Sub History
Built by Deutsche Werft in Hamburg, Germany. Laid down February 21, 1941 with yard number 307. Launched September 22, 1941. Commissioned December 8, 1941 into the Kriegsmarine as U-511 under the command of Kapitänleutnant Friedrich Steinhoff. Afterwards, conducted training with the 4th U-boat Flotilla.

Wartime History
In May 1942, U-511 was used for testing deck mounted Wurfkörper 42 30cm (12") artillery rockets while surfaced or from a depth of 12m / 39'. The rockets were not accurate and the racks had a negative effect on handling and the project was abandoned.

On September 1, 1943 attached to the 10th U-boat Flotilla and conducted four war patrols, two under the command of Steinhoff and two under the command of Kapitänleutnant Fritz Schneewind. In total U-511 sank five ships totaling 41,373 tons and damaging one of 8,773 tons.

On September 16, 1943 transferred to the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) and redesignated RO-500.

During September 1945 surrendered at Maizuru Navy Base at Maizuru. On October 10, 1945 officially removed from the Navy List. On October 13, 1945 remained Maizuru with surrendered submarines I-121, I-201, I-202, RO-18 and RO-68.

Sinking History
On April 30, 1946 scuttled by the U.S. Navy (USN) into the Gulf of Maizuru off Japan.

Shipwreck
During 2018, an expedition lead by the Society La Plongee for Deep Sea Technology discovered this submarine in Wakasa Bay off Kyoto Prefecture. Also discovered was I-121.

References
Combined Fleet - IJN Submarine RO-500 (Ex-U-511)
Asahi Shimbun "U-boat given to Japan during WWII found in sea after 72 years" July 3, 2018

Contribute Information
Are you a relative or associated with any person mentioned?
Do you have photos or additional information to add?

Last Updated
September 28, 2022