Product Information

WERNER KRAUS signed photo, bold black ink signature, vg 3 1/2 x 4 in.

Hans-Werner Kraus (1 July 1915 – 25 May 1990) was a German U-boat commander in the Kriegsmarine of Nazi Germany. He was a recipient of the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross.

Kraus served as 1st watch officer on U-47 from January 1940 until November 1940 having replaced Engelbert Endrass. He later commanded U-83 and U-199

Kraus was sunk by aircraft off the coast of Brazil on 31 July 1943. Captured, he was sent as a POW to the United States. Kraus was one of the 25 POWs who escaped from Camp Papago Park, Arizona, during the night of 23–24 December 1944 but was recaptured

Ordered 4 Nov 1940
Laid down 10 Oct 1941 AG Weser, Bremen (werk 1045)
Launched 11 Jul 1942
Commissioned 28 Nov 1942 Kptlt. Hans-Werner Kraus (Knights Cross)
Commanders
28 Nov 1942 - 31 Jul 1943 Kptlt. Hans-Werner Kraus (Knights Cross)
Career
1 patrol
28 Nov 1942 - 30 Apr 1943 4. Flottille (training)
1 May 1943 - 31 Jul 1943 12. Flottille (active service)
Successes 2 ships sunk, total tonnage 4,181 GRT
Fate
Sunk 31 July 1943 in the South Atlantic east of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in position 23.54S, 42.54W, by depth charges from one American Mariner aircraft (VP-74) and two Brazilian aircraft (Catalina and Hudson). 49 dead and 12 survivors.