List of all U-boats

U-240

Type

VIIC

 
Ordered20 Jan 1941
Laid down14 May 1942 F. Krupp Germaniawerft AG, Kiel (werk 670)
Launched18 Feb 1943
Commissioned3 Apr 1943Oblt. Günther Link
Commanders
3 Apr 1943 - 15 May 1944  Oblt. Günther Link
Career
1 patrol
3 Apr 1943-31 Jan 1944  5. Flottille (training)
1 Feb 1944-15 May 1944  9. Flottille (active service)
SuccessesNo ships sunk or damaged
Fate

Missing since 15 May 1944 in the Norwegian Sea. No explanation exists for its loss. 50 dead (all hands lost). (Axel Niestlé, February 1998).

Loss position

View the 1 war patrol

U-240 was on transfer from Kiel to Narvik with three other U-boats that were all ordered to operate against naval forces sighted north-west of Trondheim on 15 May 1944. The boat was reported missing on 17 May 1944 after failing to report its position. No radio messages were received from U-240 and it was last seen after being released by the local escorts off Bergen at 22.45 hours on 14 May 1944.

Previously recorded fate

  • Sunk 16 May, 1944 northeast of the Faroes, in position 63.05N, 03.10E, by depth charges from a Norwegian Sunderland aircraft (Sqdn. 330/V). (Postwar assessment)
    Notes. This attack was in fact against U-668 inflicting no damage.

Men lost from U-boats

Unlike many other U-boats, which during their service lost men due to accidents and various other causes, U-240 did not suffer any casualties (we know of) until the time of her loss.


Media links


U-Boat Operations of the Second World War - Vol 1

Wynn, Kenneth


Hitler's U-boat War, Vol II

Blair, Clay


German U-Boat Losses During World War II

Niestle, Axel




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