Info. needed on KM officer

[Leroy]

Does anyone have any information on a Fregattenkapitan (V) Vehlhaber? I have his reefer jacket dated 1939, but know nothing about him. Any help would be appreciated.

[bhholst]

Hello:
The Rangliste der Deutschen Kriegsmarine, dated 1.September 1944 lists only a Oblt.(V) Ernst Hermann Vehlhaber with Date of Rank as 1.Jan.1943 as the only officer with that name.
Therefore it seemsunlikely that your man was on active service on this date.
Bernhard H. Holst

[Leroy]

Thanks very much! He must have retired (or passed away) before then. Perhaps an earlier Rangliste (Reichsmarine?) will show him. I appreciate your help.

[Simon O.]

Bernhard

In the rangliste on the left side is noted Okt.1938, is that not when he was commissioned?


Vehlhaber is not listed in Hildebrand's 3 volumes on the organisation of the germany navy from 1848-1945. It lists unit commanders, department heads and their deputies\chiefs of staff etc.

No Vehlhaber that fits on the German war graves site either, nor in the lists of DKiG or S holders

[Leroy]

Vehlhaber's rank and branch (V) in 1939 suggest that he was, if not a department head, a well-placed functionary. His ribbon bar, sewn on the jacket, has a WWI EK2, what appears to be a Mecklenburg-Stelitz War Service, a Hanseatenkreuz, a Frontkampfer Ehrenkreuz, a WW2 War Service 2nd Class (with swords) and two Navy long service ribbons with eagles. There are loops which fit either an EKI or a War Service Cross and then, below, two loops sewn in the horizontal. Because he was not a line officer or other seagoing specialty (at least at the time this uniform was tailored) I have no idea what this last set of loops would be for. I wish I could post photos, but I don't have the camera for that. The tunic is beautifully made, with the standard 5 button front and the additional set of buttons underneath the notch of the lapels.
In any case, gentlemen, your assistance is greatly appreciated.