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Saturday, September 12, 2020

Ritterkreuz Actions of Klaus Feldt


Klaus Feldt (14 April 1912 - 7 September 2010) received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 25 April 1941 as Oberleutnant zur See and Kommandant "S 30" / 2.Schnellbootsflottille. The following press article, dated 29 April 1941, describes why Feldt would be awarded the Ritterkreuz. By this time he had participated in at least 35 sorties:

“Oberleutnant Feldt has especially distinguished himself during the Norwegian campaign. During later operations as an S-Boat commander he sunk an enemy destroyer and four armed merchant ships with a total of 6100 GRT. He demonstrated very good seamanship during numerous operations, and has mastered even the most difficult of situations through his cold-bloodedness. As the acting commander of a Schnellbootsflottille he and his formation sank a total of 13000 GRT worth of shipping during a sally against the southern English coast. This success is to Feldt’s credit in particular.”

Feldt received the Eichenlaub #362 for his Ritterkreuz on 1 January 1944 as Korvettenkapitän and Chef 2. Schnellbootsflottille. The following press article, dated 5 January 1944, describes why Feldt would receive the Eichenlaub:

“Korvettenkapitän Feldt received the Ritterkreuz on the 25 April 1941, and since then he has similarly led his Flottille to great successes (despite being heavily wounded by a mine explosion in the meantime). Personally participating in 64 sorties, his masterfully led boats have sunk 35 ships with 92260 GRT as well as 2 destroyers and 2 patrol ships. In this time the fighting often took place just off the English coast. Klaus Feldt was involved in these successes while leading from the point group. In every naval theatre, west, south, north and east, he has brought his ships’ powerful and feared weapons to bear against the enemy.”

It should be noted that since the award of the Ritterkreuz Feldt probably participated in an actual total of 57 sorties (totally 92 altogether).


Source :
Adolfo Diaz photo collection
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/34512/Feldt-Gustav-Waldemar-Klaus.htm

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