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Herbert SchultzeGerman submariner of the Second World War, holder of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross
Date of Birth: 24.07.1909
Country:  Great Britain |
Content:
Biography of Herbert Schulze
Herbert Schulze was a German submarine captain during World War II and a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. He later served as an officer in the Bundesmarine.
Early Life and Career
Schulze was born in the port city of Kiel and developed an interest in boats and engines from a young age. He joined the Reichsmarine in 1930 and embarked on a voyage around the world on the light cruiser "Emden" from December 1, 1930, to December 8, 1931. After serving on the light cruisers "Leipzig" and "Karlsruhe," Schulze worked as an instructor. He became the commander of the submarine U-2 after completing advanced training courses in 1938-1939.
Service in World War II
In April 1939, Schulze was appointed as the commander of the state-of-the-art U-48 submarine. However, in May 1940, he fell seriously ill and had to relinquish his command. After recovering, he served in the headquarters of the 7th U-boat Flotilla in Kiel. In December 1940, he returned to command U-48. In July 1941, he became the chief of the 3rd U-boat Flotilla in La Rochelle and held various staff positions until 1945.
During his career, Schulze sank a total of 26 ships with a combined tonnage of 169,709 gross register tons in eight patrols commanding U-48. He gained respect from the British by radioing warnings about the sinking of ships and thus saving the lives of many sailors.
Post-War Career
After the surrender, Schulze was appointed by the Allies as the commander of a battalion and later as the commander of the naval training school in Murwik and the prisoner of war camp "Heinz Krey." In November 1945, he became the civilian director of naval facilities in Flensburg-Mürwik. In 1956, he joined the newly established Bundesmarine and served in various leadership positions until his retirement on September 30, 1968.
Herbert Schulze passed away on June 3, 1987, in London and was buried in Wilhelmshaven.
