German_submarine_U-1059

German submarine <i>U-1059</i>

German submarine U-1059

German World War II submarine


German submarine U-1059 was a Type VIIF transport submarine of Nazi Germany's Kriegsmarine during World War II.

Quick Facts History, Nazi Germany ...

U-1059 was one of four Type VIIF torpedo transport submarines, which could carry 40 torpedoes,[1] and were used to re-supply other U-boats at sea. U-1059 commissioned on 1 May 1943, first served with 5th U-boat Flotilla for training, and later served with 12th U-boat Flotilla from 1 January 1944 until 19 March 1944. U-1059 completed one torpedo transport patrol.

Design

As one of the four German Type VIIF submarines, U-1059 had a displacement of 1,084 tonnes (1,067 long tons) when at the surface and 1,181 tonnes (1,162 long tons) while submerged.[2] She had a total length of 77.63 m (254 ft 8 in), a pressure hull length of 60.40 m (198 ft 2 in), a beam of 7.30 m (23 ft 11 in), a height of 9.60 m (31 ft 6 in), and a draught of 4.91 m (16 ft 1 in). The submarine was powered by two Germaniawerft F46 supercharged four-stroke, six-cylinder diesel engines producing a total of 2,800 to 3,200 metric horsepower (2,060 to 2,350 kW; 2,760 to 3,160 shp) for use while surfaced, two AEG GU 460/8-276 double-acting electric motors producing a total of 750 shaft horsepower (760 PS; 560 kW) 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 16.9–17.6 knots (31.3–32.6 km/h; 19.4–20.3 mph) and a maximum submerged speed of 7.9 knots (14.6 km/h; 9.1 mph).[2] When submerged, the boat could operate for 75 nautical miles (139 km; 86 mi) at 4 knots (7.4 km/h; 4.6 mph); when surfaced, she could travel 14,700 nautical miles (27,200 km; 16,900 mi) at 10 knots (19 km/h; 12 mph). U-1059 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 various anti-aircraft gun. The boat had a normal complement of about forty-six.[2]

Service history

While transporting torpedoes to Monsun Gruppe U-boats operating in the Far East, U-1059 was sunk on 19 March 1944 at 13°10′N 33°44′W, southwest of the Cape Verde Islands by Grumman TBF Avengers and Grumman F4F Wildcats from the escort carrier USS Block Island.[3] Reports from the USS Corry are that initially there were 20 survivors, but because there were reports of a second U-boat in the area, the Corry was forced to stay away.[4] Of U-1059’s crew, 47 were killed and 8 survived the attack. The survivors were taken to Boston for medical attention.[5]

Bibliography

  • Bishop, Chris (2006). Kriegsmarine U-Boats, 1939-45. London: Amber Books. ISBN 978-1-904687-96-2.
  • 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 (1985). Die deutschen Kriegsschiffe 1815-1945 / 3, U-Boote, Hilfskreuzer, Minenschiffe, Netzleger, Sperrbrecher (in German). Koblenz: Bernard & Graefe. ISBN 3-7637-4802-4. OCLC 310610321.
  • Gröner, Erich; Jung, Dieter; Maass, Martin (1991). German Warships 1815–1945, U-boats and Mine Warfare Vessels. Vol. 2. Translated by Thomas, Keith; Magowan, Rachel. London: Conway Maritime Press. ISBN 0-85177-593-4.

References

  1. Gröner 1985, p. 104.
  2. Allen Tony. "U-1059". Wreck Site. Retrieved 14 February 2014.
  3. McKernon, Francis. "DON'T GO NEAR THEM'". USS Corry DD-463 Home Page. Kevin McKernon. Retrieved 23 October 2017.
  4. Helgason, Guðmundur. "The Type VIIF boat U-1059". German U-boats of WWII - uboat.net. Retrieved 31 January 2015.


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