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Eitel-Friedrich KentratGerman submarine officer, corvette captain
Date of Birth: 11.09.1906
Country:  Germany |
Content:
- Naval Career
- Officer Training and Service
- Submarine Service
- Commanding U-Boats
- Awards and Promotion
- Command of U-196 and Long-Range Patrols
- End of War and Return to Germany
- Total Naval Record
Naval Career
In October 1925, Heinrich Kenttrat joined the German Navy as a sailor.
Officer Training and Service
On January 1, 1930, Kenttrat became a Fähnrich (officer candidate) and was promoted to Leutnant (lieutenant) on October 1, 1932. He served on various battleships and cruisers.
Submarine Service
In October 1939, Kenttrat was transferred to the submarine fleet. In early 1940, he served on his first operational patrol on U-25.
Commanding U-Boats
From May 5 to June 4, 1940, Kenttrat commanded the training submarine U-8. He suffered an injury during an accident and spent almost three months in hospital.
On October 31, 1940, he took command of U-74 and led it on seven patrols (170 days at sea). He sank five ships and vessels and damaged the British auxiliary cruiser "Walcheren".
Awards and Promotion
On December 31, 1941, Kenttrat was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. On March 23, 1942, he was promoted to Kapitänleutnant (lieutenant commander).
Command of U-196 and Long-Range Patrols
On September 11, 1942, Kenttrat became commander of U-196. He led it on two long-range patrols (373 days at sea). During the first patrol, he sank two ships totaling 12,000 tons. His second patrol lasted 225 days (March 13 to October 23, 1943).
End of War and Return to Germany
On September 21, 1944, Kenttrat relinquished command of U-196 and served with the German naval mission in Japan until the end of the war. He returned to Germany in October 1947.
Total Naval Record
During the war, Kenttrat sank eight ships and vessels (43,358 tons) and damaged two ships (11,499 tons).
