Wilhelm Canaris

Wilhelm Franz Canaris (January 1, 1887 – April 9, 1945) was head of the German military intelligence service, the Abwehr, for much of World War II.

Early career

He joined the navy in 1905 and served as an officer in WW I aboard the SMS Dresden in the Battle of the Falkland Islands (December 8, 1914). He was later interned in Chile. Escaping in August of 1915, he returned home. On his homecoming he was awarded the Iron Cross and transferred to intelligence, initially working in Spain. After a British assassination plot failed, he returned to active service and ended the war as a U-boat commander in the Mediterranean, credited with eighteen sinkings.

Related Topics:
WW I - SMS ''Dresden'' - Battle of the Falkland Islands - Iron Cross - U-boat - Mediterranean

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He remained in the military after the war, first with the Freikorp and then working for the post-Versailles navy.

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