List of all U-boats

U-863

Type

IXD2

 
Ordered5 Jun 1941
Laid down15 Sep 1942 AG Weser, Bremen (werk 1069)
Launched29 Jun 1943
Commissioned3 Nov 1943Kptlt. Dietrich von der Esch
Commanders
3 Nov 1943 - 29 Sep 1944  Kptlt. Dietrich von der Esch (German Cross in Gold)
Career
1 patrol
3 Nov 1943-30 Jun 1944  4. Flottille (training)
1 Jul 1944-29 Sep 1944  12. Flottille (active service)
SuccessesNo ships sunk or damaged
Fate

Sunk 29 Sept 1944 in the South Atlantic east-south-east of Recife, in position 10.45S, 25.30W, by depth charges from 2 US Liberator aircraft (VB-107/B-9). 69 dead (all hands lost).

Loss position

View the 1 war patrol

Attacks on this boat and other events

20 Jul 1944
A Norwegian 'Tsetse' Mosquito (Sqdn 333, pilot Rolf Leithe) attacked the boat with 6pdr (57mm) cannon fire and dropped two depth charges. The boat suffered minor damage and retreated to base for repairs, sailing on July 26. (Sources: Blair, vol 2, page 597)

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-863 did not suffer any casualties (we know of) until the time of her loss.

U-boat Emblems

We have 1 emblem entry for this boat. See the emblem page for this boat or view emblems individually below.


Gauntlet

Media links


German U-Boat Losses During World War II

Niestle, Axel


U-Boat Operations of the Second World War - Vol 2

Wynn, Kenneth


Hitler's U-boat War, Vol II

Blair, Clay




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