German submarine U-545

German submarine U-545 was a Type IXC U-boat of the Nazi German Kriegsmarine during World War II.

She was laid down at the Deutsche Werft (yard) in Hamburg as 'werk' 366 on 1 August 1942, launched on 3 March 1943 and commissioned on 19 May with Kapitänleutnant Gert Mannesmann in command.

U-545 began her service career with training as part of the 4th U-boat Flotilla from 19 May 1943. She was re-assigned to the 2nd flotilla for operations on 1 December.

She carried out one patrol and damaged one ship. She was a member of five wolfpacks.

She was scuttled 10 February 1944 west of the Hebrides after an attack by Allied aircraft.

Patrol and loss
The boat departed Kiel on 9 December 1943, moved through the North Sea, negotiated the 'gap' between Iceland and the Faroe Islands and entered the Atlantic Ocean.

She damaged the Empire Housman on 31 December. This ship was later sunk on 3 January 1944 by U-744.

The first Watch Officer (1WO), Oberleutnant Hans Wilkening, was swept overboard on 26 January 1944.

On 10 February 1944 U-545 was scuttled following damage from an attack by a Vickers Wellington of No. 612 Squadron RAF. A Canadian Wellington from 407 Squadron RCAF was also involved, but was shot down.

One man died in the U-boat; there were 56 survivors. They were picked up by U-714 and taken to St. Nazaire in France.