Karl Dönitz

Karl Dönitz was born to Anna and Emil Dönitz in Grünau, a suburb of Berlin, in the German Empire.

Karl Dönitz enlists in the Imperial German Navy as a naval cadet, beginning his naval career.

Dönitz is promoted to Sub-Lieutenant (Leutnant zur See) and begins serving on surface ships, including the light cruiser SMS Breslau.

Dönitz transfers to the U-boat service, where he will later become a prominent submarine commander.

Dönitz is captured by British forces after his U-boat, UC-25, is sunk in the Strait of Otranto. He spends the next seven years as a prisoner of war.

Dönitz marries Ingeborg Schölly, a woman he met while serving in the Navy. They will have three children together.

Dönitz is promoted to the rank of Captain (Kapitän zur See) and is given command of the 1st U-boat Flotilla, 'Weddigen'.

Dönitz is appointed as the Commander of U-boats (Führer der Unterseeboote) at the start of World War II, overseeing the German submarine fleet.

Dönitz is promoted to Grand Admiral and becomes the Commander-in-Chief of the German Navy (Kriegsmarine), succeeding Erich Raeder.

Following Hitler's suicide, Dönitz is named his successor as President of Germany and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.

Dönitz is arrested by British forces and is taken into custody, marking the end of his brief presidency.

Dönitz is found guilty of war crimes at the Nuremberg Trials and is sentenced to 10 years in Spandau Prison.

Dönitz is released from Spandau Prison after serving his 10-year sentence for war crimes.

Dönitz publishes his memoirs, 'Ten Years and Twenty Days', detailing his experiences during World War II.

Karl Dönitz dies of a heart attack in Aumühle, West Germany, where he had lived in retirement since his release from prison.