German submarine U-760 facts for kids
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|} The U-760was a German submarine, known as a Type VIIC U-boat. It was part of Nazi Germany's navy, the Kriegsmarine, during World War II. Work on the U-760began on August 5, 1940, at the Kriegsmarinewerft shipyard in Wilhelmshaven. It was officially ready for service on October 15, 1942. Its commander was Otto-Ulrich Blum, who led the submarine throughout its time in the German navy.
Contents
| History | |
|---|---|
 Nazi Germany |
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| Name | U-760 |
| Ordered | 9 October 1939 |
| Builder | Kriegsmarinewerft Wilhelmshaven |
| Yard number | 143 |
| Laid down | 5 August 1940 |
| Launched | 21 June 1942 |
| Commissioned | 15 October 1942 |
| 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 | 4 officers, 40–56 enlisted |
| 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-760?
The U-760 was a Type VIIC submarine. These submarines were a common type used by Germany during World War II. They were designed to be strong and effective in battle.
How Big Was This Submarine?
When on the surface, the U-760 weighed about 769 tonnes (757 long tons). When it was underwater, it weighed 871 tonnes (857 long tons). The submarine was about 67.10 m (220 ft 2 in) long. That's about the length of seven school buses!
It could dive to depths of up to 230 metres (750 ft). This is deeper than many tall buildings are high.
How Fast Could It Go?
The U-760 had two powerful diesel engines for moving on the surface. It also had two electric motors for when it was underwater.
- On the surface, it could reach a top speed of 17.7 knots (32.8 km/h; 20.4 mph).
- Underwater, its top speed was 7.6 knots (14.1 km/h; 8.7 mph).
It could travel a long way without needing to refuel. On the surface, it could go 8,500 nmi (15,700 km; 9,800 mi) at a speed of 10 knots (19 km/h; 12 mph).
What Weapons Did It Have?
The U-760 was armed with several weapons to attack enemy ships.
- It had five torpedo tubes. Four were at the front (bow) and one was at the back (stern).
- It carried 14 torpedoes in total.
- For fighting on the surface, it had one 8.8 cm (3.46 in) deck gun.
- It also had two twin 2 cm (0.79 in) anti-aircraft guns to defend against planes.
The submarine usually had a crew of between 44 and 60 sailors.
U-760 in Action: Its Service History
The U-760 went on two war patrols during World War II. However, it never managed to sink or damage any enemy ships.
During its service, two crew members sadly died:
- On February 26, 1943, Jakob Ippendorf died during an air attack in Wilhelmshaven.
- On August 12, 1943, Günter Werner was lost during an air attack in the North Atlantic.
The Escape to Spain
On September 8, 1943, the U-760 was sailing on the surface near Cape Finisterre. It was with another German submarine, the U-262. Suddenly, Allied aircraft attacked them.
To escape the attack, the U-760 quickly headed for Vigo harbour in Spain. Spain was a neutral country during the war. When the submarine arrived, it was taken under the watch of the Spanish warship Spanish cruiser Navarra.
What Happened Next?
According to international rules for neutral countries, a ship could stay in a neutral port for only 24 hours to make emergency repairs. The U-760 was not able to leave in time.
Because of this, the U-760 was held at Ferrol for the rest of World War II. Its engine was even taken out and used to help power the tram system in the city of Vigo!
On July 23, 1945, after the war ended, the submarine was taken to the United Kingdom. It was part of something called Operation Deadlight. This operation involved sinking many captured German submarines. The U-760 was finally scuttled (purposely sunk) on December 13, 1945.
Another German submarine, the U-573, was also held in Spain during World War II.
