 |
Herbert WohlfarthGerman submarine officer, captain-lieutenant
Date of Birth: 05.06.1915
Country:  Germany |
Content:
- Hans-Rudolf Rösing: The Life and Career of a U-Boat Commander
- Submarine Career
- Recognition and Honors
- Sinking of U-556
- Prisoner of War and Release
- Legacy
Hans-Rudolf Rösing: The Life and Career of a U-Boat Commander
Early Life and Naval TrainingOn October 1, 1934, Hans-Rudolf Rösing joined the German Navy as a cadet. Two years later, he was promoted to Lieutenant. Rösing initially served on the battleship "Admiral Graf Spee" before transitioning to the submarine service in May 1937.
Submarine Career
In September 1938, Rösing became an officer on U-16. A year later, he was appointed commander of U-14, sinking nine small vessels during his four patrols.
From June to December 1940, Rösing commanded U-137, a smaller Type II-B submarine. Operating off the Hebrides, he sank seven ships and severely damaged the auxiliary cruiser "Cheshire."
On February 6, 1941, Rösing took over U-556, a Type VII-C submarine. During his first patrol in the Atlantic, he sank four ships and damaged two more.
Recognition and Honors
Rösing earned the nickname "Parsifal" in the submarine fleet. On May 15, 1941, he was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross.
Sinking of U-556
Just days into his second patrol, on June 27, 1941, Rösing's submarine was attacked by British corvettes. U-556 sustained heavy damage, forcing Rösing to surrender.
Prisoner of War and Release
Rösing was held in various British and Canadian camps until his release in July 1947.
Legacy
Over the course of his career, Hans-Rudolf Rösing sank 21 ships with a total displacement of 66,032 GRT and damaged three ships with a displacement of 20,455 GRT. His achievements made him one of the most successful U-boat commanders of World War II.
