German submarine U-2357

German submarine U-2357 was a Type XXIII U-boat of Nazi Germany's Kriegsmarine during World War II. She was ordered on 20 September 1944, and was laid down on 21 October 1944 at Deutsche Werft AG, Hamburg, as yard number 511. She was launched on 20 December 1944 and commissioned under the command of Oberleutnant zur See Erwin Heinrich on 13 January 1945.[2]

Postwar photo of Hecht (S 171), (former Type XXIII submarine U-2367). An identical sister ship of U-2357.
History
Nazi Germany
Name: U-2357
Ordered: 20 September 1944
Builder: Deutsche Werft AG, Hamburg
Yard number: 511
Laid down: 21 October 1944
Launched: 20 December 1944
Commissioned: 13 January 1945
Fate: Scuttled on 5 May 1945
General characteristics (XXIII)
Type: Type XXIII
Displacement:
  • 234 t (230 long tons) (surfaced)
  • 258 t (254 long tons) (submerged)
Length:
  • 34.68 m (113 ft 9 in) (o/a)
  • 26.00 m (85 ft 4 in) (p/h)
Beam:
  • 3.02 m (9 ft 11 in) (o/a)
  • 3.00 m (9 ft 10 in) (p/h)
Draught: 3.66 m (12 ft)
Installed power:
  • 575–630 PS (423–463 kW; 567–621 shp) (diesel drive)
  • 580 PS (430 kW; 570 shp) (standard electric drive)
  • 35 PS (26 kW; 35 shp) (silent electric drive)
Propulsion:
Speed:
  • 9.7 knots (18 km/h; 11 mph) (surfaced)
  • 12.5 knots (23 km/h; 14 mph) (submerged)
Range:
  • 2,600 nautical miles (4,800 km; 3,000 mi) at 8 knots (15 km/h; 9.2 mph) surfaced
  • 194 nmi (359 km; 223 mi) at 4 knots (7.4 km/h; 4.6 mph) submerged
Test depth: 180 m (590 ft)
Complement: 14–18
Armament:
Service record
Part of:
Commanders:
  • Oblt.z.S. Erwin Heinrich[1]
  • 13 January 1945 – 5 May 1945
Operations: No patrols
Victories: None

Design

Like all Type XXIII U-boats, U-2357 had a displacement of 234 tonnes (230 long tons) when at the surface and 258 tonnes (254 long tons) while submerged. She had a total length of 34.68 m (113 ft 9 in) (o/a), a beam width of 3.02 m (9 ft 11 in) (o/a), and a draught depth of3.66 m (12 ft). The submarine was powered by one MWM six-cylinder RS134S diesel engine providing 575–630 metric horsepower (423–463 kilowatts; 567–621 shaft horsepower), one AEG GU4463-8 double-acting electric motor electric motor providing 580 PS (430 kW; 570 shp), and one BBC silent running CCR188 electric motor providing 35 PS (26 kW; 35 shp).[3]

The submarine had a maximum surface speed of 9.7 knots (18.0 km/h; 11.2 mph) and a submerged speed of 12.5 knots (23.2 km/h; 14.4 mph). When submerged, the boat could operate at 4 knots (7.4 km/h; 4.6 mph) for 194 nautical miles (359 km; 223 mi); when surfaced, she could travel 2,600 nautical miles (4,800 km; 3,000 mi) at 8 knots (15 km/h; 9.2 mph). U-2357 was fitted with two 53.3 cm (21 in) torpedo tubes in the bow. She could carry two preloaded torpedoes. The complement was 14 – 18 men.[3] This class of U-boat did not carry a deck gun.[2]

Service history

On 5 May 1945, U-2357 was scuttled in Gelting Bay near Gelting as part of Operation Regenbogen. The wreck was later raised and broken up.[2]

See also

References
  1. Helgason, Guðmundur. "Erwin Heinrich". Uboat.net. Retrieved 29 April 2016.
  2. Helgason, Guðmundur. "U-2357". Uboat.net. Retrieved 29 April 2016.
  3. Gröner 1991, p. 89.

Bibliography
  • Busch, Rainer; Röll, Hans-Joachim (1999). German U-boat commanders of World War II : a biographical dictionary. Translated by Brooks, Geoffrey. London, Annapolis, Md: Greenhill Books, Naval Institute Press. ISBN 1-55750-186-6.
  • Gröner, Erich; Jung, Dieter; Maass, Martin (1991). U-boats and Mine Warfare Vessels. German Warships 1815–1945. 2. Translated by Thomas, Keith; Magowan, Rachel. London: Conway Maritime Press. ISBN 0-85177-593-4.
  • Williamson, Gordon (2005). Wolf Pack: The Story of the U-boat in World War II. Osprey. ISBN 1841768723.
  • Helgason, Guðmundur. "U-2357". Uboat.net. Retrieved 29 April 2016.
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