German submarine U-1005 facts for kids
U-995 Type VIIC/41 at the Laboe Naval Memorial. This U-boat is almost identical to U-1005.
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Quick facts for kids History |
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 Nazi Germany |
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| Name | U-1005 |
| Ordered | 14 October 1941 |
| Builder | Blohm & Voss, Hamburg |
| Yard number | 205 |
| Laid down | 29 January 1943 |
| Launched | 17 November 1943 |
| Commissioned | 30 December 1943 |
| Fate |
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| General characteristics | |
| Type | Type VIIC/41 submarine |
| Displacement |
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| Length |
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| Beam |
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| Height | 9.60 m (31 ft 6 in) |
| Draught | 4.74 m (15 ft 7 in) |
| Installed power |
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| Propulsion |
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| Speed |
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| Range | |
| Test depth |
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| Complement | 44-52 officers & ratings |
| Armament |
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| Service record | |
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| Commanders: |
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| Operations: |
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| Victories: | None |
The German submarine U-1005 was a special type of submarine called a Type VIIC/41 U-boat. It was built for Nazi Germany's navy, the Kriegsmarine, during World War II.
The order for U-1005 was placed on 14 October 1941. Its construction began on 29 January 1943, at a shipyard called Blohm & Voss in Hamburg, Germany. The submarine was officially launched into the water on 17 November 1943. It was then ready for duty on 30 December 1943, under the command of Oberleutnant zur See Joachim Methner.
Contents
What Was the U-1005 Like?
The U-1005 was a Type VIIC/41 submarine. These were improved versions of the earlier Type VIIC submarines.
Size and Weight
When U-1005 was on the surface, it weighed about 769 tonnes (which is 757 long tons). When it was underwater, it weighed more, about 871 tonnes (857 long tons). The submarine was about 67.10 meters (220 feet) long overall. Its main body, called the pressure hull, was 50.50 meters (165 feet 8 inches) long. The widest part of the submarine was 6.20 meters (20 feet 4 inches) across. It stood 9.60 meters (31 feet 6 inches) tall and sat 4.74 meters (15 feet 7 inches) deep in the water.
Engines and Speed
U-1005 had two diesel engines for moving on the surface. These engines gave it a lot of power, between 2,800 and 3,200 horsepower. When it was underwater, it used two electric motors that produced 750 horsepower. These motors turned two propellers.
The submarine could travel at a top speed of 17.7 knots (about 32.8 kilometers per hour) on the surface. Underwater, it was slower, reaching a top speed of 7.6 knots (about 14.1 kilometers per hour).
How Far Could It Go?
U-1005 could travel a long way! On the surface, it could go about 8,500 nautical miles (15,742 kilometers) when cruising at 10 knots. Underwater, it had a shorter range, about 80 nautical miles (148 kilometers) at 4 knots. The submarine could dive to a depth of 230 meters (750 feet).
Weapons and Crew
U-1005 was armed with five torpedo tubes, which are tubes that launch torpedoes. Four were at the front (bow) and one was at the back (stern). It could carry 14 torpedoes or 26 naval mines.
It also had guns for defense:
- One 8.8 cm (3.5 inch) deck gun with 220 rounds.
- One 3.7 cm (1.5 inch) anti-aircraft gun (Flak M42).
- Two 2 cm (0.79 inch) anti-aircraft guns (C/30).
The submarine usually had a crew of 44 to 52 officers and sailors.
U-1005's Time in Service
U-1005 went on two war patrols during World War II. However, it did not sink or damage any enemy ships during these missions.
Sometime before February 1945, the U-1005 was fitted with a Schnorchel. This was a special device that allowed the submarine to run its diesel engines and get fresh air while staying underwater, making it harder to detect.
Surrender and Final Fate
On 14 May 1945, U-1005 surrendered to the Allied forces in Bergen, Norway. It was then moved to Loch Ryan, Scotland, on 2 June 1945. There, it waited for almost six months to learn its fate.
U-1005 was one of 116 U-boats chosen to be part of Operation Deadlight. This was an operation where the Allied forces sank captured German U-boats to prevent them from ever being used again. On 5 December 1945, U-1005 was being towed out to be sunk, but it foundered (sank unexpectedly) before reaching the planned scuttling area. It became one of 56 U-boats that sank early during Operation Deadlight.
The wreck of U-1005 now lies at the coordinates 55°33′N 8°27′W / 55.550°N 8.450°W.
See also
