Otto von Bulow
Germany- Early Life and Naval Career
- Submarine Commander in World War II
- Later War and Surrender
- Post-War Career
- Legacy
Early Life and Naval Career
Hans Rudolf von Bülow was born into a naval family in 1911. In 1930, he joined the German Navy as a cadet and rose through the ranks, serving on battleships and in anti-aircraft defense.
Submarine Commander in World War II
In April 1940, von Bülow transferred to the submarine fleet. From November 1940 to July 1941, he commanded submarine U-3, but did not engage in combat. In August 1941, he took command of U-404.
Over six patrols, von Bülow's U-404 sank 14 ships and vessels, including the British destroyer "Veteran." In October 1942, he was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. In April 1943, he received the Oak Leaves to the Knight's Cross.
Later War and Surrender
After leaving U-404 in July 1943, von Bülow trained submarine crews. In April 1945, he briefly commanded the Type XXI submarine U-2545 but did not participate in combat. In the war's final weeks, he commanded a naval assault battalion and surrendered to British forces in May 1945.
Post-War Career
Von Bülow was released from captivity in August 1945. In 1956, he joined the newly established West German Navy. He commanded destroyers and served as garrison commander of Hamburg, retiring in 1970.
Legacy
Hans Rudolf von Bülow sank 15 ships and vessels during World War II, totaling 72,570 gross registered tons. He was a skilled submarine commander and a respected naval officer both in Germany and internationally.
