Karl Doenitz Biography

Birth of Karl Doenitz

Enters the Imperial Navy

Appointed Lieutenant on the Breslau

Appointed Commander of the Weddigen, a U-boat

Appointed Fuhrer der Unterseeboote

Appointed Befehlshaber der Unterseeboote, Admiral

Believes air superiority was "not enough". Donitz later stated, "we possessed neither control of the air or the sea; nor were we in any position to gain it"

Believes air superiority was "not enough". Donitz later stated, "we possessed neither control of the air or the sea; nor were we in any position to gain it"

Believes air superiority was "not enough". Donitz later stated, "we possessed neither control of the air or the sea; nor were we in any position to gain it"

Redeploys the U-Boats to attack more Eastbound convoys. During the 1st 3 weeks of May 31 U-boats are sunk, a reversal in the North Atlantic

During the 1st 3 weeks of May 31 U-boats are sunk, a reversal in the North Atlantic

U-954 was sunk with all hands on 19 May 1943 while operating against convoy SC 130; Karl Dönitz's son Peter was among those killed.

Appointed Commander of the German Navy, directs the U-boat offensive

Appointed Commander of the German Navy, directs the U-boat offensive

Twelve ships are sunk with the loss of two U-boats

Doenitz withdraws the U-boats from the North Atlantic

March 15-March 19, 37 U-boats chase 98 merchant ships sinking 21 & losing 1 U-boat

In Hitler's 1945 political testament he appoints Admiral Karl Doenitz to succeed him, but he names Doenitz as President, not Fuhrer, thereby re-establishing a constitutional office which had lain dormant since Hindenburgs death in 1934

In Hitler's 1945 political testament he appoints Admiral Karl Doenitz to succeed him, but he names Doenitz as President, not Fuhrer, thereby re-establishing a constitutional office which had lain dormant since Hindenburgs death in 1934

Doenitz forms what becomes known as the Flensburg Government, which controlled only a tiny area of Germany near the Danish border, including the town of Flensburg

Forms a new Cabinet & orders an unconditional surrender

Doenitz forms what becomes known as the Flensburg Government, which controlled only a tiny area of Germany near the Danish border, including the town of Flensburg

Appointed President of the Reich & Hitler's successor, on the day of Hitler's death

Appointed President of the Reich & Hitler's successor, on the day of Hitler's death

Berlin passes into Soviet control after the city's defenders capitulate.

Berlin surrenders to the Soviet Army

All German armed forces are ordered to cease resistance to the Allies.

Dönitz authorises the general surrender of German forces, ending further organised national resistance.

Unconditional surrender of all German forces to the Allies

Authorizes unconditional surrender of all German fighting forces

Dissolved by the Allies

The Allied Berlin Declaration abolishes all the institutions of German civil Government, and establishes that the constitution no longer holds any legal force

The Allied Berlin Declaration abolishes all the institutions of German civil Government, and establishes that the constitution no longer holds any legal force

The International Military Tribunal served the indictment, Charter and notice of rights on him at Nuremberg.

He entered a plea of not guilty before the International Military Tribunal.

Doenitz is released from prison

Death of Karl Doenitz