Schnellboote

Kriegsmarine operations in WW II will always be associated with combat actions of large surface units and Uboats. This, in itself, is justified by the importance of the battles in which they were involved. At the other hand, many actions were fought on our doorstep that are equally interesting. Rotterdam and Ymuiden, for example, were important bases for Eboats or Schnellboote, that were especially designed for warfare in coastal waters like the Narrow Seas. more...

Kleinkampfmittel

In the final stages of the war the Kriegsmarine reverted to sending midget submarines and explosive motor boats into the battle. Strong tidal currents, winds and waves were responsible for high loss rates as a result of these operations, not to mention the risks that had to be taken by their crews when attacking allied convoys. more...

Building warships for the Germans

In an attempt to keep the business alive the Dutch shipbuilding industry was not overly reluctant in offering their services to the Germans in May 1940, after the Low Lands had been overrun. For all intents and purposes our shipyards and a wide range of subcontractors made a significant contribution to the war effort of the Third Reich. more...

RNethN warships in the Kriegsmarine

From 1936 on the Royal Netherlands Navy (RNethN), recognizing the detoriating international political situation, placed orders for large numbers of new construction. So many unfinished hulls fell into the hands of the German occupation forces on May 14, 1940, but almost every project was seamlessly continued by the Kriegsmarine. more...

Aircraft from Fokker and Aviolanda

Dutch industry did not confine themselves to warships for their German masters. The Luftwaffe was another customer for maritime aircraft. At the Fokker factory Arado 196 floatplanes were license-built, while Aviolanda kept a production line running for Dornier 24 flying boats, from an original order by the RNethN Fleet Air Arm. more...

Training Units in the Netherlands

The Kriegsmarine established many so-called Schiffstammabteilungen (SStA) in the Netherlands, using Dutch Army barracks. SStA were elementary training units for fresh recruits. During a three months period civilians were converted into ratings, by making them familiair with military discipline and the first principles of seamanship. more...