U-821

Type

Sunk at 1145hrs on 10 June 1944 in the Bay of Biscay west of Brest, in position 48.31N, 05.11W, by depth charges and strafing from a British Liberator (206 Sqn RAF/K) and four British Mosquito aircraft (248 Sqn RAF/S, T, V & W). 50 dead and 1 survivor.

Loss position

View the 2 war patrols

Attacks on this boat and other events

10 Apr 1944
0304hrs, Bay of Biscay, inbound: Liberator Mk.V BZ781 (53 Sqn RAF/A, pilot F/O W.J. Irving, RCAF) made a Leigh Light attack after following a radar trace. The depth charges failed to release on the first run, and on a further two passes, possibly due to flak hits to the bomb bay on the second approach. The undamaged U-821 escaped further strafing attacks by diving after 20 minutes. The Liberator was left with an inoperable tail gun turret and damage to the hydraulics and nose wheel. The damage was noticed, and F/O Irving managed to reach base and land without flaps or brakes at first light - for which he later received the DFC. (Sources: Franks/Zimmerman)

1 recorded attack on this boat.

Schnorchel-fitted U-boat

This boat was fitted with a Schnorchel underwater-breathing apparatus in May 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-821 did not suffer any casualties (we know of) until the time of her loss.