German submarine U-291

German submarine U-291 was a Type VIIC U-boat of the Nazi German Kriegsmarine during World War II.

The submarine was laid down on 17 October 1942 at the Bremer Vulkan yard at Bremen-Vegesack as 'werk' 56. She was launched on 30 June 1943 and commissioned on 4 August under the command of Oberleutnant Hans Keerle.

She carried out no patrols and did not sink or damage any ships.

The boat surrendered in May 1945 at Cuxhaven. She was sunk as part of Operation Deadlight in December.

Service history
U-291 served with the 21st U-boat Flotilla for training from 4 to 31 August 1943 and was a Trials boat with the 23rd flotilla from 1 September 1943 until 1 July 1944. She then worked as a 'school' boat from 1 July 1944 to 28 February 1945 with the 21st flotilla once more. Her last assignment was with the 31st flotilla from 1 March to 8 May 1945.

The submarine capitulated at Cuxhaven on 5 May 1945. She was transferred from Wilhelmshaven to Loch Ryan in Scotland for Operation Deadlight on 24 June and was sunk by the guns of HMS Onslaught off Northern Ireland on 20 December.