U-862: The Story Of A WWII German Submarine

Dive into the captivating history of the U-862 submarine, a Type IXC/40 U-boat that served in Nazi Germany's Kriegsmarine during World War II. From its construction and operational deployments to its eventual surrender and mysterious fate, the story of U-862 is filled with intrigue and historical significance. Let's explore the journey of this formidable vessel and its place in naval history, guys!

Construction and Design

The U-862's story starts with its construction at the AG Weser shipyard in Bremen, Germany. The keel was laid down on March 15, 1943, and it was launched on October 16, 1943. Finally, it was commissioned on January 27, 1944, under the command of Kapitänleutnant Heinrich Timm. As a Type IXC/40 U-boat, the U-862 was designed for long-range missions, primarily to disrupt Allied shipping lanes far from European waters. These submarines were larger and more capable than earlier U-boat types, featuring improved range, increased torpedo capacity, and enhanced living conditions for the crew.

The Type IXC/40 U-boats, like U-862, displaced around 1,120 tons when surfaced and about 1,232 tons when submerged. They measured approximately 76.76 meters (251 ft 10 in) in overall length, with a beam of 6.76 meters (22 ft 2 in) and a draft of 4.70 meters (15 ft 5 in). The submarines were powered by two MAN M 9 V 40/46 supercharged four-stroke, nine-cylinder diesel engines, producing a total of 4,400 metric horsepower (3,240 kW; 4,340 shp) for surface running. For submerged propulsion, they used two Siemens-Schuckert 2 GU 343/38-double-acting electric motors, generating 1,000 metric horsepower (740 kW; 990 shp). This configuration allowed the U-862 to achieve a surface speed of 18.3 knots (33.9 km/h; 21.1 mph) and a submerged speed of 7.3 knots (13.5 km/h; 8.4 mph). With a fuel capacity of 208 tons of diesel, the U-862 had an impressive range of 13,850 nautical miles (25,650 km; 15,940 mi) at a speed of 10 knots (19 km/h; 12 mph) when surfaced. Its armament included six torpedo tubes (four at the bow and two at the stern), with a total of 22 torpedoes, as well as a 10.5 cm (4.1 in) SK C/32 naval gun with 180 rounds and a 3.7 cm (1.5 in) Flak M42 anti-aircraft gun. The U-862's design reflected Nazi Germany's strategic need for submarines capable of conducting extended operations in distant waters, making it a significant asset in their naval warfare efforts.

Operational Deployments and Wartime Activities

Under the command of Heinrich Timm, the U-862 embarked on several operational deployments, primarily in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. These missions were aimed at disrupting Allied supply lines and targeting enemy vessels. The submarine's wartime activities saw it traverse vast stretches of ocean, engaging in both successful attacks and enduring perilous encounters.

First Patrol

U-862's first patrol commenced on May 3, 1944, departing from Kiel, Germany. The submarine navigated through the Atlantic, eventually reaching the Indian Ocean. This initial voyage was crucial for testing the vessel's capabilities and training the crew for the rigors of extended deployments. While this patrol did not result in any confirmed sinkings, it provided valuable experience for the crew and allowed them to familiarize themselves with the operational environment.

Second Patrol

The second patrol, starting on August 4, 1944, proved to be more eventful. U-862 set sail from Penang, Malaysia, venturing into the Indian Ocean and eventually reaching the waters off Australia. During this patrol, the submarine successfully sank several Allied vessels. Notably, on September 25, 1944, U-862 torpedoed and sank the British steamer Empire Kumasi approximately 80 nautical miles southwest of Cape Leeuwin, Australia. The Empire Kumasi, a 7,248-ton freighter, was carrying general cargo when it met its demise. This successful attack highlighted the U-862's effectiveness in disrupting Allied shipping and underscored the threat posed by German U-boats in distant waters. The patrol continued with additional attacks, further solidifying U-862's reputation as a capable and dangerous submarine.

Third Patrol

U-862's third and final patrol began on December 8, 1944, from Batavia, Netherlands East Indies (now Jakarta, Indonesia). This mission took the submarine back into the Indian Ocean and towards the South Pacific. During this patrol, U-862 achieved further success, sinking the American Liberty ship Robert J. Walker on January 2, 1945, about 600 miles east of Sydney, Australia. The Robert J. Walker, a 7,176-ton vessel, was en route to Melbourne with a cargo of military supplies when it was targeted by U-862. The sinking of the Robert J. Walker was a significant blow to Allied logistics in the Pacific theater. U-862 continued its patrol, engaging in further operations before eventually returning to Batavia on February 15, 1945. This marked the end of its active operational deployments.

Throughout its wartime activities, U-862 demonstrated its capabilities as a long-range attack submarine, successfully targeting and sinking multiple Allied vessels. Its deployments in the Indian and Pacific Oceans underscored Nazi Germany's ability to project naval power far beyond European waters, posing a persistent threat to Allied shipping lanes and contributing to the broader strategic dynamics of World War II.

Surrender and Post-War Fate

As World War II neared its end, the fate of U-862 became intertwined with the broader collapse of the Axis powers. In May 1945, following Germany's unconditional surrender, U-862 surrendered to Allied forces in Singapore. This marked the end of its active service in the Kriegsmarine.

Renamed I-502 and Service in the Japanese Navy

Interestingly, after its surrender, U-862 was transferred to the Imperial Japanese Navy and renamed I-502. This transfer occurred as part of a broader exchange of technology and resources between Nazi Germany and Japan during the war. However, I-502's service under the Japanese flag was short-lived. With Japan's own surrender in August 1945, I-502 was once again under Allied control.

Scuttling and Mystery

The ultimate fate of U-862/I-502 remains a topic of some mystery and speculation. Officially, the submarine was scuttled in the Strait of Malacca in 1946. Scuttling was a common practice for many captured German U-boats to prevent them from falling into the hands of potential adversaries or being used against the Allies. However, conflicting reports and unsubstantiated rumors have suggested alternative scenarios.

Some accounts claim that U-862 was not scuttled but instead remained in service with another nation or was secretly repurposed. These theories, while intriguing, lack concrete evidence. The official record supports the scuttling in the Strait of Malacca as the most likely outcome. Nevertheless, the lack of definitive photographic or documentary proof has allowed speculation to persist, adding to the enigmatic aura surrounding U-862's final disposition.

The ambiguity surrounding its fate has fueled various theories, including those suggesting it was secretly used for clandestine operations or that it was intentionally misrepresented in official records. These speculations, though captivating, remain largely in the realm of conjecture. The confirmed details of U-862's surrender, transfer to Japan, and subsequent scuttling provide a more grounded understanding of its post-war journey. Despite the lingering questions, the legacy of U-862 as a significant U-boat in World War II remains firmly established.

Conclusion

The story of the U-862 submarine is a compelling chapter in naval history. From its construction and operational deployments in the far-flung corners of the world to its surrender and mysterious fate, U-862's journey reflects the broader complexities and intrigues of World War II. Its successes in disrupting Allied shipping and its eventual transfer and scuttling contribute to a narrative that continues to fascinate historians and enthusiasts alike. Whether it truly rests at the bottom of the Strait of Malacca or whether some elements of its story remain hidden, the legacy of U-862 endures as a testament to the technological prowess and strategic ambitions of Nazi Germany's Kriegsmarine. So, the next time you think about submarines, remember the incredible voyage of the U-862!