Karl Donitz

Donitz was appointed Commander of the U-boat arm of the German Navy. He developed the wolfpack tactic, where U-boats attacked Allied convoys in groups. This strategy became the primary German naval offensive in the Battle of the Atlantic.

Donitz commanded the German U-boat campaign in the Battle of the Atlantic. His wolfpacks targeted Allied shipping, sinking millions of tons of cargo. The campaign aimed to cut off Britain's supply lines but ultimately failed due to Allied countermeasures, including convoy systems and code-breaking.

Donitz was promoted to Grand Admiral and appointed Commander-in-Chief of the German Navy, replacing Erich Raeder. He intensified the U-boat campaign but faced increasing losses. He also oversaw the development of new U-boat types, including the Type XXI.

Following Hitler's suicide, Donitz was appointed Reich President in accordance with Hitler's political testament. He formed the Flensburg government, which sought to negotiate a surrender with the Allies. He authorized the unconditional surrender of German forces in May 1945.

Donitz was tried at the International Military Tribunal in Nuremberg for conspiracy and crimes against peace. He was found guilty on counts of waging aggressive war and was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment. He served his sentence at Spandau Prison and was released in 1956.