German submarine U-875 facts for kids
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|} The German submarine U-875was a large U-boatbuilt for Nazi Germany's navy, the Kriegsmarine, during World War II. It was a long-range submarine, meaning it could travel very far. The submarine was ordered in August 1941. It was built in Bremen, Germany, and launched in February 1944. U-875officially started its service in April 1944. Its first and only commander was Georg Preuss.
Contents
| History | |
|---|---|
 Nazi Germany |
|
| Name | U-875 |
| Ordered | 25 August 1941 |
| Builder | DeSchiMAG AG Weser, Bremen |
| Yard number | 1083 |
| Laid down | 11 May 1943 |
| Launched | 16 February 1944 |
| Commissioned | 21 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 |
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| 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 |
About the U-875 Submarine
U-875 was a special type of submarine called a Type IXD2. These submarines were much bigger than earlier models. When it was on the surface, U-875 weighed about 1,610 tons. Underwater, it weighed even more, around 1,799 tons.
Size and Shape
The submarine was very long, measuring about 87.58 meters (287 feet). Its main body, called the pressure hull, was about 68.50 meters (225 feet) long. The widest part of the submarine was 7.50 meters (24 feet) across. It stood about 10.20 meters (33 feet) tall and sat 5.35 meters (17 feet) deep in the water.
How it Moved
U-875 used two different types of engines. When on the surface, it used powerful diesel engines. These engines gave it a top speed of 20.8 knots (about 38.5 kilometers per hour). Underwater, it switched to quieter electric motors. Its top speed when submerged was 6.9 knots (about 12.8 kilometers 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 57 nautical miles (106 kilometers). It was designed to dive to depths of up to 230 meters (755 feet).
Weapons and Crew
U-875 was well-armed for its missions. It had six torpedo tubes, with four at the front and two at the back. It could carry 24 torpedoes or a large number of naval mines.
The submarine also had several guns for defense. It had a large 10.5 cm naval gun and a 3.7 cm anti-aircraft gun. There were also two smaller 2 cm anti-aircraft guns. The crew of U-875 consisted of 66 sailors.
Service and Fate
U-875 did not take part in any major battles or sink any ships during its service. It was part of two different U-boat groups, called flotillas. These were the 4th U-boat Flotilla and later the 33rd U-boat Flotilla.
Surrender and Sinking
As World War II was ending, U-875 surrendered to the Allied forces. This happened on May 9, 1945, in Bergen, Norway. After its surrender, the submarine was moved to Lisahally, Northern Ireland.
U-875 was one of many German U-boats that were sunk after the war. This was part of an operation called Operation Deadlight. The goal was to prevent these submarines from being used again. On December 31, 1945, U-875 was towed out to sea and sunk. Its wreck can now be found at 55°41′N 08°28′W / 55.683°N 8.467°W.
