The Odyssey of a U-Boat Commander
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There remained the great question of how to speak up clearly for the truth. How to demonstrate that this life had not only been shaped by smart and stupid ideas, by acts of commission and omission, by good and bad consciences, but by the entirety of a human existence. I also had to guard against the temptation of using big words. Judging from my recollections, I foresee a development that will require tough choices from us, decisions we cannot run away from through some form of inner or outward escape.
A different order will emerge, for the old one is obsolete. But as we reconstruct our world we will have to build on the old foundations with men who know their limitations and approach life with inner discipline-without illusions but not as nihilists, courageous but never militant. In Gottfried Benn's words,
be silent and do your duty; defend this only world of ours, even if you know it is doomed.
Index of Names, Places,
and Ships
About the Author
ERICH TOPP joined the German Navy in 1934 and won distinction as a U-boat commander in World War II. On 17 war patrols he and his men sank 34 enemy vessels and were highly decorated for their accomplishments. Following a brief stint as an ordinary seaman after the war, Topp studied architecture, graduating in 1949 as a certified engineer. For two years he worked as a scientific assistant at the Technical University in Hanover and subsequently embarked on a career as a freelance architect. In 1958, he rejoined the West German Navy, serving three years as the German naval representative to NATO's Military Committee in Washington, D.C. After additional staff commands and promotions, he ended his active service in 1969 as Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the West German Navy with the rank of Rear Admiral. From 1970 to 1984 he worked as an industrial consultant.