U-464

Type

XIV

Ordered

15 Aug, 1940

Laid down

18 Mar, 1941

Deutsche Werke, Kiel (werk 295)

Launched

20 Dec, 1941

Commissioned

30 Apr, 1942

Kptlt. Otto Harms

Commanders

30 Apr, 1942 - 20 Aug, 1942

Kptlt. Otto Harms

Career

1 patrol

30 Apr, 1942 - 1 Aug, 1942 4. Flottille (training)
1 Aug, 1942 - 20 Aug, 1942 10. Flottille (front boat)

Successes

No ships sunk or damaged

Fate

Sunk on August 20, 1942 south-east of Iceland in position 61.25N, 14.40W by a US Catalina aircraft. 2 dead and 52 survivors.

View the 1 war patrol

General notes on this boat

The boat was surprised by a Catalina aircraft of VP-73 squadron in rough weather and 5 depth charges rendered the boat unable to dive. Although it could still do 8 knots on the surface it was simply waiting to be destroyed by nearby surface forces. Kptlt. Harms was aware of this and decided to scuttle the boat and head for a nearby Icelandic trawler. What happens next is available in two versions a) The Icelandic trawler Skaftfellingur headed for the sinking U-boat and commenced rescue operations. The Germans seemed hesitant to leave their boat but finally after one of them had been pulled over to the trawler via line they jumped into the water. The 7-man Icelandic crew (reduced crew due to hazardous waters) then accommodated the 52 German survivors and placed them in the bow of the ship where they should remain. A machine gun on the bridge enforced the order. Later the same day 2 British destroyers arrived and captured the Germans. (English and Icelandic sources) b) The U-boat crew boarded the boat and subdued its crew and headed for Germany. They were only interrupted by 2 British destroyers. (German sources)

How a tired and wet crew was to board a trawler sailing at 10 knots is anyone's guess. The former explanation is more likely and supported by better facts. The Icelandic captain was even given the 3rd degree by a British court in Fleetwood about this.

In July 1999 the German Navy honored the Icelandic seamen who rescued the German U-boat men on that day. This took place in Reykjavik during a visit by a detachment of German submarines.

Men lost from U-boats

Unlike many other U-boats, which during their service lost men due to accidents and various other causes, U-464 did not suffer any casualties (we know of) until the time of her loss.