German submarine U-1271 facts for kids
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|} The German submarine U-1271was a special type of submarinecalled a Type VIIC/41 U-boat. It was built for Nazi Germany's navy, the Kriegsmarine, during World War II. The order for U-1271was placed on March 23, 1942. Its construction began on April 17, 1943, at a shipyard in Bremen-Vegesack. The submarine was officially launched on December 8, 1943. It was ready for service on January 12, 1944, under the command of Erwin Knipping.
Contents
- What is a Type VIIC/41 U-boat?
- How Big Was U-1271?
- How Did U-1271 Move?
- How Fast and Far Could It Go?
- What Weapons Did It Carry?
| History | |
|---|---|
 Nazi Germany |
|
| Name | U-1271 |
| Ordered | 23 March 1942 |
| Builder | Bremer Vulkan-Vegesacker Werft, Bremen-Vegesack |
| Yard number | 66 |
| Laid down | 17 April 1943 |
| Launched | 8 December 1943 |
| Commissioned | 12 January 1944 |
| Fate |
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| General characteristics | |
| Type | Type VIIC/41 submarine |
| Displacement |
|
| Length |
|
| Beam |
|
| Height | 9.60 m (31 ft 6 in) |
| Draught | 4.74 m (15 ft 7 in) |
| Installed power |
|
| Propulsion |
|
| Speed |
|
| Range | |
| Test depth |
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| Complement | 44-52 officers & ratings |
| Armament |
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| Service record | |
| Part of: |
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| Commanders: |
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| Operations: | None |
| Victories: | None |
Understanding the U-boat Design
What is a Type VIIC/41 U-boat?
The U-1271 belonged to a group of submarines known as the German Type VIIC/41. These were an improved version of the earlier Type VIIC submarines. They were designed to be strong and effective underwater vessels.
How Big Was U-1271?
When U-1271 was on the surface, it weighed about 769 tonnes (757 long tons). When it was underwater, it weighed more, around 871 tonnes (857 long tons). The submarine was about 67.10 m (220 ft 2 in) long from end to end. Its main body, called the pressure hull, was 50.50 m (165 ft 8 in) long.
The submarine was 6.20 m (20 ft 4 in) wide and 9.60 m (31 ft 6 in) tall. It sat 4.74 m (15 ft 7 in) deep in the water.
How Did U-1271 Move?
U-1271 used two powerful diesel engines when it was on the surface. These engines produced a lot of power, between 2800 and 3200 PS. When the submarine went underwater, it switched to two electric motors. These motors produced 750 PS of power.
The submarine had two propellers, each about 1.23 m (4 ft) wide, to push it through the water. It could dive to a depth of up to 230 metres (750 ft).
How Fast and Far Could It Go?
On the surface, U-1271 could travel at a top speed of 17.7 knots (32.8 km/h; 20.4 mph) (knots). Underwater, it was slower, reaching a maximum speed of 7.6 knots (14.1 km/h; 8.7 mph).
When surfaced, the U-boat could travel a long distance, about 8,500 nautical miles (15,700 km; 9,800 mi) (nautical miles) at a speed of 10 knots (19 km/h; 12 mph). Underwater, its range was much shorter, about 80 nautical miles (150 km; 92 mi) at 4 knots (7.4 km/h; 4.6 mph).
What Weapons Did It Carry?
U-1271 was equipped with five torpedo tubes, which are tubes used to launch torpedoes. Four of these were at the front (bow) of the submarine, and one was at the back (stern). It carried a total of fourteen torpedoes.
For defense, it also had a large deck gun, an 8.8 cm (3.46 in) SK C/35 naval gun, with 220 rounds of ammunition. It also carried anti-aircraft guns: one 3.7 cm (1.5 in) Flak M42 and two 2 cm (0.79 in) C/30 guns.
The crew of the submarine usually included between 44 and 52 officers and sailors.
U-1271's Service and Fate
Surrender and Operation Deadlight
On May 9, 1945, U-1271 surrendered to the Allied forces in Bergen, Norway. This happened before it had taken part in any war patrols. Later, on June 2, 1945, it was moved to Loch Ryan, Scotland.
After the war, many German U-boats that had surrendered were sunk by the Allied forces. This operation was called Operation Deadlight. U-1271 was one of 116 U-boats chosen for this operation. On December 8, 1945, U-1271 was towed out to sea and sunk.
Where is the Wreck Now?
The remains of U-1271 now lie at the bottom of the ocean at coordinates 55°28′N 07°20′W / 55.467°N 7.333°W.
See also
