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Karl Doenitz

Discussion in 'Atlantic Naval Conflict' started by downfall1983, Dec 3, 2005.

  1. downfall1983

    downfall1983 Member

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    ok, how is it the champion of the U-boat battles, Karl Doenitz end up successor to Hitler? I believe Hitler gave him command of most of the German forces near the end of the war, correct? can someone clarify what I mean?
     
  2. John Dudek

    John Dudek Member

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    After Goering tried to broker a separate peace with the Allies, Hitler named Doenitz as his successor and overall leader of the Reich because he was one of the few dependable, German Military Leaders who had always "kept the faith" and had never let him down.
     
  3. Richard

    Richard Expert

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    In Hitler's Final Political Testament 29th April 1945 04:00 A.M.

    President of the Reich: DOENITZ
    Chancellor of the Reich: DR. GOEBBELS
    Party Minister: BORMAN
    Foreign Minister: SEYSS-INQUART

    Hitler also gave DOENITZ the position of Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces so yes he was now in charge of what was left of Germany's forces.

    As a interesting point Doenitz escaped being hung for the sentence of conducting unrestricted war at sea the man who save him was Admiral Chester William Nimitz who stated "I to gave the same order and you would have to find me guilty as well"

    A brave move to come forward and make a statement like that but it worked.
     

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