The Collector’s Encyclopaedia · Signatories · Kriegsmarine
Günther Prien (1908–1941): Signature, Documents and Historical Profile
| Born | 16 January 1908, Osterfeld near Zeitz |
|---|---|
| Died | presumably 7 March 1941, North Atlantic |
| Key roles | Commander of U 47 (from December 1938); Scapa Flow operation (October 1939); Knight’s Cross (1939), Oak Leaves (1940) |
| Documents bearing his name | Wartime documents, signed photographs and postcards, copies of his book |
| In the collection | No pieces currently available |
Günther Prien took U 47 into the British fleet anchorage at Scapa Flow in October 1939 and sank the battleship Royal Oak, with the loss of 833 men. He was lost with his boat in March 1941.
Who Was Günther Prien?
Prien was born in Osterfeld in 1908. He commanded U 47 from 17 December 1938. Under Dönitz’s orders he led the operation against Scapa Flow in October 1939, in which U 47 sank HMS Royal Oak. He received the Knight’s Cross in 1939 and the Oak Leaves in 1940.
What Documents Bear Prien’s Signature?
Signed photographs and postcards were widely produced after Scapa Flow, and his book was published during the war. Nothing can postdate March 1941. See original signature or facsimile and the U-boat War Badge.
What Should Collectors Watch For?
- Nothing can postdate March 1941.
- Propaganda postcards may carry printed signatures.
- Signed photographs need comparison with authenticated exemplars.
Loss of U 47
U 47 was lost on or about 7 March 1941 south of Iceland; the cause remains unclear.
Collector’s Note
Prien became a propaganda hero overnight, and printed postcards of him circulated widely. A printed signature on such a card is not an autograph.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What did Prien do at Scapa Flow?
In October 1939 U 47 sank the battleship HMS Royal Oak.
When was Prien lost?
On or about 7 March 1941.
Are Prien signed postcards genuine?
Some are; many propaganda postcards carry printed signatures.
Historical Responsibility Notice: this entry documents historical figures and artefacts of the National Socialist period for collecting, preservation, education and research. It does not endorse or glorify any ideology, and it is written in memory of the victims of the regime.
References & Further Reading
- Riederer, T. (2022) ‘Prien, Günther’, NDB-online.