German submarine U-427 facts for kids
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|} U-427was a German submarine, also known as a U-boat, used by Nazi Germanyduring World War II. It was a special type called a Type VIIC U-boat. This submarine became famous not for sinking enemy ships, but for its amazing ability to survive many attacks.
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| History | |
|---|---|
 Nazi Germany |
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| Name | U-427 |
| Ordered | 5 June 1941 |
| Builder | Danziger Werft, Danzig |
| Yard number | 128 |
| Laid down | 27 July 1942 |
| Launched | 6 February 1943 |
| Commissioned | 2 June 1943 |
| Fate |
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| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | Type VIIC submarine |
| Displacement |
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| Length |
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| Beam |
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| Height | 9.60 m (31 ft 6 in) |
| Draught | 4.74 m (15 ft 7 in) |
| Installed power |
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| Propulsion |
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| Speed |
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| Range | |
| Test depth |
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| Complement | 44-52 officers and ratings |
| Armament |
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| Service record | |
| Part of: |
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| Commanders: |
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| Operations: |
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| Victories: | None |
What Was the U-427 Like?
Submarine Design and Size
The U-427 was a Type VIIC U-boat. These submarines were built to be strong and effective in battle. When on the surface of the water, U-427 weighed about 769 tonnes (757 long tons). When it was underwater, it weighed about 871 tonnes (857 long tons).
The submarine was quite long, measuring about 67.10 m (220 ft 2 in) from end to end. Its main body, called the pressure hull, which kept the crew safe from the water pressure, was about 50.50 m (165 ft 8 in) long. The U-427 was about 6.20 m (20 ft 4 in) wide and 9.60 m (31 ft 6 in) tall. It sat about 4.74 m (15 ft 7 in) deep in the water.
How it Moved and Fought
U-427 used two diesel engines when it was on the surface. These engines were powerful, giving it a top speed of 17.7 knots (32.8 km/h; 20.4 mph) (about 33 kilometers per hour). When it went underwater, it switched to two electric motors. Submerged, it could travel at 7.6 knots (14.1 km/h; 8.7 mph) (about 14 kilometers per hour).
The submarine could travel a very long way. On the surface, it could go about 8,500 nmi (15,700 km; 9,800 mi) (about 15,742 kilometers) without needing to refuel. Underwater, it could travel about 80 nmi (150 km; 92 mi) (about 148 kilometers) before needing to surface. It could dive to a depth of 230 metres (750 ft) (about 755 feet) safely.
For fighting, U-427 had five torpedo tubes. Four were at the front and one at the back. It carried 14 torpedoes. It also had one large 8.8 cm (3.46 in) naval gun and several anti-aircraft guns to defend against planes. A crew of about 44 to 60 sailors worked on board.
U-427's Journey in World War II
Building and First Missions
The U-427 was built in Danzig and started its service on 2 June 1943. Its commander was an Austrian officer named Carl-Gabriel Graf von Gudenus. Unlike many other U-boats that were known for sinking many ships, U-427 became famous for a different reason: its incredible ability to survive.
From its first trip in June 1944 until the end of the war, U-427 did not sink any enemy ships. It tried to attack two ships, HMCS Haida and HMCS Iroquois, on 29 April 1945, but it missed both times.
Surviving Many Attacks
What made U-427 special was its toughness. In April 1945, around the time of those attacks, U-427 survived an astonishing 678 depth charge attacks. Depth charges are bombs dropped into the water to explode near submarines. Surviving so many attacks showed how strong the submarine was and how skilled its crew must have been.
On 2 May 1945, U-427 returned to its base in Kilbotn, Norway. It stayed there for the last few days of the war.
End of the War and Fate
U-427 surrendered at Narvik, Norway, on 9 May 1945, when Germany lost the war. It was then moved to Scotland. As part of "Operation Deadlight", where many captured German U-boats were sunk, U-427 was sunk on 21 December 1945. It now rests at the bottom of the sea at 56°04′N 09°35′W / 56.067°N 9.583°W.
