THE KRIEGSMARINE 1935–1945 - HISTORY - UNIFORMS - INSIGNIA - EQUIPMENT

2025 REPRINT

A magnificent colour album presenting all uniform pieces, rank insignia and badges of the Kriegsmarine, including those of U-Boot crews. This work traces the history, organisation, uniforms and equipment of the German war navy between 1935 and 1945. A formidable weapon which, despite its limited resources, would ultimately prove the only truly mortal danger to the Allies.

Present in every sea across the globe for nearly six years, inflicting losses on its enemies far greater than its own, the Kriegsmarine adapted to every new situation imposed upon it by modern warfare. With leadership of the highest calibre and a well-trained and well-armed force, the German navy earned the respect and admiration of its own adversaries.

The authors have chosen to focus particularly on the anonymous sailors serving aboard minelayers, fast patrol boats, coastal minesweepers, cruisers and submarines. To this end they have selected period photographs, entirely unpublished, drawn from private archives and for the most part never previously published. The uniforms and objects presented are entirely authentic and come from private collections. Special attention is given to the "Heimgegenstände" — personal items highly prized by German sailors who maintained the traditions of their predecessors.

This book will fascinate the reader with a passion for naval military history in general and in particular the collector of maritime objects. Specialists in the history of the Second World War, Enzo and Laurent Berrafato have published several related articles in various specialist journals, notably concerning the uniforms and organisation of the German war navy.