Karl Dönitz Autograph

Profession:
(1891-1980) German naval commander during World War II.

Year of Birth: 1891

Karl Dönitz was a German naval leader during World War II. He was born in Grünau, near Berlin, on September 16, 1891. He joined the German Imperial Navy in 1910 and worked his way up to the rank of Kapitänleutnant (Lieutenant Commander) before the end of World War I.

After the war, Dönitz stayed in the navy and quickly rose through the ranks. He was promoted to the rank of Korvettenkapitän (Commander) in 1924 and was put in charge of submarines in 1935. He was promoted to the rank of Vizeadmiral (Vice Admiral) in 1939, and was in charge of the entire submarine fleet during the war.

Dönitz was an extremely successful naval leader during World War II. He was largely responsible for the success of the German U-boat campaign, which caused immense damage to Allied shipping. His tactics of using wolf packs to hunt the enemy were extremely effective, and he was promoted to the rank of Großadmiral (Grand Admiral) in 1943.

When Adolf Hitler committed suicide in April 1945, Dönitz was chosen to succeed him as head of the German government. He was in charge for only a few weeks, and during that time he ordered all U-boats to cease attacking Allied ships. He was eventually captured by the British and charged with war crimes at the Nuremberg Trials. He was found guilty of aiding and abetting in the commission of war crimes and was sentenced to 10 years in prison.

After his release from prison in 1956, Dönitz lived a quiet life in West Germany. He wrote several books about his experiences during the war and his views on naval warfare. He also wrote an autobiography entitled “Ten Years and Twenty Days”. He died in Aumühle, Germany, on December 24, 1980.

Karl Dönitz was a highly respected German naval leader during World War II. He was responsible for the success of the German U-boat campaign and was a brilliant tactician. His legacy lives on in the modern German navy, which honors his memory and accomplishments.