German submarine U-63 (1939)
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German submarine U-63 was a Type IIC U-boat of Nazi Germany's Kriegsmarine that served in the Second World War. She was built by Deutsche Werke AG, Kiel. Ordered on 21 July 1937, she was laid down on 2 January 1939 as yard number 262. She was launched on 6 December 1939 and commissioned on 18 January 1940 under the command of Oberleutnant zur See Günther Lorentz.
U-63 was initially assigned to the 1st U-boat Flotilla during her training period, until 1 February 1940. She stayed with that organization until her sinking.
Design
German Type IIC submarines were enlarged versions of the original Type IIs. U-63 had a displacement of Script error: No such module "convert". when at the surface and Script error: No such module "convert". while submerged. Officially, the standard tonnage was Script error: No such module "convert"., however.Template:Sfn The U-boat had a total length of Script error: No such module "convert"., a pressure hull length of Script error: No such module "convert"., a beam of Script error: No such module "convert"., a height of Script error: No such module "convert"., and a draught of Script error: No such module "convert".. The submarine was powered by two MWM RS 127 S four-stroke, six-cylinder diesel engines of Script error: No such module "convert". for cruising, two Siemens-Schuckert PG VV 322/36 double-acting electric motors producing a total of Script error: No such module "convert". for use while submerged. She had two shafts and two Script error: No such module "convert". propellers. The boat was capable of operating at depths of up to Script error: No such module "convert"..Template:Sfn
The submarine had a maximum surface speed of Script error: No such module "convert". and a maximum submerged speed of Script error: No such module "convert"..Template:Sfn When submerged, the boat could operate for Script error: No such module "convert". at Script error: No such module "convert".; when surfaced, she could travel Script error: No such module "convert". at Script error: No such module "convert".. U-63 was fitted with three Script error: No such module "convert". torpedo tubes at the bow, five torpedoes or up to twelve Type A torpedo mines, and a Script error: No such module "convert". anti-aircraft gun. The boat had a complement of 25.Template:Sfn
Patrol
U-63 left the German island of Helgoland (also known as 'Heligoland'), on 17 February 1940.[1] She, along with five other U-boats, took part in Operation Nordmark, a reconnaissance mission for the German Battleships Script error: No such module "WPSHIPS utilities".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". and Script error: No such module "WPSHIPS utilities".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". and Cruiser Admiral Hipper (for what proved to be an unsuccessful sortie). It took place in the vicinity of the Orkney and Shetland Islands between 18 and 20 February.[2]
The boat sank the Santos off Kirkwall, Orkney, on 24 February 1940.
Fate
U-63 was sunk on 25 February 1940 by a mix of depth charges and torpedoes from the British warships Script error: No such module "WPSHIPS utilities"., Script error: No such module "WPSHIPS utilities". and Script error: No such module "WPSHIPS utilities". and the submarine Script error: No such module "WPSHIPS utilities". south of Shetland. The approximate location of the wreck site is Script error: No such module "Coordinates"..
One man died, there were 24 survivors. Those who survived spent the remainder of the war as POWs.[2][3]
Summary of raiding history
| Date | Ship | Nationality | Tonnage (GRT) | Fate[4] |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24 February 1940 | Santos | Template:Flagcountry | 3,840 | Sunk |
References
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Bibliography
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External links
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- German Type II submarines
- U-boats commissioned in 1940
- U-boats sunk in 1940
- World War II submarines of Germany
- U-boats sunk by British submarines
- U-boats sunk by depth charges
- U-boats sunk by British warships
- 1939 ships
- World War II shipwrecks in the North Sea
- Ships built in Kiel
- Maritime incidents in February 1940