U-50
Type | VIIB | |||
| Ordered | 21 Nov, 1936 | |||
| Laid down | 3 Nov, 1938 | Germaniawerft, Kiel (werk 585) | ||
| Launched | 1 Nov, 1939 | |||
| Commissioned | 12 Dec, 1939 | Kptlt. Max-Hermann Bauer | ||
| Commanders |
| |||
| Career | 2 patrols | 12 Dec, 1939 - 31 Dec, 1939 7. Flottille (training) 1 Jan, 1940 - 6 Apr, 1940 7. Flottille (front boat) | ||
| Successes | 4 ships sunk for a total of 16.089 GRT | |||
| Fate | Mined on 6 April, 1940 in the North Sea north of the Terschelling, exact position not known but probably near 51.14N, 05.07E. 44 dead (all hands lost). | |||
See the 4 ships hit by U-50 - View the 2 war patrols
Mine barrage Field No 7, was laid by the destroyers HMS Express, HMS Esk, HMS Icarus and HMS Impulsive in the North Sea on 3 March, 1940. It probably accounted for several U-boats on their inbound or return journey.
Previously recorded fate (Last revised by FDS/NHB during December 1993). More on revised fates
The attack by the British destroyer HMS Hero on 10 April, 1940 in position 62.54N, 01.56W was most probably against a nonsub target.
Men lost from U-boats
Unlike many other U-boats, which during their service lost men due to accidents and various other causes, U-50 did not suffer any casualties (we know of) until the time of her loss.
 German U-Boat Losses During World War II Niestle, Axel Buy this title at amazon.co.uk See more sellers |
Books dealing with this subject include: German U-Boat Losses During World War II, Niestle, Axel, 1998 U-Boat Operations of the Second World War - Vol 1, Wynn, Kenneth, 1998 U-Boat Operations of the Second World War - Vol 2, Wynn, Kenneth, 1998 |
There was another U-50 in World War One
That boat was launched from its shipyard on 31 Dec, 1915 and commissioned into the Imperial Navy on 4 Jul, 1916. The Naval war in WWI was brought to an end with the Armistice signed on 11 Nov, 1918. Read about the U 50 during WWI.