U-Boat Commanders: Knight's Cross Holders 1939-1945

The Knight's Cross was the highest decoration awarded to German armed forces during WWII for extreme valor. This book provides a detailed guide to all 123 recipients, including their commander-in-chief Karl Dönitz, and their wartime service, including details of their tours of duty, operations, and achievements.

Format: Hardback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 28 May 2019
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

The Knight's Cross (Ritterkreuz) was one of the most prestigious decorations awarded to members of the German armed forces during the Second World War for outstanding acts of bravery. Few awards garnered such widespread respect and admiration among the German public as the Knight's Cross; it was considered the highest honor one could attain. Within the tight-knit community of U-boat crews, the awarding of this decoration to their captain was a source of immense pride, and in some cases, it was even added to the boat's insignia. In total, 123 individuals received the Knight's Cross, including their commander-in-chief, Karl Dönitz. Jeremy Dixon's extensively illustrated book serves as an invaluable guide to these men and their wartime service. A graphic text accompanied by nearly 200 archival photographs vividly portrays the exploits of each recipient, including those who received the higher grades of the award. Extensive details are provided about their tours of duty, the operations they participated in, the circumstances that led to their award, the number of ships they sank, and their subsequent careers.

Weight: 874g
Dimension: 237 x 171 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526718730