German submarine U-3514 facts for kids
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|} The German submarine U-3514was a special kind of U-boatcalled a Type XXI submarine. These submarines were also known as "Elektroboote" because they relied more on electric power. U-3514was built for Germany's navy during World War II. The order for U-3514was placed on 6 November 1943. Its construction began on 21 August 1944 in Danzig, a city that was then part of Germany. The submarine was officially launched into the water on 21 October 1944. It was ready for service and joined the navy on 9 December 1944, under the command of Günther Fritze.
Contents
| History | |
|---|---|
 Nazi Germany |
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| Name | U-3514 |
| Ordered | 6 November 1943 |
| Builder | F Schichau GmbH, Danzig |
| Yard number | 1659 |
| Laid down | 21 August 1944 |
| Launched | 21 October 1944 |
| Commissioned | 9 December 1944 |
| Fate |
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| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | Type XXI submarine |
| Displacement |
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| Length |
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| Beam |
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| Height | 11.30 m (37 ft 1 in) |
| Draught | 6.32 m (20 ft 9 in) |
| Installed power |
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| Propulsion |
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| Speed |
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| Range |
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| Test depth | 280 m (920 ft) |
| Complement | 57–60 crewmen |
| Sensors and processing systems |
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| Armament | |
| Service record | |
| Part of: |
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| Commanders: |
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| Operations: | None |
| Victories: | None |
Submarine Design and Features
U-3514 was a large submarine for its time. When it was on the surface, it weighed about 1,621 tonnes. When it was underwater, it weighed even more, around 1,819 tonnes.
Size and Dimensions
This submarine was about 76.70 m (251 ft 8 in) long from end to end. Its widest part, called the beam, was about 8 m (26 ft 3 in). The part of the submarine that sat below the water, known as the draught, was about 6.32 m (20 ft 9 in) deep.
Power and Speed
U-3514 used both diesel engines and electric motors to move. It had two powerful diesel engines and two main electric motors. It also had two special "silent running" electric motors. These allowed the submarine to move very quietly underwater, making it harder for enemies to detect.
- On the surface, the submarine could travel at about 15.6 knots (28.9 km/h; 18.0 mph) using its diesel engines. It could go a bit faster, up to 17.9 knots (33.2 km/h; 20.6 mph), using its electric motors.
- Underwater, its top speed was about 17.2 knots (31.9 km/h; 19.8 mph). When using its silent motors, it could move at a stealthy 6.1 knots (11.3 km/h; 7.0 mph).
Travel Range
The U-3514 could travel very far without needing to refuel.
- On the surface, it could go about 15,500 nmi (28,700 km; 17,800 mi) (which is over 28,000 kilometers) at a speed of 10 knots (19 km/h; 12 mph).
- Underwater, it could travel about 340 nmi (630 km; 390 mi) (around 630 kilometers) at 5 knots (9.3 km/h; 5.8 mph).
Crew and Weapons
The submarine usually had a crew of 57 to 60 sailors and officers. It was well-equipped for battle:
- It had six torpedo tubes at the front.
- It could carry 23 torpedoes, or a mix of 17 torpedoes and 12 mines.
- For defense against aircraft, it had four 2 cm (0.79 in) anti-aircraft guns. Some versions could have had four 3.7 cm (1.5 in) anti-aircraft guns instead.
Service History
U-3514 did not see much action during World War II. The war ended shortly after it was commissioned.
Surrender and Transfer
On 9 May 1945, U-3514 surrendered to Allied forces in Bergen, Norway. After its surrender, it was moved to Lisahally, Northern Ireland, arriving there on 8 June 1945.
Operation Deadlight
The submarine stayed at Lisahally until January 1946. It was kept as a backup in case other Type XXI submarines, which were being sent to the Soviet Union after the war, did not arrive safely.
However, on 7 February 1946, U-3514 was ordered to be part of Operation Deadlight. This was an operation where many captured German U-boats were sunk by the Allies to prevent them from being used again.
On 9 February, U-3514 was towed from Moville to its sinking location. On the morning of 12 February, the British ship HMS Loch Arkaig began sinking U-3514. They used guns and depth charges. The submarine sank at 10:04 AM, becoming the very last U-boat to be sunk during Operation Deadlight.
Today, the wreck of U-3514 rests at the coordinates 56°00′N 10°05′W / 56.000°N 10.083°W.
