List of all U-boats

U-538

Type

IXC/40

 
Ordered10 Apr 1941
Laid down18 Apr 1942 Deutsche Werft AG, Hamburg (werk 356)
Launched20 Nov 1942
Commissioned10 Feb 1943Kptlt. Johann-Egbert Gossler
Commanders
10 Feb 1943 - 21 Nov 1943  Kptlt. Johann-Egbert Gossler
Career
1 patrol
10 Feb 1943-31 Oct 1943  4. Flottille (training)
1 Nov 1943-21 Nov 1943  2. Flottille (active service)
SuccessesNo ships sunk or damaged
Fate

Sunk on 21 November 1943 in the North Atlantic north-west of Cape Finisterre, Spain, in position 45.40N, 19.35W, by depth charges from the British frigate HMS Foley and the British sloop HMS Crane. 55 dead (all hands lost).

Loss position

View the 1 war patrol

Wolfpack operations

U-538 operated with the following Wolfpacks during its career:
   Eisenhart 1 (9 Nov 1943 - 15 Nov 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-538 did not suffer any casualties (we know of) until the time of her loss.

U-boat Emblems

We have 1 emblem entry for this boat. See the emblem page for this boat or view emblems individually below.


Saluting Silhouette

Media links


German U-Boat Losses During World War II

Niestle, Axel


U-Boat Operations of the Second World War - Vol 2

Wynn, Kenneth


Hitler's U-boat War, Vol II

Blair, Clay




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