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On February 16, 1945 HMCS Saint John sank U-309
U-309 was a type VIIC submarine. She measured 67.1m long, 6.2m beam and 4.74 draught, and was powered by two 1600 horse-power diesels, driving two screws. She had a surface top speed of 17.7 knots and a battery powered top submerged speed of 7.6 knots.
U-309 was commissioned at Lubeck on January 24,1943. She had nine patrols and damaged a 7,219 ton cargo ship. She had a crew of 47. U-309 had two Captains, Hans-Gert Mahrholz, her first skipper, and Oberlieutenant Herbert Loeder.
On February 16, 1945 she was tracking Convoy WN 74 into the Moray Firth when she was detected by the ASDIC of HMCS Saint John. The Saint John attacked four times, using both hedge-hog and depth charges. Wreckage included oil, signal books, charts and cork insulation material, and one body.
U-309 was lost with all hands.
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U-309 on patrol
Recent painting of U-309 on patrol
by Saint John marine artist George Nott. |
U-309 on Atlantic Patrol
This painting is by British marine artist John Hamilton,
part of his series on World War Two in the Atlantic.
The original painting is at the Imperial War Museum in London.
For further information on this artist, go to
www.bronzesculpture.net/johnH/bio.htm
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Wreckage of U-309
This photo is from the web site on the finding of the U-309 wreck.
Please visit their web site listed on our links page. |
Wreckage of U-309
This photo is from the web site on the finding of the U-309 wreck.
Please visit their web site listed on our links page. |
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For further information on the wreck of U-309
The wreck of U-309 was found on May 17, 2001.
She was first dived on July 2, 2001.
The still pictures were taken by Ian Potten and Petra Lachmann.
Visit the web site of the U-309 listed on our links page.
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The book 'The Saint and The Sparrow - The Sinking of U-309', was released in the spring of 2003.
Written by Richard Skinner of the United Kingdom,
the book's forward was written by
Hans-Gert Mahrholz, the first skipper of U-309.
The book has arrived!! The price is $ 15.00 Cdn. which includes shipping & handling. Contact the web master to order your copy. |
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