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Germany (1923)
Sources:
Erich Kettenhofen (cousin) / Überherrn
WASt - Bundesarchiv
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Gerhard Kettenhofen was born on October 6, 1923 in the Saarland village of Fraulautern, as the son of Gertrud Kettenhofen. In 1936 his village was incorporated into the neighboring town of Saarlouis. At that time Gerhard Kettenhofen was still attending school. Later, after the war had started, he volunteered for the Navy and was started service on April 1, 1941, at the age of 17 ¼ (the minimum age of military service was 17). He completed basic training, which was shortened to six weeks due to the war, with the 5th Schiffsstammabteilung in Eckernförde. Gerhard Kettenhofen was then supposed to go to the 1st Training Department for new Warships in Flensburg, but this fell through. On May 16, 1941, just two days before departure, he was assigned to the battleship Bismarck. Why he was assigned at such short notice is unfortunately unknown. At 17, Gerhard Kettenhofen was one of the youngest sailors on board. It was his first voyage on board a ship and so he had no chance to get used to his new everyday life and service. He had not even served in the Navy for two months when his ship sank on May 27, 1941. Gerhard Kettenhofen did not survive.
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