U-865

Type

IXC/40

Ordered

25 Aug, 1941

Laid down

5 Jan, 1943

AG Weser, Bremen (werk 1073)

Launched

12 Jul, 1943

Commissioned

25 Oct, 1943

Oblt. Dietrich Stellmacher

Commanders

25 Oct, 1943 - Sep, 1944

Oblt. Dietrich Stellmacher

Career

1 patrol

25 Oct, 1943 - 30 Jun, 1944 4. Flottille (training)
1 Jul, 1944 - 19 Sep, 1944 10. Flottille (front boat)

Successes

No ships sunk or damaged

Fate

Missing since leaving Trondheim, Norway on 9 Sept 1944. 59 dead (all hands lost).

View the 1 war patrol

U-865 had experienced some problems with its Schnorchel in a previous patrol.

Previously recorded fate

Probably sunk 19 Sept, 1944 north-west of Bergen, in position 62.20N, 02.30E, by depth charges from a British Liberator aircraft (Sqdn. 206/S).

This attack was actually against the U-858 inflicting minor damage.

Attacks on this boat

27 Jul, 1944
The boat was attacked by a British B-24 Liberator aircraft (Sqdn 86, pilot G. G. Gates) causing some damages. The Germans put up a powerful flak setting the plane on fire that was later put out. The boat returned to base (as did the plane). (Sources: Blair, vol 2, page 598)

1 recorded attacks on this boat.

Schnorchel-fitted U-boat
This boat was fitted with a Schnorchel underwater-breathing apparatus in July 1944. Read more about the Schnorchel and see list of fitted boats.

Men lost from U-boats

Unlike many other U-boats, which during their service lost men due to accidents and various other causes, U-865 did not suffer any casualties (we know of) until the time of her loss.