German submarine U-1203 facts for kids
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|} The U-1203was a German submarine, also known as a "U-boat," built during World War II. It was part of Nazi Germany's navy, called the Kriegsmarine. Its construction started on May 15, 1943, at a shipyard named Schichau-Werke in Danzig. The submarine was officially launched on December 9, 1943. It then joined the navy on February 10, 1944, with Erich Steinbrink as its first commander.
Contents
| History | |
|---|---|
 Nazi Germany |
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| Name | U-1203 |
| Ordered | 14 October 1941 |
| Builder | Schichau-Werke, Danzig |
| Yard number | 1573 |
| Laid down | 15 May 1943 |
| Launched | 9 December 1943 |
| Commissioned | 10 February 1944 |
| Fate |
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| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | Type VIIC submarine |
| Displacement |
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| Length |
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| Beam |
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| 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 | 4 officers, 40–56 enlisted |
| Armament |
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| Service record | |
| Part of: |
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| Commanders: |
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| Operations: |
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| Victories: | 1 auxiliary warship sunk (580 GRT) |
About the U-1203's Design
The U-1203 was a Type VIIC U-boat. This was a common type of submarine used by Germany during the war.
When on the surface, the U-1203 weighed about 769 tonnes. When it was underwater, it weighed more, around 871 tonnes. The submarine was about 67.10 m (220 ft 2 in) long overall. Its strongest part, the pressure hull, was about 50.50 m (165 ft 8 in) long.
The U-1203 had two types of engines. It used diesel engines when on the surface, which gave it a lot of power. When it went underwater, it switched to electric motors. These allowed it to move quietly beneath the waves.
Speed and Travel Range
This U-boat could travel at different speeds. On the surface, its top speed was about 17.7 knots (32.8 km/h; 20.4 mph). Underwater, it moved slower, at about 7.6 knots (14.1 km/h; 8.7 mph).
The U-1203 could travel long distances. On the surface, it could go about 8,500 nmi (15,700 km; 9,800 mi) (which is about 15,742 kilometers) at a speed of 10 knots (19 km/h; 12 mph). Underwater, its range was shorter, about 80 nmi (150 km; 92 mi) (about 148 kilometers) at 4 knots (7.4 km/h; 4.6 mph).
How Deep Could it Go?
The U-1203 was designed to operate safely at depths of up to 230 m (750 ft). This is roughly the height of a 75-story building. Its "crush depth," the point where the pressure would likely destroy the submarine, was between 250–295 m (820–968 ft).
Crew and Weapons
The submarine usually had a crew of about 44 to 60 people. This included officers and other sailors.
For weapons, the U-1203 was equipped with five torpedo tubes. Four of these were at the front (bow) and one was at the back (stern). It could carry 14 torpedoes or 26 mines. It also had a large deck gun and several anti-aircraft guns to defend against planes.
U-1203's Time in Service
The U-1203's journey began with training. From February 10, 1944, it was part of the 8th U-boat Flotilla. This was a group of submarines used for training new crews.
Later, on December 1, 1944, it moved to active duty with the 11th U-boat Flotilla. This group was involved in actual wartime operations.
Final Days of the U-boat
The U-1203 surrendered to Allied forces on May 9, 1945, in Trondheim, Norway. After the war, many German U-boats were collected and sunk to prevent them from being used again.
The U-1203 was taken to Loch Ryan, Scotland, on May 29, 1945. On December 8, 1945, it was sunk as part of an operation called Operation Deadlight. This operation involved sinking many captured German submarines in the Atlantic Ocean.
Summary of What it Sank
During its time in service, the U-1203 sank one ship.
| Date | Ship Name | Nationality | Tonnage (GRT) |
Fate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24 February 1945 | HMY Ellesmere |  Royal Navy |
580 | Sunk |
