconds later the U-boat disappeared beneath the surface. Survivors can be seen in the water at the bottom right of the photo.

(Scott Wilson McMurdo)

Photo of the capture of U-744, taken from HMCS Chilliwack, 6 March 1944.

(RCN Photo)

HMCS St. Catharines (K325) stands by the stricken submarine U-744, forced to surrender after a 32 hour running battle in the North Atlantic in March 1944.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3191699)

U-744, surrendering after a 32 hour running battle in the North Atlantic in March 1944.  It sank shortly afterwards. This March 1944 photograph shows Allied sailors boarding the German U-Boat (submarine) U-744 following the second-longest submarine hunt of the Second World War.

In a coordinated effort that used around 350 depth charges, six Canadian and British escort ships forced U-744 to the surface after over 30 hours of attacks. The warships repeatedly hit the surfaced submarine with gunfire, and then boarded it, removing survivors and some materials for intelligence analysis. HMCS Chilliwack's boat, seen here, was the first alongside. Following an unsuccessful attempt at towing the badly damaged submarine, the escorts sank it.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4950915)

HMCS Thetford Mines (K459) (River-class), escorting surrendered U-boats, May 1945.

(John Lyon Photo)

HMCS Thetford Mines arrived in Lough Foyle as escort to eight surrendered U-Boats, including this one, on 11 May 1945.

(John Lyon Photo)

HMCS Thetford Mines arrived in Lough Foyle as escort to eight surrendered U-Boats, including these two, on 11 May 1945.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3526112)

Members of a boarding party from HMCS Matane which accepted the surrender of a German submarine depot ship off the coast of Norway, seen aboard a surrendered German submarine, Loch Eriboll, Scotland, May 1945.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4950920)

Frigate HMCS Loch Alvie and surrendered U-boat, May 1945.

(RCAF Photo)

Lockheed Hudson Mk. I, RCAF, coded OY-C, ca 1943.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3589741)

Lockheed Hudson Mk. I, RCAF (Serial No. 638), 21 June 1943.

A Lockheed Hudson bomber, flying from Kaldaðarnes, 30 miles southeast of Reykjavík, Iceland, located U-570 running on the surface off the Icelandic coast on 27 August 1941. The Hudson attacked the U-boat with depth charges, damaging the enemy craft so severely that she could not submerge.  Soon, some of the German crew appeared on deck displaying a large white cloth - possibly a bed sheet - indicating that they had surrendered.  Patently unable to capture the submarine herself, the Hudson radioed for help.

RCN and RCAF U-boat kills during the Second World War

U-Boat,Type, date lost, sunk or captured, last Commander, location, remarks.

U-87 VIIB, sunkon 04 Mar 1943, Berger, 41-36N 13-31W, North Atlantic off Portugal. Sunk by theDestroyers HMCS Shediac (K110) and HMCS St Croix (I81).  49 dead, all hands lost.  U-87 was previously attacked by the RCAF on23 Jun 1942 inflicting minor damage.[1]

U-90 VIIC, sunkon 24 Jul 1942, Oldörp, 48-12N 40-56W, North Atlantic, east of Newfoundland. Sunkby depth charges from the Destroyer HMCSSt Croix (I81). 44 dead, all hands lost. U-90 was the second kill of thewar for the RCN.[2]

U-91 VIIC, 26Oct 1943, Reese, 50-49N 41-01W, North Atlantic. F/L R.M. Aldwinkle and his crew flying Consolidated Liberator Mk. III(Serial No. 586), coded A, RCAF No. 10 (Bomber Reconnaissance) Squadron, based at Gander,Newfoundland, damaged U-91 after anhour-long engagement.  The Liberator hadbeen on convoy escort when the U-boat was sighted.[3]

U-94 VIIC,28 Aug 1942, Ites, 7N-40 74-30W, in the Caribbean Sea.  Sunk by the Corvette HMCS Oakville (K178), USN Squadron 92, (VP-92),  and AW 15. Depth charges were dropped on U-94 by a USN Consolidated PBY Catalina, and then HMCS Oakville rammed the U-boat. RCN Lt (N) Hal Lawrence boarded the boat trying to prevent it being scuttled. 19 dead, 26 survivors.[4]

U-163 IXC, sunkon 21 Mar 1943, 44-13N 08-23W, North Atlantic, north-west of Cape Finisterre, Spain. Sunk by depth charges from the Corvette HMCS Prescott (K161).  57 dead, all hands lost.[5]

U-190 IXC/40,surrendered, Wintermeyer.  Surrendered tothe RCAF and RCN on 12 May 1945 at Bay Bulls, Newfoundland.  U-190 was taken to St. John’s, Newfoundland, in June and then to Halifax, Nova Scotia. She was commissioned into the RCN and served until she was no longer seaworthy.  After being used for tests shewas sunk by bombs and gunfire from the Destroyer HMCS Nootka (R96) and the minesweeper  HMCS New Liskeard (J397),south-west of Halifax on 21 Oct 1947.[6]

U-209 VIIV, 07May 1943, Brodda, 56-38N 42-32W. U-209 was attacked on 04 May 1943 with depth charges dropped by S/L B.H. Moffit and crew, flying Consolidated Canso A, (Serial No. 9747) coded A, with RCAF No. 5 (Bomber Reconnaissance) Squadron based atGander, Newfoundland. The Canso crew was on a close convoy patrol over the North Atlantic, south of Cape Farewell.  U-209 reported for the last time on 06 May 1943 via its sister boat U-954 (Loewe)describing the extensive damage suffered from an air attack on 4 May, includingthe breakdown of its main transmitter. The boat was ordered to return to baseshortly afterwards but was reported missing on 19 May when it failed to arrive.It is likely that U-209 sank on or about 7 May in a diving accident as a resultof the damage suffered from the Canso depth charges.  46 dead, all hands lost.[7]

U-210 VIIC, 06 Aug 1942, Lemcke, 54-25N 39-37W, North Atlantic. U-210 was rammed by the Destroyer HMCS Assiniboine (I18), escorting convoy SC-94.[8]

U-224 VIIC, 13 Jan 1943, Kosbadt, 36-28N 00-49E, in the Mediterranean Sea.  Sunk by the Corvette HMCS Ville de Québec (K242).[9]

U-247 VIIC, 31 Aug 1944, Matschulat, 49-54N 05-49W, off Land’s End. Sunk by the Frigates HMCS Saint John (K456), and HMCS Swansea, (K328).[10]

U-257 VIIC, 24 Feb 1944, Rahe, 47-19N 26-00W, North Atlantic. Sunk by Frigate  HMCS Waskesiu, (K330).[11]

U-283 VIIC, 11 Feb 1944, Ney, 60-45N 12-50W, North Atlantic, southwest of the Faroe Islands.  Sunk by depth charges dropped by F/O P.W. Heron and crew flying a Leigh Light equipped Vickers Wellington Mk. XII (L/L) (Serial No.MP578), coded C1-D, with RCAF No. 407 (General Reconnaissance) Squadron, based at Limavady, County Derry, Ireland, while providing convoy cover West of Ireland.[12]

U-300 VIIC, 04 Aug 1944, Hein, North Atlantic.  F/O W.O. Marshall and crew,flying Consolidated Canso A (Serial No. 9759), coded W of RCAF No. 162 (Bomber Reconnaissance) Squadron operating from Wick, Scotland, damagedU-300.

U-309 VIIC,16 Feb 1945, Loeder, 58-09N 02-23W, in the North Sea, East of Moray Firth, Northeastof Scotland. Sunk by depth charges from the Frigate HMCS Saint John (K456). 47 dead, all hands lost.[13]

U-311 VIIC,22 Apr 1944, Zander, 52-09N 19-07W, North Atlantic, south-west of Ireland. Sunkby the Frigates  HMCS Matane (K444), and HMCS Swansea (K328). 51 dead, all hands lost.[14]

U-338 VIIC,21 Sep 1943, position unknown, South east of Greenland.  The cause of loss is now classified asunknown although it is believed that U-338crash dived when the Corvette HMCS Drumheller(K167), opened fire on it and could not regain control of the dive.  It was never seen or heard from again.[15]

U-341 VIIC, sunk19 Sep 1943, Epp, 58-40N, 25-30W, North Atlantic.  F/L J.F. Fisher and his crew, flying Consolidated Liberator Mk. III (Serial No. 586), coded A, with RCAF No.10 (Bomber Reconnaissance) Squadron, sank U-341 while returning to Gander Newfoundland from Iceland, after escorting Prime Minister Winston Churchill in HMS Renown. Churchill had just attended the Quebec Conference.[16]

U-342 VIIC,17 Apr 1944, Hossenfelder, 60-23N 29-20W, South West of Iceland.  F/OT.C. Cooke and crew, flying Consolidated Canso A, (Serial No. 9767), coded S, of RCAF No. 162 (Bomber Reconnaissance) Squadron, based at Reykjavik, Iceland sank U-342. 51dead, all hands lost.[17]

U-356 VIIC, 27Dec 1942, Wallas, 45-30N 25-40W, North Atlantic, north of the Azores. Sunk by depth charges from the Destroyer HMCS St Laurent (H83)and the Corvettes HMCS Chilliwack (K131, HMCS Battleford (K165), and HMCS Napanee (K118). 46 dead, all hands lost.[18]  

U-448 VIIC, 14Apr 1944, Dauter, 46-22N 19-35W, North Atlantic.  Sunk by depth charges from the Frigate HMCS Swansea (K328)[19]and the RN Sloop HMS Pelican (L86). 9 dead, 42 survivors.[20]

U-477 VIIC,03 Jun 1944, Jenssen, 63-59N, 01-37E, off South Norway.  F/LR.E. MacBride and crew, flying Consolidated Canso A (Serial No. 9816), coded Tof No. 162 (Bomber Reconnaissance) Squadron operating from Wick, Scotland, sank U-477 in the face of intense AA fire from the U-boat.  51 dead, all hands lost.

U-478 VIIC,30 Jun 1944, Rademacher, 63-27N00-50W, North of the Shetland Islands. F/LR.E. MacBride and crew, flying Consolidated Canso A (Serial No. 9841), coded A, of RCAF No. 162 (Bomber Reconnaissance) Squadron operating from Wick, Scotland, damagedU-478.  The U-boat was subsequently sunk by a Consolidated Liberator Mk. V of RAF No. 86 Squadron based at Tain, Scotland.  52 dead, all hands lost.[21]

U-489 XIV,04 Aug 1943, Schmandt, 61-11N 14-38W, West of the Faroe Islands.  F/O A.A. Bishop and crew flying Short Sunderland Mk. III (Serial No. DD859), coded 3-G, with RCAF No. 423(General Reconnaissance) Squadron, based at Castle Archdale, County Fermanagh, Ireland.  The Sunderland was shot down by anti-aircraft fire from U-489, with the loss offive aircrew.  The surviving six, allwounded, were rescued by a destroyer along with 23 of the 58 U-boat survivors.[22]

U-501 IXC,10 Sep 1941, Förster, 62-50N 37-50W, in the Denmark Strait, south of Angmagsalik, Greenland. Sunk by depth charges from the Corvettes HMCS Chambly (K116)and HMCS Moose Jaw (K164), escorting Convoy SC 42.  U-501 was the RCN’s first known U-boat kill of the war. 11 dead and 34 survivors.[23]

U-520 IXC,30 Oct 1942, Schwartzkopf, , 47-47N49-50W.  F/L D.F. Raymes and crew, flying Douglas Digby (Serial No. 747), coded X, with RCAF No. 10 (Bomber Reconnaissance) Squadron, based at Gander, Newfoundland, destroyedU-520 with  four 250-lb (113.4 kg) depth charges. The Digby crew was returning from a patrol over convoy ON140 when itspotted and attacked the U-boat.[24]

U-536IXC/40, 20 Nov 1943, Schauenburg, 43-50N19-39W, North Atlantic, north-east of the Azores. Sunk by depth charges from the Corvettes HMCS Calgary (K231),HMCS Snowberry (K166), and RN Frigate HMS Nene, K270. 38 dead and 17 survivors.[25]

U-550 IXC/40, Hänert, F/O C. C. Cunningham and crew, flying Consolidated Canso A (Serial No. 9841), coded S, of RCAF No. 162 (Bomber Reconnaissance) Squadron based at Reykjavik, Iceland, dropped four depth charges and strafed U-550. south of Iceland.  The U-boat lost two crewmen killed, but escaped. It was sunk on 16 Apr 1944 by the USN, east of New York.

U-575 VIIC,13 Mar 1944, Boehmer, 46-18N 27-34W, North Atlantic, north of the Azores. Sunk by depth charges and gunfire from the Frigate HMCS Prince Rupert (K234), USN Destroyer Escort USS Haverfield (DE-393), and USN Destroyer USS Hobson (DD-464), and by depth charges and rockets from a Vickers Wellington from RAF No. 172 Squadron, coded B, two Boeing Flying Fortresses from RAF No.206 and No. 220 Squadrons, one coded R, and Grumman Avengers from USN VC-95flyingthe aircraft carrier USS Bogue (CVE-9), and aircraft from RAF Nos. 172,206 and 220 Squadrons. 18 dead and 37 survivors.[26]

U-588 VIIC,31 Jul 1942, Vogel, 49-59N 36-36W, North Atlantic, east of Newfoundland.  Sunk by depth charges from Corvette  HMCS Wetaskiwin (K175) and the Destroyer HMCS Skeena (D59). 46 dead, all hands lost.[27]

U-610 VIIC,08 Oct 1943, v. Freyberg, 55-45N 24-33W, North Atlantic.  F/O A.H. Russell and crew, flying Short SunderlandMk. III (Serial No. DD863), coded 3-J, with RCAF No. 423 (General Reconnaissance) Squadron, based at Castle Archdale, County Fermanagh, Ireland, sank U-610,while escorting Convoy SC-143.

U-621 VIIC,18 Aug 1944, Stuckmann, 45-52N 02-36W, Bay of Biscay, west of La Rochelle. Sunkby depth charges from Destroyers HMCS Ottawa II (H31), HMCS Kootenay(H75) and HMCS Chaudière (H75). 56dead, all hands lost.[28]

U-625 VIIC,10 Mar 1944, Straub, at 52-53N20-19W, south of Ireland.  WO2 W.F.Morton and crew, flying Short Sunderland Mk. III (Serial No. EK591), coded 2-Uof RCAF No. 422 (General Reconnaissance) Squadron based at St. Angelo,County Fermanagh, Ireland, sank U-625 . The was WO2 Morton's first operationalmission as an aircraft commander.[29]

U-658 VIIC,30 Oct 1942, Senkel, 50-32N 46-32W, North Atlantic, east of Newfoundland.  Two Lockheed Hudsons, coded Y, RCAF No. 145 (General Reconnaissance) Squadron,depth charged U-658. 48 dead, all hands lost.[30]

U-672 VIIC, 24 Apr 1944, F/L F.G. Fellows and crew flying Short Sunderland Mk. III (Serial No. DD862),coded AB-A, of No. 423 (General Reconnaissance) Squadron based at CastleArchdale, County Fermanagh, Ireland, heavily damaged U-672.[31]

U-678 VIIC,06 Jul 1944, Hyronimus, 50-32N 00-23W, English Channel, south-west of Brighton.  Sunk by depth charges from Destroyers HMCS OttawaII(H31), HMCS Kootenay (H75) and RN Corvette HMS Statice (K281). 52 dead, all hands lost.[32]

U-706 VIIC, 02Aug 1943, 46-15N 10-25W, North Atlantic, north-west of Cape Ortegal, Spain.  Aircrew flying a Handley Page Hampden, coded A, with  RCAF No.415 Squadron, and a Consolidated B-24 Liberator with USAAF Squadron4, depth-charged and sank U-706. 42 dead and 4 survivors.[33]

U-715 VIIC,13 Jun 1944, Röttger, 62-45N 02-59W, Norwegian Sea, north-east of the FaeroeIslands.  W/C C.G.W. Chapman and crew, flying Consolidated Canso A(Serial No. 9816), coded T, of No. 162 (Bomber Reconnaissance) Squadronoperating from Wick, Scotland sank U-715 with depth charges. As a result of Anti-Aircraft fire from the U-boat, the Canso had to ditch, and the crew spent nine-hours in the water; one crewman drowned. 36 dead, 16 survivors.[34]

U-772 VIIC, 29/30 Dec 1944, 50-05N 02-31W, English Channel. S/L C.I.W. Taylor and crew flying a Leigh Light equipped VickersWellington Mk. XIV(L/L) (Serial No. NB855), coded,  C1-L of RCAF No. 407 (General Reconnaissance) Squadron based at Chivenor, Devon, England, attacked U-486,which escaped.[35]

U-744 VIIC,06 Mar 1944, Blischke, 52-10N 122-37W, North Atlantic, west of Ireland.  Destroyer HMCS Gatineau (H61), Frigate HMCS St Catherine (K325), Corvette HMCS Chilliwack (K131), Corvette HMCS Fennel (K193),Destroyer HMCS Chaudière (H99), RN Destroyer HMS Icarus (D03), and RN Corvette HMS Kenilworth Castle (K420).[36] U-744 was boarded by sailors from HMCS Chilliwack on 06 Mar 44.  They were only able to hoist the white ensign and collect some documents before she sank, after a 40-hour chase, the second longest A/S hunt of the war. 12 dead and 40 survivors.[37]

U-753 VIIC,12 May 1943, v. Mannstein, 48-37N 22-39W, North Atlantic. Sunk by Corvette HMCS Drumheller (K167) and F/L J. Musgrave and crew, flying Short Sunderland Mk. III (Serial No. W6006), coded G, with RCAF No.423 (General Reconnaissance) Squadron based at Castle Archdale, County Fermanagh, Ireland, shared in the sinking of U-753 with HMCS Drumheller and HMS Logan, The Sunderland was providing escort to Convoy HX-237.[38]

U-754 VIIC,31 Jul 1942, Oestermann, 43-02N 64-52W, south of Nova Scotia.  S/L N.E. Small and crew, flying Lockheed Hudson Mk. IIIA, (Serial No. BW625),coded L, with RCAF No. 113 (Bomber Reconnaissance) Squadron, based at Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, sank U-754 southeast of Cape Sable, Nova Scotia.  43 dead, all hands lost.  This was  Eastern Air Command’s first kill.  U-754 had also been attacked by RCAF Fairchild Bolingbrokes from RCAF No. 119 (BR) Squadron, Sydney, Nova Scotia, on 23 Mar 1942.[39]

U-756 VIIC,01 Sep 1942, Harney, 57-41N, 31.30W, North Atlantic, south-east of CapeFarewell. Sunk by depth charges from the Corvette HMCS Morden (K170).[40] 43 dead, all hands lost.

U-757 VIIC,08 Jan 1944, Deetz, 50-33N 18-30W, North Atlantic, south-west of Ireland.  Sunk by depth charges from Corvette HMCS Camrose(K154) and RN Frigate HMS Bayntun(K310).[41] 49 dead, all hands lost.

U-845 IXC/40,10 Mar 1944, Weber, 48-20N 20-33W, North Atlantic south-west of Ireland.  Sunk by depth charges from the Destroyer HMCS St Laurent (H83), Frigate  HMCS Swansea (K328)[42], Corvette HMCS Owen Sound (K340), RN Destroyer HMS Forester (H74).  10 dead, and 45 survivors.

U-846 IXC/40, 3/4 May 1944, Hashagenm, 46-04N 09-20W, Bay of Biscay, north of Cape Ortegal, Spain.[43] F/O L.J. Bateman and crew flying a Leigh Light equipped Vickers Wellington Mk. XIV(L/L),(Serial No. HF134), coded C1-M, of RCAF No. 407 (General Reconnaissance) Squadron based at Chivenor, Devon, England, sank U-846 with depth charges in the Bay of Biscay.[44]  57 dead, all hands lost.

U-877 IXC/40, 27 Dec 1944, Findeisen, 46-25N 35-38W, North Atlantic, north-west ofthe Azores.  Sunk by Squid-forward-throwing weapons from the Corvettes HMCS St Thomas (K488) and HMCS Edmundston (K106).[45] 56 survivors, no casualties.  While outbound with surface escorts U-877 was attacked by Bristol Beaufighters from  No. 489 Squadron RAF. The two depth charges that were dropped caused minor damage, but during the crash dive the boat lost her radar antenna - not a good thing atthe start of a patrol. U-877 continued as ordered, nonetheless.[46]

U-889 IXC/40, 13 May 1945, Braeucker, 43.32N, 65.12W. U-889 surrendered to the RCN and a Consolidated Liberator Mk. X with RCAF No. 10 (General Reconnaissance) Squadron.[47] Taken to Shelburne, Nova Scotia, U-889 was commissioned in RCN effective 14 May 1945.  She was transferred to the USN on 11 Jan 1946 and arrived in the Portsmouth Navy Yard, New Hampshire, on 12 Jan 1946.[48]  She was scuttled off the coast of Cape Cod on 20 Nov 1947 by USS Flying Fish, after torpedo trials, off New England along with U-858.[49]

U-971 VIIC,24 Jun 1944, 49-01N 05-35W, West Channel, south of Land’s End. Sunk by depth charges from the Destroyer HMCS Haida (G63), Destroyer RN HMS Eskimo (F75), and a No. 311 Czech) Squadron RAF Consolidated Liberator, coded O.[50] 1 dead, and 51 survivors.

U-980 VIIC,11 Jun 1944, Dahms, 63-07N 00-26E, Norwegian Sea, north of the Shetland Islands.  F/O L. Sherman and crew, flying Consolidated Canso A (Serial No. 9842), coded B, with RCAF No. 162 (Bomber Reconnaissance) Squadron operating from Wick, Scotland, sank U-980 with depth charges.[51]  52 dead, all hands lost.

U-1003 VIIC/41, 23 Mar 1945, Strübing, 55-38N 07.26W, Northern Channel of Malin Head.  Rammed by the Frigate HMCS New Glasgow (K320), on 20 Mar 1945, U-1003 was scuttled on 23 Mar1945.  17 dead and 31 survivors.  She was the last U-boat sunk by RCN.[52]

U-1006VIIC/41, 16 Oct 1944, Voigt, 60-59N 04-49W, North Atlantic south-east of the Faroe Islands. Sunk by depth charges and gunfire from the Frigate HMCS Annan (K404).[53] 6 dead and 44 survivors.

U-1225IXC/40, 24 Jun 1944, Sauerberg, 63-00N 00-50W, North of the Shetland Islands.

F/L D.E. Hornell and crew, flying Consolidated Canso A (Serial No. 9754), coded P, of RCAF No. 162 (Bomber Reconnaissance) Squadron operating from Wick, Scotland sank U-1225. 56dead, all hands lost.  As a result of Anti-Aircraft fire from the U-boat, the Canso had to ditch and the crew spent 21-hours in the water with one dinghy. Two members died before they were rescued. F/L Hornell died shortly after rescue and was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for inspiring leadership, valor and devotion to duty.[54]

U-1302VIIC/41, 07 Mar 1945, Herwartz, 52-19N 05-23W, St. Georges Channel. Sunk by depth charges from the Frigates HMCS La Hulloise (K668),  HMCS Strathadam (K682) and HMCS Thetford Mines (K459).[55] 48 dead, all hands lost.

U-2359 XXIII,02 May 1945. Bischoff,57-29N 11-24E, Kattegatt, Baltic Sea. Four Mosquito aircraft of No. 404 Squadron RCAF, provided aircover for RAF Nos. 143, 235, 248 Squadrons, and RAF No. 33 Norwegian Squadron which attacked U-2359 with rockets and sank it. The Canadian and Norwegian aircraft did not directly attack the U-boat.[56] 12 dead, all hands lost.

[1] https://uboat.net/boats/u87.htm.

[2] https://uboat.net/boats/u90.htm.

[3] https://uboat.net/allies/aircraft/rcaf.htm.

[4] https://uboat.net/boats/u94.htm.

[5] https://uboat.net/boats/u163.htm.

[6] https://uboat.net/boats/u190.htm.

[7] https://uboat.net/boats/u209.htm.

[8]Michael L. Hadley, U-Boats against Canada,p. 202. Marc Milner, The U-Boat Hunters, p.12.

[9] Marc Milner,The U-Boat Hunters, p. 30. MacJohnston, Corvettes Canada, p. 290.

[10] Marc Milner, The U-Boat Hunters, p. 281. [11] Marc Milner, The U-Boat Hunters, p. 280.

[12] W.A.B. Douglas, The Creation of a National Air Force, p. 592.  https://uboat.net/allies/aircraft/rcaf.htm.

[13] Marc Milner, The U-Boat Hunters, p. 281.

[14] Marc Milner, The U-Boat Hunters, p. 280. U-311kill not confirmed until 1986.  Fraser M.McKee, HMCS Swansea, The Life and Timesof a Frigate, (Vanwell Publishing Limited, St. Catherines, Ontario, 1994),p. 96.

[15] Internet: http://www.familyheritage.ca/Articles/uboat1.html.

[16] W.A.B. Douglas, The Creation of a National Air Force, p. 562. https://uboat.net/allies/aircraft/rcaf.htm.

[17] W.A.B. Douglas, The Creation of a National Air Force, p. 452,592. https://uboat.net/allies/aircraft/rcaf.htm.

[18] Internet: http://www.familyheritage.ca/Articles/uboat1.html.

[19] Fraser M. McKee, HMCS Swansea, p.82-94.

[20] Marc Milner, The U-Boat Hunters, p. 280.

[21] W.A.B. Douglas, The Creation of a National Air Force, p. 595.

[22] W.A.B. Douglas, The Creation of a National Air Force, p. 584.

[23] Mac Johnston, Corvettes Canada, p. 290.  Marc Milner, The U-Boat Hunters, p. 9, p. 67. https://uboat.net/allies/aircraft/rcaf.htm.

[24] W.A.B. Douglas, The Creation of a National Air Force, pp. 529, 533. https://uboat.net/allies/aircraft/rcaf.htm.

[25] Michael L. Hadley, U-Boats against Canada, p. 183-184.  Marc Milner, The U-Boat Hunters, p. 280. Mac Johnston, Corvettes Canada, p. 290.

[26] Marc Milner, The U-Boat Hunters, p. 280.

[27] Mac Johnston, Corvettes Canada, p. 290.  Michael L. Hadley, U-Boats against Canada, p. 84.

[28] Marc Milner, The U-Boat Hunters, p. 281.

[29] W.A.B. Douglas, The Creation of a National Air Force, p. 592. https://uboat.net/allies/aircraft/rcaf.htm.

[30] W.A.B.Douglas, The Creation of a Nat. Air Force,p. 527.

[31] https://uboat.net/allies/aircraft/rcaf.htm.

[32] MarcMilner, The U-Boat Hunters, p. 281.

[33] Some sources only credit the USAAF Squadron Liberator with the destruction of U-706, but according to German survivors the initial attack by the RCAF Hampden with depth charges had damaged the U-boat.  Both Axel Niestle (German U-boat Losses during Second World War: Details of Destruction)and Norman Franks (Search, Find and Kill) credit the RCAF with a share in the kill.  Internet: http://www.familyheritage.ca/Articles/uboat1.html.

[34] W.A.B. Douglas, The Creation of a Nat. Air Force,p. 593. https://uboat.net/allies/aircraft/rcaf.htm

[35] https://uboat.net/allies/aircraft/rcaf.htm.

[36] Mac Johnston, Corvettes Canada, p. 290.  Marc Milner, The U-Boat Hunters, p. 280.

[37] Marc Milner, The U-Boat Hunters, p. 118.  Gudmundur Helgason, Internet, U-boats, July 1996.

[38] Mac Johnston, Corvettes Canada, p. 290.  https://uboat.net/allies/aircraft/rcaf.htm.

[39] Michael L. Hadley, U-Boats against Canada,p. 109. W.A.B. Douglas, Creation of aNat. Air Force, p. 489, 520. https://uboat.net/allies/aircraft/rcaf.htm.

[40] Kill not awarded to HMCS Morden until 45 years later.  Marc Milner, The U-Boat Hunters, p. 12. Mac Johnston, Corvettes Canada, p. 290.

[41] Marc Milner, The U-Boat Hunters, p. 280. Mac Johnston, Corvettes Canada, p. 290.

[42] Fraser M. McKee HMCS Swansea, p.68-81. Mac Johnston, Corvettes Canada, p.290. Also attacked by Liberator “Q” from No. 10 Squadron on 14 Feb 1944.  W.A.B. Douglas, Creation of a National Air Force, p. 574-575. Marc Milner, The U-Boat Hunters, p. 280.

[43] http://www.familyheritage.ca/Articles/uboat1.html.

[44] The official history of the RCAF carries no record of No. 407 (GR) Squadron sinking U-846. This kill is identified in United States Submarine Losses, Second World War, (Washington, D.C., Naval History Division, Office of Chief of Naval Operations, 1963), p. 228. https://uboat.net/allies/aircraft/rcaf.htm,

[45] Marc Milner, The U-Boat Hunters, p. 281.  Mac Johnston, Corvettes Canada, p. 290.

[46] https://uboat.net/boats/u877.htm.

[47] W.A.B. Douglas, The Creation of a National Air Force, p. 609.

[48] Michael L. Hadley, U-Boats against Canada, p. 300.

[49] Gudmundur Helgason, Internet, U-boats, July 1996.

[50] http://www.familyheritage.ca/Articles/uboat1.html.

[51] https://uboat.net/allies/aircraft/rcaf.htm.

[52] Marc Milner, The U-Boat Hunters, p. 281.  Joseph Schull, The Far Distant Ships, p. 395.

[53] Marc Milner, The U-Boat Hunters, p. 281.  Hadley, U-Boats against Canada, p. 289.

[54] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_submarine_U-1225.

[55]  Joseph Schull, The Far Distant Ships, p. 392. Marc Milner, The U-Boat Hunters, p. 281. Directorate of History, NDHQ, revised to April 1993.

[56] Internet: http://www.familyheritage.ca/Articles/uboat1.html.

RCN U-boats post-war

HMCS U-190 (surrendered and recommissioned U-boat); HMCS U-889 (surrendered and recommissioned U-boat).

(Library and Archives of Canada Photo, PA 116940)

U-190 flying the RCN white ensign, aerial view. It is being escorted by RCN Fairmile Motor Torpedo Boats (MTB).

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, PA 141636)

RCN Fairmile ML Q095 escorting U-190, Bay Bulls, Newfoundland, 14 May 1945.

German submarine U-190 was a Type IXC/40 U-boat in service with the German Navy (Kriegsmarine) during the Second World War.  He keel was laid down on 7 Oct 1941 at Bremen and she was launched on 3 June 1942.  She was commissioned on 24 September 1942 with Kapitäleutnant Max Wintermeyer in command.  She carried out a total of six war patrols during which she sank two ships.  On 6 July 1944 Wintermeyer was relieved by Oberleutnant zur See Hans-Erwin Reith who commanded the boat for the rest of her career in the Kriegsmarine.

U-190 was fitted with six 53.3 cm (21 in) torpedo tubes (four fitted at the bow and two at the stern), 22 torpedoes, one 10.5-cm SK C/32 naval gun, 180 rounds, and a 3.7-cm SK C/30 as well as a 2-cm C/30 anti-aircraft gun.  The submarine had a complement of forty-eight crew.

U-190's final war patrol began on 22 February 1945.  She left Norway equipped with six contact and eight T-5 GNAT acoustic torpedoes.   Her mission was to interdict Allied shipping off Sable Island and in the approaches to Halifax harbour.  On 16 April she was keeping station off the Sambro light ship when her crew heard ASDIC (Sonar) pinging.  The minesweeper HMCS Esquimalt was conducting a routine patrol of the harbour.  She was employing none of the mandatory anti-submarine precautions: she was not zig-zagging; she had not streamed her towed Foxer-type decoy, designed as a countermeasure against GNAT torpedoes; she had turned off her radar.  Nonetheless, the U-boat crew was sure that they had been detected, and when HMCS Esquimalt turned toward them, U-190 turned to run and fired one GNAT from a stern tube.  The torpedo struck HMCS Esquimalt's starboard side.  She sank within four minutes, the last Canadian vessel to be lost due to enemy action in the Second World War.  While eight of her crew went down with her, the remainder survived the immediate disaster. HMCS Esquimalt sank so rapidly, however, that no distress signals were sent, and no one knew of the sinking until some eight hours later when HMCS Sarnia discovered the survivors.  During the delay 44 crewmen had died of exposure, leaving only 26.

U-190 escaped the area and remained on patrol off the North American east coast until she received Reichspräsident Karl Dönitz's 8 May order to surrender.  The boat met the Canadian frigate HMCS Victoriaville 500 miles off Cape Race, Newfoundland on 11 May.  Reith signed a document of unconditional surrender, and was taken prisoner with his crew aboard Victoriaville which escorted the submarine to Newfoundland.  With the white ensign flying from her masthead, U-190 sailed under the command of Lieutenant F. S. Burbidge into Bay Bulls, Newfoundland, on 14 May.  The prisoners were taken to Halifax.

U-190 was formally commissioned into the RCN on 19 May 1945.  Her first assignment, in the summer of 1945, was a ceremonial tour of communities along the St. Lawrence River and the Gulf of St. Lawrence.  On returning to Halifax she assumed duties as an anti-submarine training vessel, which she continued to fulfill for a year and a half.  U-190 was paid off on 24 July 1947, but had one last mission to complete.  The official purpose of "Operation Scuttled" was to provide training for inexperienced post-war recruits in the art of combined operations.  U-190, painted in lurid red and yellow stripes, was towed to the spot where she had sunk Esquimalt, and at precisely 11:00 hours on Trafalgar Day 1947, the fireworks began.  The "exercise" called for a deliberately escalating firepower demonstration, beginning with airborne rockets and culminating in a destroyer bombardment with 4.7-inch guns and a hedgehog anti-submarine weapon providing the coup de grace.

While numerous reporters and photographers watched, and HMCS New Liskeard, HMCS Nootka and HMCS Haida stood by awaiting their turn, the Naval Air Arm began the attack with eight Supermarine Seafires, eight Fairey Fireflies, two Avro Ansons, and two Fairey Swordfish.  The first rocket attack struck home, and almost before the destroyers had a chance to train their guns, the U-boat was on the bottom of the ocean less than twenty minutes after the commencement of "Operation Scuttled."  Before U-190 was sunk, her periscope had been salvaged. In 1963 it was installed at the Crow's Nest Officers Club in St. John's, Newfoundland.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3191841)

U-190, escorted by Fairmile ML Q095, Bay Bulls, Newfoundland, 14 May 1945.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, PA 112877)

U-190 escorted by RCN Fairmile MLs,  May 1945.

(Bruce Bennett Photo)

U-190, St. Johns, Newfoundland, May 1945.

(John Vukson Photo)

The White Ensign flies over the Kreigsmarine Naval Ensign on the surrendered U-190 at St. John's, Newfoundland.  HMCS Arnprior in the background.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3191842)

Canadian seamen raise the White Ensign over U-190 at John's, Newfoundland, in May 1945.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3203175)

View looking aft on upper deck of German submarine U-190, 15-17 May 1945.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3203179)

German submarine U-190, 5 September 1945.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3524646)

Officers wardroom of German submarine U190, immediately after surrender. Saint John's, Newfoundland, May 1945.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3524645)

Officers wardroom of German submarine U190 after being cleaned up. St. John's, Newfoundland, June 1945,

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3191501)

U-190, alongside HM Jetty, St Johns, Newfoundland, 15 May 1945.  HMCS Lanark on the left of the photo and HMCS Arnprior on the right

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3194317)

U-190, 3 June 1945, St Johns, Newfoundland.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3191843)

U-190, 3 Jun 1945, St Johns, Newfoundland.

(Jason Salter Photo)

U-190, June 1945, St Johns, Newfoundland.

(Ryan Lee Photo)

U-190, June 1945, St Johns, Newfoundland.

(Ryan Lee Photo)

U-190, June 1945, St Johns, Newfoundland.

(Ryan Lee Photo)

U-190, June 1945, St Johns, Newfoundland.

(DND Photo)

U-190, St Johns, Newfoundland, ca May 1945.  HMCS Hawkesbury K415 across the harbour behind U-190.

(Dennis Cardy Photo)

U-190, St Johns, Newfoundland, ca May 1945.

(Library and Archives of Canada Photo, PA 6570)

U-190, St Johns, Newfoundland, ca May 1945.

(Bill Perks Photo)

U-190 alongside HMCS Arnprior (K494), 1945.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3229371)

HMCS U-190, Halifax, Nova Scotia, 20 Nov 1947.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo,  PA 6570)

HMCS U-190, Halifax, Nova Scotia, 20 Nov 1947.

(Thetford Mines Archives Center Photo)

HMCS U-190 alongside at Quebec, ca late 1945. The submarine was  open to visitors.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, PA 112878)

HMCS U-190, Halifax, Nova Scotia, ca 1947.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3209066)

HMCS Qu’Appelle (H69) in RCN service, with one of the two captured German U-boats in RCN service, alongside, 28 February 1947.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3203172)

View looking forward on upper deck of German submarine U-889, 25 May 1945.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3208071)

View looking aft from bridge of German submarine U-889, 25 May 1945.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3203173)

View looking aft showing Schnorkel of German submarine U-889 in raised position, 25 May 1945.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3203174)

View forward showing Schnorkel of German submarine U-889 in housed position, 25 May 1945.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3238913)

U-889 surrender off Shelburne, Nova Scotia, 13 May 1945.  After the German surrender on 8 May 1945, the German High Command ordered all U-boats to surrender.  On the afternoon of 10 May, U-889 was spotted south of Newfoundland by a RCAF airplane, steaming at 10 knots and flying a black flag of surrender.  The RCAF plane radioed to nearby Western Escort Force W-6 who intercepted the submarine an hour later.  U-889 was ordered to head to Bay Bulls, Newfoundland. 24 hours later U-889 was turned over to the frigates HMCS Buckingham and HMCS Inch Arran who escorted her to Shelburne Harbour where she was boarded and Braeucker, her Commanding Officer, made a formal surrender.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3238579)

U-889 surrendering to the RCN crew of Fairmile Motor Launch Q117, 12 miles off Shelburne, Nova Scotia, 13 May 1945.

(RCN Photo via Steve Patterson)

U-889 off Shelburne, Nova Scotia sescorted by the RCN crew of Fairmile Motor Launch Q117, 13 May 1945.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3194315)

U-889 surrender off Shelburne, Nova Scotia, overflown by a Canso from No. 161 Sqn, 13 May 1945.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3203683)

U-889 surrenders to the RCN, 13 May 1945.

 (Gary Penelton Photo)

U-889 with 3 Fairmile Motor Launches, Q121 on right. RCAF Consolidated PBY flying boat overhead.  

 (Gary Penelton Photo)

U-889 underway with White Ensign. Fairmile MTB Q121 in background.

 (Gary Penelton Photo)

U-889  underway with prize crew.

 (Gary Penelton Photo)

U-889 with Fairmile Motor Launches, Q121 and Q117 with German POWs on fo'c's'le.

(Gary Penelton Photo)

U-889 with White Ensign.

(Jim Stewart Photo)

U-889 after her surrender in May 1945.  U-889 was a IXC/40 type U-boat, built by Deutsche Schiff und Machinbau Ag Weser, Bremen, launched in 1944 and commissioned 04 Aug 1944.  Her specifications on completion were: Displacement: 1120 / 1232 tons, Length: 252 ft, Beam: 22 ft, Draught: 19 ft, Speed: 18 / 7 kts, Armament: 6-21" TT, 2-37mm (1xII). U-889 was Commanded by Kptlt Friedrich Braeucker, and sailed from Germany by way of Norway in early Apr 1945.  After an uneventful weather ship patrol and at the end of hostilities in accordance with instructions U-889 surfaced & was spotted by an RCAF Liberator some 250 miles south-east of Flemish Cap on 10 May 1945.  U-889 surrendered at sea, by hoisting the black flag of surrender to an RCAF Consolidated Liberator.  It took two low passes by the Liberator before the flag went up.  They were arming depth charges and setting the bombsight when she made the hoist.  The Liberator stood by until the RCN warships appeared.  Subsequently HMCS Oshawa (J330), HMCS Rockcliffe (J355), HMCS Saskatoon (K158), and HMCS Dunvegan (K177) intercepted U-889 some 175 miles SSE of Cape Race.  HMCS Rockcliffe and HMCS Dunvegan were instructed to escort U-889 into Shelburne, Nova Scotia.  However, 24 hrs after the interception, the two ships passed their charge to the frigates HMCS Buckingham (K685) and HMCS Inch Arran (K667) of EG 28 some 140 miles SSE of Sable Island.  An "official" surrender of U-889 took place on 13 May 1945 off the Shelburne Whistle Buoy, 7 miles from the antisubmarine boom gate.  On arrival in Shelburne harbour the crew of U-889 was taken off the sub and transferred to Halifax, where they were interned in the naval dockyard.

The U-889 was on its first wartime patrol and had never fired a torpedo against any Allied ship.  Her well trained crew was actually very lucky.  Only 25 per cent of all German submariners survived their wartime patrols.  No other branch of the forces, German or Allied, had a loss rate of 75 per cent.

U-889 was commissioned into the Royal Canadian Navy as HMCS U-889 on 14 May 1945, and used for testing and evaluation.  This was one of the most modern and technically advanced submarines in the world and the navy was interested in examining the U-boat in detail.  Of particular interest were her acoustic torpedoes and highly developed German GHG hydrophone array.  U-889 was one of 10 U-boats assigned to the USA.  As a result, a Canadian crew sailed with her on 11 Jan 1946 for Portsmouth New Hampshire.  HMCS U-889 was paid off on 12 Jan 1946 and turned over to the USN at Portsmouth, New Hampshire the same day.  The USN conducted experiments on her special hydrophone gear.  After extensive testing off Florida and in the Caribbean, she was scuttled at sea on 20 Nov 1947 off Cape Cod by USN submarine USS Flying Fish.

(Ryan Lee Photo)

U-889, possibly alongside at Dartmouth, Nova Scotia,  ca. late1945.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3203681)

U-889 submerged, undergoing sea trials in RCN service, 7 July 1945.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3524644)

RCN rating examining the portable radar detector, direction finder and field strength recorder on the bridge of the German submarine U-889, which surrendered on 13 May 1945. Halifax, Nova Scotia, 25 May 1945.

(Patrick Casey Photo, courtesy of Patricia Pollock)

U-889 coming alongside HMCS Joliette (K418), Shelburne, NS.

(Arthur Witt Photos)

U-889 in RCN service.

U-501

U-501 was a Type IX C U-boat commissioned on 30 April 1941.  The boat served with the 2nd U-boat Flotilla until she was sunk off Greenland on 10 September 1941 by HMCS Chambly and HMCS Moose Jaw.  U-501 was taking part in a mass attack on Allied Convoy SC 42 when she was detected by HMCS Chambly with sonar and damaged with depth charges.  The U-boat's captain Hugo Förster decided to scuttle the submarine and surfaced, where she was spotted by the corvette HMCS Moose Jaw, which attempted to ram her.  The U-501 turned at the last moment so that the two vessels were running parallel, only feet apart.  For unknown reasons, Hugo Förster surrendered himself and abandoned his command by leaping from the submarine's bridge to the deck of the HMCS Moose Jaw.  The Moose Jaw veered away and the U-boat's first watch officer took command and continued with the scuttling.  A nine-man party from the Chambly got on board the U-501 in an attempt to seize secret papers, but the submarine sank under their feet.  One Canadian sailor and eleven Germans died.  The remaining thirty-five crewmen were taken prisoner.  This was the first U-boat kill by the RCN during the Battle of the Atlantic.  (Blair, Clay (1999). Hitler's U-Boat War: The Hunters 1939-41. New York: Weidenfeld & Nicolson. p. 392).

(Raymond Tambunan Photo)

(Daderot Photo)

(Jeremy Atherton Photo)

(Author Photos, 19 Apr 2018)

U-505, Type IXC similar to U-501, on display in the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago, Illinois.

(USN, Naval Archives Photos)

U-505, Type IXC after its capture by the USN.

(USN, Naval Archives Photo)

German (Type IXC) U-boat, U-858, surrendered to Allied forces on May 14, 1945, at Lewes, Delaware.  She surrendered earlier at sea four days earlier.   USS Pillsbury (DE-133) and USS Pope (DE-134) arrived later that day, took over the boat, and placed a U.S. Navy crew onboard, then removed one-half of her crew, including three of her four officers.     U-858 did not sink any Allied vessels during World War II and was scuttled by USS Sirago (SS-485) in November 1947 off New England.

(US Naval Archives Photo)

U-541 surrendering to HMS Malcom (L19) on 11 May 1945.

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(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3211661)

German two-man "Biber" submarines guarded by two Canadian Military Policemen, Lance-Corporals J. Lang and P.C. Ajas of No.1 Provost Company, Canadian Provost Corps (C Pro C), IJmuiden, Netherlands, 25 May 1945.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3211663)

Brigadier J.A. Roberts of the 8th Canadian Infantry Brigade and Major-General Harry W. Foster, General Officer Commanding 1st Canadian Infantry Division, examining a small German two-man "Biber" submarine, IJmuiden, Netherlands, 25 May 1945.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3229360)

German two-man "Seehund" submarine, Kiel, Germany, 18 May 1945.  Canadian Army Film & Photo Unit Sgt.

(IWM Photo, A 28604)

German two-man "Seehund" submarine, Kiel, Germany, 18 May 1945. The Royal Navy travelled overland from Osten to take over the German Naval Port and Dockyard at the southern end of Kiel on 12 May 1945. British naval officers are shown here inspecting a completed "Seehund" midget U-boat in agigantic shelter where they arrived in sections and were assembled.

(Author Photos)

German Second World War Kriegsmarine Molch one-man mini-submarine War Prize, on display in the Canadian War Museum, Ottawa, Ontario.  This submarine was brought to Canada by Farley Mowat's Intelligence Collection Team in 1945. Built in 1944, it was the first mini-submarine of Nazi Germany's Kriegsmarine, but was not successful in combat operations and suffered heavy losses.

(IWM Photo)

A Highlan soldier examines a captured German Molch one-man mini-submarine in 1945.

((IWM Photo)

German Molch one-man submarine mounted on a trailer.

The Molch was based on torpedo technology, and carried two G7e torpedoes attached externally on either side of the craft. It was fully electrical and was created for coastal operations, with a range of 64 km (35 nmi) at 5 knots (9.3 km/h; 5.8 mph). The front section of the boat held a large battery. Behind the battery was the operator's position, which sat between two small trimming tanks. Behind the operator sat the electric motor. The complicated system of tanks made it difficult to control during combat operations. The first of 393 boats were delivered on June 12, 1944 and were built by AG Weser in Bremen.

The Molch were first used in the Mediterranean against the Allied "Operation Dragoon" in 1944. The submarines were a part of the K-Verband 411 flotilla. On the night of September 25 they attacked Allied battleships,[clarification needed] with the loss of ten out of the twelve Molch submarines in the flotilla. Shortly after, the remaining two were sunk by Allied warship bombardment off the Sanremo coast.

Other Molch flotillas were sent to the Netherlands in December 1944, but were also unsuccessful. From January to April 1945, Molch and Biber submarines went out on 102 sorties, losing seventy of their own and sank only seven small ships. Due to the ineffectiveness of the Molch in combat operations, it was later used as a training vessel for more advanced midget submarines.

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