Hans-Werner Kraus German submarine officer, captain-lieutenant Date of Birth: 01.07.1915 Country: Germany

1. Early Career
2. Transfer to Submarines
3. Command of U-83
4. Awards and Promotions
5. Loss of U-199
6. Captivity and Escape
7. War Record

Early Career

Otto Kraus was a German submarine officer who began his naval career as a cadet on September 26, 1934. In 1937, he was promoted to Lieutenant and served on the light cruiser Königsberg.

Transfer to Submarines

In October 1939, Kraus transferred to the submarine fleet. He became 1st watch officer on U-47 under Günther Prien's command and served with him until November 1940.

Command of U-83

On February 8, 1941, Kraus was given command of U-83. During his nine patrols on the submarine, he spent 212 days at sea. On December 18, 1941, he successfully navigated U-83 through the Strait of Gibraltar into the Mediterranean Sea.

Awards and Promotions

Kraus received the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on June 19, 1942. In November 1942, he was promoted to command the Type IX-D2 submarine U-199.

Loss of U-199

On July 31, 1943, U-199 was sunk east of Rio de Janeiro by American and Brazilian aircraft. Forty-nine crew members perished, while twelve, including Kraus, were taken prisoner.

Captivity and Escape

From August 1943, Kraus was held in Fort Hunt, then in Crossville from September. In January 1944, he was transferred to Papago Park. On December 24, 1944, he escaped with twenty-four other POWs but was recaptured a week later. He was eventually released in 1946.

War Record

Throughout his wartime service, Kraus sank eight ships totaling 14,709 BRT and damaged two ships with a combined tonnage of 9,336 BRT.