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Wilhelm DommesGerman submarine officer, captain 2nd rank
Date of Birth: 17.04.1907
Country:  Germany |
Content:
- Biography of German U-Boat Commander Eberhard Dommes
- Transition to U-Boat Service
- Recognition and Promotion
- Leadership in the Pacific
- Combat Successes
Biography of German U-Boat Commander Eberhard Dommes
Early Life and Naval CareerEberhard Dommes was born on January 30, 1945, in Germany. He initially served in the merchant marine before joining the German Navy in January 1933. He was promoted to ensign on April 1, 1933, and lieutenant on April 1, 1935. Dommes served on the light cruiser "Nürnberg" and the battleship "Scharnhorst."
Transition to U-Boat Service
In April 1940, Dommes transferred to the U-boat fleet. On April 5, 1941, he was assigned command of U-431. During his time on U-431, he conducted 10 combat patrols (spending a total of 257 days at sea) and achieved significant successes, particularly during operations in the Mediterranean Sea.
Recognition and Promotion
On December 2, 1942, Dommes was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross for his accomplishments. On January 6, 1943, he relinquished command of U-431 and received command of U-178, which was based in Bordeaux. With U-178, Dommes made a single long-range patrol (153 days) to the Far East.
Leadership in the Pacific
Upon returning from the Far East on November 25, 1943, Dommes handed over command of U-178 and was appointed commander of the naval base in Penang. From January 1945, he held the positions of commander at Singapore and head of the Monsun naval base.
Combat Successes
Throughout his wartime service, Dommes sank 13 ships totaling 46,333 gross registered tons (GRT) and damaged one ship displacing 3,560 GRT. He was a highly skilled and successful U-boat commander.
