Member-only story

The Kriegsmarine in World War II: A History of the German Navy

Neal Ward

·10.2k Followers· Follow

Published in Hitler S Navy: The Kriegsmarine In World War II

4 min read · 2 weeks before

324 View Claps

55 Respond

Save

Listen

The Kriegsmarine, the German navy during World War II, played a significant role in the conflict, engaging in various naval operations and battles around the globe. This article delves into the history, organization, and prominent ships of the Kriegsmarine, shedding light on its impact on the course of the war.

Origins and Organization

The Kriegsmarine originated from the Imperial German Navy (Kaiserliche Marine),which had been dissolved after Germany's defeat in World War I. In 1935, the Treaty of Versailles was renounced, and Germany began to rebuild its armed forces, including the navy.

Hitler's Navy: The Kriegsmarine in World War II

by Gordon Williamson

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	106658 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	507 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

The Kriegsmarine was organized into several branches, including the Fleet, the Naval Air Service (Fliegerkräfte),and the U-boat Service (Unterseebootswaffe). The Fleet consisted of battleships, cruisers, destroyers, and other surface vessels, while the Naval Air Service provided air support and reconnaissance. The U-boat Service played a crucial role in the Battle of the Atlantic, targeting Allied shipping.

Prominent Ships and Commanders

The Kriegsmarine possessed several formidable warships, including the battleships Bismarck and Tirpitz, the heavy cruisers Admiral Hipper and Prinz Eugen, and the destroyers Z23 and Z29. These ships were known for their advanced technology, heavy armament, and aggressive tactics.

The Kriegsmarine was also led by renowned commanders, such as Grand Admiral Erich Raeder, who served as Commander-in-Chief from 1935 to 1943. Admiral Karl Dönitz succeeded Raeder and played a key role in developing the U-boat campaign. Other notable commanders included Admiral Wilhelm Marschall, Admiral Günther Lütjens, and Admiral Otto Ciliax.

Major Battles and Operations

The Kriegsmarine engaged in numerous naval battles and operations during World War II. One of the most famous engagements was the Battle of the Atlantic, a prolonged submarine campaign against Allied shipping that lasted throughout the conflict.

Other notable battles included the Battle of Narvik, where German destroyers attacked British ships in Norway; the Battle of Denmark Strait, where the battleship Bismarck engaged with the British battleships Rodney and King George V; and the Battle of Midway, where the Japanese navy defeated the U.S. Navy in the Pacific.

Impact on the War

The Kriegsmarine's impact on World War II was significant, particularly in the Battle of the Atlantic. German U-boats sank thousands of Allied merchant vessels, disrupting supply lines and contributing to the Allied war effort. However, the Kriegsmarine also suffered heavy losses, as Allied anti-submarine warfare tactics improved over time.

The Kriegsmarine's surface fleet was heavily damaged or destroyed during the war, with most of its ships sunk or scuttled by the end of the conflict. The U-boat Service continued to operate until the final days of the war, but its effectiveness was diminished by Allied advances in technology and tactics.

Legacy and Significance

The Kriegsmarine left a lasting legacy in naval history. Its advanced warships and aggressive tactics demonstrated the capabilities of German engineering and military prowess. The Battle of the Atlantic remains one of the most intense naval campaigns in history, and the U-boat Service became a symbol of German determination and tenacity.

The Kriegsmarine's history also serves as a reminder of the horrors of war. The sinking of merchant vessels resulted in the loss of thousands of lives, and the U-boat campaign targeted civilians as well as military personnel. The legacy of the Kriegsmarine is complex, but it underscores the importance of naval power in modern warfare.

The Kriegsmarine in World War II was a formidable fighting force that played a pivotal role in the conflict. Its advanced ships, skilled commanders, and relentless operations left an enduring mark on naval history. While the Kriegsmarine ultimately suffered defeat, its legacy continues to fascinate historians and military enthusiasts alike.

Hitler's Navy: The Kriegsmarine in World War II

by Gordon Williamson

4.4 out of 5