German submarine U-504
Appearance
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.