Günter Hessler

Günter Hessler was a German naval officer who served as a U-boat commander in the Kriegsmarine during World War II. He is most noted for his command of U-107, during which he executed one of the most successful patrols of the entire war. After the conflict, Hessler became a prominent naval historian and contributed to the Royal Navy's historical analysis of the Battle of the Atlantic.

Early Life and Education

Born in Berlin, Hessler entered the Reichsmarine as a naval cadet in 1927. He received his early training aboard the sailing ship ''Gorch Fock'' and the light cruiser ''Emden''. His formal officer education was completed at the Naval Academy at Mürwik in Flensburg, an institution central to the training of the German Navy. This foundational period immersed him in the traditions and strategic doctrines of the Imperial German Navy and its successor, the Kriegsmarine.

Career

Hessler's early career was spent in surface vessels, serving on the pocket battleship ''Admiral Scheer'' and the destroyer ''Richard Beitzen''. In 1940, he transferred to the U-boat arm, a branch then under the aggressive leadership of Karl Dönitz. After completing submarine training, he was appointed commander of U-107, a Type IXB U-boat, in late 1940. His subsequent patrols would place him at the forefront of the Battle of the Atlantic.

U-boat Commander

Hessler's first patrol in command of U-107 in early 1941 was highly successful, but his second patrol became legendary. From late March to early July 1941, operating off the coast of West Africa and in the Central Atlantic, he sank 14 ships, totaling over 86,000 GRT. This patrol, one of the most destructive single patrols of the war, earned him the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. His tactics demonstrated effective use of the Type IX boat's long range and the wolfpack tactics advocated by BdU. After this triumph, he was assigned to staff positions, including a role on the personal staff of Grand Admiral Karl Dönitz at the Kriegsmarine's headquarters.

Post-War Life

Following Germany's surrender, Hessler was held by the Allies until 1947. In a significant turn, his expertise was later sought by the Royal Navy's historical section. From 1952, he worked as a civilian historian under the direction of the British Admiralty, contributing to the seminal three-volume British official history, *The War at Sea*. He collaborated closely with British historians like Stephen Roskill and Captain Roskill, analyzing Kriegsmarine documents to provide a detailed German perspective on the Battle of the Atlantic. He passed away in Hamburg in 1968.

Military Career and Ranks

Hessler's career progression reflected both his combat success and staff acumen. He was promoted to Kapitänleutnant in 1939 and to Korvettenkapitän in 1943. His final wartime rank was Fregattenkapitän, achieved in 1945. His decorations included the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross, the U-boat War Badge, and the Iron Cross First Class. His transition from a highly effective combat commander in the Kriegsmarine to a respected analyst for the Royal Navy remains a unique aspect of his professional life.

Category:German military personnel of World War II Category:U-boat commanders