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Nikolaus zu Dohna-SchlodienGerman naval officer and memoirist from the noble family of Dohna
Date of Birth: 05.04.1879
Country: ![]() |
Content:
- Early Life and Naval Career
- Commander of the Mowe
- First Raid and Successes
- Second Raid and Renown
- Post-War Activities
- Awards and Honors
Early Life and Naval Career
Nikolaus Graf zu Dohna-Schlodien was born into an aristocratic family in Malmitz, Silesia (now Małkowice, Poland) on April 5, 1879. He joined the Imperial German Navy in 1896 and rose through the ranks quickly, becoming an Oberleutnant zur See (senior lieutenant) in 1902.
Commander of the Mowe
In 1915, Dohna-Schlodien was tasked with converting the banana transport ship "Pungo" into the auxiliary cruiser "Mowe" (Seagull). Armed with powerful cannons and torpedo tubes, the Mowe also carried 500 naval mines.
First Raid and Successes
Disguised as a Swedish steamer, the Mowe departed Kiel on December 15, 1915. Within three months, it had sunk 13 steam vessels, one sailing vessel, and the British pre-dreadnought battleship "King Edward VII". Two ships were captured as prizes.
Second Raid and Renown
The Mowe embarked on a second raid from November 22, 1916, to March 22, 1917. This time, it sank 27 ships, raising its total tonnage sunk to 287,107. Dohna-Schlodien and his crew became national heroes, thanks to German propaganda.
Post-War Activities
After the war, Dohna-Schlodien commanded a Freikorps unit during the Silesian Uprising. He retired from the Navy in 1919 and went into business in Hamburg, later moving to Bayerbach in the 1930s. He died there in 1956 at the age of 77.
Awards and Honors
Dohna-Schlodien was awarded numerous medals and decorations for his service, including the Iron Cross, the Pour le Mérite with oak leaves, and the Bavarian Military Order of Max Joseph. He was also made an honorary naval adjutant to Kaiser Wilhelm II.