U-boats type VIIC were built in the number of 568 units as the heart of the submarine force Kreigsmarine. These well-armed and maneuverable U-boats acted well in the North Atlantic, on the coast of West Africa and New Earth, in the Caribbean and the Mediterranean Seas. In the hands of experienced crews they represented a serious threat to allied convoys. Since 1943 year 88-mm deck guns on most U-boats of this type were withdrawn and enhanced on anti-aircraft weapons. These U-boats remained on frontline until the end of the war.