German submarine U-874 facts for kids
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|} The German submarine U-874was a large U-boat(a type of submarine) built for Nazi Germanyduring World War II. It was designed for long journeys across the ocean. Work on the U-874began on March 17, 1943, in Bremen, Germany. It was launched into the water on December 21, 1943. The submarine officially joined the German navy on April 8, 1944, led by Commander Theodor Petersen.
Contents
| History | |
|---|---|
 Nazi Germany |
|
| Name | U-874 |
| Ordered | 25 August 1941 |
| Builder | DeSchiMAG AG Weser, Bremen |
| Yard number | 1082 |
| Laid down | 17 March 1943 |
| Launched | 21 December 1943 |
| Commissioned | 8 April 1944 |
| Fate |
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| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | Type IXD2 submarine |
| Displacement |
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| Length |
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| Beam |
|
| Height | 10.20 m (33 ft 6 in) |
| Draught | 5.35 m (17 ft 7 in) |
| Installed power |
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| Propulsion |
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| Speed |
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| Range |
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| Test depth | 230 m (750 ft) |
| Complement | 66 |
| Armament |
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| Service record | |
| Part of: |
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| Commanders: |
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| Operations: | None |
| Victories: | None |
Exploring the U-874 Submarine's Design
The U-874 was part of the Type IXD2 class of submarines. These were much bigger than earlier German submarines.
Size and Weight of the U-874
When floating on the surface, the U-874 weighed about 1,610 tonnes (that's like 1,610 small cars!). When it was underwater, it weighed even more, around 1,799 tonnes.
The submarine was about 87.58 meters (287 feet) long. That's longer than two basketball courts! Its widest part was 7.50 meters (24 feet) across. The submarine stood about 10.20 meters (33 feet) tall and needed 5.35 meters (17 feet) of water to float.
How the U-874 Moved
The U-874 used two types of engines to move:
- Diesel engines: These powerful engines were used when the submarine was on the surface. They gave it a speed of up to 20.8 knots (about 38.5 kilometers per hour or 24 miles per hour).
- Electric motors: These quieter motors were used when the submarine was underwater. Its top speed submerged was 6.9 knots (about 12.8 kilometers per hour or 8 miles per hour).
The submarine could travel very far. On the surface, it could go about 12,750 nautical miles (23,613 kilometers) at a slower speed. Underwater, it could travel about 121 nautical miles (224 kilometers). It could dive to a depth of 200 meters (656 feet).
Weapons and Crew
The U-874 was well-armed for its time:
- It had six torpedo tubes (four at the front and two at the back) to launch torpedoes. It could carry 24 torpedoes.
- It also carried naval mines, which are like underwater bombs.
- For fighting on the surface, it had a large 10.5 cm naval gun.
- It was also equipped with anti-aircraft guns (3.7 cm and 2 cm) to defend against planes.
The submarine needed a crew of about 55 people to operate it.
The U-874's Service History
The U-874 didn't see much action during World War II. It was part of the 4th U-boat Flotilla and later the 33rd U-boat Flotilla. Its only commander was Theodor Petersen.
Surrender and Sinking
As World War II ended, the U-874 surrendered to the Allied forces on May 9, 1945, in Horten, Norway. It was then moved to Northern Ireland.
The U-874 was one of many German U-boats that were sunk by the Allies after the war. This operation was called Operation Deadlight. On December 31, 1945, the U-874 was towed out to sea and deliberately sunk.
Today, the wreck of the U-874 rests at coordinates 55°47′N 09°27′W.
