Heinrich Bleichrodt (born 21 October 1909) was a German U-boat commanders during World War II. From October 1939 until retiring from front line service in December 1943, he was credited with sinking 25 ships. For his exploits, he received the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves. He also earned the nickname "Ajax" during his time with the U-boats.

He was given command of his own U-boat, U-48, on 4 September 1940. On 15 September, he sank the British warship HMS Dundee. Then, on 17 September, he spotted a large British convey 253 miles  (400 km) southwest of Rockall islet in the Atlantic ocean. Soon after, he sank the SS City of Benares before returning to port.  From July 1944 to the end of the war, he was named Chief of the 22nd Flotilla. At the end of the war, Bleichrodt was held on war crimes for having attacked a passenger vessel that carried children but the charges were later dropped for lack of evidence. He died in München, Germany in 1977.  

In this lesson, you will investigate the causes for the sinking of SS City of Benares.