U-45 operating during its sea trials in 1938
U-45 was a Type VIIB U-Boat that served under the Kriegsmarine during World War II.
Description[]
U-45 had sunk a mere two merchant vessels before its career came to an end as a result of its destruction on October 14, 1939 by three British destroyers. U-45 had a maximum speed of 17 knots above water and 8 knots submerged.
The craft was powered by two large diesel engines and two electric engines while its operational range was 16,000 kilometers. Its total length was 66 meters while its total displacement was 680 metric tons. The armament of U-45 consisted of five torpedo launch tubes with a single SK C/35 Naval Gun (88mm). Furthermore, the submarine was also equipped with a FlaK 30.
History[]
U-45 was first laid down in 1937 and was launched the subsequent year. Its first naval commander was Alexander Gelhaar and its first patrol was carried out from August 1939 to September that same year with no casualties being suffered as well as no vessels sunk.
On U-45's second war patrol, it patrolled the waters just off of Ireland and managed to intercept convoy KJF-3. Here it sunk two merchant vessels and attempted to finish off a third when the escort destroyers HMS Inglefield, HMS Ivanhoe, and HMS Intrepid detected the submarine and as per protocol, detonated depth charges. At this point, U-45 suffered a direct hit and was sunk, losing all 38 crew.[1]