Deathcard of U-Boot Crewmember – U-Boot “U-254” (Sunk due Collission with U-221!)

Original WWII death card (Sterbebild) honoring Heinrich Jerzenbeck, a crew member of the German submarine U-254.

Service & Fate:
Jerzenbeck served aboard U-254, a Type VIIC U-boat of the Kriegsmarine. On 8 December 1942, while operating in the North Atlantic south-east of Cape Farewell, Greenland, U-254 collided with U-221 at position 58.45N, 33.02W. The submarine was lost with 41 men killed, while only 4 survived.

Item Details:

• Original WWII Sterbebild memorial card.

• Commemorates a fallen U-boat crewman from the Atlantic campaign.

• Condition: As seen, with age wear consistent with period authenticity.

Historical Context – U-254:

• Type: VIIC U-boat, the standard class of Germany’s U-Bootwaffe.

• Patrols: Prior to its loss, U-254 had operated against Allied shipping during the critical mid-war period.

• Fate: The loss highlights the extreme dangers of U-boat service—not only from enemy action but also from accidents at sea.

• Casualties: 41 dead, 4 survivors, making this one of the rare instances of U-boat losses caused by a collision with another German submarine.

Collector’s Note:
A poignant and scarce Kriegsmarine death card, tied to the tragic story of U-254. Items related to submarines lost through non-combat accidents are particularly notable, offering a unique perspective on the dangers faced by U-boat crews. A meaningful addition to any U-boat or Kriegsmarine collection.