German naval intelligence sent Canaris to Madrid to organize supplies for U-boats and reconnaissance of ship movements. The assignment joined logistical support to intelligence collection through a neutral-country network. In 1916 he transferred to the submarine inspectorate, completed U-boat command training in September 1917, and ended the war commanding in the Mediterranean. He was credited with several sinkings and received the Iron Cross First Class for his work in Spain, adding operational submarine experience to his intelligence skills.
Chapter · 11:13-12:13
Spanish U-boat logistics and submarine command
In Madrid, Canaris organized U-boat supplies and ship-movement reporting before training for submarine command and ending the war in Mediterranean service.