German submarine U-2356

German submarine U-2356 was a Type XXIII U-boat of Nazi Germany's Kriegsmarine during World War II. She was ordered on 20 September 1944, and was laid down on 21 October 1944 at Deutsche Werft AG, Hamburg, as yard number 510. She was launched on 19 December 1944 and commissioned under the command of Oberleutnant zur See Friedrich Hartel on 12 January 1945.

Design
Like all Type XXIII U-boats, U-2356 had a displacement of 232 t when at the surface and 256 t while submerged. She had a total length of 34.14 m (o/a), a beam width of 3.02 m (o/a), and a draught depth of 3.66 m. The submarine was powered by one MWM six-cylinder RS134S diesel engine providing 575 PS, one AEG GU4463-8 double-acting electric motor electric motor providing 572 PS, and one BBC silent running CCR188 electric motor providing 35 PS.

The submarine had a maximum surface speed of 9.7 kn and a submerged speed of 12.5 kn. When submerged, the boat could operate at 4 kn for 202 nmi; when surfaced, she could travel 2600 nmi at 8 kn. U-2356 was fitted with two 53.3 cm torpedo tubes in the bow. She could carry two preloaded torpedoes. The complement was 14 — 18 men. This class of U-boat did not carry a deck gun.

Service history
On 5 May 1945, U-2356 surrendered at Cuxhaven, Germany. She was later transferred to Lisahally, Northern Ireland on 21 June 1945. Of the 156 U-boats that eventually surrendered to the Allied forces at the end of the war, U-2356 was one of 116 selected to take part in Operation Deadlight. U-2356 was towed out and sank on 6 January 1946, by gunfire from the British destroyer HMS Onslaught (G04).

The wreck now lies at 55.83333°N, -8.33333°W.