Georg Lassen facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Georg Lassen
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| Born | 12 May 1915 Berlin-Steglitz, German Empire |
| Died | 18 January 2012 (aged 96) Mallorca, Spain |
| Allegiance |  Nazi Germany |
| Service/ |
Kriegsmarine |
| Rank | Korvettenkapitän |
| Commands held | U-29 U-160 1. U-Boot-Lehrdivision |
| Battles/wars | Battle of the Atlantic |
| Awards | Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves |
Georg Lassen (born May 12, 1915 – died January 18, 2012) was a German U-boat commander during World War II. He started as a Watch Officer on the submarine U-29. Later, he became the captain of the U-160. He was also given the Knight’s Cross, a very important award for bravery.
Contents
Georg Lassen: A Submarine Commander's Story
Georg Lassen was a skilled submarine commander in the German Navy during World War II. His career involved leading U-boats on important missions. He was recognized for his success in battle.
Early Days and Submarine Training
Lassen served on the submarine U-29. This was under the command of Otto Schuhart. During this time, the crew helped sink 12 ships. One of these was the British aircraft carrier HMS Courageous.
On January 3, 1941, Lassen became the commander of U-29. This happened after Otto Schuhart moved to a teaching role. Lassen commanded U-29 until September 14, 1941. During this period, the submarine was used for training new sailors. It was part of the 24th Training Flotilla.
Leading the U-160: Successful Missions
After his time on U-29, Lassen was given command of U-160. His first mission with U-160 was very successful. Between March and April 1942, his crew sank or damaged six ships.
About a year later, while on patrol in waters near South Africa, Lassen and his crew had another big success. They sank or damaged six ships in less than five hours. For this achievement during the South African patrol, Lassen received the Oak Leaves. This was an upgrade to his Iron Cross award.
Later Career and Life After the War
In June 1943, Lassen was moved to a new role. He became an instructor, teaching tactics at the 1st U-Boat Training Division. This was the same training division where his former commander, Otto Schuhart, had also been assigned.
After World War II ended, Georg Lassen became a businessman. He later worked as a managing director for a large company. Sadly, he was in a car accident and lost an arm. His wife passed away after they had been married for 55 years. In his later years, he moved to a retirement home in Mallorca, Spain. He died there on January 18, 2012, at the age of 96.
Awards and Recognition
Georg Lassen received several awards for his service and bravery. These awards recognized his achievements as a submarine commander.
- Wehrmacht Long Service Award 4th Class (April 5, 1939)
- Iron Cross (1939) 2nd Class (September 26, 1939) & 1st Class (July 18, 1940)
- Memel Medal (October 26, 1939)
- U-boat War Badge (1939) (July 18, 1940)
- U-boat Front Clasp (October 22, 1944)
- Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves
- Knight's Cross on August 10, 1942, as Oberleutnant zur See and commander of U-160
- Oak Leaves on March 7, 1943, as Kapitänleutnant and commander of U-160
