U-542
Type | IXC/40 | |||
| Ordered | 5 Jun, 1941 | |||
| Laid down | 12 Jun, 1942 | Deutsche Werft AG, Hamburg (werk 363) | ||
| Launched | 19 Jan, 1943 | |||
| Commissioned | 7 Apr, 1943 | Oblt. Christian-Brandt Coester | ||
| Commanders |
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| Career | 1 patrol | 7 Apr, 1943 - 30 Sep, 1943 4. Flottille (training) 1 Oct, 1943 - 28 Nov, 1943 10. Flottille (front boat) | ||
| Successes | No ships sunk or damaged | |||
| Fate | Sunk 28 Nov, 1943 north of Madeira, Portugal, in position 39.03N, 16.25W, by depth charges from a British Wellington aircraft with "Leigh light" (Sqdn. 179/H). 56 dead (all hands lost). | |||
Previously recorded fate (Last revised by Axel Niestlé during September 1990). More on revised fates
The attack by the British Wellington (RAF 179/L) on 28 Nov, 1943 in position 39.04N, 16.25W formerly credited with the loss of this boat instead caused minor damages to the U-391.
Men lost from U-boats
Unlike many other U-boats, which during their service lost men due to accidents and various other causes, U-542 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 |