Alfred Muser – 8. Räumbootsflottille
€40,00
Postwar Signature including 2 letters (one containing his service) of Kapitänleutnant Alfred Muser, who earned the Knight’s Cross as Commander of the 8. Räumbootsflottille
Out of stock
Muser’s Knight’s Cross recommendation reads as follows…
“Has distinguished himself through his bravery many times as Chef 8. R.-Flott. in the Dover straits and the Flanders coast.
I. In total since his award of the German Cross in Gold has participated in 9 minelaying operations, 33 battles with aircraft, 3 battles with MTBs, 4 long range gunnery duels, 10 escort missions of important freighters or warships through the Dover straits. Successes: 5 aircraft shot down, 1 MTB sunk, 71 mines swept.
II. Details: Cleared numerous mine barriers off the Flanders coast while protecting important objects. Held open convoy routes under the hardest of fighting conditions (mines, MTB attacks, numerous fighter-bomber attacks). With this he has a major share in the successful return of urgently needed cargo from the West. Mine clearing involved other duties as well: 3 boats were hit by mines, 2 of which were brought to harbour through Muser’s skill and tenacity.
3 mine barriers were laid according to plan despite long-range enemy gunfire. During the deployment of 2 additional barriers one boat was lost when it struck a mine; however the area was fearlessly reached, the survivors rescued and the minelaying operation completed. During the course of 4 minelaying operations since the invasion fighter-bomber attacks were a constant presence, yet despite the relatively weak armament of the R-Boats 2 enemy aircraft were shot down.
On 13.06.1944, without waiting for orders, Muser assisted some damaged S-Boats that were under attack from fighter-bombers in Boulogne. In an hour-long battle he protected S-179 and despite concentrated bomber attacks was able to continue to tow the vessel until it was finally sunk. 1 R-Boat was lost due to rocket attacks. The crew of S-179 with the commander of the 2. S.-Flottille was saved. In broad daylight the sinking area was searched under constant fighter-bomber attack until the men were retrieved. This assistance was recognized gratefully by the commander of the S-Boats. The steadfastness and achievement of Muser in this time was a big demonstration of his bravery and leadership qualities.
He was wounded on 15.06.1944 during a bomber attack on Boulogne. His Flottille lost 2 boats on this night. The recovery of 3 damaged boats was overseen by Muser despite his injuries. It is on account of this devotion to duty that the damaged boats could be saved.
III. He is an R-Boat Flottille commander of exemplary bravado and superior coolness. He has an outstanding share in the major battles at the Dover straits.
