Small set of a Wartime Hoffmann Postcard with wartime signature of Klaus Scholtz as well as a wartime photograph of him (not wearing the Knight’s Cross). Scholtz joined the Reichsmarine in 1927 as member of “Crew 1927” (the incoming class of 1927) and served in torpedo boats, before transferring to the U-boat arm (U-bootwaffe) in April 1940. From October 1940 he commanded U-108, sinking 25 ships on 8 patrols, for a total of 128,190 tons of Allied shipping, including the British armed merchant cruiser Rajputana. In October 1942 Scholtz formed and took command of 12th U-boat Flotilla based at Bordeaux, France.
In August 1944 the approach of Allied troops meant that the base had to be evacuated. The last U-boats escaped by sea, and Scholtz attempted to lead the remaining men (about 220) back to Germany on foot. They left Bordeaux on 26 August, but were captured on 11 September by American forces in Loire. Scholtz spent the next 18 months in US captivity. (Source: Wikipedia)
