Execution for Duty: The Life, Trial and Murder of a U boat Captain

by Peter C. Hansen

Oskar Heinz Kusch, joined the German Navy in 1937. He worked his way successfully through naval college and eventually volunteered for duty in U boats. During this period the underwater service was causing havoc to Allied shipping in the Atlantic and was highly regarded as an elite force. He had an exemplary service record, and eventually he gained his own command in the 2nd U boat Flotilla. Before his second operational voyage as Captain three new junior officers joined the submarine, they were confirmed Nazi patriots and not popular aboard, constantly praising all the heroes of Reich and never conceding that the demise of the U boat was approaching due to the increased use of more sophisticated radar techniques used by the Allies. The voyage was to prove unsuccessful in terms of Allied ships sunk and unbeknown to Kusch the three hatched a plan to dishonour their Captain and accuse him of treason.

The trial was corrupt and rigged. No latitude was given from higher authorities and no account of his previous unblemished career was taken into consideration. To the amazement of the court, orders were given that Kusch was to be shot.

256 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2005

Reviews

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible book so well written and extremely interesting! This is not only about an Officer in the German Navy in WW2 but also about duty, honour and the manipulation of the truth to a “truth” that alters the facts.
This book also is about the future of truth and I quote
“I emphasise that in times of political confusion and intentional political deception, with computerisation and generalised record keeping, by far too many and frequently rather obscure government agencies, of everybody and almost everything, it is becoming even more important to remember that famous bumper sticker : Question Authority! unquote.

Are we not there now!

[John Lane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad read bit long