Erich Raeder Biography

Appointed Admiral

Germany circumvents the Versailles Treaty by using pocket Battle ships & submarines

The German Navy circumvents the Treaty by including pocket Battle ships & submarines

Appointed Commander in Chief

Plans to build up a navy adequate to challenge Great Britain

Appeals to Hitler not to begin a war

Tries to convince Hitler to defeat Britain before the Americans join the British

Tries to convince Hitler to defeat Britain before the Americans join the British

Raeder supports the plan to seize Norway before Allied forces can establish bases along the coast.

Supports seizing Norwegian ports before the Allies can cut the ore route.

Raeder advises British invasion as a last resort to force Britain to sue for peace

Military chiefs meet to discuss the invasion of Britain but Raeder advises against

Sets 20-26 September as the earliest date on which the Navy can be ready

Raeder believes that air superiority might make a successful landing possible although it would be a risky operation and required "absolute mastery over the Channel by our air forces"

Raeder believes that air superiority might make a successful landing possible although it would be a risky operation and required "absolute mastery over the Channel by our air forces"

Raeder believes that air superiority might make a successful landing possible although it would be a risky operation and required "absolute mastery over the Channel by our air forces"

Raeder advises Hitler that there is not enough air cover for an invasion of Britain

Says Germany does not enough air superiority over England to launch Sea Lion

Preparations are deferred to the Spring but only to keep pressure on the British. Operation Sea Lion is called off

Appeals in vain to launch an offensive against Egypt & Suez

Appeals in vain to launch an offensive against Egypt & Suez

Urges Hitler to concentrate on Mediterranean strategy and seize the Suez Canal, but the proposal is not adopted.

Grand Admiral Erich Raeder, Commander in Chief of the Kriegsmarine (German Navy), told Hitler that an invasion could only be contemplated as a last resort, and only after full air superiority had been achieved

Advises Hitler the fight for Africa, "decisive importance for the outcome of the war". Advises Hitler that Italy's promise to invade Africa is meaningless

Defeated in battle & later forced to resign by Hitler

Disagrees with Hitler's strategy of scrapping the surface fleet & retires

Raeder continued his testimony in defence of his conduct and naval command.

Raeder continued his testimony in defence of his conduct and naval command.

Raeder continued his testimony in defence of his conduct and naval command.

Raeder continued his testimony in defence of his conduct and naval command.

Raeder continued his testimony in defence of his conduct and naval command.