Heinrich Bleichrodt | |
|---|---|
 Heinrich Bleichrodt | |
| Nickname(s) | Ajax |
| Born | 21 October 1909 Berga, Kyffhäuser |
| Died | 9 January 1977 (aged 67) Munich |
| Allegiance |  Nazi Germany |
| Service/ |  Kriegsmarine |
| Years of service | 1933–45 |
| Rank | Korvettenkapitän |
| Unit | 7th U-boat Flotilla 2nd U-boat Flotilla 27th U-boat Flotilla 22nd U-boat Flotilla |
| Commands | U-48 U-67 U-109 |
| Awards | Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves |
Heinrich Bleichrodt (21 October 1909 – 9 January 1977) was a German U-boat commander during the Second World War. From October 1939 until retiring from front line service in December 1943, he was credited with sinking 25 ships for a total of 152,320 gross register tons (GRT). He was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves of Nazi Germany. Bleichrodt was tried and acquitted for war crimes in connection with the sinking of the SS City of Benares, which was carrying evacuated children. He earned the nickname "Ajax" during his time with the U-boats.