Graf von Zeppelin as a blockade-runner?

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Andy H
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Graf von Zeppelin as a blockade-runner?

#1

Post by Andy H » 01 Sep 2002, 20:08

During 06-08/02/43 Speer and Doenitz discussed several measures to counter allied economic warfare, which was proving so successful. One idea was to fit out the A/C G.v.Zeppelin as a blockade-runner.

Does anyone know how far this idea progressed and how easy would this retrofit be to complete, though I think the whole idea strikes of desperation.

:D Andy from the Shire

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admfisher
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Graf Zepplin

#2

Post by admfisher » 02 Sep 2002, 05:34

In March 42, work was restarted on this ship, but only at a very slow rate. Then work halted and the ship was transferred to Deutsche Werke in Keil where the bulges were added.

Jan 30, 43 work halted and moved to Stettin in April.

Nope, no conversion, not even started. There was talk of a raider with twin 8 turrets forward and a short deck that could handle I think it was 8 to 12 planes. The ship would of been a Prinz Eugen class I believe.


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Graf Zeppelin - blockaderunner

#3

Post by varjag » 02 Sep 2002, 13:29

Cheshire -ry - wasn't any talk about blockaderunning in early -43 - just pipe-dreams? Irrespective of what sorta ship was used. Landlubber Speer might not have understood but Dönitz certainly did.Yeees - I know some ships made it trough after that date but even the G/Z would have had a tough time making it through the RN/USN cordons at that time. And where would she have sailed? To Japan of course! But where and by what supply ship could she have replenished bunkers at that stage.Because - as most German high-speeders she needed a 'petrolstation' every five days or so.

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As for sailing to Japan, why?

#4

Post by admfisher » 02 Sep 2002, 18:59

Any raider in 43 would of had a short life. The escort carriers were coming into service and the amount of naval resources the allies had would of finished any single ship quickly. No matter what type.

As for sailing to Japan, why?

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Blockadebrecher GRAF ZEPPELIN

#5

Post by varjag » 03 Sep 2002, 13:19

Admfisher - blockade breaking dealt with breaking the trade blockade - i.o.w. - to bring in cargoes to the blockaded (Germany). The only possible trading partner for Germany in 1943 - was Japan.
The German warships breaking the blockade to attain the relative freedom of the oceans did term that feat as 'ausbruch' or break-out.But I agree fully with your sentiments - that anything floating under the swastika in 1943 and after on the oceans - did so at very bad odds.

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#6

Post by Andy H » 03 Sep 2002, 22:46

Thank you for the responses

:D Andy from the Shire

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