Grouping to German Cross in gold recipient Kapitän zur See Horst Gerlach, born on 11.8.1900 in Erfurt. He became a young Fähnrich in 1918 and served on Schlachtkreuzer SMS Seydlitz with only 18 years of age. Not much is known of his service time with the Reichsmarine however he must have certainly worked hard on his naval career since he became commander of "Versuchsboot Uhlenhorst" in 1939.
Gerlach took over the command of Hilfskreuzer Stier from 25.11.1939 until 27.9.1942 when the ship was sunk whilst battling the American cargo ship SS Stepen Hopkins which was also destroyed. Throughout her operation, which was a period of four and a half months, the Stier sank 4 ships with 29,409 BRT. Gerlach was awarded the German Cross in gold on 3.11.1942.
After Hilfskreuzer Stier was sunk, he was supposed to become commander of Hilfskreuzer Hansa however Hansa was bombed in July 1943 before he could take over command.
Gerlach had several commands in the last two years of World War II: Seekommandant St. Petersburg, Seekommandant Peleponnes and Seekommandant Nordholland (November 1944).
Gerlach became a prisoner of war and was released in March 1946.
Amazing Kriegsmarine officer's dagger with a custom made amber grip. All metal parts were gilt! Full gilding to scabbard, top fitting and cross guard. No brass can be seen. Extremely fine etched blade. Very clean. Eickhorn maker marked.
Condition 1.
His Kriegsmarine officer's sword. White handle with intact wire. Brass metal parts. Fitting of the cross guard "N 185" stamped like the cross guard.
Leather scabbard. Matching brass fittings. Originally attached.
Blade "M" marked.
Condition 2. Length: 90cm
A very nice period time table decoration he must have had on his desk during active service. A custom made oversize Auxiliary Cruiser War Badge. A high quality 2-part constructed badge from brass and separately attached aluminum globe. On its original base which looks to be from bakelite. Original screws.
Nice condition! Height: 14cm. Height of the badge: 12cm.
Two original promotion certificates in their original folders. Both came with a facsimile signature of Adolf Hitler and a real ink signature of Erich Raeder. Promotion certificate for a Fregattenkapitän and a Kapitän zur See.
