German one-man torpedo and canoe attacks on the French Riviera ports, 23 April, 1945?

[Sid Guttridge]

I have seen passing reference in a French book to a German combined one-man torpedo, miniature submarine and canoe attack on the ports at the eastern end of the French Riviera on 23 April 1945, involving over 40 craft. It was apparently a complete failure as all were intercepted or had to abandon their missions.

I can find no more about it on the internet.

Does anyone know more about this attack or suggest any published sources that might?

Many thanks in advance,

Sid.

[EwenS]

Judging by the contents page, this book may provide some information.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Weapons-Desper ... 1526713470

[Natter]

These are better choices for information on specific operations:
* Das Kommando der Kleinkampfverbände der Kriegsmarine - Die "Sturmwikinger" (Helmut Blocksdorf, 2003. Motorbuch Verlag. ISBN 3-613-02339-X )
* Marine-Einsatz-Kommandos im Kommando der Kleinkampfverbände der Kriegsmarine 1944-1945 (Hartwig Kobelt, 2012. Helios Verlag. ISBN 978-3-86933-075-4 )
* Sabotage unter Wasser - Die deutschen Kampfschwimmer im Zweiten Weltkrieg (Michael Jung, 2004. Mittler & Sohn. ISBN 3-8132-0818-4 )
* Agenten unter Wasser - Sciffsziele im Visier deutscher Kampfschwimmer (Michael Jung, 2006. Mittler & Sohn. ISBN 3-8132-0859-1 )

Blocksdorf's books are by far the best on covering K-Verband opertaions. He also has an english-language edition based on "Das Kommando der Kleinkampfverbände der Kriegsmarine":
* Hitler's Secret Commandos - Operations of the K-Verband (Helmut Blocksdorf, 2008. Pen & Sword. ISBN 978-1-84415-783-9 )

I'm not sure if the kampfschwimmer was involved in this specific operation, but there is also an english edition of Jung's "Sabotage unter Wasser":
* Military History - German Combat Divers in World War II (Michael Jung, 2008. Schiffer Publishing. ISBN 978-0-7643-3092-6 )

Unfortunately, I'm not capable of browsing through these books now to verify if there's any mentioning of that operation you are looking for.

[bettika]

Hi Sid,
the book from Paterson Weapons of Desperation
and Kobelt Marine-Einsatz-Kommandos im Kommando der Kleinkampfverbände der Kriegsmarine 1944-1945
will be the right for your Question.
But there were no attack on French Ports in these late time of the war, but landings of agents , involved were MEK 80 and K-Flottille 611

Lawrence Paterson:

Alongside their anti-shipping activity, the flotilla was also involved
in the landing of agents and armed reconnaissance missions, a contingent
of thirty men of Kaptlt. Krummhaar's MEK80 stationed in San Remo from the beginning of 1945...
The first true agent landing by the flotilla was attempted on 20 February on the French Riviera coast...
In total, by 25 April, twenty-eight
agents had been successfully landed by the flotilla, mostly along the
French Riviera and often in conjunction with the men of MEK80.

canoes were used trying landing the saboteurs Duriez and Comte to Monte Carlo, 7/8.3.1945, but they were imprisoned.
Their Names and adresse were written in the journal "Combat" on 30.3.1945 .
Source: Kobelt

Maybe this you have read in a french book
Brgds
Beate

[Sid Guttridge]

Hi bettika,

Thanks, I have already bought Weapons of Desperation.

I was wondering about the arrests in Monaco, which was technically neutral, though there was a small French military presence at this time.

Who arrested them?

What were they charged with?

By whom were they held?

At best Monaco could have charged them with an immigration offence, but I rather suspect that they ended up in Allied (French?) hands.

I seem to recall that a couple of Germans were arrested at the same time. Presumably they had delivered Duriez and Comte?

Cheers,

Sid.

[bettika]

Hi Sid,
in the book from Kobelt is only written, that they were arrested landing in the Harbour of Monte Carlo by a "patrol"
The sources used were from TNA -PRO ADM 223/588 , PRO WO 204/12455
and the
book Klingbeil "Le front oublié des Alpes-Maritimes"

brgd
Beate

[bettika]

Hi Sid,
find another source, ADM 224/12944:
Interrogation 11 SCI Riviera District:
Duriez and Comte in company with 2 german sailors were apprehended by a patrol of Tiraillean Algeriens. The bodies were picked up by SRO Nice who had alerted the patrol this night.

What means SCI and what SRO ?
Brgds
Beate

[Sid Guttridge]

Hi bettika,

I was having a look my self and a French-language book describes the patrol as "Tirailleurs Sénégalaises".

Either way, they were French colonial troops.

Cheers,

Sid.