Walther Forstmann
| Walther Forstmann | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born | March 9, 1883 Essen-Werden |
| Died | November 2, 1973 (aged 90) |
| Allegiance |
 German Empire Nazi Germany
|
| Service/branch |
 Kaiserliche Marine Kriegsmarine
|
| Years of service | 1900–19, 1939-45 |
| Rank | Kapitän zur See |
| Commands held |
U-12, August 1, 1914 – February 9, 1915 U-39, February 11, 1915 – October 14, 1917 |
| Battles/wars | U-boat Campaign (World War I) |
| Awards |
Knight's Cross with Swords of the Royal House Order of Hohenzollern Order of the Red Eagle 4th class Pour le Mérite |
Walther Forstmann (March 9, 1883 – November 2, 1973) was one of the most successful and highly decorated U-boat commanders in the Kaiserliche Marine during World War I. He also served in the Kriegsmarine during World War II in different staff positions.
In his time as commander of U-12 and U-39 in World War I, he conducted 47 patrols and succeeded in sinking 146 ships for a total tonnage of 384,304 gross register tons (GRT). As such he is the second most successful submarine commander ever (by tonnage sunk), after de la Perière.
On August 12, 1916 Kapitänleutnant Forstmann of U-39 was awarded the Pour le Mérite for his achievements so far in the First World War.
In 1917 Forstmann, in command of U-39, sank five valuable steamers within only two days in the Straits of Gibraltar with over 20,000 GRT, the SS Normanton (3,862 tonnes), SS Mersario (3,847 tonnes), SS Almora (4,385 tonnes), SS Nuceria (4,702 tonnes) and the Japanese steamer SS Sitosan Maru (3,555 tonnes). The ships carried a total load of 31,500 tonnes of coal, of which more than 26,000 tonnes were meant for Italy for use in the winter.
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