U-431

Type

VIIC

Ordered

23 Sep, 1939

Laid down

4 Jan, 1940

F. Schichau, Danzig (werk 1472)

Launched

2 Feb, 1941

Commissioned

5 Apr, 1941

Kptlt. Wilhelm Dommes (Knights Cross)

Commanders

5 Apr, 1941 - 6 Jan, 1943	Kptlt. Wilhelm Dommes (Knights Cross)
15 Dec, 1942 - 21 Oct, 1943	Oblt. Dietrich Schöneboom (Knights Cross)

Career

16 patrols

5 Apr, 1941 - 1 Jul, 1941  3. Flottille (training)
1 Jul, 1941 - 31 Dec, 1941  3. Flottille (front boat)
1 Jan, 1942 - 21 Oct, 1943  29. Flottille (front boat)

Successes

6 ships sunk for a total of 7.679 GRT
1 auxiliary warship sunk for a total of 313 GRT
2 warships sunk for a total of 3.548 tons
1 ship damaged for a total of 3.560 GRT
1 warship damaged for a total of 450 tons
1 ship a total loss for a total of 6.415 GRT

Fate

Sunk on 21 Oct, 1943 in the Mediterranean out of Algiers in position 37.23N, 00.35E, by depth charges from a British Wellington aircraft (Sqdn. 179/Z). 52 dead (all hands lost).

See the 12 ships hit by U-431 - View the 16 war patrols

Previously recorded fate (Last revised by FDS/NHB during November 1987). More on revised fates

Sunk 30 Oct, 1943 in the Mediterranean southeast of Toulon, France, in position 43.04N, 05.57E, by a torpedo from the British submarine HMS Ultimatum.

This attack was actually against U-73 inflicting no damage.

Attacks on this boat

3 Nov, 1942
After being attacked and heavily damaged by an aircraft U-431 was forced to return to base.

1 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-431 did not suffer any casualties (we know of) until the time of her loss.