Harald Gelhaus

Harald Gelhaus

German submarine officer, captain-lieutenant
Date of Birth: 24.07.1915
Country: Germany

Content:
  1. Early Life and Naval Career
  2. Transition to Submarine Service
  3. Command of U-143 and U-107
  4. Recognition and Later Service
  5. Post-War Life

Early Life and Naval Career

Günther Gelhaus was born on April 1, 1942, and enlisted in the German navy in April 1936. He was promoted to Fenrich on July 1, 1936, and Lieutenant on April 1, 1938. Gelhaus served on the light cruiser "Karlsruhe" and the battleship "Gneisenau".

Transition to Submarine Service

In October 1939, Gelhaus transferred to the submarine fleet. He made his first patrol as a 1st watch officer on U-103 under the command of Victor Schütze.

Command of U-143 and U-107

From March 31 to April 30, 1941, Gelhaus commanded U-143 (Type II-B). On December 1, 1941, he was appointed commander of U-107, on which he made seven patrols (spending a total of 348 days at sea).

Recognition and Later Service

On March 26, 1943, Gelhaus was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. He relinquished command on June 6, 1943, and transferred to the OKM. In early February 1944, he served as combat training officer for the 22nd and 27th U-boat flotillas. Towards the end of the war, he served in the staff of Naval Group "North".

Post-War Life

During the war, Gelhaus sank 19 ships totaling 100,373 gross registered tons (GRT) and damaged one ship totaling 10,068 GRT. In May 1945, he was interned by the Allies and released in August 1945.

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