U-855

Type

IXC/40

Ordered

5 Jun 1941

Laid down

21 Oct 1942

AG Weser, Bremen (werk 1061)

Launched

17 Apr 1943

Commissioned

2 Aug 1943

Kptlt. Albert Sürenhagen

Commanders

2 Aug 1943	-	2 Apr 1944		Kptlt. Albert Sürenhagen
3 Apr 1944	-	11 Sep 1944		Oblt. Prosper Ohlsen

Career
1 patrol

2 Aug 1943	-	31 Mar 1944	4. Flottille (training)
1 Apr 1944	-	11 Sep 1944	10. Flottille (active service)

Successes

No ships sunk or damaged

Fate

Missing since 11 September 1944 in the North Atlantic south of Iceland, in approx. position 59.30N, 26.00W. 56 dead (all hands lost). (FDS/NHB, September 1987).

Loss position

View the 1 war patrol

U-855 sent its last radio message on 11 September 1944 from approx. position 59.30N, 26.00W while returning to Kristiansand from a weather reporting patrol. The boat was posted as missing on 15 October 1944 after failing to arrive in port. It is possible that it was lost to a mine in the British barrages between Iceland and the Faroe Islands on or about 17 September 1944.

Previously recorded fate

Sunk by a British Liberator (RAF 224/A) on 24 Sept 1944 in position 61.00N, 04.07E. (Postwar assessment)
Notes. This attack was instead against the U-763 inflicting medium damage.

Schnorchel-fitted U-boat

This boat was fitted with a Schnorchel underwater-breathing apparatus and sailed equipped with it in July 1944 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-855 did not suffer any casualties (we know of) until the time of her loss.