Werner Kempton
Kapitänleutnant (Crew 38)
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Werner Kempton received his basic training in Danholm were he stayed for
two months. As a Seekadett he participated on a 3 month cruise on the Gorch
Fock. After that cruise he was transferred with the rank of a Seekadett
to the light cruiser Karlsruhe where he joined a world cruise for
nine monthes. He returned to the Marineschule Murwick and was promoted after
3 months to Leutnant zur See. From May until November 1940 he was assgined
to a Staff position at Murwick as a teacher of naval History (Good aptitude
for teaching and command and interest of the subject).
The wish to join the battle against Great Britain was fulfilled after much
talking to the right people. He was assigned as 3 WO to U 552 under
the command of Kptnltn. Erich Topp at 12. April of 1940. On the 14.
February he sunk a 2.000t british merchant with the deck gun off coast of
southern England enroute to the American coast line.He stayed on the boat
untill the 27. of March 1941. He was promoted to Oberleutnant and transferred
as I WO to U 115 under Kptnltn. Johann Weiss where he served until
December 1942 where he was reassigned for training for his own boat
Obltn. Kempton was awarded with the Iron Cross 2nd Class on the 20th June
1941 for bravery under fire while under air attack.
After a Sunderland attacked from out of a dense fog, Kempton as I WO
on bridge ordered evasive action and directed the AA crew in firing which
brought down the Sunderland and avoided the bombs which she dropped.
Kptnltn z. See Kempton is currently asssigned to 9th Flotilla in Brest and
has returned from his third patrol.
DECORATIONS
U-boat badge |
1939 Iron Cross |
Knights Cross |
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