Otto Schniewind (14 December 1887 – 26 March 1964) was born on 14th December 1887 in Saarlouis, Germany. He joined the Imperial Navy prior to the First World War. After his training as Seekadett he was promoted to Fähnrich.His promotion to Leutnant zur See followed in 1910 and to Oberleutnant zur See in 1913.
Otto Schniewind started the First World War as Wachoffizier on board of the "S 24". He ended the war as Kommandant on a destroyer with the rank of van Kapitänleutnant.
After a half year as Prisoner-of-War, he was incorporated in the new German opgenomen Reichsheer where he became Kompanieführer Dienst in the II. Marine-Brigade. Following was his placement with the IV. Flottille, and short time later becoming Kommandant on a Minensuchboot. Between 1920 and 1922, Schniewind became 2. Admiralsstaboffizier in the Stab der Marinestation der Nordsee and later served as Marineadjutant within the Reichswehrminister. In 1928 he became Chef of II.Torpedobootsflottille followed by an appointment at the Flottenkommando. In 1932 he was appointed Kommandant of the cruiser "Köln".
He became Stabschef des Flottenkommandos in 1934, followed by his function as Chef des Marineamtes and Stabschef der Seekriegsleitung.
From 12th June 1941, Otto Schniewind became Flottenchef der Kriegsmarine, which he occupied until July 1944. eventually also becoming Oberbefehlshaber des Marinegruppenkommandos Nord.
Otto Schniewind died on 26th March 1964.
Promotions:
21st April 1908: Fähnrich zur See
28th September 1910: Leutnant zur See
27 september 1913: Oberleutnant zur See
17th June 1917: Kapitänleutnant
1st April 1926: Korvettenkapitän
1st October 1931: Fregattenkapitän
1st October 1933: Kapitän zur See
1st October 1937: Konteradmiral
1st January 1940: Vizeadmiral
1st September 1940: Admiral
1st March 1944: Generaladmiral
Awards:
Iron Cross (1914) 1st Class (January 5, 1918)
Order of the Sword, Commander 2nd Class (Sweden) (June 30, 1936)
Wehrmacht Long Service Award 4th to 1st Class (October 2, 1936)
Order of St. Sava 2nd Class (June 1, 1939) (Yugoslavia)
Order of the Crown of Italy, Grand Officer (September 23, 1939)
Order of Naval Merit (Spain) in white enamel /distintivo blanco/ (August 21, 1939)
Clasp to the Iron Cross (1939) 2nd and 1st Class
Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on April 20, 1940 as Vizeadmiral and chief of staff of the Seekriegsleitung in the OKM
Order of the Sacred Treasure 1st Class (September 26, 1942)
