U-246

Type

VIIC

Ordered

10 Apr 1941

Laid down

30 Nov 1942

F. Krupp Germaniawerft AG, Kiel (werk 680)

Launched

7 Dec 1943

Commissioned

11 Jan 1944

Kptlt. Ernst Raabe

Commanders

11 Jan 1944 - 5 Apr 1945

Kptlt. Ernst Raabe

Career

2 patrols

11 Jan 1944 - 31 Jul 1944  5. Flottille (training)
1 Aug 1944 - 30 Sep 1944  3. Flottille (front boat)
1 Oct 1944 - 5 Apr 1945  11. Flottille (front boat)

Successes

No ships sunk or damaged

Fate

Lost during April 1945 in the Irish Sea south of the Isle of Man, in position 53.40N, 04.53,5W.

Listed as missing on 5 April, 1945. No explanation exists for its loss. 48 dead (all hands lost).

View the 2 war patrols

U-246 reported for the last time on 7 March from position 56.20N, 12.50W while enroute for its operational area in the Irish Sea.

Previously recorded fate
(Last revised by Axel Niestlé during January 1991. More on revised fates.

Sunk 29 March, 1945 in the Channel Near Lands End, in position 49.58N, 05.25W, by depth charges from the British frigate HMS Duckworth.

This attack probably sank the U-1169.

Attacks on this boat

26 Oct 1944
The outbound boat was hit by an unknown Allied aircraft that hit her with depth charges causing severe damages and forcing the boat to return to base. (Sources: Blair, vol 2, page 633)

1 recorded attack on this boat.

Schnorchel-fitted U-boat
This boat was fitted with a Schnorchel underwater-breathing apparatus and sailed equipped with it in October 1944 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-246 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