U-266

Type

VIIC

Ordered

15 Aug 1940

Laid down

1 Aug 1941

Bremer Vulkan-Vegesacker Werft, Bremen-Vegesack (werk 31)

Launched

11 May 1942

Commissioned

24 Jun 1942

Oblt. Hannes Leinemann

Commanders

24 Jun 1942	-	11 Sep 1942		Oblt. Hannes Leinemann
12 Sep 1942	-	15 May 1943		Kptlt. Ralf von Jessen

Career
2 patrols

24 Jun 1942	-	31 Dec 1942	8. Flottille (training)
1 Jan 1943	-	15 May 1943	7. Flottille (active service)

Successes

4 ships sunk, total tonnage 16,089 GRT

Fate

Sunk on 15 May 1943 in the North Atlantic north-west of Spain, in position 45.28N, 10.20W, by depth charges from a British Halifax aircraft (58 Sqn RAF/M). 47 dead (all hands lost). (FDS/NHB, April 1990).

Loss position

See the 4 ships hit by U-266 - View the 2 war patrols

Previously recorded fate

Sunk 14 May, 1943 in the North Atlantic in position 47.45N, 26.57W, by depth charges from a British Liberator aircraft (Sqdn. 86/B). (Postwar assessment)
Notes. This attack was in fact against U-403 inflicting no damage.

Wolfpack operations

U-266 operated with the following Wolfpacks during its career:
   Jaguar (10 Jan 1943 - 27 Jan 1943)
   Pfeil (4 Feb 1943 - 9 Feb 1943)
   Amsel (22 Apr 1943 - 3 May 1943)
   Amsel 2 (3 May 1943 - 6 May 1943)
   Elbe (7 May 1943 - 7 May 1943)

Men lost from U-boats

Unlike many other U-boats, which during their service lost men due to accidents and various other causes, U-266 did not suffer any casualties (we know of) until the time of her loss.