Naval War College Review Volume 58 Article 8 Number 4 Autumn 2005 Raeder versus Wegener—Conflict in German Naval Strategy Kenneth P. Hansen Canadian Forces Maritime Command Follow this and additional works at: https://digital-commons.usnwc.edu/nwc-review Recommended Citation Hansen, Kenneth P. (2005) "Raeder versus Wegener—Conflict in German Naval Strategy," Naval War College Review: Vol. 58 : No. 4 , Article 8. Available at: https://digital-commons.usnwc.edu/nwc-review/vol58/iss4/8 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Journals at U.S. Naval War College Digital Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in Naval War College Review by an authorized editor of U.S. Naval War College Digital Commons. For more information, please contact
[email protected]. Hansen: Raeder versus Wegener—Conflict in German Naval Strategy RAEDER VERSUS WEGENER Conflict in German Naval Strategy Commander Kenneth P. Hansen, Canadian Forces Maritime Command wo of the most historically significant German naval officers of the interwar Tperiod began their careers together. Erich Raeder and Wolfgang Wegener both joined the navy in 1894, and both eventually attained flag rank. Their ca- reers followed remarkably similar paths as they advanced up the ladder of naval power.1 Serving together in East Asia as ensigns aboard the cruiser Deutschland, they formed a friendship that surpassed mere professional acquaintance— Raeder would be the godfather of one of Wegener’s children.2 In his memoirs, Raeder would describe Wegener and two other officers training with him as “my intimate friends.”3 By the end of their naval careers, however, the two admirals were to become inveterate enemies.