| Type |
IXC/40 |
|
| Laid down | 31 Oct 1942 | AG Weser, Bremen |
| Commissioned | 19 Aug 1943 | Oblt. Friedrich Wittenberg |
| Commander | 08.43 - 04.44 | Oblt. Friedrich Wittenberg |
| Career | 1 patrol | 08.43 - 02.44 4th Flotilla (Stettin) 03.44 - 04.44 2nd Flotilla (Lorient) |
| Successes | None | |
| Fate | Sunk 7 April, 1944 in the North Atlantic east of New York, in position 40.18N, 62.22W, by depth charges from the US destroyer USS Champlin,USS Nields, and the destroyer escort USS Huse. 28 dead, 29 survivors. | |
While undergoing hunter-killer (HUK) exercises with other units of DesDivs 31 and 32 in Casco Bay in March 1944, Champlin, Nields, and Ordronaux were ordered out on a submarine hunt, joining an all-day operation 7 April. Ordronaux spotted U-856 south of Nova Scotia. At 1632, Champlin made contact and dropped deep-set depth charges, driving the submarine to the surface. Immediately, her guns opened fire scoring several hits, including one on the conning tower, which started a furious fire. Champlin dashed in for the kill, ramming the stern of the submarine, and U -856 56 sank in 40° 18' N., 62° 18' W. The cost, however, included Champlin's commanding officer, Commander John J. Shaffer III, wounded by a friendly 20mm shell that exploded on deck; and died the next morning despite emergency surgery. Nields and Ordronaux picked up 29 survivors and transported them to New York where they were turned over to representatives of the Office of Naval Intelligence.Information provided by uboat.net and Richard Angelini, Benson class Destroyers |