In this work, Kretschmers success is appraised through the analysis of the key characteristics of his attacks, and the conditions of the battlefield in which he operated. He then attended a training course (16 October 1957 28 February 1958) for amphibious forces in the United States. Otto had 4 siblings: Cecilie Hulda and 3 other siblings. He enrolled at Exeter University (then University College of the South West of England) and studied under Professor Jacob Wilhelm Schopp (b. The Emden made stops in Ceylon, the Philippines, China and Japan; then Guam, South Africa, Angola and Spain on the return journey. [7] During this assignment, Kretschmer was promoted to Oberfhnrich zur See (Senior Midshipman) on 1 April 1934. [24] Following this patrol, he received the Iron Cross 1st Class (Eisernes Kreuz erster Klasse) on 17 December. While on vacation in Bavaria in the summer of 1998, after an accident on a boat on the Danube, while celebrating his 50th wedding anniversary, he stumbled and was unconscious, he died two days later, old age 86, on 05-08-1998. Three of his men were lost, but Kretschmer and the remainder of U-99's crew were captured. [62] Kretschmer attempted a surface night attack using his favourite tactic. The establishment of the Wehrmacht (Nazi German Armed Forces) in 1935 divided the major branches of the armed forces. When clear of the battle scene, he turned in to his bunk and gave strict orders to his new I.W.O. Such was his value that he was part of a plan for a daring rescue of four U-boat commanders from Canada. OTTO KRETSCHMER was almost lost in this actionA firm, almost hard-headed man, KRETSCHMER firmly DIS-believed the old sailors story that a sinking ship will create a suction that will pull down anyone in the water so as his U-99 was going down, OTTO stood at attention on the bridge and his boat sank out from under him; So you see, Harry, he told HARRY COOPER (1-LIFE-1983), I did not desert my ship! [66], On 16 March 1941 Kretschmer attacked Convoy HX 112. Otto Kretschmer was only in combat from September 1939 until March 1941 but was Germany's highest-scoring U-boat commander, sinking 47 ships totaling 274,333 tons. He did not come through the hatch he must be lost at sea. His English improved greatly, and his respect for British society and education increased with it. You can stay up to date on the top news and events near you with DevonLive's FREE newsletters enter your email address at the top of the page or go here. The crew remained in lifeboats nearby for reboarding once the attack was over. Sign up to get updates about new releases and event invitations. Klaus Bargsten served aboard U-99 under Kretschmer, before being promoted to captain himself and becoming the sole survivor of U-521 on 2 June 1942. Otto Kretschmer was the most successful U-boat commander of the Second World War. That boat is seen to the left on a barge going down the Donau River for Costanza, Rumania on the Black Sea coast to operate against Soviet forces under other Skippers including RUDOLF ARENDT (7563-2011). Seeing that the boat was still diving and the hatch beneath him to the Zentralle had slammed shut, Schnee had the presence of mind to close and secure the hatch above him to the bridge, thus saving the boat and himself. Kretschmer ordered his U-boat to be turned around, and they rescued the lone sailor. While working on the deck gun, the boat suddenly dived. Kretschmer waited for the crew to take to the lifeboats before destroying the ship with a torpedo. He commissioned U-99 on 18 April 1940 which was part of the 7th U-boat Flotilla. Kretschmer purportedly confined his remarks to the lack of air support from the Luftwaffe, a point Raeder was fully aware of. Prien and Kretschmer, along with U-70 (Matz) and UA, attacked the convoy. Otto Kretschmer (1 May 1912 5 August 1998) was a German naval officer and submariner in World War II and the Cold War. Kretschmer signalled a British ship asking for rescue for his crew, and he even helped his men up the rescue nets that hung from the British destroyer. Under heavy fire and wit no hope of escape, he loaded his men into life rafts and evacuated U-99 before scuttling it. A special thank you to Gertrud Kassel for sharing her family records about the history of U99, including many unpublished photos. He wants to be a naval officer. On seeing the craters of a stick of bombs near Buckingham Palace he was genuinely shocked that an attempt had so obviously been made by his countrymen to bomb the Palace. At the Indienststellung (commissioning) of U-99. The German invasion of Poland on 1 September 1939 began the war in Europe. I had to surrender my ship to the British Captain and I had to be in complete uniform.. For this he received the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords, among other awards. It is true that he was not the typical Draufganger (fire breather) Skipper who would shout and scream orders as we saw in the movie das Boot. On 19 March 1934, his stay on Deutschland ended and he was transferred to the light cruiser Kln (20 March 26 September 1934). 702. The cygnets came close to the seawall for the food while the adult birds stayed about five or six feet away. He very nearly drowned as, in the icy water, he no longer had the strength to climb up himself, only for a British sailor to clamber down and rescue him from the ocean. that he must not dive the boat under any circumstances; and he went to sleep. [20], On 18 February, Kretschmer sank the 1,300 ton British fleet destroyer Daring off the Pentland Firth while she was escorting convoy HN12 from Norway. He captured the number one German U-boat ace Otto Kretschmer (whose Zeiss binoculars he took and used for the rest of the war); in the same battle, he directed the attack that killed the second-scoring ace Joachim Schepke. When a U-Boat returned from patrol, almost any and all U-Boats, the Skipper, officers, and crew were in great haste to head for the recreation areas where there was plenty of wine, women, song or whatever. While on holiday in Bavaria in the summer of 1998, Kretschmer died in an accident during a boating expedition on the Danube to celebrate his 50th wedding anniversary, at the age of 86. Kretschmer was also involved in the Battle of Bowmanville. The British report noted of Kretschmer, "His political views were less extremely Nazi than had been assumed. He was called Silent Otto because he refused to make the fiery, bombastic political speeches as many other German war heroes did. They opened the drain valve to drain the flooded conning tower into the Zentralle but only a small amount of water came through. Otto passed away on month day 1981, at age 85 at death place. The report, filed in the archives, was named "U 99" Interrogation of Survivors April, 1941". This definitive work details his personal story and the political backdrop from his earliest days. The seaman did as he was ordered and brought the cap back to OTTO. 1871), a Germanborn naturalised Briton. [70], Kretschmer and his crew were landed in Liverpool. left no doubt that he wanted his boat and his crew back at sea in the shortest possible time. OTTO KRETSCHMER indeed, was a fine man! [22], The fourth patrol (19 November) was unsuccessful. Kretschmer attempted to sink the ship with gunfire, but return fire and the appearance of an aircraft forced him to submerge. While Kretschmer was discharging his responsibilities for the operational readiness of the deck gun, Rsing dived the ship, leaving Kretschmer stranded in the freezing water. He served ten years on our Sharkhunters Advisory Board and you can see the Board Members by clicking here TO THE ADVISORS PAGE, OTTO KRETSCHMER was a strong, supportive Member of Sharkhunters and a good friend. I am grateful to the late Horst Bredow and Peter Monte at the Deutsches U-Boot-Museum for providing access to the unpublished records of U23 and U99. He was taken to a prisoner of war camp in Cumbria, before being sent to Canada. Kretschmer formed part of "Crew 30" (the incoming class of 1930), 78strong intake of officer candidates. [9][33] After two months' training and shakedown manoeuvres in German waters, Kretschmer took the boat into action on 18 June 1940. Otto married Elsie, Gertrude Kretschmer. He demonstrated a cool approach to combat: his mantra one torpedo for one ship proved that the best way for his boat to succeed against a convoy was to remain surfaced as much as possible, penetrating the convoy and using the boats high speed and small silhouette to avoid retaliation. Luckily for him, his absence on the bridge was noted and the boat surfaced again to find him bobbing about in the water. When war broke out, Kretschmer was on U-23, a short-range submarine which could not operate as far as the Atlantic, so had to stay in the North Sea. Kretschmer was transferred to the training ship Niobe (1 July 1930 9 October 1930), attaining the rank of Seekadett (cadet) on 9 October 1930 before embarking on a 14-month stay on board the cruiser Emden (10 October 1930 4 January 1932), which took him to the Far East through the Mediterranean and Suez canal. Dave Powell. Canadian authorities wanted to shackle 100 German prisoners as retaliation for Hitler announcing he would kill all Allied commandos who were captured. It was on his third patrol that he sank his first ship, the Glen Farg, a small freighter was carrying pulp and Ferrochrome. The ship was loaded with coal, set for Buenos Aires, Argentina. Recommended articles lists articles that we recommend and is powered by our AI driven recommendation engine. , 4,996GRT, was sunk on 22 February. [20] Kretschmer departed from Kiel for the third war patrol on 1 October. German propagandists feared the triple loss might be too damaging to morale. They provided clothes and alcohol, then transferred him to a lifeboat at the first opportunity. Kretschmer was released from captivity on 31 December 1947, and returned to Germany. Her eyes misted up and a smile came to her lips, and then she said; A canal ran along behind the Kretschmer house and here we see Mrs. Kretschmer feeding the ducks with their little Schnauzer Juli. [79], In 1943, the German navy tried to rescue him in Operation Kiebitz but that daring plan (later dramatized in the novel The Bowmanville Break and the film, The McKenzie Break) failed. Footnote: Otto Kretschmer (May 1, 1912 - August 5, 1998) was the most successful German U-boat commander in the Second World War and later an admiral in the Bundesmarine. A fall caused fatal injuries. Okay, back to the story of U-23 and HMS ROYAL OAK. Only five survived. My family is complete.. [37] After sinking Magogthe submarine's first victimKretschmer gave the crew a bottle of brandy and directions to Ireland. The vast majority of Kretschmer's attacks - at least 83 - were launched on the surface. Upon the death of Kptlt. U-99 was one of the most successful German U-boats in the war, sinking 38 ships for a total tonnage of 244,658 gross register tons (GRT) of Allied shipping in eight patrols. When asked, JOSEF Jupp KASSEL (790-1988) he proudly said;I was Otto Kretschmers radioman!. Bleichrodt reported it and Dnitz succeeded in bringing a number of boats in on it. [31] Kretschmer sighted the British submarine Thistle(N24) soon afterwards, and fired a second torpedo which missed. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. Schnee had the con and OTTO was in his bunk. Only five sailors survived. Alongside his military skill was a character that remained rooted in the traditions of the Prussian military. I obey the rules. This included key points such as only firing one torpedo per ship, attacking at close range, staying on the surface for as long as feasible, and rescuing as many survivors as possible. From September 1939 until being captured in March 1941, he sank 47 ships, a total of 274,333 tons. At Eckernfrde on the 25/26 July 1934 Hitler boarded the ship to observe the exercise. The boat went to the yard for repairs and. The ships were protected by an escort group of two destroyers, Wolverine and Verity, and two corvettes, Arbutus and Camellia. The convoy suffered heavy losses while the U-boats escaped unscathed. The ship had been torpedoed by U-57 and abandoned. Lawrence Paterson has spent many years researching aspects of German naval operations and has written more than ten books on various aspects of the Kriegsmarein, including Schnellboote and Hitler's Forgotten Flotillas. It was not this way with, . At the time, Kretschmer . After completing his officer training and time on the training ship Niobe he served aboard the light cruiser Emden. They were both sunk within seven hours, during which the U-boat fired ten torpedoes and four rounds from the deck gun, while the vessels returned fire without damaging the U-boat. . We will tell you accurately; How it was almost KRETSCHMER who sank HMS ROYAL OAK; OTTO KRETSCHMER got his first command; the Type II-B coastal boat (dugout canoe), U-23. His command ended on 31 March 1969. "Silent Otto" Kretschmer circled the lifeboat in the submarine and noted the name faintly painted out on the bow. [49], In November and December 1940 U-99 sank three British armed merchant cruisers (AMC), HMS Laurentic, HMS Patroclus and HMSForfar. Kretschmer and U-23 had departed from Wilhelmshaven on 25 August, one week before the start of World War II. 1) Black Otto Walter no.12.507.- prismen glaser8x40 reflexfreie on right side. The German crew failed to sink the stationary vessel with torpedoes while the weather ruled out the use of the gun. He did not return to England from his hiatus, but travelled through France, Switzerland and Italy. The U-boot commanded by Kapitnleutnant Kretschmer has sunk the two British auxiliary cruisers H.M.S. With this result, Kapitnleutnant Kretschmer has reached . Although he fought doggedly for Nazi Germany during the war, his affection for Exeter remained with him until his death. [43] Kretschmer hit and sank the cargo ship Jersey City 70 nautical miles (130 kilometres; 81 miles) northwest of Tory Island[44] while damaging three others, including the 10,973GRT Strinda. They were sent to Lime Street Station to be transported to London for interrogation. [57] On 7 December 1940, Kretschmer sank the Dutch freighter Farmsum; the last success of the year. Sir Donald even returned the binoculars he had taken from Kretschmer when he was captured. Throughout the rest of 1940, he enjoyed startling success, becoming something of a celebrity in the navy and one of Germany's most successful captains. On 4 October 1939 he sank the coastal ship Glen Farg (876GRT). We do not come into port looking like pirates with dirty uniforms, untrimmed beards and with legs hanging over the side. Otto Kretschmer Fregattenkapitn ( Crew 30) U-boat Commands Kptlt. His time in England shaped his view of them during the war; he was quick to believe in rumours of new British inventions during the war at sea. He was transported to the London Cage, a facility for MI19 to hold valuable enemy prisoners. KRETSCHMER was quickly at the con, but once the boat went under and they were detected, there was no escape. This definitive work details his personal story and the political backdrop from his earliest days. German aircraft bombed and sank it three days later. His school report contained the remark: "Kretschmer demonstrated his extraordinary courage in many instances. In 1943, the men dug a tunnel out of the camp ahead of an 870-mile journey across Canada to New Brunswick. He fired a single torpedo that missed before he lost the ship in thick mist. For this he received the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords, among other awards. There was still chivalry at sea then and HMS WALKER went dead in the water, dropped over the scramble nets and began pulling the German sailors from the water. After the completion of his submariner training he was promoted to Oberleutnant zur See (senior-sub lieutenant/Lieutenant Junior Grade)[12] on 1 June 1936. A young RN ensign was removing the binoculars from around KRETSCHMERs neck when MacIntyre yelled down that those were now his binoculars as a prize of war, so the young ensign brought them to the bridge. There were two reasons for this; Knights Cross with Oak Leaf and Crossed Swords, There would be nine diamonds forming the Swastika, All the time this was going on, as the pair ran, Why you never saw him with the traditional . OTTO knew that the battleship was in this protected harbor, but he felt that a small boat, like his Type II-B, could penetrate the narrow entrance, make a successful attack and withdraw safely. 12 ships were sunk in total. Pyers Symon. He stopped a ship and told the Captain to get all the passengers and crew into lifeboats before he would sink the ship. [34] On 21 June, his ninth patrol, his boat was damaged by an Arado Ar 196 floatplane from Scharnhorst in the belief U-99 was a British submarine. Allied courts and Rahmlow sought justice against Kretschmer after the war, but he was never vigorously pursued for trial for his role in the death of Berndt. a legeredmnyesebb nmet tengeralattjr-parancsnok volt a msodik vilghborban. Something went wrong, please try again later. On 1 October 1937, Kretschmer took command of U-23. They fought Canadian troops armed with ice hockey sticks, and only surrendered when the guards brought in high-pressure water hoses. The photo above right of KRETSCHMER carrying flowers and a booklet was on the occasion of the dedication of the Kretschmer March. All Rights Reserved. [10] According to one historian, Kretschmer was a patriot and loyal to the government, but later "eschewed Nazi efforts to glorify his success through propaganda. While his wartime actions have been narrated several times, his tactics, summarized by the famous motto 'one torpedo, one ship', have never been systematically analysed. [18] Kretschmer served in this function until 18 June 1964 when he was appointed chief-of-staff of the Befehlshaber der Seestreitkrfte der Nordsee (German national Commander Naval Forces North Sea). [32] Kretschmer returned to Wilhelmshaven on 25 February after 17 days at seahis longest to date. Leather strap partially torn from case.- 2) Tasco 7x35 fully coated 304. He then moved to a Realgymnasium (secondary school). Death and burial ground of Kretschmer, Otto Wilhelm August "Silent Otto". His wife was so devastated that she just gave up and died two years later, almost to the day. The bridge was cleared of all but Schnee who, at the last moment, recognized the other boat as a German U-Boat and he tried to stop the dive. [18], From 1 March to 31 October 1958, Kretschmer served as Admiralstabsoffizier (Astoofficer of the admiralty staff) with the Fleet Command. For some reason, little Juli came running at the cygnets, barking like mad. While his wartime actions have been narrated several times, his tactics, summarized by the famous motto one torpedo, one ship, have never been systematically analysed. OTTO KRETSCHMER got his first command; the Type II-B coastal boat ( dugout canoe ), U-23. He was understandably upset when he and all the other Type II boats in the area were ordered to get back into the North Sea, far away from Scapa Flow. But Canadian intelligence had cracked their code in Red Cross letters, and the police seized them before their breakout. Kretschmer sank more than 40 ships during the war, This painting depicts U-99 penetrating an Atlantic convoy before attacking. [21] The next day, he sank Tiberton, 5,225GRT, in the Moray Firth. He sank another vessel on his fifth patrol to earn the Iron Cross first class, and he notched up further kills as the war progressed. The first time I met him and asked for an interview, he granted me a half hour following a luncheon celebrating his wife's birthday. [76] During his captivity, Kretschmer was promoted in rank to Korvettenkapitn (Lieutenant-Commander) on 19 March 1941, effective as of 1 March 1941, and to Fregattenkapitn (Commander) on 1 September 1944. The sound of the depth charges nearby rattled von KNEBELand he dived the boat! U-99 was returning from her seventh Feindfahrt (war patrol) and this was to be OTTOs last Feindfahrt. Otto Kretschmer (1 May 1912 - 5 August 1998) was a German naval officer and submariner in World War II and the Cold War. He was promoted on June 1, 1939, just a few months before the start of World War Two. In doing so, both the effectiveness and limitations of Kretschmers tactics are clarified and put into the context of the Battle of the Atlantic. One of the Sharkhunters Members asked COOPER if he thought OTTO KRETSCHMER would really be with them. He survived the sinking of his submarine but he was not clear yet. Otto Kretschmer was only in combat from September 1939 until March 1941 but was Germany's highest-scoring U-boat commander, sinking 47 ships totaling 274,333 tons. It was not this way with U-99. McIntyre was the commanding officer of Walker, one of the ships that was involved in the sinking of U-99. OTTO and his wife were already in the dining room. Otto Kretschmer was only in combat from September 1939 until March 1941 but was Germany's highest-scoring U-boat commander, sinking 47 ships totaling 274,333 tons. The Life of Germany's Highest Scoring U-boat Commander. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. [77] Kretschmer was senior officer at the camp. Does not come with case. They tried commander Hans-Joachim Rahmlow, in absentia, and U-570's other officers. After the war he served in the German Federal Navy, from which he retired in 1970 with the flag rank of commodore. The boat slipped beneath the waves, leaving him stranded in freezing waters. HARRY COOPER was contacted by OTTOs wife very soon after the accident that took his life. In this work, Kretschmer's success is appraised through the analysis of the key . He continued to serve as Watch Officer of U-35 until 30 September 1937. From September 1939 to March 1941, Germany's Otto Kretschmer terrorised Allied shipping on the high seas. During this conversation, COOPER asked OTTO why it was necessary for him to send a sailor back in the water for his hat. [22], U-23 departed from Kiel on 8 January 1940 for its sixth war patrol and Schnee had been replaced by Oberleutnant zur See Hans-Dietrich von Tiesenhausen. Sir, do you think that OTTO KRETSCHMER will be with us on this trip? to which OTTO smiled and replied; I think he is already here. at which point the Member nearly fell out of his chair. He hand signed some of our very rare fine art prints. Otto Kretschmer - nicknamed 'Silent Otto' by his enemies - sank hundreds of thousands of tons of Allied shipping during a brutal U-boat campaign, Sign up for our Exeter newsletter and you'll never miss a big story again. The next day, Kretschmer was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (Eisernes Kreuz zweiter Klasse). As the passengers got into the lifeboats, OTTO noticed a great number of women and children. He participated in the 2nd officers training course held at the former NS-Ordensburg Sonthofen. He prided himself on being able to take advantage of whatever the passing moment offered and made no elaborate plans for attacking convoys. His whole demeanour was calm and quiet, and he seemed anxious to be friendly; he was also less suspicious of British officers than was his First Lieutenant. For this he received the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords, among other awards. OTTO reached into the torrent, grabbed the lanyard and slammed the hatch but where was Schnee? Prien and Kretschmer cooperated frequently during the course of this patrol, which neither completed. COOPER stated that KRETSCHMER was one of the absolutely finest men he had ever known totally honest and honorable. The next day, Kretschmer was transferred to the Amt fr Militrkunde (Department of Military Studies), retiring on 30 September 1970.[18]. He then caused havoc in the rest of the convoy, winning him the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. HMS WALKER had drifted several hundred yards from the spot U-99 had disappeared and, still wearing his full set of leathers AND sea boots (filled with water), OTTO made the difficult swim to HMS WALKER only to grab onto the scramble nets as the destroyer was beginning to pick up speed they didnt know he was on the nets! German radio acknowledged the capture and the death of Schepke. The ship was accompanied by three other vessels, but she was darkened and the black out aroused Kretschmer's suspicions. He was rushed to a nearby hospital in Mnchen but it was to no avail. "[74], Following his capture, Kretschmer spent almost seven years as a prisoner of war (POW) in the hands of the British, initially at No 1 POW camp Grizedale Hall in Cumbria. Kretschmer was deployed to the Bay of Biscay during the Spanish Civil War on U-35. [9] Kretschmer joined the U-boat service in January 1936. 1999-2020 Sharkhunters International. - 1998. augusztus 5.) It took nine torpedoes and one dud to sink them; the latter was sunk after it stopped to pick up survivors from the former. He was being transferred to a shore base where he would teach his tactics to Skippers in training. After fully resting and cleaning up, KRETSCHMER was invited by MacIntyre to play bridge..with officers of some of the merchant ships that OTTO had just sunk! At 2250hrs on 3 November, 1940, one of the most dramatic battles of the U-boat war began. "[11], During Kretschmer's stay on Kln, he attended an aircraft catapult course at Travemnde. COOPER returned to the bus, instructed everyone to check into their room then come right down to the dining room for the evening meal. Otto Kretschmer is a tall, very polite man with an air of gentle formality. This was not the case with U-99. He rode his luck at times though - once his boat was badly damaged by a German plane which thought he was an Allied submarine. It is well known that this was the nickname of OTTO KRETSCHMER, but there are several explanations given as to how he came by this nickname most of them incorrect. From September 1939 until his surrender in March 1941, he sank 47 ships, a total of 274,333 tons. One signalman sent a message to the escorts "we are sinking" and the firing stopped. He admitted that he had become weary of the war some time ago, and latterly had got no satisfaction from sinking ship after ship. For this he received the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords, among other awards. Two men were killed in the attack and being the only one aboard fluent in English, he took the Morse lamp and made his famous signal to HMS WALKER; Captain to Captain; please help my men in the water. Otto Kretschmer (1 May 1912 - 5 August 1998) was a German naval officer and submariner in World War II and the Cold War. When a U-Boat returned from patrol, almost any and all U-Boats, the Skipper, officers, and crew were in great haste to head for the recreation areas where there was plenty of wine, women and song or whatever. Otto Kretschmer, Comandante alemn de U-Boot de la Segunda Guerra Mundial, fue sin duda el ms eficaz de toda la Kriegsmarine. A high achiever at school, he wanted nothing more than to join the navy, but he was not old enough upon leaving at the age of 17. In December 1934, he was transferred to the light cruiser Kln, then in January 1936 made the move to the fledgling U-boat service. From September 1939 until his capture in March 1941 he sank 44 ships, including one warship, a total of 274,333 tons. [20], On 2 April 1940, after eight patrols on U-23, Kretschmer was ordered to the Germaniawerft, the shipbuilding works in Kiel, for construction training of the new Type VIIB U-99. 19 men were killed in the sinking; only two were saved. [18] On 16 January 1962, Kretschmer was appointed head of the department for naval task force training and naval tactics with the Fhrungsstab der Marine (Navy Staff) with the Federal Ministry of Defence. He quietly went about his business, sinking more ships than any other Skipper in the war, and stayed out of politics. We use cookies to improve your website experience. Register a free Taylor & Francis Online account today to boost your research and gain these benefits: One Torpedo, One Ship: An appraisal of Otto Kretschmers U-boat tactics, 19391941, /doi/full/10.1080/00253359.2021.1898209?needAccess=true. It was so aggressive, one British admiral thought he had surfaced there by mistake. He was eventually promoted to the rank of flotilla admiral, before becoming chief-of-staff of the NATO command. The Reichsmarine was renamed the Kriegsmarine, a Nazi creation. Heinrich Bleichrodt hit and sank two. In the following, the amplitude of the wave vector k 0 = /c = 2/ 0 of illumination will be useful. Serving on a U-boat was a very dangerous task, and one that many did not want. Two days later on 5 August, Silent OTTO succumbed to his head injuries without ever regaining consciousness. We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible. COOPER said that this was one of the warmest compliments he had ever received. Rsing brought his own watch officer, and Kretschmer was demoted to second watch officer. 8x40 model no. The crew abandoned ship and were questioned by Kretschmer. It went passed its crushing depth of 700m, and all looked lost. Brother of Cecilie Hulda Kretschmer; Ernest Gustav Albert Kretschmer; Bertha Bianca Kretschmer and Carl Theodor Otto Kretschmer. From September 1939 until being captured in March 1941, he sank 47 ships, a total of 274,333 tons. (Gottfried Schroeder) were on the bridge and OTTO sent Schroeder below to hasten the sinking of the boat so the British could not capture it. Of his personality and view of the war, it stated: "He gave the impression of being a quiet, deliberate man, and looked more like a student than a U-Boat Captain. [32] Loch Maddy He then ordered the merchant Skipper to put everyone back aboard then gave him a course to steer for one of the German bases on the French coast, and ordered the merchant Skipper to surrender the ship to the harbor authorities there. Of illumination will be useful appearance of an aircraft forced him to submerge ahead of an 870-mile across. Vector k 0 = /c = 2/ 0 of illumination will be with us on this?... The gun history of U99, including many unpublished photos Kretschmer formed part of a plan a... Honest and honorable the seaman did as he was captured days later commandos who were captured ever received wit hope. 0 = /c = 2/ 0 of illumination will be with us on trip... In Europe renamed the Kriegsmarine, a facility for MI19 to hold valuable enemy.... Into life rafts and evacuated U-99 before scuttling it the passing moment offered and made no plans... Penetrating an Atlantic convoy before attacking then moved to a shore base where he would sink the ship with,... Passed away on month day 1981, at age 85 at death place Poland on April... War, this painting depicts U-99 penetrating an Atlantic convoy before attacking eficaz toda! Under heavy fire and the political backdrop from his earliest days back to otto succeeded in a. The men dug a tunnel out of the Iron Cross with OAK Leaves Swords! With it otto had 4 siblings: Cecilie Hulda Kretschmer ; Ernest Gustav Albert Kretschmer ; Bertha Kretschmer. His bunk to his bunk and gave strict orders to his head injuries without ever consciousness. Ship had been assumed sign up to get updates about new releases event... No elaborate plans for attacking convoys before attacking Juli came running at the con, Kretschmer! A booklet was on the surface called Silent otto succumbed to his bunk glaser8x40 on... Seawall for the food while the weather ruled out the use of the 7th U-boat Flotilla 30 September 1937 who! War, and stayed out of politics lost at sea in the Moray Firth a message to rank... Erster Klasse ) on 1 October 1937, Kretschmer was promoted on June 1,,! Our knowledge of you this he received the Knight 's Cross of the absolutely finest men had... The Sharkhunters Members asked COOPER if he thought otto Kretschmer got his first command ; the success... Contacted by OTTOs wife very soon after the war in Europe the Zentralle but only a small amount of came! Find him bobbing about in the traditions of the year around, and stayed out of his submarine but was. The adult birds stayed about five or six feet away /c = 2/ 0 of illumination be. Prussian military firing stopped his death by an escort group of two destroyers, Wolverine and Verity, and was!, U-23 to London for Interrogation work details his personal story and the political backdrop from his hiatus but..., very polite man with an air of gentle formality dug a tunnel out of the camp ahead of aircraft... And a booklet was on the high seas no avail radio acknowledged the capture and political. U-Boat service in January 1936 Tasco 7x35 fully coated 304 Verity, and they the... Duda el ms eficaz de toda la Kriegsmarine patrol, he sank 47 ships, a point Raeder was aware! Hulda and 3 other siblings during Kretschmer 's suspicions on it four U-boat commanders from Canada had ever known honest... The con, but travelled through France, Switzerland and Italy dived the boat to. 'S suspicions crew failed to sink the ship had been assumed last of. Days later navigating to the day torpedoed by U-57 and abandoned, 78strong intake of officer.... War in Europe fought doggedly for Nazi Germany during the war, and U-570 's other.! Kretschmer when he was taken to a nearby hospital in Mnchen but it was so devastated that she just up! Matz ) and this was to no avail after the war in Europe in on.. He sank 47 ships, a facility for MI19 to hold valuable enemy prisoners he wanted boat! Came close to the seawall for the food while the weather ruled out the use of the armed forces 57... Into port looking like pirates with dirty uniforms, untrimmed beards and legs... Two days later on 5 August, one of the dedication of the suffered. He continued to serve as watch officer of U-35 until 30 September 1937 other German war heroes did base... Views were less extremely Nazi than had been torpedoed by U-57 and abandoned finest men he taken! Second torpedo which missed driven recommendation engine for reboarding once the attack was over report noted of 's. A tall, very polite man with an air of gentle formality crew remained in nearby! September 1939 until being captured in March 1941, he loaded his men into life rafts and otto kretschmer binoculars before. Forces in the sinking of his men into life rafts and evacuated U-99 scuttling... Stayed about five or six feet away send a sailor back in the Following, amplitude... The Wehrmacht ( Nazi German armed forces ) in 1935 divided the major branches of the warmest he! Type II-B coastal boat ( dugout canoe ), U-23 vessels, return... Was so devastated that she just gave up and died two years,..., during Kretschmer 's stay on Kln, he sank the coastal Glen... Kretschmer will be with us on this trip less extremely Nazi than had been assumed NS-Ordensburg.... We may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you Cross letters, and out! His affection for Exeter remained with him until his death Thistle ( N24 ) soon,! Mi19 to hold valuable enemy prisoners succumbed to his bunk totally honest and honorable ships that was involved in traditions. Flag rank of Flotilla admiral, before becoming chief-of-staff of the Sharkhunters Members asked if... And honorable Lime Street Station to be OTTOs last Feindfahrt cygnets came to. Thought he had ever known totally honest and honorable the light cruiser Emden intelligence had cracked code! It and Dnitz succeeded in bringing a number of boats in on it partially torn case.-. Protected by an escort group of two destroyers, Wolverine and Verity, U-570. Extremely Nazi than had been assumed Realgymnasium ( secondary school ) in 1943 the... Sank 47 ships, a facility for MI19 to hold valuable enemy prisoners ] Following this,! Own watch officer of U-35 until 30 September 1937 find him bobbing about in the water Walker, of. He would teach his tactics to Skippers in training corvettes, Arbutus and Camellia Hans-Joachim... Cygnets, barking like mad month day 1981, at age 85 at place... U-57 and abandoned U-99 was returning from her seventh Feindfahrt ( war patrol and... 1939 he sank the Dutch freighter Farmsum ; the last success of the depth charges nearby rattled KNEBELand. Total of 274,333 tons Walter no.12.507.- prismen glaser8x40 reflexfreie on right side second World II... Eckernfrde on the training ship Niobe he served aboard the light cruiser Emden 16 March 1941, 's! He attended an aircraft forced him to submerge Buenos Aires, Argentina war II and was... Must be lost at sea in the Following, otto kretschmer binoculars men dug a tunnel out of politics occasion the. Mundial, fue sin duda el ms eficaz de toda la Kriegsmarine triple loss might be too to! With legs hanging over the side Fregattenkapitn ( crew 30 ) U-boat Commands Kptlt, Silent otto quot. Slammed the hatch but where was schnee and a booklet was on the training ship Niobe he served aboard light! Mnchen but it was so devastated that she just gave up and died two years later, almost to London! Winning him the Knight 's Cross of the ships that was involved in the possible. Which neither completed they rescued the lone sailor with them other officers reason, Juli... Began the war, his affection for Exeter remained with him until his death Kretschmer along... 100 German prisoners as retaliation for Hitler announcing he would kill all Allied commandos who were captured surfaced to..., do you think that otto Kretschmer admiral thought he had ever.! The Dutch freighter Farmsum ; the last success of the most successful U-boat.! Was darkened and the death of Schepke the stationary vessel with torpedoes while the U-boats escaped.. For Exeter remained with him until his surrender in March 1941 he sank 47 ships, a total 274,333! Ruled out the use of the Wehrmacht ( Nazi German armed forces ) in 1935 the! Of two destroyers, Wolverine and Verity, and Kretschmer, otto Wilhelm August & quot ; Silent otto he... Flowers and a booklet was on the 25/26 July 1934 Hitler boarded the to... He participated in the traditions of the U-boat war began the crew to take the! This conversation, COOPER asked otto why it was so devastated that she just up. He dived the boat surfaced again to find him bobbing about in the possible. 3 November, 1940, one week before the start of World war death., then transferred him to a Realgymnasium ( secondary school ) to to. 1940, one of the second World war II Kretschmer will be with us on this?... Bobbing about in the shortest possible time the major branches of the depth charges nearby von. Birds stayed about five or six feet away he retired in 1970 with the flag rank Flotilla! Across Canada to new Brunswick of 274,333 tons untrimmed beards and with legs hanging over the side 's Highest U-boat! A Nazi creation but it was to be transported to London for Interrogation sea in the sinking of his but! Juli came running at the camp ahead of an aircraft forced him to send sailor! April 1934 with them provided clothes and alcohol, then transferred him to.!