Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Photograph, of Kapitanleutnant Heinze Franke wearing his Knight’s Cross, bearing his signature; together with an unrelated German booklet; an illustrated booklet Bergen-Belsen; and Philips’ War Map of the World - this a little torn, generally good condition (4) £20-30

Heinz Franke was born in Berlin-Steglitz on 30 November 1915. He joined the Freigsmarine in the late 1930’s. After undergoing officer training, he was posted to submarines in October 1940. After training he was posted to U-48 as Watch Officer; then for U-Boat commander training on U-148. In November 1942 he took command of U-262. Took part in five war patrols in the North Atlantic. Knight’s Cross awarded on 30 November 1943. He attained the rank of Kapitanleutnant in April 1943. Later became Commander of U-3509 and U-2502. In addition to his Knight’s Cross he was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class, 23 February 1940; U-Boat War Badge, 21 November 1941; Iron Cross 1st Class, 12 December 1941; and U-Boat Front Clasp, 24 January 1945. After the war he joined the Bundesmarine. He died on 5 April 2003.