U-381

Type

VIIC

Ordered

16 Oct, 1939

Laid down

26 Apr, 1941

Howaldtswerke, Kiel (werk 12)

Launched

14 Jan, 1942

Commissioned

25 Feb, 1942

Oblt. Wilhelm-Heinrich Graf von Pückler und Limburg

Commanders

25 Feb, 1942 - 21 May, 1943

Kptlt. Graf Wilhelm-Heinrich Pückler und Limpurg

Career

3 patrols

25 Feb, 1942 - 30 Sep, 1942 5. Flottille (training)
1 Oct, 1942 - 21 May, 1943 7. Flottille (front boat)

Successes

No ships sunk or damaged

Fate

Listed as missing south of Greenland on 21 May, 1943.

There is no explanation for its loss. 47 dead (all hands lost).

View the 3 war patrols

U-381 reported for the last time on 9 May from approximate position 51.30N, 36.00W.

Previously recorded fate (Last revised by FDS/NHB during June 1992). More on revised fates

Sunk 19 May, 1943 in the North Atlantic southeast of Cape Farewell, Greenland, in position 54.41N, 34.45W, by depth charges from the British destroyer HMS Duncan and the British corvette HMS Snowflake.

This attack was actually aimed against U-304 and U-636 inflicting minor damage.

Wolfpack operations

U-381 operated with the following Wolfpacks during its career:
   Veilchen (24 Oct, 1942 - 6 Nov, 1942)
   Meise (20 Apr, 1943 - 27 Apr, 1943)
   Star (28 Apr, 1943 - 4 May, 1943)
   Fink (4 May, 1943 - 6 May, 1943)

Attacks on this boat

14 Feb, 1943
The attack by the British Catalina aircraft (RAF 202/J) on 14 Feb, 1943 in position 39.27N, 11.34W, formerly credited with the loss U-620 was instead against the U-381 causing no damages to that boat. (Sources: 1988-09-01, FDS/NHB)

1 recorded attacks on this boat.

Men lost from U-boats

Unlike many other U-boats, which during their service lost men due to accidents and various other causes, U-381 did not suffer any casualties (we know of) until the time of her loss.