U-BOOT AND AIRCRAFT, WEAPONS OF THE BATTLE OF BLOCKING
By: Johann Vilthomsen Kapitänleutnant Kommandant der U69
Posted on: 2005-03-06
Translated with Google translator (sorry guys)
In the same way as in any ground combat, naval and air ensures success through close cooperation of all weapons, including in the context of the various weapons is the precondition for the success of major operations and the final triumph. For the Heer and Luftwaffe close collaboration is evidence, but this too is no less in modern war the Kriegsmarine and Luftwaffe. The reconnaissance aircraft to a hundredfold the visibility of the fleet, while the bomb and torpedo air weapons have been developed as they present to fight war enemy naval and merchant vessels and new possibilities that were unthinkable before.
The various forms of cooperation between the Luftwaffe and the Kriegsmarine are of great variety. They range from the common small-unit combat actions to continuing major formations and even the two weapons in total.
This close cooperation is obvious in the case where the airplane is directly affected a unit of the squadron as a means of recognition or offensive weapon. In this regard to be cited for example the on-board aircraft, which today is essential for all larger warship, one should also mention the aircraft from the carriers to accompany the fleet and convoys. Also the coast aerial formations can somehow included as a new genre of weapons inside the Kriegsmarine.
The Luftwaffe as independent weapon is closely linked with the Kriegsmarine and can take decisive part in the naval war in the event of combat targets. According to the requirements of different situations Luftwaffe actions may make it all alone or without support from its own naval forces, as well as within the framework of combined operations aeronavales. Thus, for example, was made the destruction of large numbers of warships fighting chance against Crete. However the attempt was thwarted by the English fleet units to disrupt the German landing operations off the coast of Norway through the combined actions of the Kriegsmarine and Luftwaffe. Is extremely intimate and close cooperation between the Luftwaffe and the Kriegsmarine when it comes to the defense of enemy air attacks against fleet units itself. Although generally anti-aircraft artillery and warships able to reject its own with heavy airstrikes success, however there are occasions, for example, if operations have to be developed near the radius of powerful enemy air formations, which makes it imperative that highlight Air Arm fighter formations that form then the "air shield". Crossing the battleships "Scharnhorst" and "Gneisenau" and the heavy cruiser Prinz Eugen across the Channel in February 1942 (and which already publish an article) is an impressive example of this peculiar form of operations combined.
Similarly the Luftwaffe has become over time an irreplaceable factor for the protection of merchant shipping.
Day after day weapons younger German Army, the Uboot and aircraft in close collaboration, to strike hard blows Britain. Mutually supportive in the fight against enemy shipping. The plane is effectively supporting the submarine weapon with its important task of recognition, the more important, taking into account the limited visibility from the submersible. Meanwhile the submarine surrendered to the Luftwaffe reconnaissance great service by informing the course of training leading convoys located. During the course of combined attacks from German submarines bombers and large numbers of British and American convoys loaded with valuable war material had to suffer heavy losses.
The aircraft as reconnaissance aircraft. Attack submarines.
A. A reconnaissance aircraft long distance offshore finds a convoy escorted by warships. At 7.26 after verifying with certainty the number of units of the enemy convoy, position and heading, telegraph communicates this data to a fleet of submarines operating in the same sea area. After the plane continued its reconnaissance work systematically. The reconnaissance aircraft has to refrain from any attack that given the long flight because you can not carry bombs.
B. Another reconnaissance aircraft detachment long distance later also grasp the wire portion and locates the convoy in the right place. Follow the convoy, and informs the submersible 8.26 after it changes course, its new position and course. Submarines correcting its course as directed by the aircraft.
C. Thanks to the submarine telegraph parties have reached an enemy attack and manage to sink two ships in the convoy.
The submarine as a persecutor. Attack bombers.
A. A submarine is pursuing a heavily guarded convoy. You can not attack since the ship is prevented protection again and again. Then telegraph indicating the course and position of the convoy to a combat formation of the Luftwaffe. Later there is part of a change of direction made by the convoy to the long-distance bombers already in flight.
B. Following the directions of the wire parts are bombers get the convoy and sink a ship. The convoy is dispersed and divided into two parts.
C. The submarine is persecuting the nucleus most of the convoy and communicates the new course and position to another group of bombers that took off later. These reached after a short search on the convoy, attacking and sinking two boats behind one of them.
Topic: U-Boot and aircraft, weapons of the of blocking. (Read 519 times)