Tomorrow will be September 11th, a day we probably all hold dear in our hearts, for it was on this day in 1906, that one of the world's
premiere submarine aces was born; KptLt Eitel-Friedrich Kentrat.
Korvettenkapitän E.F. Kentrat has always been a hero of mine. Not just for how he handled himself on the battlefield, but also in social settings. Kentrat was not only
an officer, he was indeed a true gentleman. Few know that KptLt Kentrat conducted the longest submarine patrol in WW2 history; U-196 left Kiel on 13 March, 1943 and
reached Bordeaux on 23 October, 1943, 225 days later. During this passage, Kentrat lost over 30kg in weight. Kentrat was like a rock to his crew. He embodied bravery.
Some criticized him (including BdU!!!!) for not acting fast enough in the whole Bismarck affair, but quite frankly, the vessel's early defeat and unpreparedness showed the treachery
of its crew. Kentrat did what he could, and no more. Kentrat spent 2 years in enemy captivity.
On 31 Dec 1941, KptLt Kentrat received the Knights Cross.
Tonight will be a bit crazy as I approach Lerwick, Scotland in U-74; there will be drinking, a lot of SH3 hunting, and just celebration of life for someone who was a true hero.
This picture shows Eitel Kentrat receiving the Knight's Cross;
Tonight we raise a glass to Eitel!!!
von Spee
LZS