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Walter KadingGerman submarine officer, lieutenant
Date of Birth: 14.09.1915
Country:  Germany |
Content:
- Hans-Joachim Kading
- World War II
- Awards and Recognition
- Surrender and Later Life
- - Spanish Cross (June 6, 1939)
Hans-Joachim Kading
Early Life and CareerHans-Joachim Kading was born on October 1, 1944, in Germany. In April 1935, he joined the Kriegsmarine. From 1935 to 1937, he served aboard the light cruiser Leipzig, participating in three military campaigns during the Spanish Civil War.
World War II
In September 1939, Kading transferred to the submarine fleet. After completing navigation courses, he was assigned to the new submarine U-123. He became its permanent chief navigator and took part in all its combat patrols, spending nearly 700 days at sea.
Awards and Recognition
On May 15, 1944, Kading was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. In June 1944, he left U-123 and attended submarine commander courses. He commanded U-56 from January 9 to February 5, 1945, and U-4713 (Type XXIII) from February 6 onward, but did not participate in combat operations.
Surrender and Later Life
In May 1945, Kading surrendered to British forces. He was awarded the following medals:
- Spanish Cross (June 6, 1939)
- Iron Cross 2nd Class (December 11, 1940)- Iron Cross 1st Class (August 25, 1941)
- Submarine Badge (December 11, 1940)
- Submarine Combat Clasp (January 9, 1945)
- German Cross in Gold (September 6, 1943)
- Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross (May 15, 1944)
