WesWorld

Kieler Nachrichten, Tuesday, 1 January 1946

The city’s shipyard saw the keel-laying of a new class of vessel for the Kriegsmarine. The Aspern is designated an air defence cruiser, her primary purpose being to coordinate the defence of aircraft carrier task forces from direct air threats. She and her sister Zenta, laid down in Cuxhaven, feature fast-firing antiaircraft weapons and have provision for the modern electronics required for their role. She is expected to be completed next spring.


Inspection Ship Roter Löwe, 64 dgs 20 min North, 30 dgs 8 min West, Wednesday, 2 January 1946

The Seetakt operator reported a contact to the northwest and Fregattenkapitän Richard Zapp ordered a course change to make rendezvous. The seas were rough – the North Atlantic was deep in winter’s grip – and already the ship’s crew were wishing they were still back in Germany. A few moments later, through the sea mist, the lookouts could make out the bulk of their sister ship, Goldener Löwe, whose Aldis light now flashed out a message of welcome.

The weather precluded much in the way of formalities. Roter Löwe took up her station while Goldener Löwe, now set course to the southeast. She would call at Reykjavík for bunkers before returning home for rest and maintenance. Their joint mission – weather observation and assistance to ships at sea – would continue.


Kronen Zeitung, Thursday, 3 January 1946

It is with a certain sadness that we note the decommissioning of the Kriegsmarine’s Danube Flotilla, a link to an earlier time. The gunboat Francis I has begun her demolition and will soon be followed by her sister Maximilian. Yet the end of the Danube Flotilla marks a new chapter in Germany’s relations with the nations of south-eastern Europe, one of partnership in peaceful development. The future is now brighter for the demilitarisation of the upper Danube, and it is hoped that Germany’s decision might be followed by other riparian states.

London, The German Embassy, Friday, 4 January 1946

For Walter Schellenburg the Christmas visit to Wynyard Park had proven quite productive. He had made the acquaintance of several industrial managers whose works lay on the Tyne, the director of a petrochemicals works at South Shields, and several Members of Parliament. While he had little to report outside of gossip, those titbits suggested potential ventures for further research. For his part, Prince Bismarck was happy in the progress he had made in his meetings with their host, the Marquess of Londonderry, towards improving Anglo-German relations. While the Christmas season was now behind them the staff was busy returning to the normal routine.


Frankfurter Zeitung, Saturday, 5 January 1946

Yesterday the Defence Ministry announced that it had contracted with the Daimler-Benz firm for the supply of several examples of their “Unimog” utility vehicle for tests. Designed as multi-purpose vehicles for agricultural use, they are to be set to trials for specialist use by pionier and support units of the Heer. An initial batch of twelve vehicles is to be supplied by the summer, with the potential of further units if the initial trials prove successful.


Heavy Cruiser Graf Spee, Nouméa, Nouvelle-Calédonie, Sunday, 6 January 1946

In his cabin Hans Langsdorff re-read the private communique from the Admiralstab. “Your decision to conduct reconnaissance flights in near proximity to Australian territory, while understandable, has proven to be ill-timed. You are requested to avoid such flights henceforth unless faced with overwhelming tactical need.”

Berlin had requested a full report of his activities since departing Balikpapan, and Langsdorff had of course complied. The admonishment was, perhaps, the strongest measure they could take. Langsdorff would act in accordance with their request. (*)

* This is presumed to be private rather than public knowledge and thus OOC.

Der Tagesspiegel, Monday, 7 January 1946

It is reported that the Defence Ministry is planning to award to the Alkett firm a contract for the design and development of an armoured infantry carrier to succeed the Hanomag semi-track infantry carriers now in service.


Headquarters, Strategischer Luftkommando, Berlin-Gatow, Tuesday, 8 January 1946

The senior staff officers of the Luftwaffe’s air transport elements had gathered to review the recently-concluded airlift operation to Bharat, Unternehmen Merkur. On the whole the effort had proceeded far better than the Argentine relief operation undertaken in 1944; the presence of long-range cargo and troop-carrying aircraft had greatly increased the flexibility of flight operations. The availability of intermediate landing grounds, which permitted the use of shorter-range transport, was accounted a major factor in its success.

Several recommendations emerged from the conference.

• The number of long-range transport aircraft should be increased – the Breguet-Nord Noratlas had particularly distinguished itself.
  

• The state of knowledge of airfields in potential areas of operation needed improvement – a request would be directed to the appropriate agencies to conduct the proper research.
  

• The desirability of standing agreements for access to intermediate landing facilities should be investigated – the Foreign Office would be approached to ascertain whether this was politically feasible.
  

Münchener Post, Wednesday, 9 January 1946

The commercial registrar in Karlsruhe has reported the formation in the town of Nagold of the firm MOTRA Maschinenbau, under the leadership of Wolfgang Schlegel. The firm is to undertake the manufacture of components for the automotive industry, particularly motorcycles.

Emder Zeitung, Thursday, 10 January 1946

The inspection ship Goldener Löwe arrived in port today following the conclusion of her recent deployment in the North Atlantic. She will undergo a period of rest and maintenance before resuming her duties with the International Ice Patrol in early March.


Das Andere Deutschland (Duderstadt), Editorial Page, Friday, 11 January 1946

The latest reports from our correspondents in Africa indicate that the forces of the Republic of Ubangi-Shari loyal to President N’Dofa continue their heroic resistance against the overwhelming might of the Netherlands and its Kongolese lackeys. Drawing on its subject peoples the Netherlands Government has brought forces as far afield as Suriname to crush the aspirations of the people of Ubangi-Shari for self-determination. It has employed horrific weapons – including rubbergas bombs – against freedom fighters armed only with spears. This is how Dutch rhetoric regarding civil rights and political freedom is translated into action.

We take small comfort that the German Government has eschewed participating in the conspiracy to back the Netherlands in its campaign of repression. However, we cannot but note that it has neither condemned the Netherlands Government for its action, nor offered recognition to the Republic of Ubangi-Shari. How can the German Government witness the evil wrought by colonial imperialists yet stand by and do nothing?

(Das Andere Deutschland (Duderstadt) is a Socialist and pacifist newspaper (displaced from Berlin) that in no way reflects the opinions of the German Government.)


Sächsische Zeitung, Saturday, 12 January 1946

The static testing of the Junkers Jumo 022 turbine propeller engine has entered its second phase and shows excellent promise. A Ju252 airframe has been taken in hand to serve as a test bed for the flight test phase, and it is expected that flight testing will commence in March.

Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, Sunday, 13 January 1946

It was a bright if brisk day in mid-January, and the carload of German ‘tourists’ had made the best of it. Walter Schellenburg and his companions, Georg Bosbach, the cultural attaché, and Otto von Bolschwing, the commercial attaché, were making an impromptu survey of the new towns being erected by the British Government. They had begun their day by visiting Letchworth, the oldest garden city in England, and then the new creations of Stevenage and Hatfield – the latter a place of particular interest to Schellenburg for its proximity to the de Havilland works – before taking afternoon tea in Welwyn Garden City, which had been constructed following the Great War.

It was their considered opinion that the older creations had grown organically with a proper raison d'être – they were filled with light industrial establishments within easy commuting distance of the housing estates. Many of Germany’s industrial suburbs followed the same plan. Hatfield, with the aircraft factory nearby, also had a solid economic basis. Their short time in Stevenage however had left them wondering about the wisdom of the British Government’s scheme for creating a bevy of planned towns on the outskirts of London. The plan for Stevenage made provision for new housing for the population overspill of London, but little provision, it seemed, had been made for industry to employ the new arrivals. Also, it seemed as though the residents of Old Stevenage were less than happy to have a government scheme forced upon them.


Münchener Post, Monday, 14 January 1946

The Government has announced prohibitions on German citizens enlisting in foreign armies or private militia organisations. This decision has been prompted by press reports of foreign mercenaries being hired to fight in the Ubangi-Shari conflict.


Eisenbahn Kurier, Tuesday, 15 January 1946

Handelsblatt, Wednesday, 16 January 1946

It was revealed today that Dresdner Bank has acquired a minority interest in the Hungarian General Credit Bank of Budapest. As the Hungarian institution holds substantial interests in a number of Hungarian industrial enterprises the acquisition vaults the Dresdner Bank to a key position in the Hungarian economy.


Der Tagesspiegel, Thursday, 17 January 1946

The Defence Ministry has announced that it has placed orders with the Junkers works for an additional twenty-four Ju390 long-range transport aircraft, and has confirmed that it is in negotiation for the purchase of a similar of Breguet-Nord Noratlas air freighters. Both aircraft types performed sterling service in the recently concluded humanitarian airlift to Bharat in the wake of the earthquake and tidal wave there.


Heavy Cruiser Graf Spee, 22 dgs 54 min South, 167 dgs 29 min East, Friday, 18 January 1946

While the stay of the East Asia Squadron in Nouméa had been most enjoyable, Hans Langsdorff was happy to be at sea again. Ahead of his own ship were the heavy cruisers Jeanne d'Arc and Jean Bart, the pride of the Marine Nationale – the latter serving as the flagship of Vice-amiral Villechaize. On either flank of the French cruisers were the destroyers Forbin and Dupetit-Thouars. His own four cruisers followed in double-column, with corvettes on either side, while the tanker Donau brought up the rear. For the moment their course was south-easterly, with the Isle of Pines almost due north.

“Signal from Jean Bart,” reported the signals officer. “Come to course one-zero-zero”.

“Pass to all ships the in the squadron,” Langsdorff acknowledged. Villechaize had determined that they were clear of the reefs surrounding the Isle of Pines. In turn the cruisers began their course change, now heading eastward for their next destination.

Frankfurter Zeitung, Saturday, 19 January 1946

The publishers of the Berlin-based newspaper Der Tagesspiegel have announced the acquisition of the rival newspapers Berliner Tageblatt and Berliner Abendpost, creating the city’s largest newspaper.


Inspection Ship Roter Löwe, 62 dgs 33 min North, 20 dgs 7 min West, Sunday, 20 January 1946

Patrolling the sea-routes of the North Atlantic in winter had taught Fregattenkapitän Richard Zapp to be prepared for any eventuality, and today had proven the point. A wireless distress message from a Nordish freighter had summoned her, to find the freighter drifting at sea – her rudder carried away and her engines disabled. With the winter seas battering both ships the Roter Löwe had successfully passed a tow cable to the Nordish vessel and was now en route to Reykjavík, where the freighter might be successfully repaired.


Heavy Cruiser Graf Spee, Suva, Fidji, Monday, 21 January 1946

The combined Franco-German squadron had arrived that morning – their short transit from Nouméa having been uneventful. Langsdorff was pleased to find that the Etappendienst had arranged for fuel and other supplies to be awaiting them, so their stay would be relatively short. He, Vice-amiral Villechaize and their respective senior officers would dine this evening as the guests of the commandant of the port.

Sächsische Zeitung, Tuesday, 22 January 1946

The decision of Aeravias Argentinas to acquire a substantial fleet of Ju252 and Ju390 airliners has brought much joy to the Junkers Works and to the city of Dessau, coming on top of the recent contract for Ju390 air freighters placed by the Luftwaffe. The orders are expected to assure current levels of employment for at least a year and it is probable that some workers, now temporarily furloughed, will be recalled. The first of the twelve Ju390 aircraft on the Argentine order is likely to be delivered before the end of February, the Luftwaffe having deferred delivery positions to enable quick delivery to the South American operator.


Abwehr Headquarters, Berlin, Wednesday, 23 January 1946

Oberst Werner Schrader, Chief of Abteilung II of the Abwehr, read the most recent report from Walter Schellenburg in London with a mix of professional pride and amusement. Despite the restrictions under which the London residenz operated – limitations imposed by the Foreign Office and the constant attention of the British security services – Schellenburg managed to make the best of the situation, using open source information to identify items of interest for further research by other means, and carrying out on-site assessments with a penetrating eye for detail. Schellenburg had reported the establishment of the Jodrell Bank Observatory months before the official announcement of its opening. This merited Schrader’s warm approval. He also appreciated Schellenburg’s efforts to ingratiate himself with those in Britain friendly to Germany, and some of his best nuggets of information had come from such sources.


Rostocker Zeitung, Thursday, 24 January 1946

A delegation of officials of the Ministry of Defence and the Luftwaffe visited the Heinkel works here to view a mock-up of the firm’s P.1068 bomber. While a funding decision remains pending, the company has proceeded with work at its own charges in the hope of winning approval for the aircraft to replace the current fleet of Junkers medium bombers. Despite an increased level of interest there is no indication at this time that the Government will request funding from the Reichstag.

Naval Dockyard Wilhelmshaven, Friday, 25 January 1946

Konteradmiral Hans Mirow, commandant of the shipyard, found today’s duty somewhat tiresome. It had taken much ingenuity to arrange the visit of a dozen naval attaches to one of the nation’s most important defence establishments without taking them anywhere near something they ought not see. Separate arrangements would be made later for the French, Atlantean, and Russian representatives, but for now the visit was to be an exercise in public relations.

A small convoy of motor vehicles brought the official party and their escort to the great Number One graving dock, which was flooded at the moment. Once all were in place the work crews at the dockside and small tugs of the yard began the task of hauling into the dock the remains of three submarines, U-37, U-38, and U-39. The upper works showed where the preliminary scrapping of equipment and systems had required cutting away parts of the outer and pressure hulls. Once the hulks were within the dock and safely moored, the dock would be emptied so that final demolition might commence.

“Gentlemen,” he said to his assembled guests, “as you see Germany keeps its word. At the naval limitations conference in London some months ago Germany undertook to limit the number of hulls in its submarine fleet, and to not transfer such terrible weapons abroad. These three boats will be followed by three more as soon as the dock is available to complete their demolition.”


Lübecker Nachrichten, Saturday, 26 January 1946

The corvettes Bussard and Grief were completed today at Flensburg, and will commence their trials immediately.


Handelsblatt, Sunday, 27 January 1946

Well, you didn't waste any time following up on that whisper of a hint! :P

Quoted from "Brockpaine"

Well, you didn't waste any time following up on that whisper of a hint! :P

Old German proverb, "Sie schlafen, Sie verlieren"

:P

Quoted

At the naval limitations conference in London some months ago Germany undertook to limit the number of hulls in its submarine fleet, and to not transfer such terrible weapons abroad. These three boats will be followed by three more as soon as the dock is available to complete their demolition.

... so you limit the number of hulls of your submarine fleet by scrapping 6 hulls and adding 15 new ones (actually 6 doing trials in Q1 and 9 under construction)... Sounds like typical German logic to me.

Quoted from "Rooijen10"

Quoted

At the naval limitations conference in London some months ago Germany undertook to limit the number of hulls in its submarine fleet, and to not transfer such terrible weapons abroad. These three boats will be followed by three more as soon as the dock is available to complete their demolition.

... so you limit the number of hulls of your submarine fleet by scrapping 6 hulls and adding 15 new ones (actually 6 doing trials in Q1 and 9 under construction)... Sounds like typical German logic to me. :)

You are failing to take into account the twelve German U-boats already scrapped in 1945. When you do, the number of new submarines under construction or projected equals the number of submarines scrapped. As you know, it takes less time to scrap a vessel than to build it. :P

Edit: And the remainder of the Type 1 U-boats - the last six units of the class - will also be scrapped this year, though that hasn't been announced yet.

Rheinische Post, Monday, 28 January 1946

The second prototype Fieseler Fi220 naval strike aircraft has joined the aircraft’s test programme, the preliminary results of which are quite promising – so promising that the Defence Ministry has authorised the construction of a pre-production series of twelve aircraft. The first is expected to be delivered in the late spring.


Der Soldatenfreund, Tuesday, 29 January 1946

Magyar Nemzet (Budapest), Wednesday, 30 January 1946

The German firm of Österreichische Metallwerke – a vehicle of the Rothchild bank of Wien – has purchased a substantial block of share in the Weiss Manfred Steel and Metal Works at Csepel from the heirs of the founder.


Rostocker Zeitung, Thursday, 31 January 1946

The corvettes Kondor and Falke were launched today at the Flensburger Schiffsbau. They were towed to the yard’s fitting out wharf where their construction will continue.

Münchener Post, Friday, 1 February 1946

The Luftwaffe has placed orders with the French Breguet-Nord firm for the supply of an additional twenty-four of its Noratlas long-range transport aircraft, which are to complement the additional Ju390 air transports already on order. The first of the French aircraft is expected to be delivered in early May.


Aero-Kurier, Saturday, 2 February 1946




Heavy Cruiser Graf Spee, Suva, Fidji, Sunday, 3 February 1946

Refuelled and replenished the ships of the East Asia Squadron weighed anchor and departed the French colony of Fidji on an easterly course. Vice-amiral Villechaize and the French squadron remained, to conduct their own evolutions.

Militär-Wochenblatt, Monday, 4 February 1946

The light cruiser Dresden, lead ship of her class, has completed her training phase and is now fully operational. Her arrival signals the probable retirement of the cruisers Leipzig and Nürnberg.


The King’s Arms Public House, Upper Upnor, Tuesday, 5 February 1946

Walter Schellenburg warmed himself in front of the electric bowl fire in his upstairs room, attempting to shake off the penetrating cold of the English winter. He had spent much of the day near the river, his eyes focused on the dockyard across the Medway, and his ears open for any references to his quarry, the new British destroyer Revolution. The inquiry had come from the Admiralstab in Berlin, and Schellenburg had taken up the challenge of investigating within the limits of his brief.

Reference to the files left by his predecessors had unveiled a number of public references to her, some dating back as far as 1941. She had been laid down the previous January, and was scheduled to complete quite soon. So Schellenburg had taken a room here, explaining to the landlord that he was researching a book on the successful Dutch raid on the Medway back in 1667. This explained his visits to the riverside in the cold weather, his interest in the dockyard, and his visitations of the public houses frequented by the workmen and technicians employed at Chatham. It was amazing what snippets of information could be obtained by listening. He even visited the newly opened museum at Upnor Castle, from which he had obtained a much better view of the dockyard.

He had discovered some facts about her through his investigations. Listening to a knot of older shipfitters he heard them remark that the placement of her midship’s turret made no sense, with its firing arcs obscured by superstructures fore and aft. On another occasion he heard reference to the number of ‘boffins’ clambering all over the ship, implying him that the Revolution carried a number of new electronic systems – which he would research further when he returned to the embassy. Best of all, the local newspaper had indicated that the ship would commission later this month – Schellenburg wondered if the British would invite foreign dignitaries to the occasion?


Kieler Nachrichten, Wednesday, 6 February 1946

The light cruiser Stuttgart was completed today and has embarked on her builders’ trials.

Emder Zeitung, Thursday, 7 February 1946

The inspection ship Goldener Löwe departed today to resume her ice patrol duties in the North Atlantic. She will relieve her sister-ship, Röter Löwe.


Wirtschaftswoche, Friday, 8 February 1946




Papeete, French Polynesia, Saturday, 9 February 1946

The arrival off Papeete Harbour of the German East Asia Squadron caused quite a stir, for it was not often that so many foreign vessels arrived there. Langsdorff had taken the opportunity to call for water and fresh supplies to top off his ships before continuing eastward – Talcahuano was more than four thousand miles and no commander wished to make such a long voyage on half-empty storerooms if it could be avoided.

Der Tagesspiegel, Sunday, 10 February 1946

In a statement acknowledging the demolition of three of the Kriegsmarine’s remaining Type I U-boats scrapped as part of Germany’s undertaking at the 1944 London naval limitations discussions, it was revealed that in addition to the three units scheduled to commence demolition in April that the remaining six units will also be scrapped before the end of this year.


Deutsche Presse-Agentur, Monday, 11 February 1946

On behalf of the Government and the German Nation Chancellor Adenauer expressed his deepest condolences to the House of Orange-Nassau and the United Kingdom of the Netherlands upon the death of Queen Wilhelmina after a lengthy illness. It is expected that the Chancellor as well as other dignitaries will attend the State Funeral of the late monarch.


Papeete, French Polynesia, Tuesday, 12 February 1946

Admiral Langsdorff and the East Asia Squadron departed Papeete with but minor fanfare, but giving due honours to their hosts. In double columns the ships sailed eastward, leaving the friendly islands behind them; it would be some days before they would see land again.

Handelsblatt, Wednesday, 13 February 1946

Fresh from the acquisition of two rival newspapers in Berlin the publishers of Der Tagesspiegel have announced the purchase of two provincial newspapers – the Braunschweiger Zeitung and the Hannoverscher Anzeiger – presaging the creation of a national news publication.


Inspection Ship Roter Löwe, 60 dgs 36 min North, 14 dgs 32 min West, Thursday, 14 February 1946

Fregattenkapitän Richard Zapp could almost relax now, having made rendezvous with his relief, the Goldener Löwe , and set course for home. After more than a month of pounding in the gales of the North Atlantic his ship and his crew needed rest and maintenance. They had done their duty, but Zapp personally wondered at the cost. The prospect of a few weeks ashore drove such thoughts from his mind as he turned his attention to the list of items that would have to be put right before his ship could sail again; by that time spring should have arrive – and he knew by experience that a North Atlantic Spring was far better than a North Atlantic Winter.


The King’s Arms Public House, Upper Upnor, Friday, 15 February 1946

To his regret Walter Schellenburg had not be able to obtain an invitation to the formal commissioning ceremonies of the new British destroyer HMS Revolution; hence his return to Upper Upnor and the resumption of his guise as an author doing research. At least he did not stand out from the crowd – the entire hard was lined with spectators of all sorts straining for a glimpse of the new vessel – in and amongst their binoculars and cameras he looked as common as the rest – save perhaps for the telephoto lens on his top-grade Leica camera. His research had turned up some hints of the technical marvels of the new ship, and he would have an adequate report to send to Berlin. Time might deliver opportunities to fill in the gaps in the Kriegsmarine’s knowledge, particularly when the ship began her trials and working up.