German submarine U-765

German submarine U-765 was a German Type VIIC U-boat created for service in World War II. U-765 was notable for not suffering any casualties until the time of her sinking. The U-boat did not sink or damage any ships.

Design
German Type VIIC submarines were preceded by the shorter Type VIIB submarines. U-765 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 Garbe, Lahmeyer & Co. RP 137/c 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-765 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, and two twin 2 cm C/30 anti-aircraft guns. The boat had a complement of between forty-four and sixty.

Fate
U-765 was sunk on 6 May 1944 in the North Atlantic, in position 52.5°N, -28.46667°W, by depth charges from two Swordfish aircraft of 825 Naval Air Squadron from the British Escort Carrier HMS Vindex (D15), operating alongside the British frigates HMS Aylmer (K463), HMS Bligh (K467) and HMS Bickerton (K466). The attack left 37 dead and 11 survivors.