U-263

Type

VIIC

Ordered

15 Aug, 1940

Laid down

8 Jun, 1941

Bremer Vulkan, Bremen-Vegesack (werk 28)

Launched

18 Mar, 1942

Commissioned

6 May, 1942

Kptlt. Kurt Nölke

Commanders

6 May, 1942 - 20 Jan, 1944

KrvKpt. Kurt Nölke

Career

2 patrols

6 May, 1942 - 31 Oct, 1942 8. Flottille (training)
1 Nov, 1942 - 20 Jan, 1944 1. Flottille (front boat)

Successes

2 ships sunk for a total of 12.376 GRT

Fate

Sunk 20 Jan, 1944 in the Bay of Biscay near La Rochelle, France, in position 46.06N, 01.36W, during a deep dive trials. 51 dead (all hands lost).

See the 2 ships hit by U-263 - View the 2 war patrols

Attacks on this boat

20 Nov, 1942
While attacking 2 freighters the boat was attacked by surface escorts dropping 119 depth charges towards the boat. The boat suffered serious damages and had to abort to port. (Sources: Blair, vol 2, page 114.)

24 Nov, 1942
Only 4 days after being seriously damaged by surface escorts and inbound to France the boat was located and attacked with 4 depth charges from a British Hudson bomber (Sqdn 233, pilot Eric Smith). This attack caused extensive additional damages to the boat, leaving her unable to dive. Initially the boat was given the option of sailing for Spain but managed to reach France on 29 Nov. The boat spent 13 months in repairs. (Sources: Blair, vol 2, page 114)

26 Nov, 1942
The damaged inbound U-263 met an enemy submarine, which fired two torpedoes, but both missed their target.

3 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-263 did not suffer any casualties (we know of) until the time of her loss.