Patrol info for U-278
Date lookup for 3 May 1944
| Departure | Arrival / Fate | Duration | ||
| 24 Apr 1944 | Hammerfest | 8 May 1944 | Bergen | 15 days |
Commander | Officers * |
 Kptlt. Joachim Franze |
WO Oblt. (R) Wolfgang Heibges |
U-278's position on 3 May 1944
Wolfpack operations during this patrol
U-278 operated with the following Wolfpacks during this patrol
Donner & Keil (25 Apr 1944 - 3 May 1944)
Ships hit by U-278 on this date
General Events during this patrol
We have no events listed for this date.
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Attacks on U-278 during this patrol
3 May 1944
03.32 hrs, Norwegian Sea: U-278 was surprised by three carrier aircraft (one Swordfish of 842 Sqn FAA from HMS Fencer and one Swordfish and one Martlet of 833 Sqn FAA from HMS Activity) in the vicinity of convoy RA 59. It happened so quickly that the AA gunners only returned fire after the initial attack, but they then managed to keep the aircraft at a distance with the quadruple flak gun for 20 minutes until the boat dived. The four or five depth charges dropped fell wide and the boat suffered only superficial damage from 33 hits to the conning tower and the upper deck from the strafing runs. The Germans observed AA hits on the right wing of the Martlet and claimed it shot down after observing it trailing smoke until lost from sight. However, all three aircraft returned to their carriers.
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* These are officers that later became commanders themselves.