GERMAN SHIPS
Battleships  

Bismarck Class
Large, fast, well armed and well armoured, these were formidable ships. Their main influence on the war came not in the battles they fought, but rather in the effect they had on British naval strategy, tying up much-needed ships in home waters which might otherwise have had a profound impact elsewhere (particularly in the Mediterranean).

Briefing (.pdf)

 
Aircraft Carriers

None available

 
Cruisers

Deutschland Class Pocket Battleship
The same size and speed as a cruiser but with the guns of a battleship, these were the first major warships built by Germany after the end of World War 1. Ideally suited to Germany's needs at the time, they made both a political and military statement that was hard to ignore.

Briefing (.pdf)

 
Destroyers

1934-Type Destroyer (Z1-Class)
These were the first destroyers built by Germany after the first world war, and also the most numerous type. Designed to make up for inferior numbers by having individually superior ships, these were larger than contemporary British and French vessels. Although sound in principle, they suffered from a number of problems primarily caused by Germany's lack of design and operational experience after World War 1.

Briefing (.pdf)

 
Submarines

Type II U-boat
These boats were a first-step towards rearmament, intended to provide Germany with practical experience in submarine construction and operation, and thus to lay the foundation for the larger boats that were to follow. They were limited by their small size, which resulted in a small operational area and minimal offensive capability, however these limitations were a deliberate choice and they were seen to be very effective within their intended role.

Briefing (.pdf)

 
Small Craft

None available

 
Other Ships
None available