M class Minesweeper (Germany)

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The M class were the standard German Navy (Kriegsmarine) minesweeper of World War 2. The German Language term was Minensuchboot. They undertook many tasks for the German Navy and were respected by their opponents

Contents

[edit] History

[edit] M1935

The first series; the M1935 were ordered in the late 1930's to replace worn out World War I vintage boats. These ships proved versatile and seaworthy. The vessels could also undertake convoy escort, anti-submarine warfare and minelaying tasks as well as minesweeping. A total of 69 vessels were built between 1937 and 1941, 34 M1935 ships were sunk during the war

[edit] M1940

Although the M1935 was a very satisfactory vessel, it was complex and expensive to build and a simplified design was put into production in 1941. These ships had coal fired boilers because of oil shortages. A total of 127 ships were built between 1941 and 1944. 63 M1940 ships were sunk during the war

[edit] M1943

This was a further simplified and slightly enlarged version of the M 1940. These ships were designed for pre-fabrication and were produced in four versions

  • Minesweeper
  • anti submarine vessel with extra depth charges
  • Torpedo boat , with two 533mm torpedo tubes
  • Torpedo training vessel

Only 18 vessels were completed by the time the war ended.

[edit] Post War

After the End of the War the suriving ships were taken over by the German Minesweeping Administration and used to clear the coat of Northern Europe of mines. Some of these ships were taken up by Allied Navies, including 43 Vessels transferred to the Soviet Navy and Five vessels returned to the Bundesmarine in the late 1950's

[edit] General Characteristics

M1935 M1940 M1943
Displacement (standard) 682 tons 543 tons 582 tons
Displacement (full load) 874 tons 775 tons 821 tons
Length 68.40 m 62.30 m 67.8 m
Beam 8.5 m 8.5 m 9 m
Draught 2.65 m 2.80 m 2.70 m
Machinery 2 shaft VTE engines with exhaust turbines, 2 boilers 2 shaft VTE engines with exhaust turbines, 2 coal fired boilers 2 shaft VTE engines with exhaust turbines, 2 coal fired boilers
Output 3200 hp 2400 hp 2400 hp
Speed 18 knots 16 knots 16 knots
Armament 2 x 105 mm guns, 2 -37mm guns, 6-8 20mm guns 1 x 105 mm gun, 1 -37mm gun, 6-8 20mm guns 2 x 105 mm guns, 2 -37mm guns, 6-8 20mm guns
Crew 113 80 107

[edit] References