German submarine U-46 (1938)

U-46 was a Type VIIB U-boat of Nazi Germany's Kriegsmarine during World War II. Her keel was laid down on 15 December 1937 by Friedrich Krupp Germaniawerft in Kiel as yard number 586, she was launched on 11 June 1938 and commissioned on 10 August 1938 under the command of Kapitänleutnant Herbert Sohler.

U-46 conducted 16 patrols during the war, primarily in the Atlantic Ocean. She was a relatively successful U-boat, sinking 15 ships totaling 83,121 gross register tons (GRT), damaging eight ships for a total of 62,635 GRT, and sinking one auxiliary warship of 545 GRT.

She was initially part of the 7th U-boat Flotilla. Commanders following Sohler included Engelbert Endrass, followed by the highly decorated Kapitänleutnant Engelbert Endrass (who later received the Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves), then Kapitänleutnant Herbert Schultze (also a Knight's Cross recipient). Later commanders included Oberleutnant zur See Joachim Preuss and Oberleutnant zur See Otto Ites.

Notable actions include participation in wolfpack attacks against Allied convoys. U-46 was involved in attacks on Convoys HX 72, SC 7, and HX 79. During these operations, she contributed significantly to the heavy losses inflicted on Allied shipping.

U-46 was damaged on several occasions. She survived attacks from surface escorts and aircraft. She underwent repairs and continued to serve until the end of the war.

U-46 was decommissioned on 1 May 1945 at Wilhelmshaven. She was later scuttled in Operation Deadlight on 21 December 1945.