German submarine U-711

German submarine U-711 was a Type VIIC U-boat of Nazi Germany's Kriegsmarine during World War II.

Ordered 7 December 1940, she was laid down 31 July 1941 and launched 25 June 1942. She had a relatively brief career from 2 September 1942 till 1 April 1943 as part of a training flottila, and then went on to active service from 1 April 1943 till 24 April 1943. During this time she was commanded by Oberleutnant zur See Hans-Günther Lange (who was awarded the Knights Cross).

Patrol History
During her active service career, U-711 sunk or damaged three ships, 1 ship sunk 10 GRT, 1 warship sunk, total tonnage 925 tons 1 ship damaged, total tonnage 20 GRT.

U-711 attacked and sank HMS Bluebell (K80) on 17 February 1945. On 4 May 1945 the U boat was damaged during the Royal Navy Fleet Air arm, Operation Judgement, which was actually aimed at the depot ships Black Watch and Senja. She herself was sunk 4 May 1945 in the Arctic at Kilbotn, near Harstad, Norway. Bombs from Avenger aircraft, operating off HMS Trumpeter and HMS Queen, destroyed her, leaving 40 dead and 12 survivors.

She sank after attempts by Hans-Günther Lange and seven other crew members to keep her afloat. The rest of the crew had gone on board the ship Black Watch and were killed. Only a few hours earlier the captain had received the signal from Germany ordering all U-boats to cease attacks on allied shipping.