Karl Donitz
1891 – 1980 German Grand Admiral and Hitler's designated successor as head of state
U-boat commander who briefly led Germany after Hitler's suicide and ordered the surrender.
- Religion
- Protestant background; conventionally observant and nationalist, without mystical or occult leanings.
- Affiliations
- German Navy; Nazi Party sympathizer who commanded the U-boat fleet. No occult ties.
Donitz directed Germany's submarine warfare in the Battle of the Atlantic and rose to head the navy. Named head of state in Hitler's will, he governed for a few weeks in 1945 and authorized the unconditional surrender. Convicted at Nuremberg of war crimes, he served ten years in prison.
Connections
- successor of Adolf Hitler — Named head of state in Hitler's final testament.
- associate of Albert Speer — Served together in the short-lived Flensburg government.