German submarine U-280

German submarine U-280 was a Type VIIC U-boat of the Nazi German Kriegsmarine during World War II.

The submarine was laid down on 30 April 1942 at the Bremer Vulkan yard at Bremen-Vegesack, launched on 4 January 1943, and commissioned on 13 February 1943 under the command of Oberleutnant zur See Walter Hungershausen.

Service history
U-280 served with 8th U-boat Flotilla while training, and transferred to 3rd U-boat Flotilla on 1 August 1943 for front-line service.

On 12 October 1943 U-280 sailed from Kiel on her first and only war patrol. On 16 November she was attacked by a British Liberator aircraft of No. 86 Squadron RAF near Convoy HX-265, in position 49.18333°N, -27.53333°W, south-west of Iceland. The first attack missed and the aircraft was hit by flak, knocking out one engine. However the bomber attacked again, sinking U-280 with depth charges. The Liberator safely returned to base on three engines.

U-280 operated with the following Wolfpacks during her career: 'Körner' (30 Oct 1943 - 2 Nov 1943) 'Tirpitz 3' (2 Nov 1943 - 8 Nov 1943) 'Eisenhart 3' (9 Nov 1943 - 15 Nov 1943)