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Schniewind, Otto (Generaladmiral)

Date of birth:
December 14th, 1887 (Saarlouis/Rhineprovince, Germany)
Date of death:
March 26th, 1964 (Linz/Upper-Austria, Austria)
Nationality:
German (1933-1945, Third Reich)

Biography

Otto Schniewind was born on 14th December 1887 in Saarlouis, Germany. He joined the Imperial Navy prior to the First World War. After his training as Seekadett he was promoted to Fähnrich.His promotion to Leutnant zur See followed in 1910 and to Oberleutnant zur See in 1913.

Otto Schniewind started the First World War as Wachoffizier on board of the "S 24". He ended the war as Kommandant on a destroyer with the rank of van Kapitänleutnant.

After a half year as Prisoner-of-War, he was incorporated in the new German opgenomen Reichsheer where he became Kompanieführer Dienst in the II. Marine-Brigade. Following was his placement with the IV. Flottille, and short time later becoming Kommandant on a Minensuchboot. Between 1920 and 1922, Schniewind became 2. Admiralsstaboffizier in the Stab der Marinestation der Nordsee and later served as Marineadjutant within the Reichswehrminister. In 1928 he became Chef of II.Torpedobootsflottille followed by an appointment at the Flottenkommando. In 1932 he was appointed Kommandant of the cruiser "Köln".
He became Stabschef des Flottenkommandos in 1934, followed by his function as Chef des Marineamtes and Stabschef der Seekriegsleitung.

From 12th June 1941, Otto Schniewind became Flottenchef der Kriegsmarine, which he occupied until July 1944. eventually also becoming Oberbefehlshaber des Marinegruppenkommandos Nord.

Otto Schniewind died on 26th March 1964.

Promotions:
21st April 1908: Fähnrich zur See
28th September 1910: Leutnant zur See
27 september 1913: Oberleutnant zur See
17th June 1917: Kapitänleutnant
1st April 1926: Korvettenkapitän
1st October 1931: Fregattenkapitän
1st October 1933: Kapitän zur See
1st October 1937: Konteradmiral
1st January 1940: Vizeadmiral
1st September 1940: Admiral
1st March 1944: Generaladmiral

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Period:
First World War (1914-1918)
Awarded on:
January 5th, 1918
Eisernes Kreuz 1.Klasse (1914)
Period:
First World War (1914-1918)
Awarded on:
August 14th, 1918
mit Spange “Vor dem Feinde”
Friedrich-August Kreuz 2.Klasse
Period:
First World War (1914-1918)
Awarded on:
August 14th, 1918
Friedrich-August Kreuz 1.Klasse
Period:
First World War (1914-1918)
Awarded on:
1934
Ehrenkreuz für Frontkämpfer
Awarded on:
June 26th, 1936
Awarded on:
October 2nd, 1936
Dienstauszeichnung der Wehrmacht 4.Klasse, 4 Jahre
Awarded on:
October 2nd, 1936
Dienstauszeichnung der Wehrmacht  3.Klasse, 12 Jahre
Awarded on:
October 2nd, 1936
Dienstauszeichnung der Wehrmacht  2. Klasse, 18 Jahre
Awarded on:
October 2nd, 1936
Dienstauszeichnung der Wehrmacht  1.Klasse, 25 Jahre
Awarded on:
September 23rd, 1938
Ordine della Corona d'Italia - Cavaliere della Croce Grande
Awarded on:
June 1st, 1939
Order of St. Sava 2nd Class
Period:
Spanish Civil War (1936-1939)
Awarded on:
August 21st, 1939
Awarded on:
October 26th, 1939
Medaille zur Erinnerung an die Heimkehr des Memellandes
Awarded on:
1939
Ehrenzeichen des Deutschen Roten Kreuzes, 1.Stufe
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
September 29th, 1939
1939 Spange zum Eisernes Kreuz 2er Klasse 1914
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
September 29th, 1939

Had already received the Iron Cross 1st Class on 5th January 1918.
1939 Spange zum Eisernes Kreuz 1er Klasse 1914
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Vizeadmiral (Rear-admiral)
Unit:
Chef des Stabes der Seekriegsleitung
Awarded on:
April 21st, 1940
Awarded for his achievements while serving as the Chief of Staff of the Maritime Warfare Command (Seekriegsleitung), and in particular for his role in the planning and execution of Unternehmen Weserübung.


4th Award.
Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
September 26th, 1942
Zuiho sho, 1st Class
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
July 30th, 1944

Through auctions a Flotten-Kriegsabzeichen with diamonds and an award document of that has been found. The authenticity has been doubt for there is no proof this version of the award has been instituted.
Flotten-Kriegsabzeichen
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
mit Brillanten
unconfirmed
Flotten-Kriegsabzeichen

Sources

Photo