U-663

Type

VIIC

Ordered

15 Aug 1940

Laid down

31 Mar 1941

Howaldtswerke Hamburg AG, Hamburg (werk 812)

Launched

26 Mar 1942

Commissioned

14 May 1942

Kptlt. Heinrich Schmid

Commanders

14 May 1942

8 May 1943

KrvKpt. Heinrich Schmid

Career
3 patrols

14 May 1942	-	30 Sep 1942	5. Flottille (training)
1 Oct 1942	-	31 Oct 1942	11. Flottille (active service)
1 Nov 1942	-	8 May 1943	9. Flottille (active service)

Successes

2 ships sunk, total tonnage 10,924 GRT

Fate

Sank on 8 May 1943 in the Bay of Biscay south-west of Brest, in approx. position 46.50N, 10.00W, after being badly damaged by depth charges from an Australian Sunderland aircraft (10 Sqn RAAF/W) in position 47.06N, 10.58W on 7 May. 49 dead (all hands lost). (Axel Niestlé, November 1989).

Loss position

See the 2 ships hit by U-663 - View the 3 war patrols

U-663 sent its last radio message at 0316hrs on 8 May 1943 from approx. position 46.50N, 10.00W stating its severe damage from an air attack the day before and requesting help. The boat was never heard from again and could not be located by the air escort sent to its assistance, it probably foundered due to the structural damage sustained.

Previously recorded fate

Sunk by the British Halifax aircraft (RAF 58/S) on 7 May 1943 in position 46.33N, 11.12W. (Postwar assessment)
Notes. This attack was in fact against the U-214 causing minor damages.

Wolfpack operations

U-663 operated with the following Wolfpacks during its career:
   Drachen (22 Nov 1942 - 3 Dec 1942)
   Panzer (3 Dec 1942 - 9 Dec 1942)
   Büffel (9 Dec 1942 - 14 Dec 1942)
   Seeteufel (21 Mar 1943 - 30 Mar 1943)

Attacks on this boat and other events

7 May 1943
The target of the depth charge attack on 7 May 1943 in the Bay of Biscay west of St. Nazaire, France in position 47.06N, 10.58W by Australian Sunderland flying boat W/William of 10 Sqdn RAAF, often credited with sinking U-465, was actually U-663, which escaped with severe damage. (Sources: 1989-11-01, Axel Niestle)

1 recorded attack on this boat.

Men lost from U-boats

Unlike many other U-boats, which during their service lost men due to accidents and various other causes, U-663 did not suffer any casualties (we know of) until the time of her loss.