German submarine U-504

Unterseeboot 504 or U-504 was a Nazi German U-Boat that operated during World War II. It was first launched on April 24th, 1941, with a crew of 53 under the initial command of Hans-Georg Friedrich "Fritz" Poske. In January, 1943, command was transferred to Wilhelm Luis. [1]

Combat actions

U-504 departed on seven active patrols during its service. It saw the following actions during that time;

Second patrol

On 22nd February, 1942: Sank the American 5,287 ton Republic
On 23rd February, 1942: Sank the American 10,227 ton WD Anderson
On 26th February, 1942: Sank the Dutch 8,245 ton Mamura
On 16th March, 1942: Sank the British 2,802 ton Manaqui, sailing with convoy OS-20

Third patrol

On 29th May, 1942: Sank the British 1,597 ton Allister
On 8th June, 1942: Sank the British 1,512 ton Rosenborg
On 8th June, 1942: Sank the 3,901 ton Tela
On 11th June, 1942: Sank the Dutch 4,282 ton Crijnssen
On 11th June, 1942: Sank the American 4,846 ton American
On 14th June, 1942: Sank the American 3,280 ton Regent

Fourth patrol, U-504's most productive period

On 17th October, 1942: Sank the British 5,970 ton Empire Chaucer
On 23rd October, 1942: Sank the British 5,669 ton City of Johannesburg
On 26th October, 1942: Fatally damaged the American 7,176 ton Anne Hutchinson
On 31st October, 1942: Sank the British 5,113 ton Reynolds
On 31st October, 1942: Sank the British 7,041 ton Empire Guidon
On 3rd November, 1942: Sank the Brazilian 5,187 ton Porto Alegre

Fifth patrol

U-504 was picked up by allied forces shortly after it departed Lorient on January 19th, 1943. It was then subjected to attacks by allied aircraft, which hampered it having any opportunity to hunt prospective targets. On January 21st, 1943, U-504 came under attack from an unidentified aircraft. U-504 was not damaged by the attack. At 1925 HRS on Mar 12th, 1943, U-504 came under attack from another unidentified aircraft. U-504 again was not damaged by the attack

Seventh patrol

Having had no success in its last two patrols, U-504 departed Bordeaux on July 27th, 1943. It was sunk by Allied forces on July 30th, 1943. All hands were lost.