List of all U-boats

U-865

Type

IXC/40

 
Ordered25 Aug 1941
Laid down5 Jan 1943 AG Weser, Bremen (werk 1073)
Launched12 Jul 1943
Commissioned25 Oct 1943Oblt. Dietrich Stellmacher
Commanders
25 Oct 1943 - Sep, 1944  Oblt. (R) Dietrich Stellmacher
Career
1 patrol
25 Oct 1943-30 Jun 1944  4. Flottille (training)
1 Jul 1944-19 Sep 1944  10. Flottille (active service)
SuccessesNo ships sunk or damaged
Fate

Missing since 9 September 1944 in the Norwegian Sea. There is no explanation for its loss. 59 dead (all hands lost).

Loss position

View the 1 war patrol

U-865 left Trondheim on 8 September 1944 for a patrol in Canadian waters, but no signals were received from this boat after sailing and it was posted as missing on 1 October 1944. It is possible that U-865 was lost in an accident because three previous attempts to reach the North Atlantic had been made that all failed owing to problems with the Schnorchel.

Previously recorded fate

  • Probably sunk 19 Sept, 1944 north-west of Bergen, in position 62.20N, 02.30E, by depth charges from a British Liberator aircraft (Sqdn. 206/S).
    Notes. This attack was actually against the U-858 inflicting minor damages.

Attacks on this boat and other events

27 Jul 1944
U-865 was returning to Trondheim due to difficulties with its snorkel when it was slightly damaged by six depth charges from a British Liberator aircraft (86 Sqn RAF/R, pilot G.G. Gates) about 80 nautical miles north-northwest of Trondheim at 19.58 hours. The Germans put up a powerful flak barrage, hitting engines #1 and #2 during the approach and the sudden loss of power on the port side caused the depth charges to miss and explode off the starboard bow. The Liberator circled the U-boat twice and then left with two smoking engines, but managed to reach base safely. (Sources: KTB U-865 & ADM 199/1786)

1 recorded attack on this boat.

Schnorchel-fitted U-boat

This boat was fitted with a Schnorchel underwater-breathing apparatus in July 1944.

Read more about the Schnorchel and see list of fitted boats.

Men lost from U-boats

Unlike many other U-boats, which during their service lost men due to accidents and various other causes, U-865 did not suffer any casualties (we know of) until the time of her loss.


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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