German submarine U-2341 facts for kids
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|} The German submarine U-2341was a special kind of U-boatused by Nazi Germanyduring World War II. It was a Type XXIII submarine, which was a smaller, faster submarine designed for coastal waters. This U-boat was ordered on 20 September 1943. Construction began on 23 August 1944, at Deutsche Werft AG in Hamburg, Germany. The submarine was officially launched on 3 October 1944. It was then ready for service on 21 October 1944. Its first commander was a man named Oberleutnant zur SeeHermann Böhm.
Contents
| History | |
|---|---|
 Nazi Germany |
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| Name | U-2341 |
| Ordered | 20 September 1943 |
| Builder | Deutsche Werft AG, Hamburg |
| Yard number | 495 |
| Laid down | 23 August 1944 |
| Launched | 3 October 1944 |
| Commissioned | 21 October 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-2341 Like?
Size and Weight
The U-2341 was a Type XXIII submarine. When it was on the surface of the water, it weighed about 234 tons. When it was completely underwater, it weighed a bit more, around 258 tons.
This submarine was about 34.68 meters (113 feet 9 inches) long overall. Its widest part was about 3.02 meters (9 feet 11 inches) across. The part of the submarine that sat below the water, called the draught, was about 3.66 meters (12 feet) deep.
How Did It Move?
The U-2341 had a few different engines to help it move. It used a diesel engine for power when it was on the surface. This engine could produce between 575 and 630 horsepower.
When underwater, it used electric motors. One main electric motor provided 580 horsepower. It also had a special, quieter electric motor that produced 35 horsepower. This "silent running" motor helped the submarine sneak around without being easily detected.
Speed and Range
On the surface, the U-2341 could travel at a top speed of about 9.7 knots (18 km/h or 11 mph). When it was submerged underwater, it could go faster, reaching speeds of up to 12.5 knots (23.2 km/h or 14.4 mph).
The submarine could travel a long way without needing to refuel. On the surface, it could go about 2,600 nautical miles (4,800 km or 3,000 mi) if it traveled at 8 knots. Underwater, it could travel about 194 nautical miles (359 km or 223 mi) at a slower speed of 4 knots.
How Deep Could It Go?
The U-2341 was built to withstand a lot of pressure. It could safely dive to a test depth of about 180 meters (590 feet). This allowed it to hide from enemy ships and aircraft.
Crew and Weapons
The submarine needed a small crew to operate it, usually between 14 and 18 sailors. Unlike some larger U-boats, this type of submarine did not have a deck gun.
However, it was armed with two torpedo tubes located at the front (bow) of the submarine. It could carry two torpedoes, which were powerful underwater weapons used to attack enemy ships.
What Happened to U-2341?
Surrender and Transfer
As World War II was ending, the U-2341 surrendered to the Allied forces. This happened on 5 May 1945, in a German town called Cuxhaven, Germany. After its surrender, the submarine was moved to Lisahally, Northern Ireland, on 21 June 1945.
Operation Deadlight
The U-2341 was one of many German U-boats that surrendered at the end of the war. Out of 156 U-boats, 116 were chosen for something called Operation Deadlight. This operation involved sinking the captured U-boats so they could not be used again.
On 31 December 1945, the U-2341 was towed out to sea. It was then sunk by gunfire from two Allied warships. These ships were the British destroyer HMS Onslaught and the Polish destroyer ORP Błyskawica.
Today, the wreck of the U-2341 lies at the bottom of the ocean. Its location is 55°44′N 08°19′W / 55.733°N 8.317°W.
See also
