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Ernst BauerGerman submariner, captain 3rd rank
Date of Birth: 03.02.1914
Country:  Germany |
Content:
Biography of Ernst Bauer
Ernst Bauer, a German submarine captain of the 3rd rank in the Kriegsmarine, and later a captain of the 1st rank in the Bundesmarine, was born on April 1, 1945. He gained recognition as one of the commanding officers of the submarines that rescued the crew of the auxiliary cruiser "Atlantis" after it was sunk by an attack from a British cruiser aircraft on November 21, 1941.
Early Career
On September 23, 1933, Bauer began his service in the German Navy as a cadet. He was promoted to ensign on July 1, 1934, and to lieutenant on October 1, 1936. After serving on the light cruiser "Königsberg," he was transferred to the submarine fleet in January 1938. Bauer served as a watch officer on submarines U-10 and U-37. From April 20 to November 25, 1940, he commanded the training submarine U-120. On March 22, 1941, he became the commander of U-126 (Type IX-C). Under Bauer's command, this submarine completed five combat missions, spending a total of 391 days at sea. Bauer operated off the coast of Africa and the Caribbean Sea.
Awards and Achievements
On March 16, 1942, Bauer was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross for his achievements. He continued to command U-126 until February 28, 1943, when he was appointed as an officer for training in the 27th U-boat Flotilla. In total, Bauer sank 25 ships with a total displacement of 118,660 tons and damaged 4 ships with a displacement of 31,304 tons.
Later Career and Retirement
From October 1944, Bauer served as the commander of the 27th U-boat Flotilla, and in the final days of the war, he commanded the 26th U-boat Flotilla. In 1955, he joined the German Navy of the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG), where he held staff positions. Bauer retired in 1972 with the rank of captain of the 1st rank.
