German submarine U-883 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids History |
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 Nazi Germany |
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| Name | U-883 |
| Ordered | 2 April 1942 |
| Builder | DeSchiMAG AG Weser, Bremen |
| Yard number | 1091 |
| Laid down | 27 July 1943 |
| Launched | 28 April 1944 |
| Commissioned | 27 March 1945 |
| Fate |
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| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | Type IXD/42 submarine |
| Displacement |
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| Length |
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| Beam |
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| Draught | 5.35 m (17 ft 7 in) |
| Installed power |
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| Speed |
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| Range |
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| Complement | 55-64 officers and enlisted |
| Armament |
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| Service record | |
| Part of: |
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| Commanders: |
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| Operations: | None |
| Victories: | None |
The U-883 was a Type IXD/42 U-boat used by the German navy (called the Kriegsmarine) during World War II. It was designed in 1942 and was the only submarine of its specific type ever put into service. The U-883 was similar to other Type IXD submarines but had more powerful engines.
It was officially ready for duty on March 27, 1945. This was just a few weeks before Germany surrendered, ending the war in Europe. The U-883 itself surrendered at Cuxhaven, Germany, on May 5, 1945. Later that year, on December 31, 1945, it was sunk as part of something called Operation Deadlight. This operation involved sinking many captured German U-boats.
Contents
Understanding the U-883 Submarine
The U-883 was a large and powerful submarine built for long journeys. It was part of the Type IXD/42 class, which were bigger than earlier German U-boats. When it was on the surface, it weighed about 1,616 tons. When it was underwater, it weighed even more, around 1,804 tons.
How Big Was the U-883?
This submarine was quite long, measuring about 87.58 meters (287 feet) from end to end. Its widest part, or beam, was about 7.50 meters (24 feet 7 inches). The submarine also sat deep in the water, with a draught of 5.35 meters (17 feet 7 inches). It was designed to go deep underwater, able to operate at depths of up to 200 meters (656 feet).
Power and Speed of the U-883
The U-883 had two types of engines to help it move. When on the surface, it used powerful diesel engines. These engines gave it a top speed of 19.2 knots (about 35.6 kilometers per hour or 22.1 miles per hour). When it was underwater, it switched to electric motors. These motors allowed it to travel at a maximum speed of 6.9 knots (about 12.8 kilometers per hour or 7.9 miles per hour).
The submarine could travel very far without needing to refuel. On the surface, it could go about 31,500 nautical miles (58,338 kilometers) at a speed of 10 knots. Underwater, it could travel about 57 nautical miles (106 kilometers) at a slower speed of 4 knots.
Weapons and Crew on Board
The U-883 was well-armed for its missions. It had six torpedo tubes, which are special launchers for torpedoes. Four of these tubes were at the front of the submarine, and two were at the back. It carried 24 torpedoes in total.
Besides torpedoes, the submarine also had guns. It had one large 10.5 cm (4.1 inch) naval gun on its deck, with 150 rounds of ammunition. For defense against aircraft, it carried a 3.7 cm (1.5 inch) anti-aircraft gun and two twin 2 cm (0.79 inch) anti-aircraft guns.
The submarine needed a large crew to operate it. It typically had about 55 people on board, including officers and other sailors.
Life and End of the U-883
The U-883 was part of the 4th U-boat Flotilla, a group of submarines. Its main commander during its short time in service was Johannes Uebel.
A Short Service History
The U-883 was commissioned on March 27, 1945. This means it was officially ready for duty. However, it did not take part in any combat operations or sink any enemy ships. The war was nearing its end, and the submarine's time in service was very brief.
Surrender and Sinking
On May 5, 1945, just days before Germany's final surrender, the U-883 gave up at Cuxhaven, a port city in Germany. It was then taken over by the Allied forces.
After the war, many captured German U-boats were sunk to prevent them from being used again. This was part of Operation Deadlight. The U-883 was sunk on December 31, 1945, as part of this operation. It was scuttled in the waters off the coast of Ireland.
