Fritz-Julius Lemp

Fritz-Julius Lemp (1913–1941) was a Kapitänleutnant with the Kriegsmarine during World War II and commander of U-28, U-30 and U-110. He was also a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. On September 3, 1939, while commanding the U-30, Lemp sank a British passenger ship, the SS Athenia. The German government took steps to cover it up.

Lemp died in 1941, when the U-110 was sunk by British ships. The exact details of his death are somewhat controversial. Officially, Lemp drowned, but it has been alleged that he was shot to death by the British.

Fritz-Julius Lemp in The War That Came Early
Lt. Fritz-Julius Lemp comanded the U-30 during World War II. In early 1939, Lemp ordered the sinking of an American luxury liner, the Athenia, believing it to be an enemy ship.

The German government, fearful that the U.S. would be provoked, ordered the truth covered up, and blamed the sinking on the British government. Although Lemp received a firm chewing out from Admiral Karl Dönitz (who assured Lemp that several prominent officials wanted his scalp), he was not relieved of duty.