Sinking of U-864

9 February 1945, Off Fedje, near Bergen, Norway

British success; U-864 sunk with all hands

U-864 sailed for Japan in December 1944 with jet engine parts, technical drawings and 65 tons of mercury. Engine trouble sent her back towards Bergen, and Bletchley Park, reading her signals, sent the submarine Venturer to wait off the island of Fedje. On 9 February 1945 Lieutenant Jimmy Launders heard her, then saw her periscope. Both boats were submerged. For three hours Launders plotted her zigzag by hydrophone, then fired all four bow torpedoes, spread for where she would be. One hit; U-864 broke in two and sank with all 73 aboard. It is the only time one submarine has sunk another while both were under water. Her mercury still lies in the wreck, now sealed under a cap of sand and rock.

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