German WWII Kriegsmarine Submariners Knights Cross Oil Painting

A highly impressive oil on board painting depicting U-Boat Knights Cross winner Heinz Krey. Born in Wiesbaden in December 1921, Krey was killed on 23rd May 1943 in the North Atlantic and posthumously awarded the Knights Cross on 4th September 1943. This three-quarter length portrait shows Krey in his Kriegsmarine officer’s uniform, wearing his naval visor cap, Knights Cross at the neck, Iron Cross 1st Class, Kriegsmarine Minesweeper Badge, and Submarine Badge, with the Iron Cross 2nd Class ribbon to his tunic’s upper buttonhole. He is depicted holding gloves in his right hand with his left resting on his officer’s dagger.

The painting, signed and dated ‘Griessler 1943’, was executed as a memorial on the instruction of his family, who have retained it since WWII. Presented in a plain battleship grey period frame, this rare piece is an outstanding example of Kriegsmarine portraiture.

Krey entered the Kriegsmarine in December 1939 as an engineer officer cadet. He served on U-703 and U-752, completing multiple patrols and acting as Chief Engineer. In May 1943, following an attack by a British Swordfish aircraft, Krey took command, ordered the crew to abandon the U-Boat, and destroyed the vessel to prevent capture, sacrificing his life at just 21 years and 6 months old.

An exceptionally rare and historically significant painting, ideal for any Kriegsmarine or submariner collection.

Ref; 83470