German trawler V 403 Deutschland

Deutschland was a German fishing trawler that was requisitioned by the Kriegsmarine in the Second World War for use as a Vorpostenboot. She served as V 404 Deutschland and V 403 Deutschland. She struck a mine and sank off the Dutch coast in August 1940.

History
NameDeutschland
NamesakeGermany
Owner
  • Hanseatische Hochseefischerei AG. (1934–39)
  • Kriegsmarine (1939–40)
Port of registry
BuilderDeschimag Seebeckwerft
Yard number521
LaunchedJuly 1934
Completed4 August 1934
Commissioned3 September 1939
Out of service5 September 1940
Identification
  • Fishing boat registration BX 247 (1934–39)
  • Code Letters DQPY
  • Pennant Number V 404 (1939)
  • Pennant Number V 403 (1939–40)
FateStruck a mine and sank
General characteristics
Type
Tonnage432 GRT, 161 NRT
Length51.35 metres (168 ft 6 in)
Beam8.00 metres (26 ft 3 in)
Draught4.65 metres (15 ft 3 in)
Depth3.74 metres (12 ft 3 in)
Installed powerTriple expansion steam engine, 95nhp
PropulsionSingle screw propeller
Speed12 knots (22 km/h)

Description

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Deutschland was 51.35 metres (168 ft 6 in) long, with a beam of 8.00 metres (26 ft 3 in). She had a depth of 3.74 metres (12 ft 3 in) and a draught of 4.65 metres (15 ft 3 in).[1] She was assessed at 432 GRT, 161 NRT. She was powered by a triple expansion steam engine, which had cylinders of 35 centimetres (13+34 in), 55 centimetres (21+58 in) and 90 centimetres (35+716 in) diameter by 65 centimetres (25+916 in) stroke. The engine was made by Deschimag Seebeckwerft, Wesermünde, Germany. It was rated at 95nhp. The engine powered a single screw propeller driven via a low pressure turbine and double reduction gearing.[2] It could propel the ship at 12 knots (22 km/h).[1]

History

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The ship was built as yard number 521 by Deschimag Seekbeckwerft, Wesermünde for the Hanseatische Hochseefischerei AG, Bremerhaven. She was launched in July 1934 and completed on 4 August. The fishing boat registration BX 247 was allocated.[3] She was allocated the Code Letters DQPY.[2]

Deutschland was requisitioned by the Kriegsmarine on 3 September 1939 for use as a vorpostenboot. She was allocated to 4 Vorpostenflotille as V 404 Deutschland. On 16 October she was redesignated V 403 Deutschland.[3] On 5 September 1940, she struck a mine and sank in the Westerschelde off Vlissingen, Zeeland, Netherlands.[4] Four of her crew were killed.[3]

References

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  1. ^ a b Gröner 1993, p. 205.
  2. ^ a b "Deutschland (64508)" (PDF). Lloyd's Register: Trawlers &c. D (in English and French). London: Lloyd's Register. 1934–1935. Retrieved 29 November 2022 – via Southampton City Council.
  3. ^ a b c Gröner 1993, p. 212.
  4. ^ "Naval Events, September 1940, Part 1 of 2, Sunday 1st – Saturday 14th". Naval History. Retrieved 29 November 2022.

Sources

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  • Gröner, Erich (1993). Die deutschen Kriegsschiffe 1815-1945 (in German). Vol. 8/I: Flußfahrzeuge, Ujäger, Vorpostenboote, Hilfsminensucher, Küstenschutzverbände (Teil 1). Koblenz: Bernard & Graefe. ISBN 3-7637-4807-5.