Deathcard of U-Boot Crewmember – U-Boot “U-460” (Sunk by US Avenger & Wildcraft Aircraft)

Original WWII death card (Sterbebild) for Hans Hobelsberger, a crew member of German submarine U-460.

Service & Fate:
Hans Hobelsberger served aboard U-460, a Type XIV “Milchkuh” supply submarine of the Kriegsmarine. On 4 October 1943, while operating in the North Atlantic north of the Azores, the U-boat was attacked by aircraft from the American escort carrier USS Card (CVE-11). Depth charges dropped by Avenger and Wildcat aircraft of VC-9 Squadron sank the submarine at position 43.18N, 28.58W. Out of the crew, 62 men perished and only 2 survived.

Item Details:

• Original wartime Sterbebild (death card) commemorating Hans Hobelsberger.

• A solemn remembrance of his service aboard U-460.

• Condition: As seen, with period patina and wear.

Historical Context – U-460:

• Type: Type XIV supply submarine (“Milchkuh”).

• Commissioned: 1941 under Korvettenkapitän Friedrich Schäfer.

• Role: Served as a critical mid-Atlantic tanker and supply boat, refueling combat U-boats far from base.

• Loss: Destroyed in October 1943 during intensified Allied anti-submarine operations — part of the turning tide in the Battle of the Atlantic.

Collector’s Note:
Death cards related to supply U-boats (Milchkühe) are exceptionally rare, as these submarines were few in number and most were lost in 1943–44. The card of Hans Hobelsberger represents not only the human cost of submarine warfare but also the vital role of the “Milchkühe” in sustaining U-boat operations across the Atlantic. A scarce and highly desirable item for collectors of U-boat history and Battle of the Atlantic memorabilia.