U-128

Type

IXC

Ordered

7 Aug 1939

Laid down

10 Jul 1940

AG Weser, Bremen (werk 991)

Launched

20 Feb 1941

Commissioned

12 May 1941

Kptlt. Ullrich Heyse (Knights Cross)

Commanders

12 May 1941	-	28 Feb 1943		Kptlt. Ulrich Heyse (Knights Cross)
1 Mar 1943	-	17 May 1943		Kptlt. Hermann Steinert

Career
6 patrols

12 May 1941	-	30 Nov 1941	2. Flottille (training)
1 Dec 1941	-	17 May 1943	2. Flottille (front boat)

Successes

12 ships sunk, total tonnage 83,639 GRT

Fate

Sunk 17 May, 1943 in the South Atlantic south of Pernambuco, in approximate position 10.00S, 35.35W, by gunfire from the US destroyers USS Moffett, USS Jouett and depth charges from two Mariner aircraft (Sqdn VP-74/P-6/P-5). 7 dead and 47 survivors.

See the 12 ships hit by U-128 - View the 6 war patrols

Attacks on this boat

7 Mar 1942
At 17.03 hours, the boat crash dived when attacked by two PBM Mariner aircraft (USN VP-74) out of low clouds about 150 miles south of Bermuda. The first aircraft released two depth charges set at 50 feet just as the stern of the U-boat disappeared, but they were duds and later released two more depth charges in a second attack run. The other aircraft dropped two more. No damage was sustained by the U-boat which remained submerged until dusk. (Sources: ONI)

16 May 1943
The boat was attacked by an American Mariner aircraft (USN VP-74 / P-2) off Bahia without results as the 12 bombs fell wide. (Sources: Blair, vol 2, page 223)

2 recorded attacks 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-128 did not suffer any casualties (we know of) until the time of her loss.