Births on January 16

Günther Prien, German captain (d. 1941)

Günther Prien, born on 16 January 1908, stands as one of the most celebrated and highly decorated German U-boat commanders of World War II. Widely recognized for his audacious exploits, he became a symbol of early German naval success in the crucial Battle of the Atlantic before his presumed loss on 8 March 1941.

Prien's career was marked by significant achievements, earning him the distinction of being the first U-boat commander to be awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. Furthermore, he became the inaugural member of the Kriegsmarine to receive the even more prestigious Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves. At the time of its conferment upon Prien, this was Nazi Germany's highest military decoration, signifying extraordinary bravery, leadership, and exceptional success in combat.

The Daring Scapa Flow Raid: Sinking HMS Royal Oak

Prien's most famous and audacious exploit occurred on the night of 13-14 October 1939, when he successfully penetrated the heavily defended British Home Fleet anchorage at Scapa Flow, located in the Orkney Islands, Scotland. Despite the formidable anti-submarine nets, strategically placed blockships, and constant patrols, Prien, commanding the Type VIIB submarine U-47, navigated the treacherous, shallow waters under the cover of darkness. His primary target was the Royal Navy's capital ships at anchor. In a stunning display of naval audacity, U-47 fired its torpedoes, sinking the venerable battleship HMS Royal Oak. This attack, famously dubbed "The Bull of Scapa Flow" by German propaganda, was a profound shock to the British Admiralty, demonstrating the unexpected vulnerability of their primary naval base and significantly boosting German morale. The sinking resulted in the tragic loss of 833 lives, including Rear-Admiral Henry Blagrove.

A Formidable U-boat Ace

Under Prien's command, U-47 proved to be an incredibly effective hunting machine, responsible for the sinking of over 30 Allied merchant ships and one warship. This impressive tally amounted to approximately 200,000 gross register tons (GRT) of vital shipping, including tankers, cargo vessels, and liners, contributing significantly to the early U-boat offensive against Allied supply lines during the Battle of the Atlantic. His consistent successes, particularly the unprecedented Scapa Flow raid, transformed him into a national hero in Germany, extensively featured in propaganda and celebrated for his perceived invincibility and skill as a submarine commander.

The Fate of Günther Prien and U-47

The precise circumstances surrounding Günther Prien's death remain somewhat shrouded in mystery, contributing to his legendary status. He and his submarine, U-47, were presumed lost in the North Atlantic on 8 March 1941. While various theories persist regarding their disappearance, the most widely accepted account suggests that U-47 was sunk by the British destroyer HMS Wolverine, possibly in conjunction with other escort vessels from Convoy OB-293, which U-47 was attacking. All 45 members of the crew, including Prien, perished. His disappearance marked a significant blow to the German U-boat arm, as he was not only a celebrated ace but also an inspirational and highly respected leader whose charisma and daring were difficult to replace.

Frequently Asked Questions about Günther Prien

Who was Günther Prien?

Günther Prien was a highly distinguished German U-boat commander during World War II, renowned for his daring exploits, most notably the sinking of HMS Royal Oak at Scapa Flow. He was one of the most successful U-boat aces of the early war period.

What was Günther Prien's most famous achievement?

His most famous achievement was the penetration of the heavily guarded British naval base at Scapa Flow on 14 October 1939, where he sank the battleship HMS Royal Oak. This audacious raid earned him the nickname "The Bull of Scapa Flow" and shocked the British Admiralty.

What military decorations did Günther Prien receive?

Günther Prien was the first U-boat commander to receive the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross and the first member of the Kriegsmarine to be awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves, which was Nazi Germany's highest military decoration at the time of its presentation to him.

How many ships did U-47 sink under Prien's command?

Under Günther Prien's command, the submarine U-47 was credited with sinking over 30 Allied ships, including HMS Royal Oak, totaling approximately 200,000 gross register tons (GRT) of vital shipping, significantly impacting Allied supply lines during the Battle of the Atlantic.

What happened to Günther Prien and U-47?

Günther Prien and his submarine, U-47, were presumed lost in the North Atlantic on 8 March 1941. The exact circumstances are unconfirmed, but it is widely believed they were sunk by the British destroyer HMS Wolverine, likely during an attack on Convoy OB-293.