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Krancke, Theodor

Date of birth:
March 30th, 1893 (Magdeburg/Saxony, Germany)
Date of death:
June 18th, 1973 (Wentorf/Lowersaxony, Germany)
Nationality:
German (1933-1945, Third Reich)

Biography

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
October 29th, 1939

Had already received the Iron Cross 2nd Class in May 1915.
1939 Spange zum Eisernes Kreuz 2er Klasse 1914
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
April 20th, 1940

Had already received the Iron Cross 1st Class on 27th September 1919.
1939 Spange zum Eisernes Kreuz 1er Klasse 1914
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Kapitän zur See
Unit:
Kommandant Schwere Kreuzer "Admiral Scheer"
Awarded on:
February 21st, 1941
Awarded for contributing to the planning and execution of the German invasion of Norway, as well as his successes as captain of the heavy cruiser “Admiral Scheer”. Despite strong enemy resistance he was able to conduct successful anti-shipping operations with his vessel, sinking 16 ships with 113223 GRT in the time period 27.10.1940-01.04.1941. Among these was the auxiliary cruiser “Jervis Bay” with 14164 GRT.

57th Award.
Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
June 26th, 1941
Wehrmachtbericht
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Admiral
Unit:
Oberbefehlshaber Marine-Gruppenkommando West
Awarded on:
October 18th, 1944
Awarded for his outstanding leadership of the Marinegruppenkommando West, which played a major part in the successes of his subordinate units.

614th Award.
Ritterkreuz mit Eichenlaub

Sources

Photo