Germany, Kriegsmarine. The Documents To U-Boat Commander Schultze (Submarine Badge With Diamonds)

A Wehrmacht driver’s licence to Kapitänleutnant Herbert Schultze of the 2nd U-Boat Flotilla, stationed in Lorient, France. Dated to Brest, France, on November 30, 1940. Schultze signed the document in blue ink. Measuring 104 mm (w) x 150 mm (h), presenting some creasing and light fraying of the edges, remains near very fine.

A permit to drive Wehrmacht motor vehicles to Kapitänleutnant Herbert Schultze of the 3rd U-Boat Flotilla in La Pallice (La Rochelle, France). Dated to November 10, 1941. It was later repurposed for the North Schleswig-Holstein area, dated to June 14, 1945. Measuring 105 mm (w) x 151 mm (h), presenting light scuffing of the edges, remains very fine.

A menu of the spa in Bad Altheide (present day Polanica-Zdrój, southwest Poland), dated to August 29, 1940. On the reverse five guests signed in blue ink, including Herbert Schultze, Kapitänleutnant. Measuring 145 mm (w) x 234 mm (h), presenting a folding crease, minimal scuffing of the edges, and light soiling, remains very fine.

Footnote: Herbert Schultze was born on July 24, 1909 in Kiel (northern Germany). He joined the Reichsmarine in 1930. In 1939, Schultze took command of U 48, the most successful U-boat of the Second War. Between 1939 and May 1940, he went on five patrols, sinking 16 ships. Schultze was awarded the Knight’s Cross on March 1, 1940. Due to an illness he had to give up command, but was reappointed in December of 1940. Another three patrols followed, during which ten ships were sunk. Schultze received the Oak Leaves to the Knight’s Cross on June 12, 1941. It was only the 15th time the Oak Leaves were awarded at this point. On July 15, 1941 he received the Submarine Badge with Diamonds. In July of 1941, Schultze became commander of the 3rd U-boat flotilla in La Pallice (La Rochelle, France). He went on to serve as a Staff officer on several assignments. After the war, the Allied occupational forces appointed him commander of the navy school Mürwik in Flensburg (northern Germany). Schultze joined the Bundesmarine in 1956 and retired from service in 1968. He died on June 3, 1987 in Hereford near London and is buried in Wilhelmshaven.