Erich Raeder: Grand Admiral of the Kriegsmarine

Erich Raeder: Grand Admiral of the Kriegsmarine

Erich Raeder, born in 1876, was a German admiral who served as the commander-in-chief of the Kriegsmarine, the German Navy, during World War II. He was a key figure in the development of the German Navy, and his decisions had a significant impact on the course of the war.

Raeder joined the Imperial German Navy in 1894 and quickly rose through the ranks. He served in various capacities during World War I, including as the commander of a destroyer flotilla. After the war, he was appointed as the head of the Naval Staff, and he played a key role in the rebuilding of the German Navy in the interwar period. He was also a strong advocate for the development of a powerful surface fleet, which he believed was essential for Germany’s national security.

The Rise of the Kriegsmarine

In 1935, Raeder was appointed as the commander-in-chief of the Kriegsmarine. Under his leadership, the German Navy underwent a rapid expansion. Raeder’s vision was to create a fleet that could challenge the British Royal Navy, which was the world’s most powerful navy at the time. He oversaw the construction of new battleships, cruisers, destroyers, and submarines, as well as the development of new naval tactics and strategies.

Raeder’s efforts were successful in building a powerful navy, but he faced significant challenges. The Treaty of Versailles, which ended World War I, had placed strict limits on the size and capabilities of the German Navy. Raeder had to work within these constraints, and he was also constantly at odds with the Nazi leadership, which was not always supportive of his plans. Despite these difficulties, Raeder was able to build a fleet that was capable of posing a serious threat to the British.

The Kriegsmarine in World War II

When World War II broke out in 1939, the Kriegsmarine was ready for action. Raeder’s fleet played a significant role in the early stages of the war, particularly in the Battle of the Atlantic. The German Navy’s submarines, known as U-boats, sank a large number of Allied merchant ships, which disrupted the flow of supplies to Britain.

However, the Kriegsmarine was ultimately unsuccessful in its goal of defeating the Royal Navy. The British were able to maintain their dominance at sea, and they eventually developed effective countermeasures against the U-boat threat. Raeder’s strategy of relying on a powerful surface fleet also proved to be flawed. The German battleships and cruisers were unable to achieve a decisive victory against the British, and they were eventually sunk or forced to retreat.

Raeder’s Downfall

Raeder’s career came to an end in 1943. He was dismissed from his post as commander-in-chief of the Kriegsmarine after a series of defeats. He was also accused of being too indecisive and of failing to provide adequate support for the U-boat campaign. Raeder was later tried by the Allied Powers for war crimes. He was sentenced to life in prison, but he was released in 1955 on medical grounds. He died in 1960.

Legacy

Erich Raeder was a controversial figure. He was a brilliant naval strategist, but he was also a staunch supporter of Nazi ideology. His actions during World War II had a profound impact on the course of the war. His legacy is a reminder of the dangers of unchecked ambition and the need for moral responsibility in times of conflict.