From Schlesien Operational History (http://www.german-navy.de):
03.05.1945: Hit by a mine at Zinnowitz, NW of Swinemünde. The ship is beached.
04.05.1945: Blown up, the wreck was broken up between 1949 and 1956.
But from Russian sources:
04.05.1945: Were 3 attacks on Swinemünde
11.30: 13 Yak-9, 24 Il-2, 10 A-20 (2 with torpedos). 3 A-20 (1 with torpedo) attacked Schlesien (1 hit of FAB-500 was fixed).
16.40: 16 Yak-9, 16 Il-2, 6 A-20 (1 with torpedo). 3 A-20 (1 with torpedo) attacked Schlesien (no hits).
20.00: 18 Yak-9, 16 Il-2, 5 A-20 (1 with torpedo). 4 A-20 (1 with torpedo) attacked Schlesien (1 hit of FAB-1000 was fixed). Also was sunk auxiliary cruiser "Orion".
Who is right? I found few photos from the archive of Soviet 51th MTAP. It's my personal opinion, but it looks like ship was seriously damaged by aviation.
Schlesien
Re: Schlesien
According to Groner, she was damaged by mine and air attack, then scuttled by a torpedo from T 36.
Look at these photos and also here http://www.bellabs.ru/51/Photos/_Attack.html . Broken upper constructions, consequences of strong fire on the deck... I think this ship have received at least some damage from the air.Serg12 wrote:One men said to me that according to data by Miroslav Morozov Schlesien was damaged by crew after the first attack. Then crew abandoned the ship. Number of hits a zero.. I not sure but in any case the main reason of death - the mine...
I saw these photographs but can say not much - I'm really not an expert on it. I can make only qualitative appreciation. Both hits make by A20G (from russian sources). According to simple logic the deliver the bombs must be from distance of 200-250 meters from the ship. If this is the case then bombs should strike in the side of ship. Possibly the damages of superstructures were from close explosion bombs or action of crew or in either case but it is clearly there are no direct hits into the side of ship.
On the other hand against the ship operate only 3-4 aircrafts in each attack, likely it is not enough for two hits..
Regards,
Serg
On the other hand against the ship operate only 3-4 aircrafts in each attack, likely it is not enough for two hits..
Regards,
Serg