On 1 October 1939, Dönitz became a (rear admiral) and "Commander of the Submarines" (, BdU). For the first part of the war, despite disagreements with Raeder where best to deploy his men, Dönitz was given considerable operational freedom for his junior rank.
On 1 October 1939, Dönitz became a (rear admiral) and "Commander of the Submarines" ( BdU). For the first part of the war, despite disagreements with Raeder where best to deploy his men, Dönitz was given considerable oper,ational freedom for his junior rank.