Kriegsmarine portrait photograph

April 18, 20242 yr

#1

Found this online and thought it may interest those members keen on portrait images

Engelbert Endrass, Commander of the U-46 - 20th July 1941

April 19, 20242 yr

#2

The ceremony of awarding the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes medal to Bootsmannsmaat Karl Jörß (Marine-Bord-Flakführer on the transport ship "Dora"), which took place on 17 February 1943. An excerpt from a German media article dated 22 February 1943 explaining the reasons for awarding the Ritterkreuz to the Kriegsmarine Flak champion this: "German Navy anti-aircraft units in Mediterranean waters - stationed on transport ships - have so far succeeded in shooting down 76 Allied aircraft. The tasks assigned to the Flak crew often required quick decision-making and determination to carry it out, in order to concentrate fire on enemy planes attacking merchant ships and their valuable cargo. In a situation like this, even a few minutes can be crucial, and the success of the defense in it depends greatly on the ability of the commander of the ship's anti-aircraft unit. and the weapons under his control. In the battle to defend himself against so many incoming air attacks, Karl Jörß has proven his extraordinary capacity as a brave man with cold hands and full of caution. His unmatched dedication to duty also inspired his subordinates to achieve extraordinary achievements. Through advanced fire control, he managed to repulse every air attack aimed at his ship by shooting down 12 enemy aircraft, and thereby was instrumental in saving valuable cargo. Even more extraordinary, the achievements achieved by Bootsmannsmaat Jörß were recorded in Mediterranean waters which are known to have very difficult terrain. He earned the honor of being the first non-commissioned officer in the entire Kriegsmarine to receive a medal as high as the Ritterkreuz.

April 19, 20242 yr

#3

Two nice Naval photographs. I notice Endrass seemingly went from flying in Spain to submarine command later in the war. I have never seen a photo of a regular sailor wearing a Knight's Cross.

April 21, 20242 yr

#4

Here's one more, not sure how many Rates were awarded the KC, maybe three or four??? The majority going to Submarine Officers right.

Otto Flügel, think he lost his left arm in the action., a Crewman aboard VP 1525 on the French coast, VP standing for Vorpostenboot, a kind of multi purpose warship, kinda we guess like Frigate sort of type .

On the night of the 16.04.1943 Obersteuermann der Reserve Otto Flügel was serving as the first watch officer aboard the “VP 1525”. On this night it was engaged in a nocturnal battle in the Seine bay, during which time it received heavy damage that knocked out its commander and disintegrated Flügel’s left elbow joint. Despite this severe wound Flügel nonetheless took over command of the ship, was able to disengage and lead his vessel safely into port at Le Havre. It was only thanks to his efforts that the destruction of the boat was averted. He would receive the Knight’s Cross for his bravery and devotion to duty during this battle.

May 22, 20242 yr

#5

And I think this is the only other one RATE who was awarded the KC, Walther Gerhold, a Midget Sub Man of Kleinkampfflottille 361 of K Verband, Gerhold lived to be 91, June 8 1921-March 2 2013, his Rate was Schreiberobergefreiter, what is a Yeoman in our Navy, he obviously volunteered for this unit after service on Destroyers.

Gerhold may have sunk another ship other then the one he's credited for off the Coast of Normandy, not the Free Polish Navy one.

https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/35528/Gerhold-Walther.htm