U-438

Type

VIIC

Ordered

16 Oct, 1939

Laid down

25 Apr, 1940

F. Schichau, Danzig (werk 1480)

Launched

6 Sep, 1941

Commissioned

22 Nov, 1941

Kptlt. Rudolf Franzius

Commanders

22 Nov, 1941 - 29 Mar, 1943	Rudolf Franzius
30 Mar, 1943 - 6 May, 1943	KrvKpt. Heinrich Heinsohn

Career

4 patrols

22 Nov, 1941 - 31 Jul, 1942 8. Flottille (training)
1 Aug, 1942 - 6 May, 1943 9. Flottille (front boat)

Successes

4 ships sunk for a total of 19.502 GRT
1 ship damaged for a total of 5.496 GRT

Fate

Sunk 6 May, 1943 in the North Atlantic north-east of Newfoundland, in approximate position 52.00N, 45.10W, by depth charges from the British sloop HMS Pelican. 48 dead (all hands lost).

See the 5 ships hit by U-438 - View the 4 war patrols

Wolfpack operations

U-438 operated with the following Wolfpacks during its career:
   Lachs (15 Aug, 1942 - 27 Sep, 1942)
   Veilchen (24 Oct, 1942 - 6 Nov, 1942)
   Habicht (12 Jan, 1943 - 19 Jan, 1943)
   Haudegen (22 Jan, 1943 - 9 Feb, 1943)
   Meise (20 Apr, 1943 - 27 Apr, 1943)
   Specht (27 Apr, 1943 - 4 May, 1943)
   Fink (4 May, 1943 - 6 May, 1943)

Attacks on this boat

4 May, 1943
A Catalina aircraft (Sqdn 5) attacked an U-boat, believed to have been the U-438 on this day. The boat fought back and escaped with some damages. (Sources: Blair, vol 2, page 291)

1 recorded attacks on this boat.

General notes on this boat

On 1 January, 1943 U-438 was damaged by underwater explosions, forcing her to return from patrol in the North Atlantic.

Men lost from U-boats

Unlike many other U-boats, which during their service lost men due to accidents and various other causes, U-438 did not suffer any casualties (we know of) until the time of her loss.