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Dougie
Matrosen-Obergefreiter

Joined: 29 September 2004
Location: United Kingdom
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 57

Posted: 29 December 2005 at 23:45 \| IP Logged

Hello everyone,

I'd just like to share the news that Erich Topp passed away on the 26th December 2005. He was a truly legendary U-boat commander, commanding the Type II U 57, Type VIIC U 552 and Type XXI U 2513 with distinction. He also served as IWO aboard the VIIB U 46, a sister vessel to U 47. The highly intelligent Topp became a successful architect after the war. He later joined the Bundesmarine, where he retired as a Konteradmiral (Rear Admiral). His autobiography "The Odyssey Of A U-Boat Commander" is well recommended.

The U 47 connection comes through U 47's IWO Engelbert Endrass. Endrass - or Bertl as Topp called him - was an extremely close friend of Topp's. Topp wrote a very touching chapter in the book "Silent Hunters" about the loss of his friend Bertl when he was lost aboard U 567.

Rest in peace Admiral Topp,

Dougie Martindale

Edward L. Hsiao
Matrose
Matrose

Joined: 30 November 2005
Location: United States
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 10

Posted: 30 December 2005 at 03:23 \| IP Logged

Gentlemen,

Erich Topp had lived a full exciting life here on earth through war and peace. 91 years on this planet was a long time for him. May he find peace and joy eternally up in Heaven!

Very Sincerely,

Edward (Sigh!)

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Edward

Kaleun
Korvettenkapitän

’The Old Man’

Joined: 28 September 2004
Location: United Kingdom
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 80

Posted: 31 December 2005 at 14:11 \| IP Logged

Very sad news, especially this time of year when families get together to spend time. I can only hope that Erich Topp's last days were spent happily in the company of friends and family.

He was both a great soldier and wonderful man - I never actually had the priviledge of meeting Herr Topp: but those I know who did meet him always talked of a polite, unassuming engaging man with a wicked sense of humour.

Rest in peace Herr Admiral.

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"Mit Fette Beute"

Bobby_woll
Leutnant zur See

Moderator

Joined: 29 September 2004
Location: England
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 37

Posted: 31 December 2005 at 21:43 \| IP Logged

to the admiral!

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trigger
Matrosen-Stabsgefreiter

Joined: 27 November 2004
Location: Netherlands
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 108

Posted: 04 January 2006 at 08:09 \| IP Logged

It never, ever occured to me that some of the men were still alive today. For me the war is ancient history. Moments like this make history feel more real...

May he rest in piece!

Peter

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