Rare Kriegsmarine Grouping – Obermaschinist Heinz Groneck – Prinz Eugen & U-970 – KIA on June 8, 1944

A historically significant original grouping belonging to Obermaschinist Heinz Groneck, a veteran of both the famed heavy cruiser Prinz Eugen and the German U-Boat service.

Includes:

• Award document for the Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse (Iron Cross 2nd Class)

• Original wartime copy of Mein Kampf

• Death card of Heinz Groneck

• Period photograph group featuring Groneck and comrades

Service History

Heinz Groneck began his naval career aboard the heavy cruiser Prinz Eugen, one of the most famous German warships of WWII. Commissioned in 1940, Prinz Eugen took part in Operation Rheinübung alongside Bismarck in May 1941 and later served in both the Atlantic and Baltic theatres, surviving numerous engagements and heavy damage.

Following his surface fleet service, Groneck volunteered for the U-Bootwaffe and was posted to U-970, a Type VIIC submarine. These boats were the workhorses of the Kriegsmarine submarine arm, tasked with disrupting Allied shipping lanes.

Final Mission & Fate

On 8 June 1944, just two days after the Allied landings in Normandy, U-970 was operating near the French coast when she was attacked by British forces. The submarine was sunk with heavy loss of life — including Heinz Groneck. His service and sacrifice are commemorated in the accompanying death card.

Why This Grouping is Special

• Direct connection to two iconic branches of the Kriegsmarine – surface fleet and U-Boat service

• Contains personal, named items including award document and death card

• Links to two historically significant warships: Prinz Eugen and U-970

• Represents the transition from Germany’s capital ships to the desperate submarine war of the final years

Condition: All items are original and in good condition for their age, as shown in the photos.

A poignant and rare collection — ideal for serious collectors of U-Boat history, Kriegsmarine memorabilia, or WWII naval history.