U-296

Type

VIIC/41

Ordered

14 Oct, 1941

Laid down

23 Jan, 1943

Bremer Vulkan, Bremen-Vegesack (werk 61)

Launched

5 Sep, 1943

Commissioned

3 Nov, 1943

Oblt. Karl-Heinz Rasch

Commanders

3 Nov, 1943 - 12 Mar, 1945

Kptlt. Karl-Heinz Rasch

Career

3 patrols

3 Nov, 1943 - 31 Jul, 1944  8. Flottille (training)
1 Aug, 1944 - 30 Sep, 1944  9. Flottille (front boat)
1 Oct, 1944 - 12 Mar, 1945  11. Flottille (front boat)

Successes

No ships sunk or damaged

Fate

Listed as missing in the approaches to the Northern Channel on 12 March, 1945 in the approximate position 55.30N, 07W.

There is a possibility that she was lost on or about 12 March to the minefields T1 or T21 which were laid in the path to her operational area. 42 dead (all hands lost).

View the 3 war patrols

Previously recorded fate (Last revised by FDS/NHB during April 1985). More on revised fates

Sunk 22 March, 1945 in the Northern Channel, in position 55.23N, 06.40W, by aerial torpedoes from a British Liberator (Sqdn. 120/B).

This attack was actually against a nonsub target.

Schnorchel-fitted U-boat
This boat was fitted with a Schnorchel underwater-breathing apparatus in July 1944. 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-296 did not suffer any casualties (we know of) until the time of her loss.