Karl Dönitz

The International Military Tribunal acquitted Dönitz of conspiracy but found him guilty of waging aggressive war and war crimes. He was sentenced to ten years' imprisonment and released from Spandau in 1956.

Attribution

Accused

The Tribunal noted that in April 1945, despite recognising that the military situation was hopeless, Dönitz urged the navy to continue fighting. On 1 May, designated Hitler's successor, he became head of the German state.

State of the evidence

Established by a court

Attribution

Political responsibility

Dönitz acknowledged receiving the Commando Order. In 1943, the crew of an Allied motor boat captured by naval forces in Norway was interrogated and then handed over to the SD and executed; the Tribunal noted that Dönitz had allowed the order to remain in force after becoming Commander-in-Chief of the navy.

State of the evidence

Established by a court

Attribution

Command responsibility

Following the torpedoing of Laconia and an aerial attack on German submarines engaged in rescuing survivors, Dönitz ordered U-boats to cease rescue operations for shipwreck survivors, except where intelligence interests justified them.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

Dönitz directed German submarine warfare and progressively expanded attacks without warning, including against neutral vessels in certain operational areas. The Tribunal found that these orders violated the applicable naval protocol in several circumstances.

State of the evidence

Established by a court

Attribution

Directly implicated

As early as 1939, Dönitz made recommendations concerning submarine bases in Norway and, in March 1940, prepared operational orders for U-boats supporting the German invasion of Norway.

State of the evidence

Established by a court

Attribution

Command responsibility