German submarine U-410: Difference between revisions

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{{Short description|German type VIIC world war II submarine}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2020}}
{|{{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-410''
|Ship name=''U-410''
|Ship namesake=
|Ship namesake=
|Ship owner=
|Ship operator=
|Ship ordered=30 October 1939
|Ship ordered=30 October 1939
|Ship awarded=
|Ship builder=[[Danziger Werft]], [[Danzig]]
|Ship builder=[[Danziger Werft]], [[Danzig]]
|Ship yard number= 111
|Ship yard number=111
|Ship way number=
|Ship way number=
|Ship laid down=9 January 1941
|Ship laid down=9 January 1941
|Ship launched=14 October 1941
|Ship launched=14 October 1941
|Ship sponsor=
|Ship christened=
|Ship completed=
|Ship acquired=
|Ship commissioned=23 February 1942
|Ship commissioned=23 February 1942
|Ship recommissioned=
|Ship decommissioned=
|Ship maiden voyage=
|Ship in service=
|Ship out of service=
|Ship renamed=
|Ship reclassified=
|Ship refit=
|Ship struck=
|Ship reinstated=
|Ship homeport=
|Ship homeport=
|Ship identification=
|Ship identification=
|Ship motto=
|Ship motto=
|Ship nickname=
|Ship nickname=
|Ship honours=
|Ship honors=
|Ship captured=
|Ship fate=Sunk on 11 March 1944 by US aircraft{{sfn|Kemp|1999|p=176}}
|Ship fate=Sunk on 11 March 1944 by US aircraft{{sfn|Kemp|1999|p=176}}
|Ship status=
|Ship notes=
|Ship notes=
|Ship badge=
|Ship badge=
Line 48: Line 29:
{{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|lk=out}} 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|PS|bhp kW|abbr=on}}. Max [[rpm]]: 470-490<br />2&nbsp;×&nbsp;[[electric motor]]s, totalling {{convert|750|PS|shp kW|abbr=on}} and max rpm: 296
|Ship speed={{convert|17.7|kn|lk=in|abbr=on}} surfaced<br />{{convert|7.6|kn}} submerged
*{{convert|2800|–|3200|PS|kW bhp|abbr=on}} (diesels)
*{{convert|750|PS|kW shp|abbr=on}} (electric)
|Ship range={{convert|8,500|nmi|abbr=on}} at {{convert|10|kn}} surfaced<br />{{convert|80|nmi|abbr=on}} at {{convert|4|kn}} 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
|Ship complement=44–52 officers and ratings
*2 × [[diesel engine]]s
*2 × [[Motor-generator|electric motors]]
|Ship speed=
*{{convert|17.7|kn|lk=in|abbr=on}} surfaced
*{{convert|7.6|kn}} submerged
|Ship range=
*{{convert|8500|nmi|abbr=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 enlisted
|Ship sensors=
|Ship sensors=
|Ship EW=
|Ship EW=
|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
*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&nbsp;cm SK C/35 naval gun|{{convert|8.8|cm|in|2|abbr=on}} deck gun]] (220 rounds)
*1 × [[3.7&nbsp;cm Flak 18/36/37/43|{{convert|3.7|cm|in|abbr=on}} Flak M42]] AA gun
*various AA guns
*2 × [[2 cm FlaK 30|{{convert|2|cm|in|sp=us|abbr=on}} C/30]] AA guns
}}
|Ship notes=
|Ship notes=
}}
{{Infobox service record
|is_ship=yes
|label=Service record<ref name="uboatnet">{{cite web
|url=http://uboat.net/boats/u410.html
|title=The Type VIIC boat U-410
|last=Helgason
|first=Guðmundur
|website=German U-boats of WWII - uboat.net
|access-date=5 November 2014
}}</ref>
|partof=
*[[5th U-boat Flotilla]]
*23 February – 31 August 1942
*[[7th U-boat Flotilla]]
*1 September 1942 – 31 May 1943
*[[29th U-boat Flotilla]]
*1 June 1943 – 11 March 1944
|codes=M 43 581
|commanders=
*''[[K.Kapt.]]'' Kurt Sturm
*23 February 1942 – 4 February 1943
*''[[Oblt.z.S.]]'' Horst-Arno Fenski
*5 February 1943 - 11 March 1944
|operations=*7 patrols:
*1st patrol:
*27 August - 28 October 1942
*2nd patrol:
*3 December 1942 - 4 January 1943
*3rd patrol:
*9 February - 27 March 1943
*4th patrol:
*26 April - 13 May 1943
*5th patrol:
*7 - 30 August 1943
*6th patrol:
*12 September - 3 October 1943
*7th patrol:
*3 - 28 February 1944
|victories=
*7 merchant ships sunk <br />({{GRT|47,244}})
*2 warships sunk <br />(6,895 tons)
*1 merchant ship total loss <br />({{GRT|3,722}})
*1 merchant ship damaged <br />({{GRT|7,134}})
}}
}}
|}
|}


'''German submarine ''U-410''''' was a [[German Type VIIC submarine|Type VIIC]] [[U-boat]] built for [[Nazi Germany]]'s ''[[Kriegsmarine]]'' for service during [[World War II]], operating mainly in the [[Mediterranean Sea|Mediterranean]]. Her Insignia was a Sword & Shield,<ref>U-Boat Insignia & Emblems http://www.uboataces.com/ref-insignia32.shtml#U-410</ref> she did not suffer any casualties until she was sunk.
'''German submarine ''U-410''''' was a [[German Type VIIC submarine|Type VIIC]] [[U-boat]] built for [[Nazi Germany]]'s ''[[Kriegsmarine]]'' during [[World War II]], operating mainly in the [[Mediterranean Sea|Mediterranean]]. Her insignia was a sword & shield,<ref>U-Boat Insignia & Emblems http://www.uboataces.com/ref-insignia32.shtml#U-410</ref> she did not suffer any casualties until she was sunk.

''U-410'' was first commanded by ''[[Kapitänleutnant]]'' Kurt Sturm during her working up/training period and on her first patrol before being commanded by [[Horst-Arno Fenski]] for her six combat patrols. ''U-410'' sank seven merchantmen, a [[Landing Ship, Tank|Landing ship, Tank (LST)]]; and a [[light cruiser]] during the Second World War. For his successes, Fenski received the [[Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross|Knight's Cross]].

==Design==
[[File:SRH009-p58.jpg|thumb|left|A cross-section of a Type VIIC submarine]]
[[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-410'' 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-410'' 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, a [[2 cm Flak 30/38/Flakvierling|twin {{convert|2|cm|in|abbr=on}}]], on Platform I, a [[3.7&nbsp;cm Flak 18/36/37/43|{{convert|3.7|cm|in|abbr=on}}]], on Platform II and two [[MG 15]] machine guns on the bridge. The boat had a [[Ship's company|complement]] of between forty-four and sixty.{{sfn|Gröner|1991|pp=43–46}}
''U-410'' was first commanded by ''[[Kapitänleutnant]]'' Kurt Sturm during her working up/training period and on her first patrol before being commanded by [[Horst-Arno Fenski]] for her six combat patrols. U-410 sank eight merchantmen, a [[Landing Ship, Tank|Landing ship, Tank (LST)]]; and a [[light cruiser]] during the Second World War. For his successes, Fenski received the [[Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross|Knights Cross]].


She carried two eight-man, one six-man and 58 one-man, rubber boats.
==Construction and Design==
{{main|German Type VII submarine}}
[[File:SRH009-p58.jpg|thumb|right|200px|A cross-section of a Type VIIC submarine]]
''U-410'' was ordered by the ''Kriegsmarine'' on 30 October 1939. She was laid down at the [[Danziger Werft]] yard in [[Danzig]], on 9 January 1941 and launched on 14 October 1941. She was formally commissioned into the ''Kriegsmarine'', on 23 February 1942.


==Service history==
;Weapons
''U-410'' was ordered by the ''Kriegsmarine'' on 30 October 1939. She was [[Keel laying|laid down]] at the [[Danziger Werft]] yard in [[Danzig]], on 9 January 1941 and [[Ceremonial ship launching|launched]] on 14 October 1941. She was formally [[Ship commissioning|commissioned]] into the ''Kriegsmarine'', on 23 February 1942.
Like all type VIIC submarines, ''U-410'' carried five {{convert|53.3|cm|in|0|abbr=on}} [[torpedo tube]]s (four located in the bow, one in the stern) and a [[8.8 cm SK C/35 naval gun|C35 88mm/L45]] [[deck gun]] with 220 rounds. [[Antiaircraft|Anti-Aircraft (AA)]] protection consisted of a [[2 cm Flak 30/38/Flakvierling|twin 20-mm]], on Platform I, a [[3.7 cm Flak 18/36/37/43|37-mm]], on Platform II and 2 [[MG 15]] machine guns on the bridge.
;Propulsion
Two [[supercharged]] [[Germaniawerft]] 6-cylinder 4-stroke F46 [[diesel engine]]s with a total of {{convert|2800|-|3200|PS|bhp kW|abbr=on}}. Her maximum [[rpm]] was 490. She was also equipped with two [[electric motor]]s totaling {{convert|750|PS|shp kW|abbr=on}} with a maximum rpm of 296. This power-train enabled ''U-380'' to achieve a top speed of {{convert|17.7|kn|lk=in}} while on the surface and {{convert|7.6|kn}} when submerged.
;Specification
She had a range of {{convert|8,500|nmi|abbr=on|lk=on}} at {{convert|10|kn}} when surfaced and {{convert|80|nmi|abbr=on}} at {{convert|4|kn}} when submerged. Her test depth was {{convert|230|m|ft|abbr=on}}; her [[crush depth]] was {{convert|250|-|295|m|ft|abbr=on}}. She carried 2 eight-man, 1 six-man and 58 one-man, rubber boats.


===1st and 2nd patrols===
==Patrol history==
''U-410'' departed [[Kiel]] on 27 August 1942 for her first patrol. The U-boat, under ''Kapitänleutnant'' Kurt Sturm, sank the British ''[[List of shipwrecks in August 1942#27 August|Newton Pine]]'' in mid-Atlantic. She then arrived in [[St. Nazaire]] in France on 28 October 1942, after 63 days at sea.
;1st and 2nd patrols
''U-410'' departed [[Kiel]] on 27 August 1942 for her first patrol. The U-boat, under ''Kapitänleutnant'' Kurt Sturm, sank the British ''[[List of shipwrecks in August 1942#27 August|Newton Pine]]'' in mid-Atlantic. She then arrived in [[St. Nazaire]] in France on 28 October 1942, after 63 days at sea.


Her second outing was not so productive; after 33 days she returned to her French base empty-handed.
Her second outing was not so productive; after 33 days she returned to her French base empty-handed.


;3rd and 4th patrols
===3rd and 4th patrols===
Her third foray was more productive and included the sinking of the British ship, the ''[[List of shipwrecks in March 1943#6 March|Fort Battle River]]'' on 6 March 1943.<ref>http://www.wrecksite.eu/wreck.aspx?15144</ref> She also damaged another British vessel in the same engagement, the ''Fort Paskoyac''. Both of these ships were attacked southwest of Portugal. The U-boat returned to St. Nazaire on 27 March 1943.
Her third foray was more productive and included the sinking of the British ship ''[[List of shipwrecks in March 1943#6 March|Fort Battle River]]'' on 6 March 1943.<ref>{{cite web | title=Fort Battle River Cargo Ship 1942-1943 | website=Wrecksite| url=https://www.wrecksite.eu/wreck.aspx?15144 | access-date=6 October 2023}}</ref> She also damaged another British vessel in the same engagement, ''Fort Paskoyac''. Both of these ships were attacked southwest of Portugal. The U-boat returned to St. Nazaire on 27 March 1943.


Her fourth sortie included transiting the heavily defended [[Strait of Gibraltar]]. She arrived in [[La Spezia]] in Italy on 13 May 1943, having left St. Nazaire on 26 April.
Her fourth sortie included transiting the heavily defended [[Strait of Gibraltar]]. She arrived in [[La Spezia]] in Italy on 13 May 1943, having left St. Nazaire on 26 April.


;5th and 6th patrols
===5th and 6th patrols===
''U-410'' left La Spezia on 7 August 1943 and attacked the convoy UGS-14 off the Algerian coast. Firing three torpedoes in a 'spread', she hit and sank two American ships, the ''[[List of shipwrecks in August 1943#7 August|John Bell]]'' and the ''[[List of shipwrecks in August 1943#7 August|Richard Henderson]]'' on 26 August 1943. She then sailed to [[Toulon]] in France, arriving on 30 August.
''U-410'' left La Spezia on 7 August 1943 and attacked the [[convoy UGS-14]] off the Algerian coast. Firing three torpedoes in a 'spread', she hit and sank two American ships, ''[[List of shipwrecks in August 1943#7 August|John Bell]]'' and ''[[List of shipwrecks in August 1943#7 August|Richard Henderson]]'' on 26 August 1943. She then sailed to [[Toulon]] in France, arriving on 30 August.


The U-boat tried to disrupt the landings at [[Anzio]], sinking a British light cruiser and an American LST (see below).
The U-boat tried to disrupt the landings at [[Anzio]], sinking a British light cruiser and an American LST (see below).


==Combat History==
==Combat history==


===Commanders===
===Commanders===
Line 111: Line 152:


===Flotillas===
===Flotillas===
*23 February – 31 August 1942 - [[5th U-boat Flotilla|5th Flotilla (Training)]]
*23 February – 31 August 1942 - [[5th U-boat Flotilla]]
*1 September 1942 – 31 May 1943 - [[7th U-boat Flotilla|7th Flotilla]]
*1 September 1942 – 31 May 1943 - [[7th U-boat Flotilla]]
*1 June 1943 – 11 March 1944 - [[29th U-boat Flotilla|29th Flotilla]]
*1 June 1943 – 11 March 1944 - [[29th U-boat Flotilla]]


===Wolfpacks===
===Wolfpacks===
''U-410'' was part of the following "[[Wolfpack (naval tactic)|wolfpacks]]":
''U-410'' was part of the following "[[Wolfpack (naval tactic)|wolfpacks]]":
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto;"|-
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto;"|-
! scope="col" width="80px" |Name
! scope="col" width="80px" |Name
! scope="col" width="130px" |From
! scope="col" width="130px" |From
! scope="col" width="130px" |To
! scope="col" width="130px" |To
! scope="col" width="130px" |Notes
! scope="col" width="130px" |Notes
|-
|-
|[[Wolfpack Lohs|Lohs]]||align="right"|13 September 1942||align="right"|22 September 1942||
|[[Wolfpack Lohs|Lohs]]||align="right"|13 September 1942||align="right"|22 September 1942||
Line 129: Line 170:
|[[Wolfpack Tiger|Tiger]]||align="right"|26 September 1942||align="right"|29 September 1942||
|[[Wolfpack Tiger|Tiger]]||align="right"|26 September 1942||align="right"|29 September 1942||
|-
|-
|[[Wolfpack Letze Ritter|Letzte Ritter]]||align="right"|28 September 1942||align="right"|1 October 1942||
|[[Wolfpack Letze Ritter|Letzte Ritter]]||align="right"|29 September 1942||align="right"|1 October 1942||
|-
|-
|[[Wolfpack Wotan|Wotan]]||align="right"|8 October 1942||align="right"|17 October 1942||
|[[Wolfpack Wotan|Wotan]]||align="right"|5 October 1942||align="right"|17 October 1942||
|-
|-
|[[Wolfpack Raufbold|Raufbold]]||align="right"|11 December 1942||align="right"|20 December 1942||
|[[Wolfpack Raufbold|Raufbold]]||align="right"|11 December 1942||align="right"|20 December 1942||
Line 139: Line 180:
|}
|}


===Rescue of survivors from MV Rhakotis===
===Rescue of survivors from MV ''Rhakotis''===
On 2 January 1943, ''U-410'' rescued 80 survivors from the German blockade-runner MV ''Rhakotis'' after she was sunk by {{HMS|Scylla|98|6}}. The survivors were returned to St. Nazaire the next day.<ref>http://www.wrecksite.eu/wreck.aspx?58439| MV Rhakotis at wrecksite</ref> Among the survivors were two Englishmen who received a special guard.<ref>http://www.ubootwaffe.net/ops/boat.cgi?boat=410| U-410 at ubootwaffe.net{{dead link|date=June 2014}}</ref>
On 2 January 1943, ''U-410'' rescued 80 survivors from the German blockade-runner {{MV|Rhakotis}} after she was sunk by {{HMS|Scylla|98|6}}. The survivors were returned to St. Nazaire the next day.<ref>http://www.wrecksite.eu/wreck.aspx?58439| MV Rhakotis at wrecksite</ref> Among the survivors were two Englishmen who received a special guard.


===Sinking of ''Penelope''===
===Sinking of HMS ''Penelope''===
[[File:HMS Penelope 1942 IWM FL 4822.jpg|right|140px|HMS Penelope]]
[[File:HMS Penelope 1942 IWM FL 4822.jpg|thumb|HMS Penelope]]
On 18 February 1944, {{HMS|Penelope|97|6}} (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSO, DSC, AM, RN), was leaving [[Naples]] to return to the [[Anzio]] area when she was torpedoed at {{coord|40.55|N|13.25|E|}} by ''U-410''. A torpedo struck the British cruiser in the aft engine room; sixteen minutes later, ''U-410'' fired another torpedo that hit ''Penelope'' in her boiler room, causing her immediate sinking. 415 of the crew, including the captain, went down with the ship. There were 206 survivors.
On 18 February 1944, {{HMS|Penelope|97|6}} (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSO, DSC, AM, RN), was leaving [[Naples]] to return to the [[Anzio]] area when she was torpedoed at {{coord|40.55|N|13.25|E|}} by ''U-410''. A torpedo struck the British cruiser in the aft engine room; sixteen minutes later, ''U-410'' fired another torpedo that hit ''Penelope'' in her boiler room, causing her immediate sinking. 415 of the crew, including the captain, went down with the ship. There were 206 survivors.
The remarkable point of the attack by ''U-410'' was that the cruiser was making {{convert|26|kn}} when she was hit. As far as can be ascertained, in the history of submarine attacks during World War II, no other ship running at such speed was ever successfully attacked.<ref>{{cite web
The cruiser was making {{convert|26|kn}} when she was hit, the fastest ship ever successfully attacked by a submarine.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.uboat.net/allies/warships/ship/4007.html
|url=http://uboat.net/allies/warships/ship/4007.html
|title=HMS Penelope (97) of the Royal Navy - British Light cruiser of the Arethusa class
|title=HMS Penelope (97) of the Royal Navy - British Light cruiser of the Arethusa class
|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=30 December 2014
|access-date=30 December 2014
}}</ref>
}}</ref>
On 11 March 1944, a [[USAAF]] during an air raid on the Port of [[Toulon]], U-410 along with {{GS|U-380||2}} were so seriously damaged, they were declared ''no longer operational''.{{sfn|Kemp|1999|p=176}} ''[[Oberleutnant zur See]]'' Fenski and his crew transferred to {{GS|U-371||2}}, which was lost around 04:00 on 4 May 1944 in a [[German submarine U-371#19th patrol|battle with Allied warships]]. The Engineering Officer and a control room petty officer were killed, as they [[scuttled]] their boat, but Fenski and his remaining crew survived and spent 2 years in a US POW camp.<ref name="militaryantiquesandfossils.com">[http://www.militaryantiquesandfossils.com/cart/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=138 U-Boat Iron Cross document group and photos. U-410 and U-371]</ref>


===Sinking of USS LST-348===
===Sinking of USS ''LST-348''===
On 20 February 1944 LST-348 ([[Landing Ship, Tank]]) was returning from [[Sicily]], supporting [[Operation Shingle]] and roughly 40 miles South of [[Naples]] when she was spotted by ''U-410'', who fired two [[torpedoes]] at around 02:00 hrs. Both hit the vessel on her port side, she sank 20 minutes later.<ref>http://www.navsource.org/archives/10/16/160348.htm NavSource Online NavSource Online</ref>
On 20 February 1944 ''LST-348'' ([[Landing Ship, Tank]]) was returning from [[Sicily]], supporting [[Operation Shingle]] and roughly 40 miles South of [[Naples]] when she was spotted by ''U-410'', who fired two [[torpedoes]] at around 02:00 hrs. Both hit the vessel on her port side, she sank 20 minutes later.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.navsource.org/archives/10/16/160348.htm|title=Tank Landing Ship LST|website=www.navsource.org}}</ref>


===Loss===
===Loss===
On 11 March 1944, a [[USAAF]] during an air raid on the Port of [[Toulon]], U-410 along with {{GS|U-380||2}} were so seriously damaged, they were declared ''no longer operational''.{{sfn|Kemp|1999|p=176}} ''[[Oberleutnant zur See]]'' Fenski and his crew transferred to {{GS|U-371||2}}, which was lost around 04:00 on 4 May 1944 in a [[German submarine U-371#19th patrol|battle with Allied warships]]. The Engineering Officer and a control room petty officer were killed, as they [[scuttled]] their boat, but Fenski and his remaining crew survived and spent 2 years in a US POW camp.<ref name="militaryantiquesandfossils.com"/>
On 11 March 1944, a [[USAAF]] during an air raid on the Port of [[Toulon]], ''U-410'' along with {{GS|U-380||2}} were so seriously damaged, they were declared ''no longer operational''.{{sfn|Kemp|1999|p=176}} ''Oberleutnant zur See'' Fenski and his crew transferred to {{GS|U-371||2}}, which was lost around 04:00 on 4 May 1944 in a [[German submarine U-371#19th patrol|battle with Allied warships]]. Three of the crew were killed as they [[scuttled]] the boat, but Fenski survived and spent two years in a US POW camp.<ref>{{cite web |title=Horst-Arno Fenski |url=https://uboat.net/men/fenski.htm |website=uboat.net |access-date=31 December 2019}}</ref>


==Raiding history==
==Summary of raiding history==
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto;"|-
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto;"|-
! 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<br />([[Gross register tonnage|GRT]])
! Fate<ref>{{Cite web
! Fate<ref>{{Cite web
|url= http://www.uboat.net/boats/successes/u410.html
|url=http://uboat.net/boats/successes/u410.html
|title= Ships hit U-410
|title=Ships hit U-410
|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>
|-
|-
Line 180: Line 220:
|{{flag|United Kingdom|civil}}
|{{flag|United Kingdom|civil}}
|align="right"|4,212
|align="right"|4,212
|align="left" |Sunk
|align="left" |Sunk
|-
|-
|align="right"|6 March 1943
|align="right"|6 March 1943
|align="left" |''[[List of shipwrecks in March 1943#6 March|Fort Battle River]]''
|align="left" |''[[List of shipwrecks in March 1943#6 March|Fort Battle River]]''
|{{flag|United Kingdom|civil}}
|{{flag|United Kingdom|civil}}
|align="right"|7,133
|align="right"|7,133
|align="left" |Sunk
|align="left" |Sunk
|-
|-
|align="right"|6 March 1943
|align="right"|6 March 1943
|align="left" |''[[List of shipwrecks in March 1943#6 March|Fort Paskoyac]]''
|align="left" |''[[List of shipwrecks in March 1943#6 March|Fort Paskoyac]]''
|{{flag|United Kingdom|civil}}
|{{flag|United Kingdom|civil}}
|align="right"|7,134|
|align="right"|7,134
|align="left" |Damaged
|align="left" |Damaged
|-
|-
Line 213: Line 253:
|-
|-
|align="right"|1 October 1943
|align="right"|1 October 1943
|{{MV|Empire Commerce}}
|{{MV|Empire Commerce||2}}
|{{flag|United Kingdom|civil}}
|{{flag|United Kingdom|civil}}
|align="right"|3,722
|align="right"|3,722
Line 231: Line 271:
|-
|-
|align="right"|18 February 1944
|align="right"|18 February 1944
|{{HMS|Penelope|97}}
|{{HMS|Penelope|97|6}}
|{{navy|United Kingdom}}
|{{navy|United Kingdom}}
|align="right"|5,270
|align="right"|5,270
Line 237: Line 277:
|-
|-
|align="right"|20 February 1944
|align="right"|20 February 1944
|USS ''[[Landing Ship, Tank|LST]]-348''
|{{USS|LST-348}}
|{{navy|United States|1912}}
|{{navy|United States|1912}}
|align="right"|1,625
|align="right"|1,625
|align="left" |Sunk
|align="left" |Sunk
|}
|}


==References==
==References==

===Notes===
{{Reflist|group=Note}}

===Citations===
{{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
*{{cite book
|last1=Busch
|last1=Busch
Line 253: Line 300:
|first2=Hans-Joachim
|first2=Hans-Joachim
|title=Deutsche U-Boot-Verluste von September 1939 bis Mai 1945
|title=Deutsche U-Boot-Verluste von September 1939 bis Mai 1945
|trans-title=German U-boat losses from September 1939 to May 1945
|work=Der U-Boot-Krieg
|series=Der U-Boot-Krieg
|volume=IV
|volume=IV
|publisher=Mittler
|publisher=Mittler
Line 259: Line 307:
|year=1999
|year=1999
|isbn=3-8132-0514-2
|isbn=3-8132-0514-2
|language=German
|language=de
|ref=harv
}}
}}
*{{cite book
*{{cite book
|last=Gröner
|last1=Gröner
|first=Erich
|first1=Erich
|last2=Jung
|title=U-Boote, Hilfskreuzer, Minenschiffe, Netzleger, Sperrbrecher
|first2=Dieter
|work=Die deutschen Kriegsschiffe 1815-1945
|last3=Maass
|volume=III
|first3=Martin
|publisher=[[Bernard & Graefe]]
|translator-last1=Thomas
|location=Koblenz
|translator-first1=Keith
|year=1985
|translator-last2=Magowan
|isbn=3-7637-4802-4
|translator-first2=Rachel
|language=German
|year=1991
|ref=harv
|title=U-boats and Mine Warfare Vessels
|volume=2
|series=German Warships 1815–1945
|location=London
|publisher=Conway Maritime Press
|isbn=0-85177-593-4
|ref=CITEREFGröner1991
}}
}}
*{{cite book
*{{cite book
Line 283: Line 337:
|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/u410.html
|url=http://uboat.net/boats/u410.html
|title= The Type VIIC boat U-410
|title=The Type VIIC boat U-410
|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
}}
}}
* [http://www.uboatarchive.net/U-371U410Photos.htm Photos of U-410 and her crew]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110609152000/http://www.uboatarchive.net/U-371U410Photos.htm Photos of U-410 and her crew]
* [http://www.bbc.co.uk/ww2peopleswar/stories/19/a8187519.shtml BBC A peoples War - John Alexander MN]
* [http://www.bbc.co.uk/ww2peopleswar/stories/19/a8187519.shtml BBC A peoples War - John Alexander MN]


{{German Type VII submarines}}
{{German Type VII submarines}}
{{March 1944 shipwrecks}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2011}}
{{Italic title prefixed|16}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:U0410}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:U0410}}

Latest revision as of 20:27, 7 March 2024

History
Nazi Germany
NameU-410
Ordered30 October 1939
BuilderDanziger Werft, Danzig
Yard number111
Laid down9 January 1941
Launched14 October 1941
Commissioned23 February 1942
FateSunk on 11 March 1944 by US 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 kn (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]
Part of:
Identification codes: M 43 581
Commanders:
  • K.Kapt. Kurt Sturm
  • 23 February 1942 – 4 February 1943
  • Oblt.z.S. Horst-Arno Fenski
  • 5 February 1943 - 11 March 1944
Operations:
  • 7 patrols:
  • 1st patrol:
  • 27 August - 28 October 1942
  • 2nd patrol:
  • 3 December 1942 - 4 January 1943
  • 3rd patrol:
  • 9 February - 27 March 1943
  • 4th patrol:
  • 26 April - 13 May 1943
  • 5th patrol:
  • 7 - 30 August 1943
  • 6th patrol:
  • 12 September - 3 October 1943
  • 7th patrol:
  • 3 - 28 February 1944
Victories:
  • 7 merchant ships sunk
    (47,244 GRT)
  • 2 warships sunk
    (6,895 tons)
  • 1 merchant ship total loss
    (3,722 GRT)
  • 1 merchant ship damaged
    (7,134 GRT)

German submarine U-410 was a Type VIIC U-boat built for Nazi Germany's Kriegsmarine during World War II, operating mainly in the Mediterranean. Her insignia was a sword & shield,[3] she did not suffer any casualties until she was sunk.

U-410 was first commanded by Kapitänleutnant Kurt Sturm during her working up/training period and on her first patrol before being commanded by Horst-Arno Fenski for her six combat patrols. U-410 sank seven merchantmen, a Landing ship, Tank (LST); and a light cruiser during the Second World War. For his successes, Fenski received the Knight's Cross.

Design[edit]

A cross-section of a Type VIIC submarine

German Type VIIC submarines were preceded by the shorter Type VIIB submarines. U-410 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 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).[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-410 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, a twin 2 cm (0.79 in), on Platform I, a 3.7 cm (1.5 in), on Platform II and two MG 15 machine guns on the bridge. The boat had a complement of between forty-four and sixty.[4]

She carried two eight-man, one six-man and 58 one-man, rubber boats.

Service history[edit]

U-410 was ordered by the Kriegsmarine on 30 October 1939. She was laid down at the Danziger Werft yard in Danzig, on 9 January 1941 and launched on 14 October 1941. She was formally commissioned into the Kriegsmarine, on 23 February 1942.

1st and 2nd patrols[edit]

U-410 departed Kiel on 27 August 1942 for her first patrol. The U-boat, under Kapitänleutnant Kurt Sturm, sank the British Newton Pine in mid-Atlantic. She then arrived in St. Nazaire in France on 28 October 1942, after 63 days at sea.

Her second outing was not so productive; after 33 days she returned to her French base empty-handed.

3rd and 4th patrols[edit]

Her third foray was more productive and included the sinking of the British ship Fort Battle River on 6 March 1943.[5] She also damaged another British vessel in the same engagement, Fort Paskoyac. Both of these ships were attacked southwest of Portugal. The U-boat returned to St. Nazaire on 27 March 1943.

Her fourth sortie included transiting the heavily defended Strait of Gibraltar. She arrived in La Spezia in Italy on 13 May 1943, having left St. Nazaire on 26 April.

5th and 6th patrols[edit]

U-410 left La Spezia on 7 August 1943 and attacked the convoy UGS-14 off the Algerian coast. Firing three torpedoes in a 'spread', she hit and sank two American ships, John Bell and Richard Henderson on 26 August 1943. She then sailed to Toulon in France, arriving on 30 August.

The U-boat tried to disrupt the landings at Anzio, sinking a British light cruiser and an American LST (see below).

Combat history[edit]

Commanders[edit]

  • 23 February 1942 – 4 February 1943 Kapitänleutnant Kurt Sturm.
  • 5 February 1943 – 11 March 1944 Oberleutnant zur See Horst-Arno Fenski

Flotillas[edit]

Wolfpacks[edit]

U-410 was part of the following "wolfpacks":

Name From To Notes
Lohs 13 September 1942 22 September 1942
Blitz 22 September 1942 26 September 1942
Tiger 26 September 1942 29 September 1942
Letzte Ritter 29 September 1942 1 October 1942
Wotan 5 October 1942 17 October 1942
Raufbold 11 December 1942 20 December 1942
Robbe 16 February 1943 13 March 1943

Rescue of survivors from MV Rhakotis[edit]

On 2 January 1943, U-410 rescued 80 survivors from the German blockade-runner MV Rhakotis after she was sunk by HMS Scylla. The survivors were returned to St. Nazaire the next day.[6] Among the survivors were two Englishmen who received a special guard.

Sinking of HMS Penelope[edit]

HMS Penelope

On 18 February 1944, HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSO, DSC, AM, RN), was leaving Naples to return to the Anzio area when she was torpedoed at 40°33′N 13°15′E / 40.55°N 13.25°E / 40.55; 13.25 by U-410. A torpedo struck the British cruiser in the aft engine room; sixteen minutes later, U-410 fired another torpedo that hit Penelope in her boiler room, causing her immediate sinking. 415 of the crew, including the captain, went down with the ship. There were 206 survivors. The cruiser was making 26 knots (48 km/h; 30 mph) when she was hit, the fastest ship ever successfully attacked by a submarine.[7]

Sinking of USS LST-348[edit]

On 20 February 1944 LST-348 (Landing Ship, Tank) was returning from Sicily, supporting Operation Shingle and roughly 40 miles South of Naples when she was spotted by U-410, who fired two torpedoes at around 02:00 hrs. Both hit the vessel on her port side, she sank 20 minutes later.[8]

Loss[edit]

On 11 March 1944, a USAAF during an air raid on the Port of Toulon, U-410 along with U-380 were so seriously damaged, they were declared no longer operational.[1] Oberleutnant zur See Fenski and his crew transferred to U-371, which was lost around 04:00 on 4 May 1944 in a battle with Allied warships. Three of the crew were killed as they scuttled the boat, but Fenski survived and spent two years in a US POW camp.[9]

Summary of raiding history[edit]

Date Ship Name Nationality Tonnage[Note 1] Fate[10]
11 October 1942 Newton Pine  United Kingdom 4,212 Sunk
6 March 1943 Fort Battle River  United Kingdom 7,133 Sunk
6 March 1943 Fort Paskoyac  United Kingdom 7,134 Damaged
26 August 1943 John Bell  United States 7,242 Sunk
26 August 1943 Richard Henderson  United States 7,194 Sunk
26 September 1943 Christian Michelsen  Norway 7,176 Sunk
1 October 1943 Empire Commerce  United Kingdom 3,722 Total loss
1 October 1943 Fort Howe  United Kingdom 7,133 Sunk
15 February 1944 Fort St. Nicholas  United Kingdom 7,154 Sunk
18 February 1944 HMS Penelope  Royal Navy 5,270 Sunk
20 February 1944 USS LST-348  United States Navy 1,625 Sunk

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. 176.
  2. ^ Helgason, Guðmundur. "The Type VIIC boat U-410". German U-boats of WWII - uboat.net. Retrieved 5 November 2014.
  3. ^ U-Boat Insignia & Emblems http://www.uboataces.com/ref-insignia32.shtml#U-410
  4. ^ a b c d Gröner 1991, pp. 43–46.
  5. ^ "Fort Battle River Cargo Ship 1942-1943". Wrecksite. Retrieved 6 October 2023.
  6. ^ http://www.wrecksite.eu/wreck.aspx?58439%7C MV Rhakotis at wrecksite
  7. ^ Helgason, Guðmundur. "HMS Penelope (97) of the Royal Navy - British Light cruiser of the Arethusa class". German U-boats of WWII - uboat.net. Retrieved 30 December 2014.
  8. ^ "Tank Landing Ship LST". www.navsource.org.
  9. ^ "Horst-Arno Fenski". uboat.net. Retrieved 31 December 2019.
  10. ^ Helgason, Guðmundur. "Ships hit U-410". German U-boats of WWII - uboat.net. 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). 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.

External links[edit]

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=German_submarine_U-410&oldid=1212424666"