Gerd Schreiber's DKiG

[Tim B.]

Well, this is a particularly nice Cross that I just had to share here. It was my Christmas present to myself and one that had a perilous journey in and of itself recently after being misdelivered to another address in another country due to the mail carrier inadvertantly swapping mailing labels with another package!

Overnight shipping and a month later and it finally arrived at the correct address!

I have been looking for a nice 4-rivet Deschler for sometime and kept missing some of those nice ones that recently appeared on the e-stand. Luckily, Gordon Williamson came to my rescue with this beautiful 6-rivet piece.

This is Gerd Schreiber's (Commander of U-95) German Cross and I believe only the 17th awarded cross to U-boat personnel during the war. I believe Gordon will have this Cross shown in his new book on U-boats coming out later this year.

Truly a beautiful piece and so much more for having a documented history. Enjoy!

Tim

[Tim B.]

The case is not original, but a copy of the correct early small style that would have been used in this case. It was thrown into the deal free of charge and really is nicely made.

Here's the front and though worn, is still very nice with nice details.
Tim

[Tim B.]

Reverse six-rivet Deschler

[Tim B.]

Schreiber... (in the white hat)

[Tim B.]

Here's another shot with him in a Canadian POW camp. Otto K. on his side (left in photo).
Tim

[Cook]

M-m-m-m-m, sweet
congrat

[DaveNZ]

Impressive

[George Stimson]

That's really a beauty, Tim!

[MIKE12550]

Tim,Beautiful cross and great pictures to go with it! Great thread.
Mike

[Tim B.]

Thanks guys!

Yes, a very nice item with a very unique history associated with it.

U-95 was on it's seventh active patrol when it was transferred to the Mediterranean in late November 1941. The boat was sunk only a couple of days after passing through the Straits of Gilbraltar by, of all things, a Dutch submarine (HNeTMS O 21). A very interesting tale in and of itself.

I wonder how many Dutch submarines can claim fame to sinking a German U-boat in WWII? 35 crew were killed and 12 were rescued uncluding KL Schreiber.

Schreiber was transferred to the same Canadian POW camp that was the basis for the old movie "The Mackenzie Break" that dealt with the secret operation to liberate Otto Kretchmar and return him to Germany; a failed operation btw.

Schreiber eventually made KorvettenKapitan and went on to serve in the Bundsmarine.
I forget if he eventually made admiral??

Anyway, a neat piece of history. Here's a link to the story surrounding the sinking:

Dutch Submarines: The Dutch O 21 versus the German U 95

Enjoy,
Tim

[Tim B.]

A couple more PICS!

A nice weighty 65.35 grams!

[Tim B.]

Last one.

[MIKE12550]

Great story Tim, thanks for posting it.Mike

[DavidM]

Hello Tim

Now thats a really nice DKiG with an excellent provenance and story behind it. A piece with real history !

Thanks for showing it.

Regards
David

[IVAN]

Hi Tim,

very nice worn DK !

Is it in a new Case or am I wrong ?

Ivan