German submarine U-1203

German submarine U-1203 was a Type VIIC U-boat built for Nazi Germany's Kriegsmarine for service during World War II. She was laid down on 15 May 1943 by Schichau-Werke, Danzig as yard number 1573, launched on 9 December 1943 and commissioned on 10 February 1944 under Oberleutnant zur See Erich Steinbrink.

Design
German Type VIIC submarines were preceded by the shorter Type VIIB submarines. U-1203 had a displacement of 769 t when at the surface and 871 t while submerged. She had a total length of 67.10 m, a pressure hull length of 50.50 m, a beam of 6.20 m, a height of 9.60 m, and a draught of 4.74 m. The submarine was powered by two Germaniawerft F46 four-stroke, six-cylinder supercharged diesel engines producing a total of 2800 to 3200 PS for use while surfaced, two AEG GU 460/8–27 double-acting electric motors producing a total of 750 PS for use while submerged. She had two shafts and two 1.23 m propellers. The boat was capable of operating at depths of up to 230 m.

The submarine had a maximum surface speed of 17.7 kn and a maximum submerged speed of 7.6 kn. When submerged, the boat could operate for 80 nmi at 4 kn; when surfaced, she could travel 8500 nmi at 10 kn. U-1203 was fitted with five 53.3 cm torpedo tubes (four fitted at the bow and one at the stern), fourteen torpedoes, one 8.8 cm SK C/35 naval gun, (220 rounds), one 3.7 cm Flak M42 and two twin 2 cm C/30 anti-aircraft guns. The boat had a complement of between forty-four and sixty.

Service history
The boat's career began with training at 8th Flotilla on 10 February 1944, followed by active service on 1 December 1944 as part of the 11th Flotilla.

Wolfpacks
U-1203 took part in no wolfpacks.

Fate
U-1203 surrendered on 9 May 1945 in Trondheim. She was initially transferred to Loch Ryan, Scotland on 29 May 1945, and sunk on 8 December 1945 at 55.83333°N, -10.08333°W as part of Operation Deadlight.