U-203
Type VIIC
Laid down 28 Mar, 1940 Germaniawerft, Kiel
Commissioned 18 Feb, 1941 Kptlt. Rolf Mützelburg (Oak Leaves)
Commanders 18 Feb, 1941 - 11 Sep, 1942 Kptlt. Rolf Mützelburg (Knights Cross)
11 Sep, 1942 - 20 Sep, 1942 Hans Seidel
21 Sep, 1942 - 25 Apr, 1943 Kptlt. Hermann Kottmann
Career 11 patrols 18 Feb, 1941 - 1 May, 1941 1. Flottille (training)
1 May, 1941 - 25 Apr, 1943 1. Flottille (front boat)
Successes 21 ships sunk for a total of 94.296 GRT
3 ships damaged for a total of 17.052 GRT
Fate Sunk 25 April, 1943 south of Cape Farewell, Greenland, in position 55.05N, 42.25W, by depth charges from Swordfish aircraft off the British escort carrier HMS Biter (Sqdn 811/L) and by the British destroyer HMS Pathfinder. 10 dead and 38 survivors.
The commander of U-203 (Kptlt. Rolf Mützelburg) died in a unique incident on 11 Sept. He allowed his crew to swim in the sea and when he was about to dive from the tower the boat moved and he hit the saddle tank being badly wounded. He died the next day.
|