French training ships FS Panthère (A749), Guépard (A752) and Chacal (A753)

Amsterdam, Netherlands 30-3-2025

Of the Léopard-class, preceded by Adjutant-class, succeeded by Almak. Tonnage 335 (standard)-470 (full load) tons and as dimensions 43 x 8.3 x 2.21 metres or 141.1 x 27.3 x 10.6 feet. Propulsion consists of 2 SACM-Wårtsilå UD30 V16-M3 diesels with 1,600 kW and 2 shafts/screws allowing a speed of 15 knots and a range of 4,100 nautical miles/12 knots. Crew numbers 15 men to which 22 men training personnel are added. The armament consisted original of 2x1-2cm Oerlikon canon, replaced in 2002 by 2x1-12.7mm/0.50 machine guns.

Chacal. France-flagged, IMO 8944355, MMSI 227801800 and call sign FACL. Launched by SFCN, Villeneuve-la-Garenne on 11 October 1982, launched on 11 February 1983 and commissioned on 10 September 1983. 

Panthère. France-flagged. MMSI 227801400 and call sign FBPR. Laid down by Sicnav, Saint-Malo, France on 9 June 1981, launched on 3 September 1981, commissioned on 4 December 1982

Guépard. France-flagged, MMSI 227801700 and call sign FAGP. Laid down by Sicnav, Saint-Malo, France on 11 October 1982, launched on 21 December 1982 and commissioned on 1 July 1983.

Allied minesweepers berthed at Alexandria, Egypt according to a letter of the German naval attaché at Istanbul dated 13 April 1940

In his letter dated Istanbul, Turkey 13 April 1940 No. 838 reported the German naval attaché in Turkey to the Oberkommando der Wehrmacht at Berlin that according to a reliable source between November 1939-middle of January some minesweepers were berthed at Alexandria, Egypt.

Source

Bundesarchiv. German Marineattaché for Turkey, Greece, Romania and Bulgaria 1939-1941. RM 12-II/459. 

British cruiser HMS Sussex visited Alexandria, Egypt according to a letter of the German naval attaché at Istanbul dated 13 April 1940

A selection of Ships' Badges of His Majesty's Royal Navies. Gutta Percha&Rubber Limited, 1942

In his letter dated Istanbul, Turkey 13 April 1940 No. 838 reported the German naval attaché in Turkey to the Oberkommando der Wehrmacht at Berlin that according to a reliable source the British cruiser HMS Sussex coming from Aden arrived at Alexandria, Egypt on 8 March departing on 10 March in the direction of Malta.(1)

Note

1. Pennant 96. Part of County-class London sub-class heavy cruisers preceded by Hawkins-class succeeded by York-class. Laid down by Hawthorn Leslie, Hebburn-on-Tyne, England on 1 February 1927, launched on 22 February 1928, commissioned on 19 March 1929, decommissioned on 3 January 1950 and broken up at Dalmuir, Scotland since 23 February 1950.

Source

Bundesarchiv. German Marineattaché for Turkey, Greece, Romania and Bulgaria 1939-1941. RM 12-II/459. 

Dutch fishing vessel Jacob Cornelis (SCH-45) 2001-

Stellendam, Netherlands 20 February 2025

Netherlands-flagged, homeport Scheveningen, Netherlands, IMO 9227572, MMSI 246273000 and call sign PBHE. Built by Padmos Scheepswerf, Stellendam, Netherlands in 2001

American whaler Milo visited Honolulu, Hawaii according to the newspaper The Polynesian dated 26 February 1853

Biodiversity Heritage Library

An item reported the arrival at Honolulu, Hawaii on 21 February of the American whaler Milo master Soule from Huahine 155 barrels sperm oil 1,150 barrels whale oil

American whaler Herald visited Honolulu, Hawaii according to the newspaper The Polynesian dated 26 February 1853

Biodiversity Heritage Library

An item reported the arrival at Honolulu, Hawaii on 19 February of the American whaler Herald master Slocum (?) from Tahiti 150 barrels sperm oil 1,040 barrels whale oil 

British light cruiser HMS (ex-Polyphemus) Southampton 1934-1941

Arethusa-class. ©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com

Town-class Southampton-subclass. ©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com

Dido. ©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com

Fiji or Crown Colony-class. ©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com

Part of Town-class Southampton-subclass preceded by Arethusa-class succeeded by Crown Colony- and Dido-classes. Divided in three subclasses Southampton, Gloucester and Edinburgh. Originally to be named Minotaur- or M-class but in November 1934 called Town-class. Pennant C83. Ordered under 1933 Construction Programme. Laid down by John Brown&Company, Clydebank, Scotland on 21 November 1935, launched on 10 March 1936, commissioned on 6 March 1937, heavily damage in a German air attack on 11 January 1941 east off Malta and torpedoed and sunk by HMS Gloucester and Orion. 

Characteristics of German submarine U 5 as reported to the British Admiralty on 23 October 1935

An item reported that the German Marineattaché captain Erwin Wassner at London informed the British Admiralty conform the Anglo-German Naval Agreement dated 18 June 1935 that the submarine U 5 laid down in April 1935 and completed on 31 August 1935. Standard displacement (article 6 of Treaty) 250 tons/243 metric tons and as dimensions 41.6 (waterline) x 4.0 (extreme beam at or below waterline) x 3.85 (average draught at standard displacement) metres. Heaviest calibre 2cm.

Source

Bundesarchiv. German Marineattaché at London. RM 12-II/119.

Italian sailing ship S. Pietro lost in 1916

According to a list of the Italian Department for transport over sea and by rail was she lost on 22 August 1918 due to artillery fire on the location southern Marettimo. Tonnage 53 tons.

Source

Bundesarchiv RM 20/728.

Dutch fishing boat Valkyrie 98-39-YL 2007-

Stellendam, Netherlands 19 February 2025

Netherlands-flagged since 2008. Catapult 396 Cat. Built by Aqua Marine Service Ltd., Southampton, England in 2007.

Catch results of the Dutch Greenland commandeur D. Pieters according to the Dutch newspaper Oprechte Haerlemsche courant dated 6 July 1747

An item dated Amsterdam, Netherlands 5 July reported that according to a list the catch results of the Dutch Greenland commandeur D. Pieters was just 1 whale. Auke Harmsz who brought the list with him left on 19 June Greenland. 

Catch results of the Dutch Greenland commandeur C. Willemsz according to the Dutch newspaper Oprechte Haerlemsche courant dated 6 July 1747

An item dated Amsterdam, Netherlands 5 July reported that according to a list the catch results of the Dutch Greenland commandeur C. Willemsz was just 1 whale. Auke Harmsz who brought the list with him left on 19 June Greenland. 

American destroyer USS Winslow DD-359 1933-1959

USS Aylwin of the Farragut-class. ©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com

USS Porter. ©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com

USS Mahan. ©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com

Part of Porter-class (8 completed) preceded by Farragut-class succeeded by Mahan-class. Laid down by New York Shipbuilding Corporation, Camden, New Jersey, USA on 18 December 1933, launched on 21 September 1936, commissioned on 17 Feburary 1937, redesignated AG-127 on 19 September 1945, used for testing aircraft ordnance, decommissioned on 28 June 1950, stricken on 5 December 1957 and sold to be broken up on 23 February 1959.

Italian merchant steamship Capo Vita arrived at Istanbul, Turkey according to a letter of the German naval attaché at Istanbul dated 12 January 1940

In his letter dated Istanbul, Turkey 12 January 1940 No. 632g. reported the German naval attaché to the Oberkommando der Wehrmacht Abteilung Ausland the ships passing Istanbul coming out of the Black Sea and loaded with contraband for or chartered by the enemy. An item mentioned the Italian merchant steamship Capo Vita loaded with sheets and iron bands arrived recently at Istanbul coming from Genoa, Italy. With an origin certficate of the British vice consul at Mailand.

Source

Bundesarchiv. German Marineattaché for Turkey, Greece, Romania and Bulgaria 1939-1941. RM 12-II/459. 

British merchant steamship Tintern Abbey transporting war stores towards Turkey according to a letter of the German naval attaché at Istanbul dated 12 January 1940

In his letter dated Istanbul, Turkey 12 January 1940 No. 632g. reported the German naval attaché to the Oberkommando der Wehrmacht Abteilung Ausland the ships passing Istanbul coming out of the Black Sea and loaded with contraband for or chartered by the enemy. An item mentioned the British merchant steamship Tintern Abbey. Armed with 1 gun at the stern. Dark grey painted. Except for superstructures and bridge which were brown. She transported about 1,200 ton of war stores from England and Liverpool, England to Haiderpascha and Istanbul.

Source

Bundesarchiv. German Marineattaché for Turkey, Greece, Romania and Bulgaria 1939-1941. RM 12-II/459. 

British destroyer HMS Kandahar 1938-1941

Tribal. ©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.co

Sister ship and flotillaleader HMS Kelly©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com

F28. Part of K-class destroyers and flotilla leader of her class preceded by Tribal-class succeeded by L- and M-classes. Ordered in March 1935, laid down by William Denny&Brothers, Scotland on 18 January 1938, launched on 21 March 1939, commissioned on 10 October 1939, part of the British Force K which had to intercept an Italian convoy underway towards Tripoli, Italian Libya strike an Italian mine on 19 December 1941 and scuttled by HMS Jaguar on 20 December 1941. 

British merchant steamship Incemore visited Black Sea according to a letter of the German naval attaché at Istanbul dated 12 January 1940

In his letter dated Istanbul, Turkey 12 January 1940 No. 632g. reported the German naval attaché to the Oberkommando der Wehrmacht Abteilung Ausland the ships passing Istanbul coming out of the Black Sea and loaded with contraband for or chartered by the enemy. An item mentioned the British merchant steamship Incemore armed with 1 gun at the stern manned by naval gunners. Funnel, both masts and hull dark grey painted, the bridge dark brown.

Source

Bundesarchiv. German Marineattaché for Turkey, Greece, Romania and Bulgaria 1939-1941. RM 12-II/459. 

British tanker Tornus bound for England according to a letter of the German naval attaché at Istanbul dated 12 January 1940

In his letter dated Istanbul, Turkey 12 January 1940 No. 632g. reported the German naval attaché to the Oberkommando der Wehrmacht Abteilung Ausland the ships passing Istanbul coming out of the Black Sea and loaded with contraband for or chartered by the enemy. An item mentioned on 10 January the British tanker Tornus loaded with 10,480 gasoline bound for Avonmouth, England.  

Source

Bundesarchiv. German Marineattaché for Turkey, Greece, Romania and Bulgaria 1939-1941. RM 12-II/459.

Japanese destroyer Nire 1919-1944 (Dai 1 Tomariura 1944-1948)

©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com

Part of Momi-class preceded by Kawakaze-class succeeded by Minekaze-class. Development of the Enoki second-class destroyers building authorized under the 8-4 Fleet Program and planned 28 units of which were 21 were built and the last seven as the Wakatake-class. Laid down by Kure Naval Arsenal on 5 September 1919, launched on 22 December 1919, completed on 31 March 1920, decommissioned on 1 February 1940, converted into a training ship, converted into an auxiliary ship No. 1 Tomariura, Dai-1 Tomariura on 15 December 1944 and broken up by 15 August 1948. 

USA allowed to use future naval air base at Salinas, Ecuador according to the U.S. Joint Intelligence Committee. Daily summary dated 13 January 1942

An item reported that Ecuador was to establish an advanced naval air base and local defence zone at Salinas, also to be used by the USA.

Source

Map Room Papers (Roosevelt Administration), 1942 - 1945. U.S. Joint Intelligence Committee. Daily summary dated 13 January 1942 No. 34 

Japanese submarine activities according to the U.S. Joint Intelligence Committee. Daily summary dated 13 January 1942

An item reported that radio intelligence pointed out that seven enemy submarines were present between Hawaii and Johnston Islands and in the vicinity of Midway Island with submarine activities east of Hawaii relaxed.

Source

Map Room Papers (Roosevelt Administration), 1942 - 1945. U.S. Joint Intelligence Committee. Daily summary dated 13 January 1942 No. 34 

Possible enemy submarine sighted off Salahuau, New Guina according to the U.S. Joint Intelligence Committee. Daily summary dated 13 January 1942

An item reported the possible sighting of an enemy submarine off Salahuau, New Guina.

Source

Map Room Papers (Roosevelt Administration), 1942 - 1945. U.S. Joint Intelligence Committee. Daily summary dated 13 January 1942 No. 34 

Dutch fishing vessel Creadan Lady YE-243 2004-

Stellendam, Netherlands 19 February 2025

Was Ireland-flagged, homeport Waterford, IMO 9306055, MMSI 244870246 and call sign EIQL. Owner/manager Woodstown Bay Shellfish, Waterford, Ireland. Built by Padmos Scheepswerf, Stellendam, Netherlands in 2004. Now Netherlands-flagged, homeport Yerseke, call sign PBHV.

Dutch Greenland commandeur Cornelis J. Braso returned home according to the Dutch newspaper Oprechte Haerlemsche courant dated 4 October 1749

An item dated Amsterdam, Netherlands 3 October reported the arrival on 2 October at Texel, Netherlands of the Dutch Greenland commandeur Cornelis J. Braso no catch results

Dutch Greenland commandeur Cornelis de Leeuw returned home according to the Dutch newspaper Oprechte Haerlemsche courant dated 4 October 1749

An item dated Amsterdam, Netherlands 3 October reported the arrival on 2 October at Texel, Netherlands of the Dutch Greenland commandeur Cornelis de Leeuw 2 whales 30 quardelen

French oceanic graphic vessel Thalassa 1995-

Scheveningen, Netherlands end January 2025

France-flagged, IMO 9070307, MMSI 227297000 and call sign FNFP. Operated by Ifremer. Launched by Manche Industrie Marine, Dieppe, France on 16 May 1995 and commissioned in 1996. Also called fishery research vessel.

Characteristics of German submarine U 4 as reported to the British Admiralty on 23 October 1935

An item reported that the German Marineattaché captain Erwin Wassner at London informed the British Admiralty conform the Anglo-German Naval Agreement dated 18 June 1935 that the submarine U 4 laid down in April 1935 and completed on 17 August 1935. Standard displacement (article 6 of Treaty) 250 tons/243 metric tons and as dimensions 41.6 (waterline) x 4.0 (extreme beam at or below waterline) x 3.85 (average draught at standard displacement) metres. Heaviest calibre 2cm.

Source

Bundesarchiv. German Marineattaché at London. RM 12-II/119. 

Italian sailing ship Dea lost in 1916

According to a list of the Italian Department for transport over sea and by rail was she lost on 19 August 1916 due to unknown on the location 40 miles of Cap Bona. Tonnage 166 tons.

Source

Bundesarchiv RM 20/728.

Dutch pollution control vessel Arca 1998-

Ameland, Netherlands 26 March 2025

Netherlands-flagged, homeport Rijswijk, Netherlands, IMO 9167966, MMSI 244454000 and call sign PDHT. Owned by Ministerie van Verkeer en Waterstaat, The Hague, Netherlands and managed by the coast guard. Built by Scheepswerf Slob, Papendrecht, Netherlands with yard number 403 in 1998 and completed by Damen Shipyard Gorinchem, Gorinchem, Netherlands.

British tanker British Dominion bound for England according to a letter of the German naval attaché at Istanbul dated 30 December 1939

In his letter dated Istanbul, Turkey 30 December 1959 B No. 596g. reported the German naval attaché to the Oberkommando der Wehrmacht Abteilung Ausland the ships passing the Dardanelles coming from Romania and loaded with contraband for the enemy. An item mentioned on 25 December the British tanker British Dominion loaded with around 10,000 ton gasoline bound for Coryton and London, England. Armed with 1 gun at the stern manned by naval gunners. Completely painted dark grey.

Source

Bundesarchiv. German Marineattaché for Turkey, Greece, Romania and Bulgaria 1939-1941. RM 12-II/459. 

British tanker Luxor bound for England according to a letter of the German naval attaché at Istanbul dated 30 December 1939

In his letter dated Istanbul, Turkey 30 December 1959 B No. 596g. reported the German naval attaché to the Oberkommando der Wehrmacht Abteilung Ausland the ships passing the Dardanelles coming from Romania and loaded with contraband for the enemy. An item mentioned on 25 December the British tanker Luxor loaded with around 10,000 ton gasoline bound for Preston. Armed with a gun at the stern and 1 flak aft.

Source

Bundesarchiv. German Marineattaché for Turkey, Greece, Romania and Bulgaria 1939-1941. RM 12-II/459. 

Dutch inland crane ship (ex-Antoinette 1931-1979, Marco II 1979-1989) Hei-Di or Heidi 1989-

Stellendam, Netherlands 20 February 2025

Netherlands-flagged, homeport Genemuiden, ENI 03110190, MMSI 244830948 and call sign PC5945. Built by Scheepswerf Vooruit B.V., Alkmaar, Netherlands with yard number 272 in 1931 as unpropelled freighter which was to be towed and converted into a motor freighter in 1955. 

British merchant ship Sitala bound for England according to a letter of the German naval attaché at Istanbul dated 30 December 1939

In his letter dated Istanbul, Turkey 30 December 1959 B No. 596g. reported the German naval attaché to the Oberkommando der Wehrmacht Abteilung Ausland the ships passing the Dardanelles coming from Romania and loaded with contraband for the enemy. An item mentioned on 27 December the British merchant ship Sitala loaded with 9,700 ton gasoline bound for Coryton, England. Armed with 1 gun at the stern and possible 1 flak manned by naval gunners. Dark grey painted, masts, funnel and superstructure light brown.

Source

Bundesarchiv. German Marineattaché for Turkey, Greece, Romania and Bulgaria 1939-1941. RM 12-II/459. 

Greek cargo ship Katina P bound for Franc according to a letter of the German naval attaché at Istanbul dated 30 December 1939

In his letter dated Istanbul, Turkey 30 December 1959 B No. 596g. reported the German naval attaché to the Oberkommando der Wehrmacht Abteilung Ausland the ships passing the Dardanelles coming from Romania and loaded with contraband for the enemy. An item mentioned on 25 December the Greek cargo ship Katina P loaded with 1,800 ton wheat bound for St. Louis-du-Rhône, France.

Source

Bundesarchiv. German Marineattaché for Turkey, Greece, Romania and Bulgaria 1939-1941. RM 12-II/459. 

Ukrainian tug (ex-Annelies 1994-2914, Sl Annelies 2014-2020) SC Sea Lord 2020-

Stellendam, Netherlands 19 February 2025

Palau-flagged, homeport Malakal Harbour, IMO 8325119, MMSI 511100783 and call sign T8A3993. Built by Dunston Richard Hessle, Hessle, United Kingdom in 1994. Owner/manager Bas Shipping Ltd., Odessa, Ukraine. 

Portugese frigate Sao Pedro de Alcantara 1736-1747

Of the Estado da India, mentioned between 1736-1747.

Source

A. Marques Esparteira. Catalogo dos navios brigantinos (1640-1901). Lisboa, 1976.

Portuguese fragatinga Nossa Senhora do Rosario 1735-1739

Of the Estado da India, mentioned between 1735-1739.

Source

A. Marques Esparteira. Catalogo dos navios brigantinos (1640-1901). Lisboa, 1976.

Turkish bulk carrier Izmir 2013-

Schelde off Vlissingen, Netherlands 22 March 2025

Malta-flagged, homeport Valletta, IMO 9644201, MMSI 229219000 and call sign 9HA3157. Owner/manager Ciner Shipmanagement, Istanbul, Turkey. Built by Dayang Shipbuilding, Yangzhou, China in 2013. 

Japanese apparently interested in controlling Coral Sea by aircraft according to the U.S. Joint Intelligence Committee. Daily summary dated 13 January 1942

An item referred to the J.I.C. comment that the reconnaisance flights by the Japanese over Melanesia could point out the near future establishing of air bases in the Australian Mandates and Solomon Islands and controlling the Coral Sea from the air cutting off the supply line from Brirsbane to Darwin.

Source

Map Room Papers (Roosevelt Administration), 1942 - 1945. U.S. Joint Intelligence Committee. Daily summary dated 13 January 1942 No. 34 

Characteristics of German submarine U 3 as reported to the British Admiralty on 23 October 1935

An item reported that the German Marineattaché captain Erwin Wassner at London informed the British Admiralty conform the Anglo-German Naval Agreement dated 18 June 1935 that the submarine U 3 laid down in April 1935 and completed on 6 August 1935. Standard displacement (article 6 of Treaty) 250 tons/243 metric tons and as dimensions 41.6 (waterline) x 4.0 (extreme beam at or below waterline) x 3.85 (average draught at standard displacement) metres. Heaviest calibre 2cm.

Source

Bundesarchiv. German Marineattaché at London. RM 12-II/119. 

Dutch fishing vessel Klaas Adriana ARM-22 1994-

Schelde off Vlissingen, Netherlands 28-3-2025

Netherlands-flagged, IMO 9063940, MMSI 244221000 and call sign PFJO. Built by Scheepswerf Maaskant, Stellendam, Netherlands in 1994. 

Dutch Greenland commandeur Hendrik Broertjes returned home according to the Dutch newspaper Oprechte Haerlemsche courant dated 4 October 1749

An item dated Amsterdam, Netherlands 3 October reported the arrival on 2 October at Texel, Netherlands of the Dutch Greenland commandeur Hendrik Broertjes 4 whales 90 quardelen

Dutch Greenland commandeur Cornelis Butter returned home according to the Dutch newspaper Oprechte Haerlemsche courant dated 4 October 1749

An item dated Amsterdam, Netherlands 3 October reported the arrival on 2 October at Texel, Netherlands of the Dutch Greenland commandeur Cornelis Butter 2 whales 40 quardelen

British destroyer HMS Kipling 1937-1942

Tribal. ©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.co

Sister ship and flotillaleader HMS Kelly©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com

F91. Part of K-class destroyers and flotilla leader of her class preceded by Tribal-class succeeded by L- and M-classes. Laid down by Yarrow, Scotstoun, Scotland on 20 October 1937, launched on 19 January 1939, commissioned on 12 December 1939 and sunk in a German air attack north weat of Mersa Matruh, Egypt on 11 May 1942

British tanker Corbis bound for Avonmouth, England according to a letter of the German naval attaché at Istanbul dated 30 December 1939

In his letter dated Istanbul, Turkey 30 December 1959 B No. 596g. reported the German naval attaché to the Oberkommando der Wehrmacht Abteilung Ausland the ships passing the Dardanelles coming from Romania and loaded with contraband for the enemy. An item mentioned on 24 December the British tanker Corbis loaded with 10,800 ton gasoline bound for Avonmouth, England. Armed with 1 gun and 1 flak at the stern.

Source

Bundesarchiv. German Marineattaché for Turkey, Greece, Romania and Bulgaria 1939-1941. RM 12-II/459. 

British merchant ship Pegasus bound for Saloniki, Greece according to a letter of the German naval attaché at Istanbul dated 30 December 1939

In his letter dated Istanbul, Turkey 30 December 1959 B No. 596g. reported the German naval attaché to the Oberkommando der Wehrmacht Abteilung Ausland the ships passing the Dardanelles coming from Romania and loaded with contraband for the enemy. An item mentioned on 23 December the British merchant ship Pegasus loaded with 4,560 ton gasoline bound for Saloniki, Greece.

Source

Bundesarchiv. German Marineattaché for Turkey, Greece, Romania and Bulgaria 1939-1941. RM 12-II/459. 

American light cruiser USS St. Louis 1936-1951 and Brazilian Almirante Tamandaré 1951-1980

Omaha-class. ©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com

USS Brooklyn, Brooklyn-class. ©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com

Atlanta-class. ©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com

Part of Brooklyn-class St. Louis-subclass preceded by Omaha-class succeeded by Atlanta-class. Penannt CL-49. Laid down by Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Company, Newport News, USA on 10 December 1936, launched on 15 April 1938, commissioned on 13 May 1939, decommissioned on 20 June 1946, stricken on 22 January 1951, sold to Brazil on 29 January 1951, renamed Almirante Tamandaré, decommissioned on 28 June 1976, stricken the same year and sunk while towed underway from Rio de Janeiro towards Taiwan where she was to be broken up on 24 August 1980. 

British tanker British General bound for England according to a letter of the German naval attaché at Istanbul dated 30 December 1939

In his letter dated Istanbul, Turkey 30 December 1959 B No. 596g. reported the German naval attaché to the Oberkommando der Wehrmacht Abteilung Ausland the ships passing the Dardanelles coming from Romania and loaded with contraband for the enemy. An item mentioned on 23 December the British tanker British General loaded with around 10,000 ton gasoline bound for England. Armed with 1 gun at 1 flak at the stern manned by naval gunners. Dark grey painted and the funnel yellow with a black band.

Source

Bundesarchiv. German Marineattaché for Turkey, Greece, Romania and Bulgaria 1939-1941. RM 12-II/459. 

Greek cargo ship Heron bound for Marseille, France according to a letter of the German naval attaché at Istanbul dated 30 December 1939

In his letter dated Istanbul, Turkey 30 December 1959 B No. 596g. reported the German naval attaché to the Oberkommando der Wehrmacht Abteilung Ausland the ships passing the Dardanelles coming from Romania and loaded with contraband for the enemy. An item mentioned on 23 December the Greek cargo ship Heron loaded with 1,100 ton cellulose bound for Marseille, France.

Source

Bundesarchiv. German Marineattaché for Turkey, Greece, Romania and Bulgaria 1939-1941. RM 12-II/459. 

Japanese cargo ship Batavia Maru 1918-1944

©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com

Sister ships Batavia Maru, Ganges Maru, Heimei Maru, Hiburi Maru, Hokuryu Maru, Indus Maru, Kairyu Maru, Surabaya Maru, Kayo Maru, Meiko Maru, Tonan Maru, Tosei Maru and Yamato Maru. Call sign JICD. Laid down by Osaka Iron Works Ld., Innoshima, Japan in 1918, launched in December 1918, completed on 26 January 1919, requisitioned by the army on 23 July 1937, became Allotted IJA No, 504, returned to owners in 1937, requisitioned by the army on 23 July 1942, sunk in an American air attack around 100 nautical miles west of Alamagan Island, Northern Marianas on 12 June 1944 and stricken on 31 July 1944. Gross tonnage 4,393 tons, under deck 3,677 tons, netto tonnage 2,731 tons and as dimensions 345.0 x 49.8 x 28.1 x 7.6 (light)-24 (loaded) feet. Reciprocating propulsion, single screw, horsepower 390 nhp, coal bunker capacity 1,200 tons, range 9,600 nautical miles/10 knots and speed 10 (normal cruising)-12 (maximum) knots. 

The positions of the German capital ships according to the U.S. Joint Intelligence Committee. Daily summary dated 21 January 1942

U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command, MH 71390.

 Tirpitz anchored in the Alta Fjord, Norway between 1943-1944

Scharnhorst. ©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com

An item referred to a reliable source reporting the German battleship Tirpitz (1) lying on 19 January at Trondheim, Norway. The German battle cruiser Scharnhorst (2) and heavy cruiser Prinz Eugen (3) were on 20 January lying at their usual berths at Brest. France. Where the German battle cruiser Gneisenau (4) was, could not be reported due the atmospheric conditions.

Notes

1. Laid down by Kriegsmarinewerft Wilhelmshaven, Germany on 2 November 1936, launched on 1 April 1939, commissioned on 25 February 1941 and sunk by the Royal Air Force on 12 November 1944 at Tromsø, Norway, with her wreck broken up between 1948-1957. Of the Bismarck-class as answer on the French Richelieu-class battleships preceded by Scharnhorst-class succeeded by planned H-class.

2. Scharnhorst-class preceded by planned L20e a-class and realized Bayern-class succeeded by Bismarch-class, laid down at the Kriegsmarinewerft Wilhemshaven, Germany on 15 June 1935, launched on 3 October 1936, commissioned on 7 January 1939 and sunk while in battle off the North Cape on 26 December 1943 by the British battleship HMS Duke of York with just 36 survivors of a crew of 1,968 men. Her sister ship was the Gneisenau. The Scharnhorst was to replace the old dreadnought Elsass and so she became first know in official documents and newspaper as the Ersatz Elsass and in the contracts as “D”.

3. Of the Admiral Hipper-class heavy cruisers, preceded by Deutschland-class. Laid down by Germaniawerft, Kiel on 23 April 1936, launched on 22 August 1938, commissioned on 1 August 1940, decommissioned on 7 May 1945, surrendered on 8 May 1945, handed over to the USA and sunk on 22 December 1946 during nuclear tests.

4. Scharnhorst-class preceded by planned L20e α-class and realized Bayern-class preceded by Bismarck-class, laid down by Deutsche Werke, Kiel, Germany on 6 May 1935, launched on 8 December 1936, commissioned on 21 May 1938, decommissioned on 1 July 1942, scuttled as block ship on 23 March 1945 and broken up in 1951.

Source

Map Room Papers (Roosevelt Administration), 1942 - 1945. U.S. Joint Intelligence Committee. Daily summary No. 42 dated 21 January 1942 

Characteristics of German submarine U 2 as reported to the British Admiralty on 23 October 1935

An item reported that the German Marineattaché captain Erwin Wassner at London informed the British Admiralty conform the Anglo-German Naval Agreement dated 18 June 1935 that the submarine U 2 laid down in April 1935 and completed on 5 July 1935. Standard displacement (article 6 of Treaty) 250 tons/243 metric tons and as dimensions 41.6 (waterline) x 4.0 (extreme beam at or below waterline) x 3.85 (average draught at standard displacement) metres. Heaviest calibre 2cm.

Source

Bundesarchiv. German Marineattaché at London. RM 12-II/119. 

Dutch shrimps cutter (ex-Marleen Oostburg BR-25, ex De Vrouwe Tea WR-225) Gideon WE 230 2005-

Stellendam, Netherlands 18 February 2025

Netherlands-flagged, homeport Wieringen, call sign PDOI. Built by Padmos in 1967. Marinetraffic.com reports Malta-flagged, call sign PDOI and MMSI 249594000. 

Dutch Greenland commandeur Jan Cornelisz returned home according to the Dutch newspaper Amsterdamse courant dated 8 September 1703

An item dated Amsterdam, Netherlands 7 September reported the recent arrival in the Vlie or at Texel of the Dutch Greenland commandeur Jan Cornelisz 5 whales. Leaving the ice they heard about the war with France and went not to the rendezvous but straight home.(1)

Note

1. The Dutch Republic and France were enemies during the War of the Spanish Succession 1701-1713. 

Dutch Greenland commandeur Jacob Koene returned home according to the Dutch newspaper Amsterdamse courant dated 8 September 1703

An item dated Amsterdam, Netherlands 7 September reported the recent arrival in the Vlie or at Texel of the Dutch Greenland commandeur Jacob Koene 6 whales. Leaving the ice they heard about the war with France and went not to the rendezvous but straight home.  

Note

1. The Dutch Republic and France were enemies during the War of the Spanish Succession 1701-1713.

Dutch floating work shop Cornelis (1961)

Stellendam, Netherlands 18 February 2025

Casco built by Scheepswerf De Rietpol, Spaarndam, Netherlands and completed by H. Zwart, IJmuiden, Netherlands as the Henk Zwart O-35 of Rederij De Vuurtoren, Ostend, Belgium in 1961. Later de O-35 Torbay and in 1978 Vili of NV Ravana, Zeebrugge.

Italian sailing ship Madol lost in 1916

According to a list of the Italian Department for transport over sea and by rail was she lost on 16 August 1916 due to unknown on the location 55 miles north north west of the island Capraia. Tonnage 665 tons.

Source

Bundesarchiv RM 20/728.

French privateer le Petit Saint Jacques 1674-1676

Homeport Calais. Master Claude Fourmentin.

Source

H. Malo Les Corsaires dunkerquois et Jean Bart, vol. 2.

Swedish oil/chemical tanker (ex-Bro Gratitude 2003-2013) Thun Gratitude 2013-

Schelde off Vlissingen, Netherlands 8 March 2025

Netherlands-flagged, homeport Delfzijl, IMO 9266413, MMSI 245689000 and call sign PBLL. Built by Scheepswerf Ferus Smit BV, Westerbroek, Netherlands. Owner Thun Tankers BV, manager Erik Thun Ab, both of Lidkoping, Sweden. 

Greek cargo ship Constantinos II bound for Marseille, France according to a letter of the German naval attaché at Istanbul dated 30 December 1939

In his letter dated Istanbul, Turkey 30 December 1959 B No. 596g. reported the German naval attaché to the Oberkommando der Wehrmacht Abteilung Ausland the ships passing the Dardanelles coming from Romania and loaded with contraband for the enemy. An item mentioned on 23 December the Greek cargo ship Constantinos II loaded with 4,150 ton wheat bound for Marseille, France.

Source

Bundesarchiv. German Marineattaché for Turkey, Greece, Romania and Bulgaria 1939-1941. RM 12-II/459. 

British cargo ship Helena Margaretha bound for Bristol, England according to a letter of the German naval attaché at Istanbul dated 30 December 1939

In his letter dated Istanbul, Turkey 30 December 1959 B No. 596g. reported the German naval attaché to the Oberkommando der Wehrmacht Abteilung Ausland the ships passing the Dardanelles coming from Romania and loaded with contraband for the enemy. An item mentioned on 23 December the British cargo ship Helena Margaretha loaded with 5,250 ton wheat bound for Bristol, England. Armed with 1 gun and 1 flak at the stern. Completely dark grey painted.

Source

Bundesarchiv. German Marineattaché for Turkey, Greece, Romania and Bulgaria 1939-1941. RM 12-II/459. 

British automated beam schalloper Alcedor BA 77 2020-

Stellendam, Netherlands 18 February 2025

United Kingdom-flagged, homeport Kirkcudbright, IMO 9884875, MMSI 232025056 and call sign MGIJ3. Built by Parkol Marine Engineering, Teesside in 2020.

Dutch Greenland commandeur J.C. Out returned home according to the Dutch newspaper Oprechte Haerlemsche courant dated 14 August 1749

An item dated Amsterdam, Netherlands 13 August reported the arrival at Texel, Netherlands on 12 August of Dutch Greenland commandeurs bringing with them a list with the catch results of the Dutch Greenland commandeur J.C. Out 5 whales 200 quardelen