Klaus Feldt – Schnellboot “S-30” & 2. Schnellbootflottille (Eichenlaub)

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Klaus Feldt. Korvettenkapitän Klaus Feldt (14 April 1912 – 7 September 2010) was a highly decorated Kriegsmarine Schnellboot commander during the Second World War. He earned distinction for his aggressive leadership in fast attack craft operations, particularly in the English Channel and North Sea, commanding both individual boats and flotillas.

Awards and Decorations

• Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes (Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross) – 13 June 1942 as Oberleutnant zur See and Kommandant of Schnellboot S-30.

• Eichenlaub (Oak Leaves to the Knight’s Cross) – 1 January 1944 as Korvettenkapitän and Chef of the 2. Schnellbootflottille, in recognition of his continued successes in offensive operations.

Career Highlights

• Fast Attack Craft Commander: Rose from boat commander (S-30) to flotilla leader, gaining a reputation for bold night attacks against Allied shipping and convoy routes.

• Channel & North Sea Operations: His leadership in high-risk torpedo boat missions contributed significantly to the Kriegsmarine’s ability to disrupt Allied supply lines.

• Highly Decorated: One of the few Schnellboot officers to be awarded both the Knight’s Cross and Oak Leaves, a testament to his sustained operational impact.

• Longevity: Survived the war and lived to the age of 98, making him one of the longest-lived Oak Leaves recipients of the Kriegsmarine.

Item Details

• Type: Postwar signed photograph.

• Size: Postcardsize.

• Condition: Good, clear autograph and preserved photo.

Collector’s Note

Klaus Feldt’s career represents the elite echelon of Schnellboot commanders, men whose daring raids earned them top decorations. His combination of the Ritterkreuz and Eichenlaub places him among the Kriegsmarine’s most successful fast-attack leaders. Signed items from Schnellboot officers are notably scarcer than those of U-boat commanders, making this a particularly desirable piece.