German World War II submarine
German submarine "U-2" was a Type IIA U-boat of Nazi Germany's "Kriegsmarine". Her keel was laid down 11 February 1935 by Deutsche Werke of Kiel as yard number 237; she was launched on 1 July and commissioned on 25 July 1935 with "Oberleutnant zur See" ("Oblt.z.S.") Hermann Michahelles in command.
Design.
German Type II submarines were based on the . "U-2" had a displacement of when at the surface and while submerged. Officially, the standard tonnage was , however. The U-boat had a total length of , a pressure hull length of , a beam of , a height of , and a draught of . The submarine was powered by two MWM RS 127 S four-stroke, six-cylinder diesel engines of for cruising, two Siemens-Schuckert PG VV 322/36 double-acting electric motors producing a total of for use while submerged. She had two shafts and two propellers. The boat was capable of operating at depths of up to .
The submarine had a maximum surface speed of and a maximum submerged speed of . When submerged, the boat could operate for at ; when surfaced, she could travel at . "U-2" was fitted with three torpedo tubes at the bow, five torpedoes or up to twelve Type A torpedo mines, and a anti-aircraft gun. The boat had a complement of 25.
Service history.
She had several commanders over her long career. Michahelles was relieved on 30 September 1936, by "Kapitänleutnant" ("Kptlt.") Heinrich Liebe. Liebe turned command over on 31 January 1938 to "Oblt.z.S." Herbert Schultze. On 16 March 1939, "Kptlt." Helmut Rosenbaum assumed command and on 7 July 1940, "Oblt.z.S." Hans Heidtmann joined Rosenbaum as deputy commander. On 6 August 1940, Georg von Wilamowitz-Moellendorf relieved Rosenbaum and Heidtmann and commanded until October 1941 when Karl Kölzer took over. On 16 May 1942, "Oblt.z.S." Werner Schwaff relieved Kölzer, and on 20 November 1942, was relieved by "Oblt.z.S." Helmut Herglotz. On 12 December 1943, "Oblt.z.S." Wolfgang Schwarzkopf took over and commanded the boat until she was lost.
She was used as a school boat and trainer for her entire career except for two completely uneventful combat patrols in early 1940.
Fate.
"U-2" suffered no casualties to any of her numerous crews until 8 April 1944 when she collided with the German steam trawler "Helmi Söhle" west of Pillau (today's Baltiysk, Russia) and sank. 17 of her crew were killed; 18 survived. The wreck was raised the next day and stricken.
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