Kriegsmarine Auxiliary Cruisers

Kriegsmarine Auxiliary Cruisers cover

Description

Despite the popularity of the U-boats and larger surface vessels like the Bismarck and the Graf Spree, the vast majority of vessels within the Kriegsmarine served in the coastal forces. Though the public may generally have forgotten these smaller ships, many gave crucial service during the war and continued to serve decades after VE day, either in the German Navy or in the navies of the victorious Allies. Indeed, Kriegsmarine minesweepers and their German crews, still in their old uniforms with the swastikas simply removed, continued to serve after 1945 under the control of the Royal Navy, engaged in the dangerous but necessary task of clearing old wartime minefields.

The ships and boats included in the coastal forces ranged from such minesweepers to torpedo boats, patrol boats and blockade breakers. These latter were merchant vessels, whose daunting task was to evade the Allied warships to bring essential supplies into Germany. Also included in the coastal forces was Hitler's personal yacht, the Ostwind. This book tells the often-forgotten story of the vessels that formed the backbone of the Kriegsmarine, and combines fascinating anecdotes, detailed technical information, and full-color artwork.

Table of Contents

Introduction · Chronology · Design and development · Operational use · Aftermath

Product details

Published Apr 21 2009
Format Paperback
Edition 1st
Extent 48
ISBN 9781846033339
Imprint Osprey Publishing
Illustrations 39 b/w; 8 col
Dimensions 10 x 7 inches
Series New Vanguard
Short code NVG 156
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing

About the contributors

Author

Gordon Williamson

Gordon Williamson is a retired civil servant who s…

Illustrator

Ian Palmer

Ian Palmer is a highly experienced digital artist…

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