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The Mediterranean U-boat Campaign lasted approximately from September 21, 1941 to May 1944 during World War II. The Italians had failed to neutralise Malta as a British base and Axis supply convoys to North Africa suffered severe losses as a result. This in turn threatened Axis armies' ability to fight. The Kriegsmarine aimed at isolating Malta so as to interrupt British supply convoys to the island. As the Allies gained the upper hand, u-boat operations became targeted at the various landings in southern Europe.
Some 60 U-boats were sent to assist the Italians, though many were attacked in the Strait of Gibraltar (of which 9 were sunk while attempting passage and 10 more were damaged). Had these U-boats been deployed in the Atlantic, or directly along the coasts of Britain, Germany would have had an advantage. The sea is clear and calm body of water which made escape more difficult for the U-boats. Germany's objective failed. No U-boat of the Mediterranean ever returned to the Atlantic and all were either sunk in battle or scuttled.
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German submarine U-371 was the first U-boat to enter the Mediterranean. She became the first target of an Allied tactic called "Swamp" after 3 years, in which ships and aircraft surround and threaten a U-boat forcing her to remain submerged till her batteries or air run out and then finishing her.
By December 23, 1941, 34 more U-boats had been sent to the Mediterranean. 27 entered successfully, 3 were sunk at Gibraltar and 5 were damaged and had to return to their French bases. U-95 and U-557 were sunk within a week after arrival in the region.
15 U-boats entered the sea in 1942 while 2 failed. But the year was bad for them. 14 were sunk in 1942. Thus, the fleet's strength remained the same.
14 U-boats were sent this year. Two were sunk at Gibraltar while one cancelled her mission due to damage.
12 U-boats were sent to cross Gibraltar in 1944. 3 of them sank while attempting entry.
Most U-boats failed to sink any ship. The bulk of U-boats lost this year were in Toulon.
U-455 vanished along with 51 men in the Mediterranean some time after 6 April 1944.
U-466 was the last U-boat to be scuttled in the Mediterranean. This was done when the Allied Operation Dragoon was launched.
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The Germans sunk 95 allied merchant ships totalling 449,206 tons, and 24 Royal Navy warships including 2 carriers, 1 battleship, 4 cruisers and 12 destroyers at the cost of 62 U-boats. Noteworthy successes were the sinkings of HMS Barham, HMS Ark Royal and HMS Eagle , HMS Penelope.
Four U-boats were sunk by Allied submarines in the Mediterranean.
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