Reinhard Hardegen 1913 – 2018

Biography

Reinhard Hardegen was born on March 18, 1913, in Bremen, Germany, where he would spend his formative years. He came of age during a transformative period in European history, and his life would become intertwined with one of the twentieth century’s most significant chapters. His career would lead him to serve in a specialized and demanding role during World War II, one that required both technical skill and unwavering courage.

During the Second World War, Hardegen served as a commander of a German U-boat, operating under conditions of extreme danger and responsibility. As a submarine officer, he navigated the perilous waters of naval warfare, commanding men and managing complex military operations beneath the surface. This service represented a significant portion of his identity and life experience.

Hardegen remained connected to his native city throughout his life, living to the age of 104. He passed away on June 9, 2018, in Bremen, the place of his birth, where he had maintained his roots across more than a century of dramatic historical change. His long life spanned from the early twentieth century through the modern era, witnessing profound transformations in his country and the world.