Erich Topp, one of the last surviving holders of the Knights Cross with Oakleaves and Swords has passed away. If I'm not mistaken he was also a consultant for the computer game Silent Hunter II, one of the best submarine computer games.

"Erich Topp began his naval career in April 1934. He served six months on the light cruiser Karlsruhe before joining the U-boat force in October 1937. A year later he became watch officer on U-46. After four patrols with U-46, Topp took over command of U-57. With this boat he sank six ships for a total of 36,862 tons. U-57 sank on 3 September, 1940 after an accident with the Norwegian ship Rona.

Topp was then given command of the VIIC boat U-552, the famous "Red Devil Boat". Topp scored most of his successes in the North Atlantic against convoys and off the North American coast. On his very successful eighth patrol in March/April 1942, he sank eight ships for a total of 45,731 tons.

In September 1942 Topp became commander of the 27th U-boat Flotilla, where new U-boat crews received their tactical training. Topp wrote the Battle Instructions for the new XXI Elektro Boat submarine in 1944, and when the war ended he was commanding one of them, U-2513, which he surrendered at Horten, Norway in May 1945.

After the war Topp worked for some months as a fisherman before he became a successful architect. In March 1958 he rejoined the Navy. He then spent four years in the USA as a staff member of the Military Committee of NATO. Later he served in several staff positions and for a month was commander of U-boats in deputize. Konteradmiral Erich Topp retired in December 1969. He was decorated in that year with the Große Bundes-Verdienst- kreuz (Great Federal Merit Cross).

From 1970 to 1984 he worked as industrial consultant for, among others, the Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft."

Hi Rodger

Thanks for that update and information.

From what I understand Erich Topp was a highly talented individual.

I am saddened by this loss may he rest in peace.

Regards

Sean

Hi again

Just by way of update Erich Topp passed away on 26 December 2005 aged 91 years of age.

I understand that his funeral will be on 6 January 2006.

My condolences to his family upon Erich's passing.

Regards

Sean

A bit of trivia: which ship sunk by Topp is commemorated in song?

Cheers,
John Snyder
White Ensign Models
http://WhiteEnsignModels.com

i've played the silent hunter game and it really does catch the atmosphere of patrolling in a U boat, no doubt down to erich topp's contribution to the game.
R.I.P.

USS Reuben James

USS Reuben James

Thanks for sharing Rodger.

Skipper

Hey I"M the guy who is supposed to come up with the trivia questions. :-) Reuben James is certainly the correct answer.

Hi

On a more somber note today (6 January 2006) is the scheduled date of burial for Erich Topp.

For those interested could you spare a few moments of thought in remembrance/honor for this fallen warrior and his family.

Regards

Sean

Makes me wonder, is the Jaguar U-boat Captain ("Hero's welcome" I think) figure still available?

Matthew,

Probably it will be difficult to get it - but perhaps a Google search could find one for you!

It's a simple but effective little vignete (that is also in the U-boot related 1/35 box pyle - for one of those dios)
:)

Skipper

Rest in Peace

If you want the jaguar figure, try e-bay. I think I saw one there the other day. Or jaguarmodels.com.

Rest im Frieden Herr Topp

My respects to a steadfst individual who will also be missed by the gaming community as it was his experience and willingness to assist made Silent Hunter 2 & 3 such realistic simulations.

It is especially sad that as the years pass more of those who fought in World War 2 pass away and with that the lessons learned are less tangible to many of the younger generations who just see it as past history.

John