U-1278

Type

VIIC/41

 
Ordered13 Jun 1942
Laid down 12 Aug 1943 Bremer Vulkan-Vegesacker Werft, Bremen-Vegesack (werk 73)
Launched15 Apr 1944
Commissioned31 May 1944Oblt. Erich Müller Bethke
Commanders
31 May 1944 - 17 Feb 1945  Kptlt. Erich Müller-Bethke
Career1 patrol 31 May 1944 - 30 Nov 1944  8. Flottille (training)
1 Dec 1944 - 17 Feb 1945  11. Flottille (front boat)
SuccessesNo ships sunk or damaged
Fate

Sunk 17 Feb, 1945 in the North Sea north-west of Bergen, Norway in position 61.32N, 01.36E, by depth charges from the British frigates HMS Bayntun and HMS Loch Eck. 48 dead (all hands lost).

View the 1 war patrol

Schnorchel-fitted U-boat
This boat was fitted with a Schnorchel underwater-breathing apparatus and sailed equipped with it in February 1945 but it was of course installed prior to that date. Read more about the Schnorchel and see list of fitted boats.

Men lost from U-boats

Unlike many other U-boats, which during their service lost men due to accidents and various other causes, U-1278 did not suffer any casualties (we know of) until the time of her loss.



U-Boat Operations of the Second World War - Vol 2

Wynn, Kenneth


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Books dealing with this subject include:

German U-Boat Losses During World War II. Niestle, Axel, 1998.
Hitler's U-boat War. Blair, Clay, 1996.
Hitler's U-boat War, Vol II. Blair, Clay, 1998.
U-Boat Operations of the Second World War - Vol 1. Wynn, Kenneth, 1998.
U-Boat Operations of the Second World War - Vol 2. Wynn, Kenneth, 1998.