German submarine U-2328 facts for kids
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|} The German submarine U-2328was a special kind of submarinecalled a Type XXIII submarine. It was part of Nazi Germany's navy, known as the Kriegsmarine, during World War II. This submarine was ordered on September 20, 1943. Its construction began on May 19, 1944, at the Deutsche Werft shipyard in Hamburg. The U-2328was officially launched on August 7, 1944, and started its service on August 25, 1944. Its first commander was Oberleutnant zur SeeHans-Ullrich Scholle.
Contents
| History | |
|---|---|
 Nazi Germany |
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| Name | U-2328 |
| Ordered | 20 September 1943 |
| Builder | Deutsche Werft, Hamburg |
| Yard number | 482 |
| Laid down | 19 May 1944 |
| Launched | 7 August 1944 |
| Commissioned | 25 August 1944 |
| Fate |
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| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | Type XXIII submarine |
| Displacement |
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| Length |
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| 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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| Commanders: |
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| Operations: | None |
| Victories: | None |
What Was the U-2328 Like?
Size and Weight
The U-2328 was a Type XXIII submarine, which means it was a smaller type of U-boat. When it was on the surface of the water, it weighed about 234 tons. But when it went underwater, it weighed a bit more, around 258 tons.
The submarine was about 34.68 meters (or about 113 feet) long. This is roughly the length of three school buses lined up! It was about 3.02 meters (or almost 10 feet) wide. The part of the submarine that sat below the water, called the draught, was about 3.66 meters (or 12 feet) deep.
How It Moved
The U-2328 had different engines to help it move.
- It used a diesel engine when it was on the surface. This engine provided a lot of power, between 575 and 630 horsepower.
- When it went underwater, it switched to an electric motor. This motor gave it about 580 horsepower.
- It also had a special, quieter electric motor for "silent running." This motor was much weaker, with only 35 horsepower, but it helped the submarine move very quietly to avoid being detected.
Speed and Travel Distance
The U-2328 could travel at different speeds depending on whether it was on the surface or submerged.
- On the surface, its top speed was about 9.7 knots (about 11 miles per hour).
- Underwater, it could go faster, reaching about 12.5 knots (about 14 miles per hour).
It could also travel long distances:
- When on the surface, it could go about 2,600 nautical miles (around 3,000 miles) if it traveled at 8 knots.
- Underwater, it could travel about 194 nautical miles (around 223 miles) at a slower speed of 4 knots.
How Deep Could It Go?
The U-2328 was built to go very deep underwater. Its maximum test depth was 180 meters (about 590 feet). This means it could dive almost 600 feet below the surface!
Crew and Weapons
The submarine usually had a crew of 14 to 18 sailors. Unlike some larger submarines, the Type XXIII U-boats did not have a deck gun. Instead, the U-2328 was armed with two torpedo tubes in its front (bow). It could carry two torpedoes, which were powerful underwater weapons.
What Happened to U-2328?
Surrender and Final Journey
As World War II was ending, the U-2328 surrendered to the Allied forces on May 9, 1945, in Bergen, Norway. After its surrender, it was moved to Loch Ryan, Scotland, arriving there on May 30, 1945.
The Allies decided to sink many of the captured German U-boats to prevent them from ever being used again. This plan was called Operation Deadlight. The U-2328 was one of 116 U-boats chosen for this operation.
On November 27, 1945, the U-2328 was being towed out to the area where it was supposed to be sunk. However, it started taking on water and sank before it reached the planned scuttling spot. It was one of 55 U-boats that sank while being towed during Operation Deadlight.
Where Is It Now?
The wreck of the U-2328 now lies underwater at these coordinates: 56°12′N 09°48′W / 56.200°N 9.800°W.
See also
