German Seaman 1939-45

When re-armament came after World War I, the German Navy was forced to build anew, so the Reichsmarine and its successor, the Kriegsmarine, found itself in possession of some of the most modern, powerful and technically advanced vessels in the world. Germany was very selective in picking her sailors and the quality of manpower skill levels was thus very high. This volume charts the recruitment, training, service conditions and combat experiences of a typical World War II German sailor, focusing on the main branches of the Navy - the Coastal Craft (Minesweepers, S-Boats), the Destroyers, the Cruisers, the Capital Ships, the Coastal Artillery and the tiny but fascinating "Miscellaneous" units such as the "K-Verband" (Naval Commandos) -as well as the last ditch effort units thrown into action as Infantry in the final days of the war.