Translation for Gefechtsruderganger.

[finnwiking]

Hi. I have a death card/sterbebild for a Matrosen-Obergefr. in the KM. The photo shows him in Marine Artillery uniform. He was a Gefechtsruderganger bei 7. L.-Flottille. My military dictionary is no help. Any info on the 7. L.-Flottille would also be appreciated. Thanks, John.

[der alte Landser]

A Rudergänger is a steersman on a water craft or ship, and Gefecht means 'combat' so I would say the duty position was
Combat Steersman.

Mark

[fridgeman]

The Rudergänger (steersman) is the sailor that actually control the ship via the steering wheel.
The commander or an officer tells him the course to drive, and he will steer in the right direction.

The Gefechtsrudergänger was the best Rudergänger/steersman on the ship, also he had to be a calm person.
He usually controlled the steering wheel in combat, and also in small harbours or other dangerous situations.

[finnwiking]

Hi. Thank you both for that translation. I would never have figured it out. John.