Although often overlooked in favour of the U-boats or battleships, the vast majority of the Kriegsmarine was formed of the smaller vessels of the coastal forces.

These ships and boats, which included minesweepers, torpedo boats, patrol boats, and blockade breakers, gave crucial service to Germany during the war, and many continued serving for decades after the surrender in such tasks as clearing minefields. Also included in these forces was Hitler's yacht, the Ostwind.

This book reveals the history of the vessels that formed the backbone of the Kriegsmarine, and combines fascinating anecdotes, detailed technical information, and full-colour artwork.

Les mer
A fascinating look at the history of the ships that formed the backbone of the Kriegsmarine: from minesweepers to torpedo boats to blockade breakers.

Introduction
Minensuchboote (minesweepers)
Torpedoboote (torpedo boats) - small destroyers armed with two sets of torpedo tubes and similar to the Allied destroyer escort
Raumboote - trawlers pressed into military service which were literally “outpost” vessels performing a patrol service and giving early warning of the approach of enemy forces
Tenders: “Mothership” vessels for flotillas of smaller vessels such as E-boats and U-boats
Tankers and auxiliaries - provided crucial refuelling facilities to U-boats. Most were hunted down and destroyed during the course of the war
Blockage breakers
Miscellaneous - including former cruise liners acting as troopships, and the Wilhelm Gustlov, training ships and Hitler's personal yacht

Les mer
A fascinating look at the history of the ships that formed the backbone of the Kriegsmarine: from minesweepers to torpedo boats to blockade breakers.

Produktdetaljer

ISBN
9781846033315
Publisert
2009-01-09
Utgiver
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC; Osprey Publishing
Vekt
186 gr
Høyde
248 mm
Bredde
184 mm
Dybde
5 mm
Aldersnivå
G, P, 01, 06
Språk
Product language
Engelsk
Format
Product format
Heftet
Antall sider
48

Forfatter
Illustratør

Om bidragsyterne

Gordon Williamson is a retired civil servant. He spent seven years with the Military Police TA and has published a number of books and articles on the German Navy in World War II.

Ian Palmer is a highly experienced digital artist with two decades of experience in the video games industry, both as a 3D artist and an Art Director. He has a passion for military history.