U-266

Type

VIIC

Ordered

15 Aug, 1940

Laid down

1 Aug, 1941

Bremer Vulkan, Bremen-Vegesack (werk 31)

Launched

11 May, 1942

Commissioned

24 Jun, 1942

Oblt. Hannes Leinemann

Commanders

24 Jun, 1942 - 11 Sep, 1942	Hannes Leinemann
12 Sep, 1942 - 15 May, 1943	Kptlt. Ralf von Jessen

Career

2 patrols

24 Jun, 1942 - 31 Dec, 1942 8. Flottille (training)
1 Jan, 1943 - 15 May, 1943 7. Flottille (front boat)

Successes

4 ships sunk for a total of 16.089 GRT

Fate

Sunk 15 May, 1943 in the North Atlantic in position 45.28N, 10.20W, by depth charges from a British Handley Page Halifax aircraft (Sqdn. 58/M). 47 dead (all hands lost).

See the 4 ships hit by U-266 - View the 2 war patrols

Previously recorded fate (Last revised by FDS/NHB during April 1990). More on revised fates

Sunk 14 May, 1943 in the North Atlantic in position 47.45N, 26.57W, by depth charges from a British Liberator aircraft (Sqdn. 86/B).

This attack was in fact against U-403 inflicting no damage.

Wolfpack operations

U-266 operated with the following Wolfpacks during its career:
   Jaguar (12 Jan, 1943 - 23 Jan, 1943)
   Pfeil (2 Feb, 1943 - 9 Feb, 1943)
   Amsel (25 Apr, 1943 - 4 May, 1943)
   Amsel II (4 May, 1943 - 6 May, 1943)

Men lost from U-boats

Unlike many other U-boats, which during their service lost men due to accidents and various other causes, U-266 did not suffer any casualties (we know of) until the time of her loss.