Heinz Birnbacher – 1. Schnellbootsflottille
Postwar signature of Heinz Birnbacher, earned the Knight’s Cross and German Cross in Gold with the 1. Schnellbootsflottille. He died in December 1991.
€35,00
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Historical Description
The following press article, dated 25.06.1940, describes why Birnbacher was awarded the Knight’s Cross…
“The Führer and Supreme Commander of the Wehrmacht has awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross to Kapitänleutnant Birnbacher, commander of a Schnellbootsflottille, at the recommendation of the Supreme Commander of the Kriegsmarine, Großadmiral Dr.h.c. Raeder.
Kapitänleutnant Heinz Birnbacher has distinguished himself as the commander of a Schnellbootsflottille during the fighting near Norway and the English coastline by leading his formation with tactical skill and boldness despite his youth. His example and daredevilry inspires both his captains and crews alike. During the Norwegian Operation he led his formation during the capture of Bergen and the battles in the fjords, sinking a Norwegian torpedo boat and scattering convoys of tankers and troop transports. Over the course of six out of seven sallies against the English fleet his Flottille sank 4 enemy destroyers under the most difficult of circumstances, one of which was sunk by his own command boat.”