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Gerhard BigalkGerman submarine officer, captain of the 3rd rank.
Date of Birth: 26.11.1908
Country:  Germany |
Content:
- Karl Bigalk: German U-Boat Commander
- Training and Military Experience
- Submarine Career
- Commander of U-751
- Sinking of British Aircraft Carrier
- Fate and Legacy
- Summary of Accomplishments
Karl Bigalk: German U-Boat Commander
Early Life and CareerKarl Bigalk was born in Germany and initially joined the merchant marine. In April 1934, he enlisted in the German Navy.
Training and Military Experience
On July 1, 1934, Bigalk was promoted to ensign. He completed flight training in October 1935 and participated in the Spanish Civil War as a naval aviator, earning the Spanish Cross.
Submarine Career
In November 1939, Bigalk transferred to the submarine service. He commanded U-14 from June 2 to August 1940 but did not engage in combat.
Commander of U-751
On January 31, 1941, Bigalk took command of U-751. He led the submarine on seven combat patrols, spending a total of 218 days at sea.
Sinking of British Aircraft Carrier
On December 21, 1941, Bigalk's U-751 sank the British escort carrier HMS Audacity, earning him the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross.
Fate and Legacy
Bigalk died on April 3, 1943, when U-751 was sunk by British aircraft northwest of Cape Ortegal in the North Atlantic.
Summary of Accomplishments
Throughout his military career, Karl Bigalk sank six ships and damaged one for a total tonnage of 32,412 gross registered tons. He received the Knight's Cross for his sinking of HMS Audacity.
