Portland dockyard 19th May 1945 U-Boats 249, 1023 and 776

U-Boats 249 and 1023 surrendered on 10th May 1945, U-Boat 776 on 16th May 1945 to British Escort vessels in the English Channel. They have a very long cruising range, a speed of 17 1/2 knots, carry ten torpedoes, and a formidable anti-aircraft armament. They are equipped with ‘Schnorkel’ gear enabling them to remain below surface for a very long period. Both U-Boats have been at sea for over forty days. U-249 was the first ‘U’-Boat to surrender under the ‘Unconditional Surrender’ terms.