Ranks

March 1, 1933 Fähnrich zur See

January 1, 1935 Oberfähnrich zur See

April 1, 1935 Leutnant zur See

January 1, 1937 Oberleutnant zur See

February 1, 1939 Kapitänleutnant

March 1, 1941 Korvettenkapitän

 

Decorations

25 Sep. 1939 Iron Cross 2nd Class

Oct. 17, 1939 Iron Cross 1st Class

Oct. 18, 1939 Knight cross

Oct. 20, 1940 Knight cross with oakleaves

Günther Prien joined Reichsmarine in January 1931 after having sailed a few years on commercial boats. After one year on the light cruiser Königsberg, he was transferred in October 1935 to U-bootwaffe. In 1938 he was on U-26 under the orders of Kptlt. Hartmann, patrolling in Spanish waters during the civil war.

U 47 had one commander, Günther Prien. Its greater feat of arms was the Scapa Flow attack.

K.L. Günther Prien and its crew. Engelbert Endrass is on its left.

Photographed with the memorial of Laboe close to Kiel, the name of each member of the crew, with their date of birth. The majority had only one score of years, but were too proud to serve under the orders of Günther Prien.

INDEX