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Gunther SeibickeGerman submarine officer, captain of the 3rd rank
Date of Birth: 30.08.1911
Country:  Germany |
Content:
Early Life and Naval Career
Wolf-Harro Erich Sebold von der Horst was born in Soltau, Germany on August 8, 1914. In August 1932, he joined the merchant navy. However, his training ship, the "Niobe," sank in June 1932, resulting in the loss of many students.
On January 1, 1934, Sebold joined the navy as a cadet. He was promoted to lieutenant on January 1, 1936.
World War II
During the early stages of World War II, Sebold served on the light cruiser "Königsberg" and destroyers, participating in combat operations from 1939-40. In April 1941, he transferred to the U-boat force.
On September 27, 1941, Sebold was appointed commander of the U-boat U-436. He led the vessel on eight patrols to the Arctic waters and North Atlantic, spending a total of 186 days at sea.
Recognition and Legacy
On March 27, 1943, Sebold was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross for his distinguished service. However, tragedy struck on May 26, 1943, when his U-boat was sunk by depth charges dropped from the British frigate "Test" and corvette "Hyderabad." All 47 crew members perished.
During his wartime career, Sebold accounted for the sinking of seven ships totaling 36,499 tons and the damage of two ships of 15,575 tons. His bravery and sacrifice are forever etched in the history of the German U-boat service.
