U-473

Type

VIIC

Ordered

20 Jan, 1941

Laid down

1 Dec, 1941

Deutsche Werke, Kiel (werk 304)

Launched

17 Apr, 1943

Commissioned

16 Jun, 1943

Kptlt. Heinz Sternberg

Commanders

16 Jun, 1943 - 6 May, 1944

Kptlt. Heinz Sternberg

Career

2 patrols

16 Jun, 1943 - 31 Dec, 1943 5. Flottille (training)
1 Jan, 1944 - 6 May, 1944 9. Flottille (front boat)

Successes

1 warship a total loss for a total of 1.400 tons

Fate

Sunk 6 May, 1944 at 0200 hrs in the North Atlantic west south-west of Ireland, in position 49.29N, 21.22W, by depth charges from the British sloops HMS Starling, HMS Wren and HMS Wild Goose. 23 dead and 30 survivors.

See the 1 ships hit by U-473 - View the 2 war patrols

Attacks on this boat

28 Apr, 1944
The outbound boat was attacked by a Leigh-light equipped Halifax aircraft (Sqdn 58). The aircraft dropped 7 depth charges but was driven away by flak and the boat was not damaged. (Sources: Blair, vol 2, page 510)

29 Apr, 1944
In the second attack in two days a British Wellington aircraft (Sqdn 304) attacked the boat with depth charges. The boat was not damaged and continued its patrol. (Sources: Blair, vol 2, page 510)

2 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-473 did not suffer any casualties (we know of) until the time of her loss.