German Auxiliary Cruiser Atlantis
The German auxiliary cruiser Atlantis (HSK 2), known to the Kriegsmarine as Schiff 16 and to the Royal Navy as Raider-C, was a converted German Hilfskreuzer (auxiliary cruiser), or merchant or commerce raider) of the Kriegsmarine, which, during World War II, travelled more than 161,000 km (100,000 mi) in 602 days, and sank or captured 22 ships totaling 144,384 t (142,104 long tons). Atlantis was sunk on 22 November 1941.
She was commanded by Kapitän zur See Bernhard Rogge, who received the Oak Leaves to the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross.
Commerce raiders do not seek to engage warships, but rather to attack enemy merchant shipping; the measures of success are tonnage destroyed (or captured) and time spent at large. Atlantis was second only to Pinguin in tonnage destroyed, and had the longest raiding career of any German commerce raider in either world war.
She had a significant effect on the war in the Far East due to its capture of highly significant secret documents from SS Automedon.
A version of the story of the Atlantis is told in the film, Under Ten Flags with Van Heflin appearing as Captain Rogge.
Read more about German Auxiliary Cruiser Atlantis: Early History, Design, Sinking, Raiding Career
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