Georg Lassen, German captain (b. 1915)

Georg Lassen: A Distinguished U-boat Commander of World War II

Georg Lassen (12 May 1915 – 18 January 2012) was a highly decorated German U-boat commander who played a significant role in naval operations during World War II. Renowned for his tactical prowess and leadership, Lassen's career spanned critical phases of the Battle of the Atlantic, earning him prestigious military distinctions for his successes against Allied shipping.

Early Naval Career and the U-29

Lassen began his wartime service as a Watch Officer aboard U-29 when hostilities commenced in September 1939. Under the command of Kapitänleutnant Otto Schuhart, U-29 proved to be an exceptionally effective submarine in the early stages of the war. During Lassen’s tenure as Watch Officer, the U-29 crew achieved notable successes, sinking a total of 12 Allied vessels. Among these was the highly significant British aircraft carrier HMS Courageous.

The sinking of HMS Courageous on 17 September 1939, just two weeks into the war, was a profound blow to the Royal Navy and a significant propaganda victory for Germany. This event marked the first British warship, and indeed the first aircraft carrier, to be sunk by a U-boat in World War II, demonstrating the immediate threat posed by Germany's submarine fleet.

On 3 January 1941, Georg Lassen was promoted to commander of U-29, succeeding Otto Schuhart, who was reassigned to a vital role as a training instructor. Under Lassen's command, from 3 January 1941 to 14 September 1941, U-29 transitioned from a combat vessel to a training boat. Attached to the 24th (Training) Flotilla, based in Memel (present-day Klaipėda, Lithuania), the submarine played a crucial role in preparing new generations of U-boat crews for the rigours of Atlantic warfare, ensuring the continuous flow of trained personnel for Germany's expanding submarine fleet.

Command of U-160: Combat Successes and High Decorations

Following his instructional role, Georg Lassen was assigned command of the new Type IXC long-range U-boat U-160. This marked his return to front-line combat operations. His first combat patrol as commander of U-160, conducted between March and April 1942, saw significant action. Operating primarily in the Western Atlantic, off the coast of the United States, his crew successfully sank or damaged a total of six Allied merchant vessels. This successful debut immediately established Lassen as a formidable U-boat commander.

For his exceptional leadership and combat achievements during this initial phase of his U-160 command, Georg Lassen was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) on 10 August 1942. This prestigious decoration recognized extreme bravery or successful military leadership, placing him among an elite group of German military personnel.

Lassen's most remarkable patrol occurred approximately a year later. During a deployment to the strategically vital shipping lanes off the coast of South Africa in early 1943, U-160 under his command achieved an astonishing feat. In a concentrated period of under five hours, Lassen and his crew located, attacked, and sank or damaged six Allied ships. This devastating strike severely disrupted Allied supply lines utilizing the Cape Route, which was critical for transporting resources from the East to Europe. This demonstration of tactical brilliance and aggressive submarine warfare underscored his reputation as one of the most effective U-boat aces.

In recognition of this extraordinary success, Lassen was further honored with the Oak Leaves to the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross (Eichenlaub zum Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) on 7 March 1943. This even higher decoration, awarded to only a select few, signified continued outstanding bravery and success beyond the requirements for the Knight's Cross itself, solidifying his place as a highly distinguished U-boat commander.

Post-Combat Reassignment and Later Life

In June 1943, following his remarkable combat achievements, Georg Lassen was reassigned from active command of U-160. He took on a crucial role as a tactics instructor with the 1. U-Boot Lehrdivision (1st U-boat Training Division), based in Pillau (now Baltiysk, Russia). This reassignment was a common practice for highly successful and experienced commanders, enabling them to impart their invaluable combat knowledge and tactical expertise to new U-boat officers and crews, ensuring the continued proficiency of the German submarine force as the war progressed. Notably, his former commander, Otto Schuhart, had also been reassigned to a similar training role earlier in the war, highlighting the importance placed on passing down combat experience.

After the conclusion of World War II, Georg Lassen transitioned successfully into civilian life. He embarked on a career as a businessman, demonstrating the adaptability and resilience characteristic of many returning veterans. Later, he rose to the position of managing director for a large company, showcasing his leadership and organizational skills in a corporate environment. In a challenging personal setback, he tragically lost an arm in a traffic accident. His personal life also saw a long and enduring marriage of 55 years, which concluded with the passing of his wife. In his later years, Georg Lassen chose to move to a retirement home in Mallorca, a serene island retreat. It was there that he passed away peacefully on 18 January 2012, at the advanced age of 96, leaving behind a remarkable legacy as one of Germany's most effective U-boat commanders.

Frequently Asked Questions About Georg Lassen

Who was Georg Lassen?
Georg Lassen was a German U-boat commander during World War II, highly decorated for his combat successes, most notably with the Knight's Cross and Oak Leaves to the Knight's Cross.
Which U-boats did Georg Lassen command?
Georg Lassen commanded U-29 (as a training boat) from January to September 1941, and then U-160 in combat operations from late 1941 until mid-1943.
What was Georg Lassen's most notable combat achievement?
His most notable combat achievement was during a patrol off South Africa in early 1943 with U-160, where he sank or damaged six Allied ships in under five hours, earning him the Oak Leaves to the Knight's Cross.
What was the significance of HMS Courageous in Lassen's career?
While not commanding U-29 at the time, Lassen was a Watch Officer aboard U-29 when it sank HMS Courageous on 17 September 1939. This was the first British aircraft carrier sunk by a U-boat in WWII, a major early war event.
What decorations did Georg Lassen receive?
Georg Lassen was a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross (awarded August 1942) and the Oak Leaves to the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross (awarded March 1943), among other distinctions.
What did Georg Lassen do after World War II?
After the war, Georg Lassen pursued a successful career as a businessman, eventually becoming a managing director for a large company.