German submarine U-2351 facts for kids
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|} The German submarine U-2351was 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. U-2351was built very quickly in 1944. It was ordered on September 20, laid down (started building) on October 3, and launched on November 25. By December 30, 1944, it was ready for action under the command of Werner Brückner.
Contents
| History | |
|---|---|
 Nazi Germany |
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| Name | U-2351 |
| Ordered | 20 September 1944 |
| Builder | Deutsche Werft AG, Hamburg |
| Yard number | 505 |
| Laid down | 3 October 1944 |
| Launched | 25 November 1944 |
| Commissioned | 30 December 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-2351 Like?
The U-2351 was a small but powerful submarine. It was part of the Type XXIII class, which were known for being able to dive quickly and move fast underwater.
Size and Weight
When U-2351 was on the surface, it weighed about 234 tons. This is like the weight of about 40 elephants! When it was underwater, it weighed a bit more, around 258 tons. The submarine was about 34.68 meters (113 feet) long. That's roughly the length of three school buses lined up. It was about 3.02 meters (10 feet) wide.
How It Moved
The U-2351 had different engines for different situations.
- It used a diesel engine when it was on the surface, like a regular ship.
- When it went underwater, it switched to powerful electric motors.
- It also had a special, very quiet electric motor for "silent running." This helped it sneak around without being detected.
Speed and Range
This U-boat could travel at different speeds depending on if it was surfaced or submerged.
- On the surface, its top speed was about 9.7 knots (18 kilometers per hour).
- Underwater, it was even faster, reaching about 12.5 knots (23 kilometers per hour).
- It could travel a long way on the surface, about 2,600 nautical miles (4,800 kilometers). That's like going from New York to California!
- Underwater, it could travel about 194 nautical miles (360 kilometers) at a slower speed.
How Deep Could It Go?
The U-2351 was built to withstand a lot of pressure. It could dive down to a test depth of 180 meters (590 feet). That's deeper than the height of the Washington Monument!
Weapons and Crew
The U-2351 was armed with two torpedo tubes at the front. It could carry two torpedoes, which were powerful underwater weapons. Unlike some larger U-boats, it did not have a deck gun. The submarine needed a small crew of about 14 to 18 sailors to operate it.
What Happened to U-2351?
U-2351 was commissioned late in World War II. It was part of the 32nd U-boat Flotilla and later the 4th U-boat Flotilla. However, it did not take part in any combat operations and did not sink any enemy ships.
Surrender and Sinking
As World War II was ending, U-2351 surrendered to the Allied forces on May 5, 1945, in Flensburg, Germany. After the war, many German U-boats were collected by the Allies. U-2351 was one of 116 submarines chosen for something called Operation Deadlight. This operation involved sinking the surrendered U-boats in the Atlantic Ocean to prevent them from ever being used again.
On January 3, 1946, U-2351 was towed out to sea. It was then sunk by gunfire from a British destroyer named HMS Offa. The wreck of U-2351 now rests on the seabed at coordinates 55°50′N 08°20′W.
See also
