The Voyage of the "Deutschland" by Paul König is a historical narrative from the early 20th century that recounts the daring mission of the first submarine merchantman, the "Deutschland," during World War. The story focuses on the crew’s attempt to break the English blockade and deliver crucial cargo to America. As the commander of the vessel, Paul König provides an intimate account of the challenges they faced throughout the journey. At the beginning of the book, König sets the tone by emphasizing that the mission was not one of bold exploits, but rather a carefully executed effort to slip past enemy lines unnoticed. He reflects on the pride and responsibility he felt as the leader of this groundbreaking project, designed to challenge the limitations of wartime restrictions. The narrative also delves into the technical complexities of navigating a submarine merchant vessel, highlighting the strong sense of camaraderie among the crew members. As they embark on their unprecedented voyage, the story paints a vivid picture of wartime ingenuity and determination.
Paul Liebrecht König (March 20, 1867 – September 9, 1933) was a German sailor and business executive, best known for his role as the captain of the merchant submarine U-Deutschland during World War I. His most notable achievement was commanding the U-Deutschland on its two voyages to the United States in 1916, where it successfully broke through the English blockade to deliver vital goods, an event that captured international attention. Before these exploits, König served as a captain in the German merchant navy and later became a reserve lieutenant in the Imperial German Navy in 1916. His leadership of the U-Deutschland earned him the Iron Cross, 2nd Class in 1915, and 1st Class in 1916, as well as the prestigious Hohenzollern House Order in 1916. König’s experiences in both the merchant navy and as a naval officer positioned him at the forefront of an innovative and daring mission during the war.