German submarine U-1172
 U-995 Type VIIC/41 at the Laboe Naval Memorial. This U-boat is almost identical to U-1172. | |
| History | |
|---|---|
 Nazi Germany
| |
| Name: | U-1172 |
| Ordered: | 16 July 1942 |
| Builder: | Danziger Werft AG, Danzig |
| Yard number: | 144 |
| Laid down: | 7 June 1943 |
| Launched: | 3 December 1943 |
| Commissioned: | 20 April 1944 |
| Fate: | Sunk on 27 January 1945 in St Georges Channel at 52°24′N 5°42′W / 52.400°N 5.700°W by British frigates |
| General characteristics (VIIC/41)[1] | |
| Class & type: | Type VIIC/41 submarine |
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| Height: | 9.60 m (31 ft 6 in) |
| Draught: | 4.74 m (15 ft 7 in) |
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| Complement: | 44-52 officers & ratings |
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| Commanders: | |
| Operations: | 1 patrol |
| Victories: | |
German submarine U-1172 was a Type VIIC/41 U-boat built for Nazi Germany's Kriegsmarine for service during World War II. She was laid down on 7 June 1943 by Danziger Werft, Danzig as yard number 144, launched on 3 December 1943 and commissioned on 20 April 1944 under Oberleutnant zur See Jürgen Kuhlmann.
Design
Like all Type VIIC/41 U-boats, U-1172 had a displacement of 759 tonnes (747 long tons) when at the surface and 860 tonnes (850 long tons) while submerged. She had a total length of 67.23 m (220 ft 7 in), a pressure hull length of 50.50 m (165 ft 8 in), a beam length of 6.20 m (20 ft 4 in), and a draught length of 4.74 m (15 ft 7 in).[3] The submarine was powered by two Germaniawerft F46 supercharged six-cylinder four-stroke 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) and two SSW GU 343/38-8 double-acting electric motors producing a total of 750 metric horsepower (550 kW; 740 shp) for use while submerged. The boat was capable of operating at a depth of 250 metres (820 ft).[3]
The submarine had a maximum surface speed of 17.7 knots (32.8 km/h; 20.4 mph) and a submerged speed of 7.6 knots (14.1 km/h; 8.7 mph). 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).[3] U-1172 was fitted with an 8.8 centimetres (3.5 in) SK C/35 naval gun and 220 rounds, an anti-aircraft gun, five 53.3 cm (21 in) torpedo tubes (four on the bow and one on the stern) and fourteen torpedoes. Its complement was between forty-four and sixty.[3]
Service history
The boat's service career began on 20 April 1944 with the 8th Training Flotilla, followed by active service with 11th Flotilla on 1 December 1944. U-1172 took part in no wolfpacks. U-1172 was sunk on 27 January 1945 in St Georges Channel by depth charges from British frigates HMS Tyler, HMS Keats and HMS Bligh at 52°24′N 05°42′W / 52.400°N 5.700°W.
Summary of raiding history
| Date | Ship | Nationality | Tonnage | Fate[4] |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 January 1945 | HMS Thane |  Royal Navy |
11,400 | Total loss |
| 15 January 1945 | Spinanger |  Norway |
7,429 | Damaged |
| 23 January 1945 | Vigsnes | Norway |
1,599 | Sunk |
See also
References
- ↑ Helgason, Guðmundur. "Type VIIC/41". German U-boats of WWII - uboat.net. Retrieved 25 March 2015.
- ↑ Helgason, Guðmundur. "Jürgen Kuhlmann". German U-boats of WWII - uboat.net. Retrieved 25 March 2015.
- 1 2 3 4 Gröner 1991, pp. 43-46.
- ↑ Helgason, Guðmundur. "Ships hit by U-1172". German U-boats of WWII - uboat.net. Retrieved 25 March 2015.
Bibliography
- Gröner, Erich; Jung, Dieter; Maass, Martin (1991). U-boats and Mine Warfare Vessels. German Warships 1815–1945 2. Translated by Thomas, Keith; Magowan, Rachel (London: Conway Maritime Press). ISBN 0-85177-593-4.