Why "Minensuchboot 1935" called a Channel Destroye

[Edward L. Hsiao]

Interesting topic!

Edward L. Hsiao

[fredleander]

I believe it was the British that actually started calling it "channel destroyer" - ref- Captain Basil Jones' "And so to Battle". He is also known to have said that he "would rather go into battle with two M35s than one "normal" destroyer".

Of the 69 vessels built 35 were lost during the war. If I remember correctly only four (or six) were lost in naval combat, the first sunk in the summer of '42, but that by Beaufighter fighter-bombers.

"M1" had an especially adventureous career during the Norwegian campaign. Her CO published a book on it in 1941 but it is also well documented in the official Norwegian history.

Fred
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[kstdk]

Hello

"M1" had an especially adventureous career during the Norwegian campaign. Her CO published a book on it in 1941 but it is also well documented in the official Norwegian history.Fred------

Yes, Korvettenkapitän Hans Bartels won the Ritterkreux in may 1940 for his "glorious" actions in Danish and Norwegian waters.

In february 1940 he rammed and sunk 4 danish fishing wessels and 16 danish sailors lost their life. It has since qualified as a Warcrime. He died in 1945 and his grave is in the graveyard in Rendsborg, Germany.

See also this link: viewtopic.php?f=5&t=89569&hilit=Hans+Bartels

Regards
Kurt
kstdk

[fredleander]

Hello

Yes, Korvettenkapitän Hans Bartels won the Ritterkreux in may 1940 for his "glorious" actions in Danish and Norwegian waters.

In february 1940 he rammed and sunk 4 danish fishing wessels and 16 danish sailors lost their life. It has since qualified as a Warcrime. He died in 1945 and his grave is in the graveyard in Rendsborg, Germany.

See also this link: viewtopic.php?f=5&t=89569&hilit=Hans+Bartels

Regards
Kurt
kstdk

You have anything to contribute with on the term "channel destroyer"...?

Fred
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[kstdk]

Hello Fred

I have come across the term earlier, but not any explanation or conclusions - my comment was only a responce to your comment about M1

Regards
Kurt
kstdk