Bernhard Rogge
| Bernhard Rogge | |
|---|---|
Bernhard Rogge
|
|
| Born |
4 November 1899 Schleswig |
| Died | 29 June 1982 (aged 82) Reinbek |
| Allegiance |
 German Empire (to 1918) Weimar Republic (to 1933) Nazi Germany (to 1945) West Germany (to 1962) |
| Service/branch |
 Kaiserliche Marine Reichsmarine Kriegsmarine German Navy
|
| Years of service | 1915–45 1957–62 |
| Rank |
Vizeadmiral Konteradmiral |
| Unit |
SMS Freya SMS Moltke SMS Stralsund SMS Pillau Light cruiser Amazone SMS Schleswig-Holstein SSS Niobe |
| Commands held |
SSS Niobe (in deputize) SSS Gorch Fock SSS Albert Leo Schlageter Auxiliary cruiser Atlantis |
| Battles/wars |
World War II |
| Awards |
Ritterkreuz mit Eichenlaub Great Cross of Merit |
Bernhard Rogge (4 November 1899 – 29 June 1982) was a German naval officer who, during World War II, commanded a merchant raider. Later, he became a Konteradmiral in West Germany's Bundesmarine.
He was awarded a Japanese ornate Samurai sword and the Oak Leaves to the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross for his actions as the commander of the Hilfskreuzer (auxiliary cruiser) Atlantis (Schiff 16).
Rogge eventually became a Vizeadmiral (vice-admiral) by the end of World War II, and, when the West German Bundesmarine was established after the war, returned to service as a Konteradmiral (rear-admiral).
Rogge also was one of the few German officers of flag rank who was not arrested by the Allies after the war. This was due to the way he had exercised his command of Atlantis.
Rogge was born in Schleswig, the son of a Lutheran minister, and was himself devoutly religious.
Rogge was one of many German officers who were forced to apply for a German Blood Certificate, that would allow their racial background to be overlooked (he had a Jewish grandparent). His wife, Anneliese née Frahm, committed suicide on 4 September 1939. The next day, his mother-in-law also ended her life willingly.
J. Armstrong White, captain of the British City of Baghdad, which Atlantis sank in July 1941, stated, "His treatment of prisoners left respect, instead of hatred". White later wrote the foreword to Atlantis, the Story of a German Surface Raider, written by U. Mohr & A. V. Sellwood.
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