Fritz Stabel
Matrose Fritz Stabel (1923-1941)
(Photo courtesy of Edmund Stabel)
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Born: 04 April, 1923.
Died: 27 May, 1941 aboard Bismarck.
Age (at the time of Bismarck's sinking): 18.
Rank (at the time of Bismarck's sinking): Matrose.
Position (at the time of Bismarck's sinking): NEED INPUTS.
Additional notes: NEED INPUTS
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This is the official letter that was sent to Fritz Stabel's parents after the sinking of the Bismarck. It has been translated from the German by Ulrich H. Rudofsky.
The 2nd Admiral of the Baltic Sea Station Kiel, 13 June 1941.
Chief of Staff
Very honorable Mr. Stabel!
In view of the fact that our illustrious Battleship "Bismarck" has sunk after a victorious combat mission that was marked by a heroic fight against a multiply superior British force, I must inform you with my deep regrets, that definitive reports about the fate of your son, Matrose Fritz Stabel, are not yet available.
It is assumed that a portion of the crew was rescued. As soon as the names of the rescued are known, you will immediately receive further information.
The entire navy and the whole German nation is united with you in these days of bitter sorrow, but we are also immensely proud of this ship and of its valiant crew. The names of these heroes, and of their glorious ship, will live on in the memory and in the hearts of the German peoples and they shall be enshrined in German history.
Hoping with all my heart that I will be able to transmit to you soon better news regarding the fate of your son, I bid you a German greeting
Heil Hitler
Ihr
S. Sorge
Kapitän zur See
and Chief of Staff of
the 2nd Admiral of the Baltic Sea Station.
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