Wilhelm Henningsen

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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
Wilhelm Henningsen.jpg
Lt. Henningsen circa. 1930s
BornJuly 29, 1904
Husby, Germany
DiedWesterplatte, Poland
September 2, 1939
Service/branchKriegsmarine
Years of service1930s - 1939
RankOberleutnant
Unit1st Kriegsmarine Assault Company
Battles/warsWorld War 2, Battle of Westerplatte

Early military service[]

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[]

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[]

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[]

  1. ^ Laskowski, Piotr (2009). Kriegsmarine Assault Company in the Battles on Westerplatte 1939.
  2. ^ Bolscher, Bernd (2015). Hitler's Marine im Landkriegseinsatz: Eine Dokumentation.
  3. ^ Haarr, Geirr (2001). The Gathering Storm: The Naval War in Northern Europe September 1939.
  4. ^ Westphal, Marchin. "Naval Assault Company".{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  5. ^ "Team Bunkersachsen - Plant IV".{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  6. ^ "History of West Fort".{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
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