German submarine U-4712 was a Type XXIII U-boat of Nazi Germany's Kriegsmarine during World War II. She was ordered on 7 July 1944, and was laid down on 3 January 1945 at Friedrich Krupp Germaniawerft AG, Kiel, as yard number 954. She was launched on 1 March 1945 and commissioned under the command of Oberleutnant zur See Karl-Heinz Rohlfing on 3 April 1945.[2]
.jpg) Postwar photo of Hecht (S 171), (former Type XXIII submarine U-2367). An identical sister ship of U-4712.
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| History | |
|---|---|
 Nazi Germany | |
| Name | U-4712 |
| Ordered | 7 July 1944 |
| Builder | Friedrich Krupp Germaniawerft AG, Kiel |
| Yard number | 954 |
| Laid down | 3 January 1945 |
| Launched | 1 March 1945 |
| Commissioned | 3 April 1945 |
| Fate | Scuttled on 3 May 1945 |
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | Type XXIII submarine |
| Displacement | |
| Length | |
| Beam |
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| Draught | 3.66 m (12 ft) |
| Installed power |
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| Propulsion |
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| Speed |
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| Range |
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| Test depth | 180 m (590 ft) |
| Complement | 14–18 |
| Armament |
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| Service record | |
| Part of: |
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| Identification codes: | M 52 911 |
| Commanders: | |
| Operations: | None |
| Victories: | None |
Design
editLike all Type XXIII U-boats, U-4712 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-4712 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 3 May 1945, U-4712 was scuttled at Germaniawerft, Kiel, as part of Operation Regenbogen. The wreck was later raised and broken up.[2]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ Helgason, Guðmundur. "Karl-Heinz Rohlfing". Uboat.net. Retrieved 30 April 2016.
- ^ a b c Helgason, Guðmundur. "U-4712". Uboat.net. Retrieved 30 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, Eric; Jung, Dieter; Maass, Martin (1991). German Warships 1815-1945: U-boats and Mine Warfare Vessels. Vol. 2. Translated by Thomas, Keith; Magowan, Rachel. London: Conway Maritime. 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-4712". Uboat.net. Retrieved 30 April 2016.