Career
The Knight"s Cross of the Iron Cross and its higher grade Oak Leaves was awarded to recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership. He sailed on U-1202 sinking one ship of 7,176 tons on two patrols. Thomsen served as a naval aviator from 1939 until early 1943.
He transferred to the U-boat service on 1 January 1944 and on 27 January 1944 commissioned U-1202.
His first patrol as a U-boat commander took him into the North Atlantic. The first attack was carried out on 10 December 1944.
All four torpedoes, which were aimed at merchant vessels of between 6,000 and 7,000 tons, found their mark. Thomsen claimed such as sunk, as corresponding sinking noises were heard.
From 1 October 1962 to 30 September 1963 he served as adjutant to the Federal Minister of Defence Kai-Uwe von Hassel.
Promotions Bibliography.