German submarine U-143 (1940) facts for kids
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|} The German submarine U-143was a U-boatused by Nazi Germany's navy, the Kriegsmarine, during World War II. It was a Type IID coastal submarine. Its main job was to patrol and train other U-boat crews. The U-143was built in Kiel, Germany. Its construction started on 3 January 1940. It was launched into the water on 10 August 1940. The submarine officially joined the navy on 18 September 1940. Its first commander was Ernst Mengerson. U-143started its service with the 1st U-boat Flotilla. It then moved to other groups, including the 24th U-boat Flotilla and the 22nd U-boat Flotilla. During its time, it went on four patrols. It managed to sink one enemy ship. For most of the war, U-143was used to train new submarine crews.
Contents
| History | |
|---|---|
 Nazi Germany |
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| Name | U-143 |
| Ordered | 25 September 1939 |
| Builder | Deutsche Werke, Kiel |
| Yard number | 272 |
| Laid down | 3 January 1940 |
| Launched | 10 August 1940 |
| Commissioned | 18 September 1940 |
| Fate | Surrendered on 5 May 1945 at Heligoland; sunk on 22 December 1945 as part of Operation Deadlight |
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | Type IID coastal submarine |
| Displacement |
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| Length |
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| Beam |
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| Height | 8.40 m (27 ft 7 in) |
| Draught | 3.93 m (12 ft 11 in) |
| Installed power |
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| Propulsion |
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| Range |
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| Test depth | 80 m (260 ft) |
| Complement | 3 officers, 22 men |
| Armament | |
| Service record | |
| Part of: |
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| Commanders: |
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| Operations: |
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| Victories: | 1 merchant ship sunk (1,409 GRT) |
Submarine Design and Features
The U-143 was a German Type IID submarine. These submarines were larger than the first Type II models. They were designed to operate closer to the coast.
Size and Weight
When U-143 was on the surface, it weighed about 314 tonnes (314,000 kg). When it was underwater, it weighed about 364 tonnes (364,000 kg). The submarine was about 43.97 meters (144 feet) long. Its widest part was 4.92 meters (16 feet). The submarine stood 8.40 meters (27 feet) tall. It needed 3.93 meters (12 feet) of water to float.
Power and Speed
The U-143 had two diesel engines for moving on the surface. These engines produced 700 horsepower. For moving underwater, it used two electric motors. These motors produced 410 horsepower. It had two propellers to push it through the water.
The submarine could travel at 12.7 knots (about 23.5 km/h) on the surface. Underwater, its top speed was 7.4 knots (about 13.7 km/h). It could travel about 3,450 nautical miles (6,390 km) on the surface. Underwater, it could go about 56 nautical miles (104 km).
Depth and Crew
U-143 could dive to a depth of 80 meters (262 feet). This was its safe operating depth. The submarine usually had a crew of 25 people. This included 3 officers and 22 other sailors.
Weapons
The U-143 was armed with three torpedo tubes at the front. These tubes fired torpedoes. It could carry five torpedoes. It could also carry up to 12 or 18 naval mines instead of torpedoes. For defense against aircraft, it had a 2 cm (0.79 inch) anti-aircraft gun.
Service History and Patrols
U-143 served in different U-boat groups. It was part of the 1st, 24th, 22nd, and 3rd U-boat Flotillas. It had many commanders during its service.
First Patrol
U-143's first patrol took it along the coast of Norway. It then crossed the North Sea. The submarine traveled through the area between the Faroe Islands and Shetland Islands, heading towards Iceland. This patrol lasted from 19 April to 13 May 1941.
Later Patrols
After a short trip from Bergen, Norway, U-143 left Kiel again on 9 June 1941. It went to a similar area as its first patrol. This second patrol lasted until 29 June 1941.
Its third patrol was also quiet and did not involve any major events. It took place in July 1941.
Final Patrol and Fate
On its fourth patrol, U-143 had its only success. On 23 August 1941, it sank a ship named Inger. The Inger was a merchant ship weighing 1,409 tonnes. This happened about 30 nautical miles (56 km) northwest of the Butt of Lewis in Scotland.
U-143 surrendered to Allied forces on 5 May 1945. This happened in Heligoland, Germany. It was then moved to Wilhelmshaven and later to Loch Ryan in Scotland. The submarine was part of an operation called Deadlight. This operation involved sinking many captured German U-boats. U-143 was sunk on 22 December 1945.
Summary of Ships Attacked
| Date | Ship | Nationality | Tonnage (GRT) |
Fate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23 August 1941 | Inger |  Norway |
1,409 | Sunk |
