Deathcard of U-Boot Crewmember – U-Boot “U-332” (Sunk by British Liberator)

Original WWII death card (Sterbebild) commemorating Josef Schneider, a crew member of the German submarine U-332.

Service & Fate:
Schneider served aboard U-332, a Type VIIC U-boat of the Kriegsmarine. On 29 April 1943, U-332 was sunk in the Bay of Biscay north of Cape Finisterre, Spain, at position 45.08N, 09.33W. The submarine was destroyed by depth charges from a British Liberator aircraft of No. 224 Squadron RAF (D). All 45 men on board were lost, with no survivors.

Item Details:

• Original WWII Sterbebild memorial card.

• Honors a fallen U-boat crewman from the Battle of the Atlantic.

• Condition: As seen, with period age wear.

Historical Context – U-332:

• Type: Type VIIC U-boat, the backbone of Germany’s submarine fleet.

• Patrols: Before her loss, U-332 completed several war patrols and successfully attacked Allied shipping.

• Loss: By spring 1943, Allied anti-submarine measures, including long-range patrol aircraft like the Liberator, were turning the tide of the Atlantic war. U-332’s destruction was part of this intensified campaign.

• Crew: 45 dead (all hands lost) highlights the extreme risks and fatal outcomes common among U-boat crews.

Collector’s Note:
This memorial card for Josef Schneider of U-332 represents not only the sacrifice of one man but also the fate of an entire U-boat crew during the turning point of the Battle of the Atlantic. A poignant and historically significant addition for any Kriegsmarine or U-boat collection.