Rolf Thomsen – Kommandant of “U-1202” (Eichenlaub)

A desirable postwar signed portrait of Rolf Thomsen—one of the most decorated U-boat commanders of the late war and a highly respected officer who later rose to the rank of Flottillenadmiral in the Bundesmarine. The photograph is clean, well-preserved, and boldly autographed by Thomsen, making it a fine example for signature collectors, U-boat historians, and Knight’s Cross specialists.

Rolf Thomsen (1915–2003)

Thomsen began his naval career as an aviator, flying long-range reconnaissance missions from 1939 to 1943 before transferring to the U-boat arm in early 1944. On 27 January 1944, he commissioned U-1202, a Type VIIC submarine with which he conducted two aggressive North Atlantic patrols.

During these operations, Thomsen reported attacks on a destroyer, multiple corvettes, six merchant vessels, and an escort carrier. The sinking of the British freighter Dan Beard was later confirmed by Allied records. For these actions, he received:

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross – 4 January 1945

• Oak Leaves – 29 April 1945

Thomsen’s decorations reflect his unusual dual-service career:

Awards & Decorations

• Iron Cross 2nd Class (25 Nov. 1939)

• Iron Cross 1st Class (17 May 1940)

• Wound Badge in Black (Aug. 1940)

• Luftwaffe Front Flying Clasp for Reconnaissance Pilots (Silver & Gold)

• German Cross in Gold (14 Oct. 1943)

• U-Boat War Badge (1939)

• U-Boat Front Clasp in Bronze (27 Jan. 1945)

• Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves for U-1202 operations

After the war, Thomsen joined the newly established Bundesmarine in 1955, eventually serving as Flotilla Admiral from 1966.

Collector’s Note

Signed photographs of Rolf Thomsen remain sought-after due to his dual combat career, high decorations, and postwar prominence. This example, with a clear postwar autograph, is an excellent acquisition for any collection focused on U-boat warfare, the Knight’s Cross, or Bundesmarine command figures.