Winter 2026 Militaria & Collectibles Auction
Lot 217:
Description
Peter-Erich Cremer (25 March 1911-5 July 1992) was a German U-Boat commander during WWII. He was a recipient of the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross of Nazi Germany. Peter-Erich Cremer was born in Metz, Alsace-Lorraine, on 25 March 1911. After high school, Cremer enlisted in the Reichsmarine in 1932. After serving on cruisers and destroyers, Cremer became captain in February 1940. He received the Iron Cross 2nd class. He was promoted to the rank of submarine commander in August 1940, and was given U-152. He commanded the U-333 from 25 August 1941 to 6 October 1942 and again from 18 May 1943, to 19 July 1944. On 31 January 1942 he mistakenly attacked and sunk Spreewald; he was court-martialed and found not guilty. After several victorious trips, he received the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) on 5 June 1942, and in that same year was severely wounded. He sailed again from 1943 until July 1944, before giving his boat to his lieutenant. In November 1944, Cremer, now Lieutenant Commander, aimed to convey the new submarine U-2519 Class XXI. Citing "several design flaws", Cremer scuttled the submarine at Kiel, in May 1945. As the War drew to a close, he was attached to the personal security unit of Karl Donitz. In this role he was involved in the incident in which Captain at Sea Wolfgang Luth was shot to death by a German sentry. The approximate size is 8 x 10 inches. This signed photo is a copy of an actual period photo. The signature is original. Good overall condition.
Condition: See description for notes on condition. Please note that all items are sold as is without returns, so please ask questions in advance of bidding.
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