I had to surrender my ship to the British Captain and I had to be in complete uniform.. Such were his expertise, he re-joined the navy in 1955. The boat went to the yard for repairs and OTTO left no doubt that he wanted his boat and his crew back at sea in the shortest possible time. He wants to be a naval officer.". He became known as the Golden Horseshoe by his men. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. One morning on the breakfast patio at the KRETSCHMER home, OTTO was reading his newspaper while Mrs. Kretschmer and COOPER talked over breakfast tea. When asked, JOSEF Jupp KASSEL (790-1988) he proudly said;I was Otto Kretschmers radioman!. There were two reasons for this; He was tough but he had a heart and was chivalrous as well. Yes, OTTO was a great guy. One of the Sharkhunters Members asked COOPER if he thought OTTO KRETSCHMER would really be with them. He went on to sink almost 280,000 tons of Allied shipping to become Germany's most successful U-boat captain of the war. It was only later that KRETSCHMER learned of this and learned that his own brother, a pilot, had been overflying Scapa Flow and making aerial photos of the place just for the attack by U-47. From September 1939 until his capture in March 1941 he sank 44 ships, including one warship, a total of 274,333 tons. OTTO reached into the torrent, grabbed the lanyard and slammed the hatch but where was Schnee? 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. The officers were also taken to the prisoner-of-war camp at Grizedale Hall. Otto Kretschmer (1 May 1912 - 5 August 1998) was a German naval officer and submariner in World War II and the Cold War. They all got along perfectly, and MacIntyre told KRETSCHMER that these were the only truly good bridge games hed had during the war. He dispensed with the standard practice of firing salvoes of torpedoes from long distances. Devon father and son inspired Hollywood film after disappearing searching for lost city of Z, Dartmoor byelaws: New rules planned to protect National Park, Taste East Devon already looking ahead to 2022 after smashing first year, Baby Amanda: The heartbreaking mystery of the newborn found dead by a river, Baby 'Amanda' was found in a white sack, weighed down by a brick, Devon's tent boy to call it a night after three years under canvas, Max Woosey, who has raised more than 700K for the North Devon Hospice, will celebrate the end of his adventure with an epic music and movie-themed festival, Ambitious plan to transform Devon's second most deprived town, A regeneration strategy sets out how the town can grow and thrive, Escape to the Country: Host apologises to guest after 'moment' with husband in Devon home, The host Sonali Shah issued an apology to guest Jan after sharing a hug with her husband, Alan, One of Devon's most incredible homes is for sale and the views are out of this world, The exceptional property boasts a private jetty and mooring, a cinema, bar and entertainment room, and unrivalled waterfront views - and will set you back more than 7 million, Live: A38 slip road closed and emergency services on scene after two-car crash, Police, fire crews and ambulance personnel are all reportedly at the scene, Map of England's worst GP surgeries features Devon, The practices received the worst possible ratings from the Care Quality Commission - whilst one has since turned around its fortunes, Exeter YMCA services under threat in brutal new cuts plan, YMCA Exeter could lose more than 150,000 in vital funding if Devon County Council budget cuts go ahead, Man arrested in Bideford over burglary as police swoop to town, Devon and Cornwall Police said enquiries are ongoing following the incident, Bogus call sparks mass emergency services response in Exeter road, A man was arrested for wasting police time, Beloved Salcombe pub's future in air as landlord leaves, Locals are gutted as the landlord of the soul of Salcombe Fortescue Inn departs after 10 years in charge, Exeter Chiefs line up Harry Williams replacementfrom Premiership rivals, Rob Baxter set to raid rival Premiership club for 21 stone tighthead prop, Cranbrook is getting bigger with 1,035 new homes and traveller pitches planned, The plans include a new primary school for more than 400 pupils, as well as permanent pitches for travellers, sports pitches, shops, restaurants and a neighbourhood centre, Exeter lifeline under threat in brutal new cuts plan, Remembering when the Beast from the East hit Devon five years ago, The heaviest snow in decades battered the UK on March 1, 2018, Exeter man arrested for wasting police time after bogus welfare call, The initial call prompted a huge multi-force response, Leisure centre price hikes in Exeter to prevent closures, ECC says it is with a 'heavy heart' it has increased prices for those using its leisure centres across the city, Met Office latest as bitter cold front plunges UK to almost -8C with snow 'likely', Prepare for potential changes in the coming weeks, Constance Marten baby search enters third day amid fear child may have 'come to harm', Anger over loss of free parking at Exeter car park, Only cashless options will be available at Bromhams Farm Car Park from May 23, Live: Police helicopter circles over Torquay, The chopper has been circling the Babbacombe and St Marychurch areas this evening (February 28), Vulnerable Exeter woman dies of hypothermia in council flat, An inquest into the death of Cass Terry, 55, heard she had a long history of mental health illness. Prien along with his crew disappeared, presumably in a depth charge attack. One may read of all the great accomplishments by this outstanding gentleman in many places some accurate, some merely hoping they are close to being accurate and on some forums just plain fantasy. Otto Kretschmer (1 May 1912 - 5 August 1998) was a German naval officer and submariner in World War II and the Cold War. 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. [68] U-99 was driven down to 700 feetbeyond the recognised crush depth before control was regained and the ballast tanks blown. While working on the deck gun, the boat suddenly dived. [54], Kretschmer departed for his fifteenth patrol on 27 November and returned on 12 December. The boat slipped beneath the waves, leaving him stranded in freezing waters. [78] Kretschmer was also involved in a second illegal court of honour hearing against the commander of U-501. The ships used barrels for ballast to prevent them sinking. [50] 51 men died aboard Laurentic, 367 survived. He departed from Wilhelmshaven for his eighth war patrol on 9 February. Three days later he departed for his seventh war patrol. 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. COOPER said that this was one of the warmest compliments he had ever received. He then sank the 5,200-ton cargo ship Tiberton the Loch Maddy, weighing 5,000 tons. Today's London Daily Telegraph carries the obituary of Otto Kretschmer who has died at the age of 86. For 13 days Kretschmer sailed without success. 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. [24] Following this patrol, he received the Iron Cross 1st Class (Eisernes Kreuz erster Klasse) on 17 December. Incredibly though, this war hero, who was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross - Germany's highest award for gallantry - had lived in Exeter before the war while he studied at the city's university. The German crew failed to sink the stationary vessel with torpedoes while the weather ruled out the use of the gun. Under water U-99 had no chance of catching her. 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. After a running convoy battle in which KRETSCHMER did not sleep for two days straight, he exhausted his torpedoes and set course for home. A fall caused fatal injuries. 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. Kretschmer was subsequently awarded the Iron Cross second class. Kretschmer's thoughts on Hitler and the subsequent conference are not known. Kretschmer was taken to London for interrogation. [28] Kretschmer returned to Wilhelmshaven on 15 January. Prien's demise was not disclosed. On 19 March 1934, his stay on Deutschland ended and he was transferred to the light cruiser Kln (20 March 26 September 1934). German aircraft bombed and sank it three days later. 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. Otto Kretschmer (1 May 1912 - 5 August 1998) was a German naval officer and submariner in World War II and the Cold War . He participated in the 2nd officers training course held at the former NS-Ordensburg Sonthofen. In fact, out of 116 torpedoes fired in action, Kretschmer scored 74 hits (equivalent to a 69.8% success rate). This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. This definitive work details his personal story and the political backdrop from his earliest days. Husband of Elsie Gertrude Kretschmer. Kretschmer was released after seven years as a prisoner of war. . Later, a mated pair of swans came by with their offspring, about six cygnets, and they were looking for food as well. [51] Kretschmer was awarded the 6th Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub) on 4 November 1940. Miraculously, power was restored and it limped back to the surface. 176 men died. He clung to the periscope in the hope of being seen through the optics. Otto Kretschmer, Comandante alemn de U-Boot de la Segunda Guerra Mundial, fue sin duda el ms eficaz de toda la Kriegsmarine. In 1955, he met Sir Donald Macintyre, who commanded one of the vessels which helped sink U-99. In later years, Kretschmer was often interviewed for television and radio programmes - including an appearing in the landmark British 1974 documentary series The World at War. The booklet was the music and award document, and the flowers were handed to him by Fraulein von Ribbentrop. Kretschmer was so outraged that he and other officers organised a rebellion. It took nine torpedoes and one dud to sink them; the latter was sunk after it stopped to pick up survivors from the former. 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. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. His crew loved and respected him, and would have got into hell if that was the order he gave. Kretschmer took command of U-99, and adorned the conning tower with two gold-painted horseshoes for luck. [17], Kretschmer was promoted to Kapitnleutnant (Lieutenant/Lieutenant Senior Grade) on 1 June 1939.[9]. The Norwegian Varild 1,085GRT was sunk east of the Shetland Islands. Kretschmer joined the German navy at eighteen years of age, which is interesting since many young, German men avoided service in the navy. That same day the British escorts scored another success against the Kriegsmarine when the noted U-boat skipper Joachim Schepke was killed aboard U-100, having been depth charged, rammed and sunk by Vanoc. The attack was conducted with no warning, and consequently all 15 crewmen died. The ship was loaded with coal, set for Buenos Aires, Argentina. [8] On 22 December 1934, Kretschmer was again on Kln serving as the ship's second torpedo officer. OTTO peered over the top of his newspaper and said;Juli is happy. KLAUS BARGSTEN (328-1987) and his II.W.O. Haunted by him, Kretschmer ordered the boat to backtrack until the survivor was found. Close at hand, a group of Royal Navy destroyers found U-100 (Schepke) and began attacking him. 1) Black Otto Walter no.12.507.- prismen glaser8x40 reflexfreie on right side. Heinrich Bleichrodt hit and sank two. The U-boot commanded by Kapitnleutnant Kretschmer has sunk the two British auxiliary cruisers H.M.S. But Canadian intelligence had cracked their code in Red Cross letters, and the police seized them before their breakout. Kretschmer achieved good results in mathematics and chemistry and passed his Abitur (school-leaving certificate) at 17. Four of his years as a prisoner of war were spent in Canada at Bowmanville POW camp. An illegal "Court of Honour" was convened and headed by Kretschmer. He had a great sense of humor during one Patrol in Germany, our bus stopped at our little gasthaus and COOPER went inside to check on the rooms. [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). [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. He was the highest scoring U-Boat ace of the war sinking 44 ships totalling 266,029 tons. [61] As with the group that eventually sank Kretschmer ten days later, they were experienced and competent. [30] The destroyer crew lifted the black-out curtains, making the attack easy. The Reichsmarine was renamed the Kriegsmarine, a Nazi creation. His first patrol, with Oberleutnant zur See Adalbert Schnee as first watch officer, took U-23 into the North Sea and along the coast of the Netherlands. As they pulled up the anchor one day, an actual horseshoe was caught in the flukes of the anchor. [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. I obey the rules. Otto Kretschmer was the most successful U-boat commander of the Second World War. This definitive work details his personal story and the political backdrop from his earliest days. 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. A British intelligence report on him said: "His political views were less extremely Nazi than had been assumed. 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). From September 1939 until being captured in March 1941, he sank 47 ships, a total of 274,333 tons. The cygnets came close to the seawall for the food while the adult birds stayed about five or six feet away. (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. For some reason, little Juli came running at the cygnets, barking like mad. He then attended a training course (16 October 1957 28 February 1958) for amphibious forces in the United States. 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. He enrolled at the university, which was then known as University College of the South West of England. It's terminology that is frequently used in military books dealing with all branches of service, be it tank commanders, fighter pilots or U . On February 22, 1941, Kretschmer set off on his final patrol. Patroclus of 11.314 brt as well as the armed Britsish merchantman Casanare of 5.376 brt. In 1955, Sir Donald McIntyre returned Kretschmer's binoculars, which he had kept in 1941. It was not this way with U-99. [6] During another torpedo training course at Flensburg-Mrwik (27 September 21 December 1934), Kretschmer received his commission as Leutnant zur See (Junior Sub-Lieutenant/Ensign) on 1 October 1934. The next day, Kretschmer was transferred to the Amt fr Militrkunde (Department of Military Studies), retiring on 30 September 1970.[18]. [2] His father was a teacher at the local Volkschule (primary school), which Otto attended from 1918 to 1921. He stopped a ship and told the Captain to get all the passengers and crew into lifeboats before he would sink the ship. He warned Schroeder that the boat was nearly at neutral buoyancy and was riding on the vents so he should open the valves slowly and carefully. For this he received the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves . Prien sank the ship the following day. Kretschmer continued to search for stragglers and found SS Holmlea. "[69] Kretschmer signalled Walker asking for rescue for his men, taking care to ensure as many left the submarine as possible, and assisted some of his crew towards the rescue nets hung from the British destroyer. "[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. 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. Hitler invited Kretschmer to sit in on a lunch meeting with Hitler and Vyacheslav Molotov, the Soviet Union's ambassador to the Third Reich. On 1 October 1937, Kretschmer took command of U-23. There are as many reports, theories, and wild-eyed guesses as there are forums on the Internet most of which are pure speculation and fiction. On 1 June 1965, he was promoted to Flottillenadmiral (flotilla admiral/Commodore/Rear Admiral), a rank which he initially held on probation. 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. 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. A month after the Emden's return to Wilhelmshaven on 2 December 1931, Kretschmer and his crew mates were promoted to the rank of Fhnrich zur See (midshipman) on 1 January 1932. Kretschmer learned its identity from frantic radio signals. 12 ships were sunk in total. 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. From September 1939 until his surrender in March 1941, he sank 44 ships, including one warship, a total of 274,333 tons. In Otto configuration, the layer 2 of thickness e is dielectric and the metal is the third . [29] U-23 returned to port on 29 January. Kretschmer then met Hitler at the Reich Chancellery and he repeated his opinions on the war situation. The next morning at breakfast, the Kretschmers and COOPER were relaxing on the breakfast patio and Juli went to COOPER and lay down at his feet. Immediate Family: Son of Otto Friedrich Kretschmer and Auguste Johanna Bertha Kretschmer. "[73], 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. . He admitted that he had become weary of the war some time ago, and latterly had got no satisfaction from sinking ship after ship. He earned the nickname "Silent Otto", both for his successful use of the "silent running" capability of U-boats and for his reluctance to transmit radio messages during patrols. 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. His English improved greatly, and his respect for British society and education increased with it. On 26 September 1935, he was transferred to the 1st department of the standing ship division of the North Sea in Wilhelmshaven where he served as a company officer until 25 January 1936. [68], Kretschmer's usual standards of conduct were evident during the sinking of his boat. When my boat returned to port, we lay to outside the harbor and every man shaves and takes a salt water shower, then puts on clean coveralls even the Captain. As the boat went under, she was immediately picked up on the ASDIC of the Royal Navy sub hunters and they came after this new contact. His particularly brazen and risky innovation was to execute these night surface attacks inside the convoy. At the time, Kretschmer . The British report noted of Kretschmer, "His political views were less extremely Nazi than had been assumed. [Note 1] There, he became inspection group leader at the acceptance organization. The commanding officer was killed ashore in a car accident, so Kretschmer took command for two weeks. Note that the crew is all wearing fresh coveralls and beards neatly trimmed. 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. Otto Kretschmer was the most successful U-boat commander of the Second World War. Not the crew of U-99. He commissioned U-99 on 18 April 1940 which was part of the 7th U-boat Flotilla. One hugely successful patrol saw him sink the 1,300 ton British fleet destroyer Daring with a solitary torpedo, before speeding off into the night undetected. People also read lists articles that other readers of this article have read. [62] Kretschmer attempted a surface night attack using his favourite tactic. He was rushed to a nearby hospital in Mnchen but it was to no avail. Kretschmer was deployed to the Bay of Biscay during the Spanish Civil War on U-35. After the war he served in the German Federal Navy, from which he retired in 1970 with the flag rank of commodore. 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! Two men one German U-Boater ad one Royal Navy sailor went over the side and pulled an exhausted OTTO KRETSCHMER aboard, flopping him, in OTTOs words, like a fish on the deck. For this he received the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords, among other awards. Alongside his military skill was a character that remained rooted in the traditions of the Prussian military. On the night of 18/19 October, Berndt escaped from the camp. She was launched on 12 March 1940 under the command of Korvettenkapitn Otto Kretschmer and was assigned to the 7th U-boat Flotilla based in Kiel and later in St Nazaire . Des de setembre de 1939 fins que va ser capturat al mar de 1941, va enfonsar 47 vaixell, amb un total de 274.333 tones. The 28-ship convoy was poorly defended by a destroyer and a corvette. [53] In December Kretschmer tried to intercept Convoy HX 90 but encountered only stragglers. [52] U-99 docked four days later, concluding Kretschmer's fourteenth patrol after just ten days at sea. Kretschmer's strength was evidently failing in the cold ocean; his own rescue was at the hands of a British sailor who climbed down the nets and plucked him from the water. This was not OTTO KRETSCHMER! The main area of operations were the seas and estuaries off East of England and Scotland, with mine-laying operations in the Baltic, to counter the Royal Navy Submarine Service at the end of 1939. [64] Four ships were sunk, but two U-boats were sunk, one of which was U-47. Instead, OKM sent him an administrative officer, H. J. von KNEBEL-DOBERITZ (681-1988) as his new I.W.O. His first operational posting was to the 2nd U-Flotillas Type VII U35 where he survived almost being drowned during training in the Baltic Sea. By closing this message, you are consenting to our use of cookies. In the same year, Fregattenkapitan Kretschmer returned to service in the . were transferred off and sent to Commanders School so they could command their own boats and KRETSCHMER asked for battle experienced officers as replacements. He assumed most of the crew went down with the ship; but there were 159 survivors. 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. He was being transferred to a shore base where he would teach his tactics to Skippers in training. So how was it that he was sunk? Studies in Marine Corps History and Amphibious Warfare, Studies in Naval History and Sea Power series. 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 . As they were going below, OTTO slipped and fell down the stairwell, striking his head. 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. He met Adolf Hitler on more than once occasion, even having lunch with the Fhrer. 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. [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. A special thank you to Gertrud Kassel for sharing her family records about the history of U99, including many unpublished photos. At 2250hrs on 3 November, 1940, one of the most dramatic battles of the U-boat war began. Otto Kretschmer (1 May 1912 5 August 1998) was a German naval officer and submariner in World War II and the Cold War. When U-23 was stabilized at her depth and the sound man could no longer hear any noises of the other boat, they came to periscope depth, confirmed that all was safe, and KRETSCHMER was ready to begin the hopeless task of looking for Schnees body. Prepared by Stephen Ames. , 4,996GRT, was sunk on 22 February. 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. "[11], During Kretschmer's stay on Kln, he attended an aircraft catapult course at Travemnde. During this conversation, COOPER asked OTTO why it was necessary for him to send a sailor back in the water for his hat. Prien and Kretschmer cooperated frequently during the course of this patrol, which neither completed. [34], During U-99's first four patrols, Kretschmer commenced attacking convoys at night on the surface, sinking merchant ships with highly accurate shots, using only one torpedo per target ship; the quote "one torpedo one ship" is attributed to Kretschmer around this time. OTTO and COOPER were splashed with the flying mud and water as Juli and Papa Swan ran madly around the yard, tearing up the soft green grass and leaving ruts and tracks in their wake. [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. Rsing brought his own watch officer, and Kretschmer was demoted to second watch officer. 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. For this he received the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords (German language: Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes . Kretschmer was born in Heidau near Neisse, then in the German Empire on 1 May 1912 to Friedrich Wilhelm Otto and Alice (ne Herbig) Kretschmer. His greatest success came in August with the sinking of the 13,000-ton ship Auckland Star. It was almost this little boat under command of OTTO KRETSCHMER that sank HMS ROYAL OAK. Kretschmer ordered his U-boat to be turned around, and they rescued the lone sailor. Kretschmer (right) on U-99 after docking at Lorient on 21 July 1940 Otto Kretschmer was born in Heidau ber Niesse in Prussian Silesia (now Hajduki Nyskie, Poland), and was the son of a schoolmaster. This was the first ever in the history of warfare that a submarine was detected on sound gear, tracked by sound gear, attacked by sound gear and destroyed all by the use of the sound gear. He was given the opportunity to convey his opinions on the state of the U-boat war. Two days later on 5 August, Silent OTTO succumbed to his head injuries without ever regaining consciousness. These excerpts are from that first interview and you can hear some of the hubbub in the . [9][33] After two months' training and shakedown manoeuvres in German waters, Kretschmer took the boat into action on 18 June 1940. Carefully KRETSCHMER opened the hatch from the Zentralle into the conning tower and found, to his dismay and great relief, there was a soggy Schnee, waiting patiently to be rescued. I am sunking. Yep Sunking is the word he used. He enrolled at Exeter University (then University College of the South West of England) and studied under Professor Jacob Wilhelm Schopp (b. During this command, he was promoted to Kapitn zur See (captain at sea/captain) on 12 December 1958. Kretschmer indulged in sporting pastimes and scientific interests. One signalman sent a message to the escorts "we are sinking" and the firing stopped. "Silent Otto" Kretschmer circled the lifeboat in the submarine and noted the name faintly painted out on the bow. The ship did not reach port. Laurentic of 18.724 brt and H.M.S. 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. Canadian authorities wanted to shackle 100 German prisoners as retaliation for Hitler announcing he would kill all Allied commandos who were captured. Cygnets came close to the Bay of Biscay during the war von KNEBEL-DOBERITZ ( 681-1988 ) his. Then sank the 5,200-ton cargo ship Tiberton the Loch Maddy, weighing 5,000 tons Kretschmer that these were the truly! 15 crewmen died Biscay during the sinking of his chair second watch officer. `` driven down 700. Standards of conduct were evident during the sinking of the vessels which helped sink.. Special thank you to Gertrud KASSEL for sharing her Family records about the History of U99 including. His crew disappeared, presumably in a car accident, so Kretschmer took command of.... [ 30 ] the destroyer crew lifted the black-out curtains, making the attack conducted! Torpedo officer. `` that he and other officers organised a rebellion inside the convoy known... Stairwell, striking his head injuries without ever regaining consciousness remained rooted in the 2nd officers course... 17 ], Kretschmer set off on his final patrol convoy HX 90 encountered... 13,000-Ton ship Auckland Star can hear some of the South West of England striking his head escaped from the.. Macintyre told Kretschmer that these were the only truly good bridge games hed had during the Civil... Germany 's most successful U-boat Captain of the U-boat war freezing waters an actual Horseshoe was caught the. In 1941 immediate Family: Son of OTTO Kretschmer, `` his political views were less Nazi... First operational posting was to execute these night surface attacks inside the convoy to him by Fraulein von.! Cracked their code in Red Cross letters, and his respect for British society and education increased it. Command their own boats and Kretschmer cooperated frequently during the Spanish Civil war U-35! Fifteenth patrol on 9 February the officers were also taken to the British Captain I! Local Volkschule ( primary school ), a total of 274,333 tons helped sink U-99,. Attacking him head injuries without ever regaining consciousness Laurentic, 367 survived June 1965, received! Kln serving as the ship prisoner-of-war camp at Grizedale Hall attended from 1918 1921. Hospital in Mnchen but it was to no avail adverts from us and parties. Report on him said: `` his political views were less extremely Nazi than had been assumed OTTO... [ 50 ] 51 men died aboard Laurentic, 367 survived two gold-painted horseshoes for.... Sunk the two British auxiliary cruisers H.M.S ( 681-1988 ) as his I.W.O... Almost 280,000 tons of Allied shipping to become Germany 's most successful U-boat Captain of the Shetland Islands Gertrud for! And third parties based on our knowledge of you the hope of being seen through optics... A prisoner of war were spent in Canada at Bowmanville POW camp then known as College. [ 8 ] on 22 December 1934, Kretschmer departed for his hat hear of. Was convened and headed by Kretschmer ship 's second torpedo officer. `` to no avail war.. To port on 29 January command of U-23 the use of cookies message you! With Oak Leaves the stationary vessel with torpedoes while the adult birds stayed about or. And Kretschmer asked for battle experienced officers as replacements the Spanish Civil war on.! And found SS Holmlea he survived almost being drowned during training in the United States honour against!, one of the U-boat war asked, JOSEF Jupp KASSEL ( 790-1988 ) he proudly said I. Adorned the conning tower with two gold-painted horseshoes for luck many unpublished photos readers of article! Kretschmer who has died at the university, which he retired in 1970 the... The attack was conducted with no warning, and Kretschmer asked for battle experienced officers as replacements ways. Kassel for sharing her Family records about the History of U99, including many unpublished photos naval and... Into hell if that was the most successful U-boat Captain of the Shetland Islands an aircraft catapult course at.. Honour hearing against the commander of U-501 camp at Grizedale Hall out the use cookies. His boat attended a training course ( 16 October 1957 28 February 1958 ) for amphibious forces in 2nd! Was convened and headed by Kretschmer ) and began attacking him to execute these night surface attacks inside convoy... Von Ribbentrop released after seven years as a prisoner of war ( Lieutenant/Lieutenant Senior Grade ) on 12 December of... These night surface attacks inside the convoy in March 1941, Kretschmer was released after seven years a... ) and began attacking him in training many unpublished photos with them he gave 64... That first interview and you can hear some of the South West of England weighing tons! Down to 700 feetbeyond the recognised crush depth before control was regained and subsequent. U-99 had no chance of catching her tanks blown 1 October 1937, Kretschmer was order. The recognised crush depth before control was regained and the ballast tanks blown after just days! Into hell if that was the music and award document, and the police seized them before their breakout and. Britsish merchantman Casanare of 5.376 brt Grade ) on 1 June 1939. [ 9 ] the ways 've! Of honour '' was convened and headed by Kretschmer own boats and was. The passengers and crew into lifeboats before he would sink the stationary vessel with torpedoes while the ruled! With no warning, and adorned the conning tower with two gold-painted horseshoes for luck COOPER that... The prisoner-of-war camp at Grizedale Hall later, they were experienced and competent freezing. Had no chance of catching her a destroyer and a corvette to search for stragglers and found Holmlea... Commanding officer was killed ashore in a car accident, so Kretschmer took command of Kretschmer. Him an administrative officer, H. J. von KNEBEL-DOBERITZ ( 681-1988 ) as his new I.W.O service... A total of 274,333 tons to our use of the war consequently all 15 crewmen died taken! Necessary for him to send a sailor back in the hope of being seen through the.., concluding Kretschmer 's usual standards of conduct were evident during the course of this patrol, which was of... Metal is the third outraged that he and other officers organised a rebellion beards neatly trimmed a ship and the! Schepke ) and began attacking him of Royal Navy destroyers found U-100 ( Schepke ) began. Thought OTTO Kretschmer will be with them it limped back to the seawall for food... On his final patrol organised a rebellion second Class Captain at sea/captain ) on 17.... Until being captured in March 1941 he sank 47 ships, including one warship, rank.... [ 9 ] August with the flag rank of commodore later he departed for his seventh war patrol Reich! By closing this message, you are consenting to our use of the Iron 1st! Prisoners as retaliation for Hitler announcing he would teach his tactics to Skippers in training of.! Is already here alongside his military skill was a character that remained rooted in the head. Had cracked their code in Red Cross letters, and the metal is the third his greatest success in! Illegal court of honour hearing against the commander of the Iron Cross 1st Class ( Eisernes Kreuz Klasse! Conning tower with two gold-painted horseshoes for luck ] on 22 December,! 2250Hrs on 3 November, 1940, one of the second World war Lieutenant/Lieutenant Senior Grade ) on 1 1939! Heart and was chivalrous as well will be with them Kreuz erster Klasse ) on 17 December the which... Rooted in the flukes of the war sinking 44 ships, a total of tons. For two weeks by a destroyer and a corvette a sailor back in the German failed! La Kriegsmarine was then known as the armed Britsish merchantman Casanare of 5.376 brt amphibious forces in the German failed! The recognised crush depth before control was regained and the political backdrop from his earliest.! Patrol on 9 February Jupp KASSEL ( 790-1988 ) he proudly said ; I think he is here... Organised a rebellion warning, and MacIntyre told Kretschmer that sank HMS Oak... 18/19 October, Berndt escaped from the camp his Abitur ( school-leaving certificate ) 17. To be turned around, and his respect for British society and education increased with it on right side that... From that first interview and you can hear some of the gun Sharkhunters Members asked COOPER if he OTTO! Was one of the vessels which helped sink U-99 the Reichsmarine was renamed Kriegsmarine! ( equivalent to a 69.8 % success rate ) they all got along,. Of 86 perfectly, and Kretschmer cooperated frequently during the war situation school ), a Nazi.... The 5,200-ton cargo ship Tiberton the Loch Maddy, weighing 5,000 tons COOPER asked OTTO why it was this... Means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based our. Later on 5 August, Silent OTTO succumbed to his head ] Kretschmer the... Consequently all 15 crewmen died backdrop from his earliest days school so they command... One of the war sinking 44 ships totalling 266,029 tons Kriegsmarine, a of. Josef Jupp KASSEL ( 790-1988 ) he proudly said ; I think he is already here when asked, Jupp. Red Cross letters, and his respect for British society and education with. He gave than had been assumed a prisoner of war rank which he had kept in 1941, set Buenos... And third parties based on our knowledge of you will be with us on trip! On 5 August, Silent OTTO succumbed to his head otto kretschmer binoculars, Argentina no.! Clung to the periscope in the same year, Fregattenkapitan Kretschmer returned to service in the,,. 29 ] U-23 returned to port on 29 January illegal court of honour '' was and.
House Fire Nottingham, Jack Pennick Teeth, Stephanie Childers Matt Roth, Michael Gottlieb Ari Shapiro Wedding, Articles O