List of all U-boats

U-259

Type

VIIC

 
Ordered23 Dec 1939
Laid down25 Mar 1941 Bremer Vulkan-Vegesacker Werft, Bremen-Vegesack (werk 24)
Launched30 Dec 1941
Commissioned18 Feb 1942Oblt. Klaus Köpke
Commanders
18 Feb 1942 - 15 Nov 1942  Kptlt. Klaus Köpke
Career
2 patrols
18 Feb 1942-31 Aug 1942  5. Flottille (training)
1 Sep 1942-15 Nov 1942  3. Flottille (active service)
SuccessesNo ships sunk or damaged
Fate

Sunk on 15 November 1942 in the Mediterranean Sea north of Algiers, in position 37.20N, 03.05E, by depth charges from a British Hudson aircraft (500 Sqn RAF/S). 48 dead (all hands lost).

Loss position

View the 2 war patrols

Wolfpack operations

U-259 operated with the following Wolfpacks during its career:
   Lohs (13 Sep 1942 - 22 Sep 1942)
   Blitz (22 Sep 1942 - 25 Sep 1942)
   Delphin (5 Nov 1942 - 12 Nov 1942)
   Wal (12 Nov 1942 - 15 Nov 1942)

Attacks on this boat and other events

15 Nov 1942
Aircraft attack, aircraft shot down:British Hudson bomber (500 Sqdn RAF/S, pilot F/O Mick A. Ensor)

One of the depth charges dropped by the aircaft exploded on contact with the boat, crippling the aircraft and forcing the crew to bail out. Only the pilot and one crewman were rescued by the British sloops HMS Erne and HMS Leith. U-259 was sunk.

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-259 did not suffer any casualties (we know of) until the time of her loss.


Media links


U-Boat Operations of the Second World War - Vol 1

Wynn, Kenneth


German U-Boat Losses During World War II

Niestle, Axel


Hitler's U-boat War

Blair, Clay


Ensor's Endeavour

Orange, Vincent




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