SM U 77

• Erich Günzel

Peculiarity of the armament and engine

The main task of U 77 was the laying of sea mines, of which up to 38 pieces inside the boat could be transported. They were laid over two outlet pipes in the boat tail. It therefore was not a question one attack submarine and it was compared with other ocean-going submarines relatively weak motorized. Even the above-water velocity remained in the single digits. The torpedo armament was used only for self-defense.

Inserts

U 77 was launched on January 9, 1916 at the Vulkan yard in Hamburg from the stack and was put into service on 10 March 1916. The submarine was assigned in June 1916 the First Submarine Flotilla. The first and only commander was Lieutenant Erich Guenzel, who commanded the submarine from its entry into service until his loss in July 1916.

U 77 led during the First World War by only a completed operation. In this case, no ships were sunk or damaged.

Whereabouts

On July 5, 1916 U 77 ran from Helgoland to an operation on the east coast of Scotland. Before Kinnaird Head Fraserburgh at mines were laid, but were discovered and cleared on July 7, 1916. Since then, the submarine has been missing. It can be run on a mine. Even an accident or human error come as destruction possible cause.

It was believed the submarine was further south, sunk off Dunbar. Meanwhile, a thereat wreck but was identified as U 74.