Kriegsmarine

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War ensign of the Kriegsmarine

Active	1935–1945
Disbanded
Country	Nazi Germany
Allegiance
Branch	Wehrmacht
Type
Role
Size
Part of
Garrison/HQ

The Kriegsmarine was the navy of Nazi Germany from 1935 to 1945. It was one of the three official branches of the Wehrmacht, the armed forces of Nazi Germany, alongside the Heer (army) and the Luftwaffe (air force). The Kriegsmarine played a significant role during World War II, engaging in various naval battles and operations.

History

The Kriegsmarine was officially established on 1 June 1935, following the renaming of the Reichsmarine, which was the navy of the Weimar Republic. The establishment of the Kriegsmarine marked a significant expansion and modernization of Germany's naval forces, in violation of the Treaty of Versailles.

Under the leadership of Grand Admiral Erich Raeder, the Kriegsmarine focused on building a powerful fleet, including battleships, U-boats, and other warships. Raeder was succeeded by Karl Dönitz in 1943, who emphasized the use of U-boats in the Battle of the Atlantic.

Major Operations

The Kriegsmarine was involved in several key operations during World War II, including:

• The Invasion of Poland in 1939, where it supported the Heer with naval bombardments and troop landings.
• The Norwegian Campaign in 1940, which aimed to secure strategic ports and resources in Norway.
• The Battle of the Atlantic, a prolonged naval campaign to disrupt Allied shipping and supply lines using U-boats.
• The Operation Rheinübung, which included the deployment of the battleship Bismarck.

Notable Ships

Some of the most notable ships of the Kriegsmarine included:

• The battleship Bismarck, which was one of the largest and most powerful battleships of its time.
• The heavy cruiser Admiral Graf Spee, which was involved in the Battle of the River Plate.
• The U-boat U-47, commanded by Günther Prien, known for its successful attack on the British battleship HMS Royal Oak.

Command Structure

The Kriegsmarine was commanded by the Oberkommando der Marine (OKM), which was responsible for strategic planning and overall command. The OKM was part of the larger Oberkommando der Wehrmacht (OKW), the high command of the German armed forces.

Disbandment

Following Germany's defeat in World War II, the Kriegsmarine was officially disbanded in 1945. Its remaining ships were either scuttled, surrendered to the Allies, or used for post-war minesweeping operations.

Legacy

The legacy of the Kriegsmarine is complex, as it was part of the military forces of Nazi Germany. Its technological advancements, particularly in submarine warfare, had a lasting impact on naval strategy and tactics.

Related Pages

• Wehrmacht
• Luftwaffe
• Heer
• World War II
• Erich Raeder
• Karl Dönitz
• Bismarck (ship)
• Battle of the Atlantic

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