List of all U-boats

U-861

Type

IXD2

 
Ordered5 Jun 1941
Laid down15 Jul 1942 AG Weser, Bremen (werk 1067)
Launched29 Apr 1943
Commissioned2 Sep 1943Kptlt. Jürgen Oesten (Knights Cross)
Commanders
2 Sep 1943 - 8 May 1945  KrvKpt. Jürgen Oesten (Knights Cross)
Career
2 patrols
2 Sep 1943-31 Mar 1944  4. Flottille (training)
1 Apr 1944-30 Sep 1944  12. Flottille (active service)
1 Oct 1944-6 May 1945  33. Flottille (active service)
Successes3 ships sunk, total tonnage 20,311 GRT
1 auxiliary warship sunk, total tonnage 1,737 GRT
1 ship damaged, total tonnage 8,139 GRT
Fate

Surrendered on 9 May 1945 at Trondheim, Norway (Waller & Niestlé, 2010).

Transferred to Lisahally, Northern Ireland on 29 May, 1945 for Operation Deadlight.

Operation Deadlight (post-war Allied operation, info)
Sunk on 31 Dec, 1945 in position 55.25N, 07.15W.

Final location

See the 5 ships hit by U-861 - View the 2 war patrols

Men lost from U-boats

Unlike many other U-boats, which during their service lost men due to accidents and various other causes, U-861 did not suffer any casualties (we know of) until the time of her loss.


Media links


The Grey Wolves of Eriboll

David M. Hird


German U-Boat Losses During World War II

Niestle, Axel


The Royal Navy and German Naval Disarmament, 1942-1947

Madsen, Chris


U-Boat Operations of the Second World War - Vol 2

Wynn, Kenneth


Hitler's U-boat War, Vol II

Blair, Clay


Two Years Behind the Mast

McCormick, Lt. Comm. Harold J.