List of all U-boats

U-1278

Type

VIIC/41

 
Ordered13 Jun 1942
Laid down12 Aug 1943 Bremer Vulkan-Vegesacker Werft, Bremen-Vegesack (werk 73)
Launched15 Apr 1944
Commissioned31 May 1944Oblt. Erich Müller Bethke
Commanders
31 May 1944 - 17 Feb 1945  Kptlt. Erich Müller-Bethke
Career
1 patrol
31 May 1944-30 Nov 1944  8. Flottille (training)
1 Dec 1944-17 Feb 1945  11. Flottille (active service)
SuccessesNo ships sunk or damaged
Fate

Sunk on 17 February 1945 in the Norwegian Sea north-west of Bergen, Norway, in position 61.32N, 01.36E, by depth charges from the British frigates HMS Bayntun and HMS Loch Eck. 48 dead (all hands lost).

Loss position

View the 1 war patrol

Schnorchel-fitted U-boat

This boat was fitted with a Schnorchel underwater-breathing apparatus and sailed equipped with it in February 1945 but it was of course installed prior to that date.

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-1278 did not suffer any casualties (we know of) until the time of her loss.


Media links


German U-Boat Losses During World War II

Niestle, Axel


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

Wynn, Kenneth


Hitler's U-boat War, Vol II

Blair, Clay




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