Karl-Heinz Fischer – Vorpostenboot 722

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photocopy of Karl-Heinz Fischer. Steuermannsmaat Karl-Heinz Fischer (23.07.1913 † 12.08.1993) earned the Ritterkreuz on May 3, 1943 as Steurmannsmaat und Steuermann on Vorpostenboot “VP-711” of the 7. Vorpostenflottille. Good condition. Measuring 8,1×13,6cm.

“Fischer received the Iron Cross Second Class at the start of 1942 while serving with the Hafenschutzflottille ‘Brest’. From May 1942 he has served with the 7. Vorpostenflottille. Participated in all operations with this unit. Awarded the Iron Cross First Class on the 29.04.1943.

Was involved in heavy combat on the 28.03.1943 along the north Brittany coast between the convoy ‘Butterfly’ and an English formation of destroyers and gunboats. This battle was mentioned in the Wehrmachtbericht of the 29.04.1943. ‘V 722’ was shot up by two large destroyers. The ship was totally riddled by 700 strikes. Its captain and 16 men of the crew were killed/wounded. The entire first crew was wounded except for 4 men. Fischer himself was badly wounded by shell splinters in his back. In this situation, as ‘V 722’ threatened to fall into the hands of the destroyers (by now 200 metres away) or be destroyed by them at close range, Fischer dragged himself to the bridge despite his injury. In the place of the fallen captain he led the ship out of its deadly predicament, and maintained command for 9 hours until the ship was at a secure location. He inspired the hard-pressed crew to give their utmost along with him. Under his leadership ‘V 722’ not only fended off further destroyer attacks, but also successfully defended against an attack by 20 bombers and other aircraft.

The fact that ‘V 722’ was neither captured or destroyed by the numerically superior enemy is a testament to Fischer’s devotion to duty, which led him to take the helm when the situation appeared desperate.”