HMS Woodpecker (U 08)
| Name | HMS Woodpecker (U 08) | ||
| Type: | Sloop (Modified Black Swan) | ||
| Tonnage | 1.300 tons | ||
| Completed | 1942 - William Denny & Brothers, Dumbarton | ||
| Owner | The Admiralty | ||
| Homeport | |||
| Date of attack | 20 Feb, 1944 | Nationality:  British | |
| Fate | Sunk by U-256 (Wilhelm Brauel) | ||
| Position | 48.49N, 22.11W - Grid BE 1834 - See location on a map - | ||
| Complement | ? men (0 dead and ? survivors). | ||
| Convoy | ON-224 | ||
| Route | |||
| Cargo | |||
| History | | ||
| Notes on loss | At 20.11 hours on 20 Feb, 1944, U-256 fired two Gnats simultaneously from a bow and the stern tube at the 2nd Escort Group, escorting convoy ON-224, and claimed two destroyers sunk after hearing two detonations and sinking noises. In fact, HMS Woodpecker (U 08) (Cdr H.L. Pryse, RD, RNR) was hit by one torpedo and another detonated near HMS Starling (U 66) (Capt F.J. Walker, DSO and Bar, RN). The sloop lost her stern and capsized and sank while under tow to port on 27 February. | ||
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