Wilhelm Henningsen
Wilhelm Henningsen (29 July 1904 in Husby – 2 September 1939 in Westerplatte) was a German naval artillery officer who took part in the Invasion of Poland.
Wilhelm Henningsen | |
|---|---|
| File:Wilhelm Henningsen.jpg Lt. Henningsen circa. 1930s | |
| Born | July 29, 1904 Husby, Germany |
| Died | September 2, 1939 Westerplatte, Poland |
| Service/ |  Kriegsmarine |
| Years of service | 1930s - 1939 |
| Rank | Oberleutnant |
| Unit | 1st Kriegsmarine Assault Company |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
Early military service[edit]
Starting in the beginning of the 1930s, Henningsen volunteered in the III Naval Artillery Division in Świnoujście, acting as a training instructor. He owed his promotion to officer to his impeccable service, energetic attitude, and high qualifications.[1] From March 1938 to September 1939 he commanded the 1. Kriegsmarine Assault Company (Marine-Stosstrupp-Kompanie).[2]
Battle of Westerplatte and Death[edit]
After the first broadside bombardment from their ship, Schleswig-Holstein had ended, Henningsen led his men past the destroyed perimeter wall at the Westerplatte Military Transit Depot. They took heavy casualties from entrenched Polish soldiers and were forced to withdraw. After the first attack, his men regrouped for a second assault. During the second fight, Henningsen was severely wounded in the abdomen.[3] He was brought back to Schleswig-Holstein to receive medical attention but ultimately, died the next day from his wounds. After Henningsen's death, Lieutenant Walter Schug took command of the company.[4]
Honors[edit]
In his honor, the Germans renamed the West Fort in Świnoujście to Fort Henningsen in 1939. On the gate of the fort there was also a plaque commemorating it to him.[5][6]
References[edit]
- ↑ Laskowski, Piotr (2009). Kriegsmarine Assault Company in the Battles on Westerplatte 1939. Search this book on
- ↑ Bolscher, Bernd (2015). Hitler's Marine im Landkriegseinsatz: Eine Dokumentation. Search this book on
- ↑ Haarr, Geirr (2001). The Gathering Storm: The Naval War in Northern Europe September 1939. Search this book on
- ↑ Westphal, Marchin. "Naval Assault Company". Unknown parameter
|url-status=ignored (help) - ↑ "Team Bunkersachsen - Plant IV". Unknown parameter
|url-status=ignored (help) - ↑ "History of West Fort". Unknown parameter
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