SM UC-43

SM UC-43 was a German Type UC II minelaying submarine of the Imperial German Navy (Kaiserliche Marine) during World War I. She was commissioned on August 21, 1916.

UC-43 was primarily used to lay mines in enemy waters, disrupting shipping and contributing to the Allied war effort against Germany. She operated primarily in the English Channel and surrounding waters, laying mines that resulted in the sinking or damaging of numerous ships.

On February 9, 1917, UC-43 was sunk in the English Channel, south of Start Point, by the British Q-ship HMS Heather. There were no survivors. The wreck lies at a depth of approximately 40 meters and has been located and identified.

The sinking of UC-43 was a significant event in the U-boat war, contributing to the eventual Allied victory. Her operations represent a typical example of German U-boat activity during the First World War, focused on disrupting enemy supply lines through unrestricted submarine warfare.