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Coordinates: 58°54′N 42°33′W / 58.900°N 42.550°W / 58.900; -42.550
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{{Short description|German World War II submarine}}
<!--- Don't mess with this line! --->{{Unreviewed|date=September 2014}}
<!--- Write your article below this line --->
{|{{Infobox ship begin}}
{|{{Infobox ship begin}}
{{Infobox ship image
{{Infobox ship image
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{{Infobox ship career
{{Infobox ship career
|Hide header=
|Hide header=
|Ship country= {{nowrap|[[Nazi Germany]]}}
|Ship country=[[Nazi Germany]]
|Ship flag={{shipboxflag|Nazi Germany|naval}}
|Ship flag={{shipboxflag|Nazi Germany|naval}}
|Ship name=''U-657''
|Ship name=''U-657''
|Ship ordered= 9 October 1939
|Ship ordered=9 October 1939
|Ship builder=[[Howaldtswerke]], [[Hamburg]]
|Ship builder=[[Howaldtswerke]], [[Hamburg]]
|Ship yard number= 806
|Ship yard number=806
|Ship laid down= 5 October 1940
|Ship laid down=5 October 1940
|Ship launched= 12 August 1941
|Ship launched=12 August 1941
|Ship commissioned= 8 October 1941
|Ship commissioned=8 October 1941
|Ship fate= Sunk 17 May 1943 in the [[North Atlantic]] in position {{coord|58|54|N|42|33|W|display=title, inline}}, by depth charges from {{HMS|Swale|K217|6}}.
|Ship fate=Sunk on 17 May 1943 in the North Atlantic in position {{coord|58|54|N|42|33|W|display=title, inline}}, by depth charges from {{HMS|Swale|K217|6}}.
}}
}}
{{Infobox ship characteristics
{{Infobox ship characteristics
|Hide header=
|Hide header=
|Header caption={{sfn|Gröner|1985|pp=72-74}}
|Header caption=
|Ship class=[[German Type VII submarine#Type VIIC|Type VIIC]] [[submarine]]
|Ship class=[[German Type VII submarine#Type VIIC|Type VIIC]] [[submarine]]
|Ship displacement={{convert|769|t|LT|0}} surfaced<br/>{{convert|871|t|LT|0|abbr=on}} submerged
|Ship displacement=
*{{convert|769|t|LT|0|lk=on}} surfaced
*{{convert|871|t|LT|0|abbr=on}} submerged
|Ship length={{convert|67.1|m|ftin|abbr=on}} [[o/a]]<br/>{{convert|50.5|m|ftin|abbr=on}} [[pressure hull]]
|Ship length=
*{{convert|67.10|m|ftin|abbr=on}} [[o/a]]
*{{convert|50.50|m|ftin|abbr=on}} [[pressure hull]]
|Ship beam={{convert|6.2|m|ftin|abbr=on}} o/a<br/>{{convert|4.7|m|ftin|abbr=on}} pressure hull
|Ship beam=
*{{convert|6.20|m|ftin|abbr=on}} o/a
*{{convert|4.70|m|ftin|abbr=on}} pressure hull
|Ship draft= {{convert|4.74|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
|Ship draught={{convert|4.74|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
|Ship power=
|Ship propulsion=2&nbsp;×&nbsp;[[supercharged]] [[Germaniawerft]] 6-cylinder 4-stroke F46 [[diesel engine]]s, totalling {{convert|2800|-|3200|bhp|abbr=on}}. Max [[rpm]]: 470-490<br/>2&nbsp;×&nbsp;[[Brown, Boveri & Cie|BBC]] GG&nbsp;UB&nbsp;720/8 [[electric motor]]s, totalling {{convert|750|shp|abbr=on}} and max rpm: 296
|Ship speed={{convert|17.7|kn|lk=in}} surfaced<br/>{{convert|7.6|kn}} submerged
*{{convert|2800|–|3200|PS|kW bhp|abbr=on}} (diesels)
*{{convert|750|PS|kW shp|abbr=on}} (electric)
|Ship range={{convert|8500|nmi|abbr=on|lk=on}} at {{convert|10|kn|abbr=on}} surfaced<br/>{{convert|80|nmi|abbr=on}} at {{convert|4|kn|abbr=on}} submerged
|Ship propulsion=
|Ship test depth={{convert|230|m|ft|abbr=on}}<br/>[[Submarine depth ratings|Crush depth]]: {{convert|250|-|295|m|ft|abbr=on}}
*2 shafts
|Ship complement=44–52 officers & ratings
*2 × [[diesel engine]]s
|Ship armament={{plainlist|
*2 × [[Motor-generator|electric motors]]
*5&nbsp;×&nbsp;{{convert|53.3|cm|in|0|abbr=on}} [[torpedo tube]]s (four bow, one stern)
|Ship speed=
*14&nbsp;×&nbsp;torpedoes ''or'' 26 TMA mines
*{{convert|17.7|kn|lk=in}} surfaced
*1&nbsp;×&nbsp;[[8.8 cm SK C/35 naval gun|{{convert|8.8|cm|in|2|abbr=on}} deck gun]] (220 rounds)
*{{convert|7.6|kn}} submerged
*various AA guns
|Ship range=
*{{convert|8,500|nmi|abbr=on|lk=on}} at {{convert|10|kn}} surfaced
*{{convert|80|nmi|abbr=on}} at {{convert|4|kn}} submerged
|Ship test depth=
*{{convert|230|m|ft|abbr=on}}
*[[Submarine depth ratings|Crush depth]]: {{convert|250|–|295|m|ft|abbr=on}}
|Ship complement=4 officers, 40–56 enlisted
|Ship armament=
*5 × {{convert|53.3|cm|in|0|abbr=on}} [[torpedo tube]]s (four bow, one stern)
*14 × [[torpedo]]es
*1 × [[8.8 cm SK C/35 naval gun|{{convert|8.8|cm|in|2|abbr=on}} deck gun]] (220 rounds)
*1 x [[2 cm FlaK 30|{{convert|2|cm|in|sp=us|abbr=on}} C/30]] AA gun
}}
}}
{{Infobox service record
}}
{{Service record
|is_ship=yes
|is_ship=yes
|label=Service record<ref name="uboatnet">{{cite web |url=http://www.uboat.net/boats/u657.htm |title=The Type VIIC boat U-657|last=Helgason |first=Guðmundur |website=German U-boats of WWII - uboat.net|accessdate=1 September 2014}}</ref>
|label=Service record<ref name="uboatnet">{{cite web
|url=http://uboat.net/boats/u657.html
|title=The Type VIIC boat U-657
|last=Helgason
|first=Guðmundur
|website=German U-boats of WWII - uboat.net
|access-date=1 September 2014
}}</ref>
|partof=
|partof=[[8th U-boat Flotilla]]<br/>(8 October 1941 - 28 February 1942) - Training<br/>[[3rd U-boat Flotilla]]<br/>(1 March 1942 - 30 June 1942)<br/>[[11th U-boat Flotilla]]<br/>(1 July 1942 - 17 May 1943)
*[[8th U-boat Flotilla]]
|commanders=''[[Oblt.z.S.]]'' Hans-Jürgen Radke<br/>(8 October 1941 - 14 December 1941)<br/>''[[K.Kapt.]]'' Heinrich Göllnitz<br/>(20 December 1941 - 17 May 1943)
*8 October 1941 – 28 February 1942
|operations=1st patrol:<br/>26 March 1942 - 11 April 1942<br/>2nd patrol:<br/>17 June 1942 - 9 July 1942<br/>3rd patrol:<br/>23 July 1942 - 16 August 1942<br/>4th patrol:<br/>22 November 1942 - 25 December 1942<br/>5th patrol:<br/>23 January 1943 - 14 February 1943<br/>6th patrol:<br/>15 February 1943 - 15 March 1943<br/>7th patrol:<br/>4 May 1943 - 17 May 1943
*[[3rd U-boat Flotilla]]
|victories=1 merchant ship sunk (5,196 GRT)
*1 March – 30 June 1942
*[[11th U-boat Flotilla]]
*1 July 1942 – 17 May 1943
|codes=M 38 963
|commanders=
*''[[Oblt.z.S.]]'' Hans-Jürgen Radke<ref name="Radke">{{cite web
|url=http://uboat.net/men/commanders/964.html
|title=Hans-Jürgen Radke
|last=Helgason
|first=Guðmundur
|website=German U-boats of World War II - Uboat.net
|access-date=21 April 2015
}}</ref>
*8 October – 14 December 1941
*''[[K.Kapt.]]'' Heinrich Göllnitz<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://uboat.net/men/commanders/365.html
|title=Heinrich Göllnitz
|last=Helgason
|first=Guðmundur
|website=German U-boats of World War II - Uboat.net
|access-date=21 April 2015
}}</ref>
*20 December 1941 – 17 May 1943
|operations=*7 patrols:
*1st patrol:
*26 March – 11 April 1942
*2nd patrol:
*17 June – 9 July 1942
*3rd patrol:
*a. 23 July – 16 August 1942
*b. 17 – 20 August 1942
*c. 22 – 27 August 1942
*d. 4 November 1942
*e. 12 – 13 November 1942
*f. 14 – 15 November 1942
*g. 18 – 21 November 1942
*4th patrol:
*a. 22 November – 25 December 1942
*b. 20 – 21 January 1943
*5th patrol:
*23 January – 14 February 1943
*6th patrol:
*a. 15 February – 15 March 1943
*b. 16 – 19 March 1943
*c. 24 – 28 April 1943
*7th patrol:
*4 – 17 May 1943
|victories=*1 merchant ship sunk <br/>({{GRT|5,196}})
}}
}}
|}
|}

'''German submarine ''U-657''''' was a [[German Type VIIC submarine|Type VIIC]] [[U-boat]] built for [[Nazi Germany]]'s ''[[Kriegsmarine]]'' for service during [[World War II]].
'''German submarine ''U-657''''' was a [[German Type VIIC submarine|Type VIIC]] [[U-boat]] built for [[Nazi Germany]]'s ''[[Kriegsmarine]]'' for service during [[World War II]].
She was laid down on 5 October 1940 by [[Howaldtswerke]], [[Hamburg]] as yard number 806, launched on 12 August 1941 and commissioned on 8 October 1941 under ''[[Oberleutnant zur See]]'' Hans-Jürgen Radke.
She was [[Keel laying|laid down]] on 5 October 1940 by [[Howaldtswerke]], [[Hamburg]] as yard number 806, [[Ceremonial ship launching|launched]] on 12 August 1941 and [[Ship commissioning|commissioned]] on 8 October 1941 under ''[[Oberleutnant zur See]]'' Hans-Jürgen Radke.


Radke was killed in a fire while the boat was undergoing trials on 14 December 1941.
Radke was killed in a fire while the boat was undergoing trials on 14 December 1941.<ref name="Radke"/>


==Service History==
==Design==
[[German Type VII submarine#Type VIIC|German Type VIIC submarines]] were preceded by the shorter [[German Type VII submarine#Type VIIB|Type VIIB submarines]]. ''U-657'' had a displacement of {{convert|769|t|LT}} when at the surface and {{convert|871|t|LT}} while submerged.{{sfn|Gröner|1991|pp=43-46}} She had a total length of {{convert|67.10|m|ftin|abbr=on}}, a [[pressure hull]] length of {{convert|50.50|m|ftin|abbr=on}}, a [[beam (nautical)|beam]] of {{convert|6.20|m|ftin|abbr=on}}, a height of {{convert|9.60|m|ftin|abbr=on}}, and a [[draught (ship)|draught]] of {{convert|4.74|m|ftin|abbr=on}}. The submarine was powered by two [[Germaniawerft]] F46 four-stroke, six-cylinder [[supercharged]] [[diesel engine]]s producing a total of {{convert|2800 to 3200|PS|kW shp|-1}} for use while surfaced, two [[Siemens-Schuckert]] GU 343/38–8 [[Motor–generator|double-acting electric motors]] producing a total of {{convert|750|PS|kW shp}} for use while submerged. She had two shafts and two {{convert|1.23|m|ft|abbr=on|0}} [[propeller]]s. The boat was capable of operating at depths of up to {{convert|230|m}}.{{sfn|Gröner|1991|pp=43-46}}
The boat's career began with training at [[8th U-boat Flotilla]] on 8 October 1941, followed by active service on 1 March 1942 as part of the [[3rd U-boat Flotilla|3rd Flotilla]] in [[La Pallice]], France. Four months later, she transferred to [[11th U-boat Flotilla|11th Flotilla]], in [[Bergen]], Norway, for the remainder of her service.


The submarine had a maximum surface speed of {{convert|17.7|kn}} and a maximum submerged speed of {{convert|7.6|kn}}.{{sfn|Gröner|1991|pp=43-46}} When submerged, the boat could operate for {{convert|80|nmi}} at {{convert|4|kn}}; when surfaced, she could travel {{convert|8500|nmi}} at {{convert|10|kn}}. ''U-657'' was fitted with five {{convert|53.3|cm|in|0|abbr=on}} [[torpedo tube]]s (four fitted at the bow and one at the stern), fourteen [[torpedo]]es, one [[8.8 cm SK C/35 naval gun|{{convert|8.8|cm|in|2|abbr=on}} SK C/35 naval gun]], 220 rounds, and a [[2 cm FlaK 30|{{convert|2|cm|in|sp=us|abbr=on}} C/30]] anti-aircraft gun. The boat had a [[Ship's company|complement]] of between forty-four and sixty.{{sfn|Gröner|1991|pp=43-46}}
In 7 patrols she sank 1 merchant ships, for a total of {{GRT|5,196|disp=long}}.


===Wolf packs===
==Service history==
The boat's career began with training at [[8th U-boat Flotilla]] on 8 October 1941, followed by active service on 1 March 1942 as part of the [[3rd U-boat Flotilla|3rd Flotilla]] in [[La Pallice]], France. Four months later, she transferred to [[11th U-boat Flotilla|11th Flotilla]], in [[Bergen]], Norway, for the remainder of her service.<ref name="uboatnet"/>
''U-657'' took part in 6 wolf packs, namely

* Naseweis (31 March 1942 – 10 April 1942)
In seven patrols she sank one merchant ship, for a total of {{GRT|5,196|disp=long}}.
* [[Wolf pack Eisteufel|Eisteufel]] (21 June 1942 – 8 July 1942)

* Nebelkönig (27 July 1942 – 14 August 1942)
===Wolfpacks===
* Nordwind (24 January 1943 – 4 February 1943)
''U-657'' took part in six [[Wolfpack (naval tactic)|wolfpacks]], namely:
* Iller (12 May 1943 – 15 May 1943)
* Donau 1 (15 May 1943 – 17 May 1943)
* Naseweis (31 March – 10 April 1942)
* [[Wolfpack Eisteufel|Eisteufel]] (21 June – 8 July 1942)
* Nebelkönig (27 July – 14 August 1942)
* Nordwind (24 January – 4 February 1943)
* Iller (12 – 15 May 1943)
* Donau 1 (15 – 17 May 1943)


===Fate===
===Fate===
''U-657'' was sunk on 17 May 1943 in the [[North Atlantic]], E of [[Cape Farewell, Greenland]], in position {{coord|58|54|N|42|33|W|display=inline}}, by depth charges from Royal Navy frigate {{HMS|Swale|K217|6}}. All hands were lost.
''U-657'' was sunk on 17 May 1943 in the North Atlantic, E of [[Cape Farewell, Greenland]], in position {{coord|58|54|N|42|33|W}}, by depth charges from Royal Navy frigate {{HMS|Swale|K217|6}}. All hands were lost.


==Summary of Raiding Career==
==Summary of raiding history==
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
|-
! width="120px"|Date
! width="120px"|Date
! width="180px"|Name
! width="180px"|Ship Name
! width="160px"|Nationality
! width="160px"|Nationality
! width="25px" |Tonnage<br/>(GRT)
! width="25px" |Tonnage<br />([[Gross register tonnage|GRT]])
! width="80px" |Fate<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uboat.net/boats/successes/u657.html|title=Ships hit by U-657 |last=Helgason |first=Guðmundur |website=German U-boats of WWII - uboat.net |accessdate=1 September 2014}}</ref>
! width="80px" |Fate<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://uboat.net/boats/successes/u657.html
|title=Ships hit by U-657
|last=Helgason
|first=Guðmundur
|website=German U-boats of WWII - uboat.net
|access-date=1 September 2014
}}</ref>
|-
|-
|align="right"|17 May 1943
|align="right"|17 May 1943
Line 88: Line 170:


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
;Notes

{{reflist|30em}}
;Bibliography
==Bibliography==
{{Refbegin}}
*{{cite book
*{{cite book | last1 = Busch | first1 = Rainer | last2 = Röll | first2 = Hans-Joachim | translator-last = Brooks | translator-first = Geoffrey | title = German U-boat commanders of World War II : a biographical dictionary | publisher = Greenhill Books, Naval Institute Press | location = London, Annapolis, Md | year = 1999 | isbn = 1-55750-186-6 }}
|last1=Busch
*{{cite book |last1=Busch |first1=Rainer |last2=Röll |first2=Hans-Joachim |title=Der U-Boot-Krieg, 1939-1945: Deutsche U-Boot-Verluste von September 1939 bis Mai 1945|trans-title=German U-boat losses from September 1939 to May 1945 |date=1999|volume=IV |publisher=Mittler|location=Hamburg, Berlin, Bonn |isbn=3-8132-0514-2 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vXKwAAAAIAAJ |language=de}}
|first1=Rainer
*{{cite book |last1=Gröner |first1=Eric |last2=Jung |first2=Dieter |last3=Maass |first3=Martin |translator-last1=Thomas|translator-first1=Keith|translator-last2=Magowan|translator-first2=Rachel |title=German Warships 1815-1945: U-boats and Mine Warfare Vessels |date=1991 |publisher=Conway Maritime Press |location=London |volume=2 |isbn=0-85177-593-4 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Udg-0AEACAAJ|ref=CITEREFGröner1991}}
|last2=Röll
|first2=Hans-Joachim
|title=Deutsche U-Boot-Verluste von September 1939 bis Mai 1945
|work=Der U-Boot-Krieg
|volume=IV
|publisher=Mittler
|location=Hamburg, Berlin, Bonn
|year=1999
|isbn=3-8132-0514-2
|language=German
|ref=harv
}}
*{{cite book
*{{cite book
|last=Gröner
|first=Erich
|title=U-Boote, Hilfskreuzer, Minenschiffe, Netzleger, Sperrbrecher
|work=Die deutschen Kriegsschiffe 1815-1945
|volume=III
|publisher=[[Bernard & Graefe]]
|location=Koblenz
|year=1985
|isbn=3-7637-4802-4
|language=German
|ref=harv
}}
* {{cite book
|last=Sharpe
|last=Sharpe
|first=Peter
|first=Peter
Line 127: Line 185:
|year=1998
|year=1998
|isbn=1-85780-072-9}}
|isbn=1-85780-072-9}}

{{Refend}}


==External links==
==External links==
* {{Cite web
*{{Cite web
|url= http://www.uboat.net/boats/u657.html
|url=http://uboat.net/boats/u657.html
|title= The Type VIIC boat U-657
|title=The Type VIIC boat U-657
|last=Helgason
|last=Helgason
|first=Guðmundur
|first=Guðmundur
|website=German U-boats of WWII - uboat.net
|website=German U-boats of WWII - uboat.net
|accessdate= 29 December 2014
|access-date=29 December 2014
}}
}}


{{German Type VII submarines}}
{{German Type VII submarines}}
{{May 1943 shipwrecks}}

{{use dmy dates|date=December 2014}}
{{use dmy dates|date=December 2014}}
{{Italic title prefixed|16}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:U0657}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:U0657}}
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[[Category:1941 ships]]
[[Category:1941 ships]]
[[Category:U-boats commissioned in 1941]]
[[Category:U-boats commissioned in 1941]]
[[Category:Ships lost with all hands]]
[[Category:Submarines lost with all hands]]
[[Category:U-boats sunk in 1943]]
[[Category:U-boats sunk in 1943]]
[[Category:U-boats sunk by depth charges]]
[[Category:U-boats sunk by depth charges]]
Line 153: Line 214:
[[Category:World War II submarines of Germany]]
[[Category:World War II submarines of Germany]]
[[Category:Ships built in Hamburg]]
[[Category:Ships built in Hamburg]]
[[Category:Maritime incidents in May 1943]]

Latest revision as of 00:18, 27 August 2024

History
Nazi Germany
NameU-657
Ordered9 October 1939
BuilderHowaldtswerke, Hamburg
Yard number806
Laid down5 October 1940
Launched12 August 1941
Commissioned8 October 1941
FateSunk on 17 May 1943 in the North Atlantic in position 58°54′N 42°33′W / 58.900°N 42.550°W / 58.900; -42.550, by depth charges from HMS Swale.
General characteristics
Class and typeType VIIC submarine
Displacement
Length
Beam
  • 6.20 m (20 ft 4 in) o/a
  • 4.70 m (15 ft 5 in) pressure hull
Draught4.74 m (15 ft 7 in)
Installed power
  • 2,800–3,200 PS (2,100–2,400 kW; 2,800–3,200 bhp) (diesels)
  • 750 PS (550 kW; 740 shp) (electric)
Propulsion
Speed
  • 17.7 knots (32.8 km/h; 20.4 mph) surfaced
  • 7.6 knots (14.1 km/h; 8.7 mph) submerged
Range
  • 8,500 nmi (15,700 km; 9,800 mi) at 10 knots (19 km/h; 12 mph) surfaced
  • 80 nmi (150 km; 92 mi) at 4 knots (7.4 km/h; 4.6 mph) submerged
Test depth
  • 230 m (750 ft)
  • Crush depth: 250–295 m (820–968 ft)
Complement4 officers, 40–56 enlisted
Armament
Service record[1]
Part of:
Identification codes: M 38 963
Commanders:
  • Oblt.z.S. Hans-Jürgen Radke[2]
  • 8 October – 14 December 1941
  • K.Kapt. Heinrich Göllnitz[3]
  • 20 December 1941 – 17 May 1943
Operations:
  • 7 patrols:
  • 1st patrol:
  • 26 March – 11 April 1942
  • 2nd patrol:
  • 17 June – 9 July 1942
  • 3rd patrol:
  • a. 23 July – 16 August 1942
  • b. 17 – 20 August 1942
  • c. 22 – 27 August 1942
  • d. 4 November 1942
  • e. 12 – 13 November 1942
  • f. 14 – 15 November 1942
  • g. 18 – 21 November 1942
  • 4th patrol:
  • a. 22 November – 25 December 1942
  • b. 20 – 21 January 1943
  • 5th patrol:
  • 23 January – 14 February 1943
  • 6th patrol:
  • a. 15 February – 15 March 1943
  • b. 16 – 19 March 1943
  • c. 24 – 28 April 1943
  • 7th patrol:
  • 4 – 17 May 1943
Victories: 1 merchant ship sunk
(5,196 GRT)

German submarine U-657 was a Type VIIC U-boat built for Nazi Germany's Kriegsmarine for service during World War II. She was laid down on 5 October 1940 by Howaldtswerke, Hamburg as yard number 806, launched on 12 August 1941 and commissioned on 8 October 1941 under Oberleutnant zur See Hans-Jürgen Radke.

Radke was killed in a fire while the boat was undergoing trials on 14 December 1941.[2]

Design

[edit]

German Type VIIC submarines were preceded by the shorter Type VIIB submarines. U-657 had a displacement of 769 tonnes (757 long tons) when at the surface and 871 tonnes (857 long tons) while submerged.[4] She had a total length of 67.10 m (220 ft 2 in), a pressure hull length of 50.50 m (165 ft 8 in), a beam of 6.20 m (20 ft 4 in), a height of 9.60 m (31 ft 6 in), and a draught of 4.74 m (15 ft 7 in). The submarine was powered by two Germaniawerft F46 four-stroke, six-cylinder supercharged 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 Siemens-Schuckert GU 343/38–8 double-acting electric motors producing a total of 750 metric horsepower (550 kW; 740 shp) 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).[4]

The submarine had a maximum surface speed of 17.7 knots (32.8 km/h; 20.4 mph) and a maximum submerged speed of 7.6 knots (14.1 km/h; 8.7 mph).[4] 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). U-657 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 a 2 cm (0.79 in) C/30 anti-aircraft gun. The boat had a complement of between forty-four and sixty.[4]

Service history

[edit]

The boat's career began with training at 8th U-boat Flotilla on 8 October 1941, followed by active service on 1 March 1942 as part of the 3rd Flotilla in La Pallice, France. Four months later, she transferred to 11th Flotilla, in Bergen, Norway, for the remainder of her service.[1]

In seven patrols she sank one merchant ship, for a total of 5,196 gross register tons (GRT).

Wolfpacks

[edit]

U-657 took part in six wolfpacks, namely:

  • Naseweis (31 March – 10 April 1942)
  • Eisteufel (21 June – 8 July 1942)
  • Nebelkönig (27 July – 14 August 1942)
  • Nordwind (24 January – 4 February 1943)
  • Iller (12 – 15 May 1943)
  • Donau 1 (15 – 17 May 1943)

Fate

[edit]

U-657 was sunk on 17 May 1943 in the North Atlantic, E of Cape Farewell, Greenland, in position 58°54′N 42°33′W / 58.900°N 42.550°W / 58.900; -42.550, by depth charges from Royal Navy frigate HMS Swale. All hands were lost.

Summary of raiding history

[edit]
Date Ship Name Nationality Tonnage
(GRT) 		Fate[5]
17 May 1943 Aymeric  United Kingdom 5,196 Sunk

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Helgason, Guðmundur. "The Type VIIC boat U-657". German U-boats of WWII - uboat.net. Retrieved 1 September 2014.
  2. ^ a b Helgason, Guðmundur. "Hans-Jürgen Radke". German U-boats of World War II - Uboat.net. Retrieved 21 April 2015.
  3. ^ Helgason, Guðmundur. "Heinrich Göllnitz". German U-boats of World War II - Uboat.net. Retrieved 21 April 2015.
  4. ^ a b c d Gröner 1991, pp. 43–46.
  5. ^ Helgason, Guðmundur. "Ships hit by U-657". German U-boats of WWII - uboat.net. Retrieved 1 September 2014.

Bibliography

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