Uboat-b118 -

The Type XB was the largest class of German U-boats, designed primarily as ocean-going minelayers.

Two diesel engines and two electric motors, allowing for a surfaced speed of roughly 17 knots. Operational History

Of the crew, 16 men survived the initial explosion and were rescued by the escorting destroyer USS Osmond Ingram . They were subsequently taken as prisoners of war. Historical Significance uboat-b118

Eight aircraft (Avengers and Wildcats) coordinated a strike using depth charges and machine-gun fire.

Equipped with 66 SMA mines, two stern torpedo tubes, and a 10.5 cm deck gun. The Type XB was the largest class of

1,763 tons (surfaced) / 2,710 tons (submerged).

On June 12, 1943, U-118 was intercepted by Allied aircraft from the escort carrier USS Bogue in the central Atlantic. They were subsequently taken as prisoners of war

The boat is credited with sinking three merchant ships (totaling over 14,000 GRT) and damaging the British corvette HMS Sunflower .