Grand Admiral Erich Raeder

Grand Admiral Erich Raeder was a senior German naval officer and commander of the Kriegsmarine (Navy) during Nazi Germany's era, from 1935 to 1943. He played a key role in rebuilding Germany’s naval power after World War I and was influential in planning and executing Germany’s naval strategies during World War II. Raeder prioritized surface ships like battleships over submarines, shaping early war efforts. In 1943, he resigned due to disagreements with Hitler and was replaced. His leadership reflected Germany’s naval ambitions, though he was eventually sidelined as the war progressed.