German submarine U-2345 was a Type XXIII U-boat of Nazi Germany's Kriegsmarine during World War II. She was ordered on 20 September 1943, and was laid down on 7 September 1944 at Deutsche Werft AG, Hamburg, as yard number 499. She was launched on 28 October 1944 and commissioned under the command of Oberleutnant zur See Karl Steffen on 15 November 1944.[2]
.jpg) Postwar photo of Hecht (S 171), (former Type XXIII submarine U-2367). An identical sister ship of U-2345.
| |
| History | |
|---|---|
 Nazi Germany | |
| Name | U-2345 |
| Ordered | 20 September 1943 |
| Builder | Deutsche Werft AG, Hamburg |
| Yard number | 499 |
| Laid down | 7 September 1944 |
| Launched | 28 October 1944 |
| Commissioned | 15 November 1944 |
| Fate |
|
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | Type XXIII submarine |
| Displacement | |
| Length | |
| Beam |
|
| Draught | 3.66 m (12 ft) |
| Installed power |
|
| Propulsion |
|
| Speed |
|
| Range |
|
| Test depth | 180 m (590 ft) |
| Complement | 14–18 |
| Armament |
|
| Service record | |
| Part of: |
|
| Identification codes: | M 50 159 |
| Commanders: | |
| Operations: | None |
| Victories: | None |
Design
editLike all Type XXIII U-boats, U-2345 had a displacement of 234 tonnes (230 long tons) when at the surface and 258 tonnes (254 long tons) while submerged. She had a total length of 34.68 m (113 ft 9 in) (o/a), a beam width of 3.02 m (9 ft 11 in) (o/a), and a draught depth of 3.66 m (12 ft). The submarine was powered by one MWM six-cylinder RS134S diesel engine providing 575–630 metric horsepower (423–463 kilowatts; 567–621 shaft horsepower), one AEG GU4463-8 double-acting electric motor electric motor providing 580 PS (430 kW; 570 shp), and one BBC silent running CCR188 electric motor providing 35 PS (26 kW; 35 shp).[3]
The submarine had a maximum surface speed of 9.7 knots (18.0 km/h; 11.2 mph) and a submerged speed of 12.5 knots (23.2 km/h; 14.4 mph). When submerged, the boat could operate at 4 knots (7.4 km/h; 4.6 mph) for 194 nautical miles (359 km; 223 mi); when surfaced, she could travel 2,600 nautical miles (4,800 km; 3,000 mi) at 8 knots (15 km/h; 9.2 mph). U-2345 was fitted with two 53.3 cm (21 in) torpedo tubes in the bow. She could carry two preloaded torpedoes. The complement was 14–18 men.[3] This class of U-boat did not carry a deck gun.[2]
Service history
editOn 9 May 1945, U-2345 surrendered at Stavanger, Norway. She was later transferred to Loch Ryan, Scotland on 30 June 1945. Of the 156 U-boats that eventually surrendered to the Allied forces at the end of the war, U-2345 was one of 116 selected to take part in Operation Deadlight. U-2345 was towed out and scuttled on 27 November 1945.[2]
The wreck now lies at 56°10′N 10°05′W / 56.167°N 10.083°W.[2]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ Helgason, Guðmundur. "Karl Steffen". Uboat.net. Retrieved 29 April 2016.
- ^ a b c d Helgason, Guðmundur. "U-2345". Uboat.net. Retrieved 29 April 2016.
- ^ a b Gröner 1991, p. 89.
Bibliography
edit- Busch, Rainer; Röll, Hans-Joachim (1999). German U-boat commanders of World War II : a biographical dictionary. Translated by Brooks, Geoffrey. London, Annapolis, Md: Greenhill Books, Naval Institute Press. ISBN 1-55750-186-6.
- Gröner, Erich; Jung, Dieter; Maass, Martin (1991). U-boats and Mine Warfare Vessels. German Warships 1815–1945. Vol. 2. Translated by Thomas, Keith; Magowan, Rachel. London: Conway Maritime Press. ISBN 0-85177-593-4.
- Williamson, Gordon (2005). Wolf Pack: The Story of the U-boat in World War II. Osprey. ISBN 1841768723.
External links
edit- Helgason, Guðmundur. "U-2345". Uboat.net. Retrieved 29 April 2016.