SM UB-81 facts for kids
UB-148 at sea, a U-boat similar to UB-81.
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Quick facts for kids History |
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 German Empire |
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| Name | UB-81 |
| Ordered | 23 September 191623 September 1916 |
| Builder | AG Weser, Bremen |
| Cost | 3,341,000 German Papiermark |
| Yard number | 281 |
| Laid down | 5 January 1917 |
| Launched | 18 August 1917 |
| Commissioned | 18 September 1917 |
| Fate | lost 2 December 1917 after striking a mine at 50°27′N 0°53′W / 50.450°N 0.883°W |
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | German Type UB III submarine |
| Type | Coastal submarine |
| Displacement |
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| Length | 55.85 m (183 ft 3 in) (o/a) |
| Beam | 5.80 m (19 ft) |
| Draught | 3.72 m (12 ft 2 in) |
| Propulsion |
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| Speed |
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| Range |
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| Test depth | 50 m (160 ft) |
| Complement | 3 officers, 31 men |
| Armament |
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| Service record | |
| Part of: |
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| Commanders: |
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| Operations: | 2 patrols |
| Victories: | 1 commercial ship sunk (3,218 GRT) |
The SM UB-81' was a German submarine, also known as a U-boat. It served in the German Imperial Navy during World War I. The submarine officially joined the navy on September 18, 1917.
UB-81 was sunk on December 2, 1917, after hitting a mine. This happened near 50°27′N 0°53′W / 50.450°N 0.883°W. Sadly, 29 crew members died when the submarine sank.
Contents
Building the UB-81
The German Imperial Navy ordered UB-81 on September 23, 1916. Its construction started on January 5, 1917. The submarine was built by a company called AG Weser in Bremen, Germany.
Key Features of the Submarine
UB-81 was launched on August 4, 1917. It was then officially ready for service on September 18, 1917. The submarine was commanded by Reinhold Saltzwedel.
Like other submarines of its type, UB-81 carried 10 torpedoes. It also had a large deck gun that was about 8.8 centimeters (3.5 inches) wide.
Crew and Travel
The UB-81 usually had a crew of 3 officers and 31 men. It could travel a very long distance, about 8,180 nautical miles (15,150 kilometers) when on the surface.
When on the surface, the submarine weighed about 516 tons. When it was underwater, it weighed about 647 tons. Its engines allowed it to travel at 13.4 knots (24.8 km/h) on the surface. Underwater, it could go at 7.5 knots (13.9 km/h).
UB-81's Operations
The UB-81 went on two patrols during its short time in service. Its main goal was to attack enemy ships.
Sinking of the Molesey
On the night of November 30 to December 1, 1917, UB-81 found a British ship. It was a steamer called Molesey, which weighed 3,218 tons. The submarine fired a torpedo and sank the Molesey. This happened about 12 miles (19 kilometers) west-south-west of the Brighton Light Vessel.
The End of UB-81
On December 2, 1917, UB-81 hit a mine. This happened in the English Channel, near the Isle of Wight. The mine caused a lot of damage to the submarine.
Rescue and Wreck Site
The crew of 34, led by Reinhold Saltzwedel, tried to save themselves. They managed to get the front torpedo tubes above the water. Seven crew members were able to escape before the submarine completely sank. Another report says that 35 men were on board and six survived. A British patrol boat rescued the survivors.
Today, the wreck of UB-81 lies at 50°29′24″N 0°58′15″W / 50.49000°N 0.97083°W. It is about 28 meters (92 feet) deep. This wreck is a protected site under the Protection of Military Remains Act 1986. This means that diving on it is not allowed.
Ships Sunk by UB-81
| Date | Name | Nationality | Tonnage | Fate |
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| 30 November 1917 | Molesey |  United Kingdom |
3,218 | Sunk |
