The Borromeo Family of Cebu https://theborromeofamily.com Connecting Borromeos from Cebu, Philippines who are now residing all over the world. Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:45:53 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 Welcome to www.TheBorromeoFamily.com https://theborromeofamily.com/welcome-to-www-theborromeofamily-com/ Thu, 11 Jun 2026 13:45:00 +0000 http://www.theborromeofamily.com/?p=6038 Welcome to my Bookstore:

The Borromeo Family of Cebu BUY FROM AMAZON.COM
Volkswagen: a Car for the People – a Success Story – 2nd Edition BUY FROM AMAZON.COM
Scale Model Collectible Cars – with Official Corgi Toys Catalogue Illustrations BUY FROM AMAZON.COM
The German and the Austrian Navies – Volume 2: Second Edition:  BUY FROM AMAZON.COM
The German and the Austrian Navies: Second Edition BUY FROM AMAZON.COM

Welcome and Thank You for visiting!

Welcome to the Internet website of the extended Borromeo Family of Cebu City, the Philippines.  I, Marc Evan Borromeo Nonnenkamp (age 63) am the author of this website, and my nephew, Matthew “Matt” Borromeo Atega Tan (age 43), is the administrator.  Before retiring from State Government, I was a professional tax accountant/auditor and manager for 28 years – 20 years in State Government & before that for 8 years in public accounting.  My nephew Matt (age 43) has been an information technology / MIS consultant, senior computer programmer and Senior Data Engineer with Beyond.com (2005-2007), Fordham University in New York (2007-2013), Citibank (2013-2019), PPD, Inc. (2019-2021). LaSalle Investment Management (2021-2024) and Reworld (since 2024) since graduating from college 20 years ago in 2005.  In early July 2013 we launched a brand new sister site at www.financialeconomicupdate.com.  The new site has had visitors from 120 countries and 50 US States speaking 109 different languages – the monthly financial blog has been part of our main website since December 2011. Five (5) of my books are now available as Amazon audio books:  https://www.audible.com/search?keywords=Marc+Nonnenkamp&k=Marc+Nonnenkamp&crid=cd4f22cad17740198d40e5d0ac9df018&sprefix=marc+nonnenkamp%2Cna-audible-us%2C219&i=na-audible-us&url=search-alias%3Dna-audible-us&ref=nb_sb_noss.

All of my published books on the history of the Borromeo family of Cebu City, the Philippines & beyond, on the history of the Volkswagen Group, on scale-model collectible cars and on the history of the German-speaking navies (Germany, Austria-Hungary, Venice, Brandenburg-Prussia and the Hanseatic League) may be purchased on the global Amazon.com network which sells retail items in the USA, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands, Gibraltar, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Liechtenstein, Poland, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Monaco, Spain, the Canary Islands, Portugal, the Azores, the Madeira Islands, Italy, San Marino, Sweden, Finland, Turkey, the Arab world (27 countries & territories), Australia, India, China and Japan.  My books may also be special-ordered at various “brick and mortar” retail book stores such as Barnes & Noble.

A heraldry & genealogy site based in France shows the ancestral link from the Borromeo family in the Philippines to the noble Borromeo family in Milan (Lombardy, northern Italy) and in turn to the Vitaliani family from Padua, Italy going back almost 1000 years: https://gw.geneanet.org/peter781?fbclid=IwAR3E_vc3zj3yddZPIwcr_z9SUPf5NJ5J1Nayo91SZZcUuMZFq9e2XUZqBQU&l1=31&l2=16&lang=fr&m=RL&n=dei+vitaliani&n1=borromeo+nonnenkamp&n2=vitaliani&nz=bachelier&p=sigifredo&p1=marc+evan&p2=osvaldo&pz=peter&spouse=on.  We are directly descended from the Borromeo family of Lombardy (from the year 1720), from the Vitaliani family of Padua (from the year 1416), from the Vitellus family of Pompeii (from the year AD 303), from the Imperial & Royal House of Brandenburg-Prussia (the Hohenzollern Dynasty of Germany from the year 1484) and from the House of Este (from the year 1239).  The House of Este is descended from the House of Welf, who ruled (or who still claim the throne) of the Kingdom of Bavaria, the Duchy of Brunswick, the British Empire, the Russian Empire, the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation and the Duchy of Modena in modern day Italy: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/House_of_Este.  Thanks to Peter Bachelier who continues to add information & data to this site.

Wilkommen und vielen Dank für Ihren Besuch!

Ich begrüße hiermit herzlichst meine deutschsprachigen Besucher aus aller Welt. Diese Webseite habe ich für die Familie meiner Mutter geschrieben, d.h. die Familie Borromeo aus der Stadt Cebu in den Philippinen. Ich heiße Marc Evan (Borromeo) Nonnenkamp, und bin 63 Jahre alt. Ich bin in Amerika geboren und aufgewachsen, und wohne nun im US-Bundesstaat Neumexiko. Beruflich war ich bis 2022 Steuerberater für Erdoel und Erdgas Produktionssteuern.  Ich bin seit März 2022 in Ruhestand.  Mein Vater Wilfried Erich Nonnenkamp (1934-2025) ist 1934 in Wilhelmshaven geboren, und in Bremen groß geworden. Er ist 1953 nach Kanada, und dann im Jahre 1956 nach Amerika ausgewandert. Beruflich war er Bankier, und war bis 2025 in Ruhestand.  Zwischen 1924 bis 1936 diente mein Großvater väterlicherseits, Wilhelm Johannes Nonnenkamp (1903-1972), bei der deutschen Reichsmarine, und zwar auf dem “Panzerschiff Deutschland.” Mein Urgroßvater Heinrich Nonnenkamp (1866-1936) arbeitete bei der deutschen Reichsbahn, und mein Ururgroßvater Wilhelm Nonnenkamp (1842-1933) diente als Musiker beim großherzogtümlichen Oldenburgischen Heer. Ich habe Artikel über die Geschichte der deutschen sowie der österreichischen Marine, die Geschichte der Gruppe Volkswagen, sowie über Sammlerautos hier geschrieben. Sie können auch über die Geschichte der Philippinen, sowie über die Geschichte der Familie Borromeo in den Philippinen und Italien lesen. Mein Großvater mütterlicherseits war einer der berühmtesten Richter der Philippinen – Richter Andrés Borromeo y Reynes (1880-1923). Seine Geschichte folgt ebenfalls.  Ich bin nun auch auf www.facebook.com.

June 11th, 2026 – the Feast Day of Saint Barnabas of Salamis, Apostle and Bishop of Milan (martyred in A.D. 75) and the 65th wedding anniversary of Wilfried Erich Nonnenkamp (1934-2025) and Hermenegilda Amor Victoria Rallos Borromeo Nonnenkamp (1922-2015)

My friends and former classmates Rusty Leopoldshagen (age 62), his wife Susie (age 61) and their family help me run these busy sites.  Rusty, Susie, children (Barbara & husband Eric and Wolfgang & wife Caitlyn), and my cousin Andy Borromeo Querouz (age 74) run various Facebook “Groups” which allow our visitors, friends and followers to interact with each other.  68 percent of our page hits since 2007 have come from Asia (number one visitor country being the Philippines), 19 from the Americas (number one visitor country being the USA), 9 percent from Europe (number one visitor country being Germany), 3 percent from Oceania (number one visitor country being Australia) and one percent from Africa.

Our two websites plus their 40 article page sites have received more than 123,465,746 page hits from 196 countries and territories on all 6 permanently inhabited continents – from people speaking 154 different languages – from April 2006 to the present.  Our most popular visitor cities include 1) Manila, 2) Cebu, 3) Makati 4) Mandaluyong, 5) Manhattan (New York City), 6) Quezon City, 7) Los Angeles, 8) Sydney 9) Albuquerque. 10) Santa Fe (New Mexico), 11) London, 12) Davao City, 13) Batangas, 14) Singapore, 15) San Francisco (California), 16) Rosario, 17) Dubayy, 18) Vienna, 19) Hamburg, 20) Milan, 21) Berlin, 22) Munich, 23) Chicago, 24) Houston, 25) Melbourne, 26) the Bronx (New York City), 27) Riyadh, 28) Hong Kong, 29) Bacolod, 30) Moscow, 31) Seattle, 32) Bremen, 33) Toronto, 34) Paris, 35) Cagayan de Oro, 36) Zürich, 37) Hannover, 38) Honolulu, 39) Rome, 40) Cologne, 41) Vancouver, 42) Iloilo, 43) Pasay, 44) Madrid, 45) Pasig, 46) Washington, D.C., 47) Las Vegas, 48) Brisbane and 49) San Jose (California). Here are more interesting statistics regarding our site.  We’ve had visitors from 4,120 cities in all 50 U.S. States and the District of Columbia in the United States.  The states where our site has been the most popular include in the following order: California (visits to our site from 388 cities in the Golden State), New York (216 cities in the Empire State), New Mexico (10 cities from the Land of Enchantment), Texas (136 cities in the Lone Star State), New Jersey (210 cities in the Garden State), Florida (146 cities from the Sunshine State), Illinois (160 cities from the Land of Lincoln), Washington (62 cities from the Evergreen State), Virginia (84 cities in the Old Dominion), Pennsylvania (145 cities from the Keystone State), Arizona (54 cities from the Grand Canyon State), Georgia (89 cities in the Peachtree State), Michigan (124 cities from the Wolverine State), Maryland (117 cities from the Old Line State), Ohio (110 cities from the Buckeye State), Hawaii (32 cities from the Aloha State), Nevada (21 cities from the Silver State), Oregon (57 cities from the Beaver State), Massachusetts (120 cities from the Bay State), Colorado (47 cities from the Centennial State), Kentucky (51 cities from the Bluegrass State), North Carolina (79 cities from the Tar Heel State), Connecticut (82 cities from the Constitution State), Missouri (62 cities in the Show Me State), the District of Columbia (3 wards), Minnesota (51 cities from the North Star State), Indiana (61 cities from the Hoosier State), Tennessee (58 cities from the Volunteer State), Wisconsin (55 cities from the Badger State), Alabama (27 cities from the Heart of Dixie), South Carolina (46 cities from the Palmetto State), Kansas (38 cities from the Sunflower State), Utah (24 cities from the Beehive State), Iowa (29 cities from the Hawkeye State), Nebraska (15 cities from the Cornhusker State), Oklahoma (20 cities from the Sooner State), Louisiana (21 cities from the Pelican State), Alaska (11 cities from the Last Frontier), Arkansas (25 cities from the Land of Opportunity), Rhode Island (19 cities from Little Rhody), Mississippi (19 cities from the Magnolia State), Idaho (18 cities from the Gem State), New Hampshire (23 cities from the Granite State), West Virginia (17 cities from the Mountain State), Maine (21 cities from the Pine Tree State), Vermont (14 cities from the Green Mountain State), Montana (7 cities from the Big Sky Country), Delaware (12 cities from the First State), South Dakota (8 cities from the Coyote State), Wyoming (7 cities from the Equality State) and finally North Dakota (3 cities from the Sioux State / the Flickertail State). We have received visitors from more than 4,235 cities and towns in 192 other countries: 92 cities from 26 Provinces in the Philippines, 524 cities from all 16 Länder in Germany, 377 cities from all 12 Provinces and Territories in Canada, 400 cities from all 4 Countries of the United Kingdom, 50 cities from all 9 States and Territories in Australia, 200 cities from 69 Provinces in Italy, 177 cities from 20 Provinces in France, 77 cities from all 9 Länder in Austria, 81 cities from 25 Oblasts, Republics, Krays and Autonomous Okrugs in Russia, 214 cities in the Netherlands, 3 cities in Singapore, 124 cities in Switzerland, 6 cities in the United Arab Emirates, 85 cities in Spain, 13 cities in Saudi Arabia, 55 cities in Romania, 136 cities in Belgium, 118 cities in Japan, 87 cities in Poland, 65 cities in the Czech Republic, 72 cities in Mexico, 64 cities in Sweden, 8 cities within the SAR (Special Administrative Region) of Hong Kong in Mainland China, 34 cities in Hungary, 61 cities in Brazil, 68 cities in Norway, 26 cities in New Zealand, 50 cities in India, 71 cities in South Africa, 59 cities in the Peoples’ Republic of China, 23 cities in Ireland, 34 cities in Turkey, 25 cities in Malaysia, 76 cities in Denmark, 23 cities in Croatia, 23 cities in Greece, 33 cities in South Korea, 13 cities in Thailand, 25 cities in Portugal, 35 cities in Finland, 23 cities in Argentina, 20 cities in Bulgaria, 24 cities in Slovenia, 29 cities in the Ukraine, 20 cities in Indonesia, 14 cities in Egypt, 3 cities in Qatar, 15 cities in Taiwan (the Republic of China, formerly known as “Formosa”), 18 cities in Serbia. 20 cities in Slovakia, 3 cities in Kuwait, 9 cities in Venezuela, 20 cities in Chile, 12 cities in Puerto Rico (a United States Commonwealth in the Caribbean), 10 cities in Colombia, 18 cities in Israel, 10 cities in Lithuania, 7 cities on Guam (a United States Territory in the Pacific Ocean), 7 cities in Morocco, 5 cities in Latvia, 7 cities in Peru, 7 cities in Iran, 3 cities in Guatemala, 3 cities in Bangladesh, 7 cities in Nigeria, 4 cities in Ecuador, 6 cities in Malta, 5 cities in Iceland, 2 cities each in Uruguay and the Bahamas, 3 cities in Bahrain, 4 cities in Luxembourg, 8 cities in Pakistan, 6 cities in Estonia, 9 cities in Vietnam, 4 cities in Syria, 4 cities in Brunei and 3 in Libya, 4 cities in Kenya, from Monaco, from 4 cities in Sri Lanka (formerly “Ceylon”), 4 cities in Montenegro and 2 in Jamaica, 4 cities in the Dutch Antilles, 2 cities in Armenia, 10 cities in Costa Rica, 3 cities in Moldova (formerly “Moldavia”), 4 cities in Lebanon, 4 cities in Macedonia, from 3 cities within the SAR (Special Administrative Region) of Macau in Mainland China, 5 cities in El Salvador, 4 cities in the Dominican Republic and 2 in Mauritius, 6 cities in Belarus (formerly “Byelorussia” or “White Russia”), 2 cities in Oman, 3 cities in Albania, one city in Georgia, 3 cities in Cameroon (former German West Africa), 2 cities in Trinidad & Tobago and 2 in Jordan, 3 cities in Cote d’Ivoire (formerly the “Ivory Coast”), 4 cities in Bolivia, 2 cities in Tunisia, 4 cities in Bermuda (a British Colony off the coast of the USA), 4 cities in Namibia (former German Southwest Africa), 3 cities in Cyprus, 3 cities in Fiji, 3 cities in Uganda, 3 cities in Paraguay, 3 cities in Liechtenstein, 3 cities in Papua New Guinea, 2 cities in Panama, 2 cities in Algeria, 2 cities in Cambodia, 2 cities in Senegal, 2 cities in Ghana, 2 cities in the Sudan, 2 cities in Togo, 2 cities in Laos, 2 cities in Honduras, 2 cities in Azerbaijan, 2 cities in Haiti, 2 cities in Tanzania (former German East Africa), 2 cities in Belize, 2 cities in Zambia (former Northern Rhodesia), 2 cities in Nepal, 2 cities in Zimbabwe (the former Rhodesia), 8 cities in Kazakhstan, one city in Burkina Faso (formerly “Upper Volta”), and from 8 cities in Bosnia-Herzegovina.  We have received a visit from one city each in Iraq, Ethiopia, the Isle of Man, Benin, Yemen, Botswana, Greenland, Guadaloupe, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Mali, Suriname, Guernsey (a Channel Island), Barbados, Madagascar, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (formerly “Zaire”), Tonga, the Northern Marianas (a US Commonwealth in the Pacific), East Timor, Afghanistan, Malawi, the Faeroe Islands (a Danish territory), Lesotho, St. Lucia, Palestine, the Seychelles, Nicaragua, Samoa (former German Samoa), Mali, Gambia, the Solomon Islands and Gibraltar. We have eighteen (18) online articles with more than 6,570 pages of text and illustrations – which include an extensive 744-page photo gallery, now divided into six (6) sub-categories complete with “thumbnails” for easier, quicker viewing.  All of our illustrations have descriptive captions.  The 11 book titles I have published since August 11, 2010 have a combined total of more than 5,826 pages of printed material – including both text and illustrations.

Mein Neffe Matthew Borromeo Atega Tan (1983 geboren) und ich haben diese Webseite im Jahre 2006 gegründet.  Von April 2006 bis heute haben wir mehr als 123,465,746 gezählte Web-Seitenbesuche (gesehen / besucht von oder “seen by” oder “hits” auf Englisch) und Internet-Suche aus 196 Ländern (Besucher aus 8,355 Städte weltweit) auf 6 Kontinenten, davon 8 Prozent deutschsprachige sowie deutschstämmige Webseitenbesucher, bekommen.  In unserer Photogallerie haben wir nun 744 Bilder.  Vielen Dank für Ihren Besuch!

The Grand Family Reunions and some of our Individual Visitors

The first Grand Reunion of the extended Reynes de Borromeo Family of Cebu City, the Philippines is now complete.  There was a May 24, 2008 public dedication ceremony to unveil the new monument to Judge Andrés Borromeo (1880-1923), the “Fighting Judge” of Surigao and Agusan.  More than 50 invited guests were in attendance, in addition to the public.  On the evening of May 24 there was a gathering at the home of Maxcy and Marivic Borromeo in Banilad, and on May 25 the same group of people reunited at the Borromeo Beach House in Talisay.  More than 120 family members were present at  each function. The May 2008 Grand Reunion was paid for by the Borromeo Bros. Estate, Inc. (“BBEI”).   The management of the company decided that the 2008 and 2011 reunions would only be for the descendants of José Maria Borromeo y Galan (1847-1930) and Margarita Sy Reynes de Borromeo (1853-1931).  I apologize for any confusion.  A second reunion took place from June 10-12, 2011 and the next one is scheduled for 2014.  190 family members (58% more than in 2008) attended the 2011 dinner at the Cebu City Ford dealership on June 10, the golf tournament on June 11 and the picnic at the Talisay Borromeo beach house on June 12.  The third Borromeo family reunion began at the Ford Dealership in Lahug on June 12, 2014 – 100 visitors attended the multi-day function compared to 120 people in 2008 and 190 in 2011.  The 4th reunion of the Borromeo Family of Cebu took place in Cebu City and at the Anika Beach Resort on Bantayan Island (at the far northern tip of Cebu Province) from May 18-21, 2017.  100 people attended the dinner at Casino Espanol in Cebu City on May 18 and 75 went to Bantayan Island for the next 2 nights.  A 5th family reunion will take place from June 25 to 28, 2026 at Bluewater Panglao Resort off the coast of Bohol.  A reception at Merienda Ceña at the Grand Hyatt in Cebu will precede the excursion to Bohol on June 24.  Transportation from Cebu to Bohol and back will be both by Fastcraft Ferry and by airplane.  

My Seventh Degree Cousins (estimated 7,144 family members worldwide)

We have heard from many people, including from Juan Carlos Cayosa Borromeo (from Cagayan Province on Northern Luzon), from Joni Loveria (from Bicol in southern Luzon), from the late Jackie Borromeo (the son of José Borromeo and grandson of Ramon Borromeo who was as a professional photographer in Antwerp, Belgium), from Carlos “Charlie” Borromeo of Pacific Heights in San Francisco, from Freddie Borromeo of Makati, from Rich Borromeo (in Mindanao), from Teodora “Doris” Borromeo De Los Santos Shinn (from Oregon), from Teresita Borromeo De Los Santos (the mother of Doris),  from Arthur Borromeo De Los Santos (a brother of Doris), from Michael Borromeo De Los Santos (another brother of Doris), from Angela Borromeo De Los Santos (a sister of Doris), from Ed Borromeo De Los Santos (yet another brother of Doris), from Theresa Borromeo De Los Santos (another sister of Doris), from Patty Borromeo De Los Santos (yet another sister of Doris), from Cynthia Borromeo De Los Santos Guzman (still another sister of Doris), from Carolina Soriano (a cousin of Doris), and from Rommel Borromeo Cristobal in Luzon, who may be related to Borromeo family in Cavite, where Carlo “Capitan Aro” (born 1720) settled in 1744.  Carlo came to Cavite from Canton, China and was both a harbor captain and a municipal official in Cavite.  We believe that he or one of his ancestors came to Canton from Northern Italy via Argentina – it is interesting to note that he spelled his given name as the Italian “Carlo” and not as the Spanish “Carlos.” Some of his descendants migrated to Iloilo on Panay, and then to Bacolod on Negros in the generation thereafter.  We believe that his son Carlo Borromeo II (born in Cavite in 1745) settled in Iloilo on Panay in 1769 – all of this finally confirmed by Freddie Borromeo of Manila – your contribution is much appreciated!  The Borromeo clans of Cavite (settled there in 1744) and in Iloilo (settled there in 1769) were professional mariners, the most successful of whom became harbor captains.  The Borromeo line from Cavite has modern day stout (“dako” in Tagalog) and thin (“mataba” in Tagalog) branches of the Borromeo family, as does the Borromeo line in Cebu (settled there in 1819).  Furthermore, the Borromeo line from Cavite eventually intermarried with the Borromeo line from Iloilo on Panay (settled there in 1769) and with the thin Borromeo line from Cebu (“mga niwang” in the Cebuano language).

My Sixth Degree Cousins (estimated 3,572 family members worldwide)

We have heard from Dax Ignacio Magahum from Anaheim, California, whose great-grandmother Carmen “Imen” Borromeo was born in Iloilo on the Island of Panay (circa 1890).  We have also heard from Ray Granada Pe, the great grandson of Mariano Borromeo and from Lia Padilla-Mendoza, who now lives in Parañaque (in Metro Manila).  One of his closer degree cousins is Jocelyn Borromeo-Sanchez, whose family also comes from Iloilo.  We have also heard from Hazel Borromeo Rivera, who is a great-granddaughter of Delgado Borromeo Magahum.  We believe that Carlo Borromeo II settled on Panay in 1769 (he spelled his first name with the Italian “Carlo”), and that his son Carlos Borromeo III was born in 1770 – this finally confirmed by Freddie Borromeo of Manila – many thanks for your help!  Carlos Borromeo III migrated to Cebu around 1794, and founded the two main lines of the modern Cebuano Borromeo clan.  Note: www.ancestry.com estimates the total number of my 1st through 6th degree cousins on both sides of my family at 13,210 individuals both living and deceased including their ancestors.

My Fifth Degree Cousins (a confirmed 1,802 family members worldwide)

We have also heard from Leonel “Waldo” Borromeo, Marily “Sister Esther” Borromeo Pagdato (a Dominican Sister in northern California), from Royce Casey M. Borromeo, from Christie Borromeo, from Buena Flor Borromeo Gamalong, from Omar Borromeo Sazon and from Michelle Borromeo in Negros, from Nilda Borromeo Servando (now residing in San Francisco, California), from Marijune Borromeo Hidalgo (living in London, England), from Mary Jane Borromeo Gamalong-Manalac in Wichita, Kansas as well as from Maureen Pescaia (of Aiea, Hawaii) who are descended from the line of Carlos Borromeo III (born in Iloilo in 1770), who settled in Bacolod in 1794.  Another visitor is Glenn Anthony Borromeo from Negros Oriental, who helped us to re-establish a direct link between the Borromeo clans of Cebu and Bacolod – much appreciated!  Carlos Borromeo IV (born in Bacolod in 1795) settled in Cebu City no later than 1819.

My Fourth Degree Cousins (a confirmed 1,417 family members worldwide)

Yet another visitor is Vincent Taylor Borromeo of the “Thin Borromeo” Line of Cebu – our common ancestor is Carlos Borromeo IV (born in 1795), who is my Great-great-great Grandfather. Vincent and I are cousins of the 4th degree. Other members of the “Thin Borromeo” line who have written in with appreciated corrections for their branch of our family or comments include Maricel Borromeo-Amores (a Human Resources Director in a Cebu City call center), Anna Mikaela Borromeo, Corito Escario Yu, Ramon Borromeo Parama (from Saudi Arabia), Constantine Edward Borromeo Dumayas (from Pennsylvania), Gary Taylor Borromeo (from Cebu City), Rovina Veloso Borromeo, Carlota Roxas Borromeo, Ramon Borromeo y Nicolas of Manila, Maria Carmina Borromeo Ramos (a daughter of my cousin Concepcion Borromeo Ramos), my aunt Coring Borromeo Thakuria & her husband Tito Nandi Thakuria, my aunt Lita Borromeo-Kindaca, John Borromeo Marvin-Kite and Lewis & Lucy Trosdal of Georgia. My first degree cousin Andrés “Andy” Borromeo Querouz and my aunt (my mother’s second degree cousin) Cora Quisumbing-King (from the Reynes side of the Borromeo family; Margarita Sy Reynes de Borromeo being my great-grandmother) have started a family tree on geni.com.  This includes Reynes branch family members, and has thus increased the known size of our extended family.   Note: www.ancestry.com estimates the total number of my 1st through 4th degree cousins on both sides of my family at 3,842 individuals both living and deceased including their ancestors.

My Third Degree Cousins (“mga tambok” Borromeo Line): a confirmed 901 family members worldwide

We have also heard from my 3rd degree cousins José Ozaraga Borromeo (from Texas), Maria Celine Reunilla Akstin (my 3rd degree cousin once removed), Maricar Monique Borromeo Murriel (my 3rd degree cousin once removed), Rory Yul Mendoza Borromeo, Ramon Borromeo Amparo from Northern Ireland, Dr. Napoleon “Nap” Morre Ranario from New Jersey, Emilio Jurado Borromeo III, from Emmanuelle “Remie” Borromeo-Barcelona, Pilar Borromeo-Garmsen (from Mandaluyong in Metro Manila), Rosie Borromeo-Rieth (from Singapore), Carl Ernest Borromeo Santos (from Maryland) as well as their nephew Tom Borromeo Berenguer, son of my 3rd cousin Gabriela “Bingo” Borromeo Berenguer. Another 3rd cousin of mine who has written in with additions to our site is Martonette Quijano Borromeo from Texas, whose parents celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary in June 2008 – Congratulations!  We have also heard from members of the Morre family in both California and New Jersey.  Yet another contributor is Dionisio Borromeo Venzon III, a son of my late third degree cousin Norma Morre Borromeo, as well as Christine Wild – a descendant of Vito & Juliana Borromeo.  Our common ancestors are Señor Don Maximo Borromeo y Feliz (1820-1892) and Señora Doña Hermenegilda Galan de Borromeo (“Nanay Binda,” after whom my late mother was named), who are our Great-great Grandparents.

My Second Degree Cousins (heirs of José Maria Borromeo y Galan): a confirmed 544 family members worldwide

Second cousins of mine who have written to us include Norman Cairo (grandson of Dr. Johnny Cairo Borromeo), Alexander J. Borromeo (from Louisville, Kentucky), Christina “Ina” Borromeo Gaston (from Bacolod on the Island of Negros), Gerardo “Dito” Vasquez Borromeo (from Metro Manila), Marissa Borromeo Diego, Deborah “Debbie” Suchman Zeolla (from Manhattan in New York City), John Harris Suchman (my godfather and the father of Debbie from Morristown, New Jersey), Eterio “Terry” Teves Herrera (from Sydney, Australia), Evangeline “Eve” Herrera Borromeo (also from Sydney, Australia), Alfonso “Sitos” Borromeo Morales and our nephew Stephen Borromeo Herrera Cañares (from Cebu City). Our common ancestors are our Great-Grandparents Señor Don José Maria Borromeo y Galan (1847-1930) and Señora Doña Margarita Sy Reynes de Borromeo, affectionately known as “Tatay Pepe” and “Nanay Titay.”

My First Degree Cousins (heirs of Judge Andrés Borromeo y Reynes): a confirmed 177 family members worldwide

We have heard from my first cousins and their children including the families Evelyn Gonzaga Borromeo-Cruz (widow of my late cousin Edmond Paterno Morrow Borromeo), Joseph Ken Querouz Delano (son of my cousin Marylynn “Mars” Borromeo Querouz), Achilles “Ike” Borromeo Querouz (all of his 3 children), Andrés “Andy” Filomeno Borromeo Querouz (he and 3 of his 4 children), Anunciacion “Anon” Borromeo Atega (from West Orange, New Jersey), Socorro “Baging” Borromeo Atega (Matt’s mother), Christine Atega Tan Ugang (Matt’s sister) and Vicente “Loloi” Borromeo Atega (from Cebu City). Our common ancestor is of course Judge Andrés Borromeo y Reynes (1880-1923).

The Sy Reynes Family (a confirmed 2,821 family members worldwide)

We have heard from my aunts Cora Quisumbing-King (from Wales in the United Kingdom) and Vising Quisumbing (who are sisters) and from Niki Labajos Reynes, who is the daughter of my third cousin Ricard Cortes Reynes and his wife Fineza Labajos Reynes.  The Reynes family is related to the Borromeo family – the mother of my late maternal grandfather Judge Andrés Borromeo y Reynes (1880-1923) was my great-grandmother Margarita Sy Reynes de Borromeo (1853-1931).

The Bonjoc de Rallos Family (a confirmed 213 family members worldwide)

We have also heard from some members of the extended Rallos family, which is the family of my maternal grandmother Anunciacion Rallos de Borromeo (1885-1938).  These include the families of my mother’s second degree cousins Dr. Jesus “Tuting” Rallos Camara (San José, California), Benjamin “Ben” Rallos Camara (San José, California), Belen Camara Brown (Chicago, Illinois), Carmen Camara Verduzco (México City, México) and Milagros Villamor Young (Pearl City, Hawaii).  We have also heard from Jun Velez, a great-great-great grandson of Florentino Rallos, who was the Mayor of Cebu City from 1899 until 1908.

Unique Contributions (from Argentina, Brazil, Spain, Corsica, Italy and the Czech Republic)

One young man named Sebastian Borromeo wrote from Argentina to let us know that there are Borromeos there as well! It makes good sense, because many Italian immigrants settled in Argentina (in fact, Italians are the largest ethnic group in that country, making up 50% of the population). One visitor from Spain interested in Philippine history (Mr. Alfonso Velázquez) kindly sent us more information on my late maternal grandfather, Judge Andrés Borromeo y Reynes, which has been added to our site. We recently posted yet another page to the site (under “contributions”), which is a Roman Catholic prayer book written by my maternal grandmother, Anunciacion “Anon” Bonjoc Rallos de Borromeo (1885-1938), and published in the Cebuano language in 1923. My aunt, Carolina Mendiola Borromeo, was kind enough to translate the Cebuano prayer book and the Spanish article on Judge Andrés Borromeo into English for us.  We have also heard from the French-speaking “Borromei” family on Corsica, and from the Vitaliani-Borromeo of Italy.  “Borromei” is the Latin spelling of the surname “Borromeo.”  Another contact is Gilson Borromeu de Cardoso of Sao Paolo, Brazil.  “Borromeu” is the Portuguese spelling of the surname Borromeo.  We have also heard from Libuse “Liba” Gonsiorovsky, originally of Prague in the Czech Republic (now living in Phoenix, Arizona).  Liba’s father’s great-great uncle was the Roman Catholic Bishop Carolus Borromeo Schwartz.

The Italian Connection (possible Eighth Degree Cousins and  Beyond – an estimated 14,288 family members-plus worldwide)

We have also heard from Osvaldo Vitaliani, (born in the city of Bozen, which is the capital of the German-speaking South Tyrol region of Northern Italy) a professional chef and entrepreneur now living and working in Bucarest, Romania.  The Vitaliani family are actually the origin of the Borromeo family of Milan, Italy – a genealogical link which goes back to the 15th century.  The family tree of the Vitaliani goes back to A.D. 66. Other new friends are the owners of the “Borgovico Como” hotel on Lake Como (one of Italy’s famous sub-Alpine lakes) – not far from the Borromean home of Milan in Northern Italy.  Note: www.ancestry.com estimates the total number of my 1st through 8th degree cousins on both sides of my family at 696,875 individuals both living and deceased including their ancestors.  Osvaldo’s friend and an expert in genealogy & heraldry, Peter Bachelier from Brittany, has traced our common ancestries back more than 900 years, connecting us to European houses such as Hohenzollern (from Brandenburg-Prussia) and d’Este from northern Italy – the origin of the houses of Ferrara, Modena, the Papal States, Welf, Bavaria, Brunswick, Hannover & England.

The Vitaliani-Borromeo Line (possible cousins of the 19th Degree and Beyond – an estimated 29,261,824 people worldwide!

The Borromeo family of Italy became “separate” from the Vitaliani family when they adopted this new surname in 1416.  We thank him for the additions to our genealogical history.  Please see our “Origin of the Borromeo Surname” web page to view a list of 578 Vitaliani and Borromeo family members born in between A.D. 66 and 1779.  One family member residing on Corsica (an Italian-speaking island now part of France) wrote to us as well.  He spells his surname “Borromei,” which is the Latin spelling of the name.  I estimate that everyone alive on the earth today has at least one common ancestor born around 1244 in the 13th century, making every human being a cousin of at least the 27th degree.  Note: data from www.ancestry.com indicates that all human beings are even more closely related – likely to the 14th degree.  DNA histories done through wegene.com go back as far as 34,300 years and show how all modern human beings are descended from the first prehistoric human remains discovered in Africa.

A Brief Summary of our Articles

1.) The origin of the surname “Borromeo” (originally from Milan in Northern Italy) and the history of the Philippines within the history of the world. The Borromeo family of Italy can trace its ancestral line back to the year 303, when a martyr of the early Christan Church was killed (Saint Justina of the Vitaliani family, which is the origin of the Borromeo family of Milan).  The Borromeo family of Milan, Italy “branched off” from the Vitaliani family of Padua, Italy in 1416.  The Vitaliani family has a genealogy which reaches back to A.D. 66, and this can go back as far as 292 B.C., when their forefathers lived in the town of Nocera, a suburb 8 miles from Pompei (under the surname of “Vitellius.”).  The surname “Borromeo” ranks number 18,056 in the world out of 12,433,563 surnames worldwide in terms of the number of people who carry this name.  31,009 people worldwide have the last name “Borromeo,” of whom 26,648 reside in the Philippines.  The countries which have the largest number of Borromeos after the Philippines are the USA (1,374 people), Italy (731 people in the country of the name’s origin in the region of Lombardy), Saudi Arabia (710 people most of whom are overseas Filipino workers), Mexico (472 people in what is yet another former Spanish Colony as was the Philippines), Peru (168 people), Canada (148 people), Spain (110 people), Qatar (95 people) and Argentina (91 people).  462 Borromeos live in other countries around the world.

Included in “The Borromeo Family of Cebu” by Marc E. Nonnenkamp (ISBN 978-1460908082 and now available on www.amazon.com through CreateSpace for $17.99).  The Amazon Kindle e-book edition (ASIN B004VMONZG) retails for $9.99.  Press release on Yahoo.com News (October 10, 2012): http://news.yahoo.com/book-borromeo-family-cebu-explores-120000775.html.

2.) The history of the Borromeo family within the Philippines since Carlo “Capitan Aro” Borromeo settled there in 1740. Our ancestors first settled in Cavite on Luzon, and eventually spread out to Iloilo on Panay, to Bacolod on Negros and finally to Cebu City. This section contains the genealogy and history of all Philippine Borromeo family members including my second, third, fourth and fifth degree cousins. See the section on Judge Andrés Borromeo to read about my first degree cousins.

Included in “The Borromeo Family of Cebu” by Marc E. Nonnenkamp (ISBN 978-1460908082 and now available on www.amazon.com through CreateSpace for $17.99).   The Amazon Kindle e-book edition (ASIN B004VMONZG) retails for $9.99.  Press release on Yahoo.com News (October 10, 2012): http://news.yahoo.com/book-borromeo-family-cebu-explores-120000775.html.

3.) The history of my late maternal grandfather, Judge Andrés Borromeo y Reynes (1880-1923), who was one of the most famous and illustrious provincial judges in the history of the Philippines – he won a landmark Supreme Court case defending the very concept of the independence of the Judicial Branch of Government. This section also contains the genealogy and history of his descendants, being the group of my first degree cousins.  The end of the article features the Rallos family tree and history, with 5 generations and 213 family members listed thus far.

This subject matter is included in “The Borromeo Family of Cebu” by Marc E. Nonnenkamp (ISBN 978-1460908082 and is available onwww.amazon.com through CreateSpace for $17.99).   The Amazon Kindle e-book edition (ASIN B004VMONZG) retails for $9.99.  This was the press release on Yahoo.com News (October 10, 2012):http://news.yahoo.com/book-borromeo-family-cebu-explores-120000775.html.  “The Borromeo Family of Cebu” has received 13,236 “Likes” and “Shares” on all known sites including Facebook and WordPress – with 16,434 sales on Amazon Kindle and 566 paperback sales to date.  Thank you very much for your support and for your interest!

4.) The Family Tree of the Borromeo Family of Cebu City, the Philippines going back to 1720.  11 generations and 1,966 family members listed thus far, preceded by 24 generations of the Vitaliani-Borromeo family of Padua and Milan, Italy – for a grand total of 35 generations from 1084 to the present (1,966 Philippine Borromeos plus 578 Italian Vitaliani-Borromeos).

Included in “The Borromeo Family of Cebu” by Marc E. Nonnenkamp (ISBN 978-1460908082 and now available on www.amazon.com through CreateSpace for $17.99).   The Amazon Kindle e-book edition (ASIN B004VMONZG) retails for $9.99.  Press release on Yahoo.com News (October 10, 2012): http://news.yahoo.com/book-borromeo-family-cebu-explores-120000775.html.

5.) The history of the Borromeo Business Group of the Philippines, incorporated from the Estate of my great-grandparents José Maria Borromeo y Galan (1847-1930) and Margarita Sy Reynes de Borromeo (1853-1931). The history goes back to 1740, when Carlo “Capitan Aro” Borromeo arrived in the Philippines and continues to this day. Business activities of other relatives in the extended family are discussed as well.

Note: the “official” Internet website of the Borromeo Group of Companies may be accessed at http://www.borromeobrosestate.com/index.php.

6.) My own story, which includes my first hand experience of the Terror Attack on New York City on September 11, 2001. I was born in New York City in 1962 (in Elmhurst in Queens) and grew mostly in Danville in Northern California from 1967 until 1987.  I earned an M.B.A. at the Mason School of Business at The College of William and Mary in Virginia and lived in Virginia until 1991.  I was in Atlanta, Georgia until 1994 and in Arizona until January 2000.

7.) Published as a two-book volume by CreateSpace of Santa Cruz, California – an Amazon subsidiary Company (Volume Number One: ISBN 978-1456573027 and Volume Number Two: ISBN 978-1-1461013372 ): “The German and the Austrian Navies / Die Deutsche und die Österreichische Marine.”  MSRP = $19.99 paperback for Volume One and $18.99 for Volume Two; both Authorlink-made e-book editions are also available – $9.99 for Volume One and $8.99 for Volume Two as Amazon Kindle books on www.amazon.com.  At least 10,776,982 page hits have been received by my articles on the German & Austro-Hungarian Navy books since they were first published in November 2006 either in paperback format (Amazon Create Space Publishing), in e-book format (Amazon Kindle Publishing) or on this site.  My books on the German and Austrian Navies have received at least 66,026 “likes” on various websites.

The German and the Austrian Navies: Volume One & Volume Two – Second Edition

June 20, 2015

This is the second edition of “The German and the Austrian Navies” – Volume One by self-published author Marc E. Nonnenkamp. A full time royalty accountant and auditor for US federal crude oil, natural gas and coal royalties has written about one of his favorite subjects – this is a unique and comprehensive literary catalog history of named vessels which have served in the German-speaking Navies of the world. The author’s paternal grandfather served in the interwar German “Reichsmarine” from 1924-1936 and his late cousin Gerd Nonnenkamp served in the postwar “Bundesmarine” during the 1960s and 1970s. The first edition of Volume One featured 36 Black & White Illustrations, whereas this second edition of Volume One has 153 mostly color illustrations (where the original illustration was in color) – hence the higher retail price which was set by the publishing company and not by the author. Students of German and Austrian Naval history will appreciate the book’s detail and depth. Battleships, Battlecruisers, Dreadnoughts, Pre-Dreadnoughts, Armored Coastal Ships, Casemate Ships, Heavy Cruisers, Armored Cruisers, Armored Frigates, Sailing Frigates, Light Cruisers, Small Cruisers, Armored Corvettes, Sailing Corvettes, Brigs, Galiots, Batteries, Schooners, Sloops, smaller sailing vessels and Wooden Sailing Ships – they’re all here. This is Marc E. Nonnenkamp’s 4th book on the subject of the German-speaking Navies of Germany, Austria, Austria-Hungary, Venice, the Holy Roman Empire, the Hanseatic League Cities, West Germany and even the former East Germany. These books have been read by more than 10,776,982 Naval history buffs from 196 countries on 6 continents. The first editions of the author’s 2 Volume work received a good review written by Walter “Winn” Price of the US Naval Historical Foundation in Washington, D.C. and have received over 15,000 “Likes” and “Shares” on their website. In addition to being endorsed by the US Navy, Marc E. Nonnenkamp’s books are also endorsed by the US Army – California National Guard. The author served in the US Naval Sea Cadet Corps at the former Alameda Naval Air Station from 1974-1978 in both the USS Midway and USS Hancock Squadrons. Mr. Nonnenkamp’s first published work on the German-speaking navies of the world became available to the public in November 2006. His four (4) books on the subject have consistently ranked among the most searched books about this subject in the English language in countries such as the USA, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, the UK, France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Australia, India, Japan and China. “The German and the Austrian Navies”: Volume One – Second Edition was released on May 1, 2015 (Volume Two was released on June 20, 2015) and has an overall ranking of # 86,800 among all published books and magazines (of which more than 210 million have been published since the beginning of time).  My books on the German-speaking Navies rank number 40 in the subject of German history in the entire world (as of July 11, 2015). MSRP = $59.99 Paperback and Soft Cover in Full Color with comprehensive matching subject index, list of illustrations and Chapters (Volume One) and $57.99 (Volume Two). MSRP = $9.99 Amazon Kindle E-Book Edition (Volume One) and $4.49 (Volume Two). Product Details File Size: 22213 KB Volume One Print Length: 574 pages (Amazon Kindle) – 493 pages (Create Space Paperback with matching Index).  Volume Two Print Length: 361 pages (Amazon Kindle) – 480 pages (Create Space Paperback with matching Index). Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc. Language: English ASIN: B00WYOT89Y Text-to-Speech: Enabled X-Ray: Not Enabled Word Wise: Not Enabled Lending: Enabled.

My German and Austrian Navy books ranked number 8 in German and Austrian history books in Germany and Austria as of April 9, 2015, number in 9 in books about German history in Japan as of October 16, 2016, number 16 in books about European history in Japan as of October 16, 2016 and number 20 among English-language history books in Spain as of December 13, 2016.  At least 210 million unique ISBN numbers have been issued for all books and editions of books written since the beginning of recorded human history.

8.) Volkswagen: ein Wagen für das Volk – eine Geschichte des Erfolgs                           Authored by               Mr. Marc E. Nonnenkamp                            Edition: 2 This is the second edition of “Volkswagen: a Car for the People – a Success Story.”  The first edition was published in 2011 and has been read by more than 39,000 people from 185 countries.  It has been most popular among air-cooled Volkswagen enthusiasts.  The book tells the fascinating story of the history behind Volkswagen, especially behind the original air-cooled Volkswagen Beetle Sedan and its many derivatives.  The history began with Dr. Ferdinand Porsche, Sr., his contemporary Dr. Hans Ledwinka and with their unique engineering ideas including horizontally-opposed cylinders (the “boxer motor” still manufactured by Porsche and by Fuji-Subaru), air-cooling (still manufactured by Tatra of the Czech Republic), swing-axle suspension and the central tube chassis.  Tatra (Hans Ledwinka) is one of the oldest vehicle manufacturers in the world whereas Volkswagen (Ferdinand Porsche) is one of the most prolific.  This book tells the story behind the Volkswagen Type 1 (Beetle, Karmann-Ghia, Thing, Kübelwagen, Schwimmwagen, Kommandeurwagen and many more), the Volkswagen Type 2 (Samba Microbus, Bay Window Bus, Wedge or “Vanagon” Bus, Eurovan and Multivan), the Volkswagen Type 3 (Notchback, Squareback, Fastback and Razor Edge Karmann-Ghia) and Type 4 (411, 412, Porsche 912 and Porsche 914).  It also tells the story of their successors which saved Volkswagen from what would have been an early demise – water-cooled cars inspired by Volkswagen’s Audi subsidiary which they purchased from Daimler-Benz of Germany in 1964-1965.  The A-Class succeeded the venerable Type 1 – these included the Volkswagen Rabbit, Scirocco, Golf, Jetta and Corrado.  The C-Class succeeded the mid-sized Type 3 range – cars such as the Volkswagen Dasher, Quantum and Passat.  The range of luxury cars succeeded the Type 4 – cars bearing the Audi brand name and others such as the Volkswagen Phaeton (other VW Group luxury brand names include Bentley, Lamborghini and Bugatti).  The premium SUV is the Volkswagen Touareg / Audi Q7 / Porsche Cayenne / Bentley Bentayga / Lamborghini Urus.  The second edition of “Volkswagen: a Car for the People – a Success Story” is published in full color with 96 illustrations compared to the first edition which was published in Black & White with just 21 illustrations.  This book was ranked number 6,453 among all books and number 2 among automotive history in books in Australia as of February 16, 2015.  It was ranked number 2 among all automotive books in Japan as of February 28, 2015 and number 16 among automotive history books in the USA as of November 28, 2016.

Publication Date:

Feb 14 2015

ISBN/EAN13:

1507728751 / 9781507728758

Page Count:

336

Binding Type:

US Trade Paper

Trim Size:

7″ x 10″

Language:

English

Color:

Full Color

Related Categories:

Transportation / Automotive / History

At least 11,882,690 page hits have been received by my 3 Volkswagen books since they were first published in November 2006 either in paperback format (Amazon Create Space Publishing), in e-book format (Amazon Kindle Publishing) or on this site.

The illustrations for my book have the official endorsement of www.thesamba.com(the largest VW enthusiast website, with more than 75 million vistors, 279 million visits and 4.9 BILLION page views since they were established in 1996).  VW is the largest automaker in Europe and one of the largest corporations in the world.

My VW book & Toy book store on www.thesamba.com has received 11,252 customers to date.  Thank you very much for your support and for your interest!  My VW books have 9,383 “Likes” and “Shares” on all known sites, 700 purchases through Amazon Kindle and 8,683 paperback copies through Amazon, Create Space and Barnes & Noble.

9.) Published as a book by CreateSpace of Santa Cruz, California – an Amazon subsidiary company: “Scale Model Collectible Cars – with Official Corgi Toys Catalogue Illustrations.” (ISBN 978-1460915028).  MSRP = $19.99 paperback and the CreateSpace-made Amazon Kindle edition (ISBN 978-1-61397-281-6 and ASIN B004WSXFLM) retails for just $9.99.  The Kindle version features working links to and from both illustrations & chapters, working Internet links and detailed dictionary descriptions – and is now enrolled in the Amazon Kindle Select lending library as well.  Major international press release to 28,908 media contacts in 41 countries around the world on July 16, 2012:http://www.mmdnewswire.com/marc-nonnenkamp-scale-model-collectible-cars-114466.html.  This press release has received 147 responses as of April 5, 2013 – a phenomenal performance where 15 replies is considered to be very good.  Thanks so much for your support and for your interest!

Information on the collection of diecast miniature cars, one of my own hobbies. Brands mentioned (the most common in my own collection) include “Matchbox-Dinky,” “Corgi,” “Minichamps,” “Wiking,” “Schuco-Schabak-Gama,” “Brekina,” “Welly,” “Ixo,” “Vitesse,” “Rio,” “Solido,” “Igra,” “Ertl,” “New Ray,” “Jouef,” “Franklin Mint,” “Tonka-Polistil,” “Budgie,” “BUB,” “Cursor” and “Tomica.”  The illustrations for my book have been endorsed by Hornby Hobbies of the United Kingdom, who own the Corgi, Lledo, Jouef, Airfix, Humbrol, Scalextric, Rivarossi, Slot-it and Tomy Tomica brands.  Hornby is the largest toy company in the UK.  Hornby is the largest toymaker in the United Kingdom.  My toy car book is featured on 7 Internet sites in 4 countries (the USA, the UK, France and the Philippines).  This book ranked number 24 among all toy books in the UK as of April 13, 2015, number 16 among antique & collectible toy books in the USA as of December 29, 2018 and number 3 in the same category in the Netherlands as of February 15, 2019.  “Scale Model Collectible Cars” ranked number 5 among all collectible toy books in Germany and Austria as of April 15, 2019.  At least 210 million unique ISBN book titles have been published since the beginning of time.

At least 2,552,127 page hits have been received by my books on toy cars since they were first published in November 2006 either in paperback format (Amazon Create Space Publishing), e-book format (Amazon Kindle) or on this site.  My toy book store on www.thesamba.com com has received 3,000 customers and my online store on www.ebay.com has been visited by 11,252 customers to date.  “Scale Model Collectible Cars” has had 329 sales on Amazon Kindle and 6,096 paperback copies sold through Amazon, Create Space, Barnes & Noble and E-Bay).  Thank you very much for your support and for your interest!

10.)  An article on the Nonnenkamp family tree and genealogical history, with 16 generations and 562 family members listed (“Stammbaum der Familie Nonnenkamp” in German).  A number of family members have written into our site, including Ann-Kathrin Nonnenkamp, Michael Nonnenkamp, Gerrit Nonnenkamp, Manfred Friedrich Wilhelm Nonnenkamp, Ingrid Doerge Nonnenkamp, Donald Henry Nonnenkamp, Birgit Nonnenkamp-Colditz, J.P. Nonnenkamp, Moritz Nonnenkamp, Sandra Nonnenkamp, Thomas Hans Nonnenkamp, Susanne Nonnenkamp, Wilfried Erwin Nonnenkamp, Stefan Nonnenkamp, Harald Nonnenkamp Büntjen, Ralf Büntjen, Gaby Büntjen Eden, Bill Hinkle, Ina Nonnenkamp, Ronja Nonnenkamp, Karen Nonnenkamp-Smyth, Jörg Klaus Nonnenkamp, Jannik Nonnenkamp, Jennifer Nonnenkamp, Gerd Nonnenkamp, Monika Nonnenkamp, Nicole Nonnenkamp-Foadi, Bernd Nonnenkamp, Uwe Nonnenkamp Heine, Heinz-Dieter & Natalie Z. Nonnenkamp, Klaus-Dieter & Lee R. Nonnenkamp, Bradley R.  Nonnenkamp, Peter R. Nonnenkamp, Wilhelm J. & Ursula Nonnenkamp, Dimitri Alexander Nonnenkamp, Heinrich & Elke von Schletz Nonnenkamp, Carl & Senta B. Nonnenkamp, Hermann & Rosemarie Albach Nonnenkamp, David Christopher A. Nonnenkamp, Sarah Magdalena A. Nonnenkamp, Friedrich & Kaye Sorensen Nonnenkamp, Samuel H. Nonnenkamp, Sheena H. Nonnenkamp, Adam & Doris Braun Nonnenkamp, Alma Doris Nonnenkamp, Rusty Nonnenkamp Leopoldshagen and Martin Nonnenkamp.

Now published through CreateSpace of Santa Cruz, California (an Amazon subsidiary company) and available on www.amazon.com for the MSRP of $17.99 paperback and $9.99 as an Amazon Kindle e-book:  “The Borromeo Family of Cebu” by Marc E. Nonnenkamp (released on March 11, 2011).    98,253,948 page visits have been received by my book on the Borromeo family November 2006 either in paperback format (Amazon Create Space Publishing), in e-book format (Amazon Kindle) or on this site.

My Borromeo Book has ranked as high as # 1 in relevance to the name “Borromeo” (as of June 29, 2011), # 11 rated in books on Italy (as of July 10, 2011), # 23 rated in books on Italian history (as of April 21, 2011), # 34 in sales on Italian history (as of April 13, 2011), # 38 in Philippine history (as of April 8, 2011), # 73 in Southeast Asian history (as of June 11, 2011), # 61,967 as an e-book (as of April 8, 2011) and # 66,311 among paperback and hard-cover books (as of February 16, 2013).  Featured by the Borromeo Country Hotel in Milan, Italy (just 5 minutes from the Linate International Airport).  My book on the Borromeo Family of Cebu is on the Amazon “Bestseller” list in the USA (the top one percent of retail products).  Many thanks for the personal compliments to Mayor Mike Rama of Cebu City, Tita Meluz Borromeo Solan, Tita Carol Mercado Ocampo, Tito “Nene” Federico & Tita Nena Noel Borromeo, Pilar Barredo Borromeo Garmsen, Tom Barredo Borromeo, Lito Barredo Borromeo, Kevin & Evelyn Gonzaga Borromeo Cruz, Marjoe Borromeo, Anon Borromeo Atega, Baging Borromeo Atega, Paolo Tan Ugang, Bob & Pauly Skiba, Steve Roth, Bob & Michael Maria Roth, George Conkey & Edna Mae Kirke, Rusty & Susie Leopoldshagen, Barb Leopoldshagen Sibley, B. & Barbara Barskamp Tigerfeld, L. & B. Barskamp, S. Katzenberg, P. Barskamp, William Frederick Benecke, A. Armsen, Tony Remedios & M. Cruz, S. Eichhorn, Balder & Penny von Solar, Heather Ashley Nesselsdorfer Novak Dickinson, Paul & Marilyn Dickinson, Nikki Dickinson, N. Nesselsdorfer, Onkel Heinz & Aunt Natalie W. Nonnenkamp, Sherry Augusta Wiemerskamp Hummel, Steven & Martha Hummel Seagram, Frederick Christian & Adelheid Wiemerskamp Hummel, Nana Wiemerskamp, Sharon Carter, Julie Nolan, Sarah Franzen, Kaye Sorensen, O. & Samantha Mercier, Marsha Zyma, Hildegard Doorman, Sheri Myslowietz, Steffi Morawietz, George Afferden, Jack & Deloris Barrett, Sonny Hasenmoor, Frederick Perry, James Reyes, Eterio “Terry” Borromeo Herrera, Gilson Borromeo Cardozo, Keith White, Steve Vigil, Nilda Borromeo, Doris Braun, Kathy Dunne, Melissa Webber and Francisco M. from Portugal.

Press release on Yahoo.com News (October 10, 2012):http://news.yahoo.com/book-borromeo-family-cebu-explores-120000775.html.

This press release was sent to 6,539 media outlets including Yahoo News, NBC News, Bloomberg News, Reuters News Service, CBS News Los Angeles, CBS News Chicago, CBS News Philadelphia, CBS News San Francisco, CBS News Dallas, ABC News Raleigh, ABC News Houston, ABC News Philadelphia, ABC News New York, the Anchorage Daily News, the Contra Costa Times, the El Paso Times, the Houston Chronicle, the Los Angeles Daily News, the Las Cruces Sun News, Minnesota Public Radio, the Oakland Tribune, the Buffalo News, the Sacramento Bee, the Wichita Eagle and many more.  This press release has generated 72 responses to date – wonderful considering that 15 replies is very high for any press release at all!  Thank you so very much for your interest and your support!

Recipes contributed to the Family Reunion Cookbook

My second cousins Susanna “Susie” Borromeo Milne and her sister Christina “Ina” Borromeo Gaston are collecting recipes from family members and compiling them into a new book which will be shared with family members (along with a photo album of past and present family members) after the grand reunion in Cebu City. Below are three recipes contributed by my late mother Hermenegilda “Gilda” Amor Victoria Borromeo Nonnenkamp (May 31, 1922-August 26, 2015):

Apple Cake

Peel three large apples, and then cut them into small chunks.  Place the cut apples into a mixing bowl.  Pour two cups of white or brown sugar over the apple chunks in your bowl, and then let them stand.  Now pour two cups of flour into the same bowl.  Add one teaspoon of cinnamon and one teaspoon of baking soda into the bowl as well.  Then add the previously cut apples into the growing mixture in your bowl.  Now add the following ingredients into your bowl: two unbeaten eggs, two teaspoons of vanilla, 3/4 cup of vegetable oil, one-half cup of nuts and finally one-half cup of raisins.  Add water as needed, mix all of the ingredients in your bowl and then place the mixture into a container such as a glass pyrex to bake for 45 to 50 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit in your oven.

Chicken with Cream of Mushroom

Use eight various pieces of fried chicken, with the skin removed if you so desire. Slice a large onion into many thin pieces, then chop it up into even smaller pieces and place both the chicken and the onion aside for the moment. Pour one can of “cream of mushroom” soup, plus a little corn starch and one cup of milk into a bowl to mix these ingredients. Then set aside one to two teaspoons of basil flakes, soy sauce and a bottle of white wine. Directions: Saute the chopped onion with two to three tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Now add the chicken pieces and allow them to cook with the chopped onion and olive oil for a few minutes. Take the bowl with the mix (from above) and make sure it is mixed until it is smooth – then add it to your cooking chicken, allowing it to cook for a few more minutes. Now sprinkle the two teaspoons of basil flakes and some soy sauce to the cooking chicken and allow it to simmer until it becomes tender. Add a touch of white wine, mix and serve.

Pork or Chicken Adovo (dated September 30, 2013)

I use lean pork, diced to about one inch squares (chicken meat is another option).  Wash the meat in cold water about three times.  Keep some of the almost-clear water in the pot and boil until the meat is almost dry, then add some olive oil and the following spices (seasonings) to your liking:
Nutmeg powder, Cloves powder, Garlic powder, Soy Sauce – sprinkle sparingly, Black Powdered Pepper – sparingly.  Let the meat brown.  Add one cup of hot water and some more garlic powder and a little soy sauce.  Now put the pot into the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit and check about every hour by piercing the meat with a fork.  When the meat is tender enough for you it is done and ready to be served.  It is normally better a day or two after.  Enjoy !

121 Comments »

121 Responses to “Welcome to TheBorromeoFamily.com”

  1. on 09 May 2008 at 04:24pmpradotonivi

We are very excited of the forthcoming family reunion. We are interested and we want to attend.What is the address in Talisay?  I’m sure we are going to find it because we are just residing in Mambaling.  My grandfather, Juan Veloso Borromeo belongs to the biggest family in Cebu, being the youngest sibling of 18 children.  I want to send you their family picture, it is a very old one as soon as I have my scanner connected.  Kc or karla christina borromeo detoya is my first degree cousin.  At the moment she is in Los Angeles visiting her parents but she is a medical student at the university of the Philippines.  We love you and your website!

  1. on 24 Jul 2009 at 07:28pmtey12tey

hi im michelle borromeo, and i’m just wondring if you happen to came across the name of my grandfather Carlos Borromeo he was from hinigaran negros occidental and was married to maura batalla. I just want to know more about my lineage because all i know are my first cousins, and when i see this site.. i was trilled.. reading about the history of borromeo’s… thank you so much for doing this for our family!

  1. on 05 Sep 2009 at 21:36pmry_troy24

Hi I’m Rey Payan Borromeo, I’m working here in UAE as a Nurse. I am happy to have visited and logg in my account to this great website. I just want to know if you happen to came across with my grand father Eusebio Aguilor Borromeo, Sr. and his father Clemente Borromeo my great grand father. They were settlers of Camiguin Island way back Spanish times. My grand father told our father that he has a cousin in Cebu. But my grand father has no chance to meet them because he felt lonely that time when his both parents died at Camiguin Island when he was a child. My grand father was the “only son”. In his mature age he then migrated to Cagayan de Oro City and he owned a living and properties there. Also in Butuan and Agusan Bayugan dos, and In-fact becasue of his generousity he donated 2 hectars of the land for the building of Elementary school in Bayugan Dos Agusan, to where the principal of the school asked my grand father to named the school after Him. But my grand father refused the offer becasue my grand father was so low-profile in nature. Untill he migrated to Compostella Valley province, North Davao where he owned properties also and lives there a couple of years to where my father was born. He then wanting a new advanture and that time he leave the place and gave the property to the teenance because of his generosity. He then migrated to Davao City to where he lives and work at Sarmento company as an accountant. My grand father was an adventurous man, and because of it he resigned to his permanent job and migrated to General Santos City and also owned properties there to where he sold it because of conflict and misunderstanding between my grand mother. Years by years they migrated to Sultan Kudarat (Kalamansig) Cotabato my grand mother’s place (Ilocano) to where she owned a rice field there, then they settled there until his death. Until such time my father Alberto Balmonte Borromeo, Sr. came to Digos City Davao del Sur and met my mother and got married and lived there and there I was born. Well thank you, for the time and oppurtunity to try to trace my lineage here. Hope sooner or later I get a significant reply from one of your staff.  Thank you so much for all your hard work on this wonderful website! Sincerely, Rey Payan Borromeo ry_troy24@yahoo.com mission as a military man. and came across to meet my mom and they got married.

  1. on 21 Aug 2010 at 20:46 pmwebbor

Um. Excuse me. So am I related to all of you guys? I really have no idea. My father was born in Cebu and my grandfather named Vicente Borromeo just passed away and my great grandfather was Leon Borromeo. I’m sure that’s barely enough information though.  You guys have the most awesome website!

  1. on 02 July 2015 at 20:19 pm

I am not related to your Familia, but I appreciate this site very much.  My name is Francisco and I write to you from Portugal.  I love your page on the Cebuano Catholic Prayer Book, and I’ve bought many of your books on Amazon Spain – Volkswagen, the Navy of Germania and Austria, the Scale Model Collectible Cars and the Familia Borromeo.

  1. on 03 July 2015 at 18:44 pm

My name is Barbara Ahlers and I write from northern Germany – thanks for the Nonnenkamp family Stammbaum (tree).  I have also patronized your books on Amazon Germany about Volkswagen and the Deutsche Marine.  Vielen Dank fuer Deine fleissige Arbeit!

  1. on 05 July 2015 at 23:26 pm

This is Fred Perry writing to you from Fremont, California.  I really enjoyed your books on the German speaking navies – both volumes and both editions…………………….I have read all 4 books.  These must be the definitive literary works on this subject matter.  Many other books on the market cover bits and pieces of what you cover, but none of them bring the information together as you have.  Congratulations on a job very well done from a fellow US Navy veteran who also served at the former Alameda NAS aboard a US Carrier battle group.

  1. on 08 July 2015 at 22:26 pm

Armadillo Armsen writes: have bought and read all five of your books on the German, Austrian and Austro-Hungarian Navies.  Job very well done and congratulations for the good reviews on Amazon, Naval Historical Foundation and Book Renter websites.  The color photos in the second editions are fantastic – thanks!

  1. on 09 July 2015 at 20:50 pm

Sonny Hasenmoor writes: I enjoyed the books about the company Volkswagen, and the German and the Austrian Navies.  Impressive that all these books had significant translation into the German language.  Interesting to learn about the many brands that make up Volkswagen, and to see how substantial Germany’s maritime history really is.  Fascinating to learn about the maritime history of Austria, which so few people know.  Thank you for your hard work.

  1. on 11 July 2015 at 1:57 pm

From Norfolk, Virginia – Ted 42 writes: I really like your book on Volkswagen and have recommended it to my clients – I’m a very successful stock broker located in Hampton Roads, Virginia (grossing over $700K per annum).  VW is definitely one of the top-performing automotive groups in the world in terms of monetary sales volume and cash on hand.

  1. on 12 July 2015 at 4:25 pm

Little 1967 writes: I also like your VW books plus the ones on the German Navy and the Scale Model Cars.  Congrats on the endorsement from Hornby Hobbies.  The toy car book has lots of useful information for us collectors.

  1. on 14 July 2015 at 8:49 pm

From Fremont, California – Tony C. writes: I left a very good review for your books about the German Navy – very educational and informative and one of the best sources of literature on the subject available in the English language today.  An incredible breadth of information that goes back centuries!

  1. on 16 July 2015 at 10:18 pm

From Quebec, Canada – William Frederick Benecke writes: I read the second edition of your VW book through the Amazon Kindle Lending Library and really enjoyed both the historical background on Volkswagen and the many nice color illustrations and charts at the end of the book.  Well done!

  1. on 24 July 2015 at 10:40 pm

From Las Campanas in Santa Fe, New Mexico – George Afferden writes: Thanks so much for your books on Volkswagen and the German-speaking navies of the world.  They are both highly informative and enjoyable for enthusiasts to read.  They are very well-written.  Thanks also for your monthly financial blog and update – the social and economic information contained therein is of absolute premium quality and so much better than one can find on most other sites.

  1. on 25 July 2015 at 10:54 am

From Danville, California: Leo Steimer writing to you from the Bay Area – I really like your books on Volkswagen – all 3 editions especially the brand new one in color.  Interesting to see that VW owns MAN and Scania trucks.

  1. on 27 July 2015 at 9:32 pm

Rusty Leopoldshagen writes from Oracle, Arizona: Marc, you’re a lifelong best friend, a great author and a tremendous asset to the Dow Jones 30 Industrials Index Futures Short Fund.  Susie and I love you and your family and we send your our best wishes and our prayers.  We’re big fans of all of your books on Volkswagen, the German & the Austrian Navies, Scale Model Collectible Cars and the Borromeo Family of Cebu City and glad to be connected to you and your relatives on Facebook.

  1. on 29 July 2015 at 8:41pm

Susie Tigerfeld Leopoldshagen writes from Oracle, Arizona: Marc, I second what Rusty says.  We love you, your work and your family.  We’re especially praying for your mom.

  1. on 30 July 2015 at 9:19pm

Hey Marc, this is Susie’s younger brother and my wife Barbara sending you our prayers as well.  I second that we’ve enjoyed your books too – VW, German & Austrian Navies, toy cars and your mom’s family.  Amazing that you published so many of the books in both English and German!  I really enjoyed seeing the color photos of all the cars so instrumental in the history of the VW bug.

  1. on 26 August 2015 at 9:00am

Marc, I’m so sorry for your loss, but thankful that your mother is out of pain after her long illness.  Suki Griswold Schavoir from Connecticut.

  1. on 26 August 2015 at 9:18am

Marc, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother, she had a long suffering.  May our Dear Lord have her resting in peace & give you all the strength and healing to continue on the journey he has set for us until we reunite with all our loved ones once again.  I will continue to keep you in my prayers, let me know if there is anything you need during this trying time.  God be with you my friend, Yolanda Martinez from Chimayo, New Mexico.

  1. on 26 August 2015 at 9:37am

I am so sorry, Marc.  I hope you can take comfort in the fact that your mother was so well-loved and that you and your father were there for her in every possible way.  We will share the news with our mom.  Even if she cannot fully comprehend it due to the Alzheimer’s, I know she will be deeply saddened, as we all are.  With love, Debbie, George, Paolo and Luca Zeolla from New York, New York.

  1. on 26 August 2015 at 12:58pm

Dear Marc: It is with deep sorrow and regret that we receive the news of your mother’s passing.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your father.  As we have discussed, her suffering is over.  May God bless her and keep her.  With deepest sympathy, Bob and Judie Moon from Naples, Idaho.

  1. on 26 August 2015 at 1:22pm

We are really sorry to hear your Mum died today.  We wish you and your father all the best and a lot of strength.  Please send us the address of your Dad’s home in Arizona.  From Nicole Nonnenkamp, Marc Nonnenkamp and Monica Kaszmarek Nonnenkamp and family in Barsinghausen, Germany.

  1. on 26 August 2015 at 1:23pm

I am so sorry for your loss.  I will be praying for your mother’s soul, and for you and your family.  Thank you for letting me know.  I will make sure that my Mom gets the message.  May the God of comfort hold you close.  From Dorothy Pesch Banzon and family in Centreville, Virginia.

  1. on 26 August 2015 at 1:47pm

Herzliches Beleid.  Ich kenne das ist nicht leicht.  Von Thomas Hans Nonnenkamp, Susanne Zurkuhle Nonnenkamp, Ina Nonnenkamp, Ronja Nonnenkamp, Joerg Klaus Nonnenkamp und Familie in Bremen, Deutschland.

  1. on 26 August 2015 at 1:49pm

Marc, Mom and I are saddened to hear this news.  We are thankful that your mother passed away peacefully in her sleep.  She is no longer in pain and is free to be with the Lord.  Condolences to you, your father and the rest of your family.  We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.  Many blessings, Sharon, Christopher and Maria Hetty Petiet from Virginia Beach.

  1. on 26 August 2015 at 2:06pm

My commiserations to you and your family.  From Keith A.C. White in Stoney Stanton, Leicestershire, England, the UK.

  1. on 26 August 2015 at 4:41pm

So sorry, Marc.  My condolences to you and your family, heartfelt sorrow we are all so sorry.  From James Mezzapeso, wife, son and family in Chesapeake, Virginia.

  1. on 26 August 2015 at 5:10pm

Hi Tito Marc, We are deeply saddened by the loss of Lola Gilda.  She will be missed and we will include her in our daily prayers.  Love, Dionah & Steve Killgore and children from Los Angeles, California.

  1. on 26 August 2015 at 5:21pm

Marc, I am so sorry to hear this news.  I am glad that you were there with your mother.  From Mark Tank, wife, daughters and family in Great Falls, Montana.

  1. on 26 August 2015 at 5:44pm

We are very sorry to hear this news.  Our sincere condolences to you and Wilfried.  May eternal light shine upon Gilda’s soul.  She will surely be missed.  May you have the strength and comfort during this difficult time.  From Imelda Manalo Pesch, Hans Pesch, son Tony Pesch and family in Dumont, New Jersey.

  1. on 26 August 2015 at 7:03pm

I am so sorry to hear this news, Marc.  From Josephine Humphreys Tavares, husband, children and family in Hamilton, Bermuda.

  1. on 26 August 2015 at 7:16pm

Hi, Tito Marc.  We send our condolences.  I will tell my Mom and Tita Fé.  From Ken Querouz Delano, Marylynn Borromeo Querouz, Fé Angelique Borromeo Querouz, Macky Querouz, wife and family in San Pedro, Laguna, the Philippines.

  1. on 26 August 2015 at 7:23pm

Sorry to hear about your mother, condolences to your family, dear cousin Marc.  From William Nonnenkamp Hinkle and family of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

  1. on 26 August 2015 at 7:24pm

My condolences to you and your Dad, Marc.  From Joey Sanchez in Auckland, New Zealand.

  1. on 26 August 2015 at 7:33pm

Our deepest sympathies for your loss.  From Elsa Maye Borromeo-Taleon of Los Angeles, California.

  1. on 26 August 2015 at 7:36pm

Our deepest condolences, Rest in Peace.  From Linda Borromeo Sypher of Bais City, Negros Oriental, Philippines.

  1. on 26 August 2015 at 7:37pm

Dear Marc and Uncle Wil, Our prayers and sympathy are with you on the demise of Tita Gilda.  May she find peace and happiness with our Lord.  Marivic and Maxcy La’O Borromeo from Australia.

  1. on 26 August 2015 at 7:38pm

My sympathies for your loss.  From Claire Borromeo Herrera Navarro of Chicago, Illinois.

  1. on 26 August 2015 at 7:39pm

Our most sincere condolences, Marc.  From Christina Borromeo Gaston and Family of Bacolod, Negros, the Philippines.

  1. on 26 August 2015 at 7:42pm

Be strong, Marc, your Mom is in a better place.  Your Mom was like an elder sister to us.  She is truly missed.  See you and your Dad soon.  From Tomas Clemente Barredo Borromeo and Family, sisters Rosie Borromeo Reith, Julie Borromeo, Toy-Toy Borromeo & children in Mandaluyong, the Philippines.

  1. on 26 August 2015 at 7:43pm

Dear Marc: On behalf of my father, Mia, Ines and our children, please accept our deepest condolences on the passing of your mother.  Please know that we have her in our thoughts and prayers, as we do you and your family during this difficult period.  Mothers are truly special people………..”there is no greater influence on our lives than that from a mother………”……..apologies, but I forgot the name of the lady who put this thought together……but it is so true……….Take care and keep well.  Best regards, Dito Borromeo from Manila, the Philippines.

  1. on 26 August 2015 at 7:45pm

Dear Marc, please accept our sincerest condolences upon the sad news of the passing of your mother – she was a wonderful person and may the Lord keep her in His Kingdom for all eternity.  Much love from Barbara Barskamp Tigerfeld, husband Bo and our children in Oracle, Arizona.

  1. on 26 August 2015 at 7:50pm

Our love and sympathy to you, Marc Nonnenkamp and to your Dad Wilfried Nonnenkamp.  Take Care.  From Rosalinda B. Saniel and Family in West Orange, New Jersey.

  1. on 26 August 2015 at 7:53pm

Dear Marc, may the love of family and friends comfort you these days.  Your mother may no longer be on earth as she sings in Heaven together with the choirs of saints, watching over you, united with our Lord Jesus in eternal Joy and Bliss.  Prayers and fond memories are what we have to remember our dearly departed loved ones.  Your Mom Hermenegilda will be remembered in our prayers.  Our deepest condolences to you and your family.  If there is anything I can help you with from here, please do not hesitate to let me know.  From Katrina Bantug and family in Makati, the Philippines.

  1. on 26 August 2015 at 8:06pm

Please accept my sincere condolences, Marc.  From Myrna Montera Lopez, husband Mitch and family in Washington, D.C.

  1. on 26 August 2015 at 8:14pm

Our condolences to you and to your Dad.  From Susie Borromeo Milne and family in Cebu City, the Philippines.

  1. on 26 August 2015 at 8:15pm

Prayers for you, your Dad, and other family members and close friends.  So very sorry for your loss, Sheri Cochrane Sanseverino from Skiatook, Oklahoma.

  1. on 26 August 2015 at 8:20pm

We share in your sorrow at this time of grief – our love and prayers go out to you and your father.  May the company of the Angels and Saints serenade your mother to her Heavenly home.  From your cousin Rachel Suchman Csak, Tita Caring, Veronica and Gregory in Manhattan, New York City.

  1. on 26 August 2015 at 8:22pm

My condolences to you and your family.  Take care, from Susan Villar Phillips in Hercules, California.

  1. on 26 August 2015 at 8:33pm

My heartfelt and sincere condolences to you and your family.  May your mother’s soul rest in peace.  From Susan Quiroga Gagarin in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

  1. on 26 August 2015 at 8:48pm

Very sorry to hear about your mother, Marc.  My condolences, from Ben Burress and family in San Leandro, California.

  1. on 26 August 2015 at 8:51pm

Our deepest sympathies and condolences in hearing about the passing of your Mom, Marc Nonnenkamp.  My family prays for her eternal repose.  From Maria A. Morales in Manhattan, New York City.

  1. on 26 August 2015 at 8:52pm

My deepest condolences, cousin Marc.  My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.  May your mother’s soul rest in peace, from Gary Borromeo and father Ed Taylor Borromeo in Cebu City, the Philippines.

  1. on 26 August 2015 at 9:10pm

My deepest condolences to you Marc and to your Dad.  It was just this morning when I heard from Gemma the sad news.  So sorry to hear of Tita Gilda’s passing.  Prayerful hugs to you and to Uncle Wilfried.  From Norma Abad Borromeo, Daphne Borromeo, Lance Borromeo and family in Pittsburg, California.

  1. on 26 August 2015 at 9:19pm

My deepest condolences.  From Pinky S. Gaston in Cagayan de Oro, Mindanao, the Philippines.

  1. on 26 August 2015 at 9:23pm

My condolences to you and your family, Marc.  From Marjoe Quijano Borromeo and family in Houston, Texas.

  1. on 26 August 2015 at 9:25pm

Our deepest condolences to you and your family.  From Ed Delos Santos in Nanticoke, Pennsylvania.

  1. on 26 August 2015 at 9:26pm

Prayers and condolences to you and the family.  May your mother’s soul rest in peace.  From Zen-Aida Borromeo in Napa, California.

  1. on 26 August 2015 at 9:36pm

I am sorry for your loss.  Please extend our condolences to your family.  From Benjie Borromeo and family in Hong Kong.

  1. on 26 August 2015 at 9:43pm

My deepest sympathies for the loss of your mother.  There is no greater loss than this.  From Jennifer & Dave Flores Nonnenkamp and sons in St. Louis, Missouri.

  1. on 26 August 2015 at 9:45pm

Our condolences and prayers are with you, Uncle Marc.  From Gerry Paras Borromeo and family in Valencia, California.

  1. on 26 August 2015 at 9:48pm

Condolences from Efanil O. Oicnoma in San Ricardo, Southern Leyte, the Philippines.

  1. on 26 August 2015 at 10:00pm

My deepest condolences to you and the rest of your family.  From Sonie Kabigting Duarte in Denver, Colorado.

  1. on 26 August 2015 at 10:06pm

With my deepest sympathy, I wish to share yours and Uncle Wilfried’s sorrow in the loss of Tita Gilda.  With fond memories, Betty Aspillera from California.

  1. on 26 August 2015 at 10:15pm

Sorry to hear about your mother, Marc.  From David Beebe in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

  1. on 26 August 2015 at 10:16pm

Sorry to hear about your Momma, Marc.  She was a really nice lady.  I’m just glad that her long time of suffering is over.  From Gary and Penny Vroegh in Marana, Arizona.

  1. on 26 August 2015 at 10:17pm

So sorry to hear about your Mom, Marc.  We really enjoyed knowing your parents and the time we spent with them.  From Lala Self and family in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

  1. on 26 August 2015 at 10:18pm

Our deepest sympathies, Tito Marc.  May God be with you in these trying times.  From Faye Pauleen Bonghanoy Querouz in Perth, Australia.

  1. on 26 August 2015 at 10:19pm

We’re so sorry to hear about your Mother, Marc.  She and your Dad have been such good and loving neighbors to us.  From Art and Carole Priestley in Tucson, Arizona.

  1. on 26 August 2015 at 10:21pm

Condolences, from Rhoda Fischer and family in in Zürich, Switzerland.

  1. on 26 August 2015 at 10:22pm

We’re so sorry to hear about your mother, Marc.  She was such a sweet lady and a remarkable person.  Your parents have been such good neighbors.  From Barbara and Richard Hynes in Tucson, Arizona.

  1. on 26 August 2015 at 10:29pm

Marc, I am so sorry for your loss.  You have been a wonderful son, giving your mother care and love.  Our condolences to you and all who loved your mother.  From Chet Borromeo Sharp and family in Lincoln, California.

  1. on 26 August 2015 at 10:30 pm

We are so sorry to hear about your mother, Marc.  She was a very nice person and we will be praying for you and your Dad.  From Jim and Jody Obear in Tucson, Arizona.

  1. on 26 August 2015 at 10:46pm

Prayers for your mother’s soul as well as for you and the rest of your family, that you may find strength and consolation in these trying times.  From Lotta Borromeo in Henderson, Nevada.

  1. on 26 August 2015 at 10:50pm

Mein Beleid, von Osvaldo Borromeo Vitaliani und Ana Maria Comsa aus Bozen, Südtirol.

  1. on 26 August 2015 at 11:13pm

Sorry, our deepest condolences and may God welcome your mother into the gates of Heaven.  From Rick Borromeo in Harbor City, California.

  1. on 26 August 2015 at 11:27pm

Condolences from Hilda Limos Galanote in Candon, Ilocos Sur, the Philippines.

  1. on 26 August 2015 at 11:28pm

Our condolences to you, Marc.  You’ve honored your mom well, God Bless you.  From your cousin Cristina Sevilla in Manila, the Philippines.

  1. on 26 August 2015 at 11:32pm

Condolences from Beth-Lyn Limos Galanote in Candon, Ilocos Sur, the Philippines.

  1. on 26 August 2015 at 11:58pm

Marc, our deep condolences to you and your father, may your Mom rest in the Lord’s Peace.  Love, Cibbie and Servais Lutz from Mandaluyong, the Philippines.

  1. on 27 August 2015 at 12:43am

Hi Marc Nonnenkamp, condolences and may your mother’s soul rest in peace.  From Niel V. Coronel in San Antonio, Texas.

  1. on 27 August 2015 at 12:46am

My condolences to you and your family, from Beatrix Burger in Meran, the South Tyrol.

  1. on 27 August 2015 at 1:10am

My sincere condolences to you, from Al Borromeo in Molalla, Oregon.

  1. on 27 August 2015 at 1:14am

Our thoughts and prayers to you and your family, from Carlo Borromeo in Cebu City, the Philippines.

  1. on 27 August 2015 at 1:40am

Our condolences, from Lyn Borromeo in Doha, Qatar.

  1. on 27 August 2015 at 2:22am

Condolences on the loss of your mother.  I’m glad that she passed away in her sleep.  I don’t believe that there is a more peaceful way to pass from this world in to the next.  Also, I pray that your father is doing okay.  Being a caregiver for nine years is a tremendous challenge.  God Bless you all, from Maureen Borromeo Pescaia in Aiea, Hawaii.

  1. on 27 August 2015 at 2:47am

My condolences to your family and prayers for your mother, Marc.  From Charlie Borromeo in San Francisco, California.

  1. on 27 August 2015 at 3:56am

Condolences, po from Joy Borromeo Cunanan in Doha, Qatar.

  1. on 27 August 2015 at 4:08am

Our hearts feel the pain of losing Tita Gilda.  But we are comforted by the thought that she is now with her Creator and family in Heaven.  Hoping that Tito Wil is coping with this loss.  Loloi and Alice Atega from Cebu City, the Philippines.

  1. on 27 August 2015 at 4:19am

Condolences from Armando Carbonel Borromeo in Rome, Italy.

  1. on 27 August 2015 at 5:07am

Condolences to you and your family.  We are saddened by your loss.  Our kindest regards during this difficult time.  From J.C. Guerra and family in Sydney, Australia.

  1. on 27 August 2015 at 5:28am

Marc, my family and I grieve with you and Uncle Wil.  From your cousin Andy Borromeo Querouz, wife Susan, daughter Mayet and son Francis in Sharjah, the UAE and Laguna, the Philippines.

  1. on 27 August 2015 at 5:47am

Deepest condolences to you and your family.  God Bless, from Liezel Molo-Borromeo and husband Alvin Borromeo in Brisbane, Australia.

  1. on 27 August 2015 at 5:53pm

Sorry to hear this news, Marc.  If there is anything I can do, please let me know.  From Richard Galewaler and family in Rio Rancho, New Mexico.

  1. on 27 August 2015 at 6:51am

Praying for you and your family.  I am sorry for your loss.  God be with you, from K.J. T. Young in Jackson, New Jersey.

  1. on 27 August 2015 at 7:38am

Our family’s condolences, Sir.  From Boysie Delos Santos in Baguio City, the Philippines.

  1. on 27 August 2015 at 8:23am

My deepest and heartfelt condolences to you and Uncle Wilfried.  Tita Gilda will always be in my prayers.  From Gabriela Borromeo Berenguer in Makati, the Philippines.

  1. on 27 August 2015 at 4:26pm

I am so sorry for your loss, Uncle Marc.  Love and prayers to you and the family, Roxy Baldoza Querouz from Vancouver, British Columbia.

  1. on 27 August 2015 at 10:30pm

Dearest Anon, Praying for the repose of the soul of your Aunt Gilda.  Praying for your Uncle Wilfried and Marc too.  Love, Marilou Abad, Marissa and Tony from West Orange, New Jersey.

  1. on 28 August 2015 at 2:00pm

From St. George, Utah: Marc, Jack and I have such fond memories of your mother and of your dad.  Loved visiting, traveling and playing Mah-jong with them.  I will especially miss getting a telephone call from your mother and hearing her voice saying “Hi Deloris, this is Gilda.”  You were her life and I pray you will find a partner as good as she was.  She is in a better place now, but it’s sad for those of us who know her.  Love and God Bless you, Jack and Deloris Barrett.

  1. on 29 August 2015 at 10:56am

Dear Marc – sincerest condolences upon learning of the recent passing of your dear mother Gilda.  From Barbara’s younger brother “Lüttchen” Barskamp and my entire family Down Under.  Your mother was a wonderful person and she will be greatly missed by all of us who knew her personally.  May her eternal soul rest in God’s Peace in His Kingdom of Heaven.

  1. on 30 August 2015 at 9:58am

Lieber Wilfried und Familie, mit Traurigkeit habe ich die Nachrichten vernommen, daß Du Gilda verloren hast.  Es tut mir aufrichtig leid, daß das Altersschicksal auch Euch erreicht hat.  Ich denke oft an Dich und wie schön unsere Zusammentreffen beim Deutschklub oder auch beim Lesezirkel waren.  Gewiss wirst Du Gilda sehr vermissen, aber Du hast auch eine Unmenge Erinnerungen, die Dir die Trauer erleichten sollen.  Wenn ich Dir irgendwie behilflich sein kann, melde Dich bitte.  Manuel und ich senden Dir unsere Sympathy, may you remain strong.  Helga und Manuel De Leon aus Tucson, Arizona.

  1. on 30 August 2015 at 12:16pm
  2. Hasenmoor writes from Santa Fe, New Mexico: We heard the sad news that your dear mother has passed away and send our sincerest condolences to you and your father.  She was a sweet lady and we pray for the repose of her eternal soul – we had a Mass Intention said on her behalf in our Our Parish.  Father Tri Nguyen and Lala Self send their condolences as well.
  3. on 31 August 2015 at 8:28pm

S.C. Katzenberg writes from New Jersey: just got the sad news that your mother Gilda has passed away.  This is a big blow and a huge loss – she was a wonderful person, a good friend and she will be greatly missed.  We will always cherish our friendship with her and consider her as a best friend.  We’ve known your parents for more than 55 years.

  1. on 31 August 2015 at 11:00pm

From New Hampshire: Marc – our deepest sympathies to you and your Dad on the passing of your Mom.  She rests in peace.  Let your memories of her be strong.  From the Reynes-Quisumbing family, Cora, Walter and Katrina.

  1. on 1 September 2015 at 7:35pm

P.B. Barskamp writes from the far north: I just learned from my elder brother and his wife the sad news that your mother recently passed away.  She was such a kind person and we’re all praying for the repose of her eternal soul.

  1. on 1 September 2015 at 11:59pm

Charmaine Espiritu Querouz writes from Cebu City, the Philippines: Uncle Marc, Our deepest condolences to you and the family.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you.  Charmaine, Aichel and Sydney Isabella Querouz.

  1. on 2 September 2015 at 6:47pm

Mr. P. Fisher writes from Atlanta, Georgia: my wife and I and our 2 children were very saddened to learn of the recent passing away of your mother Gilda.  She was such a wonderful person and we knew her for almost 40 years – she will be sorely missed by all of us.  We pray that she may rest in peace in a better world and we pray for you and your dad as well.

  1. on 3 September 2015 at 6:49am

Herr F. Bauer writes: we learned from the Fisher family of your dear mother’s recent death.  Please accept sincerest condolences from both my wife and I and from our children.  All of us knew your mom for the better part of 40 years and we are so saddened by this news.  May her beautiful soul rest in the good Lord’s eternal peace in His Kingdom of Heaven.  Eure Mutter war eine wunderschöne Dame.  Mit besten Grüßen, die vier Mitglieder der Familie Bauer aus Tucson, Arizona.

  1. on 8 September 2015 at 3:39 pm 

Dear Marc, …..words cannot soothe the memories or mend a broken heart…but suffice it to say that I am really sorry that you are having to go through this.  Time is a healer, but it takes a long time, as I lost my father when I was just 15 years old and my mother when I was in my 30s.  Now at 58 years, I still often look back on those days, it is just a sad fact of life and I pray that the Lord can give you the strength.  Regards, Glen and Elke Smale from Wales in the United Kingdom.

  1. on 15 September 2015 at 8:00pm

From Danville, California: Hi Marc – So sorry about your Mom – she was always nice to me and kind to put up with your weird friends (me, DiPaolo,……………..).  In the past she would have been called “well bred” and showed a lot of class (that’s what my Dad would say).  Hope you and your Dad are doing okay – time doesn’t completely heal but it makes the pain less.  Your friend, Bob Olsen, wife Donna and son Kyle.

  1. on 16 September 2015 at 8:30pm

From Maryland: My heartfelt condolences cousin Marc.  In the light of our loss I feel that Tita Hermenegilda Amor Victoria is with our Creator and that she is happy.  She has lived a full and happy life.  We will all meet her again in the Afterlife in Heaven once it’s our time.  Just like the song says we are all “dust in the wind” and Ecclesiastes 3:20 states that “All go to the same place, all come from dust, and to dust all return.”  To me family roots are very important.  I empathize with you and keep your spirit up cousin Marc.  I will include you and Tita Hermenegilda Amor Victoria in my prayers.  Your cousin Carl Ernest Borromeo Santos.

  1. on 27 September 2015 at 5:58am

Thanks for sharing some of your mother’s beautiful earth journey and our prayers are with you and for your mother.  Many Blessings from Alexander Charles Then of Virginia Beach, Virginia.

  1. on 3 October 2015 at 10:38am

Lieber Wilfried und lieber Marc!  Im Gedanken sind wir bei Euch Gilda auf dem letzten Weg in Ihre Heimat zu begleiten.  Die letzten Jahre hat sie tapfer ertragen, dank der Liebe und Fuersorge von Dir Wilfried und auch Marc.  Ich bin sehr Froh, Euch alle drei damals 1965 kennengelernt zu haben, das Familientreffen 1990 und dann unsere Urlaubswoche 1998 in Tucson.  Wir werden Gilda, so froehlich wie sie war in Erinnerung zu behalten.  Alles Gute fuer Euch und seid lieb gegruesst von Annegret, Guenter, Kolja, Katrin und Familie Rudolph-Behrens aus Bad Nenndorf, Niedersachsen, Deutschland.

  1. on 8 October 2015 at 10:56pm

Our condolences, cousin Marc.  My your mother’s soul rest in peace.  From Glenn Anthony Borromeo and family in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, the Philippines.

  1. on 10 October 2015 at 7:36pm

My deepest sympathies, Marc.  From Joan Ishimoto in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

  1. on 11 October 2015 at 12:59 pm

Marc, the color photos in the second editions of your books “The German and the Austrian Navies” make a big difference, though I must admit that I am partial to Gunther Todt’s paintings.  He had a remarkable talent.  As with my review for the first editions of the books, I emphasized the comprehensive coverage of the German-speaking navies.  I am not sure that I have seen any other navies given such a breadth of literary treatment.  Thank you for the opportunity to review the second editions of your German and Austrian navy books.  From Walter “Winn” Price in Maine.

  1. on 22 October 2015 at 7:11pm

We miss your Mom very much too, Marc.  We’re praying for you and your Dad.  From Maida, Mike, Mikey, Jose and Lily Lopez in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

  1. on 22 November 2015 at 12:47pm

Hi Marc, thanks for the updated telephone call and so sorry you have lost your mom.  But she had been ill for many years and it is good to think that she is out of pain.  Please give our sympathy to your father as well, he is such an outstanding man and it is wonderful that he took such good care of your mother.  Pauly and Bob Skiba from Oracle, Arizona.

  1. on 25 November 2015 at 10:05am

Hi Marc, sorry to hear about your mother.  Our deepest sympathy to you and your father.  From Liba and Zdenek Gonsiorovsky in Fountain Hills, Arizona.

  1. on 24 January 2018 at 7:08pm

Hello Wil and Marc, Thank you both for responding!  We read the e-mails you have been sending to us.  We are sorry to hear about Gilda.  I saw the date of her passing and it got to me.  My mother passed away on the 31st of August in 2015, only a few days after.  Likewise, we accompanied her remains back to Japan to be entombed next to my father (he passed in 2011).  It was a memorable three years with Mother since we lived far away from each other once I moved to the States.  I am grateful that I was able to be with her until the end.  I will send you our holiday greeting under separate cover.   Love, Miki and Bob Bixler from Virginia Beach, Virginia.

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]]> Origin of the Name “Borromeo” https://theborromeofamily.com/the-origin-of-the-borromeo-family/ Thu, 11 Jun 2026 13:34:00 +0000 http://portalhozt.com/theborromeofamily/2006/12/31/the-origin-of-the-borromeo-family/ Welcome to my Bookstore:

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Borromeo: an Italian Surname

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A few notes on the Borromeo family of Italy. The surname Borromeo refers to someone who has made a religious pilgrimage, and this makes good sense as many members of the family have been devout Roman Catholics. The Latin version of the name is “Borromei.”  The family comes from Northern Italy near the city of Milan. The surname was adopted in the year 1416 by one Vitaliano Borromeo I. He in turn was able to trace his ancestral lineage back to one Saint Justina of the Roman Catholic Church, who was martyred in the year 303.  She was part of the Vitaliani family of Italy, which is the origin of the Borromeo family of Milan, Italy.  The “separation” occured in 1416, when one branch of the Vitaliani family adopted the new surname “Borromeo.”  The Vitaliani family of Padua, Italy can trace its own genealogy back to A.D. 66 – information for which we thank Osvaldo Vitaliani, a professional executive chef who lives and works in Southern France (born in Bozen, in the German-speaking Northern Italian region of the South Tyrol).  The forerunner to the “Vitaliani” family of Padua, Italy was in turn the “Vitellius” family surname of Nocera, Italy (8 miles outside of the city of Pompei, Italy) – a genealogical history which goes back to 292 B.C.  The actual origin of the family branch which eventually became “Borromeo” is in the town of San Miniato, where a man with the given name of “Lazzaro” lead a pilgrimage of 200,000 faithful on February 22, 1300.  This was sponsored by Pope Bonifacio VIII, who defined the word “Borromeo” (see subsection below).

The famous triple “Borromean Rings” represent the three families Visconti, Sforza and Borromeo who, after much fighting, formed an `inseparable union’ through intermarriage. The rings are also said to represent the Holy Trinity of God the Father, God the Son Our Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost. These famous Borromean Rings are still in use to this very day as the official corporate logo of the Borromeo Business Group of the Philippines.

My family tree for the extended (Cebu City-based plus the respective branches from which we are descended including those from the islands of Negros, Panay and Luzon) Borromeo family of the Philippines already includes at least 1,948 people.  With the 213-person Rallos family (of my maternal grandmother Anunciacion Rallos de Borromeo), we already have 2,113 family members, and with the 2,839 members of the extended Reynes family (the family of my great-grandmother Margarita Sy Reynes de Borromeo), this increases to 5,000 individuals.  Our common ancestor is Carlo “Capitan Aro” Borromeo I who settled in Cavite on Luzon in 1744.

Carlo “Capitan Aro” Borromeo (born outside of the Philippines in 1720 and settled in Cavite City on Luzon in 1744) and his son Carlo Borromeo II (born in Cavite City in 1745 and settled in Iloilo City on Panay in 1769) were both harbor captains by profession.  In addition to this, Carlo “Capitan Aro” Borromeo was an important municipal official in Cavite City which at that time had a population of fewer than 1,000 people.  This tradition of maritime trade is carried on today by Gerardo A. “Dito” Borromeo, the CEO of Philippine Transmarine Carriers, Inc. and its sister company of Aboitiz-Jebsen, who employ 51,000 maritime professionals, 25,000 of whom are serving aboard more than 1,000 ships worldwide at any one time.  It is interesting to note that the first 2 generations of Borromeos in the Philippines continued to spell their given names in Italian, and not in Spanish (the Philippines was ruled by the Spanish Crown from 1521 to 1898).

The Borromeo family of the Philippines is an important part of both the land and the maritime transportation history of the Philippines.  A branch of the Borromeo family in Manila (Barredo de Borromeo), in Iloilo (the descendants of Carlo Borromeo II) and my own Reynes de Borromeo line from Cebu City manufactured no fewer than 121,000 horse drawn carts from 1870 to 1940 – the Karatela from Manila, the Calesa from Iloilo and the Tartanilla from Cebu.  The Tartanilla was named after the Italian “Tartana” sailing vessels unique to the Adriatic Sea.  Tartana Vessels served in the navies of Austria, Austria-Venice and Austria-Hungary from the Middle Ages until 1918.  Today, the Borromeo Group of Companies in Cebu City led by Max Borromeo own and operate 98 retail motor vehicle dealerships through out the Philippines which market, sell, lease and service the brand names of Ford, Mazda, SsangYong, Suzuki, Honda, Kawasaki and Yamaha.  The group also owns, develops and manages up to 65 properties mostly in Cebu Province – including what will be the 3 tallest commercial towers in Cebu City in unison with Cebu Landmasters.

Going back to the place where the first Borromeo settled in the Philippines (Carlo “Capitan Aro” Borromeo, who settled in Cavite on the Island of Luzon in 1744), I estimate an extended Filipino Borromeo family with 7,144 members all over the world.  Capitan Aro was born in 1720.  Our website has heard from Italian Borromeo family members in the South Tyrol of Italy (Bozen), Romania (Bucharest), France (the Latin spelling “Borromei” on the island of Corsica and on the Eastern Riviera) and from Argentina.  If we Borromeo family members from the Cebu City branch of the family are indeed related to them, our relation would reach back to a common ancestor born in the early 18th century and our extended family would have no fewer than 40,000 members worldwide.  We would be cousins of up to the 8th degree.

It is estimated that all human beings on the earth today have at least one common ancestor born around 1219 in the 13th century – we are part of one large family, descended from our original grandparents Adam and Eve 6,000 years ago.  We are each other’s cousins of at least the 28th degree, regardless of which of the three major human races we belong to (61% of the modern human race being Mongoloid or “Asian,” 25% being Caucasian or “Indo-European” and 14% being Negroid or “Black.”  All modern human DNA going back 34,000 years has an ultimate source in Africa.  All human beings today are likely descended from one couple who lived at least 100,000 years ago.  90 percent of all animal species on the earth today (including human beings) are descended from one common ancestry which goes back perhaps 250,000 years.

Definition of “Borromeo”:

Borromeo (Italian): nickname for a pious person who had made the pilgrimage to Rome, or an amiable man who bore the given name “Romeo,” from the Italian “bono,” meaning good + Romeo + Roman = Borromeo.

Der Familienname “Borromeo” (“Borromei” auf lateinisch) stammt aus Milano (“Mailand” auf deutsch) in der Lombardei, in Norditalien.  Auf lateinisch sagt man “Borromei.”  Der erste Namenträger war Vitaliano Borromeo im Jahre 1416.

One should keep in mind that most European surnames came about during the Middle Ages, perhaps before the year 1300.  Prior to this, most European people had only given names.  The more prominent the family line, the more likely that a surname was established earlier.  As time went on, more and more new surnames were made.  Individual families would thus branch off, and become “separate” (there is really no such thing!) from their original tree.

San Carlo Borromeo (Saint Charles Borromeo): Defender of the Traditional Church

The most famous member of the worldwide Borromeo family was of course Saint Charles (Carlo in Italian) Borromeo, who lived from 1538 to 1584. He served as the Archbishop of Milan (Milano in Italian or Mailand in German, the language of the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation, of which Italy was a part) from 1560 until his death in 1584. The Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation, consecrated by Charlemagne (“Karl der Grosse” in German or “Charles the Great” in English) in A.D. 800 and tragically dissolved by Napoleon Bonaparte of France in 1806, included much of modern Europe. The countries of Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, San Marino, Vatican City, Monaco, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Spain, Portugal and Andorra were all allied to the great Habsburg Monarchy at one point or another. Within this huge empire were also the Crown colonies of the countries therein, including much of modern Africa, Latin America and Southeast Asia (the Philippines included from 1521 until 1898). Other Spanish colonies in the Pacific included Guam, Palau, Micronesia, Nauru, the Northern Marianas, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Samoa and the Marshall Islands. Portugal owned Macao and East Timor, while the Netherlands held Indonesia (the Dutch East Indies). Spain and Portugal held almost all of Latin America, Brazil belonging specifically to Portugal and Venezuela (named “Kleinvenedig” or “Small Venice”) originally to Germany. In Africa, Portugal held Angola, Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde and the Sao Tome & Principe Islands. Spain held the Western Sahara and Equatorial Guinea. Germany held Ghana (the old colony of “Grossfriedrichsburg”), Togo, Cameroon, Namibia (German Southwest Africa), Tanzania, Burundi and Rwanda (these three countries comprising German East Africa). Belgium held the Congo/Zaire, while Italy owned Libya, Somalia and Ethiopia. The Netherlands held South Africa (the Cape Colony, the Natal, and the future Boer States of the Orange Free State and the Transvaal).

Das bekannteste Familienmitglied ist Sankt Karl Borromeo (“San Carlo Borromeo” auf italienisch), der von 1538 bis 1584 lebte.  Er diente als Erzbischof von Mailand von 1560 bis 1584.  Damals gehörte Mailand sowie die Lombardei zum Heiligen Römischen Reiches der Deutschen Nation, auch bekannt als “das Erste Deutsche Reich” (800-1806).  Kaiser Karl der Große hat das Erste Deutsche Reich in Aachen im Jahre 800 gegründet.  Nicht nur Deutschland, sondern auch Österreich, Ungarn, die Tschechei, die Slowakei, Slowenien, Kroatien, Bosnien-Herzegowina, Liechtenstein, die Schweiz, Italien, San Marino, der Vatikan, die Niederlande, Belgien, Luxemburg, Monako, Frankreich, Andorra, Spanien und Portugal gehörten zum Ersten Deutschen Reich.  Kronkolonien hatte Deutschland weltweit.  Zum Beispiel haben die Deutschen “Venezuela” (“Kleinvenedig” auf Deutsch) im Jahre 1560 besiedelt.  Die brandenburgisch-preußische herzogliche Marine hat Ghana (damals “Großfriedrichsburg” genannt) im Jahre 1684 besiedelt.

San Carlo Borromeo was a very traditional and influential cleric, having taken a leading roll in the Council of Trent, or Tridentine Council which made the Latin language Mass the official Mass of the Universal Roman Catholic Church in 1565 (also known as the Mass of Pope Pius V). This endured until the Second Vatican Council of 1965 (400 years later). Saint Charles Borromeo was also the highest ranking Roman Catholic cleric of his day to give official approval to the Shroud of Turin, or the Shroud which covered Jesus Christ after his body was removed from the Cross on Golgotha and placed inside the tomb.

Saint Charles Borromeo was the son of the Count of Arona Ghiberto Borromeo (1512-1558) and Margarita de Medici Borromeo. His brother was Count Federigo Borromeo I and his uncle was Cardinal Angelo de Medici, who in turn became Pope Pius IV. His nephew was Federigo Borromeo II (1564-1631), who also became Archbishop of Milan. The Borromeos of Italy were thus members of the lesser nobility, with the eldest male heir bearing the title of Count. The de Medici family was one of Europe’s wealthiest commercial (non-royal) families, on par with the Fugger family of Augsburg, Germany. The de Medici and Fugger families were most active in international trading, mining & smelting, foundries, commercial banking and international shipping. The family owned conglomerates they founded are largely credited with giving birth to the modern global free enterprise economy we know today.

Famiglia de Medici (the de Medici Family)

The de Medici family business had branches in the European cities of Florence (headquarters), Milan, Rome, Avignon, Bruges and London. The Fugger family business had branches in Augsburg (headquarters), Innsbruck, Salzburg, Villach, Vienna, Budapest, Teschen, Cracow, Breslau, Danzig, Leipzig, Nuremberg, Frankfurt, Cologne, Antwerp, Rome, Naples, Madrid, Seville and Lisbon. In addition to much trade within Europe, there was also heavy trade most especially with the Habsburg possessions in the Orient. This was primarily with the Philippines, Micronesia, Palau, Guam, Papua New Guinea, Nauru, the Solomon Islands, the Marshall Islands, the Northern Mariana Islands, Samoa and the Dutch East Indies.

Borromeos in the Philippines

One Carlo (“Carlos” in Spanish) Borromeo was born circa 1720 and may have emigrated from Milan, Italy to Cavite City on Luzon in the Philippines via the Spanish Colony of New Spain (now known as Mexico) and the Chinese city of Canton. Transportation would have been aboard the annual “Manila Galleon.” His son Carlos II (born circa 1745) moved to Iloilo City on Panay Island and his grandson Carlos III (born circa 1770) moved to Bacolod City on Negros Island. Carlos IV (born 1795) started the two modern Borromeo family lines in Cebu City.

Der erste Borromeo der Philippinen war Karl Kapitän Aro (“Carlos Capitan Aro”) Borromeo, der im Jahre 1720 geboren war.  Er hat sich im Jahre 1744 in der Stadt Cavite auf der Insel Luzon nieder gelassen.  Er war Regierungsbeamter, vielleicht Bürgermeister.  Sein Sohn Karl (“Carlos”) Borromeo II war in Cavite im Jahre 1745 geboren, und hat sich dann um 1769 in der Stadt Iloilo auf der Insel Panay angesiedelt.  Karl (“Carlos”) Borromeo III wurde in Iloilo auf Panay geboren, und ist nach Bacolod auf die Insel Negros umgezogen.  Sein Sohn Karl (“Carlos”) Borromeo IV ist in Bacolod im Jahre 1795 geboren, und dann um 1819 nach Cebu umgezogen, wo er dort unsere Familie gegründet hat.

The Philippines Today

The Philippines today (2009) has a population of more than 91 million people. The largest metropolitan areas are Manila (the national capital) with 11.3 million inhabitants and Cebu-Negros Oriental (home of the Borromeo family in the Philippines), with 5.7 million people. Roughly 9 million additional ethnic Filipinos reside outside of the Philippines. 76,3% of Filipinos belong the Malay (Austronesian) race, while 14,3% are of East Asian extraction (mostly ethnic Chinese, with some Japanese & Korean), 4,1 % are of Caucasian extraction (primarily Spanish, but with some other European and North American), 3,0% are of Melanesian extraction (an Aboriginal population which pre-dated Malay settlement) and 2,3% are of East Indian extraction (recent immigrants from India and Pakistan).

Die Philippinen haben heute mehr als 91 Millionen Einwohner.  Die größte Stadt ist Manila, mit 11,3 Millionen Einwohner.  Cebu und Bacolod im Süden haben etwa 5,7 Millionen Einwohner.  Rund 9 Millionen Filipinos wohnen außerhalb der Philippinen, zum großen Teil in Nordamerika, besonders in Kalifornien.  Die Minderheiten innerhalb der Philippinen sind die Ostasier (hauptsächlich die Chinesen) mit 14,3% der Gesamtbevölkerung, die Europäer (hauptsächlich die Spanier) mit 4,1% der Bevölkerung, die Inselschwarzen mit 3,0% der Bevölkerung und zuletzt die Inder mit 2,3% der Einwohner.  Ungefähr 40% der Filipinos sprechen English, und 6% sprechen immer noch Spanisch.  Die Philippinen waren Kolonien von Spanien (1521-1898) und auch Amerika (1898-1946).  Die wichtigsten einheimischen Sprachen der Filipinos sind Cebuano (22,5% der Bevölkerung), die sogenannte “nationale” Sprache von Tagalog (16,9% der Bevölkerung, in der Nähe von Manila), Ilocano (9,0% der Bevölkerung, im Norden von Luzon), Ilonggo (7,9% der Bevölkerung, auf der Insel Panay), Moro (5,0% der Bevölkerung – die Mohammedaner im Westen Mindanaos sowie im Sulu-Archipel) und Bicolano (3,9% der Bevölkerung, im Süden von Luzon).  Die meisten Filipinos gehören der römisch-katholischen Kirche an (ewta 80,9% der Bevölkerung).  11,6% der Filipinos sind Protestanten und 5,0% sind Mohammedaner.

The Colonial Legacy of Spain and the United States

At least 40% of Filipinos are fluent in English (the Philippines belonged to the USA from 1898-1946) and at least 6% speak Spanish (the Philippines were a Spanish Crown Colony from 1521-1898). Note: the “Philippines” or “Islas Filipinas” were named specifically for King Philip of Spain, of the Royal House of Habsburg.

Languages in the Philippines

The largest native Filipino languages are Cebuano (22,5% of the population living in places such as Cebu, Negros and Bohol), the so-called “national” language of Tagalog (16,9% of the population residing in and around the largest urban settlement of Metro Manila), 9,0% Ilocano (of Ilocos Province in Northern Luzon), 7,9% Ilonggo (on the Island of Panay in the Western Visayas), 5,0% Moro (Spanish for “Moors” or Muslims in Western Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago), 3,9% Bicolano (in the Bikol Region of Southern Luzon), 2,8% Waray-Waray and 2,7% each for Kampangan (North of Manila on Luzon) and Pangasinan (in Northwestern Luzon). Aboriginal tribal languages are spoken by 3,6% of the population (mostly in the mountains of Luzon) and the remainder of Filipinos (23,0%) speak the numerous Visayan dialects of places such as Samar and Leyte.

Faith in the Philippines

The largest religion in the Philippines is Roman Catholicism (80,9% of the population), introduced during more than three centuries of Spanish rule (the Philippines were governed from the Viceroyalty of New Spain or “Mexico” from 1521 until 1821).  The Portuguese-born explorer Ferdinand Magellan claimed the Philippine Islands for Spain in 1521.  He and his 3 remaining sailing ships landed where the city of Cebu is today.  At the time, Cebu consisted of a mere 300 or so bamboo huts built upon stilts.  Magellan had perhaps 150 Europeans with him at the time of that fateful landing, out of 270 who had departed in 5 ships from Seville, Spain.  Upon leaving Cebu, this was down to 120 men – one of those killed on Cebu was Magellan himself.  Merely one ship (the “Vittoria” and 18 men) made it back to Seville alive.

The Philippines were truly “colonized” beyond the large cities Manila and Cebu by 5 Roman Catholic Orders.  The Augustinians, the Franciscans and the Dominicans were on Luzon, and the Jesuits and the Recollects (the latter being an offshoot of the Augustinians) were in the Visayas and Mindanao.

11,6% adhere to Protestant Christian faiths, introduced during American rule from 1898-1946. 5% are Muslim (mostly in Western Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago), Islam having been introduced before 1521. The remaining 2,5% of Filipinos adhere to Animist beliefs (Aboriginal peoples predating Malay settlement).

The Philippine Population

A large number of ethnic Filipinos reside overseas. The largest concentrations are in the USA (4 million people), Saudi Arabia (966,542), Malaysia (900,000), Japan (500,000), Canada (392,120), the UAE (250,000), Australia (212,516), Italy and Mexico (200,000 each), Hong Kong (188,404), Taiwan (160,672), the UK (150,000), Singapore (132,000), South Korea (98,000), Greece (90,000), Ireland (85,000), Kuwait (79,310), Spain (70,000), Indonesia (68,000), Germany (53,896), Guam (45,600), Qatar (45,292), Bahrain (33,301), Israel (32,290), France (32,011), Lebanon and New Zealand (30,000 each), Norway (9,000), Austria (8,300), Macao (6,200) and Iraq (3,000).

Viele Leute philippinischer Abstammung wohnen nun im Ausland.  4 Millionen wohnen in Amerika, ungefähr die Hälfte davon in Kalifornien.  Die meisten Leute wandern aus um einen besseren Lebensstandart zu erreichen.  Es gibt nun 966,542 Filipinos in Saudi-Arabien, 500,000 in Japan, 392,120 in Kanada, 250,000 in den Vereinigten Arabischen Emiraten, 212,516 in Australien, 200,000 in Italien sowie in Mexiko, 188,404 in Hong Kong, 160,672 in Taiwan, 150,000 in England und Schottland, 132,000 in Singapur, 98,000 in Südkorea, 90,000 in Griechenland, 85,000 in Irland, 79,310 in Koweit, 70,000 in Spanien, 68,000 in Indonesien, 53,896 in Deutschland, 45,600 auf Guam, 45,262 in Katar, 33,301 in Bahrain, 32,290 in Israel, 32,011 in Frankreich, 30,000 im Libanon sowie in Neuseeland, 9,000 in Norwegen, 8,300 in Österreich, 6,200 in Makao und 3,000 im Irak.

The Philippine Economy and Climate

Per capita GDP in the Philippines has a PPP (Purchasing Power Parity) of US $5,000 or a combined national GDP of US $443.1 Billion. The labor force of 35.79 million people is engaged in agriculture (14,2%), industry (32,1%) and services (53,7%). The unemployment rate is 7,9%, the poverty rate is 40,0% and the annual inflation rate is 6,2%.  Note: nominal GDP value is considerably lower than the PPP value – it is based upon the actual rate of exchange, versus a computed “purchasing power” or “cost of living” index.  The Philippines has an extremely humid, tropical climate, with a great deal of rain and numerous storms known as “typhoons” during the wet season.  Tropical vegitation and insects thrive in such an environment, which has much precipitation, ample sunshine and high temperatures.  Few places have a humidity “discomfort” index higher than that of the Philippines.  Such countries include both India and Thailand.

Es gibt 35,79 Millionen Arbeitnehmer in den Philippinen.  14,2% davon sind in der Landwirtschaft beschäftigt, 32,1 % in der Industrie und 53,7% in Dienstleistungen.  Die Arbeitslosigkeit steht um 7,9% der Arbeitnehmer, und etwa 40% der Bevölkerung lebt immer noch in Armut.

List of Vitaliani and Borromeo family members from Italy

The following list was kindly given to me by Osvaldo Vitaliani (born in the German-speaking city of Bozen in the South Tyrol of Northeastern Italy).  He now resides in Bucarest, Romania.  Other Italian Borromeo family members from Corsica (an Italian-speaking island owned by France) and from Argentina (where Italians are the largest ethnic group) have contacted us as well.  The Borromeo family of Milan is descended from the Vitaliani family of Padua in Italy.

The first list immediately below (with 349 names) goes back to the year A.D. 66, or 66 years after the birth of Jesus Christ.  This list is comprised exclusively of Vitaliani up to the person of “Vitaliano Borromeo (born in 1449),” and exclusively of Borromeos thereafter.

The second list further down (with 229 names and starting in the year 1300) is comprised of three (3) Italian family branches: the Vitaliani from Padua, the Vitaliani from Naples and finally the Vitaliani-Borromeo line from Milan.  Note: the Vitaliani-Borromeo relationship goes back to the 15th century, which would make us cousins of the 19th degree and beyond.  This would include about 73 million people both living and deceased – a large number of both Filipinos and Italians.  There are about 100 million ethnic Filipinos in the world today, about 90 percent of whom live in the Philippines itself.  The population of Italy is more than 56 million, and there are very large numbers of ethnic Italians in North America (especially in the Northeastern United States) and in Latin America (especially in Argentina, where they make up a majority of the population).  The ethnic Italian population worldwide is estimated at more than 131 million souls – 56 million in Italy, 25 million in Brazil, 20 million in Argentina, 17 million in the USA, 5 million in France (especially near Nice, or “Nizza,” and on the Island of Corsica) and more than one million each in Uruguay and Canada.

1. Massimo
2. Giustino [Prefetto di Padova]
3. Cornelio Augure
4. Vespasiano
5. Vitaliano [Prefetto di Padova] {Sp. Prepedigna }
6. Candido
7. Egidio
8. Giustina [Santa, Martire] †70
9. Giustino (66) [Signor di Altino]
10. Vitaliano (166) [Signor di Altino]
11. Massimo (141) [Santo,Vescovo di Padova]
12. Zilio (197) [Signor di Altino]
13. Prando (237) [Signor di Altino]
14. Vitaliano (238) [Prefetto di Roma]
15. Candido [Signor di Altino] †272
16. Anterio [Signor di Altino] †314
17. Anonimi
18. Gallieno (366) [Signor di Altino]
19. Vitaliano
20. Vitaliano {Sp. Gorgonia 389}
21. Prando (400) [Signor di Concordia]
22. Valerio (400) [Signor di Altino]
23. Pietro
24. Foca
25. Eugenia
26. Nonna
27. Alipriona
28. Cordano (456) [Signor di Concordia]
29. Giano [Prefetto di Padova] {Sp. Adriana 416}
30. Gioconda {Sp. Tiberio d Este 450}
31. Giordano (456)
32. Massimo (488)
33. Lelio [Prefetto di Padova] {Sp. Serena }
34. Giordano
35. Serena (488) [Monaca]
36. Vitaliano (520) [Prefetto di Costantinopoli,Gov.di Bulgaria]
37. Giovanni (550) [guerriero]
38. Anonimi
39. Felicissimo ,Santo [Monaco Cassinese]
40. Paolo (580) [Signore di Bojon ec.]
41. Anastasio
42. Gasparo
43. Vitaliano (616) [Signor di Bojon ec.]
44. Vitaliano ,Santo (657) [Papa] †672
45. Giovanni (650) [Signor di Mestre ec.]
46. Paolo (683) [Signor di Bojon ec.]
47. Massimo [Signor di Bojon ec.] {Sp. Lada d Este 710}
48. Gaboardo (750) [Signore di S. Ilario ec.]
94. Vitaliano (1198) [Signor di Bojon]
95. Jacopino (1190)
96. Vitale (1205)
97. Matteo (1236) [Provveditore di Padova]
98. Vitaliano †1253
99. Berta (1257)
100. Giulio (1236)
101. Bartolammeo (1236) [Ramo di Napoli]
102. Vitaliano (1239)
103. Giovanni (1239)
104. Gaboardo
105. Pietro (1275)
106. Giovanni (1240)
107. Jacopino (1240)
108. Gerardo (1289)
109. Gerardo (1275) [Giudice]
110. Gerardo (1280)
1297)
112. Nicolo
113. Francesco
114. Jacopino
115. Pietro (1320)
116. Giovanni Cavalerio (1310) [Podesta di Bassano]
117. Pietro (1312)
118. Antenore (1303)
119. Fina {Sp. 1. Buzzacarino Buzzacarini, 2. Carrara }
120. Jacopino (1312)
121. Ruggero
122. Francesco
123. Giovanni [Cav.]
124. Girolamo {Sp. Beatrice Zabarella 1360}
125. Anna
126. Palamede
127. Vitaliano
128. Costanza
129. Pasqua
130. Margherita
131. Gerardo {Sp. Beatrice Zabarella 1320}
132. Jacopino
133. Bartolammeo
134. Gasparino (1342)
135. Marsilio {Sp. Aleta di Campinegrl 1346}
136. Giovanni (1380)
137. Gaboardo
138. Jacopino [RAMO di MILANO] {Sp. Margherita Borromeo 1390}
139. Giovanni [detto dei Picenini] {Sp. Giovanna }
140. Jacopo {Sp. Antonia de Bravi 1366}
141. Vitaliano (1380) [Marchese]
142. Melchiorre (0)
143. Obizzio (1360)
144. Fina {Sp. Pataro Buzzacarini }
145. Palamidede
146. Palamino (1405) [Cav] {Sp. Benedetta Calza }
147. Vitaliano
148. Gerardo (1340)
149. Giovanni (1392)
150. Jacopino
151. Giovanni (1353)
152. Jacopo
153. Antonio
155. Gerardo
156. Vitaliano detto Borromeo {Sp. Abrosina Fagnana } †1449
157. Antonio (1396)
159. Martino
160. Palamino (1402) [Cav]
161. Giovanni Enrico (1400)
162. Jacopino
163. Pietro Paolo
164. Lucia {Sp. Leone di Lazara } †1448
165. Anna {Sp. 1. N de Conti, 2. Emanuele Malacudi }
166. Ingolfo
167. Jacopino
168. Gaboardo
169. Antonio
170. Jacopo
171. Jacopin (1360)
172. Gasparino (1360)
173. Bartolommeo
174. Giovanni (1399)
175. Carlo (1402)
176. Vital. (1402)
177. Antonio Gaboardo (1402)
178. Ales.Vitaliano (1402)
179. Lucia (1402)
180. Margherita {Sp. Agostino Visconti }
181. Anonima {Sp. Giovanni Maria Crivelli }
182. Onesta {Sp. Jacopo da Careggio }
183. Tucla {Sp. Otto Mandello }
184. Corona {Sp. Bassano Co.
50. Ernesto (750) [Signor di Mestre]
51. Gilberto (750) [Signor di Pieve]
52. Paolo (750) [Signor del Bosco]
53. Palamede (778) [Signor di S. Ilario]
54. Candido (770) [Signor di Bojon]
55. Giovanni (778) [Signor di Mestre]
56. Massimo (778) [Signor di Pieve]
57. Giustino (816) [Signor di Bojon ec.] {Sp. Giulia }
58. Anonimi
59. Palamede (816) [Signor di Mestre]
60. Vitale (848) [Signor di Bojon]
61. Adriana (848) {Sp. Gio.Tradonico }
62. Federico (848) [Signor di Mestre]
63. Filippo (890)
64. Alessandro (972)
65. Matteo (932) {Sp. N.Candian }
66. Giano (1015)
67. Carlo (1015) [Signor di Bojon]
68. Gaboardo (1015)
69. Jacopino (1081) [Console di Padova]
70. Gio. Battista (1044) [Monaco]
71. Giovanni (1044) [Signor di Bojon]
72. Palamede (1096) [Console di Padova]
73. Valerio (1072)
74. Sigifredo (1072) [Signor di Bojon]
75. Palamede (1110) [Signor di Bojon ec.]
77. Vitaliano (1137) [Signor di Bojon]
78. Valerio (1150) [Signor di Gambarare]
79. Nicolo o Gerardo (1123) [Console di Padova]
80. Giustino (1122)
81. Manello (1122)
82. Zanetto (1122)
83. Pasquale (1122)
84. Vitale (1122)
85. Vitaliano (1137) [Canonico]
86. Gerardo (1142) [Signor di Bojon]
87. Giustino (1142)
88. Gaboardo (1142)
89. Giustina {Sp. N.Camposampiero 1142}
90. Pietro (1153)
91. Pietro (1160) [Signor di Bojon]
92. Anonimi
93. Matteo (1180)

1297)
112. Nicolo
113. Francesco
114. Jacopino
115. Pietro (1320)
116. Giovanni Cavalerio (1310) [Podesta di Bassano]
117. Pietro (1312)
118. Antenore (1303)
119. Fina {Sp. 1. Buzzacarino Buzzacarini, 2. Carrara }
120. Jacopino (1312)
121. Ruggero
122. Francesco
123. Giovanni [Cav.]
124. Girolamo {Sp. Beatrice Zabarella 1360}
125. Anna
126. Palamede
127. Vitaliano
128. Costanza
129. Pasqua
130. Margherita
131. Gerardo {Sp. Beatrice Zabarella 1320}
132. Jacopino
133. Bartolammeo
134. Gasparino (1342)
135. Marsilio {Sp. Aleta di Campinegrl 1346}
136. Giovanni (1380)
137. Gaboardo
138. Jacopino [RAMO di MILANO] {Sp. Margherita Borromeo 1390}
139. Giovanni [detto dei Picenini] {Sp. Giovanna }
140. Jacopo {Sp. Antonia de Bravi 1366}
141. Vitaliano (1380) [Marchese]
142. Melchiorre (0)
143. Obizzio (1360)
144. Fina {Sp. Pataro Buzzacarini }
145. Palamidede
146. Palamino (1405) [Cav] {Sp. Benedetta Calza }
147. Vitaliano
148. Gerardo (1340)
149. Giovanni (1392)
150. Jacopino
151. Giovanni (1353)
152. Jacopo
153. Antonio
155. Gerardo
156. Vitaliano detto Borromeo {Sp. Abrosina Fagnana } †1449
157. Antonio (1396)
159. Martino
160. Palamino (1402) [Cav]
161. Giovanni Enrico (1400)
162. Jacopino
163. Pietro Paolo
164. Lucia {Sp. Leone di Lazara } †1448
165. Anna {Sp. 1. N de Conti, 2. Emanuele Malacudi }
166. Ingolfo
167. Jacopino
168. Gaboardo
169. Antonio
170. Jacopo
171. Jacopin (1360)
172. Gasparino (1360)
173. Bartolommeo
174. Giovanni (1399)
175. Carlo (1402)
176. Vital. (1402)
177. Antonio Gaboardo (1402)
178. Ales.Vitaliano (1402)
179. Lucia (1402)
180. Margherita {Sp. Agostino Visconti }
181. Anonima {Sp. Giovanni Maria Crivelli }
182. Onesta {Sp. Jacopo da Careggio }
183. Tucla {Sp. Otto Mandello }
184. Corona {Sp. Bassano Co.
186. Jacopo (1446) †1483
187. Palamidesio (1462)
188. Vitaliano
189. Marsilio
190. Francesco {Sp. Cornelia Zabarella 1350}
191. Vitaliano (1416)
192. Gerardo
193. Tisibaldo
194. Gerardo (1371)
195. Martino
196. Jacopo (1400)
197. Ambrosina {Sp. Guido Co. di S.Secondo }
198. Bianca {Sp. Pietro Rusca }
199. Giovanni {Sp. Cleofe de Pii } †1493
200. Vitaliano {Sp. Bianca da Saluzzo } †1493
201. Giustino {Sp. Gio.M. Visconti }
202. Palamino (1497) [Cav.]
203. Bernardino (1497)
204. Lazzaro
205. Palamino (1487) [Cav.]
206. Bernardino
207. Giovanni (1473)
208. Nicolo (1490) [Vicario di Brescia]
209. Bernardino
210. Jacopino
211. Lodovico {Sp. Bona Langhignana }
213. Galeazzo [Ab.di Cratisoglia]
214. Francesca {Sp. Francesco Sforza }
215. Bianca {Sp. 1.Francesco Trivulzi 2.Jacopo Trivulzi }
216. Filippo {Sp. Francesca Visconti }
217. Ippolita {Sp. Claudio di Savoia }
218. Isabella {Sp. 1.Giuliano de Medici,2.Francesco Bolognino,3.Antonio M. Pallavicino }
219. Lancellotto {Sp. Lucia Adorno }
220. Giustina {Sp. Marchesino Stanga }
221. Bernardino {Sp. Beatrice Ongarello 1501}
222. Antonio
223. Alessandro
224. Matteo (1506)
225. Pietro {Sp. Cec.Bellate 1574}
226. Luca
227. Nicolo (1474) [Deputato]
228. Benedetto
229. Giorgio
230. Lazzaro (1478) [Vicario di Mirano]
231. Vitaliano
232. Vitaliano
233. Castora {Sp. Prosdocimo Cavazza 1500}
234. Carlo [Vescovo di Pozzuolo] †1540
235. Vitaliano
236. Camillo
237. Giovanni
238. Laura {Sp. Baldassare Pusterla }
239. Giulio Cesare
240. Federico {Sp. Veronica Visconti }
241. Giovanna {Sp. Giovanni Cuccia }
242. Barbara {Sp. Lodovico Beccaria }
243. Ippolita {Sp. Girolamo Anguissola }
244. Giovanni
245. Maddalena {Sp. Azzo Visconti }
246. Giulio Cesare {Sp. Ippolita Custigliana 1528}
247. Isabella {Sp. Renato Trivulzi 1563}
248. Giustina (1528)
249. Vitaliano {Sp. Agnese Beraldo }
250. Antonio
251. Fedele
252. Marsilio
253. Matteo {Sp. Lucina Valdezocco }
254. Vitaliano
255. Alessandro (1538) [prete]
256. Benedetto {Sp. Catterina 1558}
257. Antenore {Sp. Laura Malipiero 1497}
258. Vitaliano
259. Jacopino
260. Matteo (1556)
261. Giovanni Battista (1560)
262. Eleonora {Sp. Francesco Re di Francia }
263. Gilberto {Sp. Margherita de Medici }
264. Francesco [Prefetto equestre]
265. Barbara {Sp. Camillo Gonzaga }
266. Francesco {Sp. N.Tolentini }
267. Giulio Cesare {Sp. Margherita Trevulzi }
268. Giustino
269. Maddalena {Sp. Sebastiano Pereri }
270. Giovanni Battista {Sp. Giulia Sanseverini }
271. Giovanni {Sp. Cornelia Ro 1636}
272. Vitaliano {Sp. Medea 1571}
273. Bernardino
274. Bernardino
275. Sisibaldo (1589) {Sp. Catterina dal Corno }
276. Federico
277. Giorgio
278. Giulio
279. Nicolo (1533) [notaio]
280. Filippo {Sp. Innocenza Castagnola }
281. Vitaliano
282. Palamidesio
283. Carlo,Santo (1538) [Arcivescovo di Milano] †1584
284. Girolama {Sp. Fabricio Gesualdo }
285. Camilla {Sp. Cesare Gonzaga }
286. Ernesta
287. Isabella
288. Anna {Sp. Fabricio Colonna }
289. Federico (1535) {Sp. Virginia dalla Rovere } †1562
290. Giovanni {Sp. Bianca Pirovani }
291. Laura {Sp. Francesco Visconti }
292. Federico [Arcivescovo di Milano] †1631
293. Isabella {Sp. Girolamo Visconti }
294. Renato
295. Ippolita {Sp. Alberto Barbiani }
296. Corona [monaca]
297. Filippo Dionisio {Sp. Apollonia Botta }
298. Angelo
299. Pandolfo
300. Antenore (1572) {Sp. Ester Massimo }
301. Bernardino [monaco]
302. Matteo
303. Fedele
304. Matteo (1611) {Sp. Cristina Telarolo }
305. Nicolo (1600)
306. Antenore
307. Gaboardo {Sp. Alba Bassan }
308. Martino
309. Jacopino
310. Giulio Cesare †1638
311. Giustina {Sp. Francesco Gagli }
312. Maria Maddalena {Sp. Giovanni Antonio dAdda }
313. Costanza {Sp. 1. Ferdinando Castaldo, 2.Antonio Aresino }
314. Vitaliano (1606)
315. Marc Antonio (1654)
316. Paolo (1654) {Sp. Tarsia Bruseo }
317. Giovanni Battista (1661)
318. Danielo (1627) [Priore di Santa Giustina a Padova]
319. Alessandro
320. Giovanni (1627)
321. Palamidesio
322. Bernardino
323. Andrea (1660) [religioso]
324. Antonio Renato (1655)
325. Giovanni †1660
326. Federico [Cardinale] †1673
327. Giovanni Antonio (1701)
328. Matteo (1703) {Sp. Corona Mazzaroli }
329. Palamino
330. Vitaliano
331. Paolo (1733) {Sp. Elisabetta S.Lazzaro } †1811
332. Bernardino
333. Vitaliano
334. Antonio (1758) {Sp. Marina Bellini } †1779
335. Vitaliano (1604)
336. Fedele (1604)
337. Marsilio (1604)
338. Angelo (1627)
339. Antenore (1627) [Vicario di Mirano]
340. Giustino (1779) {Sp. Elena Sonica }
341. Giorgio †
342. Isabella †
343. Paolo †
344. Paolo †
345. Paolo †
346. Antonia †
347. Antonia †
348. Chiara †
349. Giovanna †
0. Lazzaro,di San Miniato il Tedesco (1300) [Buon Romeo ,titolo dato dal Papa VIII]0b. Bonifacio
1. Filippo (1324) [morto a Firenze] {Sp. Talda } †1370
2. Vitaliani Pietro
3. Vitaliani Gerolama
4. Andrea
5. Borromeo †1422
6. Giovanni (1398) [banchiere] †1431
7. Margherita20{Sp. Jacopino Vitaliani } †1429
8. Venturino,figlio naturale di Giovanni [detto il Beato Basilio]
9. Galeazzo,senza discendenza
10. Giovanni,5 figli
11. Antonio,4 figli,di questi discendono i Borromeo di Padova,Toscani e altri
12. Borromeo Vitaliano gia Vitaliani {Sp. Ambrosina Fagnani,della fam. del Papa Onorio III 1406} †1449
13. Talda,poi Maddalena {Sp. Otto Mandelli,conte di Corsi 1439}
14. Onesta [figlia naturale di Vitaliano] {Sp. Giacomo Coreggio o Luchino Colnago }
15. Margherita,di Vitaliano (1423) {Sp. Gio. Agostino Visconti,Signore di Sesto 1439}
16. Corona
17. Giovanni Andrea,detto Prevosto,figlio naturale di Vitaliano [banchiere,1 figlio naturale,Gerolamo] †1477
18. Filippo,di Vitaliano (1419) [banchiere] {Sp. Franceschina Visconti di Castelletto 1438} †1464
19. Venturino,di Vitaliano,figlio naturale [nel 1456 viveva a Genova]
20. Guido
21. Giacomo
22. Fortezza,figlia naturale di Vitaliano {Sp. Filippo Crivelli di Magenta 1467}
23. Corona Della Somaglia {Sp. Conte Borromeo ,figlio di Lodovico }
24. Alessandro,figlio di Guido [medico]
25. Battista
26. Barbara
27. Camillo,figlio di Battista
28. Alessandro,nel 1527 fece una donazione al Conte Renato Borromeo di Giulio Cesare
29. Bianca
30. Ambrosina ,figlia di Filippo {Sp. Guido Rossi,Conte di San Secondo 1469}
31. Givanni,figlio di Filippo (1439) [tante alte cariche] {Sp. Cleofe dei Principi di Carpi,parenti del Papa Innocenzo VII } †1495
32. Giustina
33. Vitaliano,figlio di Filippo (1451) [senatore,adotto Lodovico Visconti] {Sp. Bianca dei Marchesi di Saluzzo 1487} †1493
34. Guido,figlio di Filippo (1502)
35. Giustina (1471) {Sp. Marchese Stanga } †1509
36. Bianca Maria figlia di Giovanni {Sp. 1 Francesco Trivulzi,2 Giacomo Trivulzo 1500} †1530
37. Franceschina,figlia di Giovanni (1470) [morta di veleno] {Sp. Conte Francesco Sforza di Borgonuovo 1486} †1510
38. Lancelloto [ottenne la propieta dell isola Madre,la trasforma in residenza privata] †1513
39. Galeazzo
40. Isabella,figlia di Giovanni (1459) [morta dopo la gravidanza] {Sp. 1 Giuliano de Medici,assassinato,2 Francesco Bolognini,3 Antonio M. Pallavicino 1477} †1499
41. Gilberto (1461) [senatore] {Sp. Maddalena Fritz di Brandeburgo di Mantova 1484} †1508
42. Ippolita
43. Filippo
44. Lodovico,figlio di Giovanni (1468) [conte,consigliere ciamdellano] {Sp. Bona Longhignana } †1527
45. Lucrezia,figlia di Giovanni (1466) †1468
46. Francesco,figlio di Giovanni (1462) †1481
47. Giovanni Giacomo,figlio di Giovanni (1461)
48. Giustina
49. Isabella,figlia di Lancellotto {Sp. Renato Trivulzo 1519} †1563
50. Carlo
51. Vitaliano,figlio di Lodovico [Colonello d ifanteria ,morto di un colpo d artiglieria] †1536
52. Bianca [Scienzata a Padova] {Sp. Battista Appiani 1535} †1557
53. Laura,figlia di Lodovico [morta di un colpo di fulmine] {Sp. Giovanni Bat Pallavicino,Marchese del Polesine } †1544
54. Camillo
55. Luigi,figlio di Lodovico, bis. Vitaliano (1501) [fu tenuto a battesimo dal Re di Francia,LuigiVII,morto assassinato] †1518
56. Gilberto o Bongilberto,figlio di Lodovico †1515
57. Giovanna,figlia di Lodovico {Sp. 1. 1530 Giovanni Gerolamo Castiglioni Cav, 2. 1530 Baldassare Pusterla 1530}
58. Trivulzio Lucia,figlia di Renato
59. Trivulzio Margherita [madre di Federigo,Cardinale] {Sp. Giulio Cesare Borromeo } †1601
60. Visconti Anna
61. Maddalena,figlia di Filippo {Sp. Azzo Visconti }
62. Barbara
63. Ippolita,figlia di Filippo [poetessa] {Sp. Gerolamo Anguissola Marchese 1533} †1561
64 . Giovanni
65. Giulio Cesare
66. Filippo Dionigi,figlio di Giovanni (1519) {Sp. Livia Tornelli } †1562
67. Costanza,figlia di Filippo Dionigi {Sp. Ferrando Castaldo, Marchese di Castaldo 1567} †1576
68. Prospero,figlio naturale di Filippo Dionigi †1590
69. Lodovica Bianca Bernardina (1488)
70. Margherita
71. Giovanna,figlia di Gilberto {Sp. Giovanni Caccia 1510} †1528
72. Camilla,figlia di Gilberto {Sp. Giovanni Caccia 1510}
73. Paola,figlia di Gilberto (1508) {Sp. Bartolomeo De Capitani d Arzago 1526}
74. Federico
75. Anna
76. Castalda Livia {Sp. Marchese Medici di Melegnano 1584}
77. Luigi,figlio di Camillo †1536
78. Cornelia,figlia naturale di Camillo [Monaca a S. Ambroggio]
79. Giustina
80. Giovanni Battista,figlio di Camillo [deputato,uccise la moglie di gelosia] {Sp. Giulia Sanseverino 1564} †1596
81. Barbara
82. Ippolita,figlia di Giovanni Battista (1565) {Sp. Albrico Balbiano,Conte di Belgioioso } †1602
83. Corona,figlia di Giovanni Battista (1567) [Monaca a S.Prassede] †1584
84. Maddalena,figlia di Federico (1514) [fondo 2 monasteri a Milano e Torino] {Sp. Sebastiano Ferrerio di Casalvolone 1529}
85. Eleonora {Sp. Giovanni M. Dal Verme,Conte di Bobbio }
86. Francesco,figlio di Federico [celibe]
87. Giberto
88. Giulio Cesare,figlio di Federico (1517) {Sp. Margherita Trivulzio 1554} †1572
89. Francesco,figlio di Federico (1521) [Padrino ,Francesco I,RE di Francia] {Sp. Zenobia Tolentini 1554} †1582
90. Dorotea
91. Federico
92. Carlo (1538) [Cardinale,Santo,zio materno:Papa PioIV] †1584
93. Vitaliano
94. Gerolama {Sp. Fabrizio Gesualdo }
95. Camilla,filglia di Gilberto e Margherita de Medici {Sp. Cesare Gonzaga,Principe d Arriano 1560} †1583
96. Anna
97. Ortensia,figlia di Gilberto e Tadea Dal Verme {Sp. Annibale Altemps,Conte 1565} †1579
98. Isabella
99. Giovanni
100. Federico,figlio di Giulio Cesare (1564) [Cardinale] †1631
101. Laura
102. Renato I,figlio di Giulio Cesare (1555) [Deputato] {Sp. Ersilia Farnese 1579} †1608
103. Isabella,figlia di Giulio Cesare (1562) {Sp. Gerolamo Visconti ,Signore di Carbonara e Albizzate }
104. Isabella
105. Maria
106. Carlo III (1586) [Conte] {Sp. Isabella d Adda,Contessa 1612} †1652
107. Giovanni VI,fig lio di Renato e Ersilia Farnese (1584) [militare] †1613
108. Giulio Cesare III,figlio di Renato (1593) [morto in guerra a Vercelli] {Sp. Giovanna Cesi 1615} †1638
109. Margherita
110. Giustina,figlia di Renato [morta di parto] {Sp. Alvito F. Gallio 1615} †1625
111. Giulio Cesare
112. Caterina Lucia,figlia di Renato (1594) †1625
113. Gallio Marco
114. Gilberto III,figlio di Carlo III [Cardinale] †1672
115. Renato II,figlio di Carlo (1613) [Conte] {Sp. Giulia Arese, Contessa 1652} †1685
116. Vitaliano VI,figlio di Carlo (1620) [tante incariche] †1690
117. Ersilia (1626) [Suor Lucia a S.Barbara,Milano] †1673
118. Federici IV
119. Massimo,figlio di Giulio Cesare (1630) [Priore a Milano] †1705
120. Giovanni VII (1624) [tante cariche] {Sp. Isabella Arcimboldi , 2 Landriani 1644} †1660
121. Carlo Maria,figlio di Giulio Cesare [uomo di chiesa] †1650
122. Antonio Renato (1632) {Sp. Elena Visconti,Marchesa 1663} †1686
123. Giustino,figlio di Giulio Cesare [morto a 2 anni] †1640
124. Paolo Emilio (1663) †1690
125. Andrea
126. Anna Maria
127. Federico V
128. Margherita
129. Cornelia
130. Gerolama Maria,figlia di Renato II (1678) [Monaca] †1742
131. Margherita
132. Anna Teresa
133. Gilberto IV,figlio di Renato II [Cardinalee Vescovo Conte di Novara] †1740
134. Giulio Federico Giuseppe
135. Carlo IV,prende il nome materno dei Arese (1657) [Vicere di Napoli] {Sp. 1 Giovanna Odescalchi,nipote del Papa Innocenzo XI,2 Camilla Barberini,pronipote del Papa Urbano VII } †1734
136. Arese Beatrice
137. Arese Giustina,figlia di Renato (1746) {Sp. Carlo Barberini,Principe di Palestrina 1770} †1815
138. Arese Isabella
139. Arese Lucrezia Maria
140. Arese Lucrezia
141. Arese Federico VI
142. Arese Giustina ,figlia di Carlo (1691) {Sp. Clemente D. Rospigliosi,Principe 1713}
143. Arese Isabella
144. Arese Margherita o Margarita
145. Arese Giovanni Benedetto,145 bis Grillo Clelia
146. Maria Maddalena
147. Anna
148. Teresa
149. Giustina
150. Giulia
151. Maria
152. Renato III
153. Antonio
154. Francesco
155. Vitaliano IV [Cardinale]
156. Giuseppe
157. Giovanni Carlo
158. Teresa
159. Antonio
160. Maria Anna
161. Carlo Gilberto Vitaliano Ferdinando
162. Giovanna
163. Giustina Maria Barbara Teresa
164. Maria Maddalena
165. Carlo Massimo Gilberto
166. Maria Clelia
167. Maria
168. Gilberto V
169. Irene Maria
170. Maria Margherita
171. Vitaliano
172. Elisa
173. Leopolda
174. Antonio
175. Carlo
176. Matilde
177. Enrico
178. Carolina
179. Federico VII
180. Meli Lupi di Soragna Casimiro [Melilupi]
181. Meli Lupi di Soragna Domizio [Melilupi]
182. Meli Lupi di Soragna Irminia [Melilupi]
183. Paulucci Carolina
184. Paulucci Luigi
185. Maria Teresa
186. Febo
187. Maria V
188. Febo
189. Costanza
190. Gian Carlo
191. Carolina
192. Marianna
193. Carolina
194. Renato Federico
195. Vitaliano
196. Federico VIII
197. Maria Claudia
198. Giulio Cesare
199. Giustina
200. Gilberto Vi
201. Ersilia
202. Guido
203. Emilio
204. Giustina
205. Ersilia
206. Emanuele
207. Adele
208. Edoardo
209. Camilla
210. Elisabetta
211. Livia
212. Maria
213. Cristina
214. Gilberto VII
215. Isabella
216. Guido
217. Carolina
218. Renato
219. Elisabetta
220. Laura
221. Maria Luigia
222. Carla
223. Margherita
224. Vitaliano X
225. Giovanni Benedetto
226. Federico VII
227. Vittorio Emauele
228. Laura Emilia
]]> Cebuano Prayer Book by Anon Borromeo https://theborromeofamily.com/cebuano-prayer-book/ Wed, 10 Jun 2026 15:46:00 +0000 http://www.theborromeofamily.com/cebuano-prayer-book/ Welcome to my Bookstore:

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Powerful Prayers: “Where Two or More are Gathered in HIS Name…”

This article is included in “The Borromeo Family of Cebu” by Marc E. Nonnenkamp (ISBN 978-1460908082 now available on www.amazon.com through CreateSpace for $17.99 paperback and for $9.99 as an Amazon Kindle e-book – ASIN B004VMONZG) as well as through E-Bay and other online retail sites.  The book can also be special ordered at various “brick and mortar” book stores.  This book is on the Amazon “Bestsellers” list in the USA, Canada and the UK (top 3 percent of retail products).  “The Borromeo Family of Cebu” is the number-one searched Borromeo-related retail product among 7,537 such products in numerous countries throughout the Americas, Europe, Asia and Oceania.  All of my published books may be purchased on the global Amazon.com network which sells retail items in the USA, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Liechtenstein, Poland, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Monaco, Spain, Gibraltar, Andorra, Portugal, the Azores, the Madeira Islands, Italy, San Marino, Turkey, the Arab World (27 countries), Sweden, Finland, Australia, India, China and Japan.  My books may be special ordered at various “brick and mortar” retail book stores such as Barnes & Noble as well.

This subject matter is included in “The Borromeo Family of Cebu” by Marc E. Nonnenkamp (ISBN 978-1460908082 and is available on www.amazon.com through CreateSpace for $17.99).   The Amazon Kindle e-book edition (ASIN B004VMONZG) retails for $9.99.  This was the press release on Yahoo.com News (October 10, 2012): http://news.yahoo.com/book-borromeo-family-cebu-explores-120000775.html.  ”The Borromeo Family of Cebu” has received millions of page hits since November 2006 (on this site, 566 books sold in paperback form via Amazon, and 16,434 books sold in the “Amazon Kindle” e-book edition).  Here are two related articles dated January 31, 2014 and March 11, 2014, respectively in the “PhilStar-Freeman” Newspaper from Manila about the 91st anniversary of the assassination of Judge Andres Borromeo with 13,236 “Likes” and “Shares” as of May 26, 2026 on all known Internet sites: http://www.philstar.com/freeman-8opinion/2014/01/31/1285085/j.-borromeo-street-cebu-city.  Here is the second article: http://www.philstar.com/freeman-opinion/2014/03/11/1299613/thank-you-paul.  Thank you so very much for your support and for your interest!

I thank all of you who have visited this particular page (5,924,790 page hits since November 2006), to join my late maternal grandmother “Lola Anon” in devotion to these powerful prayers.

Hier ist ein römisch-katholisches Gebetsbuch meiner Großmutter Anunciacion “Anon” Bonjoc Rallos de Borromeo (1885-1938).  Das Buch hat sie im Jahre 1923 geschrieben, nachdem mein Großvater der Richter Andrés Borromeo y Reynes (1880-1923) leider einem Attentat zum Opfer fiel.  Das Buch ist in der ”Cebuano” Sprache (einer von vielen Dialekten – auch “Visaya” gennant – der Philippinen) geschrieben.  Es gibt nun 27,5 Millionen Menschen im Süden der Philippinen, die Cebuano als Muttersprache sprechen.  Die Stadt Cebu auf der Insel Cebu ist nach Manila die zweitgrößte Stadt der Philippinen.  Cebu hat mehr als 5,2 Millionen Einwohner.  Vielen Dank für Ihren Besuch!

A Prayer Book in the Cebuano Language

This is a Roman Catholic prayer book written by my maternal grandmother Anunciacion “Anon” Bonjoc Rallos de Borromeo (1885-1938) and published in the Cebuano language in 1923. My late aunt Carolina M. Borromeo (1921-2010) was kind enough to translate the Cebuano prayer book and the Spanish article on Judge Borromeo into English for us.

Download the Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus (Original Cebuano Version)

Download the Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus (English Translation)

Devotions to the Saints, Beatified and Venerable in Heaven

We all have our favorite Saints, Beatified and Venerable in Heaven.  Children should remember their very own Patron Saint Nicholas.  And what about Saint Jude Thaddeus?  He who helps those in “hopeless” situations.  With GOD, nothing is hopeless.  And what about Saint Michael the Archangel?  He who will defeat Satan, the fallen angel Lucifer.  Another wonderful Saint is Anthony of Padua, who will guide us in all we do.  And what about Saint Faustina Kowalska of the Divine Mercy?  The power to forgive sin, even greater than during the Season of Lent.  And of course, we must never forget our own Saint Charles Borromeo.  And Saint Peter the Apostle, who will defend us from iniquity.  And do not forget those such as Blessed Francisco, the cousin of Lucia dos Santos of Fatima.  Or Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich of Germany, who told of the Passion of Christ Jesus with the assistance of the famous German author Clemmens V. Brentano (Clemmens Brentano wrote one book using his notes of what Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich told him).  Another good one is Venerable Mary of Agreda, Spain who wrote “The Mystical City of God.”  Remember also Saint Joseph, Foster Father of Jesus, and Saint Padre Pio.

A Prayer from Saint Gertrude the Great and Saint Mechtilde of Germany

Two German Saints who gave us the most powerful prayer of all include the nuns Saint Gertrude the Great and Saint Mechtilde, both of the Middle Ages.  A prayer group started by the late wife of my good friend is devoted to this great prayer.  Bob Roth’s (1928-2013) late wife was born Edna Mae Kirke (1922-2001) in New York City, and eventually took the lay religious name “Michael Maria.”

Our LORD told Saint Gertrude the Great that the following prayer would release 1,000 souls from Purgatory each time it is said (think also of the souls of more than 1.5 billion aborted infants since 1917, and the many billions of souls of those who have never been baptized into the Christian faith in general and into the Roman Catholic Christian faith in particular):

“ETERNAL FATHER, I OFFER THEE THE MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD OF THY DIVINE SON, JESUS, IN UNION WITH MASSES SAID THROUGHOUT THE WORLD TODAY, FOR ALL THE HOLY SOULS IN PURGATORY, AMEN.”

Approval and recommendation (sqd.), M. Cardinal Pahiarca, Lisbon, Portugal (March 4, 1936).

Some Interesting Roman Catholic-subject websites:

1.)  The “Star Harbor” site of late Jesuit Father Malachi Brendan Martin (1921-1999), which includes his most recent monthly newsletters (published in 1997-1998): http://www.starharbor.com/fr_martin/index1.html

2.)  The Catholic Encyclopedia list of all 267 Roman Catholic Popes from Saint Peter (A.D. 32) to Pope Leo XIV (today): http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/12272b.htm

3.)  The prophecies of Saint Don John Bosco: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/12272b.htm

4.)  Daily Roman Catholic Mass lectionaries: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/12272b.htm

Suggested Reading List of Christian Books

1.)  The Curé of Ars – Patron Saint of Parish Priests, St. John Vianney 1786 – 1859 (by Father Bartholomew O’Brien)

2.)  Meetings with Mary – Visions of the Blessed Mother (by Janice T. Connell)

3.)  God’s Inspirational Promises (by Max Lucado)

4.)  Divine Mercy in My Soul – Diary (by Sister Maria Faustina Kowalska): Saint Faustina gave us the “Chaplet of the Divine Mercy,” which is recited with ordinary rosary beads.

5.)  Catechism of the Catholic Church (by the Holy See of the Roman Catholic Church)

6.)  To the Priests, Our Lady’s Beloved Sons – The Marian Movement of Priests (by Father Don Stefano Gobbi)

7.)  The Visions of the Children – The Apparitions of the Blessed Mother of Medjugorje (by Janice T. Connell)

8.)  Humanae Vitae: A Challenge to Love (by Pope Paul VI): the dogma of the Roman Catholic Church in favor of human life, and against the sins of contraception, abortion (both chemical and surgical) and live infanticide.

9.)  Healing Through the Rosary (by Ann Ross Fitch)

10.)  Holy Love – Messages from Our Blessed Mother Leading Souls to Holiness (by Maureen Sweeney)

11.)  In God’s Household (Homilies by Josemaria Escriva)

12.)  Our Lady of Fatima – Prophecies of Tragedy or Hope? (by Antonio A. Borelli and John R. Spann)

13.)  The Lamb’s Supper – The Mass as Heaven on Earth (by Scott Hahn)

14.)  In Our Days (by Joselito Q. Yap): A very good book on the history of Roman Catholic Church prophecy, both Marian and otherwise.

15.)  The Holy Bible (Confraternity Text and Douay-Challoner Text): the Pre-Second Vatican Council Bible of the Roman Catholic Church

16.)  Bernadette and her Lady of Glory (by Valentine Long, O.F.M.)

17.)  The Message of Fatima – Lucia Speaks (Edited by John Hauf)

18.)  The Narnia Trivia Book (Adapted from the Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis)

19.)  The C.S. Lewis Handbook – A Comprehensive Guide to His Life, Thought and Writings (by Colin Duriez)

20.)  The Screwtape Letters (by Clive Staples Lewis): A very good book about “Screwtape,” who serves as a “junior” devil in trying to corrupt human souls.

21.)  Mere Christianity (by Clive Staples Lewis): A very good book explaining and defending Christianity.

22.)  Out of the Silent Planet (by Clive Staples Lewis): A very good book about the adventures of Dr. Elwin Ranson, who is kidnapped by evil men and taken to the planet of Malacandra (Mars).  First book of the Space Trilogy.

23.)  Perelandra (by Clive Staples Lewis): A very good book about how Dr. Elwin Ransom is taken to the planet of Perelandra (Venus) by an “Eldil” (an angel of the planet Venus) to combat evil on Perelandra in its “Garden of Eden.”  Second book of the Space Trilogy.

24.)  That Hideous Strength (by Clive Staples Lewis): A very good book about how Dr. Fisher-King (formerly known as Dr. Elwin Ransom) leads the forces of good against the forces of evil on Thulcandra (the planet Earth) immediately after the end of World War 2.  Final book of the Space Trilogy.

25.)  The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (by Clive Staples Lewis): A very good book on how Lucy Pevensie stumbles into the far-away land of Narnia through a magical wardrobe in the home of Professor Dr. Digory Kirke during early World War 2 England.  Her 3 siblings eventually join her to fulfill an important Narnian prophecy, and help the good Lion Aslan defeat the evil White Witch – thus ending 100 years of enchanted evil Winter in Narnia.  First of the 7 Narnian Chronicles.

26.)  Prince Caspian (by Clive Staples Lewis): The second book in the “Chronicles of Narnia” series, in which the four Pevensie siblings (Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy) return to Narnia in order to help young Prince Caspian gain the throne of Narnia.  They must first defeat his wicked uncle Miraz, usurper of the throne and murderer of his late father, King Caspian IX.

27.)  The Voyage of the “Dawn Treader” (by Clive Staples Lewis): The third book in the “Chronicles of Narnia” series, in which the two youngest Pevensie siblings (Edmund and Lucy) return to Narnia accompanied by their spoiled cousin Eustace Clarence Scrubb.  They join young King Caspian X and the crew of the sailing ship “Dawn Treader” in a journey over the Eastern Ocean from Narnia to Aslan’s Country.

28.)  The Silver Chair (by Clive Staples Lewis): The fourth book in the “Chronicles of Narnia” series, in which the reformed Eustace Clarence Scrubb and his classmate Jill Pole go to Narnia in order to rescue the enchanted Prince Rilian (the sole son of the now aged King Caspian X).

29.)  The Horse and His Boy (by Clive Staples Lewis): The fifth book in the “Chronicles of Narnia” series, which takes place during the reign of the four Pevensie siblings (Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy).  It tells the tale of the abducted Prince Corin of Archenland, who has been living under the name of “Shasta” with a poor and cruel Calormene fisherman.  Shasta and the talking horse “Bree” journey North to freedom in Archenland, the traditional ally of Narnia.

30.)  The Magician’s Nephew (by Clive Staples Lewis): The sixth book in the “Chronicles of Narnia” series, in which Narnia is created by the Great Lion Aslan during the childhood of the future Professor Digory Kirke.  The young boy Digory and his neighbor Polly Plummer journey to Narnia, where they ensure Narnia’s protection from the wicked White Witch.

31.)  The Last Battle (by Clive Staples Lewis): The seventh and final book in the “Chronicles of Narnia” series, in which the temporal Narnia is destroyed but then eternally renewed by the Great Lion Aslan.  Young King Tirian and his followers battle the forces of evil in Narnia’s Armageddon.

32.)  Surprised by Joy – the Shape of My Early Life (by Clive Staples Lewis)

33.)  Reflections on the Pslams (by Clive Staples Lewis)

34.)  The Dark Tower and Other Stories (by Clive Staples Lewis)

35.)  The Four Loves (by Clive Staples Lewis)

36.)  The Great Divorce (by Clive Staples Lewis)

37.)  The Chronicles of Narnia – The Patterning of a Fantastic World (by Colin Manlove)

38.)  Shadows of Imagination – The Fantasies of C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien and Charles Williams (Edited by Mark R. Hillegas)

39.)  Companion to Narnia (by Paul F. Ford)

40.)  A Book of Narnians (Illustrated by Pauline Baynes)

41.)  The Land of Narnia (by Brian Sibley)

The August Queen Prayer

On January 13, 1864, a soul (Father Louis Cestac, who died in 1868) accustomed to the favors of the most Holy Virgin, was suddenly struck as if with a ray of divine clarity. He believed to have seen demons spread out over the earth, causing unbelievable ravage. At the same time, he had an elevation towards the Holy Virgin. This good mother would have told him that as a matter of fact, the time had come to pray to the Queen of the angels, and to ask Her to send the holy legions to combat and overthrow the powers of hell.

“My Mother,” said this soul, “you who are so good, could You not send them without our having to ask?”

“No,” replied the Holy Virgin. “Prayer is a condition set by God Himself in order to obtain graces.”

“Well then! my mother,” replied the soul, “would you teach me Yourself how we must pray to You?” And he received from the most Holy Virgin the prayer: “August Queen”:

August Queen of the Heavens, heavenly sovereign of the Angels, Thou who from the beginning received from God the power and the mission to crush the head of Satan, we humbly beseech Thee to send Your holy Legions, so that under Thy command and through Thy power, they may pursue the demons and combat them everywhere, suppress their boldness, and drive them back into the abyss. Who is like God? O good and tender Mother, Thou will always be our love and hope! O Divine Mother, send Thy Holy Angels to defend me and to drive far away from me the cruel enemy. Holy Angels and Archangels, defend us, guard us. Amen.

]]> Judge Andrés Borromeo and My Family https://theborromeofamily.com/judge-andres-borromeo/ Tue, 09 Jun 2026 13:13:00 +0000 http://portalhozt.com/theborromeofamily/2006/12/31/judge-andres-borromeo/ Welcome to my Bookstore:

The Borromeo Family of Cebu BUY FROM AMAZON.COM
Volkswagen: a Car for the People – a Success Story – 2nd Edition BUY FROM AMAZON.COM
Scale Model Collectible Cars – with Official Corgi Toys Catalogue Illustrations BUY FROM AMAZON.COM
The German and the Austrian Navies – Volume 2: Second Edition: BUY FROM AMAZON.COM
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A Great and Just Philippine Judge – and a Defender of the Constitution

Included in “The Borromeo Family of Cebu” by Marc E. Nonnenkamp (ISBN 978-1460908082 now available on www.amazon.com through CreateSpace for $17.99 paperback and for $9.99 as an Amazon Kindle e-book).  This book is on the Amazon “Bestsellers” list in the USA (top 3 percent of retail products) and is also available at Barnes & Noble in both paperback and electronic NOOKbook editions.  My books may be purchased on the global Amazon.com network which sells retail items in the USA, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, the UK, Ireland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Liechtenstein, Poland, Sweden, Finland, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Monaco, Andorra, Spain, Portugal, Italy, San Marino, Turkey, the Arab world (27 countries), Australia, India, China and Japan.  A January 31, 2014 article in “The Philippine Star-Freeman” newspaper from Manila commemorates Judge Borromeo’s honesty and integrity as a public official upon the 91st anniversary of his tragic assassination: http://www.philstar.com/freeman-opinion/2014/01/31/1285085/j.-borromeo-street-cebu-city.  The article has 11,740 “Shares” and “Likes” on Facebook, Twitter and Googleplus – thank you so much for interest.

My maternal grandfather is one of the most famous provincial judges in the history of the Philippines, due to a landmark case in the Supreme Court of the Philippine Islands (Borromeo vs. Mariano) which he won in January 1921 two years before he was murdered in January 1923. He defended the legal independence of the judicial branch of government in the face of a hostile insular legislature.  This article has received more than 3,234,617 page visits since November 2006 – thank you very much for your interest!

Note: we recently posted photos (in our separate photo section) showing the new monument in honor of Judge Andrés Borromeo, located at Borromeo Plaza in downtown Cebu City, the Philippines.  These pictures were taken in May 2008, upon the occasion of the Borromeo Family Reunion in Cebu City.  More than 100 family members attended, and we had the occasion to see about 20 more relatives in Manila later during our trip.

Mein Großvater mütterlicherseits war zu seiner Zeit einer der berühmtesten Richter der Philippinen.  Als Landesrichter von Surigao und Agusan im Nordosten von Mindanao (1914-1923), hat Andrés Borromeo y Reynes (1880-1923) sich gegen die übermäßige und fast grenzlose politische Korruption in den Philippinen aufgelehnt. Er hat sich auch deswegen für die Unabhängigkeit des Justizwesens eingesetzt.  Die sognannten nationalen “Helden” der Philippinen waren zum großen Teil nicht sehr aufrichtig und sehr korrupt.  Die erste große politische Partei in der Geschichte der Philippinen, die “Nationalistische Partei,” war auch sehr korrupt. Diese unehrlichen Menschen (hauptsächlich sehr wohlhabende Freimaurer) haben das Land zwischen 1907 und 1941 politisch beherrscht. Von 1916 bis 1923 hat sich mein Großvater, der Richter Andrés Borromeo y Reynes, der “Nationalistischen Partei,” die Regierung von Surigao und Agusan im Nordosten von Mindanao, entgegengesetzt.  Er hat dieser Bewegung viel von ihrer Macht und Einfluß entnommen, einer der Hauptgründe weil er dann am 3. Januar 1923 einem Attentat zum Opfer fiel.

Unveiling of the Second Monument to Judge Andres Borromeo (May 24, 2008)

The first monument to the legacy of my maternal grandfather Judge Andres Borromeo y Reynes (1880-1923) was dedicated at the Surigao City wharf in 1927. This same monument was moved to the Palace of Justice in the City of Surigao on May 19, 1993. On May 24, 2008, a second monument was dedicated to Judge Andres Borromeo at the Borromeo Plaza on Andres Borromeo Street in Cebu City. The Borromeo Plaza is a 3-phase commercial complex owned, developed and managed by the Borromeo Group of Companies (incorporated on February 8, 1933). Andres Borromeo Streets in both Cebu City and in Surigao City were named after the tragic assassination in 1923. What follows is my own tribute to my late maternal grandfather.

Note: The Cebu “Sun Star” carried an article about the new monument on June 12, 2008.

Public Speech of Marc Evan Borromeo Nonnenkamp (May 24, 2008)

I am Marc Evan Borromeo Nonnenkamp, the youngest of Judge Andres Borromeo’s 9 grandchildren.

I also wish to thank the many distinguished guests and supporters here today, including the Honorable Michael Rama, Vice Mayor of Cebu City, my uncle Dr. Rodolfo Borromeo Herrera, President of the Borromeo Brothers Estate, Incorporated, my cousin Mr. Maxcy Borromeo, General Manager of the Borromeo Brothers Estate, Incorporated, my parents, my cousin Socorro Borromeo Atega, the ICM Sisters, my relatives in the Borromeo family, the people of Cebu and the Filipino people.

Judge Andres Borromeo, or “Lolo Ating,” as I know him, was the eldest of 9 siblings, my maternal grandfather, a devoted husband, the father of 8 children, a great Philippine judge and a defender of the constitution of the former United States Territory of the Philippine Islands.

Lolo Ating served as Judge of the Court of First Instance for the Provinces of Surigao and Agusan in Mindanao from July 1914 until his untimely demise in January of 1923.

Due to his 1921 victory in the landmark Philippine Supreme Court case known as “Borromeo vs. Mariano,” he became popularly known as “The Fighting Judge.” In this famous case, which has since been taught to all Philippine students of law, the legal independence of the judicial branch of government was preserved.

Judge Andres Borromeo defended the judicial branch of government in the face of a hostile insular legislature. During the period of Philippine self-government from 1907 until 1923, it became the practice of Filipino politicians to assign a Judge of the Court of First Instance to try a particular case. In the case of my grandfather, the issue was election fraud. He failed bend to the will of the corrupt body politic of his time.

The just judge who preserved honest elections in Surigao and Agusan was to have been appointed to the Supreme Court of the Philippine Islands in 1923. Unfortunately, this was too much for the powers that were. While on holiday in Manila in January of 1923, my grandfather was felled by an assassin’s bullet. The killers tried to kill both my grandfather and his younger brother Captain Jose Ubaldo Borromeo, but my grandfather felled one of the would-be assassins and thereby saved his younger brother’s life.

Lolo Ating’s self-sacrifice and the ideals for which he fought are as meaningful today as they were 85 years ago. They are as much a part of the human condition today as they were for Adam and Eve more than 6 Millennia ago.

The issue is one of justice – a justice for which every human being who ever has lived has already been judged, and for which every human being now alive will be judged. When we transgress against this justice, we not merely hurt others and the world in which we live, but we place our own eternal inheritance at risk.

May the memory of Judge Andres Borromeo always be with us, and may he inspire each and every one of us always to do better.

I thank all of you very much for attending the official dedication of this monument to Judge Andres Borromeo.

Historical Background to the Threat against the Philippine Judiciary

During the period of Philippine self-government but before the establishment of the Philippine Commonwealth (from the Jones Act of 1916 until 1935), it was the practice of Filipino politicians (i.e., those from the majority & ruling leftist Nacionalista Party) to assign a Judge of the First Instance to try a particular case. During this period the Court of First Instance was the equivalent of a present-day State or Provincial Supreme Court. The intimation that a certain kind of verdict (i.e., favorable to the Nacionalista Party and its alleged interests) was wanted was not lost on the judge. It remained for merely three Filipino jurists to furnish inspiring examples of judicial rectitude. Judge Andrés Borromeo y Reynes (1880-1923) made his name famous in the celebrated Philippine Supreme Court decision of January 1921.

Andrés Borromeo had been duly appointed and commissioned Judge of the First Instance of the 24th Judicial District comprising the Provinces of Surigao and Agusan in 1914 (population of 2,8 million people in 2007). For six years he acted as judge in those provinces, but through his unbending character offended the local politicians. In effect, he ruled against the majority Nacionalista Party in election fraud cases. Accordingly, he was appointed to another district, an appointment which he declined to accept. The Supreme Court of the Philippine Islands, to the amazement of many, sustained the Fighting Judge, as Judge Andrés Borromeo had come to be called, on the ground that a Judge of the Court First Instance can be made a judge of another district only with his consent. In its broader aspects the decision rested on the fundamental conception of an independent and incorruptible judicial branch of government.

Supreme Court Case: Borromeo vs. Mariano (January 1921)

The ruling in the Borromeo vs. Mariano Case (January 1921) did not sit well with the Philippine Legislature, which was itself controlled by the Nacionalista Party from 1916 to 1943. So a law was passed which provided for a lottery of judicial positions every 5 years. Again another fearless judge (Pedro Concepcion), was found to test the constitutionality of the law. The Supreme Court of the Philippine Islands held the law invalid.

Judge Andrés Borromeo y Reynes (1880-1923): A Martyr for Justice

The untimely demise of Don Andrés Borromeo was mourned by the entire Philippines. Palma, Judge George Malcolm, the Free Press Editor, and other giants in Philippine letters, stung by so inestimable a loss, penned literary gems to laud the great Filipino jurist.

Don Andrés Borromeo was an institution himself. Fearless and stout willed, he was a genuine apostle of justice which he admirably kept inviolate through countless vicissitudes. Without thought of reward, he fought for the independence of the judiciary. He died with the grieving voice of the whole nation chanting of his uprightness, sending forth a conglomerate echo in the august hall of fame.

He obtained his secondary education in the College of San Carlos Borromeo in Cebu City (the oldest university in the Philippines), and finished law in the Escuela de Derecho (School of Law) at the College of Santo Tomas in Manila (founded by the Spaniards in 1601).  He passed the bar examination in March 1903 and in April of that same year he started practicing his profession. The alertness he displayed evoked the respect of higher authorities, and in 1905 he became Deputy Fiscal (Deputy Prosecutor) to the then Provincial & Auxiliary Fiscal (Chief Prosecutor) of Cebu and Negros Oriental, Sergio Osmeña, Sr.

Sergio Osmeña, Sr. was born out of wedlock to a prominent Chinese-Mestizo family of Cebu City in 1878.  He graduated from the Escuela de Derecho (School of Law) at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila in 1899.  In 1899, he returned to Cebu to establish the newspaper “El Nuevo Dia” (“the new day” in English).  He also served in the administration of Cebu Provincial Governor Juan Climaco, another Chinese-Mestizo who held office from 1899 to 1904.  Osmeña served as Provincial Fiscal (“Chief Prosecutor” in English) of Cebu Province from 1904 to 1907, at which time he was elected to the brand new Philippine National Assembly.  He was also elected Speaker of the Philippine National Assembly, becoming the most prominent Filipino politician of the time – until he was eventually eclipsed by Manuel Luis Quezon y Molina.  The “Partido Nacionalista” (“Nationalist Pary” in English) of Osmeña and Quezon won 58 out of 80 seats in 1907.  At this time, a mere 3% of the Filipino population could legally vote, they being literate males who owned property.  The primary opposition “Partido Progresista” (“Progressive Party” in English) won just 16 out of 80 seats in 1907.

In 1906, Andrés Borromeo y Reynes was duly appointed Provincial Fiscal of Bohol. His designation as Cebu’s Provincial Fiscal was made in 1908.  Andrés Borromeo y Reynes (1880-1923) was appointed Judge of the Court of First Instance for the Provinces of Surigao and Agusan (in Northeastern Mindanao) on July 1, 1914. His problems with the Nacionalista Party began in 1915, when he ruled against them in electoral fraud cases. The pro-Nacionalista judge who opposed Andrés Borromeo in the landmark case at the Supreme Court of the Philipines (Borromeo vs. Mariano, January 1921) was one Francisco Mariano. Mariano was appointed Provincial Fiscal (chief prosecutor) of Surigao, Agusan & Misamis in 1907. He was elected Governor of Surigao Province in 1916, an election in which the Partido Democrata contested the results in court and in which my grandfather ruled in favor of the minority Partido Democrata. Upon losing the Governorship of Surigao in 1919, Francisco Mariano was appointed Judge of the Court of First Instance in Mindanao-Sulu Province.  Francisco Mariano’s top crony was one Manuel Llorca, born in Manila on April 20, 1886. He was elected the Nacionalista Party Governor of Leyte Province on September 1, 1905 and served as the Chief Clerk of Baguio and Bulacan Provinces from 1917 to 1918. He too was transferred to Surigao & Agusan in the Nacionalista Party vendetta against my maternal grandfather Andrés Borromeo. Other important opponents of my grandfather on the provincial level were the politician / jurist Ricardo Gonzalez (born January 24, 1881 and an ally of the so-called Filipino Nationalists opposing the Americans & my great-grandfather Filomeno Rallos from 1899 to 1902), the Nacionalista Party Senator Filemon Sotto and his brother the newspaper editor Vicente Sotto. The Sotto brothers were related to my grandfather by marriage through the extended family of my maternal grandmother Anunciacion Rallos de Borromeo (1885-1938). Filemon Sotto was married to a first cousin of my grandmother named Carmen Fadullon Rallos Sotto; he and his wife never had any children.

These men (Francisco Mariano, Manuel Llorca, Ricardo Gonzalez, Filemon Sotto and Vicente Sotto) were all Nacionalista Party cronies of Manuel Luis Quezon y Molina, the leader of the Nacionalista Party of the Philippines.  Quezon was born to a Spanish-Mestizo family in Tayabas Province on Luzon in 1878.  He graduated from the University of Santo Tomas in Manila in 1898.  His father (who was born in Spain) and younger brother had been slain by Filipino nationalist partisans, when their family had supported continued Spanish rule in the Philippines.  Manuel Luis Quezon amazingly then switched sides and became a Filipino nationalist guerilla himself from 1899 until 1903, during the war against the United States.  After his capture by the Americans in 1903, he became the protege of a number of American Army and government officials (including Colonel James G. Harbord, Major Harry H. Bandholtz, and U.S. District Judge Paul W. Linebarger) – in spite of having been indicted for 9 felony crimes, including the rape of a girl, armed assault and suppressing evidence in a pending criminal case.  In a most ironic gesture, both Bandholtz and Linebarger saved Quezon’s skin by having him made Provincial Fiscal (“Chief Prosector” in English) of Tayabas Province – in effect making an alleged criminal the highest-ranking legal official in state government. Quezon was then elected governor of Tayabas Province in 1906, during an election campaign in which Major Harry H. Bandholtz smeared Quezon’s opponents.  Quezon’s strongest opponent was an American Manila newspaper editor named Francis J. Berry, who was the victim of this smear campaign.  Manuel Luis Quezon y Molina became one of the non-voting Philippine Representatives to the United States Congress in Washington, D.C. from May 14, 1910 until 1916.  He then became President of the brand new Philippine Senate from 1916 until 1935, at which time he was elected President of the Commonwealth of the Philippine Islands (a position he held until he fled from the Japanese invaders in 1941).

The Philippines were unfortunately subject to the many whims of domestic American politics.  Some Americans wanted to keep the islands as part of their Imperialist policy ambitions, or as an economic “springboard” into Mainland China.  Others wanted the Philippines as a ready (and protected) market for American exports, or as a geographical bulwark against Japanese expansion.  Still others did not want the islands, because they were so-called “anti-Imperialists.”  Many white American racists did not want the Philippines, because they did not want Filipinos to emigrate to the USA.  In general, the Republican Party wanted to keep the Philippines, and the Democratic Party wanted to get out of the Philippines.  The Republican Party controlled the White House from 1897 until 1913, with a Democratic administration occupying the White House from 1913 until 1921 (the Presidency of Woodrow Wilson).  During this time, the so-called “Jones Law” was passed in the U.S. Congress, which granted the Philippines increased self-rule (autonomy), paved the way to eventual Commonwealth status and then “independence.”  With Republicans back in the White House from 1921 until 1933, the move to Philippine independence was suddenly slowed – which brings us to the internal Philippine power struggle of 1921-1923.  US President Warren Harding named fellow Republican General Leonard Wood as the new Governor-General of the Philippine Islands in 1921.  Philippine Senate President Manuel Luis Quezon was determined to use this new phase in Philippine history to replace Sergio Osmeña, Sr. of Cebu City and become the most powerful politician in the Philippines – which he unfortunately did.

Andrés Borromeo was the sole Philippine Judge to oppose the electoral corruption of the Nacionalista Party, whereby the Philippines were made into a de facto one party state. By late 1922, Andrés Borromeo had cost the Nacionalista Party their “control” over Cebu Province, Bohol Province, Surigao Province and Agusan Province. In so doing, he caused them to redirect their efforts and thus indirectly weakened them as well in Leyte Province, Baguio Province and Bulacan Province.

Many people who knew my grandfather believed he would have eventually opposed Manuel Luis Quezon for the Presidency of the Commonwealth of the Philippine Islands in 1935, and that he was one of the few right-of-center leaders in the Philippines who could have defeated the leftist Quezon. The Partido Democrata of Philippine conservatives was a liberal party in the European tradition (fiscally conservative and in defense of individual liberty), thus explaining its affinity to the Republican Party of the USA. It grew out of the Partido Federalista (1900-1907), just as the Republican Party of the USA grew out of the Federalist and Whig Parties that preceded it.

As a footnote, I will add that Sergio Osmeña, Sr. became the 3rd President of the Commonwealth of the Philippines Islands from 1945 until 1946 (immediately prior to Philippine independence being granted by the United States). He was named a Godfather to my aunt Rosario Rallos Borromeo upon her birth in 1905.

I wish to express special gratitude to former Philippine Supreme Court Justice George A. Malcolm, former Vice-Governor of the Philippine Islands Joseph Ralston Hayden and to Mr. D.R. Williams, author of “The United States and the Philippines,” without whom I would not have known as much about my late maternal grandfather Judge Andrés Borromeo.

What follows are selected newspaper articles on the life and times of Judge Andrés Borromeo

Judge Borromeo of Surigao resists pressure (from “The Manila Times” on June 23, 1921 – by Raul Ingles)

Judge Andrés Borromeo, called the “fighting judge” of Surigao, formally protested in a memorandum to acting Governor General of the Philippine Islands Charles E. Yeater the “unjust humiliations and attacks” to which he had been subjected by the Surigao provincial officials as well as by certain people occupying high positions in the insular government of the Philippine Islands.

He said that he had been the object of machination and conspiracy and cited a number of instances to support this charge.

“What confidence can the citizens of a country have if they see conspicuous personages of the government despise the judicial functionaries for the simple reason that the latter don’t always decide cases in compliance with their wishes?” asked Judge Borromeo.

He said that if officials of the executive branch of government, instead of following out the order of the courts of justice, are the first to defy them, then he doubted if the people could be made to respect law and order and have confidence in the courts.

Judge Andrés Borromeo (translated into English by my aunt Maria Benita Borromeo Atega from Wednesday, November 23, 1921 edition of the newspaper “Bag-ong Kusog” or “New Strength”)

Everyone knows him. He is the man who has been persecuted by the political powers that be in the city and the province of Surigao. This is because he truly upholds civic valor, due to his courage, because he is not afraid of those who persecute him, and because he has defeated his opponents in the Supreme Court of the Philippine Islands. Recently, he made a major revelation and thereby launched a major attack against the Partido Nacionalista Senator Filemon Sotto in the “Neuva Fuerza / New Strength” newspaper.

Note: Senator Filemon Sotto and his brother newspaper publisher Vicente Sotto were related to my maternal grandfather Judge Andrés Borromeo by my grandfather’s marriage to my maternal grandmother Anunciacion Rallos de Borromeo. The Sotto brothers were married to two of her second cousins.

More newspaper articles upon the tragic Assassination of Judge Andrés Borromeo

Editorial on “Judge Borromeo” (translated into English by my aunt Maria Benita Borromeo Atega from the Friday, January 15, 1923 edition of “Bag-ong Kusog” or “New Strength”)

The sudden death of Judge Andrés Borromeo of Surigao is painful not merely to his family and friends but also to the whole Philippine nation. No civic-minded person, no Filipino whose heart burns with the ardent desire for the welfare of his native land does not feel sad upon the death of Judge Andrés Borromeo.

At this time in history, when those with sharp minds and those who are brave enough, those who have the valor to fight for the right of every Filipino are greatly needed, there is nobody who does not regret the untimely demise of just such a Filipino who is learned, brave and upright.

Because of his being a faithful follower of the tenets of truth and because of his unique bravery to fight against the most powerful and crooked politicians, Judge Andrés Borromeo achieved the cleanest judicial record and attained the fame of being the sole judge who was not afraid of anything or anyone when he was in the right.

The merit and righteousness of Judge Andrés Borromeo was acknowledged by all. This acknowledgement was the reason why every newspaper throughout the entire Philippine Islands published praise on the life of the deceased Judge Andrés Borromeo who is the pride of the Filipino people. This is the reason why all the important public officials in Manila sympathized with his grieving family. And this is the reason why thousands upon thousands of Cebuanos met his mortal remains at the Cebu City wharf this morning.

This is also the reason why we now join with the immense sorrow felt by the Judge’s widow, his six surviving children, the siblings and the relatives of the illustrious descendent.

The body of our great friend is now dead, but the memory of his honest life will forever glow and enlighten the future of the Filipino nation and people.

The Death of Judge Borromeo (translated into English by my aunt Maria Benita Borromeo Atega from the newspaper “Bag-ong Kusog” or “New Strength”)

Because we were unable to come out with our publication last week, we are now going to tell the story of the demise of our beloved friend Judge Borromeo for those of our readers who are not yet aware of the circumstances behind his death.

After dinner on January 2nd of this new year 1923, Judge Borromeo, Captain José Ubaldo Borromeo (his younger brother and at present head of the Manila detectives) and Mr. Rogers of the Philippine Free Press rode in an automobile to Cavite Boulevard (since renamed Dewey Boulevard and then Roxas Boulevard) near Luneta.

When they reached this destination, Publisher Rogers noticed a suspicious looking car parked at the side of the road where there were four persons about to board it. Because he suspected the movements of these persons, Rogers told the two Borromeo brothers about this. They came to a stop, at which time Captain José Borromeo stepped outside of their car. Judge Andrés Borromeo and Publisher Rogers then proceeded and turned at Remedios Street, and drove near the suspicious looking car which was parked on Cavite Boulevard. After leaving their car, Captain José Borromeo immediately went up to the suspicious looking men and spoke to one of them who was none other than ex-Captain Felix Nave of the Philippine Constabulary, whom Captain José Ubaldo Borromeo knew to have a record as a smuggler. After Captain Borromeo asked Nave why he was in that particular place at that time, Nave just said that his wife was ill and that he was waiting for another person to fetch him. Captain Borromeo then returned to the car where Judge Borromeo and Publisher Rogers were waiting. Felix Nave got into his own car and drove away.

At Carolina and Cartabitarte Streets, there was a security guard known as Clemente Rogue who saw another suspicious looking man wearing a jacket and carrying a gun. The security guard approached this man and why he had a gun. The shooting started, and Detective Rogue was hit in the thigh and fell to the ground. The man then hit detective Rogue and took his gun away from him. When Captain José Ubaldo Borromeo heard the shooting, he turned their car towards Cavite Boulevard. He brought the car to a halt, got out, and when he did so the same man who shot Detective Rogue shot at him. Fortunately, he ducked and therefore was not hit. When Judge Borromeo saw his brother being shot at by this man, he shot back at him. The man was hit by Judge Borromeo’s bullet and died instantly.

While the shooting continued, an accomplice of the dead smuggler slowly crept towards the rear of the car and shot at Judge Borromeo twice. The bullet hit Judge Borromeo in the side. When Captain José Ubaldo Borromeo and Publisher Rogers arrived, Judge Andrés Borromeo was already bleeding profusely. At once, they brought him to the Philippine General Hospital in Manila.

Due to the seriousness of his wounds, an operation was no longer possible in the judgement of the doctors present. They included Doctors Calderon, Stasford, Guazon and Angelo Borromeo, a second cousin to Judge Andrés Borromeo. Due to the terrible wounds he received during the gun battle, Judge Andrés Borromeo died.

Editorial on the Funeral of Judge Andrés Borromeo (translated into English by my aunt Maria Benita Borromeo Atega from the January 12, 1923 edition of “Bag-ong Kusog” or “New Strenth”)

The whole of Cebu pays homage to the remains of Judge Andrés Borromeo. Very sad was the arrival of the deceased – all the hearts were touched – many eyes were tearful.

The remains of Judge Andrés Borromeo are now here in Cebu. The ship “Luzon” which brought his body from Manila docked at the Cebu City wharf at 8:20 AM this morning. More than 5,000 Cebuanos met the remains of the well-known Judge, which were accompanied to Cebu by Supreme Court Judges Imperial and Harvey from Manila. (Note: 5,000 people in 1923 would be the equivalent of 172,000 people in 2017 due to the increase in the Philippine population since 1923).

Almost all of the big officials of Cebu were at the pier this morning to pay homage to the respected deceased Judge. Present were the honorable Judge Wislezenus, Abeto and De La Rama; Provincial Fiscals Ceneza and Noel, attorneys P. del Rosario, P. Gullas, M. Cuenco, E. Del Rosario, S. Kabajing, J. Veloso and others; Dean Mirasol of the University; Superintendent Beard; Collector Natividad; Commander Togle; President Abellana; honorable Dionisio Jakosalem; Engineer Segura; Treasurer Fabilla; Colonel Torres; Messers. J. Avila, J. Singson and many delegates of the Americans, Spaniards and Chinese; and delegates of the Cebu press. Also there were the company of constables, the municipal band and a platoon of police and the officers of the high school cadets.

At 8:30 AM the remains of Judge Borromeo in a beautiful coffin were taken by his three honorable brothers, Dr. Maximo Borromeo, Canuto Octavio Borromeo and Exequiel Borromeo from the cabin where it was aboard the ship and placed in a waiting funeral car. When the funeral procession began, the municipal band played a sorrowful funeral song. All present took their hats off as a sign of respect. How sad it was! When the remains were taken down from the ship, all the hearts of those who were met by the coffin and those who were watching were very touched, broke down and cried. Many tears flowed. The scene was very moving, especially when the beloved wife of the late Judge cried.

From the pier, the funeral entourage followed by around 4,000 people proceeded to his beautiful home in Cogon. There everyone was given a chance to view his remains.

The burial of Judge Borromeo will take place on Sunday afternoon. When the coffin will be laid in its beautiful tomb, a eulogy will be given by Judge Wislezenus, Father Cuenco and Attorney P. Gullas.

Eulogy by a Former Coworker

In early 2008, I received an e-mail from a gentleman in Madrid, Spain who happens to be interested in Philippine history. He shared with me an article written in the Spanish language in the Philippines in early 1923, shortly after the assassination of Judge Andrés Borromeo. Because I do not speak Spanish, the article was graciously translated into English by the widow of my mother’s first cousin Mario Neri Borromeo, Mrs. Carolina Mendiola Borromeo. The article is anonymous, but speaks for itself:

Andrés Borromeo: Father, Statesman and Judge

In the annals of Philippine history, Andrés Borromeo will always be considered as one whose name will be honored for his statesmanship and as one of the best judges in the judicial history of the Philippines. The following eulogy was given by one of his followers: “I feel it my bound duty to render honor to Andrés Borromeo, Judge of the Court of First Instance of Surigao and Agusan, in accordance with the crying need of the fraternity which wants to honor him with the dignity he deserves. It was in the month of January 1915 when I launched my legal career under his tutelage, working for him as a legal employee – an official of the Court of First Instance.

He treated me with affability, taking the utmost care to teach me all the ramifications of the legal profession without ever losing his personal dignity and respectability, always treating me with the best consideration because I was undergoing the learning process of all facets of the law of the land.

The longer I worked with him, the more he impressed me with his personal friendship, always showing respect for me as a brother of the legal profession. Judge Andrés Borromeo’s tragic death cut short both our friendship and our professional relationship.

I was always impressed by his fearless demeanor to uphold the law of the land, defying death in defense of legitimate and honest interests. As a judge, he earned the right to be elevated to the highest rank by virtue of his scholarship and fairness.

He has justifiably earned the highest honor among lawyers, judges, public defenders and all other public servants designed to uphold the law of the land. His fame reached many countries of the world – he was well known outside of the Philippines as well as within it. It was a well known fact that Judge Andrés Borromeo never hesitated to consult with fellow lawyers, soliciting their opinions, for or against the case he handled – to be absolutely sure that the truth would be served.

First and foremost, his primary objective was to uphold and defend the right of the common man. To Judge Andrés Borromeo, the law of the land was the supreme factor in deciding legal cases, as he devoted every single iota of his judicial expertise to defend whatever case was presented to him.

After working with him for two years from January 1915 to 1917, I found him to be the epitome of true manhood, both a fearless judge and a caring man who upheld the truth for both rich & poor, young & old, for both stranger & friend. This is the mark of a real judge. May the eternal soul of Judge Andrés Borromeo rest in peace.”

Genealogy and History of the Descendants of Judge Andrés Borromeo y Reynes (the Borromean branch of my First Degree Cousins)

Hier unten findet man der Stammbaum meiner unmittelbaren Familie, d.h. die Nachkommen von dem Richter (mein Großvater) Andrés Borromeo y Reynes (1880-1923) und meiner Großmutter Anunciacion Bonjoc Rallos de Borromeo (1885-1938).

The eight children of my maternal grandparents:

  1. Andrés Buenaventura Rallos Borromeo, Jr. (1904-1948)
  2. Buenaventura Rallos Borromeo (1904-1904)
  3. Sister Rosario Rallos Borromeo (1905-1988)
  4. Sister Luz Caricia Rallos Borromeo (1908-1983)
  5. Fé Antonieta Margarita Rallos Borromeo Querouz (1912-2006)
  6. Jesus Edmundo Rallos Borromeo (1917-1919)
  7. Maria Benita Rallos Borromeo Atega (1919-2006)
  8. Hermenegilda Amor Victoria Rallos Borromeo Nonnenkamp (1922-2015)

First Cousins

The children of my mother’s siblings listed above are thus my first degree cousins. Andrés Buenaventura Rallos Borromeo, Jr. (my “Tito Diding”) graduated from Cebu High School in 1922. He was appointed a government “Pensionado” upon the death of his father in 1923. He sailed to America with 15 fellow Filipino “Pensionados” (the self-named “Jeffersonian 16″) aboard the passenger liner “S.S. President” in September 1924 and graduated with a B.S.M.E. (Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering) from M.I,T, (the Massachusetts Institute of Technology) in 1928. “Pensionados” were Philippine students with full government scholarships.  The “Pensionado” program was started by Philippine Director of Education David Barrows in October 1903, when the very first group of 100 Filipino students sailed to America to attend US colleges.  Barrows had been appointed to this position by William Howard Taft, the then Governor-General of the Philippine Islands.  Taft eventually became President of the United States, and a member of the U.S. Supreme Court thereafter.

Andrés Rallos Borromeo’s twin brother Buenaventura Rallos Borromeo died very shortly after birth in 1904.

Upon returning home, he served on the Board of Examiners for Mechanical Engineering. He subsequently founded the first natural gas company in the Philippines – Rockgas Inter-Island Gas Service, Inc., of which he was General Manager until his early death in 1948. He also served as a Director of the Borromeo Bros. Estate, Inc. from 1938 until his death in 1948. He was preceded in this position by his mother / my grandmother Anunciacion Rallos de Borromeo.

My “Tito Diding” had merely one child, who was my eldest first cousin Edmond Morrow Paterno Borromeo (June 2, 1942 to August 25, 1995). Edmond was born in Manila and spent much time growing up with his mother on the Island of Guam after my uncle Andrés Rallos Borromeo (1904-1948) died. Edmond was twice married, and had children from both his first and second wives. The children by his first wife Leila Paras Borromeo (now deceased) are Edmond Gerard “Gerry” Paras Borromeo and Eileen Marie Paras Borromeo. The children by Edmond’s second wife Evelyn Gonzaga Borromeo Cruz are Dionah Gonzaga Borromeo Killgore, Charles Edmond Gonzaga Borromeo and Clint Edward Gonzaga Borromeo. Gerry works as a professional nurse, and is married to Josephine Nucom To Borromeo (who works for Provident Financial Management in Los Angeles) and they have one daughter. Eileen is a married nurse living in Sacramento, California and has three children (Elyse, Luke and Emma); her husband is a medical doctor. Dionah is married to Steve Killgore and has two children named Nicholas Steven Killgore (born 2005) and Alexis Lenah Killgore (born 2011).  Dionah also works for Provident Financial Management in Los Angeles, California.  Charles is single and does entertainment industry payroll in Los Angeles, California.  Clint is married to Crystal Hemmerling and lives and works in Palm Springs with his wife and two children named Aaliyah Mariee Hemmerling Borromeo and Christian Edward Hemmerling Borromeo.  Evelyn, Gerry and Dionah all reside in metropolitan Los Angeles, California.  Evelyn has since married Kevin Anthony Cruz (born 1959) in 2002, and she has a staffing company known as DCC (“Dionah, Charles, Clint”) Staffing Services and Ancestral Home Healthcare with 140 employees and offices in metropolitan Los Angeles and Palm Springs, California.  AHH provides hospice care for patients within the patient’s own home.  Evelyn & Kevin reside in Calabasas, California near Malibu.

Rosario (my “Tita Charing”) and Luz (my “Tita Luching”) were both Augustinian nuns educated in Belgium and returned to the Philippines. Rosario was both a Mother Superior & Catholic School Principal while Luz was a Dentist.

Rosario Rallos Borromeo (November 5, 1905 – October 17, 1988) was born in Cebu City and took her vows as a Nun in Belgium on March 12, 1934, after having studied in Belgium for three years (from 1931 to 1934). She returned to the Philippines as merely the second Filipina Nun or Missionary Sister of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Prior to this, they had all been Belgian Sisters serving in the Philippines. Rosario took the religious name of “Sister Marie Andrés,” naming herself after her assassinated father Judge Andrés Borromeo y Reynes (1880-1923). She served as a Teacher and ultimately as an Administrator (School Principal and Mother Superior) in Roman Catholic schools in the Philippine cities of Tagudin (Ilocos Sur on Luzon), Manila (St. Theresa’s School), Carcar (St. Theresa’s School in Cebu Province), Lubuagan (La Union Province), Bauang (La Union Province), Tubao and Baguio (Mountain Province on Luzon) from 1934 to 1964. She was then engaged in the Social Apostolate in Mandaue, Cebu from 1967 to 1972 and finally retired at the Queen of Peace Convent in Quezon City, Luzon in 1977. She was the first Filipina of her congregation to celebrate a Jubilee of 50 years of service in 1984.

Luz Caricia Rallos Borromeo (May 6, 1908 – October 19, 1983) was born in the city of Tagbilaran on the Island of Bohol, where my maternal grandfather was serving as a Judge at that time. She took her vows as a Nun in Belgium on May 12, 1938. Upon her return to the Philippines, she served as a Missionary Sister of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in the Missions of Tagudin, Tondo & Silang (Ilocos Sur Province on Luzon), Baguio (Holy Family), Tubao & Cebu City (St. Theresa’s College), Balamban, Manila (St. Theresa’s College), Pandacan, Quezon City (de Meester), Pugo & Mandaue (Cebu Province) and finally at Baguio once again until she died.

My aunt “Tita Nining” Fé Antonieta Margarita Rallos Borromeo Querouz was married to Agripino (“Tito Pino”) Galo Querouz. Tita Nining served as a Director of the Borromeo Bros. Estate, Inc. from the death of Tito Diding (1948) until 1965. She and Tito Pino had four children, being my first cousins Marylynn Borromeo Querouz, Achilles Borromeo Querouz, Fé Angelique Borromeo Querouz and Andrés Filomeno Borromeo Querouz.

My cousin Marylynn (“Mars”) was an Occupational Therapist who worked at the Makati Medical Center in metropolitan Manila. Mars has one son, Joseph Ken Querouz Delano.  Ken resides in San Pedro, Laguna Province (Island of Luzon). Mars (1943 – August 13, 2021) was a pioneer among occupational therapists in the Philippines.  She was among the second batch of OT graduates from the University of the Philippines, and her name is featured in numerous OT textbooks.  In spite of being highly qualified, Mars specifically chose not to emigrate from the Philippines and to stay physically close to her mother and extended family.  My Tita Nining had stillborn twins in 1944.

My late cousin Achilles (“Boy” or “Boy Ike”) once served as a commissioned officer in the Philippine Constabulary, similar to the National Guard. Achilles rose through the ranks, and had tours of duty in Cebu, Leyte and Samar. He was married to Paulita Bonghanoy Querouz. Boy has six children: Achilles (“Bambi”) Andrew Angelo Bonghanoy Querouz (June 9, 1971 – January 30, 2013), Achilles (“Aichel”) Andrés Aldous Bonghanoy Querouz, Faye Pauleen (“Chinky”) Bonghanoy Querouz, April Estrada Querouz, Achelle-Liza (“Bing Bing”) Estrada Querouz and Abigail Estrada Querouz. Bambi (1971-2013) was married to Alma Grande Querouz, and has three children named Ina, Andrew and Mikaela.  He once lived in Manila where he worked in the aircraft industry. Aichel is married to Charmaine Espiritu Querouz and they now reside in Talisay in Cebu Province with their daughter Isabella Sydney (born on December 30, 2008).  Aichel is an information systems professional.

Chinky is married and manages a McDonald’s Restaurant in Perth, Western Australia.  April is married and works as a school teacher in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.  Bing Bing is married and works as a nurse in California.  Abigail is married and works as a nurse in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

My cousin Fé Angelique (“Baby” or “Day”) graduated from USC (the University of San Carlos Borromeo in Cebu City) and went into mass media and broadcasting, including time spent at RMN-IBC Channel 13 Cebu. She then obtained an MBA from AIM (the Asian Institute of Management in Makati), went into the tourism industry and became the General Manager of a branch of a large travel & toursim company in Piñas and managed their Los Baños branch servicing the travel requirements of a leading international bank based in Manila. She remained there until she sacrificed her professional career so that she could care for her mother (my Tita Nining) until Tita Nining passed away in April 2006. Baby has one son named Marcus Aurelius (“Macky”) Querouz Lagan.  Baby passed away on January 11, 2022.  Her son Macky (1983 to February 21, 2025) lived in San Pedro, Laguna Province (Island of Luzon).  Macky was married and has one child named Aureli Querouz (born March 12, 2014).

My cousin Andrés (“Andy” or “Boyito”) is a retired Ground Services Instructor from the National Airport in Sharjah, the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.).  Andy started and runs the “Borromeo Family” Group on both www.facebook.com and on www.geni.com, which now have 972 and 5,000 family members (cousins up to the 19th degree) from all over the world, respectively.

Andy is married to Susan Baldoza Querouz and they have four children: Andrés (“Andrew”) Baldoza Querouz, Rosalia (“Roxy”) Baldoza Querouz, Maria Isadora (“Mayet”) Baldoza Querouz and Francis Baldoza Querouz. Andrew married and moved back to the Philippines, while the three other children reside in Sharjah, the United Arab Emirates.  Andy is retired in General Santos City on Mindanao while Roxy works as an artist in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada and Mayet works for a pet grooming shop in the UAE where she resides with her partner.

My uncle Jesus Edmundo Rallos Borromeo (born on May 18, 1917) died as a very young child in 1919.

My aunt “Tita Biyay” Maria Benita Borromeo Atega was married to “Tito Dodong’ Lieutenant Colonel Leonil Torralba Atega. Tito Dodong served during the Second World War, and was one of many Filipino and American soldiers who partook in the infamous “Death March” on Bataan. After escaping Japanese captivity, he fought against the Japanese occupation in the Philippine resistance. After the war, he became a general construction contractor. Tita Biyay served as a Director of the Borromeo Bros. Estate, Inc. from 1965 until her death in 2006.  Tita Biyay and Tito Dodong had three children, being my first cousins Maria Anunciacion Borromeo Atega, Socorro Dorothea Natividad Borromeo Atega and Vicente Francisco José Atega.

My cousin Anunciacion (“Anon”) Borromeo Atega worked as a preschool teacher for a Roman Catholic School in West Orange, New Jersey from 1989 until her retirement in 2010; she is single and has no children. Before emigrating to the USA in 1989, she held an administrative position with the Philippine subsidiary of Caterpillar Tractor (Usiphil, Inc.) in Manila.  Anon since moved back to Cebu City where she is retired.

My cousin Socorro (“Baging” or “Cor”) is an independent landscape architect in Cebu City. She graduated with a Master’s Degree in Landscape Architecture from Harvard University in Boston, and founded what became the largest independent landscape architectural firm in the Philippines outside of Manila.  Baging has two children with her then husband Vicente Sabarre Tan (born January 5, 1949): Maria Christina (“Christine”) Paula Atega Tan Ugang and Matthew (“Matt”) Atega Tan. Christine has two children, Wyne Paolo Tan Ugang and Angelica (“Leica”) Tan Ugang.  Matt is married to Kristine Bitong Minzero (born December 13, 1982) from Rizal Province, and they have two daughters named Denise Sophia Tan (born September 23, 2012) , and Victoria Kate Tan (born October 01, 2019), respectively.

My cousin Vicente (“Loloi”) retired from his job as a senior provincial executive for Philippine Airlines in the Cebu-Mactan International Airport, where he worked for 40 years from 1975 to 2015.  He is married to Angelie Alice Rivera Ynclino Atega.

This completes all of the lines of my Borromean first cousins.

The Rallos Family of Carmen City, Cebu Province (the Philippines)

What follows is the genealogy and history of the extended family of my maternal grandmother, Anunciacion “Anon” Bonjoc Rallos de Borromeo (1885-1938). The Rallos family of Cebu City, the Philippines comes from the neighboring city of Carmen, also located on the island of Cebu. Family members reside in the Philippines, the USA (the states of Hawaii, California, Arizona, New Mexico, Illinois and Massachusetts), New Zealand (the North Island) and México. The leader of the family was my great grandfather Filomeno Cuico Rallos (1859-1901), who served as the Mayor of the City of Carmen from 1898 until his untimely death by assassination in 1901. This the the family whence my maternal grandmother Anunciacion “Anon” Rallos de Borromeo (1885-1938) came. By 1890, the Rallos family was one of sixty (60) prominent Cebuano families in the Spanish Crown Colony of the Philippine Islands (“Las Islas Filipinas” in Spanish). Cebuanos comprised roughly one out of every four Filipinos, being concentrated mainly on the islands of Cebu, Negros, Bohol and Mindanao. Of the 60 prominent families, 38 were either mostly of Chinese or Chinese-Mestizo extraction, and 22 were of Spanish or Spanish-Mestizo extraction. Borromeo, Galan, Mercado, Noel, Osmeña, Reynes, Roa, Sotto, Uy Herrera and Veloso were all among those families with primarily a Chinese-Mestizo ethnic composition. This would mean that at least 50% of their ancestry came from Mainland China, with the rest coming from the Philippines and Europe. Cabrera, Gorordo, Rallos and Teves were among those families with a primarily Spanish (Español)-Mestizo ethnic background. In their case, at least 50% of their ancestry came from Spain, with the rest coming from the Philippines and Mainland China. To this very day, the Rallos family of Cebu and Carmen Cities has very strong familial and commercial ties to Latin America, specifically to Mexico and formerly to Venezuela. The Philippines and Spanish Latin America (all of Continental Latin America save Portuguese Brazil, British Guyana, British Belize, French Guiana and Dutch Suriname) were all once colonies of the Spanish Crown. The Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation colonized Venezuela (called “Kleinvenedig,” or “Little Venice” in German) in 1528, but unfortunately sold it to Spain in 1566. My great-grandfather Filomeno Cuico Rallos (1859-1901) was assassinated in 1901, because he ran afoul with the so-called “Filipino nationalists.” Filipino nationalism grew under the leadership of the Free and Accepted Mason José Rizal from 1860 onward. Most so-called Filipino “nationalists” and most Free and Accepted Masons were (and are) unfortunately opposed both to the Spanish Crown (and to all monarchies) and to the Roman Catholic Church (specifically to Jesus Christ). The Spanish Crown and the Roman Catholic Church worked hand-in-hand in the administration of all Spanish colonies around the world. To this very day, the King of Spain (now Juan Carlos) is the head of the conservative Roman Catholic fraternity known as “Opus Dei,” or “God’s Work” in English. So-called and self-styled Filipino “nationalists” chose to ally themselves both with Free and Accepted Masonry (which has been scrictly forbidden to Roman Catholics by Pope Leo XIII and every Pontiff since – a ban which exists within many Protestant denominations as well) and with the Aglipayan, or Philippine “indepdendent” Church. This largest of Philippine Protestant denominations was founded after American missionaries came to the Philippines in 1898. Outwardly, this church is very similar to the Roman Catholic Church, except that it allows a married priesthood. The younger brother of Filomeno Cuico Rallos, named Florentino Cuico Rallos (1860-1912), was the Mayor of Cebu City from 1899 until 1908 (a term of 9 years). Acting directly against the ruling of his Pope, his Church and his God, he became both a Free and Accepted Mason and a political ally of the Aglipayan Church. In 1903, Florentino Cuico Rallos (1860-1912) would introduce Free and Accepted Masonry to his new nephew (by marriage to his neice Anunciacion Rallos) Andrés Borromeo y Reynes (1880-1923), who was to become one of the most famous and prominent provincial judges in the history of the Philippines.

Through the connection with my maternal grandfather Andrés Borromeo y Reynes, all of the young educated and professional men in the Borromeo clan sadly became Free and Accepted Masons in the Cebu Lodge.  By the time Andrés Borromeo realized that this meant something very bad, it was far too late. He began his opposition of the corrupt Quezon Partido Nacionalista government in 1915.  By 1923 Andrés Borromeo had cost Manuel Luis Quezon political control of Surigao and Agusan provinces, and threatened him on the insular level with his pending appointment to the Supreme Court of the Philippine Islands.  Judge Andrés Borromeo y Reynes (popularly known as “The Fighting Judge”) gave his life fighting for an independent judiciary which was trying in vain to prevent election fraud by the corrupt and ruling Partido Nacionalista.  The result was a profoundly corrupt Philippine Commonwealth government by 1935.

Rallos Genealogy

First Generation

The Mayor of Carmen City (1898-1901), Cebu Filomeno Cuico Rallos (1859-1901) was married to Maxima Bonjoc de Rallos (1860-1944) had the following children:

1) Juanito Rallos y Bonjoc (1884)

2) Anunciacion Rallos y Bonjoc (1885-1938) married to Judge Andrés Reynes Borromeo (my maternal grandparents).

2) Mauricio Rallos y Bonjoc

3) Josefa Rallos y Bonjoc married to a Villamor

4) Encarnacion Rallos y Bonjoc married to a Villamor

5) Felisa Rallos y Bonjoc married to a Malazarte

The Mayor of Cebu City (1899-1908), Florentino Rallos (1860) was married to Maria Fadullon de Rallos had the following children:

1) Carmen Rallos y Fadullon married to Senator Filemon Sotto

2) Concepcion Rallos y Fadullon married first to a Teves and then to a Camara (this branch of the family has ties to Latin America) Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Generations Line of Filomeno (First Generation)

1) Juanito Rallos y Bonjoc (1884) and wife (Second Generation):

1) Vivencio Rallos (Third Generation)

2) Juan Rallos (Third Generation)

2) Anunciacion Rallos y Bonjoc (March 25, 1885 – July 30, 1938, Second Generation) and Judge of the Court of First Instance of Surigao and Agusan (1914-1923) Andrés Borromeo y Reynes (November 10, 1880 – January 3, 1923) married in 1903 had the following children:

1) Mechanical Engineer Andrés Buenaventura Rallos Borromeo Jr (July 14, 1904 – May 3, 1948, Third Generation): “Pensionado” to MIT in Boston (1924-1928) and Marie Morrow Paterno (1909-1979):

1) Edmond Morrow Borromeo (June 2, 1942 – August 25, 1995, Fourth Generation) and Evelyn Gonzaga Borromeo-Cruz (July 31, 1951): 5 children of the Fifth Generation (4 of whom are married) and 7 grandchildren of the Sixth Generation. Evelyn and her new husband Kevin Anthony Cruz (born 1959) reside near Los Angeles, California (USA). Edmond’s eldest son Edmond Gerard “Gerry” Paras Borromeo (March 29, 1968) and wife Josephine Nucom To Borromeo (July 10, 1968) reside with their two children in the same area. Edmond’s daughter Eileen Borromeo (April 7, 1970) resides with her husband and their two children near Sacramento, California. Both Gerry and Eileen are Edmond’s children by his first wife Leila Paras (born June 29, 1938 and since deceased), from whom he was divorced. Leila resides with Eileen and her family. Evelyn’s daughter Dionah Gonzaga Borromeo Killgore resides with her husband Steve Killgore and their children Nicholas Steven Killgore (born 2005) and Alexis Lenah Killgore (born 2011) near Los Angeles.  Both Josephine and Dionah work for the Provident Financial Management Division of American Express Tax & Business Services, Inc. in Los Angeles, California.  I was with Provident in New York City before moving to New Mexico. Charles Gonzaga Borromeo is the elder son of Edmond and Evelyn, who lives near Los Angeles and is single – he does entertainment industry payroll.  Clint Gonzaga Borromeo is the younger son of Edmond and Evelyn, who lives and works in Palm Springs, California with his wife Crystal Hemmerling Borromeo and their two children named Aaliyah Mariee Hemmerling Borromeo and Christian Edward Hemmerling Borromeo.

2) Buenaventura Rallos Borromeo (Third Generation): July 14, 1904 – July 14, 1914 (stillborn).

3) Sister Rosario Rallos Borromeo (Third Generation): Augustinian Nun educated in Belgium (November 8, 1905 – October 16, 1988).

4) Sister Luz Caricia Rallos Borromeo (Third Generation): Augustinian Nun educated in Belgium (May 6, 1908 – October 19, 1983).

5) Fé Antonieta Margarita Rallos Borromeo (Third Generation; June 1912 – April 2006) married to Agripino Galo Querouz (1905 – 1973):

1) Marylynn Borromeo Querouz (1943 – August 13, 2021; Fourth Generation, San Pedro, Laguna, the Philippines): 1 son of the Fifth Generation (Joseph Ken Querouz Delano, who lives in San Pedro, Laguna, the Philippines).

2 and 3) Stillborn twin boys (1944)

4) Achilles Andrés Abdon Borromeo Querouz (1945 to December 28, 2025; Fourth Generation, resided in Cebu City) married to Paula Bonghanoy Querouz: 6 children of the Fifth Generation (Bambi, Achilles, Faye Pauleen, April, Achelle-Liza and Abigail) and 2 grandchildren of the Sixth Generation. Bambi, his wife and their two children reside in Metro Manila.  Achilles (“Aichel”) and his wife Charmaine reside in Talisay, Cebu Province.  Faye Pauleen (“Chinky”) and her husband reside in Kardinya outside of Perth, Australia.  April is a teacher who lives with her husband in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.  Achelle-Liza (“Bing Bing”) is a nurse who lives with her husband in California.  Abigail is a nurse who lives with her husband in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

5) Fé Angelique Borromeo Querouz (1947 – January 11, 2022; Fourth Generation): 1 son of the Fifth Generation: Marcus Aurelius “Macky” Querouz Lagan (1983 to February 21, 2025), who lived in San Pedro, Laguna, the Philippines).  Macky was married and has one child named Aureli Querouz (born March 12, 2014).

6) Andrés Filomeno Borromeo Querouz (1950; Fourth Generation): 4 children of the Fifth Generation and 2 granddaughters of the Sixth Generation. Andrés (“Andy”), his wife Susan Baldoza Querouz and their children Roxanne “Roxy” Baldoza Querouz, Maria “Mayet” Baldoza Querouz and Francis Baldoza Querouz reside in Oman, the Philippines and Canada.

6) Jesus Edmundo Rallos Borromeo (Third Generation): 1917 – 1919.

7) Maria Benita Rallos Borromeo (1919 – 2006; Third Generation) married to Lieutenant Colonel Leonil Torralba Atega (July 1, 1918 – January 14, 1995).

1) Maria Anunciacion Victoria Borromeo Atega (July 21, 1947; Fourth Generation): resides in New Jersey (USA).

2) Dorothea Socorro Natividad Borromeo Atega (September 3, 1951; Fourth Generation): 2 children of the Fifth Generation (one of whom administers this website) and 2 grandchildren of the Sixth Generation. Socorro (“Baging”) resides in Cebu City along with her daughter Christine (born 1978) and Christine’s two children Paolo born 1997 and Angelica born 2005 (“Leica”). Baging’s son Matthew Borromeo Atega Tan (administrator of this website; born 1983) is married (2011) to Kristine Bitong Minzero (born December 13, 1982), they have two daughters named Denise Sophia (born September 23, 2012) and Victoria Kate (born October 1, 2019), respectively, and they reside in New Jersey (USA).  The father of Christine and Matthew is Vicente Sabarre Tan (born January 5, 1949 on Samar).

3) Vicente Francisco José Borromeo Atega (Fourth Generation; born June 4, 1953): married to Alice Rivera Ynclino Atega (born 1954), both of whom reside in Cebu City. They have no children.

8) Hermenegilda Amor Victoria Rallos Borromeo (Third Generation – May 31, 1922 to August 26, 2015) married to Wilfried Erich Rudolph Nonnenkamp (June 30, 1934 to July 11, 2025):

1) Marc Evan Borromeo Nonnenkamp (Fourth Generation, born June 15, 1962): the author of this website, of www.financialeconomicupdate.com, and of 11 published books (3 on the German car company Volkswagen, 5 about the German & Austrian Navies, 2 on Scale Model Toy Cars such as Corgi & Lesney Matchbox, and one book about the Borromeo family of Cebu City), resides in New Mexico (USA).

3) Mauricio Rallos y Bonjoc and wife (Second Generation):

1) Asuncion Rallos Pintor (Third Generation): no issue.

2) Filomeno Rallos Jr (Third Generation):

1) Filomeno Rallos 3rd (Fourth Generation)

3) Soledad Rallos Baylosis (Third Generation): lives in Daly City, California (USA).

1) Vicentita Rallos Baylosis (Fourth Generation): lives in Daly City, California (USA).

2) Silvestre Rallos Baylosis (Fourth Generation): lives in Daly City, California (USA).

3) Mario Rallos Baylosis (Fourth Generation): lives in Daly City, California (USA).

4) Felipe Rallos: no issue (Third Generation).

5) Primitiva Rallos: no issue (Third Generation).

6) Leopoldo Rallos: no issue (Third Generation).

4) Josefa Rallos y Bonjoc (Second Generation) and husband (Villamor family):

1) Emilia Rallos Villamor Enriquez: no issue (Third Generation).

2) Filomeno Rallos Villamor: no issue (Third Generation).

3) Silvestra Bontia Rallos Villamor: no issue (Third Generation).

4) Pedro Rallos Villamor: no issue (Third Generation).

5) Dominador Rallos Villamor: no issue (Third Generation).

6) Carmen Rallos Villamor Buot: no issue (Third Generation).

7) Concepcion Rallos Villamor Daffon: no issue (Third Generation).

8) Milquiades Rallos Villamor: no issue (Third Generation).

9) Eusebia Rallos Villamor Degiulino (Third Generation).

1) Gloria Villamor Degiulino Torralba (Fourth Generation).

2) Teresa Villamor Degiulino Ruiz (Fourth Generation).

3) Providencia Villamor Degiulino Javier (Fourth Generation).

4) Elenterio Villamor Degiulino Sr (Fourth Generation): 1 son of the Fifth Generation.

5) José Villamor Degiulino (Fourth Generation).

6) Nazareno Villamor Degiulino (Fourth Generation).

5) Encarnacion Rallos y Bonjoc and husband (Second Generation, also a Villamor):

1) Leonor Rallos Villamor: no issue (Third Generation).

2) Carmelo Rallos Villamor: no issue (Third Generation).

3) Vicenta Rallos Villamor Villas (Third Generation).

4) Luisa Rallos Villamor Raffanan (Third Generation).

5) Francisca Rallos Villamor (Third Generation).

6) Jovita Rallos Villamor Bontia (Third Generation).

7) Milagros Rallos Villamor (Third Generation) and Kenneth Young: resides in Pearl City, Hawaii (USA) since 1971:

  1. Coleen Villamor Young (Fourth Generation): married and has 2 children of the Fifth Generation (Honolulu, Hawaii, USA).
  2. Madelin Villamor Young (Kanehoe, Hawaii, USA): married to a doctor, and has 4 children of the Fifth Generation (Hawaii, USA).

8) Lucy Rallos Villamor (Third Generation).

9) Nestor Rallos Villamor (Third Generation).

10) Teresita Rallos Villamor Mendoza (Third Generation).

11) Flordeliz Rallos Villamor Pozon (Third Generation).

6) Felisa Rallos y Bonjoc (Second Generation) and husband (Malazarte family):

1) Enrique Rallos Malazarte (Third Generation).

2) Antonia Rallos Malazarte Mayol (Third Generation).

3) Mercedes Rallos Malazarte Butaslak: no issue (Third Generation).

4) Pedro Rallos Malazarte (Third Generation).

5) Lourdes Rallos Malazarte: no issue (Third Generation).

6) Romeo Rallos Malazarte (Third Generation).

Line of Florentino Cuico Rallos 1860-1912 (First Generation):

1) Carmen Rallos y Fadullon (Second Generation) and Cebu Senator Filomeno Sotto: no issue. Filemon Sotto and his newspaper-publisher brother were avid political opponents of my maternal grandfather Judge Andrés Borromeo y Reynes (1880-1923). Sotto was thus a political follower of first Philippine President Manuel Luis Quezon, who was the Philippine Head of State from 1935 until the Japanese invasion in December 1941.

2) Concepcion Rallos y Fadullon (Second Generation) and first husband (Teves family):

    1. Pilar Rallos Teves (Third Generation): one daughter of the Fourth Generation(Corazon) married to Virginio Villamor, the ex-Mayor of Carmen, Cebu.
    2. Florentino Rallos Teves (Third Generation):
    1. José “Pipito” Rallos Teves (Fourth Generation)
    2. Francisco “Francois” Rallos Teves (Fourth Generation)
    3. Petronila “Nellie” Rallos Teves (Fourth Generation)
    4. Milagros “Mila” Rallos Teves (Fourth Generation)
    5. Marichu Rallos Teves (Fourth Generation)
    6. Florentino “Junior” Rallos Teves (Fourth Generation)

3) Dulce Rallos Teves Kiamko (Third Generation):

1) Rosario „Charito” Teves Kiamko (Fourth Generation): no issue: Chesapeake, Virginia (USA).

4) Dolores Rallos Teves Arcenas (Third Generation):

    1. Dolores “Lori” Teves Arcenas (Fourth Generation)
    2. Mariano “Randy” Teves Arcenas (Fourth Generation)
    3. Daisey “Ann” Teves Arcenas (Fourth Generation)
    4. Virginia “Jinny” Teves Arcenas (Fourth Generation)
    5. Bernadette “Bernie” Teves Arcensas (Fourth Generation): Married, living in Sacramento, California (USA).

2) Concepcion Rallos y Fadullon (Second Generation) and second husband (Camara family):

5) Maria Rallos Camara Gumban (Third Generation): 2 children of the Fourth Generation and more grandchildren of the Sixth Generation: Cebu City, Philippines.

6) Benjamin Rallos Camara (Third Generation): 7 children of the Fourth Generation and 4 grandchildren of the Fifth Generation. Retired in San José, California (USA).

7) Doctor Jesus Rallos Camara (Third Generation): no issue (1922-2011).

8) Carmen Rallos Camara Verduzco (Third Generation): no issue. Remarried widow of Miguel Verduzco, who up until his untimely death by heart attack in 2000 was President and Chief Executive Officer of Atisa Atkins, S.A. de C.V. (a Mexican steel engineering firm with business interests in Mexico, Venezuela, the USA and the Philippines).

9) Belen Rallos Camara Brown (Third Generation): Chicago, Illinois (USA).

1) Eileen Camara Brown (Fourth Generation): 4 daughters.

2) Sharon Camara Brown (Fourth Generation): 2 children.

3) 54 illegitimate children (Second Generation). These numerous offspring were of the generation of my grandparents, and today have very many descendants in the Philippines and in New Zealand.

Note: Branch number 2 (heirs of Concepcion Rallos Camara) is the part of the family which used to own the Mexican business conglomerate. It is still headquartered in México City and was formerly involved in steel sales (Latin America), but is still active in real estate (México and the USA) and cement production (in Carmen City, Cebu Province, the Philippines).

The Rallos clan has 213 members, 122 of whom are living.

List of Literary Sources

1.)  The United States and the Philippines (by D.R. Williams)

2.)  The Philippines – A Study in National Development (by Joseph Ralston Hayden)

3.)  First Malayan Republic – The Story of the Philippines (by Justice George Arthur Malcolm)

4.)  The White Apos (by Frank Lawrence Jenista): a book about the American colonial administration of the non-Christian mountain tribes of Northern Luzon.

5.)  Philippine Colonial Democracy (Edited by Ruby R. Paredes)

6.)  In Our Image: America’s Empire in the Philippines (by Stanley Karnow): a 494-page book about the history of the Philippines from Spanish colonization in 1521 to the Presidency of Corazon Cojuangco Aquino in the 1980s.  Many interesting facts are listed here about the entire period of Philippine history going back to the 16th century.

7.) Insight Guides Philippines – published by the Discovery Channel and by APA Publications (London, England, UK – 2005 Edition).

8.) Lonely Planet Philippines – 7000 Islands, Endless Possibilities (8th Edition – published in Australia in June 2003).

9.) Filipinos: Forgotten Asian Americans – A Pictorial Essay (1763 – Circa 1963) by Fred Cordova.  Copyright 1983 by “Demonstration Project for Asian Americans.”  Andres Buenaventura “Diding” Rallos Borromeo (1904-1948) featured on page 8 of the book in a photo of the “Jeffersonian 16” taken on September 7, 1924 in Seattle, Washington.  They were Philippine government “Pensionados” who arrived aboard the steam ship “S/S President Jefferson.”  Pensionados were educated young Filipinos who were sent to the USA to earn college degrees.

]]> The Borromeo Family of the Philippines https://theborromeofamily.com/the-borromeo-family-in-the-philippines/ https://theborromeofamily.com/the-borromeo-family-in-the-philippines/#comments Mon, 08 Jun 2026 14:05:00 +0000 http://portalhozt.com/theborromeofamily/2006/12/31/the-borromeo-family-in-the-philippines/ Welcome to my Bookstore:

The Borromeo Family of Cebu BUY FROM AMAZON.COM
Volkswagen: a Car for the People – a Success Story – 2nd Edition BUY FROM AMAZON.COM
Scale Model Collectible Cars – with Official Corgi Toys Catalogue Illustrations BUY FROM AMAZON.COM
The German and the Austrian Navies – Volume 2: Second Edition: BUY FROM AMAZON.COM
The German and the Austrian Navies: Second Edition BUY FROM AMAZON.COM
  1. Press release on Yahoo.com News (October 10, 2012): http://news.yahoo.com/book-borromeo-family-cebu-explores-120000775.html.   This press release has received 72 responses – wonderful considering that 15 is a high rate of response for any press release.  Thank you very much for your interest!

Borromeo: Part of the Fabric of the Philippines

Included in “The Borromeo Family of Cebu” by Marc E. Nonnenkamp (ISBN 978-1460908082 now available on www.amazon.com through CreateSpace for $17.99 paperback and for $9.99 as an Amazon Kindle e-book – ASIN B004VMONZG).  This book is on the Amazon “Bestsellers” list in the USA (top 3 percent of retail products), and is also available through E-Bay and other online retailers.  All of my published books on the history of the Borromeo family of Cebu City, the Philippines & beyond, on the history of the Volkswagen Group, on scale-model collectible cars and on the history of the German-speaking navies (Germany, Austria-Hungary, Venice, Brandenburg-Prussia and the Hanseatic League) may be purchased on the global Amazon.com network which sells retail items in the USA, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands, Gibraltar, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Liechtenstein, Poland, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Monaco, Spain, the Canary Islands, Portugal, the Azores, the Madeira Islands, Italy, San Marino, Sweden, Finland, Turkey, the Arab world (27 countries & territories), Australia, India, China and Japan.  My books may also be special-ordered at various “brick and mortar” retail book stores such as Barnes & Noble.

This article and the related Borromeo Family photo gallery have received 25,845,425 and 16,838,217 and  page “hits,” respectively since November 2006 – we thank you so very much for your interest!

Before World War 2, my maternal grandfather’s (Judge Andrés Borromeo y Reynes’) first cousin Marcial Borromeo y Guerrero had completed a very thorough genealogy of the Philippine Borromeo family. During the war, this (along with so much else) was lost.  Today, Glenn Anthony Borromeo, Omar Borromeo Sazon and Maria Clara Borromeo Serio of Negros Oriental have helped re-establish the direct link between the Borromeo clans of Cebu and Negros.  Freddie Borromeo of Makati has likewise helped us reconnect the missing information linking the Borromeo clans of Cavite on Luzon (settled there in 1744) and of Iloilo on Panay (settled there in 1769) to the Borromeo clan of Tanjay City on Negros (settled there in 1794) and finally to my own Borromeo clan of Cebu City on the Island Province of Cebu (settled in Cebu in 1819).

Note: the history of my immediate family branch (that of my first cousins the Borromeo family of Southern California, of the Querouz family and the Atega family) and the “Rallos” family tree may both be found at the end of the article on my illustrious maternal grandfather Judge Andrés Borromeo y Reynes (1880-1923).

Hier kann man über die Geschichte der Familie Borromeo in den Philippinen lesen. Die Familie Borromeo ist in den Philippinen seit dem Jahre 1744, als sich Karl Kapitän Aro (“Carlos Capitan Aro”) Borromeo in Cavite auf Luzon ansiedelte.  In den folgenden Generationen, ist die Familie von Cavite auf Luzon nach Iloilo auf Panay, dann nach Bacolod auf Negros, und hat sich danach in der Stadt Cebu, auf der Insel Cebu nieder gelassen. Cavite, Iloilo, Bacolod und Cebu sind alle Städte. Luzon, Panay, Negros und auch Cebu sind alle Inseln. Es gibt mehr als 7,000 philippinische Inseln mit oft verschiedenen Dialekten.  Die englische Sprache und auch die spanische Sprache sind weit verbreitet.

A Genealogy researched before World War Two – but Lost in 1945 and finally reclaimed in 2019 (thanks to Freddie Borromeo of Makati)

The memory of Lolo Marcial’s work was passed onto me by two of his children (2nd cousins of my mother Hermenegilda Amor Victoria Borromeo Nonnenkamp). These were my uncle Tito Tomas Luis Cabrera Borromeo (born in 1910) and his younger sister my aunt Tita Day Angelita Cabrera Borromeo (born in 1911, and the eldest living member of the extended Cebuano Borromeo family in 2009).

Vor dem zweiten Weltkrieg, hat Marcial Borromeo y Guerrero (der Vetter meines Großvaters) die Ahnenforschung der Familie Borromeo in den Philippinen geschrieben.  Bedauerlicherweise hat dieses ausführliche Werk den Zweiten Weltkrieg nicht überstanden.  Ein Grund weil ich in die 1980er Jahren anfing einen neuen Familienstammbaum und die Ahnenforschung neu aufzubauen.

These elders told me that we Borromeos of Cebu Province (and Island) are related to other Borromeos in the Philippines going back even further in time. The father of Carlos Borromeo IV y Felis (born 1795) was Carlos Borromeo III (born 1770). We believe that Carlos Borromeo IV y Felis was born in Bacolod, Negros in 1795 and that he settled in Cebu. Negros and Cebu are neighboring islands in the Visayas region of the Philippine archipelago. The father of Carlos Borromeo III was Carlo Borromeo II (born circa 1745 and who used the Italian spelling for his given name). Carlos Borromeo III is believed to have been born in Iloilo, Panay (yet another island within the Visayas region) in 1770 and to have settled in Bacolod, Negros. His father Carlo Borromeo II was born in Cavite on Luzon (not part of the Visayas) in 1745 and is believed to have settled in Iloilo, Panay. We believe that the father of Carlo Borromeo II was Carlo “Capitan Aro” Borromeo I who was born in 1720 and eventually settled his family in Cavite on the island of Luzon (he worked as both a professional harbor captain and as a municipal official – hence the title “Capitan”).  Among the Borromeo family of Negros Oriental, there is a legend that their Borromeo ancestors migrated from Northern Italy to Spain, and then to the Philippines.  My own Tito Tomas Cabrera Borromeo (my mother’s second degree cousin) once told me that his father (Lolo Marcial Borromeo y Guerrero) believed that our ancestor Carlo “Capitan Aro” Borromeo came from Canton (China) to Cavite (on the island of Luzon in the Philippines).  Based upon what we know today, it is possible that members of the Borromeo family migrated from Lombardy in northern Italy to Spain, France (specifically Corsica where the surname is spelled in Latin as “Borromei”), the New World (Mexico, Argentina, Brazil and Chile), to China (Canton) and finally to the Philippines and even to India.  In Brazil, the surname is spelled in Portuguese as “Borromeu.”

The Philippines were part of the vast global Spanish Empire from 1521 until 1898.  The Portuguese-born explorer Ferdinand Magellan claimed the Philippines (initially named the “Islands of Lazarus”) for Spain in 1521.  He and his remaining 3 sailing ships (out of an original 5 which had departed from Spain) landed in what is today Cebu City.  At the time, Cebu was comprised of a mere 300 or so bamboo huts built upon stilts.  Magellan and his 3 remaining wooden sailing vessels were manned by about 150 Europeans (Spaniards, Portuguese, Italians, Greeks and Germans) and one Malay slave who acted as their interpreter.  Each ship ranged in size from a mere 75 to 125 tons total displacement – good for their time, but tiny by today’s standards.  Magellan had left Seville, Spain with 270 men aboard 5 sailing ships.  2 ships were lost around Cape Horn (at the Southern tip of South America, which is the most dangerous sea passage on earth due to its rough waters and extreme weather).  One ship was scuttled damaged in the Philippines, while another (the “Trinidad”) was left in the Moluccas, Indonesia as no longer seaworthy.  Merely one ship (the “Vittoria”) and 18 Europeans made it back to Seville alive 3 years after their original departure from Spain.

Carlo Borromeo I’s eventual title of “Capitan” was due to being a harbor captain by profession.  In addition to this, he was also a “Gobernadorcillo,” or Departmental Administrator of Cavite on Luzon. His salary in the 1740s was 30 Pesos per year, a large sum of money in those days.  The Gobernadorcillos were chosen by an elite corps of so-called “Principalia,” also known by the titles of either “Alcalde Mayor” or “Gobernador.”  This higher official was like a combined Provincial Governor and State Supreme Court Justice, who was in turn appointed by the Spanish Governor-General of the Philippine Islands.

The Gobernadorcillos in turn appointed “Cabezas,” (or Filipino Chiefs) who served as Parish (town) Justices.  The Gobernadorcillo enforced the law, judged petty disputes and generally ran the community in which he lived.

The first Chinese settled in the Philippines in 1401, when their Emperor made an attempt to colonize the islands.  The first Spaniards came in 1521.  The first Italian not under the Spanish flag came to the Philippines in the 17th century; his name was Gemelli Careri.  The first American who settled in the Philippines was actually one John Stuart Kerr, who settled in Manila between 1786 and 1796.

Manila had a population of 45,000 souls in 1680, 90,000 by 1780, 150,000 by 1860 and 270,000 by 1880.  In 1780, 4,000 of Manila’s inhabitants were white Spaniards and another 15,000 were Chinese.  In the old days, metropolitan Manila consisted of the walled city, and of Binondo.  Most of the people lived in Binondo (140,000 out of 150,000 in 1860).

What follows is a newspaper article written upon the death of my maternal great-grandfather José Maria Borromeo y Galan in 1930 (translated into English by my late aunt Maria Benita Borromeo Atega):

The Venerable and Respected “Pepe” Borromeo has died

Last Sunday at 7:00 AM (March 16, 1930) Mr. José Maria Borromeo y Galan of Cebu City died. He had been afflicted by a severe and sudden illness, which claimed the life of this highly respected and well-known patriarch of the city of Cebu. Mr. José Maria Borromeo y Galan was known to his friends and family by the name of “Señor Iyo Pepe.”

The news of his death immediately spread throughout the entire city last Sunday. Within a few hours of his passing, countless friends and relatives converged upon the Borromeo home on North America Street. The burial took place on Monday. A Mass was offered with the body of the deceased lying in state at the Cebu Cathedral that morning. Many people attended the final rites at the Cebu Cathedral, after which they joined the funeral procession and the rites at the Roman Catholic Cemetery. We can say that the funeral service was an expression of sympathy by the Cebuano people for the entire Borromeo family.

Iyo Pepe Borromeo was the father of the late Judge Andrés Borromeo, Captain José Ubaldo Borromeo (former Head of the Detectives of Manila Customs Bureau), Dr. Maximo Borromeo, Pharmacist Exequiel Borromeo and Engineer Canuto Octavio Borromeo.

He was an exemplary man because he sacrificed much so that his children would achieve the professions which now are know their own. He was also respected and loved as an exemplary public citizen and as a wonderful individual due to his cordial personality, helpfulness and golden character.

May he rest in peace, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family from the entire staff and readership of the “New Strength” newspaper.

The nine children of my great-grandparents were my maternal grandfather (the eldest of the nine siblings) and my great aunts and uncles:

  1. Judge Andrés Borromeo y Reynes (1880-1923)
  2. Captain José Ubaldo Borromeo y Reynes (1881-1949)
  3. Matilde Borromeo y Reynes (1883-1946)
  4. Dr. Maximo Borromeo y Reynes (1887-1948)
  5. Pharmacist Exequiel Borromeo y Reynes (1889-1949)
  6. Engineer Canuto Octavio Borromeo y Reynes (1891-1959)
  7. Venustiano Borromeo y Reynes (1891-1891)
  8. Patrocinio Reynes Borromeo de Uy Herrera (1892-1984)
  9. Salud Borromeo y Reynes (1898-1969)

The grandchildren of my maternal grandfather’s siblings are thus my second degree cousins.

Second Cousins

It was from the estate of my maternal great-grandparents (Don José Maria Borromeo y Galan and Doña Margarita Sy Reynes de Borromeo) that the modern Borromeo Business Group was formed. The group was incorporated on February 8, 1933 but was already well-known as a manufacturer of “Tartanilla” horse-drawn carts since 1879.  Here is a nice Cebu-based website page on the history of the “Tartanilla” (from Cebu and the Visayas region) and the “Calesa” horse-drawn cart (from Manila and the Luzon region): http://cebuwebsite.tripod.com/tartanillas.html

Origin of the Name “Tartanilla”

“Tartanilla” is Spanish for the Italian “Tartanella.”  The latter word is derived from the Italian word “Tartana,” which refers to a type of small sailing vessel used for fishing in the Adriatic Sea.  They use both sails and oars for propulsion, and can range from 10 to 100 tons full load.  A “Tartanella” is merely a smaller “Tartana,” whereas a “Tartanone” is the larger version.

The family branches of the younger siblings of my maternal grandfather Judge Andrés Borromeo y Reynes (November 10, 1880 – January 3, 1923) are as follows:

2. Captain José Ubaldo Borromeo y Reynes (1881-1949)

Captain José Ubaldo Borromeo y Reynes (October 21, 1881 – May 8, 1949) was married to Remedios Rodriga de Borromeo (December 27, 1891 – September 25, 1935). Lolo José served as Chairman of the Board and CEO of the Borromeo Bros. Estate, Inc. from its inception in 1933 until his death in 1949. They had one child, who was my “Tita Pepa” Josefa Borromeo Capistrano (born in 1911). She was married to my “Tito Nick” Nicolas Castañeda Capistrano.

Tita Pepa was a personal friend of US General Douglas MacArthur, and in fact started & led the Womens’ Auxiliary Corps (WACS) of the Philippines in World War Two. Tita Pepa also served as honorary Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of the Borromeo Bros. Estate, Inc. from 1949 until her death in 2004. Before he retired, Tito Nick was a successful logging company owner in Northern Mindanao.

My Tita Pepa and Tito Nick had two children, my second cousins Remedios Capistrano Dovas and Mario Borromeo Capistrano. Remedios (my cousin “Didi”) resides in Chicago, Illinois and Mario lives in Cagayan de Oro, Mindanao in the Philippines. Didi is married to Christos Dovas and they have three children named Lara, Tom and Peter. Mario is married to Elsie Musni Capistrano and they have 8 children named Joseph Nicholas, Mario Jr., Marielle Cecille, Maria Theresa, Martin José, Maria Christina Victoria, Marcus Antonio Maria and Marinella Isabelle. My second cousin Mario was a Director of the Borromeo Bros. Estate, Inc. from the death of Tita Pepa in 2004 until he voluntarily passed the position onto his eldest daughter Marielle, who lives and works in Manila as an interior decorator.  Mario Jr. is married to Rachel Apostol-Capistrano and they have one daughter named Marion Alexa “Max” Capistrano (born November 11, 2012).

3. Matilde Borromeo y Reynes (1883-1946)

Matilde Borromeo y Reynes (March 14, 1883 – August 4, 1946) never married and thus remained a spinster until she died.

4. Dr. Maximo Borromeo y Reynes (1887-1948)

Dr. Maximo Borromeo y Reynes (my “Lolo Max” who lived from August 27, 1887 until July 31, 1948) was one of the most prominent Cebu City medical doctors of his time. He had three children, being my aunt Carolina Mercado Borromeo Ocampo (November 4, 1917 – December 28, 2015), my aunt Sophie Gossinitser Borromeo and my uncle John “Johnny” Cairo Borromeo. Sophie Gossinitser Borromeo is believed to be in Austria today, while the descendants of Johnny Cairo Borromeo are in Mandaue (Cebu), the Philippines.

Lolo Max was a Director of the Borromeo Bros. Estate, Inc. from its inception in 1933 until his death in 1948. Tita Carol (November 4, 1917 – December 28, 2015) was married to my “Tito Ledo” Leandro Ocampo (1914-1977), who was a very successful engineer. His company (Alltech Contractors) once employed up to 3,400 employees engaged in power plant construction throughout the Philippines and the Middle East.  Alltech was part of an alliance with the Mitsubishi Group of Japan, and was sold by its owners in 2004.  It had been in independent existence since 1939.

Tito Ledo and Tita Carol Ocampo had three children, being my second cousins Ramon Borromeo Ocampo, Andrés “Andy” Leandro Borromeo Ocampo (both now deceased) and Judith “Judy” Borromeo Ocampo Soriano. Ramon’s wife is Angeles Agrujo Ocampo, and they have four children named Pauline, Maria Isabel (“Maribel”), Anne and Reynaldo (“Ray”). Pauline is married to Doctor John Wong, and they have 3 children.  Maribel is married to Roly Paterno and they have two children named Beatriz and Geo.

Andrés (now deceased) was married to Carmen Polive Ocampo and they have three children named Michael, Gualberto and Virgil.

Judy was married to Alberto M. “Bobby” Soriano (he is now deceased) and they have four children named Joey, Maria Isabel, Maria Christina and Robert.

Bobby Soriano was very well-known in the world of business, with large (20,000 acres in size) agribusiness subsidiaries in Southern Mindanao. These include Crown Fruit (the largest pineapple grower in the Philippines after Dole of the USA), AMS Farming Corporation, AMJR Holdings, Soriano Fruits Corporation and Cabadbaran Fruits Corporation (global leaders in the output of both bananas and papayas). Wholly-owned companies providing sales and transportation support include JOS Trading Corporation, Redwood Logistics Corporation and DTI Overland Transport Corporation. Yet another company (AMSIA Management) owns numerous retail Shell gasoline stations in Northern California. The companies led by Bobby employ yet another 3,000 employees in the Philippines and in the USA.  Bobby since turned over the day-to-day leadership of his companies to his eldest son Joey Ocampo Soriano.

A different branch of the Soriano family is famous for their ownership of San Miguel Corporation, one of the largest corporations in the Philippines. San Miguel today is a vast food conglomerate very well known for “San Miguel” beer.

Dr. Juanito Johnny Cairo Borromeo (February 26, 1936 – May 26, 2025) was the son of Dr. Maximo Borromeo y Reynes (1887-1948) and Teresa Mina Cairo (September 29, 1920 – October 26, 2000).  He married Juanita Abenasa (October 26, 1934 – October 25, 2006) and they had three children named Melissa Abenasa Cairo Tualla (April 11, 1965), Earl Max Abenasa Cairo (September 27, 1967) and Dahlia Abenasa Cairo Cortes (November 17, 1969).  Melissa is married to Domingo Tualla and they have two children named Moonyeen Lynette Cairo Tualla and Carl Junmiel Cairo Tualla.  Earl Max is married to Wendilyn Peña, and they have seven children named Mary Cathylyn Therese Peña Cairo, Earl Norman Vincent Peña Cairo (born 1998 who kindly shared his family tree with us), Sofia Therese Wendears Peña Cairo, Princess Juliana Marie Peña Cairo, Alika Daniella Peña Cairo, Zeenrah Kate Ysabelle Peña Cairo and Earl Zarren Kyle Peña Cairo.  Dahlia is married to Allan Cortes, and they have four children named Arian Daryll Cairo Cortes, Darylyn Cairo Cortes, Althea Cairo Cortes and Allan Dave Cairo Cortes.

5. Pharmacist Exequiel Borromeo y Reynes (1889-1949)

Pharmacist Exequiel Borromeo y Reynes (April 10, 1889 – December 29, 1949, known as my “Lolo Equin”) was married to Josefa Neri de Borromeo (March 11, 1892 – September 10, 1974). They had seven children including Dr. Venustiano Heraclio José Neri Borromeo Sr., Flora Neri Borromeo Roa, Dr. José Cecilio Neri Borromeo, Mario Odon “Lilly” Neri Borromeo (died as an infant), Mario Francisco Neri Borromeo, Sr., Deutelino Neri Borromeo and finally Carmen Borromeo Mercado. Lolo Equin was President and Chief Executive Officer of the Borromeo Bros. Estate, Inc. from its inception in 1933 until his death in 1949.

Dr. Venustiano Heraclio José Neri Borromeo, Sr. was married twice. His first wife Ester Valencia Borromeo (February 14, 1920 – June 23, 1953) died young due to cancer. They had three children, being my second cousins Victor Valencia Borromeo, Bimbo Neri Borromeo and Anna Marie Neri Borromeo. Bimbo is married to Mally Barrica Borromeo, and they have three children being Chantal Barrica Borromeo, Christine Barrica Borromeo and Charity Barrica Borromeo.

The second wife of Dr. Venustiano Heraclio José Neri Borromeo was Leonarda Estelle Samsel Borromeo. They had four children, being my second cousins Alexander Joseph Samsel Borromeo (born in 1958 and now living in Louisville, Kentucky), Venustiano Heraclio (“Vence”) Samsel Borromeo, Jr. (born in 1959), Paul Vincent Samsel Borromeo (born in 1963), and Karah Nicole Samsel Borromeo.

My aunt Tita Flora Borromeo Roa was married to Pio Roa, and they had no children. Both of them have since passed away.

The late Dr. José Cecilio Neri Borromeo had five children who in turn had 23 children who in turn had five children.

Mario Odon (“Lily”) Neri Borromeo died as an infant.

Mario Francisco Neri Borromeo (April 19, 1922 – August 7, 2002) was my “Tito Mar.” He was married to Carolina Borromeo (1921-2010) in 1944.  They had twelve children (my second degree cousins) who in turn had 13 children.

My uncle Deutelino Neri Borromeo (born in 1929 and died on November 9, 1993) had no children.

My aunt “Tita Men” Carmen Borromeo Mercado (July 16, 1929 to October 23, 2016) was married to Gregorio Fuentes Mercado (1926-1986) and they have four children being my second cousins Josefa Jocelyn Borromeo Mercado, Dr. Antonio “Tony” Borromeo Mercado, Dennis Benedict Borromeo Mercado (born 1962; deceased) and Irene Monica Borromeo Mercado.  Josefa Jocelyn is married to Leopoldo Dizon and they have two children named Floren Gregory and Carmiel.  Tony is married to Marilee Olegario and they have three children named Carmel Loise, Marie Ann and Marie Tonica in Florida.  The late Dennis Benedict (1962) was married to a registered nurse named Ruby Dabon and they have three children named Dennis Benedict, Jr., Alyssa Angeline and Joshua Gregory.  Benedict was on the Board of the Borromeo Bros. Estate and also worked for the Borromeo Group’s Suzuki car dealership in Cebu City.  Irene is married to Ferdie Pabatao and they have one daughter named Therese Isabelle.

6. Engineer Canuto Octavio Borromeo y Reynes (1891-1959)

Engineer Canuto Octavio Borromeo y Reynes (my “Lolo Canuto”) co-founded Rockgas Inter-Island Gas Service with my uncle Andrés Rallos Borromeo, Jr. (my “Tito Diding”). He was born on January 19, 1891 and died on December 31, 1959. He was married to Pilar Noel de Borromeo (May 19, 1897 – June 12, 1977). Lolo Canuto was both a Director and the General Manager of the Borromeo Bros. Estate, Inc. from its inception in 1933 until his death in 1959. Lolo Canuto and his wife had five children, being my aunt Maria Soledad (“Tita Marisol”) Borromeo Putong, my uncle Federico (“Tito Nene”) Noel Borromeo, my uncle José (“Tito Joseling”) Noel Borromeo, my aunt Consuelo (“Tita Connie”) Borromeo Morales and finally my uncle Canuto (“Tito Gigi”) Noel Borromeo.

Tita Marisol (1923-2011) was married to Cecilio Putong.  They had one daughter, being my second cousin Maria Cecilia Putong Hermann. She is married to Richard Hermann and they have one son named José Miguel Putong Hermann.

Tito Nene (1926-2023) was married to Josefina Vasquez Borromeo (my late “Tita Nena”) and they had two children, being my second cousins Gerardo A. (“Dito”) Borromeo and Ana Maria Vasquez Borromeo. Dito is married to Ines Prieto Borromeo. They have four children, being Sophia Prieto Borromeo, Andrés Prieto Borromeo, Carlos Prieto Borromeo and Ines Prieto Borromeo. Tito Nene led Rockgas Inter-Island Gas Service from the death of Lolo Canuto in 1959 until the company was sold to the Philippine government in 1980. My cousin Dito was a Director of the Borromeo Bros. Estate, Inc. from 1987 until 1995. Since then, he has led a firm named “Borromeo Technology Holdings, Inc.” and its subsidiary “Smartpark.” They are based in Manila and are active in computer software applications used in commercial office buildings. More recently, he was named Vice Chairman, and finally President and Chief Operating Officer of Philippine Transcarriers, Inc., a placement firm for senior shipping personnel.  His company employs more than 37,000 marine industry professionals on over 600 merchant ships worldwide.  One-quarter of all ship-based marine industry professionals worldwide now come from the Philippines.  Total global employment for onboard shipping personnel exceeds one million persons.  PTC has ten percent of the annual US $4 billion maritime staffing business in the Philippines.

My uncle José Noel Borromeo (1927-August 17, 2021) was single.

Consuelo Noel Borromeo (my “Tita Connie”) was married to Ernesto Morales. They had five children, being my second cousins Alfonso “Sitos” Borromeo Morales, Maria Lourdes Borromeo Morales, Maria Asuncion Morales Cajulis, José Maria Borromeo Morales and Luis Maria Ernesto Borromeo Morales.  Sitos is married to Elvira Pavericio and they have one daughter named Thea (born December 4, 2011).  Maria Asuncion Morales is married to Ding Cajulis, and they have two children named Isabel Morales Cajulis and Cristina Morales Cajulis. Tita Connie was a Professor of the Spanish Language at the University of the Philippines until her retirement. She resides in the city of Ayala Alabang, located in metropolitan Manila.

Canuto Noel Borromeo, Jr. (my “Tito Gigi”) was born on February 14, 1935 and died on March 20, 1977. He was married to Barbara Anne Scher Harvey Borromeo. They had six children, being my second cousins Bernadette Marie Borromeo Gallego, Marie Pilar Borromeo Miranda, Angela Maria Borromeo Almario, Susana Marie Borromeo Milne, Christina Marie Borromeo Gaston and Canuto Benjamin Borromeo (known as “Benji”).

Bernadette (“Dette”) Marie Harvey Borromeo is married to Eduardo (“Ed”) Borromeo Gallego, who is her (and my) fourth degree cousin from the “thin Borromeo” branch of the Cebuano Borromeo family. She has been a Director of the Borromeo Bros. Estate, Inc. since 1995 and Ed works as an architect. They have two children, being Mirella Isabel Borromeo Gallego and Eduardo Martin Borromeo Gallego. Ed and Dette also own coffee shops in Cebu under the name “La Marea.” Their daughter Mirella is now in Australia studying architecture.

Marie Pilar Harvey Borromeo is married to Eduardo Martinez Miranda. Their four children include Cecilia Angela Borromeo Miranda, Sebastian Borromeo Miranda, Ainara Borromeo Miranda and finally Paloma Borromeo Miranda. Marie Pilar is a partner in a company called “Elements” which deals with high end upholstery in Manila. The company sells quality European and American textiles. Eduardo heads the investing arm of Macquarie Bank, an Australian firm, in Manila.

Angela “Angie” Maria Harvey Borromeo is married to Hector Almario. Their two children include Angela Pilar Borromeo Almario and Lorenzo Javier Borromeo Almario. Hector and Angie own gasoline stations in Cebu, Cagayan de Oro and Davao (the latter two cities are on the island of Mindanao). They also market Liquified Petroleum Gas as an alternative fuel for automobiles and are thus in partnership with Petronas, a Malaysian firm.

Susanna Marie Harvey Borromeo is married to Timothy Milne, and they have one daughter named Margarita Pilar Borromeo Milne.  Timothy Milne is a British-born engineer in the sugar business in Cebu City.  He owns a company called “Sugar Technology International” (www.groupsti.com) which specializes in design technology for the global sugar industry.  The local Philippine business entity is known as “Sugar Technology International Philippines, Inc.”  STI is based in the United States.

Christina Marie (“Ina”) Harvey Borromeo is married to José Maria D. Gaston, who owns a sugar plantation on Negros. They reside in the city of Bacolod on the island of Negros (which neighbors the island of Cebu) and they have four children named Marianna Ines Borromeo Gaston, José Maria Canuto Borromeo Gaston, Enrique Miguel Borromeo Gaston and Sabina Teresa Borromeo Gaston. Ina has a firm called “Hacienda Crafts” which makes home accessories for export.  José Maria is a direct descendant of Yves Leopold Germain Gaston, a Frenchman who settled in Negros in 1840.  He left his native Normandy for the island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean, which used to belong to France before Britain annexed it during the Napoleonic Wars.  It was in Mauritius that Yves Leopold learned the rudiments of the then-young sugar industry.  He left for the Philippines at the age of 30, initially working as a foreman on a Spanish-owned sugar estate in Batangas on Luzon.  He then moved on to Negros and established his own sugar plantation, where he married a local Spanish woman.

Canuto Benjamin (“Benji”) Harvey Borromeo is married to Maria Tomei and lives in New York. They have one daughter named Thalia. Benji runs the IT department for a law firm that he has worked for since he graduated from American University. His wife Maria is Italian and works in the fashion industry.

7. Venustiano Borromeo y Reynes (1891-1891)

Venustiano Borromeo Borromeo y Reynes was born and died as an infant in 1891.

8. Patrocinio Reynes Borromeo de Uy Herrera (1892-1984)

Patrocinio Reynes Borromeo de Uy Herrera was born on November 13, 1892 and died on August 5, 1984. She was married to José Uy Herrera, who was the son of the Chinese Consul in Cebu City. He was born with the Chinese surname Uy but eventually took the new Hispanic surname of Herrera. They had seven children, being my aunts and uncles (first cousins of my mother). These include Helene Borromeo Herrera, Milagros Borromeo Herrera (my “Tita Milagring”), Jesus Borromeo Herrera, Eterio Borromeo Herrera, Lisinio Borromeo Herrera (my “Tito Nene”), Dr. Rodolfo Borromeo Herrera (my “Tito Rudy” and the President & CEO of the Borromeo Bros. Estate, Inc.) and Caridad Borromeo Herrera (my “Tita Caring”).

Helene Borromeo Herrera (my “Tita Nena” who died on March 17, 2007) was married to Constantino C. Navarro, Sr. (my “Tito Oging” who died on May 11, 1998). Tito Oging was a Congressman in the lower house of the Philippine national legislature, representing his home district of Surigao in Northeastern Mindanao (the same region where my maternal grandfather Judge Andrés Borromeo was a Judge of the Court of First Instance). They had five children, being my second cousins Constantino (“Baby”) Herrera Navarro, Marlene Herrera Navarro, Conshele Herrera Navarro, Rora Herrera Navarro and Antonio Herrera Navarro.

The late Constantino (“Baby”) Herrera Navarro was once the Mayor of Surigao City. He was married to Guia Antionette Legaspi and they have four children named Constantino “Banjo” Legaspi Navarro III, Elizabeth Navarro Arguelles, Edward Vincent Legaspi Navarro and Maria Helena Navarro Okol.  Banjo is married to Grace Anabelle Such Navarro and they have four children named Audrynne Castles Such Navarro, Cesar Constantino Such Navarro V, Cedric Constantine Such Navarro and Nelly Felyz Such Navarro.  Elizabeth is married to Augusto Arguelles and they have two children named Aliza Lianne Navarro Arguelles and Maria Aira Kharizza Navarro Arguelles.  Edward Vincent in married to Malaika Elena Navarro and they have one child named Yaggy Eunice Navarro.  Maria Helena is married to Miko Okol and they in turn have six children named Cyrene Alexis Navarro Okol, Sarah Nikolai Navarro Okol, Ryanne Antoinette Navarro Okol, Michele Angela Navarro Okol, Marie Ernestine Navarro Okol and Megan Navarro Okol.

Marlene Herrera Navarro is married to Gil Garcia Moreno, and they have three children named Maria Margarita Gillene Navarro Moreno, Maria Rosario Helena Navarro Moreno and Gil Maria Gerardo Navarro Moreno. Conshele Herrera Navarro (born in 1945 and died in 2005) was married to Dr. Antonio Garcia and they had two children. Rora Herrera Navarro is married to Abelardo Tolentino. She works for the Philippine State Department and has served as the Philippine Ambassador to both Thailand and France. They have three children named Kara Alexandra Navarro Tolentino, Farah Karmela Navarro Tolentino and Abelardo Constantino Navarro Tolentino.  Kara Alexandra has one son with her first husband Louie Talan named Joaquin Luis Tolentino Talan.  Kara Alexandra is now married to Virgil Prieto, and they have two daughters named Rocio Ines Tolentino Prieto and Paloma Lucia Tolentino Prieto.  Farah Karmela is married to Eric Ylagan, and they have two children named Mia Lara Celino Tolentino Ylagan and Cristiana Emmanuelle Tolentino Ylagan.  Abelardo Constantino Navarro Tolentino is single.  Their uncle Antonio Herrera Navarro is also single.

Milagros Borromeo Herrera (my “Tita Milagring”) was married to Alfredo B. Cañares, and they had one son named Eduardo (my second cousin “Ed”) Herrera Cañares, married to Henedina Lopez Cui Cañares. Tita Milagring is a Director of the Borromeo Bros. Estate, Inc. Before Ed died in 2002, he was the Manager of Margarita Agro-Industrial Corporation (MAIC), the agribusiness subsidiary of the Borromeo Bros. Estate, Inc. MAIC consists of agricultural properties on Cebu, Leyte and Mindanao. Ed and his late wife Henedina had 4 sons, 3 of whom are now married and with children of their own. Their first son Jonathan Cui Cañares is married to Zeny Billiones Gabunada Cañares, and they have one daughter named Sheila Mae Gabunada Cañares. Their second son Stephen Cui Cañares is married to Janine Batobalonos Cañoneo Cañares, and they in turn have two children named Jannie Thea Cañoneo Cañares and Steven Marc Cañoneo Cañares. Their third son Emmanuel Cui Cañares is not married, while their fourth son Donald Cui Cañares is married to Chandel Isidro Ramos Cañares. Donald and Chandel have one son named Don Lorenz Ramos Cañares.

Jesus Borromeo Herrera was single.

Eterio Borromeo Herrera (deceased young in a plane crash) was married to the late Marina Teves, thereafter remarried as Marina Teves Herrera McCarthy in Australia. They had five children, being my second cousins May Teves Herrera, Evangeline Teves Herrera, Menelio Teves Herrera, Laurente Teves Herrera and Eterio (“Terry”) Teves Herrera. May Teves Herrera is married to Adam Brand, and they reside in New South Wales, Australia. Evangeline (“Eve”) Teves Herrera is married to her (and my) fourth cousin Horacio Palou Borromeo, Jr. and they have one son named Michael Brian Herrera Borromeo, who is currently studying architecture at the University of New South Wales in Sydney. Their family also resides in New South Wales, Australia.  The same holds true for the family of Terry Teves Herrera, who reside in metropolitan Sydney, Australia.  Menelio Teves Herrera is married to Milagros Sendo, and they have three children named Marlon Sendo Herrera, Mark Sendo Herrera and Melissa Sendo Herrera.

Laurente “Larry” Teves Herrera is married to Evangeline Lucino, and they have four children named Osline Lucino Herrera, Maria Josephine Lucino Herrera, James John Lucino Herrera and Andrew Lucino Herrera.  Maria Josephine Lucinio Herrera (born May 11, 1984) is married to John-Christopher Guerra (born August 7, 1982) and they have two children named Jeremy Christian Herrera Guerra (born January 20, 2011) and Jasmine Mariella Herrera Guerra (born May 26, 2012).

Eterio “Terry” Teves Herrera, Jr. is married to Myrthel Brandes, and they have three children named Jerrold Brandes Herrera, James Allen Brandes Herrera and Nicholus “Nikki” Brandes Herrera.  They reside in metropolitan Sydney, Australia since 1987.  Jerrold is a computer science graduate from Maquarie University in Sydney, and now works as a Sales Manager for Shiriro Australia.  James Allen works for Datacom, which is a subsidiary of Microsoft Corporation (of Seattle, Washington, USA).  Nikki is still in college at Hornsby Tafe.

My uncle Lisinio (“Tito Nene”) Borromeo Herrera (who passed away on February 26, 2012) was married to Tetang del Rio. They have eight children, being my second cousins Ernesto Borromeo Herrera, Marie Angeline Borromeo Herrera, Marie Susan Borromeo Herrera, Maria Asuncion Borromeo Herrera, Anthony Borromeo Herrera, Catherine “Cat” Borromeo Herrera, Rosemarie Borromeo Herrera and Gerardo Ronnie Borromeo Herrera. Marie Angeline Borromeo is married and has one child.

My uncle Dr. Rodolfo (“Tito Rudy”) Borromeo Herrera (September 20, 1928 to May 18, 2023) was married to my “Tita” Monina Garcia Herbosa, who is a direct descendant of the José Rizal.  Tito Rudy was one of the most prominent medical doctors in the Philippines, and served as both a Director and the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Borromeo Bros. Estate, Inc. from 1998 and Director Emeritus until his death in 2023.  He was also a Director of Makati Finance Corporation, which is partially owned by the Borromeo Bros. Estate, Inc.  He practiced medicine at the Makati Medical Center outside of Manila, and lived in Ayala Alabang in metropolitan Manila.   His widow Tita Monina is the owner of Global Cruises, Inc. (a cruise ship travel agency) based in Bronxville, New York (USA). Tito Rudy and Tita Monina have three children, being my second cousins Ana Marie Herbosa Herrera, Robertino (“Rob”) Herbosa Herrera and Margarita (“Pinky”) Herbosa Herrera. Ana Marie Herbosa Herrera is married to Anton Huang, heir to the large “Rustan’s” retail chain in the Philippines.  Rob is married to Maia Clavel Martinez, a daughter of the Mayor of Bogo City.  Margarita (“Pinky”) graduated from the London School of Economics (summa cum laude) and is married to Michael Brady of New Jersey.  They once worked for the investment banking firm of Jardine in Hong Kong, where Michael is now a partner in a brokerage house.  Michael and Pinky have two children named Jamie and Justin, and have a second home in Laguna Province near Manila.

My aunt Caridad (“Tita Caring”) Borromeo Herrera (born July 19, 1929) was married to my godfather John Harris Suchman (born October 5, 1932-December 8, 2022).  She worked as a certified public accountant in New York City prior to her retirement. Uncle John graduated from Columbia University (Tita Caring’s alma mater as well) with a Master’s Degree in Business Administration (M.B.A.). They have two daughters, being my second cousins Rachel Herrera Suchman and Deborah (“Debbie”) Herrera Suchman. Rachel was married to Ernest (“Ernie”) Czak, who works as a Trader on the floor of the famous New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on Wall Street in downtown Manhattan. They have three children, being Veronica Marie Suchman Csak, Natalie Rose Suchman Csak and Gregory Suchman Csak. Rachel resides in upstate New York.  Debbie is married to George Zeolla. They reside in Manhattan and have two sons, named Paolo Alessandro Suchman Zeolla and Luca Pietro Suchman Zeolla. George works as a fundraiser for a major private university in Manhattan and Debbie was a professional photographer before she became a full time mother.

9. Salud Borromeo y Reynes (1898-1969)

The estate of Salud Borromeo y Reynes (the youngest sibling of my maternal grandfather known as my “Lola Saling”) is today the Salud Borromeo Memorial Charity Clinic and Foundation, one of the largest charitable organizations on the island of Leyte. It is located in the city of San Isidro, the headquarters of our agribusiness subsidiary. This company is known as “Margarita Agro-Industrial Corporation,” being named after my great-grandmother Margarita Sy Reynes de Borromeo (my “Nanay Titay”). She purchased this large tract of land in the 1880s with profits from her husband’s horse-carriage (“Tartanilla”) manufacturing business and from her own business of trading in salt at the Cebu City wharf. Salud Borromeo y Reynes was born on September 7, 1898 and died on November 30, 1969 with no legal will.

This completes all of the Borromean lines of my second cousins.

Third Cousins

My great-grandfather José Maria Borromeo y Galan (my “Tatay Pepe” who lived from 1847-1930) was the second of 11 children of my great-great grandparents Maximo Borromeo y Feliz (1820-1892) and Hermenegilda Galan de Borromeo (April 13, 1825-1894). My mother was named after Maximo’s wife, who was known as “Nanay Binda.”

In an urban population that numbered 10,078 in 1834 (when Tatay Maximo Borromeo y Feliz was just 14 years old), the Parian-Lutaos parish incorporated slightly more than two-thirds (67%) of the inhabitants of Cebu. For these “Ciudadnons” (city dwellers) the Parian was the central focus of their religious and social life. A group of approximately 30 wealthy “Mestizo” families appears to have monopolized the elite of Parian and its parish. These families represented a close-knit, socially inter-related group that tended to confine its marriages if not strictly within the principal families, then almost always within the larger mestizo community. The records of the Philippine National Archives show 28 families that composed Parian’s elite in the early 19th century: Alo, Borromeo, de Castro, Climaco, Cuico (Cuyco), Espina, Gandiongco, Gantuangco, Garces, Janson, Limcaco, del Mar, Narvios, Noel, Osmeña, Regis, Reynes, Rodis, Rubi, Sanson (Samson), Singson, Sison, Solon, Suico, Valle, Velez, Veloso and Villa.

The elder sister of my great-grandfather José Maria Borromeo y Galan never married and had no offspring. The 11 children of Tatay Maximo and Nanay Binda were:

  1. Leoncia Borromeo y Galan (no issue)
  2. José Maria Borromeo y Galan
  3. Julian Borromeo y Galan (1853-January 18, 1919): died aged 66 years; no issue
  4. Florentina Borromeo y Galan (no issue)
  5. Aniceta Galan Borromeo de Ocampo
  6. Pantaleon Borromeo y Galan
  7. Cosme Borromeo y Galan
  8. Vito Borromeo y Galan
  9. Quirino Borromeo y Galan (no issue)
  10. Trinidad Borromeo y Galan (no issue)
  11. Paolo Borromeo y Galan

Their great-grand children are thus my third degree cousins. The estate (home) of Maximo Borromeo y Feliz and Hermenegilda Galan de Borromeo was located in Banawa, Cebu, was purchased in 1844 and was only sold in 1990 (146 years later). Vito Borromeo y Galan’s estate still exists today as a corporate entity, and it in turn has a seat upon the Board of Directors of the Salud Borromeo Foundation.

As can be seen in the list above, Julian Borromeo y Galan was single and had no issue (offspring). Florentina Borromeo y Galan was in the same situation, with no issue. Aniceta Borromeo y Galan married Francisco Ocampo, and they had one daughter named Aurora Borromeo y Ocampo. Aurora was single and had no issue, so this line of the family died out as well.

Pantaleon Borromeo y Galan married Remigia Pulaire de Borromeo (this was the first of his two wives), and they had three children named Ismaela Borromeo y Pulaire, Crispin Borromeo y Pulaire and Teofilo Borromeo y Pulaire.

Ismaela Borromeo y Pulaire married Escolastico Morre. They had seven children, named Lilia Borromeo Morre, Patricia Borromeo Morre, Aurora Borromeo Morre, Rosario Borromeo Morre, Isagani Borromeo Morre, Lamberto Borromeo Morre and Floro Borromeo Morre.

Lilia Borromeo Morre married Teopisto Tabotabo, and they had five children, being my third degree cousins Dr. Armando Morre Tabotabo, Merardo Morre Tabotabo, Cesar Morre Tabotabo, Lorena Morre Tabotabo and Evelyn Morre Tabotabo.

Patricia Borromeo Morre married a man with the surname of Ranario (I do not know his first or given / Christian names) and moved to Stockton, California. They had five children (at least one of whom lives in New Jersey), being my third cousins Napoleon Morre Ranario, Alexander Morre Ranario, Maria Ofelia Morre Ranario, Chester Morre Ranario and Marian Morre Ranario.

Aurora Borromeo Morre married her cousin Manuel Infante Borromeo. They had two children, being my third cousins Norma Morre Borromeo and Josephine Morre Borromeo.  Norma passed away on January 9, 2008.  She was married to Dionisio Guevarra Venzon, Jr. from Batangas, and they have three children named Jennifer Borromeo Venzon, Dionisio Borromeo Venzon III and Mary Ann Borromeo Venzon.  Jennifer is married to Elmer Enerio Aque from Aloran in Misamis Occidental, and they have two children named Edman Josh Venzon Aque and Beatriz Faith Venzon Aque.  Dionisio Borromeo Venzon III (who kindly shared this information with our site) is married to Princess Abrigo Austria from Indang (Cavite on Luzon), and they have three children named Harold Efrain Austria Venzon, Thomas Harvey Austria Venzon and Norman Hill Austria Venzon.  Mary Ann Borromeo Venzon is married to Vergel Elacion Misola from Santa Cruz (Zambales), and they have one daughter named Jazmine Aubrey Venzon Misola.  My late third degree cousin Josephine Morre Borromeo was married to Attorney Leonardo Palicte III, and they have three children named Leo Jamal Borromeo Palicte, Joshua Borromeo Palicte and Jessamine Faith Borromeo Palicte.

Rosario Borromeo Morre married Alfredo Gatchalian, Sr. They had two children, being my third cousins Rodolfo Morre Gatchalian and Alfredo Morre Gatchalian, Jr.

Isagani Borromeo Morre did not marry and had no issue (offspring). Lamberto Borromeo Morre was in the same situation, with no marriage and no issue. Ditto with Floro Borromeo Morre, so these three lines will eventually or have already died out.

Crispin Borromeo y Pulaire (who became a municipal judge in Cebu) married Petra Ozaraga. They have one son named José Ozaraga Borromeo (1938-2013) who married Sela Quijano; both of them moved to Houston, Texas where they worked and eventually retired from ChevronTexaco. José and Sela have three children named Joesel Quijano Borromeo, Martonette Quijano Borromeo and Marjoe Quijano Borromeo. Joesel is married to Cyd Therese Acosta, and they have two children named Jo Trescha Acosta Borromeo and Selsy Mae Acosta Borromeo. Martonette is single. Marjoe is married to Maria Stella Tonggao Borromeo and they have two children named Steony Tonggao Borromeo and Anthony Tonggao Borromeo.

Teofilo Borromeo y Pulaire married Remedios Cuenco de Borromeo, and they had one son named José Cuenco Borromeo. José Cuenco Borromeo married Filomena Rusiana, and they had five children. These are my third degree cousins named Rosario Rusiana Borromeo, Victor Emmanuel Rusiana Borromeo Sr., Fatima Rusiana Borromeo, Grace Rusiana Borromeo and Angelica Rusiana Borromeo.  Rosario Rusiana Borromeo is married to Melvin Gonzaga, and they have two children named Maria Christina Borromeo Gonzaga and Rommel Borromeo Gonzaga.  Maria Christina now has the married name of Maria Christina Borromeo Gonzaga Hamilton.  Victor Emmanuel Rusiana Borromeo, Sr. is married to an Araneta, and they have 2 children named 1) Maria Emmalyn Araneta Borromeo and Emmanuelle “Remie” Borromeo (who kindly shared this information).  Maria Emmalyn Araneta Borromeo is married to Romy Boquilla, and they have two children named Romy Borromeo Boquilla, Jr. and Raehna Elexis Borromeo Boquila.  Emmanuelle Remie Borromeo is married to a Barcelona, and they have one child named Adrian Borromeo Barcelona.  Fatima Rusiana Borromeo is married to Noli Tindoc, and they have no children.  Grace Rusiana Borromeo is married to Vic Cruz, and they have two daughters named Jennifer Borromeo Cruz and Elizabeth Borromeo Cruz.  Jennifer Borromeo Cruz is married to Kevin Dougherty, and they have no children.  Angelica Rusiana Borromeo is divorced from a Wrobel, and they have one son named Andrew Borromeo Wrobel.

The second wife of Pantaleon Borromeo y Galan (Pantaleon was of course a younger brother of my great-grandfather José Maria Borromeo y Galan) was named Francisca Good de Borromeo. They had two sons, named Francisco Borromeo y Good and Patricio Borromeo y Good. Francisco Borromeo y Good married, but I do not know the name of his wife. They had one son named Teobaldo Borromeo who did not marry and had no issue (offspring). Patricio Borromeo y Good also married, but I do not know the name of his wife either. Patricio and his wife had two children, named Ananias Borromeo and Basilia Borromeo.

Ananias Borromeo married Eleuteria Mendoza, and they have ten children (my third degree cousins) named Antonio Mendoza Borromeo, Wilfredo Mendoza Borromeo, Jennifer Mendoza Borromeo, Rory Yul Mendoza Borromeo, Joni Mendoza Borromeo, Judith Mendoza Borromeo, Jacqueline Mendoza Borromeo, Joan Mendoza Borromeo, Jocelyn Mendoza Borromeo and Victor Mendoza Borromeo.  Antonio is married to Raquel, and they have two children named Tonyquiel Borromeo and Antonet Borromeo.  Wilfredo is married to Marisa, and they have eight children named Wilnor Borromeo-Giles (in Houston, Texas), Wilma Borromeo, Fredymar Borromeo, Maricris Borromeo, Wilfredo Borromeo Jr., Warly Borromeo, Jovie Borromeo and Lanie Borromeo.  Jennifer is married to Ismael Cano, and they have three children named Marian Celeste Borromeo Cano, Marie Stella Borromeo Cano and Melvin Borromeo Cano.  Marian Celeste has four children named Chelsea Ann Shanice Cano-Ticsay, Christien Kyle Cano-Ticsay, Chadrick Rawnsley Cano-Ticsay and Najla Kirsten Cano-Ticsay.  Melvin is married to Ruth Malabanan, and they have one son named Dustyn Kurt Malabanan Cano.  Rory Yul Mendoza Borromeo (who kindly provided the genealogical information for his branch of the family) is married to Grace Garcia, and they have two children named Diorelle Concepcion Garcia Borromeo and Ryal Grae Garcia Borromeo.  Diorelle is married to Faustino Salvan.  Joni Mendoza Borromeo is married and has one daughter named Kirsten May Borromeo Menosa.  Judith Mendoza Borromeo is married to Pedro Calabocal, Sr., and they have three children named Pedro Borromeo Calabocal, Jr., Patricia Nichole Borromeo Calabocal and Patrick Borromeo Calabocal.  Jacqueline Mendoza Borromeo has two children named Rachel Borromeo and Ralph Borromeo.  Rachel is married to Rocky Villanueva, and they have one daughter named Grace Borromeo Villanueva.  Joan Mendoza Borromeo is married to Cliff Grant, and they live in California with their three children named Brandon Borromeo Grant, Tyler Borromeo Grant and Lailanie Borromeo Grant.  Jocelyn Mendoza Borromeo has three children named Jerel Borromeo, Jekrey Borromeo and Mia Borromeo.  Victor Mendoza Borromeo is married to Joan and they have five children named Nina Gavrieljh Borromeo, Vien Carlo Borromeo, Tyron Troy Borromeo, Wyeth Ken Borromeo and John Victor Borromeo.

Avanias’ sister Basilia is single and has no issue.

Cosme Borromeo y Galan was the next youngest sibling of Pantaleon Borromeo y Galan. Cosme Borromeo y Galan married Petronila Guerrero de Borromeo. They had seven children, being Marcial Borromeo y Guerrero, José Borromeo y Guerrero, Carlos Borromeo y Guerrero, Carmen Borromeo y Guerrero, Asuncion Borromeo y Guerrero, Florentina Borromeo y Guerrero and Emilio Borromeo y Guerrero. These children were thus first cousins to my maternal grandfather Judge Andrés Borromeo y Reynes. Marcial Borromeo y Guerrero also happened to be my grandfather’s best friend – the two men especially enjoyed horseback riding with one another. My grandfather’s last horse was a beautiful white stallion named “Quaranto” – after one of his successful court cases. In fact, “Quaranto” survived his famous master to provide companionship and transportation (pulling a Borromeo “Tartanilla” horse-drawn cart) to my grandmother and her surviving six children.

Marcial Borromeo y Guerrero married Rosario Cabrera de Borromeo, and they had seven children named Cosme Borromeo, Tomas Luis Cabrera Borromeo, Angelita Cabrera Borromeo, Josefina Borromeo Neri, Maria Borromeo Reunilla, Prescillano Cabrera Borromeo and Domingo Cabrera Borromeo. These children are of course second degree cousins to my mother, Hermenegilda Amor Victoria Borromeo Nonnenkamp.

Cosme (my “Tito Cosme”) Borromeo married Corazon, and they had two children, who in turn had five children, who in turn had eight children, who in turn had one child.

The next sibling of Cosme Cabrera Borromeo was Tomas Luis Cabrera Borromeo. My “Tito Tomas” was a lawyer by trade and was also the best friend of his second cousin and my uncle “Tito Diding” (Andrés Rallos Borromeo). Many who knew them said they looked very similar as well. Tito Tomas was married to one of the wealthiest women in the Philippines named Carmen Fargas Barredo Borromeo. My “Tita Carmen” came from an old Spanish colonial family in the Philippines. I had the privilege of seeing her shortly before she passed away at their home in Mandaluyong in metropolitan Manila.  Tita Carmen’s parents had three children. When her father Fausto Barredo passed away in 1937, the same year she married my Tito Tomas, the Barredo estate was valued at 400 million Pesos ($200 million at the exchange rate of the time). This was one of the largest fortunes in the entire Philippines, and the holdings of the family included much of the real estate in old Manila. This was granted to them by the Spanish Crown (the Philippines were a Spanish Crown Colony from 1521 until 1898), just as modern Makati was granted to the Zobel de Ayala family (an old Basque Spanish family in the Philippines who now own the oldest incorporated and largest business group in the country).

In the case of Tita Carmen’s family, both the Fargas family (her mother’s family) and the Barredo family (her father’s family) were wealthy old Spanish families in the Philippines. They formed a company named “Fabar” (a combination of the name of “Fausto Barredo,” who was the patriarch of the Barredo family FABAR fortune), which became the first company to assemble (not manufacture) motor vehicles in the Philippines after World War Two.  Fabar, Inc. was established out of the old Malate Stables of Fausto Barredo and evolved into the Malate Taxicab in Manila, which eventually included the Royal Taxicab franchise in Baguio.

They began assembling Studebaker automobiles in 1951, which made history – they owned the very first auto assembly plant in the Philippines.  Fausto Barredo thus had something very much in common with my own great-grandfather José Maria Borromeo y Galan (1847-1930).  Both men made their fortunes by manufacturing horse-drawn carriages.  In the case of my great-grandfather, it was the Cebuano “Tartanilla.”  In the case of Fausto Barredo, it was the famous “Karatela” of Luzon.  In both cases, they were instrumental in starting the Philippine vehicle industry.  My great-grandfather’s company built and sold the “Tartanilla” from 1879 until 1933.  In the case of Fausto Barredo, I believe his company built and marketed the “Karatela” from about 1890 until 1945.

Fabar owned the Philippine Studebaker franchise from 1951 until the demise of Studebaker as a car company in 1966.  Studebaker was based in the old Catholic city of South Bend, Indiana.  It was the largest vehicle maker in the world from 1861 until 1908, when it was surpassed by the Ford Motor Company.  Studebaker was founded by German immigrants to the USA from Solingen in the Catholic Rhineland region.  Their original name of “Stutenbecker” was changed to Studebaker when they settled in the Pennsylvania Dutch (German) country in the 18th century.  They eventually migrated to Ohio and finally to Indiana.  Studebaker became very large due to contracts to manufacture and sell horse-drawn wagons to the Union Army during the American Civil War (1861 to 1865).  In 1954, Studebaker merged with Packard of Michigan to form the Studebaker-Packard Corporation.  They continued to manufacture passenger cars until 1966, when the old South Bend factory was sold to Chrysler.  Production of the high performance Avanti Coupé continues to this very day, albeit at a very low volume from a plant located in Cancun, Mexico.  Fabar held the Philippine Studebaker franchise from 1951 until 1966, after which they purchased the Philippine franchise for B.MC. (the “British Motor Corporation”).  They then exchanged the British franchise for Toyota of Japan, a franchise which they kept until 1984.

B.M.C. was formed in 1952 due to the merger of Morris and Austin of the United Kingdom.  B.M.C. owned the British brands of Austin, M.G. (“Morris Garages”), Morris, Riley, Wolseley, Austin-Healey and Vanden Plas.  On December 14, 1966 B.M.C. changed their name to B.M.H., or “British Motor Holdings.”  B.M.H. then merged with Leyland in May 1968, which became the “British Leyland Motor Corporation” (B.L.M.C.).  B.L.M.C. was partly nationalized by the British government in August 1975, after which it was renamed “British Leyland, Limited.”  The same company was again renamed the “Rover Group” in 1986, the “MG Rover Group” in the year 2000, and they were finally purchased by their current owner, the Nanjing Automobile Group of China, in April 2005.

This huge conglomerate included most remaining British motor vehicle marques that were not part of either General Motors (Vauxhall and Bedford), Ford or the Rootes Group (Rootes was eventually purchased by Chrysler Corporation).  After the Second World War, the British vehicle makers had the largest market share worldwide after the Americans, and the British were number one in parts of Asia (the Philippines included), Australia, Oceania, Africa and the Middle East.

The British motor industry has since lost most of its national independence.  Rolls-Royce and Mini are owned by B.M.W. of Munich, Germany.  Bentley and Cosworth (the latter being an engine manufacturer) are owned by Volkswagen A.G. of Wolfsburg, Germany.  Jaguar and Land-Rover are owned by Tata Motors of India, and Lotus is owned by Proton of Malaysia.  TVR is owned by the Russian banker and businessman Nikolai Smolensky, while AC Cars is owned by Gullwing G.m.b.H. of Germany.  SAIC-Nanjing Motor Corporation of China owns the formerly British automotive brands of MG (“Morris Garages”) and Roewe (formerly known as “Rover”).  SAIC stands for “Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation.”  The information about the Fabar automotive franchises was kindly shared with me by Rosie Barredo Borromeo and her cousin Carlos “Caloy” Barredo.

My Tito Tomas Luis Cabrera Borromeo and my Tita Carmen Barredo Borromeo had ten children, being my third cousins Maria Pilar (“Piluchi”) Barredo Borromeo, Gabriela (“Bingo”) Maria Cristina Barredo Borromeo Berenguer, Maria Juliana (“Julie”) Irene Barredo Borromeo, Maria Rosa (“Rosie”) Redenta Barredo Borromeo Rieth, José Vito (“Pocholo”) Miguel Francisco Barredo Borromeo, Marcial Alfonso (“Lito”) Barredo Borromeo, Maria Cecilia (“Cibbie”) Barredo Borromeo, Tomas (“Tom-Tom”) Clemente Barredo Borromeo, Miguelangelo (“Mike”) Valentino Barredo Borromeo and Maria Victoria Paz (“Toy-Toy”) Barredo Borromeo. My mother lived with this warm and wonderful family in Mandaluyong for two years from 1955 to 1957.

Maria Pilar Barredo Borromeo (1938-2019) was married to the late Carl Garmsen. Carl was born in Mindanao, but his father emigrated to the Philippines from Germany. Pilar and Carl have two children named Patricia Borromeo Garmsen and Carl (“Cali”) Borromeo Garmsen. Patricia is married and has three children. She and her family reside near Manila in the Philippines.  Cali is single and works in Frankfurt, Germany.

Gabriela (“Bingo”) Maria Cristina Barredo Borromeo (January 20, 1940-April 06, 2025) was married to Silverio Berenguer and has three children named Tomas “Tom” Borromeo Berenguer, Ramon Borromeo Berenguer and Maria Elena Borromeo Berenguer. Tom is married to Bernice Gamboa of the Gamboa family from Negros Occidental. Tom and Bernice have a baby girl named Isabella Marie Gamboa Berenguer. They also reside near Manila, where Tom is a practicing lawyer and owns a firm that does outplacing consultancy for American companies.  Maria Elena and her husband now reside in Toronto, Canada.

Maria Juliana (“Julie”) Irene Barredo Borromeo is one of the most famous professional dancers in the Philippines, complete with her own school for dance, a studio and her own television program.  Thousands of successful graduates have been trained by her school.  Today, Julie also owns a small beachfront resort in Batangas on Luzon.  Julie Borromeo’s first husband was Marcos Aragon, Sr. He and Julie have five children named Maria Del Carmen (“Maricar”) Borromeo Aragon, Ana Maria Milagros (“Anamarie”) Borromeo Aragon, Maria Delos Angeles (“Gigi”) Borromeo Aragon, Marcos (“Kits”) Borromeo Aragon, Jr. and Francisco (“Cocoy”) Borromeo Aragon. Maricar is married to Jaime Andrada, and they have no children. Anamarie is married to Poncy Quirino, and they have two sons named Justin Aragon Quirino and Miguel Aragon Quirino. Gigi is married to “Peanuts” Agcaoili and they have two daughters named Nicole Aragon Agcaoili and Francine Aragon Agcaoili. Marcos’ wife is named Joanne and they have two sons and two daughters. Francisco is married and has one daughter. Julie Barredo Borromeo’s second husband was David Roche, who was from England. They have one daughter named Valerie Borromeo Roche, who is married to Guillano Ungaro.  Valerie and her husband now reside in Hong Kong, where he works as a an assistant food and beverage manager for a large hotel.

Maria Rosa (“Rosie”) Redenta Barredo Borromeo was also a professional dancer just like her elder sister Julie. Rosie (July 23, 1942-October 25, 2025) lived and worked in both Mandaluyong (Manila) and in Singapore. Her ex-husband Hans Peter Rieth was from Switzerland. Their only son Julius Anthony Khalil (“Jaky”) lives and works in Manila, after having spent 7 years in Geneva, Switzerland. He is married to Karen Grace De Leon and they have one daughter named Cassandra Elise De Leon Rieth, born June 2, 2016.

José Vito (“Pocholo”) Miguel Francisco Barredo Borromeo was married to Mary Anne Luis Borromeo until she passed away following a long battle with cancer on June 19, 2013.  They have three sons and one daughter. They reside on the Borromeo Compound in Mandaluyong along with his elder sisters Pilar Barredo Borromeo Garmsen and Rosie Barredo Borromeo Reith. Pocholo and Mary Anne owned and operated a GNC (“General Nutrition Center”) franchise with 41 stores throughout the Philippines, which they sold in 2009.  They are also the Philippine franchisee for OSIM, a retailer for luxury massage chairs (OSIM International is based in Singapore).  Before they owned this franchise, my third cousin Pocholo was a Vice President with the Bank of America in Makati. Their eldest son José Vito Nicholas (“JV”) Borromeo, Jr. is married to Maria Victoria (“Marivic”) Ortigas, they have three children named Arianna Ortigas Borromeo, Francisco Ortigas Borromeo and Anna Mireya (“Amber”) Ortigas Borromeo.  My nephew JV owns a clothing and beach-wear store called “Stoked,” which is located in a number of high-end shopping malls in Metro Manila.  The younger children of my cousin Pocholo and his wife Mary Anne, including sons Ricardo (“Ricky”) Borromeo, Alexander (“Aly”) Borromeo and daughter Ana Marie Borromeo are all single.

Marcial Alfonso (“Lito”) Barredo Borromeo (1949-2014) was single and without children.  Lito and his younger brother Tom-Tom Borromeo (born 1951) owned a theater lighting business together, which still belongs to Tom.

Maria Cecilia (“Cibbie”) Barredo Borromeo is married to Servais Lutz and has one daughter and three sons named Marie Madelen (“Iyay”) Borromeo Lutz, Paul-Alexandre (“Pauli”) Borromeo Lutz, Charles André (“Cacoy”) Borromeo Lutz and Jean Philippe (“Pipoy”) Borromeo Lutz. Marie Madelen’s husband is named Tomas and they have two sons.  Pauli and his wife Sabrina Vicente (Swiss of Portuguese descent) reside in Hong Kong where he works for Pitcet & Compagnie – a large private bank with more than US $365 Billion in total assests.  Pauli and Sabrina have one son named Micah Vicente Lutz.  Cibbie and her family reside in metropolitan Manila.

Tomas Clemente (“Tom-Tom”) Barredo Borromeo is married to Gina Berkenkotter and operates a theater lighting business in Mandaluyong. They have one son named Joseph Berkenkotter Borromeo.

Miguel Angelo (“Mike”) Valentino Barredo Borromeo (born on February 14, 1954 and died of cancer on June 24, 2004) was married to Maria Corazon (“Cora”) Manal Borromeo (born on August 25, 1951 and died on September 28, 2009 of breast cancer) and has one daughter named Karen Kate Manal Borromeo.  My cousin Mike also lived in Mandaluyong.

Maria Victoria Paz (“Toy-Toy”) Barredo Borromeo is the tenth and youngest child of my Tito Tomas and Tita Carmen. She is married to José (“Joey”) Sanchez, Jr. and they have two children named Rafael (“Archie”) Borromeo Sanchez and Maria Cristina Borromeo Sanchez. They divide their time between the Philippines and New Zealand.

My “Tita Day” Angelita Cabrera Borromeo (born on August 24, 1911 and died on February 22, 2011) was the eldest living member of the Borromeo family from 2005 until she passed away.  She remained single her entire life, and used to reside in an old home on Sikatuna Street in Cebu City, whence she operated a successful catering business.  Tita Day knew the most about the genealogy and history of the Borromeo family, something she learned from her father Marcial Borromeo y Guerrero. He was the one who completed an extensive genealogy of the Borromeo family, which was unfortunately destroyed during World War Two.

Josefina Cabrera Borromeo was married to Graciano Neri, Sr.. Their four children are my third cousins Victoria Borromeo Neri, Graciano Borromeo Neri, Jr., Ramon Borromeo Neri and Maria Teresa Borromeo Neri.

Maria Cabrera Borromeo was married to José Reunilla, Jr. Their five children are my third cousins Jorge Borromeo Reunilla, José Borromeo Reunilla, Luis Borromeo Reunilla, Antonio Marie Borromeo Reunilla and Miguel Borromeo Reunilla. Jorge Borromeo Reunilla and his wife Nina Lorenzo Borromeo have two daughters and one son.  My third degree cousin José Borromeo Reunilla married and had two children (now in Georgia in the USA), one of whom is named Maria Celine Reunilla Akstin.  Luis Borromeo Reunilla is married and has one child.

Prescillano (my late “Tito To”) Cabrera Borromeo was married to Lourdes (my “Tita Lourding”) Fargas Borromeo (born on September 1, 1915 and died on August 29, 2004). Tito To was a professional architect.  He and his wife had four children.

The youngest child of Marcial Borromeo y Guerrero was Domingo Cabrera Borromeo (born in 1919), who died as a young man just before the start of World War II in December 1941. He was aboard the passenger vessel “S/S Corregidor” which struck a mine and sunk. Domingo had been studying in Manila, and was encouraged to leave the Philippine capital due to rumors of the coming war with Japan. Tragically, this last ship out from Manila to Cebu struck an American mine and sunk with a great loss of life.

The next sibling of Marcial Borromeo y Guerrero was José Borromeo y Guerrero, who remained single and had no offspring. José Borromeo y Guerrero was followed by Carlos Borromeo y Guerrero, who married Mivela Talam de Borromeo. Carlos and Mivela had one daughter named Amelinda Talam Borromeo, who remained single and had no offspring. Carlos Borromeo y Guerrero was followed by his sister Carmen Borromeo y Guerrero. Carmen had one daughter out of wedlock who was named Amelia Guerrero Borromeo. Amelia remained single and had no offspring. Carmen Borromeo y Guerrero was followed by her sister Asuncion Borromeo y Guerrero, who also remained single and had no offspring. Asuncion Borromeo y Guerrero was followed by her younger sister Florentina Borromeo y Guerrero, who remained single and had no offspring either.

The youngest sibling of Marcial Borromeo y Guerrero was Emilio Borromeo y Guerrero, who married Rosario Alvarez de Borromeo. Emilio and Rosaro had four children, who are my mother’s second cousins Amelia Alvarez Borromeo, Emilio Alvarez Borromeo, Jr., Eduardo Alvarez Borromeo and Corazon “Zony” Alvarez Borromeo.  Amelia remained single and had no children.

Emilio Jr. is married to Ligaya Jurado, and has four children (including Emilio Enrique “Jun” Jurado Borromeo III, Cynthia Rosa Jurado Borromeo Salvador, Patricia Aurea Jurado Borromeo Matreo and Maria Theresa Jurado Borromeo Murriel), who are thus my third degree cousins.  Jun is married to Maria Corazon Nocum de Borromeo, and they reside near Orlando, Florida.  Their five children are Elaine Nocum Borromeo, Marie Emmelyn Nocum Borromeo, Edmon Darwin Nocum Borromeo, Evangeline Nocum Borromeo and Marie Eileen Nocum Borromeo.  Elaine has five children named Kenneth, Kristoffer Klein, Kyle, Kyla Katrina and Kevin Eugene; she and her children live in the Philippines.  Marie Emmelyn has two children named Cynthia Roselyn and Lauren; she and her children live in San Francisco, California.  Edmon Darwin has six children named Justin Eunice, Jeanne Edalaine, Eric, E.J., Elyka and Echilles; he and his children reside in the Philippines.  Evangeline Nocum Borromeo is married to Jonathan Nacionales, and they have three children named Kiel, Nuel and Elyssa; they and all of their children are in the Philippines.  Marie Eileen is single and also lives in the Philippines.

All of Jun’s sisters and their families live in California.  Cynthia has two sons named Ramonito Luis “Boojie” Borromeo Salvador (who is deceased) and Ramonito Luis “Lloyd” Borromeo Salvador.  Ramonito Luis “Lloyd” has two children named Lloyd, Jr. and Destiny; he and his children live in Oregon.  Cynthia moved back to the Philippines after having spent almost 20 years in Medford, Oregon.

Patricia is married to Rolly Matreo, and they have two sons named Patrick Borromeo Matreo and Lyle Borromeo Matreo.  Patricia and Rolly live in Pacifica, California and both Patrick and Lyle are in college.

Maria Theresa is married to Nicanor Murriel, and they have three children named Ryan Calvin Borromeo Murriel, Nikki Borromeo Murriel and Maricar Monique Borromeo Murriel.  The family lives in San Francisco, California with the sole exception of Ryan Calvin, who is now married and living in the Philippines.  The information for this branch of the Borromeo family was kindly shared with us by Maricar Monique Borromeo Murriel.

Eduardo remained single and had no offspring. Corazon married and has one son named Peter Homer Borromeo Martin, who is thus my third cousin.  Peter is married to Marissa Macalanda and they have five children named John Vincent Macalanda Martin, Michael Angelo Macalanda Martin, Ivan Christian Macalanda Martin, Samson Macalanda Martin and Margaret Timmy Macalanda Martin.

Going back to past generations, Vito Borromeo y Galan was a younger brother of my great-grandfather José Maria Borromeo y Galan (1847 to 1930). Vito married Juliana Evangelista de Borromeo, and they had one son named Manuel José Borromeo y Evangelista, who was thus a first cousin to my maternal grandfather Judge Andrés Borromeo y Reynes (1880 to 1923). Manuel José remained single and had no children. This line thus died out, but as Vito Borromeo y Galan had an estate valued at 16 Million Pesos upon his death, he named his surviving nephews and neices and their descendants his lawful heirs. The estate exists as a legal entity to this very day, and its representatives are also on the Board of Directors of the Salud Borromeo Memorial Charity Clinic (Salud Borromeo y Reynes was the youngest sibling of my maternal grandfather Judge Andrés Borromeo y Reynes).

Carl Ernest Borromeo Santos of Maryland, USA wrote in to our site and gave information stating that Don Vito Borromeo y Galan had one (1) biological son named (Attorney) Fortunato Borromeo who was born out of wedlock.  Fortunato is the deceased grandfather of Carl Ernest Borromeo Santos.  Fortunato was married and had six children – three daughters and three sons.  These children are Juanita Borromeo (permanently residing in England), Maribel Borromeo (permanently residing in the USA), Elvira Borromeo Maguad (married to a Nephrologist Dr. Ruben Maguad in Cebu), Mariano Montero Borromeo, Antonino Borromeo (permanently residing in Canada) and Julian Borromeo.  Carl Ernest Borromeo Santos has one older brother named Christopher “Chris” Evangelo Borromeo Santos who works as a physical therapist in New York and one sister named Christine Marie Santos who is also a US citizen.

Carl Ernest Borromeo Santos wrote into our site yet again on August 8, 2017 with further information about his branch of the extended Borromeo family of Cebu City.  He has an aunt named “Lady Juanita Borromeo” who resides in the United Kingdom (UK).  Juanita is a sister of Carl’s mother Maribel Borromeo Santos.  Juanita was married to the late Sir Giles Gervais Tennyson d’Eyncourt, 4th Baronet (he lived from 1935-1989).  Juanita thus became Lady Giles Gervais Tennyson d’Eyncourt, part of the nobility in the UK.  Sir Giles and Lady Giles had one son named Sir Mark Gervais Tennyson d’Eyncourt, 5th Baronet (born in 1967).  This indicates that Sir Mark is the 5th generation to carry the noble title of Baronet in his family line in the UK.  Here is a link to information about Sir Mark in the Peerage of the UK:

The next sibling of Vito Borromeo y Galan was Quirino Borromeo y Galan, who remained single and had no children. Next in line was Trinidad Borromeo y Galan, who also remained single and had no offspring. The youngest sibling of my great-grandfather José Maria Borromeo y Galan (1847-1930) was Paulo Borromeo y Galan, who married Anaclita Luminario de Borromeo. Paulo and Anaclita had one son named Pedro Borromeo y Luminario, who was thus a first cousin of my late maternal grandfather Judge Andrés Borromeo y Reynes (1880-1923). Pedro remained single and had no children.

This completes all of the Borromean lines of my third cousins.

Fourth Cousins

My great-great grandfather Maximo Borromeo y Feliz (1820-1892) fathered the so-called “fat” line of Cebuano Borromeos. In the Cebuano language, they are known as the “mga tambok” Borromeos. Tatay Maximo was the eldest of two sons of my great-great-great grandparents Carlos Borromeo IV y Felis (born 1795) and Maria Tupas de Borromeo. Maximo’s younger brother Florentino Borromeo y Feliz fathered the so-called “thin” line of Cebuano Borromeos. In the Cebuano language, they are known as the “mga daut” or the “mga niwang” Borromeos. The great-great grandchildren of Florentino Borromeo are thus my fourth degree cousins. I do not know the name of Florentino’s wife, although her surname was “Rosa.”

It is interesting to note here that the “thin” Borromeo line from Cebu intermarried with their cousins from both the “thin” and “stout” Borromeo lines from Cavite on Luzon (settled there in 1744) and from Iloilo on Panay (settled there in 1769).  The “thin” Borromeos of Cebu City are my 4th degree cousins, whereas the Borromeos of Iloilo are my 6th degree cousins and the Borromeos of Cavite are my 7th degree cousins – thanks for this information go to Freddie Borromeo of Makati.

Florentino Borromeo y Feliz and his wife had two sons and one daughter, named Juan Borromeo y Rosa, Florentino Borromeo y Rosa and Baldomera Borromeo y Rosa.

Juan Borromeo y Rosa was married to Paulina Veloso de Borromeo, and they had sixteen (16) children. This is the largest family I know of on any side of my family. These sixteen children were thus second cousins of my maternal grandfather Judge Andrés Borromeo y Reynes (1880-1923). They were named Dr. Angleo Borromeo y Veloso (an attending physician upon my grandfather’s deathbed in January 1923), Father Rodolfo Pedro Casto Borromeo y Veloso (a Roman Catholic Priest), Luis Borromeo y Veloso (both a merchant and a Vaudeville Pianist), Juan Borromeo y Veloso, Jr., Catalino Borromeo y Veloso (a Roman Catholic Subdeacon), Dr. José Maria Borromeo y Veloso, Judge Fortunato Borromeo y Veloso, Ramon Borromeo y Veloso (a civil engineer), Antonio Borromeo y Veloso, Guadaloupe Borromeo y Veloso, Rosario Borromeo y Veloso, Dr. Juan Luis Borromeo y Veloso, Carmen Borromeo y Veloso, Vicente Borromeo y Veloso and two final siblings who died in infancy.

Dr. Angelo Borromeo y Veloso was born in 1880, did not marry and had no offspring. As I said, he was one of the attending physicians upon my grandfather’s deathbed in the Manila General Hospitial in January 1923. He and my grandfather were both born in 1880 and were second cousins.  Angelo completed his medical studies in Madrid, Spain.

Rodolfo Pedro Casto Borromeo y Veloso was born in 1882 and became a Roman Catholic Priest.

Luis Borromeo y Veloso was born in 1884. He was both a merchant and a Vaudeville Pianist. He married and had two children, one of whom was a daughter named Geraldina Borromeo. Neither of his children married or had offspring of their own. Luis died of tuberculosis and in poverty.

Juan Borromeo y Veloso, Jr. was born in 1886 and died at the age of 16 in 1902. He had no offspring.

Catalino Borromeo y Veloso was born in 1887 and died at the age of 20 in 1907. He was a Roman Catholic Subdeacon who aspired but never lived to attain the Priesthood.

Dr. José Maria Borromeo y Veloso was a physician who was born on March 3, 1888. He married a Noel and had seven children. These are my mother’s third cousins named Nenita Noel Borromeo, Dr. Ramon Noel Borromeo, Lolita Noel Borromeo, Milagros Noel Borromeo, Manuel Noel Borromeo, José Maria Noel Borromeo, Jr. and Luis Noel Borromeo.  Dr. Ramon Noel Borromeo was a physician just like his father Dr. José Maria Borromeo y Veloso, and both father and son died of pancreatitis.

Manuel Noel Borromeo is married to Priscilla Santos Manalang and they have three children named José Roberto Manalang Borromeo, Manuel Manalang Borromeo and Anna Cristina Manalang Borromeo.  José Roberto is married to Patricia Monsod and they have two children named Gabrielle Monsod Borromeo and Jude Monsod Borromeo.  Manuel is single.  Anna Cristina Manalang Borromeo has four children named Miguel Antonio Borromeo Rivera, Martin José Borromeo Barroga, Anna Mikaela Borromeo (who kindly shared this information) and Francesca Maxine Borromeo Magadan.

Luis Noel Borromeo is married to Remedios “Nena” Marcaida Borromeo.  They have four children, who are my fourth degree cousins.  Luis Miguel “Luigi” Marcaida Borromeo is an architect.  Their second son Carlos Marcaida Borromeo is a banker.  Their third son is named Vincent Raphael “Vino” Marcaida Borromeo, and all three brothers reside in Manila.  Their youngest child and only daughter Maria Margarita “Maita” Marcaida Borromeo is married to Ole Bjorn Stole and lives in Oslo, Norway.

Justice Fortunato Borromeo y Veloso (“Papa Atong”) was born in 1890. He was a lawyer by profession who was named to be a Judge of the Court of First Intance, just like my maternal grandfather Judge Andrés Borromeo y Reynes (1880-1923), who was his second cousin.  Papa Atong married Mercedes Neri and had ten children named 1) Imelda Neri Borromeo (one of the first architects in the Philippines), 2) Jesus Neri Borromeo, 3) Benjamin Neri Borromeo, 4) Mercedes Neri Borromeo, 5) Angelita Neri Borromeo, 6) Father Rafael Neri Borromeo (a Jesuit priest in the Roman Catholic Church), 7) Zelia Neri Borromeo, 8) Francisco “Paquito” Neri Borromeo (a past manager of both Banco Filipino and of the famous Montebello Borromeo Hotel in Cebu – deceased in July 2011), 9) Corazon “Zony” Neri Borromeo and 10) Amparo Neri Borromeo. These ten children are third cousins of my mother Hermengilda Amor Victoria Borromeo Nonnenkamp.

Imelda Neri Borromeo (now deceased) was married to Dr. Gregorio Cancio had nine children, namely, 1) Gregorio Jr. (married to Paulette Doria, and they have three children), 2) Salvador who resides in Valencia, California (married to Nina from Pampanga, and they have two children), 3) Maria Pacencia (Marie) is single, 4) Louie who is married to Gigi Guidoti Reyes, (they have four children), 5) Imelda Jr. (Mel) who has a Degree in Interior Design from New York City, who now lives in Manila and who is married to Jose Guidoti Reyes (the brother of Gigi), 6) Emmanuel (Manny) who is married to Gemma (an anesthesiologist at St. Luke’s hospital; they have four children), 7) José Mari (who was widowed by Nina Borromeo Morales, a  fourth degree cousin of José Mari – they had one daughter, Patricia).  José Mari remarried, and his second wife is Pinky Marquez (a professional singer and television / movie personality).  José Mari has two step children with Pinky.  The eighth child of Imelda is 8) Maria Mercedes who is married to Dr. Jonel Cruz, an optometrist and they have three children, and lastly, 9) Margrethe (Gret) is married to Marcelo Nolasco Fernan II (the son of former Chief Justice and also Senate President Marcelo Fernan) – they have two children named Marcelo Fernan III (Marc) and Rina.

Jesus Neri Borromeo (deceased) was married Florinda Saguin (Baby).  They have five children being 1) Mercedes (Mercy) married to Dr. Gerry Pangilinan.  They have three boys and reside in Vero Beach, Florida,  2) Fortunato (Nonong) is married to Annie Alino and they have three daughters, 3) Peter is married to Joy from Tacloban, they have five children, 4) Paul is married and has one daughter. They live in Houston, Texas.  5) Carmelita (Mita) resides in Cebu and is single.

Angelita Neri Borromeo married Celso Gallego and they have five children. 1) Ana Maria (Annette) manages Angelica Bakeshop and is single, 2) Eduardo is an architect and married Bernadette Harvey Borromeo (his fourth degree cousin) and they have two children, 3) Jaime is married to Malou Garcia. They have four children and are now living in Toronto, Canada.  4) Maria Teresa (Marites) is married to Jose (Jojo) Lipardo.  They reside in Cebu and have three children.  5) Ruben is married to Lisa and has one son.

Benjamin Neri Borromeo (deceased) was married to Flora Villacarlos.  They have two children, 1) Dindo (who is separated from Lisette Escano Garcia).  Dindo and Lisa have two children named Ian and Alesa.  2) Camille is married to Alan Suarez (the son of Apolinar Suarez of Suarez Bros.  Camille and Alan have thre children being Carlo (now genaral manager of the Cebu Grand Hotel), Andre and Aleena.

Mercedes Neri Borromeo (Merceditas) is married to Luis R. Alvarez (Sitoy).  They have six children being 1) Mercedes (Merche) who is married to Gerry Castro (they have two daughters), 2) José Mari (who died when he was only a day old), 3) Maria Luisa (Marita) who is married to Raul Arambulo.  Maria Luisa and Raul have two children.  Marita is the General Manager of the Costabella Resort Hotel and the President of the Montebello Villa Hotel.  4) Maria Angeles (Mariles) is married to Marco Nable.  They have five children named Enzo, Andrea, Monica, Niccolo and Gabriel.  5) Maria Socorro (Marisse) is married to Francis Sy and they have three children.  6) Luis Martin (Lui) is married to Hazel Trinidad, and they have two children named Anton and Isabel.

Father Rafael Neri Borromeo is a Roman Catholic Priest.

Zelia Borromeo is single.

Amparo (Amparito) is married to Amando Guilatco and lives in Pleasant Hill, California.  They have nine children, being 1) Jose (Joselito) who is married and has two children, 2) Amando Jr. (Mandy) is married to Jenny and has three children, 3) Gemma is married to Ponti Lacanlale and has three children, 4) Rafael (Peanuts) is married to Sonny from Cagayan de Oro and has two children, 5) Beatriz (Bettina) is married to John Santos, and they have four children, 6) Gerard is married to Angel, and they have one daughter (Sophia) and live in Houston, Texas, 7) Gina is married and resides in the United States, 8) Ramon (Moncho) is also married with one child and also lives in the USA, 9) Christina (Tiny) is single and lives with her parents in Pleasant Hill, California.

The late Francisco Neri Borromeo (“Paquito”) was married to Normal Songfo and they have two children, being 1) Fabian (Fabby), who is a banker and who is married to Christine Sy (they have one son named Pacqui).  2) John is married to Ann (a nurse), and they have three children and reside in New York City.  My Tito Paquito passed away in July 2011.

Corazon Neri Borromeo is married to Ramon Abello Escario.  They have two daughters.

Imelda Borromeo Cancio is married and has eight children, who are thus my fourth cousins. Jesus Neri Borromeo is married and has two children, who are also my fourth cousins. Benjamin (my “Tito Ben”) Neri Borromeo is married and has two children named Dindo Borromeo and Camille Borromeo. He owns the Cebu Grand Hotel on Escario Street, and was the General Manager of the Borromeo Bros. Estate, Inc. from 1959 (upon the death of my grandfather’s brother Canuto Octavio Borromeo y Reynes) until 1987 (when he was succeeded by my second cousin Maximo La’O Borromeo). Tito Ben still sits on the Board of Directors of the Salud Borromeo Memorial Charity Foundation.

His younger sister Mercedes Borromeo Alvarez is married and has six children, who are of course my fourth cousins. Her husband is the General Manager of the Cebu Mactan Costabella Hotel.

Angelita Neri Borromeo is married to Celso Gallego. They have five children who are my fourth cousins, including Ed Borromeo Gallego (married to his and my second cousin Bernadette Harvey Borromeo Gallego). Celso Gallego and his family own a large seven luxury highrise condominium complex known as Cebu Citylights Gardens.

Rafael Neri Borromeo is a Roman Catholic Priest, who was one of the Priests and Bishops who celebrated Mass at the funeral of my late aunt Tita Maria Benita (“Biyay”) Borromeo Atega in February 2006.

Zelia Neri Borromeo remained unmarried and had no offspring.

Francisco Neri Borromeo married and has one child who is thus my fourth cousin. Francisco is the manager of the Cebu Montebello Hotel, which is owned by his branch of the Borromeo family.

Corazon Neri Borromeo married Ramon Abello Escario, and they have two daughters who are my fourth degree cousins named Corito Borromeo Escario and Janice Doreen Borromeo Escario.  Corito is married to Dr. Joseph S. Yu and they have five children named Christoff Escario Yu, Mikel Escario Yu, Manou Escario Yu, Sebas Escario Yu and Aina Escario Yu.  Janice Doreen is married to Christopher L. King and they have no children.

Amparo Neri Borromeo is married to Amando Guilatco, and they have nine children who are my fourth cousins (José, Amando Jr., Gemma, Rafael, Beatriz, Gerardo, Ramon, Maria Regina and Cristina).

Going back a generation in this same line of the family, Ramon Borromeo y Veloso was born in 1892. He married Rosario “Nena” Gomez of Pagsanjan, Laguna Province, and was a civil engineer by profession.  They had two children, one being Fé Gomez Borromeo (who died in childhood) and Casto Gomez Borromeo.  Casto married Ameila Nicolas y Gallardo, and they had 4 children, who are my fourth degree cousins.  These are Lourdes Borromeo y Nicolas, Gabriel Antonio Borromeo y Nicolas (now deceased), Juan Casto Borromeo y Nicolas and Ramon Borromeo y Nicolas.  Lourdes is married to Raoul Pestana, and they have 3 children named Kathleen John Pestana, Kristofer Pilar Pestana and Francis Orestas Pestana.  Juan Casto is married to Ludivina de Guzman, and they in turn have 3 children named Jon de Guzman Borromeo, Gerard de Guzman Borromeo and Julia de Guzman Borromeo.  Ramon is married to Maria Lourdes D. Viñas, and they have one son named Franco Enrique Viñas Borromeo.

Dr. Antonio Borromeo y Veloso followed his brother Ramon in 1894.  He married Consuelo Roxas (his first wife), and they had three children named Miguelito Roxas Borromeo, Rosario Roxas Borromeo and Carlos Roxas Borromeo.  Dr. Antonio Borromeo y Veloso was both a physician and a pianist.  Miguelito Roxas Borromeo emigrated to Australia – I believe he could be the very first member of the extended Cebu Borromeo family to have done so. Rosario Roxas Borromeo (now deceased) married and became Rosario Roxas Borromeo Pulido. Carlos Roxas Borromeo (also deceased) married and had six children, who are thus my fourth degree cousins. These are Corazon Borromeo Castillo (she is married and has two children), Cecilia Borromeo, Carmelita Borromeo Tan (she is also married and has two children), Carlota Roxas Borromeo (also married and with two children), Carlos Roxas Borromeo, Jr. and Cynthia Therese Borromeo. Carlota resides in Nevada, while her siblings are in Metro Manila. Her son is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, while her daughter attends college in Texas. Carlota’s two children spent their early childhood in Boracay, and received their primary and secondary education in Cebu City.

Dr. Antonio Borromeo y Veloso (born 1894) had a second wife named Celestina Parama, who came from San Francisco in Camotes.  They had six children named Dr. Abel Parama Borromeo, Attorney Raul Parama Borromeo, Engineer Antonio “Tony” Parama Borromeo, CPA Renato Parama Borromeo, Dr. Azael Parama Borromeo and Meluz Parama Borromeo Francisco-Solan.  Dr. Abel Parama Borromeo married and had ten children who live in Seattle, Washington (save one who resides in West Virginia).  Attorney Raul Parama Borromeo (since deceased) married and had four children who are my fourth degree cousins named Maricel Borromeo, Marissa Borromeo, Rasu Raul José “Joey” Borromeo (deceased) and Britta Borromeo.

Maricel was married to the late attorney Ernesto Amores.  They have two sons named Ernesto Miguel “Erl” Borromeo Amores and Carlos Alfonso “Don” Borromeo Amores.  Maricel is a Human Resources Director for a call center company in Cebu, while her sons Erl and Don are both Community Service Awardees in Cebu City (Don having been named an outstanding youth leader in 2009).  Marissa works as a nurse practitioner and is married to Lynn Sherwood Forrest in Westerville, Ohio.  They have two sons named Anthony Borromeo Forrest and Andrew Borromeo Forrest.  Britta is married to the former Judge Don Navarro and they have one daughter named Bianca Britta Borromeo Navarro who is married to Maurizio Comini.  Both Bianca and Maurizio are chefs and reside in Sydney, Australia.

Engineer Antonio “Tony” Parama Borromeo (deceased in 2005) married and had five children, all of whom reside in Seattle, Washington.  CPA Renato Parama Borromeo married and had five children as well (two of them live in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, two in the USA and one in Canada).

Dr. Azael “Nene” Parama Borromeo is married to Meredith Chalmers Doll of Long Island, New York (a registered nurse) and they have three children named Dawn Marie Doll Borromeo, Aimee Doll Borromeo and Azael Doll Borromeo.  Dr. Dawn Marie Doll Borromeo is married to Dr. Phillip Beaulieu and they both practice medicine in Nashville, Tennessee.  They have two children named Oliver Azael Borromeo Beaulieu (born in 2005) and Rowen Phillip Borromeo Beaulieu (born in 2007).  Attorney Aimee Doll Borromeo is married to Roger Altman, who is a biochemist.  They live in New York City and have one son named Atlas Edison Borromeo Altman (born in 2008).  Dr. Azael (“A.J.”) Doll Borromeo is engaged to Ashlee Surkamer.  A.J. practices medicine with his brother-in-law Phillip Beaulieu in Nashville.

Meluz Parama Borromeo Francisco (who kindly shared this information) married her second husband Michael Solan and they have five children named Nomel, Raul, Bambi, Michel and Meliza (three children from her first husband Manuel “Manny” Francisco and two children from Michael Solan).  Nomel is married to Gregory Bosworth Phillips and they live in Manhattan with their daughter Amanda Noel (born 2006).  Raul is married to Jennifer Anthony and they live in Colorado with their five children Sharayah (born 1995), Runner (born 1997), Jon-Michael (born 1999), Harrison (born 2001) and Sean-Thomas (born in 2004).  Bambi is married to Ezra Roizen and they reside in Alameda, California along with their three sons Marcus (born 2001), Tanner (born 2003) and Will (born in 2007).  Michel is married to Jesse Davy and they live in Omaha, Nebraska with their two children Hudson (born 2006) and Isabella (born in 2009).  Meliza will marry Italian-American Christopher Surdi in October 2010.  They reside and work as venture capitalists in Alameda, California along with Bambi.

Dr. Antonio Borromeo y Veloso (born in 1894) had a third wife named Josefa Aleria Borromeo, and they had two daughters named 1) Lina Aleria Borromeo and 2) Lita Aleria Borromeo.  Lina Aleria Borromeo married Alejandro Añasco-Torralba, and they reside in Tacoma, Washington.  They have one daughter named Joan Alexandra Torralba who is married to Cory Hussar and who lives in New York City.  Lita Aleria Borromeo married Eufronio Uriarte-Kindaca, Jr. and they live in Cebu City.  They in turn have five children named Antonette Borromeo Kindaca, John Michael Borromeo Kindaca, Michael Paul Borromeo Kindaca, Mark Anthony Borromeo Kindaca and Michael Anthony Borromeo Kindaca.  Antonette is married to Dustine Kane Ovens, and they live in Perth, Australia with their one son named Miguel Antonio Kindaca Ovens.  John Michael is married to Kristine Anne Gonzaga, and they in turn have three children named Yuna Marie Gonzaga Kindaca, Yula Isabel Gonzaga Kindaca and Yohann Zachary Gonzaga Kindaca.

Guadalupe Borromeo y Veloso (born in 1896) married an American of Norwegian ancestry, who emigrated to the Philippines from Savannah, Georgia. His surname was Trosdal, and they had two daughters named Mimi Borromeo Trosdal (a classical singer) and Carmela Borromeo Trosdal (lived from 1921 to 1996). Both daughters remained single and had no offspring. Mimi is retired from the University of San Carlos Borromeo in Cebu City.  Guadalupe Borromeo y Veloso made religious vestments for Roman Catholic priests.

The next sibling in this line after Guadalupe was Rosario Borromeo y Veloso, (born in 1898) who also remained single and without any offspring.

Rosario was followed by her brother Dr. Juan Luis Borromeo y Vesoso, who was born on August 25, 1900.

After Rosario came her sister Carmen Borromeo y Veloso, who married a man with the surname of Davis. They had no children.

The fourteenth child in this line of the family was Dr. Vicente Borromeo y Veloso, who married Lillian Taylor Borromeo (born in 1905 and died shortly before her 100th birthday in early 2005). Lola Lillian’s father was an American soldier who served in the Philippines during the Spanish-American War (1898-1901), and who settled in the country after his military service was over. They had six children, who are thus third cousins of my mother. They are John Taylor Borromeo (a lawyer), Dr. Eduardo Taylor Borromeo, Teresa Taylor Borromeo, Socorro (“Coring”) Taylor Borromeo, Joaquin (“Jack”) Taylor Borromeo and Isidro Taylor Borromeo.  Vicente Borromeo y Veloso was a dentist who completed his studies in Pennsylvania in the United States.

John Taylor Borromeo is married and has three children, who are thus my fourth cousins. Eduardo Taylor Borromeo was also married and had five children, including Gary. Gary is married and has a son residing in Arizona. Edward was a dentist by profession and lived on the Borromeo Compound owned by his extended family in Mabolo in Cebu City.  Tito Ed was born in 1934 and passed away after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease on June 26, 2020.  Teresa Taylor Borromeo was a Roman Catholic Nun who took the religious name of “Sister Vincent” and who worked among the poorest of the poor – she has also since passed away.  Socorro Taylor Borromeo (my “Tita Coring”) is married to my “Tito Nandi” Thakuria, an Assamese Indian who worked as a professional engineer prior to his retirement. They reside in Pottstown, Pennsylvania and had six children, one of whom has passed away. These children are of course my fourth cousins. Joaquin (“Jack”) Taylor Borromeo is an architect by profession, and has remained single without children. His youngest brother Isidro Taylor Borromeo has also remained single and without any offspring.

Going back a generation, the fifteenth child of Juan Borromeo y Rosa and his wife Paulina Veloso de Borromeo died in infancy.  Their sixteenth and youngest child was Dr. Juan Veloso Borromeo, born in 1909.  He grew up to be both a dentist and an optometrist, and married Rosula Poliquit.  Their six children are Paulina Borromeo Villamor (now deceased), Teresita Borromeo Canete, Virginia Borromeo Parama, Dr. Lourdes Borromeo Cui (now deceased), Catalina Poliquit Borromeo Dumayas and Dr. Rodolfo “Rudy” Poliquit Borromeo, who resides in Canada.

The late Dr. Paulina Poliquit Borromeo was an optometrist, and she was married to Manuel Villamor, Sr. – a retired Assistant Engineer in Cebu City.  Their two sons are my fourth degree cousins José Mari Borromeo Villamor (married to Merle Najaro) and Dr. Manuel Borromeo Villamor, Jr., who works as a surgeon in Cebu City.

My mother’s third degree cousin Teresita Poliquit Borromeo was married to Ernesto Canete, who is now deceased.  Their children are my fourth degree cousins Marilou Borromeo Canete (a married nurse who now lives in Austria), Consuelo Borromeo Canete (who died in her 20s), Marissa Borromeo Canete (another married nurse who also resides in Austria), Laura Borromeo Canete (married and also living in Austria), Emmanuel Borromeo Canete (in Cebu City), Benito “Benny” Borromeo Canete (who lives in Talisay, Cebu Province), Titit Borromeo Canete, Jojo Borromeo Canete and Twinkie Borromeo Canete (the last three all in Cebu City).

The children of Virginia Poliquit Borromeo and her late husband Julian Parama (of Camotes Island) are my fourth degree cousins Ramon Borromeo Parama (who today works as a Senior Civil Engineer in Saudi Arabia), Corazon Borromeo Parama and Arthur Borromeo Parama.  Ramon is married to Maria Julita Galano Polangcus, and their three children include Mark Polangcus Parama, Kathryn Polangcus Parama and Kyle Polangcus Parama.  My fourth degree cousin Corazon Borromeo Parama is married to General Julius F. Yarcia (retired), and their daughter is named Mary Jacqueline Rose Socorro Parama Yarcia.

My mother’s late third degree cousin Dr. Lourdes Poliquit Borromeo was married to Dr. Victor Cui, who is now a retired Dean of the Cebu Doctor’s College of Dentistry.  Their nine children are my fourth degree cousins 1) Raymond Borromeo Cui (married to Nannette Taneo and residing in Victoria, Canada), 2) Maria Rosario Borromeo Cui (a nurse assistant), 3) Maria Victoria “Marivic” Borromeo Cui (a physician practicing dermatology married to Donato San Juan and with three children Tiffany Beatrice, Joshua Victor and Maxine Beatrice), 4) Dr. Susanna Borromeo Cui (married to Jose Roberto Alejandro and residing in Manila, 5) Dr. Eloise Borromeo Cui (a dentist married to Gaston Batiller with three children Gregorio Antonio, Gabrelle Beatrice and Gillian Beatriz residing in Cebu City), 6) Dr. Jocelyn Borromeo Cui (a dentist married to Neil Kee with two children Marco and Lino residing in Victoria, Canada), 7) Dr. Anne Marie Borromeo Cui (a dentist married to Galen Salvador with one son Isaac Antonio residing in Cebu City), 8) Maria Lourdes Borromeo Cui (an accountant married to Chris Lima residing in Ontario, Canada) and 9) Rossa Ethel Marie Borromeo Cui (a computer graphics technician residing in Toronto, Canada).

My mother’s third degree cousin Catalina Poliquit Borromeo is married to Dr. Francisco Majarucon Dumayas from Dumangas (in Iloilo on Panay).  Their three children (my fourth degree cousins) are Constantine Edward Borromeo Dumayas, Maria Florence Dumayas Santos and Benedicta Florida Dumayas Sanchez.  Constantine Edward Borromeo Dumayas is married to Ellen Wong Yap (from Iloilo), and they now reside in Johnstown, Pennsylvania with their two sons Ethan Ross Yap Dumayas and Evan Cole Yap Dumayas.  Constantine Edward and his wife are both physicians by profession, and now work as acute care physical therapists in the United States.

My fourth degree cousin Maria Florence Borromeo Dumayas is married to Allan Anthony Santos (of Manila, but with family roots in Quezon Province), and their three children are Erika Mariel Dumayas Santos, Arthur John Dumayas Santos and Camille Gabrielle Dumayas Santos.  All of them now reside in Gilbert, Arizona – a Southern suburb of metropolitan Phoenix.

My fourth degree cousin Benedicta Florida “Ida” Borromeo Dumayas is married to Philip Roderick “Dax” Sanchez of Manila (with family roots in Agusan del Norte Province in Northern Mindanao), and their two children are Anna Sophia Dumayas Sanchez and Joaquin Dumayas Sanchez.  Ida works for Chevron Oil Company, and all of them now reside in San Ramon, California – where Chevron has many employees.  San Ramon is just South of Danville and Blackhawk, California where I lived from 1974 until 1987.

My mother’s third degree cousin Dr. Rodolfo “Rudy” Poliquit Borromeo is an anesthesiologist married to Myrna Ilagan of Taal (Batangas, Philippines), and they reside in Canada along with their only son Eric Borromeo, who is my fourth degree cousin.  Eric is an accountant, and is married to Jane Shaw from Taiwan (the Republic of China).  Eric and Jane have one child named Justin Shaw Borromeo.

The younger brother of Juan Borromeo y Rosa was Florentino Borromeo y Rosa. He was married, and had one son who was also named Florentino Borromeo. This younger Florentino was married to Enriquieta Espina de Borromeo, and they had four children who are thus third cousins of my mother. They are Purificacion Espina Borromeo, José Espina Borromeo, Guadalupe Espina Borromeo and Vicente Espina Borromeo. Purificacion Espina Borromeo is married to Peregrino Paulino, and they have two children who are my fourth cousins Milagros Borromeo Paulino and Marlene Borromeo Paulino. José Espina Borromeo is married to Elvira Bautista Borromeo, and they have five children who are also my fourth cousins. These are Christie Bautista Borromeo, Asuncion Bautista Borromeo, Concepcion Bautista Borromeo, José Emanuel Bautista Borromeo and Edmund Bautista Borromeo.

Christie Bautista Borromeo is married to Donald Kawal, and their two children are named Reena Borromeo Kawal and Tony Borromeo Kawal, both of whom reside in the United States.

Asuncion Bautista Borromeo is a Roman Catholic Nun.

Concepcion Bautista Borromeo is married to Roberto Ramos (the brother of Remedios Ramos mentioned below), and their three children are named Maria Caritas Borromeo Ramos, Richard Leo Borromeo Ramos and Maria Carmina Borromeo Ramos.  Maria Caritas Borromeo Ramos is married to Montri Santos.

José Emanuel Bautista Borromeo has four children named Jake Borromeo, Nicole Borromeo, Andrea Borromeo and James Borromeo.  Jake resides in the United States.

Edmund Bautista Borromeo is married to Remedios Ramos (the sister of Roberto Ramos mentioned above).  Their two children are named Manuel Ramos Borromeo and Michelle Ramos Borromeo, who live in the United States.  Edmund has an elder son named Charles Ponce Borromeo, who is his son with his first wife, the late Joy Ponce.

Both José Emanuel Bautista Borromeo and Edmund Bautista Borromeo have remained single and without any offspring. Gaudalupe Espina Borromeo is married to Bibiano Ouano, and they have three children who are my fourth cousins. They have all emigrated to the United States, and their names are Florentin Borromeo Ouano, Bibiano Borromeo Ouano, Jr. and Victoriano Borromeo Ouano. Vicente Espina Borromeo is married to Anita Fernandez Borromeo, and they have one son named Victor Fernandez Borromeo who is my fourth cousin. Victor is married to Luz Lapida Borromeo, and they have three children named Margaret Ann Lapida Borromeo, Vincent Jonathan Lapida Borromeo and Vincent Gino Lapida Borromeo.

The youngest sibling of Juan Borromeo y Rosa and Florentino Borromeo y Rosa was a girl named Baldomera Borromeo y Rosa. She remained single and without any offspring.

This completes all of the lines of my Borromean fourth-degree cousins.

Fifth Cousins

My great-great-great grandfather Carlos Felis Borromeo IV (born in 1795) migrated from Bacolod on Negros to Cebu City in 1819, where my great-great grandfather Maximo Borromeo y Feliz was born in 1820.  Don Maximo was a first degree cousin of Carlos Borromeo the 3rd, who spent his entire life on his native island of Negros.  The fathers of Don Maximo Borromeo y Feliz and of Carlos Borromeo the 3rd were thus brothers.

Carlos Borromeo 3rd was the father of four children named Rufino Borromeo, Blas Borromeo, Buenaventura Borromeo and Maria Borromeo.  Rufino Borromeo (born circa 1842) married Salome Café in 1880 and they had 11 children named Juan “Antoy” Borromeo y Café, German Borromeo y Café, Paula Borromeo y Café, Jacoba “Coba” Borromeo y Café, Fortunato “Atong” Borromeo y Café, Escolastica “Tikay” Borromeo y Café, Regina “Enang” Borromeo y Café, Liberata “Berata” Borromeo y Café, Francisco “Iko” Borromeo y Café, Consolacion “Acion” Borromeo y Café  and Ramon Borromeo y Café.  Juan Borromeo y Café married and had one child, German Borromeo y Café married and had six children, while Francisco Borromeo y Café married and had eleven children.  Ramon Borromeo y Café married as well and had 5 children.

Here is what we know about the sixth generation of Philippine Borromeos on the Island of Negros.  German Borromeo y Café (born in 1883) married Inocenta Reyes y Villaflores (born in 1878) on December 26, 1906.  They had six children named Restituto Reyes Borromeo, Leopoldo Reyes Borromeo, Efigenia Reyes Borromeo, Esperidion Reyes Borromeo, Godofredo Reyes Borromeo and Beatriz Reyes Borromeo.  Francisco Borromeo y Café married Francisca Cabañang Cinco Pileo and they had eleven children named Jaime Rosaleo Pileo Borromeo, Epifanio Zacarias Pileo Borromeo, Purita Pileo Borromeo, Maria Clara Pileo Borromeo, Solomon Pileo Borromeo, Juan de Dios Pileo Borromeo, Victoria Juana Pileo Borromeo, Basilica Aurea Pileo Borromeo, Victor Rufino Pileo Borromeo, Paulino Pileo Borromeo and Josefa Pileo Borromeo.  Juan Borromeo y Café married Ramona Reyes and they had one son named Alfredo Reyes Borromeo.

Ramon Borromeo y Café married Juvita Tiongson and had 5 children named Suela Tiongson Borromeo, Encarnacion Tiongson Borromeo, Dolores Tiongson Borromeo, Celso Tiongson Borromeo and Carmelina Tiongson Borromeo.  This information was kindly shared by Marilyn “Sister Esther” Borromeo Pagdato, the granddaughter of the late Ramon Borromeo y Café.  Suela was married as Suela Borromeo Sarrosa and she had 5 children named Dr. Antonio Borromeo Sarrosa (now retired and the former director of the Martinez Memorial Hospital), Engineer Francisco Borromeo Sarrosa (now deceased and a former Chief Engineer of Victorias Milling Company), Engineer Ruben Borromeo Sarrosa (now deceased and a former Professor at the University of Negros Occidental Recolletos), Pharmacist Corazon Borromeo Sarrosa (married to a lawyer and now deceased) and Gloria Borromeo Sarrosa (married to the lawyer Isabelo Sanson and now also deceased).  Encarnacion was married as Encarnacion Borromeo Pagdato and had 5 children named Sister Esther Borromeo Pagdato (a Dominican nun who teaches the 5th grade in a peninsula suburb of the San Francisco Bay Area in northern California), Evelyn Borromeo Pagdato, Rudy Borromeo Pagdato, Helen Borromeo Pagdato and Gilbert Borromeo Pagdato.  All of Sister Esther’s siblings reside in Bacolod on the island of Negros in the Visayas.  Dolores was married as Dolores Borromeo Asuncion and she had 5 children named Flossie Borromeo Asuncion (her husband Mr. Peter “Pete” Abrigo worked for American Express in Florida), Lore Borromeo Asuncion (married to Dr. Bernardo in New York), Dorotheo Borromeo Asuncion (a retired industrial engineer living in New York), Renan Borromeo Asuncion (a retired Vice President of the American Agency in New York) and Elmenia Borromeo Asuncion (who worked as an accountant and is now deceased).  Celso Borromeo married and had 7 children named Judith Borromeo Cozzi (a married nurse in Chicago), Teresita Borromeo Diamante (also a married nurse in Chicago), Maria Victoria “Marivic” Borromeo Gregorio (a married nurse in Chicago as well), Ramon Borromeo (a realtor in Chicago), Jesus “Jess” Borromeo (an engineer also living in Chicago), Maria Lourdes “Marilou” Borromeo (a medical technician who lives and works in Germany) and Celna Borromeo Guillen (an accountant who is married to the attorney Gonzalo Guillen from Bacolod on the island of Negros in the Visayas).  Carmila married as Carmila Borromeo Esguerra and had 5 children named Luis Borromeo Esguerra, Josephine Borromeo Esguerra Salva, Lyn Borromeo Esguerra Gonzales, Sena Borromeo Esguerra Garde and Ramonito Borromeo Esguerra – all of whom reside in Bacolod on the island of Negros in the Visayas region of the central Philippines.

Here is what we know about the seventh generation of Philippine Borromeos on the Island of Negros.  First are the children of German Borromeo y Café and Inocenta Reyes y Villaflores.  At least five of their children had descendants.  Restituto Reyes Borromeo (born May 19, 1913 in Tanjay City, Negros Oriental Province) married Cristina Avila (born July 25, 1916 in Tanauan, Leyte) and had seven children named René Domingo Avila Borromeo, Isabel Lulu Avila Borromeo, Virginia Consessa Avila Borromeo, Restituto Angelito Avila Borromeo Jr. (born 1953), Grace Elena Avila Borromeo, Raul Eduardo Avila Borromeo and Maria Cristina Avila Borromeo.  Efigenia Reyes Borromeo married Sancho Espinas and they had three children named Norman Joji Borromeo Espinas, Heidi Borromeo Espinas and Dennis Borromeo Espinas.  Esperidion Reyes Borromeo married Primitiva Banogon and they had five children named Esperidion Banogon Borromeo Jr., Joel Banogon Borromeo, Landy Banogon Borromeo, Hector Banogon Borromeo and Pinky Banogon Borromeo.  Godofredo Reyes Borromeo married Segundina Real and they had six children named Elwyn Real Borromeo, Cynthia Real Borromeo, Luigino Real Borromeo, Ralph Real Borromeo, Carlo Real Borromeo and Glenn Anthony Real Borromeo.  Beatriz Reyes Borromeo married the Attorney Deogracias Pinili and they had four children named Baby Borromeo Pinili, Socorro Borromeo Pinili, Rosemarie Borromeo Pinili and Arthur Borromeo Pinili.

Second come the Francisco Borromeo y Café and Francisca Cabañang Cinco Pileo – we know of offspring from nine of their eleven children.  Jaime Rosaleo Borromeo y Pileo married Sulpicia de Castro and they had eight children named Adrian de Castro Borromeo, Carlos de Castro Borromeo, Maria Sofia de Castro Borromeo, Linda de Castro Borromeo, Emmanuel de Castro Borromeo, Maria Auzencia de Castro Borromeo, Aurora de Castro Borromeo and Socorro de Castro Borromeo.  Epifanio Zacarias Borromeo y Pileo married Pacita Ardeña and they had seven children named Joseph Marvin Ardeña Borromeo, Leo Ardeña Borromeo, Nilo Antonio Ardeña Borromeo, Priscilla Ardeña Borromeo, Epifanio Ardeña Borromeo Jr., Romualdo Ardeña Borromeo and Camilo Ardeña Borromeo.  Purita Borromeo y Pileo married Evaristo Siegue Cañada and they had one son named Marlon Borromeo Cañada.  Maria Clara Borromeo y Pileo (who kindly shared this information) married Bernard Miña Serio and they have three children named Kathleen Mary Borromeo Serio, Melchior Anthony Borromeo Serio and Mario Bernard Borromeo Serio.  Solomon Borromeo y Pileo married Julia Burgos and they had three children named Nathalia Burgos Borromeo, Chivas Anton Burgos Borromeo and Kent Burgos Borromeo.  Juan de Dios Borromeo y Pileo married Mary Fontelo and they had nine children named Grace Fontelo Borromeo, Edwin Fontelo Borromeo, Maria Lucia Fontelo Borromeo, Armando Justiniano Fontelo Borromeo, Raymond Fontela Borromeo, Marissa Fontela Borromeo, Froilan Fontela Borromeo, Annabelle Fontela Borromeo and Cipriano Fontela Borromeo.  Basilica Aurea Borromeo y Pileo married Teodoro Tirol and they had one daughter named Maria Teresa Borromeo Tirol.  Victor Rufino Borromeo y Pileo married Anita Villegas and they had four children named Criselda Villegas Borromeo, Brenda Villegas Borromeo, Marcia Villegas Borromeo and Jovic Villegas Borromeo.  Paulino Borromeo y Pileo married Apolonia Diago and they had eight children named Vivian Diago Borromeo, Rudolfo Diago Borromeo, Rolando Diago Borromeo, Dudette Diago Borromeo, Belarmino Diago Borromeo, Maria Jeanna Diago Borromeo, Ariston Diago Borromeo and Bruce Diago Borromeo.

Third is the son of Juan Borromeo y Café and his wife Ramona Reyes, who is named Alfredo Reyes Borromeo.  He married Valentina Laboris Solis, they had ten children named Wendolino Reyes Borromeo, Salud Reyes Borromeo, Marlene Reyes Borromeo, Donald Reyes Borromeo, Alma Reyes Borromeo, Rico Reyes Borromeo, Nida Reyes Borromeo, Arnold Reyes Borromeo, Audie Reyes Borromeo and Joselito Reyes Borromeo.

Here is what we know about the eighth generation of Philippine Borromeos from the Island of Negros.  First are the five children of René Domingo Avila Borromeo who married Rueta Paz Catacutan.  They are named Shiela Fé Catacutan Borromeo, Maria Antonia Catacutan Borromeo, Maria Jean Joan Catacutan Borromeo, Shailini Cristy Catacutan Borromeo and Reneboy Catacutan Borromeo.  Next are the four children of Isabel Lulu Avila Borromeo, who is married to Graciano Baludoy Banogon, Jr..  They are named Isabelita Sybell Borromeo Banogon, Gracianeneta Nanette Borromeo Banogon, Heracleo Clay Borromeo Banogon and Kathlyn Marie Borromeo Banogon.  Third are the three children of Virginia Consessa Avila Borromeo, who is married to Ramon Centeño, Jr..  They are named Ramon Butch Borromeo Centeño, Valerie Anne Borromeo Centeño and Ralph Benedict Bong Borromeo Centeño.  Fourth are the three children of Restituto Angelito Avila Borromeo, Jr. (born in 1953) who is married to Fatima Tayco Magno.  They are named Royce Casey Magno Borromeo, Maria Fritzie “Peachy” Magno Borromeo and Ryan Clyde Magno Borromeo.  Fifth are the two sons of Grace Elena Avila Borromeo, who is married to Edward Banogon.  They are named Gary Michael Borromeo Banogon and Chad Edward Borromeo Banogon.  Sixth are the three children of Raul Eduardo Avila Borromeo and his wife Alfia Baby Lopez.  They are named Homer Borromeo, Marie Angie Borromeo and Maria Aileen Borromeo.

Next is the only son of Elfigenia Borromeo Espinas.  Dennis Borromeo Espinas is married to Lorna Samson and they have three children named Dino Samson Espinas, Tanya Samson Espinas and Seb Samson Espinas.

Third are the three children of Esperidion Borromeo, Sr.  Esperidion Borromeo, Jr. is married to Henretta Villacampa and they have four children named Bernard Villacampa Borromeo, Eva Villacampa Borromeo, Shiela Villacampa Borromeo and Benjamin Villacampa Borromeo.  Joel Borromeo is married to Dr. Linda Antonio, and they have two children named Yvette Antonio Borromeo and Joel Antonio Borromeo II.  Hector Borromeo is married to Coring Mira and they have one daughter named Belinda Mira Borromeo.

Fourth are the children of Godofredo Borromeo.  Elwyn Borromeo, Sr. is married to Marlina Padillo, and they have three children named Elwin Padillo Borromeo Jr., Tisha Marie Padillo Borromeo and Siegfred Padillo Borromeo.  Luigino Borromeo is married to Joan Reyes, and they have two sons named Luigi Reyes Borromeo and Louie Reyes Borromeo.  Carlo Borromeo is married to Teresita Alcantara, and they have two children named Daphne Marie Alcantara Borromeo and Carl Alcantara Borromeo.  Glenn Anthony Borromeo is married to Jane Banogon, and they have two daughters named Steffi Jane Banogon Borromeo and Mary Antonette Banogon Borromeo.  Glenn Anthony Borromeo kindly shared this information.

Fifth are the children of Juan de Dios Borromeo y Pileo.  Maria Lucia Borromeo is married to Gilbert Ben Steenson and they have two daughters named Vanessa Lucia Borromeo Steenson and Shalene Rebecca Borromeo Steenson.

Sixth is the daughter of Basilica Aurea Borromeo y Pileo and Teodoro Tirol.  Maria Teresa Borromeo Tirol is married to Eduardo Ramirez and they have four children named Rae Anthony Tirol Ramirez, Roy Theodore Tirol Ramirez, Regienna Marie Tirol Ramirez and Ralph Eduard Tirol Ramirez.

Seventh is Alma Solis Borromeo, who is a daughter of Alfredo Borromeo.  She has one son named Omar Borromeo Sazon, who kindly shared this information.

Here is what we know about the ninth generation of Philippine Borromeos from the Island of Negros.  René Borromeo, Sr. has four children.  His daughter Shiela Fé Paz Borromeo is married to Jong Galendez and they have three children named Junel Borromeo Galendez, Kate Borromeo Galendez and Ashley Borromeo Galendez.  René Borromeo’s second daughter Maria Jean Joan Paz Borromeo is married to Eduardo Sibala and they have four children named Natasha Roan Borromeo Sibala, Sheena Yoko Borromeo Sibala, Lucia Stephanie Borromeo Sibala and Edward Borromeo Sibala, Jr. René Borromeo’s third daughter Shailini Cristy Paz Borromeo is married to Pepito Oracion and they have two daughters named Donna Jane René Borromeo Oracion and Fern Ann Borromeo Oracion.  René Borromeo’s son René Paz Borromeo, Jr. is married to Maymay and they have no issue.

Next are the children of Isabel Borromeo Banogon.  Sybel Borromeo Banogon is married to Edjun and they have two daughters named Sophia Marie and Elisha Maxine.  Racleo Borromeo Banogon is married to Cristina Carbonell and they have no issue.  Kathlyn Marie Borromeo Banogon is married to Noel Agner and they have one daughter named Biana Isabel Banogon Agner.

Third are the children of Virginia Borromeo Centeño.  Valerie Borromeo Centeño is married to Barry and they have one son named Christopher Kyle.  Bong Borromeo Centeño is married to Cherry and they have one daughter named Sophia Isabel Centeño.

Fourth is the son of Joel Borromeo, who is named Joel Antonio Borromeo II.  He is married to Venus and they have one son named Joel Antonio Borromeo III.

Fifth is the daughter of Hector Borromeo, who is named Belina Mira Borromeo.  She is married to the Attorney Joefrey Villahermosa and they have three children named Jelo Borromeo Villahermosa, Vince Borromeo Villahermosa and Pauline Borromeo Villahermosa.

Sixth are the children of Elwyn Borromeo, Sr.  Elwyn Padillo Borromeo, Jr. is married to Kring Cuizon and they have no issue.  Tisha Marie Padillo Borromeo is married to Rein Catabay and they have one daughter named Justin Borromeo Catabay.  Siegfred Padillo Borromeo is single.

German Borromeo y Café (born in 1883) married Inocenta Reyes y Villaflores (born in 1878) on December 26, 1906.  They had six children named Restituto Reyes Borromeo, Leopoldo Reyes Borromeo, Efigenia Reyes Borromeo, Esperidion Reyes Borromeo, Godofredo Reyes Borromeo and Beatriz Reyes Borromeo.  Francisco Borromeo y Café married Francisca Cabañang Cinco Pileo and they had eleven children named Jaime Rosaleo Pileo Borromeo, Epifanio Zacarias Pileo Borromeo, Purita Pileo Borromeo, Maria Clara Pileo Borromeo, Solomon Pileo Borromeo, Juan de Dios Pileo Borromeo, Victoria Juana Pileo Borromeo, Basilica Aurea Pileo Borromeo, Victor Rufino Pileo Borromeo, Paulino Pileo Borromeo and Josefa Pileo Borromeo.

Juan Borromeo (an elder brother of German Borromeo in the preceding paragraph) married Ramona Reyes.  They had a son named Alfredo Borromeo, who married Valentina Larobis Solis.  Alfredo and Valentina had ten children named Wedelino Borromeo (now deceased), Salud Borromeo, Marlene Borromeo, Donald Borromeo, Alma Borromeo, Rico Borromeo, Nida Borromeo, Arnold Borromeo, Audie Borromeo and Joselito Borromeo.

Wendelino Solis Borromeo married and had four children named Josphine Borromeo, Marylou Borromeo, Noel Borromeo and Jonathan Borromeo.  Salud Solis Borromeo married Adriano Suela and had eight children named Sheila Borromeo Suela, Cynthia Borromeo Suela, Elrey Borromeo Suela, Enna Borromeo Suela, Corazon Borromeo Suela, Sandy Borromeo Suela, Brenda Borromeo Suela and John Borromeo Suela.  Marlene Solis Borromeo married Napoleon Gamalong, Sr. and they had four children named Buena Flor Borromeo Gamalong, Mary Jane Borromeo Gamalong, Marie Fé Borromeo Gamalong and Napoleon Borromeo Gamalong, Jr.  Donald Solis Borromeo married and had three children.  Buena Flor Borromeo Gamalong married and has three children named Paulo Bienn, Vienne Julienn and Venice Jann (as of January 2018).  Mary Jane Borromeo Gamalong-Manalac (now of Wichita, Kansas) married and has three daughters named Angela Camille, Abigail Marie and Ashley.  Marie Fé Borromeo Gamalong married and has six children named Ian van Darmic, Ivy Faye Diane, Ciandi Marie, Ansel Jeff, Edmond Jeff and Mareon Jeff.  Napoleon Borromeo Gamalong, Jr. married and has three children named Giovanni Marc, Trisha Gwynne and Brandon.  The information for this branch of the Borromeo family was kindly shared with me by Buena Flor Borromeo Gamalong.

Alma Solis Borromeo married and has a son named Omar Borromeo Sazon, who kindly shared this information.  Rico Solis Borromeo is married and has three daughters named Chelo Borromeo, Marijune Borromeo and Chic Borromeo.  Chelo is married to Mark Ozoa, and they have one daughter named Samantha Katrina Borromeo Ozoa.  Marijune Borromeo is married to Paul Ponce de Leon Hidalgo, and they live inLondon, England with their son Joshua Paul Borromeo Hidalgo.

Nida Solis Borromeo married and had two children.  Arnold Solis Borromeo married and had three children.  Audie Solis Borromeo married and had eight children, while Joselito Solis Borromeo married and had six children.

Another Borromeo Line from Negros

Carlos Borromeo lived in Binalbagan in Negros Occidental (i.e., Western Negros Island) and was married to Theofista Marañon of Iloilo City on the island of Panay.  They had seven children named Rufino Marañon Borromeo, Pacentia Marañon Borromeo Alcantara (she lived in Talisay City, Negros Occidental), Captain Melicio Marañon Borromeo (he lived Provincial Jail, Negros Occidental), Arturo Marañon Borromeo (married to Amparo Villaruel of Bacolod City in Negros Occidental), Elisa Marañon Borromeo Garcia-Mansisa (she lived in Bago City in Negros Occidental), Junior Marañon Borromeo Arroyo (she lived in Bacolod City) and Andrea A. Marañon Borromeo Juanillo (also resident in Bacolod City).

Arturo Marañon Borromeo was married to Amparo Villaruel and they had nine children named Erinio Villaruel Borromeo (he lives in Bacolod City), Romeo Villaruel Borromeo (also resident in Bacolod City), Gregorio Villaruel Borromeo (he lives in Davao City on Mindanao), Oliva Villaruel Borromeo Fernando (she and her husband live in San Enrique in Negros Occidental), Adrianio Villaruel Borromeo (he lives in Bacolod City), Oscar Villaruel Borromeo (resident in Valladolid in Negros Occidental), Antonio Villaruel Borromeo (of Bacolod City), Danilo Villaruel Borromeo (deceased) and Maria Luisa Villaruel Borromeo (she lives in Manila).

Antonio Villaruel Borromeo is married to Loren Harder and they have seven children named Analou Harder Borromeo Morcilla, Aileen Harder Borromeo Bayola, Reva Mae Harder Borromeo Maquirang, Agnes Harder Borromeo, Almia Karissa Harder Borromeo, Leonil “Waldo” Harder Borromeo and Lenen Mark Harder Borromeo.  These seven siblings are thus my fifth degree cousins.

This completes all the lines of my Borromean fifth-degree cousins

Sixth and Seventh Cousins

We have finally been able to re-establish the link lost during World War 2 when the prewar genealogy completed by my maternal grandfather’s first degree cousin Marcial Borromeo y Guerrero was destroyed and/or lost.  This was done in hard copy before the time of the Internet and computer files.  My sixth degree cousins belong to the Borromeo family which originates from Iloilo City on the island of Panay.  Thanks for reestablishing this important link go especially to Freddie Borromeo of Makati in August of 2019.

We have heard from Dax Ignacio Magahum from Anaheim, California, whose great-grandmother Carmen “Imen” Borromeo was born in Iloilo on the Island of Panay (circa 1890).  We have also heard from Ray Granada Pe, the great grandson of Mariano Borromeo and from Lia Padilla-Mendoza, who now lives in Parañaque (in Metro Manila).  One of his closer degree cousins is Jocelyn Borromeo-Sanchez, whose family also comes from Iloilo.  We believe that Carlo Borromeo II settled on Panay around 1769, and that his son Carlos Borromeo III was born around 1770.  Carlos Borromeo III migrated to Cebu around 1794, and founded the two main lines of the modern Cebuano Borromeo clan.

My seventh degree cousins belong to the Borromeo family line which comes from Cavite City on the island of Luzon, not far from Metro Manila.  Carlo “Capitan Aro” Borromeo was born around 1720, and moved from Canton in China (now called Guangzhou) to Cavite around 1744.  His son Carlo Borromeo II was born in Cavite around 1745.  Both Carlo Sr. and Carlo II used the Italian “Carlo” for their given name and not the Spanish “Carlos.”  Carlo Sr. was known as “Capitan Aro” due to his profession of being a harbor captain – his son Carlo II who moved to Iloilo on Panay had the same primary profession.  Carlo Sr. was also an important municipal official in Cavite on Luzon – thanks for this information go especially to Freddie Borromeo of Makati in August of 2019.

We have heard from Teodora “Doris” Borromeo De Los Santos Shinn of Oregon.  Her parents are Arthur De Los Santos, Sr. and Teresita Borromeo.  Her maternal grandfather was Don Fulgencio Borromeo.  Doris has 7 siblings including Arthur Jr., Michael, Angela, Ed, Theresa, Patty and Cynthia.  Her cousins (of which degree not yet explained) include Carolina Soriano, Sonnie Kabigting-Duarte, Ramon Kabigting, Mike Quintos, Angel Quintos, Henry Villar, Mariles Villar-Gonzales, Susan Villar-Phillips, Bobby Villar, Christina Sevilla, Maria Santos, Chiquie Villaresen, Junbo Borromeo, Chelo Borromeo, Chetan Borromeo-Sharp, Alvin Borromeo, Horacio Borromeo, Zanaida Borromeo, Igmedio Borromeo, Teddy Borromeo, Tommy Borromeo, Lutz Borromeo-Florina, Lee Choolitho, Chotto Go, Christina Perez-Eustaquio, Charito Zafra, My Burgoyne-Dino and Patricia Burgoyne.

]]> https://theborromeofamily.com/the-borromeo-family-in-the-philippines/feed/ 5 The Borromeo Family Tree https://theborromeofamily.com/the-cebu-borromeo-family-tree/ https://theborromeofamily.com/the-cebu-borromeo-family-tree/#comments Sat, 06 Jun 2026 23:46:00 +0000 http://portalhozt.com/theborromeofamily/2006/12/31/the-cebu-borromeo-family-tree/ Welcome to my Bookstore:

The Borromeo Family of Cebu BUY FROM AMAZON.COM
Volkswagen: a Car for the People – a Success Story – 2nd Edition BUY FROM AMAZON.COM
Scale Model Collectible Cars – with Official Corgi Toys Catalogue Illustrations BUY FROM AMAZON.COM
The German and the Austrian Navies – Volume 2: Second Edition: BUY FROM AMAZON.COM
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  1.   Press release on Yahoo.com News (October 10, 2012): http://news.yahoo.com/book-borromeo-family-cebu-explores-120000775.html.   This press release has received 72 responses – wonderful considering that 15 is a high rate of response for any press release.  Thank you very much for your interest!

Borromeo: Part of the Past, Present and Future of Cebu, Negros Oriental, Iloilo, Cavite, the Philippines and beyond to Italy

Included in “The Borromeo Family of Cebu” by Marc E. Nonnenkamp (ISBN 978-1460908082 now available on www.amazon.com through CreateSpace for $17.99 paperback and for $9.99 as an Amazon Kindle e-book – ASIN B004VMONZG).  All of my published books on the history of the Borromeo family of Cebu City, the Philippines & beyond, on the history of the Volkswagen Group, on scale-model collectible cars and on the history of the German-speaking navies (Germany, Austria-Hungary, Venice, Brandenburg-Prussia and the Hanseatic League) may be purchased on the global Amazon.com network which sells retail items in the USA, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands, Gibraltar, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Liechtenstein, Poland, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Monaco, Spain, the Canary Islands, Portugal, the Azores, the Madeira Islands, Italy, San Marino, Sweden, Finland, Turkey, the Arab world (27 countries & territories), Australia, India, China and Japan.  My books may also be special-ordered at various “brick and mortar” retail book stores such as Barnes & Noble.

This article has received more than 23,266,863 page “hits” since November 2006 – we thank you so very much for your interest!

The Borromeo family in the Philippines is descended from the Borromeo family in Lombardy in northern Italy, which is in turn descended from the Vitaliani family of Italy – this now proven by an ancestry, genealogy and heraldry site based in France.  Their research on our family tree currently goes back to the year 1030.

Borromeo (from Milan, Italy): surname of a pious person who made the pilgrimage to Rome (Latin spelling = Borromei). The most famous member of the family is Saint Cardinal Carlo de Medici Borromeo (1538-1584), who was the Archbishop of Milan, Italy (1560-1584), the son of the Count of Arona Ghiberto Borromeo (1512-1558) and Margarita de Medici, the brother of Count Federigo Borromeo I, and the nephew of Cardinal Angelo de Medici, who became Pope Pius IV (1559-1565). He was very influential at the Tridentine Council (Council of Vatican I held in the city of Trent). He was also the uncle of the Archbishop of Milan Federigo Borromeo II (1564-1631). The Borromeo family of Milan still owns the four Borromean Islands in Lago Maggiore, Italy. Today there are people with the surname “Borromeo” living in Italy, Austria, Ireland, México, Argentina, Chile, the USA, Canada, the Philippines, Singapore and Australia. The surname comes from Italy and certainly spread with Northern Italian immigrants to the USA, México, Argentina and Chile. The “Manila Galleon” trade during Spanish colonial times took sailing vessels from Europe to the New World (specifically to México), to the Philippines and then back again to Europe for more than 370 consecutive years.  This consisted of one Galleon, which sailed from Manila to Acapulco and back.  Most of the Spaniards in the Philippines in fact came from México.

The origin of the Borromeo family of Milan, Italy is actually the Vitaliani family of Padua, Italy.  The “separation” occured in 1416, when Vitaliano Borromeo I adopted the new surname “Borromeo.”  The Vitaliani family of Italy can trace its own genealogy back to A.D. 66 – information for which we thank Osvaldo Vitaliani, who lives and works as a professional executive chef in Southern France (he was born in the city of Bozen, which is the capital of the German-speaking South Tyrol region of Northern Italy).

Thank you for visiting, and thanks for your interest in genealogy!  Note: the “Rallos” family tree can be seen at the end of my article on Judge Andrés Borromeo y Reynes.

Hier kann man etwas über berühmte Mitglieder der Familie Borromeo aus Italien lesen, aber hauptsächlich viel über den Stammbaum der Familie Borromeo aus den Philippinen lernen. Mein persönlicher Stammbaum (der Stammbaum von dem Richter Andrés Borromeo y Reynes) können Sie unter “Judge Andrés Borromeo” (ein anderer Artikel auf meiner Webseite) lesen.  Vielen Dank für Ihren Besuch!

The Borromeo Family Line of Milan, Italy
1. Saint Justina Vitaliani of Padua, Italy (martyred in 303 AD): see immediately below for the link between the Vitaliani and the Borromeo families of Italy:

New Information through Osvaldo Vitaliani (originally of Bozen, South Tyrol, Northern Italy); numbered by Generation (only the surviving eldest male lines are listed here):

1.)  Giovanni dei Vitaliani (rich nobleman living in Padua).

2.)  Sigifredo Vitaliani (1030-1084).  Resident of the municipality of Bojon in Campologno Maggiore, a town in the metropolitan City of Venice in the Veneto Region of northeastern Italy.

3.)  Palamede Vitialiani II (1070-1110).  Lord of Bosco, Bojone and San Angelo.  Resident of the municipality of Bojon in Campologno Maggiore, a town in the metropolitan City of Venice in the Veneto Region of northeastern Italy.

4.)  Vitaliano Vitaliani III (1110-1175).  Lord of Bosco, Bojone and San Angelo; died in 1175 – was likely the grandson (not the son) of Palamede Vitaliani II.  Resident of the municipality of Bojon in Campologno Maggiore, a town in the metropolitan City of Venice in the Veneto Region of northeastern Italy.

5.)  Gherardo Vitaliani II (1130-1142).  Lord of Bosco, Bojone and San Angelo; died in 1142 – survived by his own father Vitaliano by 33 years).  Resident of the municipality of Bojon in Campologno Maggiore, a town in the metropolitan City of Venice in the Veneto Region of northeastern Italy.

6.)  Pietro Vitaliani (1150-1161).  Lord of Bosco, Bojone and San Angelo; died in 1161 – survived by his own paternal grandfather Vitaliano by 14 years).  Resident of the municipality of Bojon in Campologno Maggiore, a town in the metropolitan City of Venice in the Veneto Region of northeastern Italy.

7.)  Vitaliano Vitaliani V (1170-1218).  Lord of Bosco, Bojone and San Angelo; became the Consul of Genoa in 1218).  Resident of the municipality of Bojon in Campologno Maggiore, a town in the metropolitan City of Venice in the Veneto Region of northeastern Italy.

8.)  Matteo Vitaliani II (1190-1236).  Lord of Bosco, Bojone and San Angelo; became the Provveditore of Padua in 1236).  Resident of the municipality of Bojon in Campologno Maggiore, a town in the metropolitan City of Venice in the Veneto Region of northeastern Italy.

9.)  Vitaliano Vitaliani (Lord of Bosco, Bojone and San Angelo; his fiefs were confiscated by Ezzelino da Romano, the Lord of Verona; beheaded in Brescia on June 20, 1256).  Resident of the municipality of Bojon in Campologno Maggiore, a town in the metropolitan City of Venice in the Veneto Region of northeastern Italy.

10.)  Giovanni Vitaliani (Lord of Bosco, Bojone and San Angelo; imprisoned and killed in Cittadella, Venice in 1256.  Married to Gherarda of the House of Este, which is related to the House of Habsburg and which is the origin of the House of the Guelphs).  Resident of the municipality of Bojon in Campologno Maggiore, a town in the metropolitan City of Venice in the Veneto Region of northeastern Italy.

11.)  Gherardo Vitaliani (Lord of Bosco, Bojone and San Angelo; became the Consigliere Maggiore of Padua.  Born in 1239 and died in 1280).  Resident of the municipality of Bojon in Campologno Maggiore, a town in the metropolitan City of Venice in the Veneto Region of northeastern Italy.

12.)  Pietro Vitaliani (Lord of Bosco, Bojone and San Angelo; died in 1360.  Married to Beatrice Zabarella).  Resident of the municipality of Bojon in Campologno Maggiore, a town in the metropolitan City of Venice in the Veneto Region of northeastern Italy.

13.)  Giacomo Giacobino Vitaliani (Knighted by the Lord of Ferrara on March 15, 1352.  Appointed Ambassador of Padua in Venice in 1360.  Died in Padua on July 19, 1409.  Married to Margherita Borromeo di San Miniato, who was the daughter of Filippo Borromeo di San Miniato, who died in Milan on June 19, 1429).  Resident of the municipality of Bojon in Campologno Maggiore, a town in the metropolitan City of Venice in the Veneto Region of northeastern Italy.

14.)  Vitaliano Borromeo (the 1st Count of Arona on May 26, 1445, who took his mother’s surname “Borromeo.”  Died on October 4, 1449.  Married to Ambrogina Fagnani, who was the daughter of Giacomo Fagnani, and who died in 1441).  Vitialiani Borromeo was also a Counsellor to the Duke of Milan, the Treasurer of Milan and Ducal Treasurer after January 7, 1448.  He became the Lord of Arona on November 14, 1436, the Lord of Camajrago and San Vito on September 20, 1440, the Ducal Counsellor and the Lord of Lesa in 1441, a Senator and Ambassador of Milan in 1447.  He adopted the surname “Borromeo” in 1431, and thereby gave up his fiefs near Padua.

15.)  Filippo Borromeo (2nd Count of Arona from 1449-1464).  Became the Cavaliere Aurato on March 22, 1450, the Lord of Vigezzo on May 5, 1450, the Lord Camajrago and San Vito, the Consignore of Laveno, Monvalle, Cerro, Ceresole, Celina, Arolo and Ispra, and the Counsellor of the Duke of Milan.  Married to Francesca Visconti, who was the daughter and the heiress of Lancilotto Count con Cicognola.

16.)  Giovanni Borromeo (4th Count of Arona and the Count of Angera after the death of his elder brother Vitaliano Borromeo on September 7, 1493).  Signore of Vigezzo, Laveno, Lesa, Canobbio, Camairago, Cerro, Ceresole, Celina, Arolo and Ispra.  Consignore of Omegna from 1493 to 1495.  Counsellor and Senator of Milan.  Married to Maria Cleofe Pio, who was the daughter of Giberto, the Count and Lord of Carpi and his wife Elisabetta Migliorati.

17.)  Giberto Borromeo (5th Count of Arona, and the Count of Angera, Italy as well from 1495 until his death in 1527.  General in Milan, Italy.  Born in 1463, and died in Milan on February 27, 1527).  Married to Magdalena of Brandenburg of the Hohenzollern Dynasty.  The Hohenzollerns ruled their ancestral home of “Zollern” in Swabia (modern Württemberg in Southwestern Germany) since 1061, the City of Nürnberg in Franconia (in Northern Bavaria) since 1192, the Margraviate / Electorate / Duchy of Brandenburg (of which Berlin was the capital city) since 1398, and the Duchy / Kingdom of Prussia (later known as “East Prussia”) since 1525.

18.)  Federico Borromeo (6th Count of Arona, and the Count of Angera, Italy as well from 1527 until his death in 1529.  Decurione Perpetuo and Ducal Colonnel of Milan, Italy.  Born in Milan in 1492 and died there on June 5, 1529.  Married to Veronia Visconti in 1509, she being the daughter of Galeazzo from the Counts of Somma and his wife Antonia from the Counts of Mauruzzi).  She was born in 1498 and died on August 13, 1519.

19.)  Giulio Cesare Borromeo (Abbot of SS Gratiniano and Felino until 1550, renounced the rights thereto for his nephew Carlo Borromeo, then became the 8th Count of Arona and Angera, Italy).  His elder brother Giberto Borromeo was the 7th Count of Arona and Angera.  Giulio Cesare Borromeo was also the Lord of Camajrago and San Vito, the Co-Lord of Laveno, Monvalle, Cuvio, Ceresole, Celina, Arolo and Ispra from 1562 until 1572.  He was born in Arona on November 13, 1517 and died in Milan on August 5, 1572.  He married Margherita Trivulzio (she was the daughter of Renato, the Lord of Formigara and his wife Isabella Borromeo; she died in 1601) for his issue:

20.)  Renato Borromeo (9th Count of Arona and Angera, Italy.  Also the Lord of Camajrago, San Vito, Arona, Angera, Vogogna, Intra, Lesa, Cannobbio, Vegezzo, Omegna, Vitaliana, Formigara, Guardasono, Palestro, plus the Co-Lord of Laveno, Monvalle, Cuvio, Ceresole, Celina, Arolo and Ispra from 1586 until 1608.  He was also the Decurione and the Ambassador of Milan, and a Secret Counsellor to King Felipe III of Spain after 1601.  He was born in Milan on November 1, 1555 and died in Arona on August 19, 1608.  Married in Milan on September 15, 1579 to Ersilia Farnese (born 1565 and died on May 2, 1596).

21.)  Carlo Maria Borromeo (10th Count of Arona and Angera, Italy, plus the Lord of Vogogna, Canobbio, Laveno, Lesa, Ispra, Vigezzo, Camairago, Vitaliana, and the Consignore di Omegna from 1613 until 1652.  Born in 1586 and died on February 28, 1652.  Married on February 8, 1612 to Isabella d’Adda, she being the daughter of Count Ercole.  She died as a nun in the Monastery of Visitazione in Arona on March 25, 1658.  Before this, she was the widow of Carlo Borromeo and then of Count Carlo Barbiano di Belgioioso.

22.)  Renato Borromeo (11th Count of Arona and Angera, Italy from 1652 until 1685.  Ambassador in Madrid, Spain after 1649, Decurione of Milan, Italy after 1652.  Born on August 13, 1618 and died on May 1, 1685.  Married on December 26, 1652 to Giulia Arese, who was the daughter and heiress of Count Bartolomeo, the Lord of Cesano (she was born in Milan on June 25, 1636 and died there as well on March 19, 1704).

23.)  Carlo Borromeo (15th Count of Arona, 5th Marquess of Angera, Lord of Camajrago, San Vito, Arona, Angera, Formigara, Voggona, Intra, Lesa, Cannobbio, Vegezzo, Omegna, Vitaliana, Guardasono and Palestro, Co-Lord of Laveno, Monvalle, Cuvio, Ceresole, Celina, Arsolo and Ispra from 1690 until 1734).  Spanish Ambassador in Rome after 1686, Governor of Novara and Decurion of Milan after 1692 and “Great of Spain 1st Class” on October 15, 1708.  Private Counsellor, Plenipotentiary Minister and Knight of the Golden Fleece after 1715 (the latter is a Roman Catholic Fraternity which the Habsburg family members are very prominent).  Prince of Maccagno Imperiale after 1716.  Inherited Cesano from his mother in 1690 and took the surname of “Borromeo Arese.”  Born on April 28, 1657 and died on July 3, 1734.  First marriage on May 27, 1677 to Donna Giovanna Oldescalchi.  She was descended from the Dukes of Bracciano, and was the daughter of Carlo Oldescalchi and his wife Beatrice, who was in turn descended from the Counts of Cusani, as well as being a niece of Pope Innocenzo XI (she was born on January 24, 1657 and she died on July 14, 1679).  Second marriage in April 1689 to Donna Camilla Barberini, who was the daughter of Don Maffeo, the second Prince of Palestrina and his wife Donna Olimpia Giustiniani, who was in turn descended from the Princes of Bassano (born in 1660 and died on June 20, 1740).  Note: Carlo Borromeo must have had 3 older male relatives who held the title “Count of Arona” before he inherited it.

24.)  Giovanni Benedetto Borromeo (16th Count of Arona, 6th Marquess of Angera, Prince of Maccagno Imperiale, Lord of Camajrago, Cesano, Arona, Angera, Formigara, Voggona, Intra, Lesa, Cannobbio, Vegezzo, Omegna, Vitaliana, Guardasono and Palestro, Co-Lord of Laveno, Monvalle, Cuvio, Ceresole, Celina, Arsolo and Ispra, and “Great of Spain 1st Class” from 1734 to 1744.  Born on July 1, 1679 and died on March 18, 1744.  Married on July 7, 1707 to Clelia Grillo, who was the daughter of Marcantonio, the Marquess of Clarafuentes and the Patrizio of Genoa (born in 1684 and died on August 23, 1777).  Note: Giovanni Benedetto Borromeo and his wife had 8 children, 2 of which sired the Italian Borromeo lines still in existence to this day (the lines of Renato Borromeo, who lived from 1710-1778, and of Francesco Borromeo, who lived from 1720-1772).

When Ferdinand Magellan landed on Mactan Island in Cebu in 1521, he had perhaps 37 Italians in his crew.  The first “independent” Italian immigrants settled in the Philippines after 1600.  The horse drawn carts manufactured by the firm of my great-great grandfather José “Tatay Pepe” Maria Borromeo y Galan (1847-1930) were known as “Tartanillas,” which is Spanish for the original Italian “Tartanellas” – wooden sailing fishing boats of 10 to 40 tons total displacement.  These boats were native to the Adriatic Sea in between Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Dalmatia, Montenegro and Albania.  “Tartanellas” were peculiar to the Adriatic – elsewhere they were known as “Brazzeras.”

One Carlo Maria Borromeo (not of the direct surviving lines listed above) died in Rome on November 11, 1650.  He was a clergyman (a monk) who had no legitimate heirs.  He was the 5th of 13 children of his father Giulio Cesare Borromeo (1590-1638).  Giulio Cesare Borromeo was in turn a younger brother of Count Carlo Borromeo (1586-1652), who is number (21) on the list above.

The Philippine Borromeo Line (from Cavite to Cebu City)

Hier beginnt der Stammbaum der philippinischen Borromeos. Wir glauben, daß Karl Kapitän Aro (“Carlos Capitan Aro”) Borromeo im Jahre 1744 von Canton in China nach Cavite auf Luzon umgezogen ist. Er war Regierungsbeamter, vielleicht auch der Bürgermeister von Cavite.

First Generation
Carlo “Capitan Aro” Borromeo Sr. (Born outside of the Philippines circa 1720).  Settled in the city of Cavite on the island of Luzon circa 1744.  Served as a “Gobernadorcillo” in Cavite on Luzon, spelled his given name as the Italian “Carlo” instead of the Spanish “Carlos” and worked as a professional harbor captain (hence the title “Capitan”).  Most of his offspring remained on Luzon, while at least one son also named Carlo moved to Iloilo on Panay.  The current generation of the “Luzon” Borromeo line include my own cousins of the 7th degree.  We have finally been able to re-connect the pre-World War 2 genealogy (destroyed and lost by 1945) which was completed by my maternal grandfather’s first degree cousin Marcial Borromeo y Guerrero due to the help of Freddie Borromeo of Makati.  This is the information which has been shared with us by Teodora “Doris” Borromeo De Los Santos Shinn of Oregon, who is also my cousin of the 7th degree: the parents of Doris (Eighth Generation of the Cavite-Luzon Line) are Teresita Borromeo married to Arthur De Los Santos, Sr.

Ninth Generation: Cavite-Luzon Line (Doris and her siblings):

  1. Teodora “Doris” Borromeo De Los Santos Shinn: married
  2. Arthur Borromeo De Los Santos
  3. Michael Borromeo De Los Santos
  4. Angela Borromeo De Los Santos
  5. Ed Borromeo De Los Santos
  6. Theresa Borromeo De Los Santos
  7. Patty Borromeo De Los Santos
  8. Cynthia Borromeo De Los Santos Guzman: married

Ninth Generation: Cavite-Luzon Line (cousins of Doris and her siblings):

  1. Carolina Soriano
  2. Sonnie Kabigting
  3. Mike Quintos
  4. Maria Santos
  5. Chiquie Villaresen
  6. Junbo Borromeo
  7. Charito Zafra
  8. Chelo Borromeo
  9. Chetan Borromeo Sharp: married
  10. Chotto Go
  11. Christina Perez Eustaquio: married
  12. Alvin Borromeo
  13. Angel Quintos
  14. Henry Villar
  15. Mariles Villar
  16. Bobby Villar
  17. Christina Sevilla
  18. Horacio Borromeo
  19. Zanaida Borromeo
  20. Lee Choolitho
  21. Igmedio Borromeo
  22. Lutz Borromeo Florina: married
  23. Mariles Villar Gonzales: married
  24. My Burgoyne Dino: married
  25. Patricia Burgoyne
  26. Ramon Kabigting
  27. Sonnie Kabigting Duarte: married
  28. Susan Villar Phillips: married
  29. Teddy Borromeo
  30. Tommy Borromeo

Second Generation
Carlo Borromeo Jr. (born circa 1745 in the city of Cavite on Luzon).  Settled in the city of Iloilo on the island of Panay in the northern Visayas circa 1769.  Most of his offspring remained on Panay, while at least one son moved to the island of Negros in the central Visayas.  Carlo Jr. also spelled his given name as the Italian “Carlo” (not the Spanish “Carlos”) and he like his father “Capitan Aro” worked as a harbor captain in Iloilo, Panay – thanks for this information goes to Freddie Borromeo of Makati.

Third Generation

Carlos Borromeo III (1770-1839). Born in the city of Bacolod in the central Visayas.  Most of his offspring remained on Negros, while at least one son moved to Cebu in the southern Visayas.  The Borromeo clan on the island of Negros is based in Tanjay City.

Fourth Generation: Negros-Cebuano Line
1. Carlos Felis Borromeo (1795-1864) and Maria Angela Tupas de Borromeo (1800-1849). Carlos Felis Borromeo IV was born in Bacolod but moved to Cebu and fathered the present day “fat” (“tambok”) and “thin” (“daut” or “niwang”) Borromeo lines. 6 children (Rita, Maria, Paula, Angel, Florentino and Maximo).  Maximo fathered the “fat” line and the younger Florentino fathered the “thin” line.

2. Carlos Borromeo (born circa 1801).  He was either a brother or perhaps a first degree cousin of Carlos Felis Borromeo.  He remained on Negros to father the modern day Negros line.  He and his wife fathered four children named Rufino, Blas, Buenaventura and Maria.  We believe that only Rufino married and had descendants.

Fifth Generation: Negros-Cebuano Line

Rufino Borromeo (born circa 1842) married Salome Café in 1880 and had ten children named Juan, German, Paula, Jacoba, Fortunato, Escolastica, Regina, Liberata, Francisco and Consolacion.  Juan married and had one child.  German married and had six children.  Francisco married and had 11 children.

Fifth Generation: Cebuano Line

Maximo Borromeo y Feliz (1820-1892) and Hermenegilda Galan de Borromeo (April 13, 1825-1894). Maximo fathered the so-called “fat line” (“mga tambok”) of Cebuano Borromeos.

Sixth Generation: Negros-Cebuano Line

  1. German Borromeo y Café was born in 1883 and married Inocenta Reyes y Villaflores (born in 1878) on December 26, 1906.  They had six children named Restituto, Leopoldo, Efigenia, Esperidion, Godofredo and Beatriz.
  2. Francisco Borromeo y Café married Francisca Cabañang Cinco Pileo and they had 11 children named Jaime Rosaleo, Epifanio Zacarias, Purita, Maria Clara, Solomon, Juan de Dios, Victoria Juana, Basilica Aurea, Victor Rufino, Paulino and Josefa.
  3. Juan Borromeo y Café married Ramona Reyes and they had one son named Aldredo.
  4. Ramon Borromeo y Café married Juvita Tiongson and had five children named Suela, Encarnacion, Dolores, Celso and Carmelina.

Sixth Generation: Cebuano Line
1. Leoncia Borromeo y Galan (1845): no issue.
2. José Maria Borromeo y Galan (April 12, 1847 – March 16, 1930), aged 82 years, and Margarita Reynes de Borromeo (July 20, 1853 – October 13, 1931): Aged 78 years.

Seventh Generation: Negros-Cebuano Line

Children of German Borromeo y Café and Inocenta Reyes y Villaflores:

  1. Restituto Reyes Borromeo (born May 19, 1913 in Tanjay City, Negros Oriental Province) married Cristina Avila (born July 25, 1916 in Tanauan, Leyte) and had seven children named René Domingo, Isabel Lulu, Virginia Consessa, Restituto Angelito Jr. (born 1953), Grace Elena, Raul Eduardo and Maria Cristina.
  2. Leopoldo Reyes Borromeo did not marry and had no issue.
  3. Efigenia Reyes Borromeo married Sancho Espinas and had three children named Norma Joji, Heidi and Dennis.
  4. Esperidion Reyes Borromeo Sr. married Primitiva Banogon and they had five children named Esperidion Jr., Joel, Landy, Hector and Pinky.
  5. Godofredo Reyes Borromeo married Segundina Real and they had six children named Elwyn Real Borromeo Sr., Cynthia, Luigino, Ralph, Carlo and Glenn Anthony.
  6. Beatriz Reyes Borromeo married the Attorney Deogracias Pinili and they had four children named Baby, Socorro, Rosemarie and Arthur.

Children of Francisco Borromeo y Café and Francisca Cabañang Cinco Pileo (we know of offspring from nine of their eleven childen):

  1. Jaime Rosaleo Borromeo y Pileo married Sulpicia de Castro and they had eight children named named Adrian, Carlos, Maria Sofia, Linda, Emmanuel, Maria Auzencia, Aurora and Socorro.
  2. Epifanio Zacarias Borromeo y Pileo married Pacita Ardeña and they had seven children named Joseph Marvin, Leo, Nilo Antonio, Priscilla, Epifanio Jr., Romualdo and Camilo.
  3. Purita Borromeo y Pileo married Evaristo Siegue Cañada and they had one son named Marlon Borromeo Cañada.
  4. Maria Clara Borromeo y Pileo married Bernard Miña Serio and they had three children named Kathleen Mary, Melchior Anthony and Mario Bernard.
  5. Solomon Borromeo y Pileo married Julia Burgos and they had three children named Nathalia, Chivas Anton and Kent.
  6. Juan de Dios Borromeo y Pileo married Mary Fontelo and they had nine children named Grace, Edwin, Maria Lucia, Armando Justiniano, Raymond, Marissa, Froilan, Annabelle and Cipriano.
  7. Victoria Juana Borromeo y Pileo: single and no issue.
  8. Basilica Aurea Borromeo y Pileo married Teodoro Tirol and they had one daughter named Maria Teresa Borromeo Tirol.
  9. Victor Rufino Borromeo y Pileo married Anita Villegas and they had four children named Criselda, Brenda, Marcia and Jovic.
  10. Paulino Borromeo y Pileo married Apolonia Diago and they had eight children named Vivian, Rudolfo, Rolando, Dudette, Belarmino, Maria Jeanna, Ariston and Bruce.
  11. Josefa Eleuteria Borromeo y Pileo: single and no issue.

Children of Juan Borromeo y Café and Ramona Reyes:

  1. Alfredo Borromeo married Valentina Laboris Solis and they had ten children named Wendelino, Salud, Marlene, Donald, Alma, Rico, Nida, Arnold, Audie and Joselito.

Children of Ramon Borromeo y Café and Juvita Tiongson:

1.  Suela Tiongson Borromeo Sarrosa (married): 5 children named Antonio, Francisco, Ruben, Corazon and Gloria.

2.  Encarnacion Tiongson Borromeo Pagdato (married): 5 children named Marilyn (Sister Esther), Evelyn, Rudy, Helen and Gilbert.

3.  Dolores Tiongson Borromeo Asuncion (married): 5 children named Flossie, Lore, Dorotheo, Renan and Elmenia.

4.  Celso Tiongson Borromeo (married): 7 children named Judith, Teresita, Marivic, Ramon, Jess, Marilou and Celna.

5.  Carmelina Tiongson Borromeo Esguerra (married): 5 children named Luis, Josephine , Lyn, Sena and Ramonito.

Seventh Generation: Cebuano Line
1. Judge Andrés Borromeo y Reynes (November 10, 1880 – January 3, 1923): aged 42 years, and Anunciacion Bonjoc Rallos de Borromeo (March 25, 1885 – July 30, 1938): Aged 53 years:

Eighth Generation: Negros-Cebuano Line

Children of Restituto Borromeo:

  1. René Domingo Avila Borromeo married Rueta Paz Catacutan and they have five children named Shiela Fé, Maria Antonia, Maria Jean Joan, Shailini Cristy and Reneboy.
  2. Isabel Lulu Avila Borromeo married Graciano Baludoy Banogon, Jr. and they have four children named Isabelita Sybell, Gracianeneta Nanette, Heracleo Clay and Kathlyn Gingging Marie.
  3. Virginia Consessa Avila Borromeo married Ramon Centeño, Jr. and they have three children named Ramon Butch, Valerie Anne and Ralph Benedict Bong.
  4. Restituto Angelito Avila Borromeo Jr. (born 1953) married Fatima Tayco Magno and they have three children named Royce Casey, Maria Fritzie “Peachy” and Ryan Clyde.
  5. Grace Elena Avila Borromeo married Edward Banogon and they have two sons named Gary Michael and Chad Edward.
  6. Raul Eduardo Avila Borromeo married Alfia Baby Lopez and they have three children named Homer, Maria Angie and Maria Aileen.

Children of Efigenia Borromeo Espinas:

  1. Dennis Borromeo Espinas married Lorna Samson and they have three children named Dino, Tanya and Seb.

Children of Esperidion Borromeo Sr.:

  1. Esperidion Borromeo Jr. married Henretta Villacampa and they have four children named Bernard, Eva, Shiela and Benjamin.
  2. Joel Borromeo married Dr. Linda Antonio and they have two children named Yvette and Joel Borromeo II.
  3. Hector Borromeo married Coring Mira and they have one daughter named Belinda.

Children of Godofredo Borromeo:

  1. Elwyn Borromeo Sr. married Marlina Padillo and they have three children named Elwin Borromeo Jr., Tisha Marie and Siegfred.
  2. Luigino Borromeo married Joan Reyes and they have two sons named Luigi Borromeo and Louie Borromeo.
  3. Carlo Borromeo married Teresita Alcantara and they have two children named Daphne Marie and Carl.
  4. Glenn Anthony Borromeo married Jane Banogon and they have two daughters named Steffi Jane and Mary Antonette.

Children of Juan de Dios Borromeo y Pileo:

  1. Maria Lucia Borromeo married Gilbert Ben Steenson and they have two daughters named Vanessa Lucia and Shalene Rebecca.
  2. Grace Borromeo married Imbong and they have one daughter named May Anne.

Children of Basilica Aurea Borromeo y Pileo and Teodoro Tirol:

  1. Maria Teresa Borromeo Tirol married Eduardo Ramirez and they have four children named Rae Anthony, Roy Theodore, Regienna Marie and Ralph Eduard.

Children of Alfredo Borromeo:

  1. Wendelino Solis Borromeo: married and with four children named Josephine, Marylou, Noel and Salud
  2. Salud Solis Borromeo married to Adriano Suela and with eight children named Sheila, Cynthia, Elrey, Enna, Corazon, Sandy, Brenda and John
  3. Marlene Solis Borromeo married to Napoleon Gamalong, Sr. and with four children named Buena Flor, Mary Jane, Marie Fe and Napoleon Borromeo Gamalong, Jr.
  4. Donald Solis Borromeo: married and with three children
  1. Alma Solis Borromeo married Sazon and they have one son named Omar Borromeo Sazon.
  2. Rico Solis Borromeo married  and with three daughters named Chelo Borromeo, Marijune Borromeo and Chic Borromeo.
  3. Nida Solis Borromeo: married and with two children
  4. Arnold Solis Borromeo: married and with three children
  5. Audie Solis Borromeo: married and with eight children
  6. Joselito Solis Borromeo: married and with six children

Children of Suela Borromeo Sarrosa:

1.  Dr. Antonio Borromeo Sarrosa

2.  Engineer Francisco Borromeo Sarrosa

3.  Engineer Ruben Borromeo Sarrosa

4.  Pharmacist Corazon Borromeo Sarrosa married to a lawyer.

5.  Gloria Borromeo Sarrosa married to lawyer Isabelo Sanson.

Children of Encarnacion Borromeo Pagdato:

1.  Marilyn “Sister Esther” Borromeo Pagdato (Dominican Nun)

2.  Evelyn Borromeo Pagdato

3.  Rudy Borromeo Pagdato

4.  Helen Borromeo Pagdato

5.  Gilbert Borromeo Pagdato

Children of Dolores Borromeo Asuncion:

1.  Flossie Borromeo Asuncion married to Mr. Peter Abrigo

2.  Lore Borromeo Asuncion married to Dr. Bernardo

3.  Industrial Engineer Dorotheo Borromeo Asuncion

4.  Renan Borromeo Asuncion

5.  Accountant Elmenia Borromeo Asuncion

Children of Celso Borromeo:

1.  Nurse Judith Borromeo Cozzi (married)

2.  Nurse Teresita Borromeo Diamante (married)

3.  Nurse Marivic Borromeo Gregorio (married)

4.  Realtor Ramon Borromeo

5.  Engineer Jess Borromeo

6.  Medical Technician Marilou Borromeo

7.  Accountant Celna Borromeo married to Attorney Gonzalo Guillen

Children of Carmila Borromeo Esguerra:

1.  Luis Borromeo Esguerra

2.  Josephine Borromeo Esguerra Salva (married)

3.  Lyn Borromeo Esguerra Gonzales (married)

4.  Sena Borromeo Esguerra Garde (married)

5.  Ramonito Borromeo Esguerra

Eighth Generation: Cebuano Line
1. Andrés Buenaventura Rallos Borromeo Jr. (July 14, 1904 – May 3, 1948) and Marie Morrow Paterno (1909 – 1979):

Ninth Generation: Negros-Cebuano Line

Children of René Borromeo Sr.:

  1. Shiela Fé Paz Borromeo married Jong Galendez and they have three children named Junel, Kate and Ashley.
  2. Maria Jean Joan Paz Borromeo married Eduardo Sibala and they have four children named Natasha Roan, Sheena Yoko, Lucia Stephanie and Edward Sibala Jr.
  3. Shailini Cristy Paz Borromeo married Pepito Oracion and they have two daughters named Donna Jane René and Fern Ann.
  4. René Paz Borromeo, Jr. married Maymay: no issue.

Children of Isabel Borromeo Banogon:

  1. Sybel Borromeo Banogon married Edjun and they have two daughters named Sophia Marie and Elisha Maxine.
  2. Racleo Borromeo Banogon married Cristina Carbonell: no issue.
  3. Kathlyn Marie Borromeo Banogon married Noel Agner and they have one daughter named Biana Isabel.

Children of Virginia Borromeo Centeño:

  1. Valerie Borromeo Centeño married Barry and they have one son named Christopher Kyle.
  2. Bong Borromeo Centeño married Cherry and they have one daughter named Sophia Isabel.

Children of Joel Borromeo:

  1. Joel Antonio Borromeo II married Venus and they have one son named Joel Antonio Borromeo III.

Children of Hector Borromeo:

  1. Belinda Mira Borromeo married Attorney Joefrey Villahermosa and they have three children named Jelo, Vince and Pauline.

Children of Elwyn Borromeo:

  1. Elwyn Padillo Borromeo Jr. married Kring Cuizon.
  2. Tisha Marie Padillo Borromeo married Rein Catabay and they have one daughter named Justin.
  3. Siegfred (single).

Children of Marlene Solis Borromeo and Napoleon Gamalong, Sr.:

  1. Buena Flor Borromeo Gamalong: married and with three children Paulo Bienn, Viene Julienn and Venice Jann (January 2018).
  2. Mary Jane Borromeo Gamalong-Manalac: married and with three children Angela Camille, Abigail Marie and Ashley
  3. Marie Fe Borromeo Gamalong: married and with six children Ian van Darmic, Ivy Faye Diane, Ciandi Marie, Ansel Jeff, Edmond Jeff and Mareon Jeff
  4. Napoleon Borromeo Gamalong, Jr.: married and with three children Giovanni Marc, Trisha Gwynne and Brandon

Children of Rico Solis Borromeo:

  1. Chelo Borromeo is married to Mark Ozoa and they have one daughter named Samantha Katrina Borromeo Ozoa.
  2. Marijune Borromeo is married to Paul Ponce de Leon Hidalgo and they have one son named Joshua Paul Borromeo Hidalgo.

Ninth Generation: Cebuano Line
1. Edmond Morrow Borromeo (June 2, 1942 – August 25, 1995) and Leila Ang-Angco Paras (born June 29, 1938; 1st Marriage):

Tenth Generation
1. Edmond Gerard Paras Borromeo (March 29, 1968) and Josephine Nucom To (July 10, 1968): one daughter
2. Eileen Marie Paras Borromeo (April 7, 1970) and William Everitt Fulcher:

Eleventh Generation
1. Elyse Kelsey Borromeo Fulcher (October 8, 1993)
2. Luke

3. Emma

Ninth Generation
1. Edmond Morrow Borromeo (June 2, 1942 – August 25, 1995) and Evelyn Gonzaga (born July 31, 1951; 2nd Marriage):

Evelyn Gonzaga Borromeo married Kevin Anthony Cruz (born 1959) in 2002.

Tenth Generation
3. Diona Gonzaga Borromeo married to Steve Killgore and with two children named Nicholas Steven Killgore and Alexis Lenah Killgore.
4. Charles Edmond Gonzaga Borromeo (February 2, 1978)
5. Clint Edward Gonzaga Borromeo (February 9, 1981): married to Crystal Hemmerling and with two children named Aaliyah Mariee Hemmerling Borromeo and Christian Edward Hemmerling Borromeo.

Eighth Generation
2. Buenaventura Rallos Borromeo (July 14, 1904 – July 14, 1904): no issue.
3. Sister Rosario Rallos Borromeo (“Sister Marie Andrés” of the ICM; November 8, 1905 – October 16, 1988)
4. Sister Luz Caricia Rallos Borromeo (“Sister Marie Anunciacion” of the ICM; May 6, 1908 – October 19,1983)
5. Fe Antonieta Margarita Rallos Borromeo (June 1912 – April 2006) and Agripino Galo Querouz (1905 – 1973):

Ninth Generation
1. Marylynn Benjamina Borromeo Querouz (1943 – August 13, 2021) and Joseph Delano:

Tenth Generation
1. Joseph Ken Querouz Delano (1976)

Ninth Generation
2 and 3. Stillborn Twins (1944)
4. Achilles Andrés Abdon Borromeo Querouz (July 30, 1945 to December 28, 2025) and Paulita Bonghanoy (January 26, 1950):

Tenth Generation
1. Achilles Andrew Angelo Bonghanoy Querouz (June 9, 1971 – January 30, 2013) and Alma Grande:

Eleventh Generation
1. Ina Gabrielle “Naina” Grande Querouz (1995)
2. Andrew Pardillo Querouz (1999)

3. Mikaela

Tenth Generation
2. Achilles Andrés Aldous Bonghanoy Querouz (May 5, 1975) and Charmaine Espiritu (December 30)

Eleventh Generation

1. Isabella Sydney Espiritu Querouz (December 30, 2008)

Tenth Generation
3. Faye Pauleen Bonghanoy Querouz (October 29, 1977)

4. April Estrada Querouz (April 1)

5. Achelle-Liza “Bing Bing” Estrada Querouz (March 19)

6. Abigail Estrada Querouz

Ninth Generation
4. Fe Angelique Borromeo Querouz (1947 – January 11, 2022) and Aurelius Lagan, Jr.:

Tenth Generation
1. Marcus Aurelius Querouz Lagan (1983-February 21, 2025): married.

Eleventh Generation

1. Aureli Querouz (March 12, 2014)

Ninth Generation
5. Andrés Filomeno Borromeo Querouz (1950) and Susan Baldoza:

Tenth Generation

  1. Andrés Baldoza Querouz
    2. Rosalia Baldoza Querouz (1977)
    3. Maria Isadora Baldoza Querouz (1979)
    4. Francis Baldoza Querouz (1990)

Eighth Generation
6. Jesus Edmundo Rallos Borromeo (1917 – 1919): no issue.
7. Maria Benita Rallos Borromeo (March 1919 – February 2006) Lieutenant Colonel Leonil Torralba Atega (July 1, 1918 – January 14, 1995):

Ninth Generation
1. Maria Anunciacion Victoria Borromeo Atega (July 21, 1947)
2. Dorothea Socorro Natividad Borromeo Atega (September 3, 1951) and Vicente Sabarre Tan (1949):

Tenth Generation
1. Maria Christina Paula Atega Tan (1978) and Wyno Ugang:

Eleventh Generation
1. Wynne Paolo Tan Ugang (1997)
2. Angelica Tan Ugang (2005)

Tenth Generation
3. Matthew Atega Tan (1983) married 2011 to Kristine Bitong Minzero (1982): two daughters

Eleventh Generation

1. Denise Sophia Minzero Tan (born September 23, 2012)

2. Victoria Kate Minzero Tan (born October 1, 2019)

Ninth Generation
3. Vicente Francisco José Borromeo Atega (June 4, 1953) and Angelie Alice Rivera Ynclino (1954)

Eighth Generation
8. Hermenegilda Amor Victoria Rallos Borromeo (May 31, 1922 – August 26, 2015) and Wilfried Erich Rudolph Nonnenkamp (June 30, 1934 – July 11, 2025):

Ninth Generation
1. Marc Evan Borromeo Nonnenkamp (born June 15, 1962; author of this Genealogy with much information from Angelita Cabrera Borromeo)

Seventh Generation
2. José Ubaldo Borromeo y Reynes (October 21, 1881 – May 8, 1949), aged 67 years, and Remedios Rodriga de Borromeo (December 27, 1891 – September 25, 1935): aged 43 years:

Eighth Generation
1. Josefa Rodriga Borromeo and Nicolas Castaneda Capistrano:

Ninth Generation
1. Remedios Borromeo Capistrano (1935) and Christos Dovas:

Tenth Generation
1. Lara Capistrano Dovas (1969): married.
2. Tom Capistrano Dovas
3. Peter Capistrano Dovas

Ninth Generation
2. Mario Borromeo Capistrano (1938) and Elsie Musni:

Tenth Generation
1. Joseph Nicolas Musni Capistrano (1979)
2. Mario Musni Capistrano, Jr. (1981) married to Rachel Apostol-Capistrano

Eleventh Generation

1. Marion Alexa “Max” Capistrano (born November 11, 2012)

Tenth Generation
3. Marielle Cecille Musni Capistrano (1983)
4. Maria Theresa Musni Capistrano
5. Martin José Musni Capistrano

6. Maria Christina Victoria Musni Capistrano

7. Marcus Antonio Maria Musni Capistrano

8. Marinella Isabella Musni Capistrano

Seventh Generation
3. Matilde Borromeo y Reynes (March 14, 1883 – August 4,1946), aged 63 years: no issue.

Seventh Generation
4. Dr. Maximo Borromeo y Reynes (August 29, 1887 – July 31, 1948), aged 60 years, and Johanne Hofer de Borromeo (1912 – 1972):

Eighth Generation
1. Carolina Mercado Borromeo (November 4, 1917 – December 28, 2015) and Leandro Ocampo (1914-1977):

Ninth Generation
1. Ramon Mercado Ocampo (1942-1979) and Angeles Agrujo:

Tenth Generation
1. Pauline Agrujo Ocampo and Doctor John Wong: 3 children.
2. Maribel Agrujo Ocampo and Roly Paterno

Eleventh Generation
1. Beatriz Ocampo Paterno
2. Geo Ocampo Paterno

Tenth Generation
3. Anne Agrujo Ocampo
4. Reynaldo Agrujo Ocampo

Ninth Generation
2. Andres Leandro Mercado Ocampo (1944-deceased) and Carmen Polive

Tenth Generation
1. Michael Polive Ocampo
2. Gualberto Polive Ocampo
3. Virgil Polive Ocampo

Ninth Generation
3. Judith Mercado Ocampo (1946) and Alberto M. Soriano (1940-2014):

Tenth Generation
1. Joseph Ocampo Soriano (1969)
2. Maria Isabel Ocampo Soriano (1970)
3. Maria Christina Ocampo Soriano (1972)
4. Robert Ocampo Soriano (1974)

Eighth Generation
2. Sophie Gossinitser Borromeo: no issue.
3. Dr. Juanito Johnny Cairo Borromeo (February 26, 1936-May 26, 2025) and Juanita Abanasa Cairo (October 26, 1934 – October 25, 2006): 3 children.  Dr. Juanito Johnny Cairo Borromeo was the son of Dr. Maximo Borromeo y Reynes (1887-1948) and Teresa Mina Cairo (September 29, 1920 – October 26, 2000).

Ninth Generation (1st child):

  1. Melissa Abenasa Cairo Tualla (April 11, 1965) married to Domingo Tualla: 2 children

Tenth Generation

  1. Moonyeen Lynette Cairo Tualla
  2. Carl Junmiel Cairo Tualla

Ninth Generation (2nd child):

  1. Earl Max Abenasa Cairo (September 27, 1967) married to Wendilyn Peña: 7 children

Tenth Generation

  1. Mary Cathylyn Therese Peña Cairo
  2. Earl Norman Vincent Peña Cairo (shared the family tree of Dr. Juanito Johnny Cairo Borromeo with us)
  3. Sofia Therese Wendears Peña Cairo
  4. Princess Juliana Marie Peña Cairo
  5. Alika Daniella Peña Cairo
  6. Zeenrah Kate Ysabelle Peña Cairo
  7. Earl Zarren Kyle Peña Cairo

Ninth Generation (3rd child):

3. Dahlia Abenasa Cairo Cortes (November 17, 1969) married to Allan Cortes:

Tenth Generation

  1. Arian Daryll Cairo Cortes
  2. Darylyn Cairo Cortes
  3. Althea Cairo Cortes
  4. Allan Dave Cairo Cortes

Seventh Generation
5. Exequiel Borromeo y Reynes (April 10, 1889 – December 29, 1949), aged 60 years, and Josefa Neri de Borromeo (March 11, 1892 – September 10, 1974): aged 82 years:

Eighth Generation
1. Dr. Venustiano Heraclio José Neri Borromeo, Sr. and Ester Valencia (February 14, 1920 – June 23, 1953; first marriage):

Ninth Generation
1. Victor Valencia Borromeo
2. Carmelo “Bimbo” Valencia Borromeo and Mally Barrica

Tenth Generation
1. Chantal Barrica Borromeo married to Eric Boeckman
2. Christine Barrica Borromeo
3. Charity Barrica Borromeo

Ninth Generation
3. Anna Marie Valencia Borromeo

Eighth Generation
1. Dr. Venustiano Heraclio José Neri Borromeo, Sr. and Leonarda Estelle Samsel (second marriage):

Ninth Generation

4. Alexander Joseph Samsel Borromeo (born in 1958)
5. Venustiano Heraclio José Samsel Borromeo, Jr. (born in 1959)
6. Paul Vincent Samsel Borromeo (born in 1963)
7. Kara Nicole Samsel Borromeo

Eighth Generation
2. Flora Neri Borromeo and Pio Roa: no issue.
3. Dr. José Cecilio Neri Borromeo and wife: six children who in turn had 23 children who in turn had 5 children.

Eighth Generation
4. Mario Odon Neri Borromeo: no issue.
5. Mario Francisco Neri Borromeo (1922-2002) and Carolina Borromeo (1921-2010): twelve children who in turn had 13 children.

Eighth Generation
6. Deutelino Neri Borromeo (1929 – 1993): no issue
7. Carmen Neri Borromeo (July 16, 1929 to October 16, 2023) and Gregorio Fuentes Mercado (1926-1986): 4 children (Josefa, Antonio, Dennis Benedict and Irene Monica):

Ninth Generation
1. Josefa Jocelyn Borromeo Mercado married to Leopoldo Dizon, 2 children

Tenth Generation

1. Floren Gregory Mercado Dizon

2. Carmiel Mercado Dizon

Ninth Generation
2. Dr. Antonio Borromeo Mercado married to Marilee Olegario, 3 children

Tenth Generation

1. Carmel Loise Olegario Mercado

2. Marie Ann Olegario Mercado

3. Marie Tonica Olegario Mercado

Ninth Generation
3. Dennis Benedict Borromeo Mercado (born 1962; deceased) married to Ruby Dabon, 3 children

Tenth Generation

1. Dennis Benedict Dabon Mercado, Jr.

2. Alyssa Angeline Dabon Mercado

3. Joshua Gregory Dabon Mercado

Ninth Generation
4. Irene Monica Borromeo Mercado married to Ferdie Pabatao, 1 child

Tenth Generation

1. Therese Isabelle Mercado Pabatao

Seventh Generation
6. Canuto Octavio Borromeo y Reynes (January 19, 1891 – December 31, 1959), aged 68 years, and Pilar Noel de Borromeo (May 19, 1897 – June 12, 1977): aged 80 years.

Eighth Generation
1. Maria Soledad Noel Borromeo (1923-2011) and Cecilio Putong

Ninth Generation
1. Maria Cecelia Borromeo Putong and Richard Hermann

Tenth Generation
1. José Miguel Putong Hermann

Eighth Generation
2. Federico Noel Borromeo (1926 to December 31, 2023) and Josefina Vasquez (died February 10, 2014):

Ninth Generation
1. Gerardo A. Vasquez Borromeo (1959) and Ines Prieto

Tenth Generation
1. Sophia Prieto Borromeo
2. Andres Prieto Borromeo
3. Carlos Prieto Borromeo
4. Ines Prieto Borromeo

Ninth Generation
2. Ana Maria Vasquez Borromeo (1963)

Eighth Generation
3. José Noel Borromeo (1927 – August 17, 2021): no issue.
4. Consuelo Noel Borromeo and Ernesto Morales:

Ninth Generation
1. Alfonso “Sitos” Borromeo Morales married to Elvira Pavericio: one daughter

Tenth Generation

1. Thea Pavericio Morales (born December 4, 2011)

Ninth Generation
2. Maria Lourdes Borromeo Morales (deceased 1993) and José Maria Borromeo Cancio

Tenth Generation

1. Patricia Morales Cancio

Ninth Generation
3. Maria Asuncion Borromeo Morales and Ding Cajulis

Tenth Generation
1. Isabel Morales Cajulis
2. Cristina Morales Cajulis

Ninth Generation
4. Jose Maria Borromeo Morales
5. Luis Maria Ernesto Borromeo Morales and wife Monica

Eighth Generation
5. Canuto Noel Borromeo (February 14, 1935 – March 20, 1977) and Barbara Anne Scher Harvey

Ninth Generation
1. Bernadette Marie Harvey Borromeo and Eduardo Borromeo Gallego (4th degree cousins)

Tenth Generation
1. Mirella Isabel Borromeo Gallego
2. Eduardo Martin Borromeo Gallego

Ninth Generation
2. Marie Pilar Harvey Borromeo and Eduardo Martinez Miranda

Tenth Generation
1. Cecilia Angela Borromeo Miranda
2. Sebastian Borromeo Miranda
3. Ainara Borromeo Miranda
4. Paloma Borromeo Miranda

Ninth Generation
3. Angela Maria Harvey Borromeo and Hector Almario

Tenth Generation
1. Angela Pilar Borromeo Almario
2. Lorenzo Javier Borromeo Almario

Ninth Generation
4. Susanna Marie Harvey Borromeo and Timothy Milne

Tenth Generation
1. Margarita Pilar Borromeo Milne

Ninth Generation
5. Christina Marie Harvey Borromeo and José Maria D. Gaston (José is a direct descendant of Yves Leopold Germain Gaston, a Frenchman who settled on Negros in 1840.  He left his native Normandy for Mauritius, where he learned the rudiments of the then-young sugar industry.  He emigrated to the Philippines at the age of 30, and initially worked as a foreman on a Spanish-owned estate in the province of Batangas on Luzon.  He then settled on Negros and married a local Spanish lady).

Tenth Generation
1. Marianna Ines Borromeo Gaston
2. José Maria Canuto Borromeo Gaston
3. Enrique Miguel Borromeo Gaston

4. Sabina Teresa Borromeo Gaston

Ninth Generation
6. Canuto Benjamin Francisco Harvey Borromeo III (“Benji”) and Maria Tomei

Tenth Generation

1. Thalia Tomei Borromeo

Seventh Generation
7. Venustiano Borromeo y Reynes (1891-1891): no issue.
Seventh Generation 8. Patrocinio Borromeo y Herrera (November 13, 1892 – August 5, 1984), aged 91 years, and José Uy Herrera (son of the Chinese Nationalist Consul General of Cebu City):

Eighth Generation
1. Helene Borromeo Herrera and Constantino C. Navarro (Congressman from Surigao Province)

Ninth Generation
1. Constantino Herrera Navarro (late former Mayor of Surigao City) and Guia Antionette Legaspi Navarro: 4 Children

Tenth Generation

1. Constantino Legaspi Navarro III married to Grace Annabelle Such Navarro: 4 children

Eleventh Generation

1. Audrynne Castles Such Navarro

2. Cesar Constantino Such Navarro V

3. Cedric Constantine Such Navarro

4. Nelly Felyz Such Navarro

Tenth Generation

2. Elizabeth Navarro Arguelles married to Augusto Arguelles: 2 children

Eleventh Generation

1. Aliza Lianne Navarro Arguelles

2. Maria Aira Kharizza Navarro

Tenth Generation

3. Edward Vincent Legaspi Navarro married to Malaika Elena Navarro: 1 child

Eleventh Generation

1.Yaggy Eunice Navarro

Tenth Generation

4. Maria Helena Navarro Okol married to Miko Okol: 6 children

Eleventh Generation

1. Cyrene Alexis Navarro Okol

2. Sarah Nikolai Navarro Okol

3. Ryanne Antoinette Navarro Okol

4. Michele Angela Navarro Okol

5. Marie Ernestine Navarro Okol

6. Megan Navarro Okol

Ninth Generation
2. Marlene Herrera Navarro and Gil Garcia Moreno

Tenth Generation
1. Maria Margarita Gillene Navarro Moreno
2. Maria Rosario Helena Navarro Moreno

3. Gil Maria Gerardo Navarro Moreno

Ninth Generation
3. Conshele Herrera Navarro and Dr. Antonio Garcia: 2 children.

Tenth Generation
1. Carmel Navarro Garcia

Ninth Generation
4. Rora Herrera Navarro (retired former Philippine Ambassador to France, Thailand and Australia) and Abelardo Tolentino: 3 children.

Tenth Generation

1. Kara Alexandra Navarro Tolentino and first husband Louie Talan:

Eleventh Generation

1. Joaquin Luis Tolentino Talan

Tenth Generation

1. Kara Alexandra Navarro Tolentino and second husband Virgil Prieto:

Eleventh Generation

2. Rocio Ines Tolentino Prieto

3. Paloma Lucia Tolentino Prieto

Tenth Generation

2. Farah Karmela Navarro Tolentino and Eric Ylagan

Eleventh Generation

1. Mia Lara Celine Tolentino Ylagan

2. Cristiana Emmanuelle Tolentino Ylagan

Tenth Generation

3. Abelardo Constantino Navarro Tolentino

Ninth Generation
5. Antonio Herrera Navarro: no issue

Eighth Generation
2. Milagros Borromeo Herrera (1922 to September 10, 2020) and Alfredo B. Cañares

Ninth Generation
1. Eduardo Herrera Cañares (December 17, 1952-August 28, 2002): married to Hendina Lopez Cui (January 21, 1950-December 6, 1998), 4 sons:

Tenth Generation

1. Jonathan Cui Cañares (June 16, 1972) married to Zeny Billiones Gabunada

Eleventh Generation

1. Sheila Mae Gabunada Cañares (May 10, 1993)

Tenth Generation

2. Stephen Cui Cañares (September 29, 1975) married to Janine Batobalonos Cañoneo

Eleventh Generation

1. Jannie Thea Cañoneo Cañares (May 26, 1998)

2. Steven Marc Cañoneo Cañares (January 17, 2001)

Tenth Generation

3. Emmanuel Cui Cañares (December 7, 1976)

4. Donald Cui Cañares (December 7, 1976) married to Chandel Isidro Ramos

Eleventh Generation

1. Don Lorenz Ramos Cañares (June 7, 2003)

Eighth Generation
3. Jesus Borromeo Herrera: no issue.
4. Eterio Borromeo Herrera Sr. and Marina Teves Herrera McCarthy (died December 26, 2009):

Ninth Generation
1. May Teves Herrera and Adam Brand
2. Evangeline Teves Herrera and Horacio Palou Borromeo (4th degree cousins)

Tenth Generation
1. Michael Brian Herrera Borromeo

Ninth Generation
3. Meneleo Teves Herrera and Milagros Sendo

Tenth Generation
1. Marlon Sendo Herrera
2. Mark Sendo Herrera
3. Melissa Sendo M. Herrera

Ninth Generation
4. Laurente Teves Herrera and Evangeline Lucino

Tenth Generation
1. Osline Lucino Herrera
2. Maria Josephine Lucino Herrera (born May 11, 1984) married to John-Christopher Guerra (born August 7, 1982): 2 children.

Eleventh Generation

1. Jeremy Christian Herrera Guerra (born January 20, 2011)

2. Jasmine Mariella Herrera Guerra (born May 26, 2012)

Tenth Generation
3. James John Lucino Herrera
4. Andrew Lucino Herrera

Ninth Generation
5. Eterio “Terry” Teves Herrera and Myrthel Brandes Herrera

Tenth Generation
1. Jerrold Brandes Herrera
2. James Allen Brandes Herrera
3. Nicholus “Nikki” Brandes Herrera

Eighth Generation
5. Lisinio “Nene” Borromeo Herrera (died February 26, 2012) and Tetang del Rio: eight children.

Ninth Generation
1. Ernesto del Rio Borromeo Herrera
2. Marie Angeline del Rio Borromeo Herrera: married, 1 married child (Tenth Generation).
3. Marie Susan del Rio Borromeo Herrera
4. Marie Asuncion del Rio Borromeo Herrera
5. Anthony del Rio Borromeo Herrera
6. Catherine “Cat” del Rio Borromeo Herrera
7. Rosemarie del Rio Borromeo Herrera
8. Gerardo Ronnie del Rio Borromeo Herrera

Eighth Generation
6. Dr. Rodolfo Borromeo Herrera (September 20, 1928 – May 18, 2023) and Monina Garcia Herbosa (Granddaughter of José Rizal)

Ninth Generation
1. Ana Marie Herbosa Herrera (1969) married to Anton Huang
2. Robertino Herbosa Herrera (1970) married to Maria Clavele “Maia” Martinez
3. Margarita Herbosa Herrera (1972) married to Michael Brady: two children.

Tenth Generation

1. Jamie Herrera Brady

2. Justin Herrera Brady

Eighth Generation
7. Caridad Borromeo Herrera (July 19, 1929) and John Harris Suchman (October 5, 1932-December 8, 2022):

Ninth Generation
1. Rachel Herrera Suchman (1966) and Ernest Csak

Tenth Generation
1. Veronica Marie Suchman Csak
2. Natalie Rose Suchman Csak
3. Gregory Suchman Csak

Ninth Generation
2. Deborah Herrera Suchman (1968) and George Zeolla

Tenth Generation
1. Paolo Alessandro Suchman Zeolla
2. Luca Pietro Suchman Zeolla

Seventh Generation
9. Salud Borromeo y Reynes (September 7, 1898 – November 30, 1969): Aged 71 years. Note: this is the conclusion of the Reynes de Borromeo Line.

Sixth Generation
3. Julian Borromeo y Galan (1853-January 18, 1919): died aged 66 years; no issue.
4. Florentina Borromeo y Galan (1853): no issue.
5. Aniceta Borromeo y Galan (1854) and Francisco Ocampo (1849)

Seventh Generation
1. Aurora Ocampo y Borromeo (1873): no issue

Sixth Generation
6. Pantaleon Borromeo y Galan (1855) and Remigia Pulaire de Borromeo (1860)

Seventh Generation
1. Ismaela Borromeo y Pulaire (1885) married to Escolastico Morre

Eighth Generation
1. Lilia Borromeo Morre and Teopisto Tabotabo

Ninth Generation
1. Dr. Armando Morre Tabotabo
2. Merardo Morre Tabotabo
3. Cesar Morre Tabotabo
4. Lorena Morre Tabotabo
5. Evelyn Morre Tabotabo

Eighth Generation
2. Patricia Borromeo Morre and Husband

Ninth Generation
1. Napoleon Morre Ranario
2. Alexander Morre Ranario
3. Maria Ofelia Morre Ranario
4. Chester Morre Ranario
5. Marian Morre Ranario

Eighth Generation
3. Aurora Borromeo Morre married to Manuel Infante Borromeo: two children

Ninth Generation
1. Norma Morre Borromeo (deceased January 9, 2008) married to Dionisio Guevarra Venzon, Jr.

Tenth Generation

1. Jennifer Borromeo Venzon married to Elmer Enerio Aque

Eleventh Generation

1. Edman Josh Venzon Aque

2. Beatriz Faith Venzon Aque

Tenth Generation

2. Dionisio Borromeo Venzon III married to Princess Abrigo Austria

Eleventh Generation

1. Harold Efrain Austria Venzon

2. Thomas Harvey Austria Venzon

3. Norman Hill Austria Venzon

Tenth Generation

3. Mary Ann Borromeo Venzon married to Vergel Elacion Misola

Eleventh Generation

1. Jazmine Aubrey Venzon Misola
Ninth Generation

2. Josephine Morre Borromeo (deceased) married to Leonardo Palicte III

Tenth Generation

1. Leo Jamal Borromeo Palicte

2. Joshua Borromeo Palicte

3. Jessamine Faith Borromeo Palicte

Eighth Generation
4. Rosario Borromeo Morre and Alfredo Gatchalian, Sr.

Ninth Generation
1. Rodolfo Morre Gatchalian
2. Alfredo Morre Gatchalian Jr.

Eighth Generation
5. Isagani Borromeo Morre: no issue.
6. Lamberto Borromeo Morre: no issue.
7. Floro Borromeo Morre: no issue.

Seventh Generation
2. Crispin Borromeo y Pulaire (1891-1972) and wife Petra Ozaraga de Borromeo (1900-1994)

Eighth Generation
Jose Ozaraga Borromeo (1938-2013) – Only child and wife Sela Quijano de Borromeo (1939)
Ninth Generation
1. Joesel Quijano Borromeo (1960) and wife Cyd Therese Acosta de Borromeo (1965)
Tenth Generation
1. Jo Trescha Acosta Borromeo (1992)
2. Selcy Mae Acosta Borromeo (1993)
Ninth Generation
2. Martonette Quijano Borromeo (1962)
3. Marjoe Anthony Quijano Borromeo (1967) and wife Maria Stella Tonggao de Borromeo (1969)
Tenth Generation
1. Steony Tonggao Borromeo (1992)
2. Marjoe Anthony Tonggao Borromeo II (1993)

Eighth Generation
1. Agapito Borromeo: no issue.

Seventh Generation
3. Teofilo Borromeo y Pulaire (1889) and Remedios Cuenco de Borromeo (1894)

Eighth Generation
1. Jose Cuenco Borromeo and Filomena Rusiana de Borromeo

Ninth Generation
1. Rosario Rusiana Borromeo married to Melvin Gonzaga

Tenth Generation

  1. Maria Christina Borromeo Gonzaga married to Hamilton
  2. Rommel Borromeo Gonzaga

Ninth Generation
2. Victor Emmanuel Rusiana Borromeo, Sr. married to Araneta

Tenth Generation

  1. Maria Emmalyn Araneta Borromeo married to Romy Boquilla

Eleventh Generation

  1. Romy Borromeo Boquilla, Jr.
  2. Raehna Elexis Borromeo Boquilla

Tenth Generation

  1. Emmanuelle Remie Borromeo married to Barcelona

Eleventh Generation

  1. Adrian Borromeo Barcelona

Ninth Generation
3. Fatima Rusiana Borromeo married to Noli Tindoc
4. Grace Rusiana Borromeo married to Vic Cruz

Tenth Generation

  1. Jennifer Borromeo Cruz married to Kevin Dougherty
  2. Elizabeth Borromeo Cruz

Ninth Generation
5. Angelica Rusiana Borromeo divorced from Wrobel

Tenth Generation

  1. Andrew Borromeo Wrobel

Sixth Generation
6. Pantaleon Borromeo y Galan (1855) and Francisca Good de Borromeo (1870): 2nd marriage.

Seventh Generation
1. Francisco Borromeo y Good (1895) and Husband

Eighth Generation
1. Teobaldo Borromeo: no issue.

Seventh Generation
2. Patricio Borromeo y Good (1897): married.

Eighth Generation
1. Ananias Borromeo and wife Eleuteria Mendoza-Borromeo:

Ninth Generation

1. Antonio Mendoza Borromeo and wife Raquel:

Tenth Generation

1. Tonyquiel Borromeo

2. Antonet Borromeo

Ninth Generation

2. Wilfredo Mendoza Borromeo and wife Marisa:

Tenth Generation

1. Wilnor Borromeo-Giles (resides in Houston, Texas)

2. Wilma Borromeo

3. Fredymar Borromeo

4. Maricris Borromeo

5. Wilfredo Borromeo, Jr.

6. Warly Borromeo

7. Jovie Borromeo

8. Lanie Borromeo

Ninth Generation

3. Jennifer Mendoza Borromeo and husband Ismael Cano:

Tenth Generation

1. Marian Celeste Borromeo Cano-Ticsay:

Eleventh Generation

1. Chelsea Ann Shanice Cano-Ticsay

2. Christien Kyle Cano-Ticsay

3. Chadrick Rawnsley Cano-Ticsay

4. Najla Kirsten Cano-Ticsay

Tenth Generation

2. Marie Stella Borromeo Cano

3. Melvin Borromeo Cano and wife Ruth Malabanan:

Eleventh Generation

1. Dustyn Kurt Malabanan Cano

Ninth Generation

4. Rory Yul Mendoza Borromeo and wife Grace Garcia:

Tenth Generation

1. Diorelle Concepcion Garcia Borromeo and husband Faustino Salvan

2. Ryal Grae Garcia Borromeo

Ninth Generation

5. Joni Mendoza Borromeo-Menosa and husband:

Tenth Generation

1. Kirsten May Borromeo Menosa

Ninth Generation

6. Judith Mendoza Borromeo-Calabocal and husband Pedro Calabocal, Sr:

Tenth Generation

1. Pedro Borromeo Calabocal, Jr.

2. Patricia Nichole Borromeo Calabocal

3. Patrick Borromeo Calabocal

Ninth Generation

7. Jacqueline Mendoza Borromeo:

Tenth Generation

1. Rachel Borromeo and husband Rocky Villanueva:

Eleventh Generation

1. Grace Borromeo Villanueva

Tenth Generation

2. Ralph Borromeo

Ninth Generation

8. Joan Mendoza Borromeo and husband Cliff Grant (residing in California):

Tenth Generation

1. Brandon Borromeo Grant

2. Tyler Borromeo Grant

3. Lailanie Borromeo Grant

Ninth Generation

9. Jocelyn Mendoza Borromeo:

Tenth Generation

1. Jerel Borromeo

2. Jekrey Borromeo

3. Mia Borromeo

Ninth Generation

10. Victor Mendoza Borromeo and wife Joan:

Tenth Generation

1. Nina Gavrieljh Borromeo

2. Vien Carlo Borromeo

3. Tyron Troy Borromeo

4. Wyeth Ken Borromeo

5. John Victor Borromeo

Eighth Generation
2. Basilia Borromeo: no issue.

Sixth Generation
7. Cosme Borromeo y Galan (1857) and Petronila Guerrero de Borromeo (1862)

Seventh Generation
1. Marcial Borromeo y Guerrero (1883) and Rosario Cabrera de Borromeo (1888): Marcial created the first extensive Borromeo genealogy in the Philippines before World War Two, linking the Borromeo clans of Cebu, Negros, Panay and Cavite (Luzon).  This document was lost or destroyed during the Second World War.

Eighth Generation
1. Cosme Borromeo (born in 1909) and Corazon Borromeo: 2 children who in turn had 5 children who in turn had 8 children, who in turn had one child.

Eighth Generation
2. Tomas Luis Cabrera Borromeo (born in 1910) and Carmen Fargas Barredo (August 28, 1912 – 1997):

Ninth Generation
1. Maria Pilar Barredo Borromeo (October 12, 1938-December 12, 2019) and Carl Garmsen (deceased):

Tenth Generation
1. Patricia Borromeo Garmsen (1967): married, three children.
2. Carl Borromeo Garmsen

Ninth Generation
2. Gabriela Maria Cristina Barredo Borromeo (January 20, 1940-April 06, 2025) and Silverio Berenguer; 3 children.

Tenth Generation
1. Tomas “Tom” Borromeo Berenguer married to Bernice Gamboa: 1 son.

Eleventh Generation

1. Isabella Marie Gamboa Berenguer

Tenth Generation

2. Ramon Borromeo Berenguer
3. Maria Elena Borromeo Berenguer: married.

Ninth Generation
3. Maria Juliana Irene Barredo Borromeo (1941) and Marcos Aragon Sr. (first husband):

Tenth Generation
1. Maria Del Carmen Borromeo Aragon (1962) and Jaime Andrada
2. Ana Maria Milagros Borromeo Aragon (1963) and Poncy Quirino

Eleventh Generation
1. Justin Aragon Quirino
2. Miguel Aragon Quirino

Tenth Generation
3. Maria Delos Angeles Borromeo Aragon (1964) and Peanuts Agcaoili

Eleventh Generation
1. Nicole Aragon Agcaoili
2. Francine Aragon Agcaoili

Tenth Generation
4. Marcos Borromeo Aragon (1966) and Wife Joanne: 2 sons and 2 daughters
5. Francisco Borromeo Aragon (1968) and Wife: 1 daughter

Ninth Generation
3. Maria Juliana Irene Barredo Borromeo (1941) and David Roche (second husband):

Tenth Generation
6. Valerie Borromeo Roche-Ungaro (1980) and Guillano Ungaro

Ninth Generation
4. Maria Rosa Redenta Barredo Borromeo (July 23, 1942-October 25, 2025) and Hans Peter Rieth:

Tenth Generation
1. Julius Anthony “Jaky” Khali Borromeo Rieth (1967) married to Karen Grace De Leon

Eleventh Generation

  1. Cassandra Elise De Leon Rieth (born June 2, 2016)

Ninth Generation
5. José Vito Miguel Francisco Barredo Borromeo (1943) and Mary Anne Luis Borromeo (died on June 19, 2013):

Tenth Generation
1. José Vito Nicholas Borromeo, Jr. and Maria Victoria Ortigas

Eleventh Generation
1. Arianna Ortigas Borromeo
2. Francisco Ortigas Borromeo

3. Anna Mireya Ortigas Borromeo

Tenth Generation
2. Ricardo “Rick” Borromeo (born January 24th, 1974)
3. Alexander Borromeo
4. Ana Marie Borromeo

Ninth Generation
6. Marcial “Lito” Alfonso Barredo Borromeo (1949-February 11, 2014) : no issue.
7. Maria Cecilia Felicitas Barredo Borromeo (1950) and Servais Lutz

Tenth Generation
1. Marie Madelen Borromeo Lutz and Husband Tomas: 2 sons
2. Paul-Alexandre Borromeo Lutz married to Sabrina Vicente: one son

Eleventh Generation

1. Micah Vicente Lutz

Tenth Generation
3. Charles André Borromeo Lutz
4. Jean Philippe Borromeo Lutz

Ninth Generation
8. Tomas Clemente Barredo Borromeo (1951) and Gina Berkenkotter:

Tenth Generation
1. Joseph Berkenkotter Borromeo

Ninth Generation
9. Miguel Angelo Valentino Barredo Borromeo (born February 14, 1954) and wife Maria Corazon Manal Borromeo (born August 25, 1951 and died September 28, 2009):

Tenth Generation
1. Karen Kate Manal Borromeo

Ninth Generation
10. Maria Victoria Paz Barredo Borromeo (1959) and Jose Sanchez Jr:

Tenth Generation
1. Rafael Borromeo Sanchez
2. Maria Cristina Borromeo Sanchez

Eighth Generation
3. Angelita Cabrera Borromeo (born on August 24, 1911 and died on February 22, 2011)
4. Josefina Cabrera Borromeo and Graciano Neri:

Ninth Generation
1. Victoria Borromeo Neri: 3 children.
2. Graciano Borromeo Neri: 3 children.
3. Ramon Borromeo Neri: 5 children.
4. Maria Teresa Borromeo Neri: 3 children.

Eighth Generation
5. Maria Cabrera Borromeo and Jose Reunilla:

Ninth Generation
1. Jorge Borromeo Reunilla and Nina Lorenzo (1951): two daughters and one son.
2. Jose Borromeo Reunilla: married and 2 children, one of whom (Maria Celine Reunilla Akstin) is married.
3. Luis Borromeo Reunilla: married; 1 child.
4. Antonio Marie Borromeo Reunilla: no issue.
5. Miguel Borromeo Reunilla: no issue.

Eighth Generation
6. Prescillano Cabrera Borromeo and Lourdes Fargas: 4 children who in turn had 4 children.

Eighth Generation
7. Domingo Cabrera Borromeo: no issue.

Seventh Generation
2. Jose Borromeo y Guerrero (1885): no issue.
3. Carlos Borromeo y Guerrero (1887) and Mivela Talam de Borromeo (1892):

Eighth Generation
1. Amelinda Talam Borromeo: no issue.

Seventh Generation
4. Carmen Borromeo y Guerrero (1889):

Eighth Generation
1. Amelia Borromeo: no issue.

Seventh Generation
5. Asuncion Borromeo y Guerrero (1891): no issue.
6. Florentina Borromeo y Guerrero (1893): no issue.
7. Emilio Borromeo y Guerrero (1895) and Rosario Alvarez de Borromeo (1900):

Eighth Generation
1. Amelia Alvarez Borromeo: no issue.
2. Emilio Alvarez Borromeo Jr., married to Ligaya Jurado Borromeo: 3 children, including Emilio Borromeo III.

Ninth Generation

1. Emilio Enrique “Jun” Jurado Borromeo III married to Maria Corazon Nocum de Borromeo: 5 children.

Tenth Generation

1. Elaine Nocum Borromeo: 5 children.

Eleventh Generation

1. Kenneth

2. Kristopher Klein

3. Kyle

4. Kyla Katrina

5. Kelvin Eugene

Tenth Generation

2. Marie Emmelyn Nocum Borromeo: 2 children.

Eleventh Generation

1. Cynthia Roselyn

2. Lauren

Tenth Generation

3. Edmon Darwin Nocum Borromeo: 6 children.

Eleventh Generation

1. Jusine Eunice

2. Jeanne Edelaine

3. Eric

4. E.J.

5. Elyka

6. Echilles

Tenth Generation

4. Evangeline Nocum Borromeo married to Jonathan Nacionales: 3 children.

Eleventh Generation

1. Kiel Borromeo Nacionales

2. Nuel Borromeo Nacionales

3. Elyssa Borromeo Nacionales

Tenth Generation

5. Marie Eileen Nocum Borromeo

Ninth Generation

2. Cynthia Rosa Jurado Borromeo Salvador

Tenth Generation

1. Ramonito Luis “Boojie” Borromeo Salvador (deceased)

2. Ramonito Luis “Lloyd” Borromeo Salvador: 2 children.

Eleventh Generation

1. Lloyd, Jr.

2. Destiny

Ninth Generation

3. Patricia Aurea Jurado Borromeo married to Relioso “Rolly” Matreo

Tenth Generation

1. Patrick Borromeo Matreo

2. Lyle Borromeo Matreo

Ninth Generation

4. Maria Theresa Jurado Borromeo married to Nicanor Murriel

Tenth Generation

1. Ryan Kalvin Borromeo Murriel: married.

2. Nikki Gayle Borromeo Murriel

3. Maricar Monique Borromeo Murriel

Eighth Generation

3. Eduardo Alvarez Borromeo: no issue.
4. Corazon Alvarez Borromeo: one son.

Ninth Generation

1. Peter Homer Borromeo Martin married to Marissa Macalanda:

Tenth Generation

1. John Vincent Macalanda Martin

2. Michael Angelo Macalanda Martin

3. Ivan Christian Macalanda Martin

4. Samson Macalanda Martin

5. Margaret Timmy Macalanda Martin

Sixth Generation
7. Vito Borromeo y Galan (1859-1947) and Juliana Evangelista de Borromeo (1864-1946):

Seventh Generation
1. Manuel Jose Borromeo y Evangelista (1889): no issue.

Carl Ernest Borromeo Santos of Maryland, USA wrote in to our site and gave information stating that Don Vito Borromeo y Galan had one (1) biological son named (Attorney) Fortunato Borromeo who was born out of wedlock.  Fortunato is the deceased grandfather of Carl Ernest Borromeo Santos.  Fortunato was married and had six children – three daughters and three sons.  These children are Juanita Borromeo (permanently residing in England), Maribel Borromeo (permanently residing in the USA), Elvira Borromeo Maguad (married to a Nephrologist Dr. Ruben Maguad in Cebu), Mariano Montero Borromeo, Antonino Borromeo (permanently residing in Canada) and Julian Borromeo.  Carl Ernest Borromeo Santos has one older brother named Christopher “Chris” Evangelo Borromeo Santos who works as a physical therapist in New York and one sister named Christine Marie Santos who is also a US citizen.

Carl Ernest Borromeo Santos wrote into our site yet again on August 8, 2017 with further information about his branch of the extended Borromeo family of Cebu City.  He has an aunt named “Lady Juanita Borromeo” who resides in the United Kingdom (UK).  Juanita is a sister of Carl’s mother Maribel Borromeo Santos.  Juanita was married to the late Sir Giles Gervais Tennyson d’Eyncourt, 4th Baronet (he lived from 1935-1989).  Juanita thus became Lady Giles Gervais Tennyson d’Eyncourt, part of the nobility in the UK.  Sir Giles and Lady Giles had one son named Sir Mark Gervais Tennyson d’Eyncourt, 5th Baronet (born in 1967).  This indicates that Sir Mark is the 5th generation to carry the noble title of Baronet in his family line in the UK.  Here is a link to information about Sir Mark in the Peerage of the UK:

Sixth Generation
8. Quirino Borromeo y Galan (1861): no issue.
9. Trinidad Borromeo y Galan (1863): no issue.
10. Paulo Borromeo y Galan (1865) and Anaclita Luminario de Borromeo (1870):

Seventh Generation
1. Pedro Borromeo y Luminario (1895): no issue.

Fifth Generation

II. Florentino Borromeo y Feliz (born 1825; father of the thin line (mga daut or mga niwang). Married (wife’s surname was Rosa); two sons (Juan and one other).

Sixth Generation
1. Juan Borromeo y Rosa (1850) and Paulina Veloso de Borromeo (1855): 16 children.

Seventh Generation
1. Dr. Angelo Veloso Borromeo (1880)
2. Rdo. P. Casto Veloso Borromeo (1882): Catholic priest.
3. Luis Veloso Borromeo (1884): Merchant and Vaudeville Pianist. Married, 2 children. Died poor of Tuberculosis.

Eighth Generation
1. Geraldina Borromeo

Seventh Generation
4. Juan Veloso Borromeo Jr. (1886 – 1902): Died at age 16.
5. Catalino Veloso Borromeo (1887 – 1907): Catholic subdeacon, died at age 20.
6. Dr. Jose Maria Veloso Borromeo (March 3, 1888): married to and separated from a Noel, 7 children.

Eighth Generation
1. Nenita Noel Borromeo
2. Ramon Noel Borromeo
3. Lolita Noel Borromeo
4. Milagros Noel Borromeo
5. Manuel Noel Borromeo married to Priscilla Santos Manalang: 3 children.

Ninth Generation

  1. José Roberto Manalang Borromeo married to Patrcia Monsod: 2 children.

Tenth Generation

  1. Gabrielle Monsod Borromeo
  2. Jude Monsod Borromeo

Ninth Generation

  1.  Manuel Manalang Borromeo
  2. Anna Cristina Manalang Borromeo: 4 children.

Tenth Generation

  1. Manuel Antonio Borromeo Rivera
  2. Martin José Borromeo Barroga
  3. Anna Mikaela Borromeo
  4. Francesca Maxine Borromeo Magadan

Eighth Generation

6. José Maria Noel Borromeo Jr.

7. Luis Noel Borromeo married to Remedios “Nena” Marcaida:

Ninth Generation

1. Luis Miguel “Luigi” Marcaida Borromeo

2. Carlos Marcaida Borromeo

3. Vincent Raphael “Vino” Marcaida Borromeo

4. Maria Margarita “Maita” Marcaida Borromeo married to Ole Bjorn Stole

Seventh Generation
7. Justice Fortunato “Atong” Veloso Borromeo (1890) married to Mercedes “Ding” Neri: Lawyer and judge, also known as “Papa Tong.”

Eighth Generation
1. Imelda Neri Borromeo (deceased) married to Dr. Gregorio Cancio: married, 9 children.

Ninth Generation

  1. Gregorio Borromeo Cancio married to Paulette Doria: 3 children.
  2. Salvador Borromeo Cancio married to Nina: 2 children (in Valencia, California).
  3. Maria Pacencia “Marie” Borromeo Cancio: single.
  4. Louie Borromeo Cancio married to Gigi Guidoti Reyes: 4 children.
  5. Imelda Jr. “Mel” Borromeo Cancio married to Jose Guidoti Reyes
  6. Emmanuel “Manny” Borromeo Cancio married to Gemma: 4 children.
  7. Jose Mari Borromeo Cancio married to Nina Borromeo Morales (deceased): 1 daughter.  Jose Mari Borromeo Cancio married to Pinky Marquez (second marriage): 2 children.

Tenth Generation

  1. Patricia Morales Cancio

Ninth Generation

8.   Maria Mercedes Borromeo Cancio married to Dr. Jonel Cruz: 3 children.

9.  Margrethe “Gret” Borromeo Cancio married to Marcelo Nolasco Fernan II: 2 children.

Tenth Generation

  1. Marcelo “Marc” Cancio Fernan III
  2. Rina Cancio Fernan

Eighth Generation
2. Jesus Neri Borromeo (deceased) married to Florinda “Baby” Saguin: 5 children.

Ninth Generation

  1. Mercedes “Mercy” Saguin Borromeo married to Dr. Gerry Pangilinan: 3 boys (in Vero Beach, Florida)
  2. Fortunato “Nonong” Saguin Borromeo married to Annie Alino: 3 daughters.
  3. Peter Saguin Borromeo married to Joy: 5 children.
  4. Paul Saguin Borromeo married and with one daughter (in Houston, Texas).
  5. Carmelita “Mita” Saguin Borromeo: single.

Eighth Generation

  1. Angelita Neri Borromeo married to Celso Gallego: 5 children.

Ninth Generation

  1. Ana Maria “Annette” Borromeo Gallego: single.
  2. Eduardo Borromeo Gallego married to Bernadette Harvey Borromeo: 2 children.
  3. Jaime Borromeo Gallego married to Malou Garcia: 4 children (in Toronto, Canada).
  4. Maria Teresa “Marites” Borromeo Gallego married to Jose “Jojo” Lipardo: 3 children.
  5. Ruben Borromeo Gallego married to Lisa: one son.

Eighth Generation
3. Benjamin Neri Borromeo (deceased) married to Flora Villacarlos. Owner of Cebu Grand Hotel (Escario Street).

Ninth Generation
1. Dindo Villacarlos Borromeo separated from Lisette Escaño Garcia: 2 children.

Tenth Generation

  1. Ian Garcia Borromeo
  2. Alesa Garcia Borromeo

Ninth Generation
2. Camille Villacarlos Borromeo married to Alan Suarez: 3 children.

Tenth Generation

  1. Carlo Borromeo Suarez
  2. Andre Borromeo Suarez
  3. Aleena Borromeo Suarez

Eighth Generation
4. Mercedes “Merceditas” Neri Borromeo married to Luis R. “Sitoy” Alvarez: 6 children.

Ninth Generation

  1. Mercedes “Merche” Borromeo Alvarez married to Gerry Castro: 2 daughters.
  2. Jose Mari Borromeo Alvarez: died one day after birth.
  3. Maria Luisa “Marita” Borromeo Alvarez married to Raul Arambulo: 2 children.  Marita is the General Manager of the Cebu Mactan Costabella Hotel and the President of the Montebello Villa Hotel.
  4. Maria Angeles “Mariles” Borromeo Alvarez married to Marco Nable: 5 children.

Tenth Generation

  1. Enzo Alvarez Nable
  2. Andrea Alvarez Nable
  3. Monica Alvarez Nable
  4. Niccolo Alvarez Nable
  5. Gabriel Alvarez Nable

Ninth Generation

5. Maria Socorro “Marisse” Borromeo Alvarez married to Francis Sy: 3 children.

  1. Luis Martin “Lui” Borromeo Alvarez married to Hazel Trinidad: 2 children.

Tenth Generation

  1. Anton Trinidad Alvarez
  2. Isabel Trinidad Alvarez

Eighth Generation

5. Father Rafael Neri Borromeo: Roman Catholic Priest.
6. Zelia Neri Borromeo: unmarried.

  1. Amparo “Amparito” Neri Borromeo married to Amando Guilatco: 9 children (in Pleasant Hill, California).

Ninth Generation

  1. Jose “Joselito” Borromeo Guilatco: married and with 2 children.
  2. Amando “Mandy” Borromeo Guilatco, Jr. married to Jenny: 3 children.
  3. Gemma Borromeo Guilatco married to Ponti Lacanlale: 3 children.
  4. Rafael “Peanuts” Borromeo Guilatco married to Sonny: 2 children.
  5. Beatriz “Bettina” Borromeo Guilatco married to John Santos: 4 children.
  6. Gerard Borromeo Guilatco married to Angel: one daughter named Sophia (in Houston, Texas)
  7. Gina Borromeo Guilatco: married and living in the USA.
  8. Ramon “Moncho” Borromeo Guilatco: married with one child and living in the USA.
  9. Christina “Tiny” Borromeo Guilatco: single (in Pleasant Hill, California).

Eighth Generation
8. Francisco “Paquito” Neri Borromeo (deceased in July 2011) married to Normal Songfo: 2 children.  Manager of Cebu Montebello Hotel.

Ninth Generation

  1. Fabian “Fabby” Songfo Borromeo married to Christine Sy: one son named Pacqui.
  2. John Songfo Borromeo married to Ann: 3 children (in New York City).

Eighth Generation
9. Corazon “Zony” Neri Borromeo and Ramon Abello Escario: two daughters.

Ninth Generation

1. Corito Borromeo Escario married to Dr. Joseph S. Yu: five children.

Tenth Generation

1. Christoff Escario Yu

2. Mikel Escario Yu

3. Manou Escario Yu

4. Sebas Escario Yu

5. Aina Escario Yu

Ninth Generation

2. Janice Doreen Borromeo Escario married to Christopher L. King

Ninth Generation (belonging to which line above)?
1. Reneirio Borromeo?: Journalist
2. Edward Borromeo?: Motorbike Rental
3. Esther Borromeo?: Realtor
4. Patricia Borromeo: Model
5. Federico Borromeo: Manila Country Club

Seventh Generation
8. Ramon Veloso Borromeo (1892): Civil engineer, married to Rosario “Nena” Gomez of Pangasinan, Laguna Province.

Eighth Generation

1.  Fé Gomez Borromeo (died in childhood)

2.  Casto Gomez Borromeo, married to Amelia Nicolas y Gallardo (from Laoag, Ilocos Norte)

Ninth Generation

1.  Lourdes Borromeo y Nicolas, married to Raoul Pestana

Tenth Generation

1.  Kathleen John Pestana

2.  Kristofer Pilar Pestana

3.  Francis Orestes Pestana

Ninth Generation

2.  Gabriel Antonio Borromeo y Nicoloas (deceased)

3.  Juan Casto Borromeo y Nicolas, married to Ludivina de Guzman

Tenth Generation

1.  Jon de Guzman Borromeo

2.  Gerard de Guzman Borromeo

3.  Julia de Guzman Borromeo

Ninth Generation

4.  Ramon Borromeo y Nicolas, married to Maria Lourdes D. Viñas

Tenth Generation

1.  Franco Enrique Viñas Borromeo

Seventh Generation

9. Dr. Antonio Veloso Borromeo (1894): married to Consuelo Roxas (first wife)

Eighth Generation

1. Miguelito Roxas Borromeo: emigrated to Australia

2. Rosario Borromeo Pulido (deceased)

3. Carlos Roxas Borromeo (deceased)

Ninth Generation

1. Corazon Borromeo Castillo: 2 children

2. Cecilia Borromeo

3. Carmelita Borromeo Tan: 2 children

4. Carlota Borromeo: 2 children

5. Carlos Roxas Borromeo, Jr.

6. Cynthia Therese Borromeo

Seventh Generation

9. Dr. Antonio Veloso Borromeo (1894): married to Celestina Parama (second wife)

Eighth Generation

  1. Dr. Abel Parama Borromeo: married, ten children.
  2. Attorney Raul Parama Borromeo (deceased): married, four children.

Ninth Generation

  1. Dr. Maricel Borromeo married to Attorney Ernesto Amores (deceased): two sons.  Dr. Maricel Borromeo Amores wrote in to us on May 2nd 2025 with the following update on her branch of the family:  please find below an update on our branch of the family: Atty. Raul Borromeo married Asuncion Penales of Bohol. Their daughter, Dr. Maricel Borromeo Amores, married the late Atty. Ernesto Amores. They have two sons: Atty. Ernesto Miguel “Erl” Borromeo Amores Atty. Carlos Alfonso “Don” Borromeo Amores, who is married to Angelica Espina Both sons are Community Service Awardees, with Don also recognized as Cebu City’s Most Outstanding Youth Leader. Dr. Maricel holds a Doctorate and four additional degrees (Law, MBA, DPE, BSBA), and currently serves as CEO and President of FONTIS-ICAN CORP., a Human Resources consultancy. She is also a multi-awarded Most Outstanding Rotarian. Marissa Borromeo, a Nurse Practitioner, married Lynn Sherwood Forrest. They have two sons: Anthony Forrest, married to April, with a son named Jaxon Bear Andrew Forrest, married to Alyssa, with two children and a third on the way Rasu Raul Jose “Joey” Borromeo was first married to Karen Davis, with whom he has a son, Michael. He later married Ame, and they have four children: Mary Diana, Amber Cassandra, John Derek, and Princess Celine. The youngest sibling, Britta Borromeo, married Atty. Donato Sotero Navarro. Their daughter, Bianca Britta Navarro, is married to Maurizio Comini. Both are chefs and now reside in Sydney, Australia.

Tenth Generation

  1. Ernesto Miguel “Erl” Borromeo Amores
  2. Carlos Alfonso “Don” Borromeo Amores married to Angelica Espina

Ninth Generation

2.  Marissa Borromeo married to Lynn Sherwood Forrest: two sons.

Tenth Generation

  1. Anthony Borromeo Forrest married to April: son Jaxon Andrew Forrest married to Alyssa, with two children and a third on the way.
  2. Andrew Borromeo Forrest

Ninth Generation

3.  Rasu Raul José “Joey” Borromeo was first married to Karen Davis, with whom he has a son, Michael. He later married Ame, and they have four children: Mary Diana, Amber Cassandra, John Derek, and Princess Celine.

4.  Britta Borromeo married to Judge Don Sotero Navarro: one daughter Bianca.

Tenth Generation

  1. Bianca Britta Borromeo Navarro married to Maurizio Comini. Both are chefs and now reside in Sydney, Australia.

Eighth Generation

3.  Engineer Antonio Parama Borromeo (deceased 2005): married, five children.

4.  CPA Renato Parama Borromeo: married, five children.

5.  Dr. Azael Parama Borromeo married to Meredith Chalmers Doll; three children.

Ninth Generation

1. Dr. Dawn Marie Doll Borromeo married to Dr. Phillip Beaulieu: two sons.

Tenth Generation

1. Oliver Azael Borromeo Beaulieu (born in 2005).

2. Rowen Phillip Borromeo Beaulieu (born in 2007).

Ninth Generation

2. Aimee Doll Borromeo married to Roger Altman: one son.

Tenth Generation

1. Atlas Edison Borromeo Altman (born in 2008).

Ninth Generation

3. Dr. Azael Doll Borromeo married to Ashlee Surkamer

Eighth Generation

6.  Meluz Parama Borromeo Francisco married to Michael Solan: five children (three of whom are from the first marriage of Meluz).

Ninth Generation

  1. Nomel Borromeo Francisco married to Gregory Bosworth Phillips: one daughter.

Tenth Generation

1.  Amanda Noel Borromeo Francisco Phillips (born 2006)

Ninth Generation

  1. Raul Borromeo Francisco married to Jennifer Anthony: five children.

Tenth Generation

  1. Sharayah Borromeo Anthony Francisco (born 1995)
  2. Runner Borromeo Anthony Francisco (born 1997)
  3. Jon-Michael Borromeo Anthony Francisco (born 1999)
  4. Harrison Borromeo Anthony Francisco (born 2001)
  5. Sean-Thomas Borromeo Anthony Francisco (born 2004)

Ninth Generation

  1. Bambi Borromeo Francisco married to Ezra Roizen: three sons.

Tenth Generation

  1. Marcus Borromeo Francisco Roizen (born 2001)
  2. Tanner Borromeo Francisco Roizen (born 2003)
  3. Will Francisco Borromeo Roizen (born 2007)

Ninth Generation

  1. Michel Borromeo Solan married to Jesse Davy: two children.

Tenth Generation

  1. Hudson Borromeo Solan Davy (born 2006)
  2. Isabella Borromeo Solan Davy (born 2009)

Ninth Generation

  1. Meliza Borromeo Solan married to Christopher Surdi.

Seventh Generation

9. Dr. Antonio Borromeo y Veloso (born 1894) married to Josefa Aleria (third wife): two daughters

Eighth Generation

1. Lina Aleria Borromeo married to Alejandro Añasco Torralba: one daughter

Ninth Generation

1. Joan Alexandra Borromeo Torralba married to Cory Hussar in New York City

Eighth Generation

2. Lita Aleria Borromeo married to Eufronio Uriarte Kindica, Jr.: five children

Ninth Generation

1. Antonette Borromeo Kindica married to Dustine Kane Ovens: one son

Tenth Generation

1. Miguel Antonio Kindica Ovens

Ninth Generation

2. John Michael Borromeo Kindica married to Kristine Anne Gonzaga: three children

Tenth Generation

1. Yuna Marie Gonzaga Kindica

2. Yula Isabel Gonzaga Kindica

3. Yohann Zachary Gonzaga Kindica

Ninth Generation

3. Michael Paul Borromeo Kindica

4. Mark Anthony Borromeo Kindica

5. Michael Anthony Borromeo Kindica

Seventh Generation
10. Guadalupe Veloso Borromeo Trosdal (1896): married to an American of Norwegian ancestry from Savannah, Georgia):

Eighth Generation
1. Mimi Borromeo Trosdal (1919): retired from the University of San Carlos Borromeo in Cebu City.
2. Carmela Borromeo Trosdal (1921-1996)

Seventh Generation
11. Rosario Veloso Borromeo (1898)
12. Dr. Juan Luis Veloso Borromeo (August 25, 1900)

Seventh Generation
13. Carmen Veloso Borromeo Davis (1902)
14. Vicente Veloso Borromeo and Lillian Taylor (Father was a US Serviceman from the Spanish-American War):

Eighth Generation
1. John Taylor Borromeo married, 3 children.
2. Eduardo Taylor Borromeo: married Dentist, 5 children (including Gary): born 1934 and died June 26, 2020
3. Teresa “Sister Vincent” Taylor Borromeo: Roman Catholic Nun.
4. Socorro Taylor Borromeo and Nandi Thakuria: 6 children.
5. Jack Taylor Borromeo: unmarried.
6. Isidro Taylor Borromeo: unmarried.

Seventh Generation
15. Child (born 1907): died as an infant.
16. Dr. Juan Veloso Borromeo (born 1909) married to Rosula Poliquit Borromeo:

Eighth Generation

1. Dr. Paulina Poliquit Borromeo (deceased) married to Manuel Villamor, Sr.

Ninth Generation

1. Dr. José Mari Borromeo Villamor married to Merle Najaro

2. Dr. Manuel Borromeo Villamor, Jr.

Eighth Generation

2. Teresita Poliquit Borromeo married to Ernesto Canete (deceased)

Ninth Generation

1. Marilou Borromeo Canete: married and resides in Austria

2. Consuelo Borromeo Canete: deceased

3. Marissa Borromeo Canete: married and resides in Austria

4. Laura Borromeo Canete: married and resides in Austria

5. Emmanuel Borromeo Canete

6. Benito Borromeo Canete

7. Titit Borromeo Canete

8. Jojo Borromeo Canete

9. Twinkie Borromeo Canete

Eighth Generation

3. Virginia Poliquit Borromeo married to Julian Parama (deceased)

Ninth Generation

1. Ramon Borromeo Parama married to Maria Julita Galano Polangcus

Tenth Generation

1. Mark Polangcus Parama

2. Kathryn Polangcus Parama

3. Kyle Polangcus Parama

Ninth Generation

2. Corazon Borromeo Parama married to General Julius F. Yarcia (Retired)

Tenth Generation

1. Mary Jacqueline Rose Socorro Parama Yarcia

Ninth Generation

3. Arthur Borromeo Parama

Eighth Generation

4. Dr. Lourdes Poliquit Borromeo (deceased) married to Dr. Victor York Cui

Ninth Generation

1. Raymond Borromeo Cui married to Nannette Taneo and residing in Victoria, Canada

2. Maria Rosario Borromeo Cui

3. Dr. Maria Victoria Borromeo Cui married to Colonel Donato San Juan: 3 children.

Tenth Generation

1. Tiffany Beatrice Cui San Juan

2. Joshua Victor Cui San Juan

3. Maxine Beatrice Cui San Juan

Ninth Generation

4. Dr. Susanna Borromeo Cui married to Jose Robert Alejandro

5. Dr. Eloise Borromeo Cui married to Gaston Batiller:

Tenth Generation

1. Gregorio Antonio Cui Batiller

2. Gabrielle Beatrice Cui Batiller

3. Gillian Beatriz Cui Batiller

Ninth Generation

6. Dr. Jocelyn Borromeo Cui married to Neil Kee and residing in Victoria, Canada:

Tenth Generation

1. Marco Cui Kee

2. Lino Cui Kee

Ninth Generation

7. Dr. Anne Marie Borromeo Cui married to Galen Salvador:

Tenth Generation

1. Isaac Antonio Cui Salvador

Ninth Generation

8. Maria Lourdes Borromeo Cui married to Chris Lima and residing in Ontario, Canada.

9. Rossa Ethel Marie Borromeo Cui

Eighth Generation

5. Catalina Poliquit Borromeo married to Dr. Francisco Majarucon Dumayas

Ninth Generation

1. Constantine Edward Borromeo Dumayas married to Ellen Wong Yap

Tenth Generation

1. Ethan Ross Yap Dumayas

2. Evan Cole Yap Dumayas

Ninth Generation

2. Maria Florence Dumayas married to Allan Anthony Santos

Tenth Generation

1. Erika Mariel Dumayas Santos

2. Arthur John Dumayas Santos

3. Camille Gabrielle Dumayas Santos

Ninth Generation

3. Benedicta Florida Dumayas married to Philip Roderick Sanchez

Tenth Generation

1. Anna Sophia Dumayas Sanchez

2. Joaquin Dumayas Sanchez

Eighth Generation

6. Dr. Rodolfo “Rudy” Poliquit Borromeo married to Myrna Ilagan

Ninth Generation

1. Eric Borromeo married to Jane Shaw: one child.

Tenth Generation

1. Justin Shaw Borromeo

Sixth Generation
2. Florentino Borromeo y Rosa (1854):

Seventh Generation
1. Florentino (1879) and Enriquieta Espina Borromeo (1884): 4 children.

Eighth Generation
1. Purificacion Espina Borromeo and Peregrino Paulino: 2 children

Ninth Generation
1. Milagros Borromeo Paulino
2. Marlene Borromeo Paulino

Eighth Generation
2. José Espina Borromeo and Elvira Bautista:

Ninth Generation
1. Christie Bautista Borromeo and Don Kawal

Tenth Generation

1. Reena Borromeo Kawal

2. Tony Borromeo Kawal

Ninth Generation
2. Asuncion Bautista Borromeo (Roman Catholic Nun)
3. Concepcion Bautista Borromeo and Roberto Ramos

Tenth Generation

1. Maria Caritas Borromeo Ramos married to Montri Santos

2. Richard Leo Borromeo Ramos

3. Maria Carmina Borromeo Ramos

Ninth Generation
4. José Emanuel Bautista Borromeo: 4 children

Tenth Generation

1. Jake Borromeo

2. Nicole Borromeo

3. Andrea Borromeo

4. James Borromeo

Ninth Generation

5. Edmund Bautista Borromeo and Joy Ponce (deceased first wife)

Tenth Generation

1. Charles Ponce Borromeo

Ninth Generation
5. Edmund Bautista Borromeo married to Remedios Ramos (second marriage)

Tenth Generation

1. Manuel Ramos Borromeo

2. Michelle Ramos Borromeo

Eighth Generation
3. Guadalupe Espina Borromeo and Bibiano Ouano:

Ninth Generation
1. Florentin Borromeo Ouano (USA)
2. Bibiano Borromeo Ouano (USA)
3. Victorino Borromeo Ouano (USA)

Eighth Generation
4. Vicente Espina Borromeo and Anita Fernandez:

Ninth Generation
1. Victor Fernandez Borromeo and Luz Lapida:

Tenth Generation
1. Margaret Ann Lapida Borromeo
2. Vincent Jonathan Lapida Borromeo
3. Vincent Gino Lapida Borromeo

Sixth Generation
3. Baldomera Borromeo y Rosa (1857): no issue.

The (Cebu, Philippines) Borromeo line: 1,544 persons of whom 1,235 are currently living and of whom 750 reside in the Philippines (60.7%) and 485 overseas (39.3%); 309 family members deceased.  Of the members of the extended Cebu Borromeo clan who live outside of the Philippines, 390 reside in the United States of America (in the states of California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Arkansas, Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Florida, Maryland, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania). 36 reside in Australia (in the states of Western Australia, New South Wales, Tasmania and Victoria). 22 reside in Canada, 7 reside in Austria, 7 reside in the United Arab Emirates (in Sharjah and Dubai), 7 in Hong Kong, 4 in France (in Paris), 2 in Singapore, 2 in Malaysia, 2 in Norway (Oslo), 2 in Saudi Arabia, 2 in the UK (England) and one each lives in Germany (in Frankfurt) and in the Republic of Ireland (Belfast).

The (Bacolod, Negros Province, Philippines) Borromeo lines (two thereof): 385 persons within seven (7) generations from information kindly shared by Glenn Anthony Borromeo, Omar Borromeo Sazon, Maria Clara Pileo Borromeo, Marijune Borromeo Hidalgo, Sister Esther Borromeo Pagdato and Maria Clara Borromeo Serio.  This line goes back to the early 19th century, which is the same age as the Borromeo family line on the neighboring island province of Cebu.  Both Cebu and Negros share a common language (the Cebuano dialect) which is also native to the island of Bohol and to much of northern Mindanao.  My estimate as to which generation in this genealogy each generation of the Negros line belongs is still not exact, but it is close.  Before World War Two, my grand uncle Marcial Borromeo y Guerrero (born in 1883) completed a very comprehensive genealogy of the Borromeo family in the Philippines, which tied the four main clans of Cebu, Negros, Panay and Luzon by direct link.  This genealogy was unfortunately lost (like so much else) during the war.  We have finally re-established the relationship between the clans on Cebu and Negros.  Our relationship with the Borromeo family clans on Panay (Iloilo City) and Luzon (Cavite City) goes back into the 18th century, and our link to the original Borromeo family of Lombardy in northern Italy is very strongly hinted at through the “Tartanilla” carriages manufactured by my great-grandfather José Maria Borromeo y Galan (1847-1930).  This comes from the Italian “Tartanella,” a type of sail-powered fishing boat specifically unique to the western (i.e. Italian) side of the Adriatic Sea.  The Italian Borromeo family from Milan in Lombardy is turn directly descended from the Italian Vitaliani family from Padua in northern Italy and from Naples in southern Italy in the 15th century.  Borromeo family branches settled on the island of Corsica (Latin spelling of “Borromei”), in Brazil (Portuguese spelling of “Borromeu”), Argentina (whose population is more than 50 percent of Italian descent) and in other places as diverse as Mexico, the United States and even India.

The Cavite-Luzon Line: 49 names of whom 48 are still living.  2 names from the Eighth Generation and 47 names from the Ninth Generation.

]]> https://theborromeofamily.com/the-cebu-borromeo-family-tree/feed/ 7 Die Deutsche und die Österreichische Marine I https://theborromeofamily.com/named-vessels-of-the-german-and-the-austro-hungarian-navies-part-1/ https://theborromeofamily.com/named-vessels-of-the-german-and-the-austro-hungarian-navies-part-1/#comments Fri, 05 Jun 2026 16:22:00 +0000 http://www.theborromeofamily.com/?p=1128 Welcome to my Bookstore:

The Borromeo Family of Cebu BUY FROM AMAZON.COM
Volkswagen: a Car for the People – a Success Story – 2nd Edition BUY FROM AMAZON.COM
Scale Model Collectible Cars – with Official Corgi Toys Catalogue Illustrations BUY FROM AMAZON.COM
The German and the Austrian Navies – Volume 2: Second Edition: BUY FROM AMAZON.COM
The German and the Austrian Navies: Second Edition BUY FROM AMAZON.COM

The German and the Austrian Navies / Die Deutsche und die Österreichische Marine (Part 1 / Teil Eins)

Please visit the ”German-Austrian Navy” photo section within the “Photo Gallery” Page of this Website (it features 202 Illustrations of vessels commissioned in between 1401 and 2009 – complete with thumbnails, and most of them in color).  My books are endorsed by Captain (CA) George J. Albert, Jr., Army Field Historian of the California Center for Military History in Eureka, California, by Hermann Landmeyer of the “Marineoperationsschule MOS Militärschule Bremerhaven” of the Federal German Navy, and have received more than 10,467,069 page hits on this site, have been read in paperback format or e-book format since November 2006.  My latest books on the German and the Austrian Navies are published through CreateSpace of Santa Cruz, California (an Amazon subsidiary company) and may be purchased on www.amazon.com in the USA, Canada, the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands, Gibraltar, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Liechtentein, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Monaco, Italy, San Marino, Spain, the Canary Islands, Portugal, the Azores, the Madeira Islands, Poland, Sweden, Finland, Turkey, the Arab world (27 countries and territories), Australia, India, Mexico, Brazil, China and Japan) – ISBN 978-1508691822 (Volume Number One with 153 illustrations MSRP = $59.99) and ISBN 978-1512291292 (Volume Number Two with 117 additional illustrations MSRP = $57.99).  My website pages about the history of the German-speaking navies have received more than 10,467,069 page visits since November 2006 – thank you for your interest!

“Die Geschichte der Deutschen sowie der Österreichischen Marine” (The History of the German and the Austrian Navies) mit einer Farbphotogalerie und 205 Bildern.

Ich interessiere mich sehr für die Geschichte der Deutschen sowie der Österreichischen Marine.  Zum Beispiel, ich habe eine persönliche Sammlung von 128 Bildern von deutschen sowie österreichischen Schiffen und Seefahrzeugen, die zwischen 1840 bis 2009 getauft wurden.  Zwischen 1924 bis 1936 diente mein Großvater Wilhelm Johannes Nonnenkamp (1903-1972) zuerst als Matrose und dann als Unteroffizier bei der deutschen Reichsmarine und bei der deutschen Kriegsmarine.  Danach war mein Großvater beim deutschen Zoll, bis er 1963 in den Ruhestand ging.  Deutschland und Österreich haben eine reiche Seefahrt-und Marine-Geschichte.  Seit dem Jahre 983 (d.h. vor 1,043 Jahren) hat Deutschland eine Admiralität.  Heute hat ebenfalls die Bundesrepublik Deutschland eine “Deutsche Marine.”  Die Tradition der Österreichischen Marine ist heute noch aktiv und zwar in der “Kriegsmarine” Kroatiens.  Es gibt heute noch 1,5 Millionen Personen, die in Kroatien deutschsprachig sind.  Davor war Kroatien ein ganz treues Teil des Österreich-Ungarischen Reiches, genau so wie die Tschechei (d.h. Böhmen, Mähren, das Sudetenland und Oberschlesien), die Slowakei (mit Zips), Weißruthenien, Slowenien (Krain sowie Küstenland), Ungarn, Siebenbürgen, Galizien, Lodomerien, Wojwodina (Banat), Slavonien, Dalmatien, Bosnien-Herzegowina, Cattaro, Liechtenstein, Görz und natürlich auch Südtirol.Seit der friedlichen deutschen Wiedervereinigung im Jahre 1990 heißt die Marine die “Deutsche Marine.”  Von 1956 bis 1990 war es Marine die “Bundesmarine” in Westdeutschland (Bundesrepublik) und die “Volksmarine” in Ostdeutschland (die ehemalige DDR).  Zwischen 1945 und 1956 gab es im Westen einen “Deutschen Minenräumdienst.”  Im dritten Reich war es die ”Kriegsmarine” (1935-1945); vorher die “Reichsmarine” (1922-1935).  Die preußisch-deutsche “Kaiserliche Marine” hatten wir von 1871 bis 1922, und die preußisch-deutsche “Norddeutsche Bundesmarine” hatten wir von 1867 bis 1871.  Die brandenburgisch-preußische Marine dauerte von 1657 bis 1867, aber die österreichische Marine (”die Kaiserliche und Königliche Kriegsmarine”) war die erste wirkliche “berufliche” deutschsprachige Marine (von 1379 bis 1918).

The history of the German and the Austrian navies is yet another one of my many interests.  I have a collection of 128 pictures of German and Austrian naval and commercial vessels commissioned in between 1840 and 2009 displayed in three rooms within my home.  My paternal grandfather Wilhelm Johannes Nonnenkamp (1903-1972) served in the interwar “Reichsmarine” from 1924 until he left it for the German Customs Service in 1936, whence he retired in the 1960s.  Unknown to many people, Germany (including Austria) does have a very rich maritime history.  The Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation or First German Empire (”erstes Reich” or First Reich) established an Admiralty in 983.  “Reich” is the German word for “empire.”  The Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation endured from its founding by Charlemagne (Charles the Great) in 800 until its dissolution by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1806.  It was preceded by the Frankish Kingdom, which lasted from 482 until 800.  Before the Frankish Kingdom came the Frankish Federation, which endured from 356 until 482.  The Franks were merely one of many Germanic tribes from 260 until 356.  Charlemagne was the King of the Franks, and his heirs live today in the line of the Habsburg-Lothringen Dynasty of Austria.The tradition of the German Navy lives on today in the “Deutsche Marine” of the Federal Republic of Germany (population of 88.7 million people – residents of Germany plus German citizens abroad) and the tradition of the Austrian Navy lives on as well in the modern “Kriegsmarine” of Croatia (home to 1.5 million German-speaking people as well as to the Croatian majority).  Croatia is one of many modern nations that used to be an enthusiastic part of the old Austrian Empire.  The modern Croatian “Kriegsmarine” (a term used by both Germany and Austria in the past) was established in 1991.  It is the direct successor to the Yugoslavian Socialist Federal Navy of 1945-1991, which in turn succeeded the Yugoslavian Royal Navy of 1918-1945.  Before the latter came the Imperial and Royal Navy of Austria-Hungary, Austria and Venice (the “Kaiserliche und Königliche Kriegsmarine”), having been first established in 1379.

The Modern Federal Republic of Germany

The modern Federal Republic of Germany (population of 88.7 million – residents of Germany plus German citizens abroad) has a substantial population of racial, ethnic, linguistic and religious minorities.  These include the Turks (1,760,000), the Poles (1,700,000), the Russians (610,000), the Italians (541,000), the Frisians (500,000), the Croatians (350,000), the Greeks (310,000), the Gypsies (250,000), the Jehovah’s Witnesses (151,000), the Jews (200,000), the Sorbs (60,000) and the Danes (60,000).  The Frisians are a Germanic minority native to parts of Western Lower Saxony and Western Schleswig-Holstein.  The Danes are native to Northern Schleswig, and the Sorbs are an old Slavic tribe native to Lusatia in Southeastern Saxony.  Jews settled in Germany as far back as the 4th century after Christ.  Gypsies are yet another older minority.  Poles started emigrating to Germany for economic reasons in the 19th century.  Most of the Turks, Russians, Italians, Croatians and Greeks emigrated to Germany after World War Two, and also for economic opportunity.  These more recent immigrants have often been called “Guest Workers” in many nations of Western Europe.

Die Bevölkerungszahl der Bundesrepublik Deutschland ist etwa 83 Millionen.  Die größten Bevölkerungsminderheiten innerhalb der Bundesrepublik Deutschland sind die Türken/Kurden (1,76 Millionen), die Polen (1,7 Millionen), die Rußen (610,000), die Italiener (541,000), die Friesen (500,000), die Kroaten (350,000), die Griechen (310,000) und die Zigeuner (250,000).  Die Friesen sind eine Volksgruppe, die im Westen Niedersachsens und im Westen Schleswig-Holsteins leben.  Die Eider Dänen (60,000 Menschen) sind auch eine Volksgruppe, die in Nordschleswig wohnen.  Die Sorben (auch 60,000 Menschen) sind eine westslawische Volksgruppe, die in Lausitz im Südosten Sachsens leben.  Die deutschen Juden (200,000 Leute) leben in Deutschland seit dem 4. Jahrhundert nach Christus.  Vor 1935 gab es mehr als 400,000 Juden im Deutschen Reich.

The Modern Republic of Austria

The modern Republic of Austria (8 million people) also has small minorities of Turks (2%), Serbs (2%), Croatians (0,8%), Slovenes (0,4%), Hungarians (0,4%), Czechs (0,2%) and Jews (0,1%).  The Slovenes are native to parts of Carinthia, whereas the Hungarians are native to parts of Burgenland, and the Czechs are native to parts of Upper and Lower Austria.  Jews have lived in Austria as long as in Germany itself.  Most of the Turks are post-World War Two immigrants.

Die Republik Österreich hat eine Bevölkerungszahl von ewta 8 Millionen Menschen.  Die größten Bevölkerungsminderheiten innerhalb Österreich sind die Türken/Kurden (2% der Gesamtbevölkerung), die Serben (auch 2%), die Kroaten (0,8%), die Slowener (0,4%), die Magjaren (auch 0,4%), die Tschechen (0,2%) und die Juden (0,1%).  Die Slowener sind eine Bevölkerungsgruppe innerhalb Kärnten, die Magjaren wohnen im Burgenland und die Tschechen in Ober-und Niederösterreich (nahe Böhmen).  Vor 1938 gab es mehr als 200,000 Juden in Deutschösterreich.

The Official Names of the German Fleets over Time

“Deutsche Marine” has been the official name of the German Navy since German reunification in 1990; from 1956 until 1990 the Navy of Western Germany was known as the “Bundesmarine” (Federal Navy) and the Navy of Eastern Germany was known as the “Volksmarine” (Peoples’ Navy).  From 1945-1956 the Western Allies established the “Deutscher Minenräumdienst” (German Minesweeping Service) to clear German waters of the many mines unfortunately laid during the Second World War.  The Navy of the Third German Empire (”drittes Reich” or Third Reich) was known as the “Kriegsmarine” (War Navy) from 1935-1945.  The Navy of the First German Republic or Weimar Republic was known as the “Reichsmarine” from 1922-1935 and the Navy of the Second German Empire (”zweites Reich” or Second Reich) was known as the “Kaiserliche Marine” (Imperial Navy) from 1871-1922.  The term “Weimar Republic” came into being because the First German Republic was proclaimed in the city of Weimar in the State of Thuringia.  The North German Federation (”Norddeutscher Bund”) had a Federal Navy (”Norddeutsche Bundesmarine”) from 1866-1871, but this was basically the Prussian Navy under a new name.  The Prussian Navy is discussed below, after my discussion of the Austrian Navy.

Seit der deutschen Wiedervereinigung im Jahre 1990 heißt die Marine in Deutschland die “Deutsche Marine.”  Von 1956 bis 1990 hieß die Marine in Westdeutschland die “Bundesmarine,” und die Marine in Ostdeutschland die “Volksmarine.”  Von 1945 bis 1956 gab es in Westdeutschland einen “Deutschen Minenräumdienst.”  Die “Kriegsmarine” des Dritten Reiches dauerte von 1935 bis 1945.  Vorher war es die “Reichsmarine” von 1922 bis 1935.  Die “Kaiserliche Marine” des Zweiten Deutschen Reiches dauerte von 1871 bis 1922.  Vorher war es die “Norddeutsche Bundesmarine” von 1867 bis 1871.  Die Marine vom Königreich Preußen dauerte von 1701 bis 1867.  Vorher gab es eine Marine des Herzogtum Brandenburgs von 1618 bis 1701.  Die Hanseatische Marine von Hamburg und Lübeck dauerte von 1267 bis 1618.Eine neue Kroatische Kriegsmarine gibt es seit 1991.  Davor gab es eine Jugoslawische Sozialistische Bundesmarine von 1945 bis 1991.  Das Königreich Jugoslawien hatte eine Königliche Marine von 1918 bis 1945.  Die “Kaiserliche und Königliche Kriegsmarine” von Österreich-Ungarn, Österreich und Österreich-Venedig dauerte von 1379 bis 1918.  Die Admiralität des Heiligen Römischen Reiches der Deutschen Nation (800-1806) wurde im Jahre 983 gegründet.  Das Königreich Franken dauerte von 482 bis 800, und der Fränkische Bund von 358 bis 482.  Vorher gab es sehr viele Germanische Stämme wie die Franken, die Sachsen, die Friesen, die Bayern, die Angeln, die Sueben, die Thüringer, die Vandalen, die Langobarden, die Jüten, die Burgunden, die Goten, die Salier, die Markomannen, und so weiter.

German and Austrian Ship Name Histories

I have written about 1,936 of the unique ship and boat names used within the German, West German, East German, Brandenburg-Prussian, Hanseatic League, Holy Roman, Austro-Hungarian, Austrian and Austro-Venetian Navies, and within the HAPAG-Lloyd, HAPAG, North German Lloyd, Austrian Lloyd and Austro-Americana Shipping Lines built and commissioned in between the years of 1354 and 2009.  Ships and boats with planned names are included in my histories, as well (even if they never came around to receiving their unique names, such as the many larger combat vessels of the famous “Z-Plan,” including planned battlecruisers, battleships, aircraft cruisers and aircraft carriers).  My narrative does include most of the major “named” naval vessels of more than 10 tons full load displacement.  I have chosen to give equal importance and coverage to the historical navies of Austria, because Austria established the first true “national” German-speaking navy in 1379.  The German-speaking navies of the Hanseatic League cities actually go back even further in time (specifically to the year 1267), but the each Hanseatic League City had its own such force.  Furthermore, data on ships so old is much harder to locate.  The largest German-speaking Hanseatic League cities are Hamburg, Bremen, Lübeck and Rostock.  The Admiralty of the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation was established in the year 983.

Es möge hinreichen das über 1,936 von den einmaligen Schiffs-und Bootspatennamen der Deutschen, West-Deutschen, Ost-Deutschen, Brandenburgisch-Preußischen, Hanseatischen, Heilig-Römischen, Österreichisch-Ungarischen, Österreichischen, Österreichisch-Venedigschen Marinen zu erwähnen – sowie über HAPAG-Lloyd,  HAPAG, den Norddeutschen Lloyd, den Österreichischen Lloyd, die Austro-Americana Linie und die Donau Dampfschiffs-Gesellschaft.  Kriegsschiffe-und Boote mit “geplanten” Patennamen sind hier auch, obwohl viele davon nie gebaut oder getauft wurden.  Solche Einheiten waren Mitglieder des berühmten “Z-Plan” der Zwischenkriegsjahre – wie die Schlachtkreuzer der “O-Klaße,” die Schlachtschiffe der “H-Klaße,” die Flugzeugträger der “Graf Zeppelin” Klaße, die Großflugzeugkreuzer und die Flugdeckkreuzer.  Erwähnt wird auch fast alle Kriegseefahrzeuge, die mehr als 10 Tonnen Einsatzverdrängung hatten.Der Österreichischen Marine wird genausoviel Wichtigkeit wie der Deutschen Marine zu geben, weil die Österreicher die erste wirkliche berufliche deutschsprachige Marine im Jahre 1379 gegründet haben.  Die Hanseatische Marine von Hamburg, Lübeck und Wismar ist eigentlich älter (sie wurde im Jahre 1267 gegründet), aber Tatsachen über Schiffe und Boote, die so alt sind, sind sehr schwierig zu finden.  Deutschlands größte Hansestädte sind nun Hamburg, Bremen, Lübeck und Rostock.  Die Admiralität des Ersten Deutschen Reiches wurde im Jahre 983 gegründet.

The flag used by the Imperial and Royal (Austrian) Navy was the red, white and red tricolor of 3 horizontal stripes.  Yet another red, white and red tricolor of 3 horizontal stripes was placed off-center toward the left within the large central (white) stripe.  Above this smaller red, white and red tricolor was the Habsburg Crown.  This flag was used as the official flag of the Imperial and Royal Navy from 1786 until the “end” of the Habsburg Monarchy in November 1918.  It was also used as the flag of the Austrian Merchant Marine (civilian commercial vessels) from 1786 until 1869, when the Habsburg Monarchy became the “dual” Monarchy of Austria-Hungary.  It was the official flag of the Archduchies of both Upper and Lower Austria from 960 until November 1918.  The “national” flag of the Habsburg Monarchy was the black and yellow flag of 2 horizontal stripes, in continual use from 973 until November of 1918.  It is still used by Austrian, Hungarian, Czech, Slovak, Slovene and Croatian monarchists to this very day.  The tricolor of the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy is likewise still used by the members of the Austrian Naval League to this very day.

Die Reichskriegsflagge der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine Österreichs war rot, weiß und rot.  Im weißen Streifen der Flagge war noch eine kleinere Fahne, die auch rot-weiß-rot war.  Über der kleinen Fahne war die Kaiserliche und Königliche Habsburgische Krone.  Diese Fahne war die amtliche Fahne der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine von 1786 bis zum Ende der Habsburger Monarchie im November 1918.  Sie wurde auch gebraucht als Flagge der Österreichischen Handelsmarine von 1786 bis 1869, als die Habsburger Monarchie die “Doppelmonarchie” Österreich-Ungarns entstand.  Die selbe Flagge war auch die amtliche Flagge der Erzherzogtüme Ober-und Niederösterreichs von 960 bis November 1918.  Sie ist immer noch im Gebrauch bei den Monarchisten in Österreich, Ungarn, Tschechien, Slowakei, Slowenien und Kroatien.  Die Trikolore der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine ist noch im Gebrauch bei den Mitgliedern des Österreichischen Marinebunds.

The total cumulative number of vessels in the German and Austrian Navies is a most impressive 53,526.  This number includes 125 modern battleships, 31 heavy or armored cruisers, 147 light or small cruisers, 103 gunboats, 1,699 torpedo boats, 132 airships (”Zeppelin” airships), 8,421 submarines, 1,513 auxiliary warships, 958 corvettes, 7,093 fast attack craft, 3,750 minesweepers, 25,000 armed fishing boats, 2,978 transporters or landing ships, 9 tenders, 4 survey ships, 250 destroyers, 24 aircraft carriers, 274 frigates and 1,015 training ships.

Die Gesamtzahl der Einheiten der Deutschen und Österreichischen Marine kommt auf imposante 53,526 Seefahrzeuge, einschließlich 125 moderne Schlachtschiffe, 31 Schwere oder Große Kreuzer, 147 Leichte oder Kleine Kreuzer, 103 Kanonenboote, 1,699 Torpedoboote, 132 Luftschiffe, 8,421 Unterseeboote, 1,513 Hilfsschiffe, 958 Korvetten, 7,093 Schnellboote, 3,750 Minensuchboote, 25,000 Kriegsfischkutter, 2,978 Transporter oder Landungsboote, 9 Versorger, 4 Aufklärungsschiffe, 250 Zerstörer, 24 Flugzeugträger 274 Fregatten und 1,015 Schulschiffe.

Many German destroyers were never named, but merely numbered.  Likewise, most German torpedo boats, torpedo recovery vessels, submarines, sloops, corvettes, fast attack craft (formerly called “motor torpedo boats”), minesweepers, motor minesweepers (very small minesweepers), motor fishing vessels, ferries and transport vessels were never “named” – but merely numbered with “call” or “pennant” numbers.

Viele deutsche Zerstörer wurden nicht mit Patennamen getauft, sondern nur mit Nummern.  Ebenfalls wurden die meisten deutschen Torpedoboote, Unterseeboote, Geleitboote, Korvetten, Schnellboote, Minensuchboote, Kriegsfischkutter und Landungsboote nicht mit Patennamen, sondern nur mit Nummern benannt.

One might refer to the Austrian Navy of 1369 to 1849 as “Austrian-Venetian,” to the Austrian Navy of 1849 to 1867 as “Austrian” and to the Austrian Navy of 1867 to 1918 as “Austro-Hungarian.”  Prior to 1849, most Austrian naval personnel were ethnic Italians.  From 1849 until 1867, ethnic Germans were in the majority.  In 1867, Hungary obtained virtually equal status with Austria within the Habsburg empire.  Many Magyars (Hungarians), Czechs, Moravians, Slovaks, Slovenes, Poles, Ruthenians (Ukrainians), Romanians, Bosnians, and especially Croatians joined the Navy.  The Croatians of Dalmatia are especially well-suited to be professional sailors (much like the Germans of East Frisia, North Frisia, Schleswig-Holstein, Bremen, Bremerhaven, Hamburg, Lübeck, Mecklenburg and Pomerania).  Technical specifications and histories for the much older wooden sailing vessels are harder to find.  For the Austrian Navy of the Adriatic Sea, I can go back to 1628 with partial technical specifications on a few such named vessels.  For the Hanseatic Navies of Northern Germany, I can go back as far as 1354 with a few ship types and names.

Von 1369 (d.h. 10 Jahre bevor die Kaiserliche und Königliche Kriegsmarine gegründet wurde) bis 1848 war die Österreichische Marine eigentlich die Marine von “Österreich-Venedig,” weil die Mehrheit des Marinepersonals eigentlich italienisch war.  Nach der sogenannten Revolutionen von 1848 war die Mehrheit des österreichischen Marinepersonals Deutsch.  Ab 1867, kam die Mehrheit des Personals aus Mittel-und Osteuropa, d.h. aus Ungarn, Tschechien, Slowakei, Slowenien, Kroatien, Bosnien-Herzegowina, Galizien, Lodomerien, Siebenbürgen, Banat und Weißruthenien.  Die Kroaten aus Dalmatien waren besonders gute Seeleute, genauso wie die Leute aus Friesland, Schleswig-Holstein, Bremen, Bremerhaven (ehemals “Wesermünde”), Hamburg, Lübeck, Lauenburg, Mecklenburg, Pommern, Preußen und Kurland.  Technische Daten für ältere Segelschiffe und Segelboote sind natürlich schwierig zu finden.  Für die Kaiserliche und Königliche Kriegsmarine Österreichs kann man bis 1628 zurückgehen.  Für die Hanseatische Marine von Hamburg, Lübeck und Wismar geht es bis 1354 zurück.

In terms of modern maritime technology, vessels of 1,000 tons full load displacement or more are considered to be worthy for deployment upon the high seas, whereas smaller vessels are generally considered to be suited mostly for coastal use.  There are of course exceptions in either direction.  One may find larger vessels or barges suited for use only on rivers or lakes, and smaller vessels seaworthy enough to cross the great oceans and seas of the world.  The largest designs for German battleships went up to a world-record 141,500 tons full load displacement (the “H-44? design of 1944).  Modern German battlecruisers displaced up to 43,000 tons full load (the “Gneisenau” conversion project).  Modern German armored ships (”Panzerschiffe” in German) until 1945 displaced up to 25,689 tons full load (of the “Kreuzer-P” project of the Z-Plan).  German heavy cruisers up to 1945 displaced up to 19,800 tons full load (the last planned ship of the “Admiral Hipper” class), and German light cruisers up to 1945 displaced as much as 12,165 tons full load.  Modern German frigates displace from 1,841 to 6,800 tons full load.  Modern German corvettes may displace anywhere from 394 tons up to 1,840 tons full load.  German fast attack craft (formerly called “motor torpedo boats”) are considered to be large and rapid patrol craft.  They displace anywhere from 74 up to 393 tons full load.  Small German and Austrian patrol boats tend to be considerably slower, and displace less than 74 tons.  They may be as small as 10 tons for river and/or lake duty.

Heutzutage sind Schiffe mit einer Einsatzverdrängung von 1,000 oder mehr Tonnen hauptsächlich “Hochsee-Einheiten.”  Die meisten Schiffe und Boote mit einer Einsatzverdrängung von weniger als 1,000 Tonnen sind hauptsächlich für Binnenfahrt, d.h. an den Küsten, auf den Flüßen und auf den Binnenseen.  Es gibt natürlich viele Ausnamen, d.h. kleinere Einheiten, die auf Hochsee ganz fähig sind, und auch größere Einheiten, die nur für Binnenfahrt gemeint sind.Die größten geplanten Kriegschiffe der Deutschen Marine waren die letzten Einheiten der “H-Klaße.”  Das geplante Schlachtschiff “H-44? von 1944 sollte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 141,500 Tonnen haben.  Das ist wesentlich größer als die größten Atomkraft-Flugzeugträger der heutigen Amerikanischen Marine.  Der größte deutsche Schlachtkreuzer war das geplante “Gneisenau” Konversionprojekt, mit einer Einsatzverdrängung von 43,000 Tonnen.  Das größte deutsche Panzerschiff war das “Kreuzer-P” Projekt des Z-Plans, mit einer Einsatzverdrängung von 25,689 Tonnen.  Der größte deutsche Schwere Kreuzer war die geplante “Lützow” der “Admrial Hipper” Klaße, mit einer Einsatzverdrängung von 19,800 Tonnen.  Die größten deutschen Leichten Kreuzer waren die zwei Beuteschiffe des zweiten Weltkrieges aus Holland, nämlich die “Eendracht” und die “De Zeven Provincien,” beide mit einer Einsatzverdrängung von 12,165 Tonnen.  Die zwei Schiffe gehören nun Peru.Moderne deutsche Fregatten haben eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,841 bis auf 6,800 Tonnen.  Die geplante “Thüringen” und die geplante “Baden-Württemberg” der “F125-Klaße” werden je eine Einsatzverdrängung von 6,800 Tonnen haben.  Moderne deutsche Korvetten haben eine Einsatzverdrängung von 394 bis auf 1,840 Tonnen.  Die fünf Mitglieder der neuen “Braunschweig-Klaße” haben eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 1,840 Tonnen.  Moderne deutsche Schnellboote haben eine Einsatzverdrängung von 74 bis auf 393 Tonnen, und moderne deutsche und österreichische Patrouillenboote haben eine Einsatzverdrängung von 10 bis auf 73 Tonnen.

It may be somewhat difficult for most of us to imagine today, but when the Englishman Sir Francis Drake circumnavigated the globe from 1577 to 1580, his state-of-the-art wooden sailing battleship “H.M.S. Golden Hind” had a standard displacement of a mere 102 tons.  Today, most of us would be apprehensive to sail around the globe in so “small” a vessel – small by our modern criteria.

Vielleicht ist es für uns heute ein bischen schwierig vorzustellen, aber als der Engländer Sir Francis Drake seine Weltreise zwischen 1577 un 1580 machte, hatte sein Segel-Linienschiff “H.M.S. Golden Hind” eine Einsatzverdrängung von nur 102 Tonnen.  Heutzutage wäre das ganz klein, aber damals war das ein ganz modernes und großes Schlachtschiff.

“Die Österreichische Marine” (The Austrian Navy)

Bis 1866 war die größte Marine im deutschsprachigen Raum die “Kaiserliche und Königliche Kriegsmarine” Österreichs.  Die wichtigsen Marinestüztpunkte waren in Venedig, Triest, Polei (heute “Pula” in Kroatien), Sankt Veit am Pflaumb (heute “Rijeka” in Kroatien), Spalato (heute “Split” in Kroatien), Sibenning (heute “Sibenik” in Kroatien) und Cattaro (heute “Kotor” in Montenegro).  Damals, war die Mehrheit der Bevölkerung dieser Gegend italienisch sowie kroatisch, mit einer Deutschen Minderheit.  Die österreichische Marineakademie war usprünglich im Jahre 1802 in Venedig gegründet, und mußte dann im Jahre 1854 nach Sankt Veit am Pflaumb versetzt werden, weil Venedig leider von Italien annektiert wurde.  Im Krieg von 1848 waren mindstens 30% der Italiener Österreichtreu.  Die wichtigsten Flaggenoffiziere in der Geschichte der “Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine” Österreichs sowie Österreich-Ungarns waren Großadmiral Anton Johann Freiherr von Haus, Admiral Maximilian Njegovan (aus Kroatien), Admiral Rudolf Ludwig Raimund Heinrich Alfons Graf von Montecuccoli, Admiral Hermann Freiherr von Spaun, Admiral Maximilian Freiherr Daublebsky von Sterneck zu Ehrenstein, Admiral Friedrich von Pöck, Admiral Anton Michael Freiherr Bourguignon von Baumberg, Admiral Alfred Freiherr von Koudelka, Admiral Erzherzog Franz Ferdinand von Habsburg-Lothringen (im Sarajevo in Juni 1914 ermordet), Admiral Julius von Ripper, Vizeadmiral Franz von Holub und Vizeadmiral Karl Kailer von Kaltenfels.Der bedeutendste Held der Flaggenoffiziere war Vizeadmiral Wilhelm Josef von Tegetthoff, der die italienische Kriegsflotte bei Lissa im Jahre 1866 besiegte.  Als Marineoffizier war Admiral Miklos Horthy de Nagybánya aus Ungarn hervorragend (er hat die italienische sowie die britische Kriegsflotte bei der Otrantostraße im Jahre 1917 angegriffen), aber nach dem ersten Weltkrieg blieb er seinem ehemaligen Kaiser Karl von Habsburg-Lothringen nicht treu.  Kaiser Karl wollte 1921 nach Ungarn zurückkehren, aber Miklos Horthy als Staatsoberhaupt von Ungarn hat das verhindert.  Andere Vizeadmirale in der Geschichte der k.u.k. Kriegsmarine waren Jospeh Wachtel von Elbenbruck, Karl Lanjus von Wellenburg, Maximilian Franz Freiherr von Pitner, Karl Seidensacher, Franz Ritter von Keil, Erzherzog Ferdinand Max von Habsburg-Lothringen (eventuell als Kaiser von Mexiko in 1867 leider ermordet) und Ludwig von Fautz.

The most powerful German state up to 1866 was Austria, and she had her own “Kaiserliche und Königliche Kriegsmarine” (Imperial and Royal War Navy) from 1379 until the unfortunate defeat of the Habsburg Monarchy in 1918.  The Battle Flag used by the Imperial and Royal War Navy (a red, white and red tricolor of horizontal stripes, featuring the Habsburg Crown in the middle of the central white stripe) was officially used from 1786 until 1918.  The same flag was used as the official Austrian merchant marine flag from 1786 until 1869.  This flag was also used as the official flag of the Archduchies of Upper and Lower Austria from 960 until 1918.  The national flag in use was the one with the horizontal black & yellow stripes of the Habsburg Monarchy from 973 until 1918.The Austrian Navy had major bases in Adriatic coastal cities such as Venice (”Venedig” in German or “Venezia” in Italian), Triest (”Trieste” in Italian), Pula (”Polei” in German or “Pola” in Italian), Fiume (”Sankt Veit am Pflaumb” in German), Split (”Spalato” in Italian), Sebenico (”Sibenning”) and Cattaro.  The majority of the population in these coastal cities was Italian and Croatian, with a German-speaking minority as well.  The modern Republic of Austria is today a landlocked nation with 7.6 million German-speaking people.  The Austrian Naval Academy (”Marineakademie”) was founded in 1802.  This is where the elite of officer candidates received their military leadership and seamanship training.  Originally in Venice (Austria used to enjoy sovereignty over most of what is today modern Italy), it was moved to Fiume (”Sankt Veit am Pflaumb” in German, or “Rijeka” in Croatian) in 1854.  Perhaps the internationally most famous graduate of this great academy was the eventual Korvettenkapitän (a Commander in the Austrian Navy) Georg Ritter von Trapp, whose family became immortalized in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “The Sound of Music” (this was made into a 3-hour feature film by 20th Century Fox in 1965).  Another famous graduate of this school was Vizeadmiral (or Vice Admiral) Wilhelm Josef von Tegetthoff, who was the victorious commander of the Austrian fleet in the Battle of Lissa against Italy in 1866.  In this battle, he became famous for the “ramming” technique (the ramming of an enemy ship with the bow of one’s own warship).  Because of this, most surface warships were constructed with so-called “ram bows” (a portruding armored frontal bulge located below the waterline of the ship) until about the time of the First World War.

Zwischen 1369 (d.h. 10 Jahren vor der Gründung der “Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine” Österreichs) und 1848 (als viele Revolutionen sowie Kriege leider nach Europa gekommen sind), hat die k.u.k. Kriegsmarine 962 Schiffe und Seefahrzeuge in Einsatz gesetzt.  Diese Seefahrzeuge waren hauptsächlich Segelschiffe und Segelboote, ohne Dampfkraft.  Damals waren die Seefahrzeuge wesentlich kleiner als heute.  Zum Beispiel war die Einsatzverdrängung Österreichs 7 größte Segelfregatten der “S.M.S. Principessa di Bologna” Klaße vom Jahre 1810 nur je 1,570 Tonnen.  Bis 1848, war die Mehrheit der Offiziere sowie der Matrosen bei der k.u.k. Kriegsmarine Österreichs italienisch.  Nach 1848, war die Mehrheit des Marinepersonals deutsch.  Im großen und ganzen waren die verschiedenen Völker des habsburgischen Reiches zu Österreich und ihren gemeinsamen Kaiser ganz treu.  Es gab Deutsche, Magyaren, Tschechen, Mähren, Schlesier, Slowaken, Polen, Italiener, Slowener, Kroaten, Serben, Montenegriner, Rumänen, Weißruthenier (d.h. Ukrainer), sowie alle Konfeßionen – Katholiken, Protestanten, Orthodoxen, Juden und Mohammedaner.  Diese verschienden Völker haben gemeinsam gegen die Feinde des gemeinsamen Vaterlandes gekämpft, und heute ruhen diese gefallenen Helden auch zusammen.

In between 1369 (ten years before the “official” creation of an Austrian Navy in Triest, which is now part of Italy) and 1848 (the year when war and revolution came to much of Europe, including to Italy), the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy deployed a total of 962 vessels of various types.  During this time, the Austrian Navy was known as the “Austro-Venetian Navy,” because the largest naval base was in the city of Venice (”Venedig” in German), and most of the manpower in the navy was Italian-speaking.These were the days of sailing ships, before steam power.  24 of their largest ships were wooden “ships-of-the-line,” or battleships.  Over the many years of recorded history, ships have been growing ever larger due to new and improved technologies.  Up to 1848, a majority of the men who served in the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy were ethnic Italians, but after 1848 it shifted to the ethnic Germans.  Many of the most qualified rank and file sailors were Croatians right up to 1918.  People from all over the vast Habsburg empire served faithfully in the navy, including Czechs, Moravians, Silesians, Slovaks, Poles, Slovenes, Ruthenians (Ukrainians), Magyars (Hungarians), Romanians, Bosnian Muslims and Orthodox Serbs.  All religions of the empire were represented as well, including the majority Roman Catholics, Evangelical Lutherans, Calvinist Protestants, Eastern Orthodox, Jews and Muslims.  These men served, fought and died side by side, evidence of which one sees today in Austrian naval cemeteries where they rest side by side.A few notes on the official name of the Austrian Navy.  “Imperial” refers to the fact that the Habsburg Austrian Monarch was an Emperor of Empires such as Rome, Germany and later Austria itself.  “Royal” refers to the fact that he was a King of Kingdoms such as Bohemia, Galicia, Lodomeria, Hungary, Croatia and Slavonia.  Going down the list of his noble titles, he was also an Archduke of Lower Austria (of which the city of Vienna is the capital) and of Upper Austria (ironically the birthplace of Adolf Hitler in April 1889).  Hitler left Austria for Germany in 1913, where he joined the Bavarian Army in 1914 and served in World War One.  Hitler eventually persecuted the members of the Habsburg family after the German annexation of Austria in 1938.  He feared the Habsburgs, and drove most of them out of Austria at least for the duration of World War Two.  The Habsburg Monarch was also a Duke of the Duchies of Carinthia, Carniola, Salzburg, Silesia and Styria.  In addition to this, the Habsburg Monarch held the noble titles of Margraviate of the March of Moravia and Prince of the Principality of the Tyrol.

Die “Kaiserliche und Königliche Kriegsmarine” war die Marine von Österreich.  Der Kaiser von Österreich und das Heilige Römische Reich der Deutschen Nation kam aus dem Kaiserlichen Hause Habsburg-Lothringen.  Der Kaiser war auch König von Böhmen, Galizien, Lodomerien, Ungarn, Kroatien und Slavonien.  Er war auch Erzherzog von Niederösterreich (”Österreich unter der Enns”) und Oberösterreich (”Österreich ob der Enns”).  Er war Herzog von Kärnten, Krain, Salzburg, Schlesien, und Steiermark.  Er war auch Markgraf von Mähren sowie Prinz von Tirol.

Going down the list of ships (progressively smaller than the wooden battleships) were 35 sailing cruisers, 33 sailing brigs, 37 sailing brigantines, 104 coastal warships, 79 sailing pinnaces, 20 swimming batteries, 10 sailing galleons and many smaller vessels.  The fleet had many auxiliary craft as well, including 69 transporters and 83 ships of the famous Danube River Flotilla.  In between 1369 and 1849, the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy engaged in no fewer than 47 sea, river or lake battles.  Their opponents were various former states in modern day Italy, the Ottoman Empire, Germany, Switzerland, Greece and North Africa.  The Navy was victorious in 27 of the 47 encounters, or 57% of the total battles.

Zwischen 1369 und 1848 hatte die Kaiserliche und Königliche Kriegsmarine Österreichs insgesamt 24 Segel-Linienschiffe, 35 Segelkreuzer (d.h. Segelfregatten und Segelkorvetten), 33 Segelbriggs, 37 Segelbrigantinen, 104 Küstenschiffe, 79 Segelpenichen, 20 Schwimmende Batterien, 10 Segelgaleonen sowie viele kleinere Kriegschiffe und Boote.  Es gab auch viele Hilfsschiffe, wie die 69 Transportschiffe, sowie die 83 Einheiten der berühmten Donauflottille.  Zwischen 1369 und 1849 hatte die Kaiserliche und Königliche Kriegsmarine an mindestens 47 Seeschlächten teilgenommen.  27 mal war die K.u.K. Kriegsmarine siegreich, d.h. an 57% der Seeschlächte.

“Die Preußische Marine” (The Prussian Navy)

The second most powerful German state until 1866 was the Kingdom of Brandenburg-Prussia, which had its own navy since 1657.  Prussia had naval bases in the Baltic Sea coastal cities such as Memel, Königsberg, Pillau, Elbing, Danzig, Zoppot, Hela, Kolberg, Swinemünde and Stettin.  This region was turned over to both Poland and Russia after World War Two.  The former German provinces of Pomerania, Silesia, West Prussia, Masuria and Posen are in modern Poland, which is still home to 8 million German-speaking people.  Northern East Prussia is part of Russia, and Russia itself is still home to more than 17.8 million German-speaking people today.  Most of them are descendants of German immigrants who emigrated to Russia during the time of Empress Catherine the Great of Russia.  Even current Prime Minister Vladimir Putin of Russia, his wife and their two young daughters speak fluent German.  The two Putin girls attend a German school in Moscow.

Bis 1866 war das zweitmächtiges Land im ganzen Deutschen Reich das Königriech Preußen.  Die Marinehäfen des Königreich Preußens waren in Seehäfen wie Memel, Königsberg, Pillau, Elbing, Danzig, Zoppot, Hela, Kolberg, Swinemünde und Stettin.  Es gibt immer noch 8 Millionen Menschen, die in Polen Deutsch sprechen.  Die ehemaligen deutschen Provinzen von Hinterpommern, Schlesien, Westpreußen, Posen, Masuren und das Ermland liegen heute in Polen.  Nordostpreußen gehört nun Rußland, das Memelland gehört Litauen und das Kurland gehört Lettland.  Es gibt immer noch 17,8 Millionen Menschen in Rußland, die Deutsch sprechen.  Viele Deutsche sind nach Rußland im 18. Jahrhundert ausgewandert.  Wladimir Putin (der Ministerpräsident von Rußland), seine Ehefrau und ihre zwei jungen Töchter sprechen alle Deutsch.  Die zwei Putin-Mädchen besuchen in Moskau eine Deutsche Schule.

The cities of the Hanseatic League along the North German coast (such as Hamburg, Bremen, Lübeck, Rostock, Stralsund and Wismar) had numerous warships as well.  In the days of wooden sailing ships, the differences between naval and commercial ships were no where near as pronounced as they are today.  Commercial ships had to be rather heavily armed due to the rough and tough nature of the maritime world.

Die Deutschen Hansestädte (besonders Hamburg, Lübeck und Wismar) hatten auch viele gute Kriegsschiffe.  Zur Zeit der Segelschiffe gab es eigentlich zwischen Kriegsschiffen und Handelsschiffen nicht viele Unterschiede.  Damals war es wirklich notwendig, Handelsschiffe zu bewaffnen.

The Hanseatic League (”die Hansa”) was a trading guild formed in the Middle Ages, in the year 1267.  Cities all over Northern Europe joined the league to protect their commercial interests, especially for the purposes of overseas trade.  The Hanseatic League was closely tied to the Teutonic Knights, who were an order of Germanic Knights in the Middle Ages.  Knightly Orders were founded for both military and religious reasons.  The Teutonic Knights colonized much of Eastern Europe, setting up German colonies in the form of cities and rural communities.  They also Christianized the peoples of modern countries such as Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia.  Many Slavic tribes (such as the Wends, the Sorbs, the Lusatians, the Pomeranians, the Silesians, the Kassubians and the Masurians) as well as Baltic tribes such as the Prussians became Germanized in both culture and language.

Die Deutsche Hanse wurde im Mittelalter, nämlich im Jahre 1267, gegründet.  Die Mitgliederstädte der Deutschen Hanse waren eventuell in ganz Mitteleuropa und Nordeuropa zu finden.  Die Ritterorden des Deutschen Reiches waren mit der Deutschen Hanse eng verbündet.  Die deutschen Ritterorden haben die deutsche Sprache, die deutsche Kultur das Christentum nach Mittel-und Osteuropa gebracht.  Viele westslawische und baltische Stämme, wie die Sorben, die Pommern, die Schlesier, die Masuren und die Preußen, wurden germanisiert.

The German Naval Academy (”Marineschule”) was founded in the city of Mürwik near Germany’s largest Baltic Sea Naval Base of Kiel in 1910.  Kiel is actually Germany’s second largest naval base after the city of Wilhelmshaven, which is located in the German Bay (”Deutsche Bucht”) of the North Sea.  Grand Admiral Karl Dönitz led the last government of the Third Reich in Mürwik, Kiel in May 1945, when the primary concern was moving fleeing ethnic German civilians West.  The Navy did this job admirably, saving the lives of 2 million ethnic Germans who moved mostly into modern day Western Germany.  Grand Admiral Karl Dönitz joined the German Navy as a young officer, and served in the Adriatic and Mediterranean theaters during World War One.  He was initially stationed aboard the small cruiser “S.M.S. Breslau,” which served as an escort to the battlecruiser “S.M.S. Goeben.”  “Breslau” is the capital city of the province of Silesia, which is now part of Poland.  Prior to 1740, Silesia belonged to Austria.  Prussia took Silesia away from Austria after she defeated Austria during the War of the Austrian Succession.  August Karl von Goeben was a Prussian General who lived from 1816 until 1880, and who served in the Prussian wars fought against Denmark, Austria, Bavaria, Württemberg, Saxony, Hanover, Baden, Hesse-Darmstadt, Holstein, Nassau and France from 1864 until 1871.  The two ships were sent from Germany to Turkey before World War One, and their daring sortie ensured Ottoman Turkey’s entry into the war on the side of the Central Powers.  The Central Powers were Germany, Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria and the Ottoman Empire (Turkey).  “S.M.S. Breslau” was sunk in the Aegean Sea in January 1918, while “S.M.S. Goeben” served in the Turkish Navy until she was scrapped in 1974.  Karl Dönitz served aboard submarines during World War One, and remained in the German Navy after the war.  He commanded the new light cruiser “Emden” (commissioned in 1925) and was appointed commander of Germany’s reborn submarine fleet in 1935.  Upon the retirement of Grand Admiral Erich Raeder in 1943, Karl Dönitz was made a Grand Admiral (a 5 star admiral) and Commander in Chief of the “Kriegsmarine.”  Erich Raeder had been Commander in Chief of the German Navy from 1928 until 1943.  Both of these fine men survived World War Two, Grand Admiral Raeder passing away in 1960 and Grand Admiral Dönitz passing away in 1980.

Die Marineschule Mürwik (die elite Offiziersschule der Deutschen Marine) wurde im Jahre 1910 von Kaiser Wilhelm II gegründet.  Mürwik liegt bei Kiel, und Kiel ist nach Wilhelmshaven der zweitgrößte Marinehafen Deutschlands.  Großadmiral Karl Dönitz hat die letzte Regierung des dritten Reiches in Mürwik geleitet.  Damals hatte die Kriegsmarine 2 Millionen Deutsche Flüchtlinge aus den deutschen Ostgebieten gerettet.  Im Ersten Weltkrieg diente Karl Dönitz auf dem Kleinen Kreuzer “S.M.S. Breslau,” sowie auf Unterseeboote im Mittelmeer.  Nach dem Ersten Weltkrieg war Karl Dönitz Kommandeur des neuen Leichten Kreuzers “Emden” (getauft im Jahre 1925).  Im Jahre 1935 wurde er “Führer der Unterseeboote” der neuen Deutschen Kriegsmarine.  Als Großadmiral Erich Raeder 1943 in den Ruhestand ging, wurde Karl Dönitz zum Großadmiral befördert.  Großadmiral Erich Raeder ist im Jahre 1960 gestorben, und Großadmiral Karl Dönitz starb im Jahre 1980.

The Modern German Navy / HAPAG-Lloyd / Austrian Lloyd

The “Deutsche Marine” is today the ninth largest Navy in the world in terms of commissioned warships (76) while Croatia’s Navy ranks 62nd.  There are 193 independent countries in the world.  Germany’s civilian merchant fleet is even more prominent, with 2,616 ocean-going vessels of more than 1,000 tons each and 4,812 coastal vessels of less than 1,000 tons each.  Of the ocean-going fleet, 2,321 of the ships are over 10,000 tons each.  Add to this Austria’s fleet of 37 ocean-going vessels and 190 coastal & river vessels. Germany’s best known and largest shipping company is of course HAPAG-Lloyd of Hamburg, which was formed due to a corporate merger in 1970.  They rank number five (5) in the world after the Maersk Line of Denmark, MSC of Switzerland, CMA-CGM of France and Evergreen of Taiwan (the Republic of China).  Their hometown of Hamburg is the world’s ninth largest port after Singapore, Shanghai (in China), Hong Kong (also in China), Shenzen (yet again in China), Pusan (in South Korea), Rotterdam (in the Netherlands), Dubai (in the United Arab Emirates) and Kaohsiung (in Taiwan, the “Republic of China”).

Die Deutsche Marine ist die 9. größte Marine der Welt, und auf der selben Rangliste ist die Kriegsmarine Kroatiens Nummer 62.  Die Deutsche Marine hat 76 “aktive” Kriegsschiffe, und noch 62 in Reserve (138 Seefahrzeuge insgesamt).  Die deutsche Handelsflotte ist die drittgrößte Flotte der Welt, mit 2,321 größeren Hochsee-Einheiten (mit einer Einsatzverdrängung von mehr als 10,000 Tonnen pro Schiff).  Die Österreichische Handelsflotte hat 37 Schiffe.  HAPAG-Lloyd ist die größte Reederei Deutschlands, und ist Nachvolger von HAPAG (aus Hamburg) und der Norddeutsche Lloyd (aus Bremen).  Die zwei größten Schiffe von HAPAG-Lloyd sind die “Savannah Express” (2005) und die “Houston Express” (2005), mit einer Einsatzverdrängung von je 108,180 Tonnen.  Beide Einheiten haben eine Höchtsgeschwindigkeit von 25,4 Knoten.  Das drittgrößte Schiff von HAPAG-Lloyd ist die “Columbo Express” (auch im Jahre 2005 getauft) mit einer Einsatzverdrängung von 104,400 Tonnen und einer maximalen Geschwindigkeit von 25 Knoten.

1-2.) Their two largest vessels register 108,180 tons each.  These are the container vessels and sister ships “Savannah Express” (2005) and “Houston Express” (2005), named after the large cities in the American states of Georgia and Texas, respectively.  They have a top speed of 25,4 knots.

3.)  HAPAG-Lloyd’s next largest vessel is the container ship “Columbo Express” (2005), named after the city in Sri Lanka.  She displaces 104,400 tons and can make up to 25 knots.

HAPAG-Lloyd

HAPAG-Lloyd was formed as a merger between HAPAG of Hamburg (”Hamburg-Amerika Packetfahrt, A.G.”) and Norddeutscher (”North German” in English) Lloyd of Bremen, Germany in 1970.  HAPAG was founded in 1847 and the North German Lloyd was established in 1857.  Today, HAPAG-Lloyd operates a fleet of 59 commercial vessels.  Their parent company operates a commercial airline with more than 120 aircraft, in addition to 3,500 travel agencies, 79 tour operators in 18 countries plus 12 hotel brands in 28 countries with 285 hotels and 163,000 guest beds.

HAPAG-Lloyd entstand im Jahre 1970 aus einer Fusion von HAPAG (”Hamburg-Amerika Packetfahrt, A.G.) und dem Norddeutschen Lloyd aus Bremen.  HAPAG war im Jahre 1847, und der Norddeutsche Lloyd im Jahre 1857 gegründet.  Heute hat HAPAG-Lloyd 59 Schiffe, 120 Flugzeuge, 3,500 Reisebüros, 79 Reiseführer in 18 Ländern sowie 285 Hotels in 28 Ländern.

“Hamburg-Amerika Packetfahrt, A.G.” (HAPAG)

HAPAG operated 331 commercial vessels from the time of their founding on May 27, 1847 until their merger with, or purchase of, the North German Lloyd shipping line in 1970.  The Hamburg-based merchants who founded HAPAG in 1847 included Adolph Godeffroy, F. Laiesz, H.J. Merck, Carl Woermann and August Bolten.  HAPAG was the largest and best known of all German shipping companies.

Zwischen 1847 und 1970 hatte HAPAG 331 Handels-und Passagierschiffe.  Die Kaufmänner Adolph Godeffroy, F. Laiesz, H.J. Merck, Carl Woermann und August Bolten haben HAPAG am 27. Mai 1847 gegründet.

1.)  HAPAG’s largest ship and most luxurious passenger liner ever was the “S/S Bismarck”  (commissioned in 1914) of 56,551 tons total displacement, which was built by the Blohm & Voss A.G.  Shipyard in Hamburg.  These civilian passenger vessels are not to be confused with similarly-named combat vessels of the German Navy.  This great ship was unfortunately confiscated by the British in 1920 as war reparations for World War One.  This was the sole ship owned by HAPAG to be named after former Prussian and German Chancellor (Prime Minister) Otto von Bismarck.

HAPAG’s größte Schiff und deren größtes Passagierschiff war die “S/S Bismarck,” die im Jahre 1914 getauft wurde.  Die “S/S Bismarck” hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 56,551 Tonnen, und wurde von Blohm und Voss, A.G. in Hamburg gebaut.  Sie hatte eine Höchstgeschwindigkeit von 23,5 Knoten und hatte Platz für 2,145 Passagiere (750 Erste Klaße, 545 Zweite Klaße und 850 Dritte Klaße).  Nach dem Ersten Weltkrieg haben die Engländer die schöne “S/S Bismarck” von Deutschland leider beschlagnahmt.  Sie ist am 29. September 1940 in Rosyth (Schottland) ausgebrannt.

2-3.)  The container ships ”S/S Hamburg Express” (1972) and “S/S Tokio Express” (1972) each displace up to 55,600 tons full load, and were both absorbed into the merged HAPAG-Lloyd shipping line after the fusion with the North German Lloyd of Bremen in 1970.  They were likely launched by 1970, but not commissioned and placed into active service until 1972.  ”Tokio” is the German spelling of the Japanese city of Toyko, which is the most populous metropolitan area on earth.

Die beiden Containerschiffe “S/S Hamburg Express” (1972) und “S/S Tokio Express” (1972) haben eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 55,600 Tonnen.  Die zwei Schiffe gehören immer noch dem HAPAG-Lloyd.

4.)  The famous passenger liner “S/S Vaterland” (1914) displaced up to 54,282 tons full load, and was built by the Blohm & Voss A.G. Shipyard in Hamburg.  “Vaterland” is of course the German name for “Fatherland.”  The ship was unfortunately confiscated by the Americans in 1917, when the United States declared war on the German Empire.  She had been interned in the port of New York since the outbreak of World War One in 1914.  This was the 1st ship owned by HAPAG to be named after the German Fatherland.

Das berühmte und große Passagierschiff “S/S Vaterland” (1914) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 54,282 Tonnen, und wurde von Blohm und Voss, A.G. in Hamburg gebaut.  Das Schiff wurde von den Amerikanern im Jahre 1917 beschlagnahmt, als Amerika Krieg an Deutschland erklärte.  Die “S/S Vaterland” wurde am Anfang des Ersten Weltkrieges im Jahre 1914 im Hafen von Neu York interniert.

5.)  The “S/S Imperator” (1913) displaced up 52,117 tons and was confiscated by the British in 1919 as war reparations for World War One.  She was built by the A.G. Vulkan Shipyard in Hamburg.  We must remember that shipping companies are just like any other private companies.  Their unfortunate owners were financially ruined during two world wars, with many of their ships being confiscated in foreign ports, sunk by Allied navies and then with their surviving ships confiscated from them as war booty after the end of armed hostilities.  This is yet another example of the cruelty and unfairness of war, and once again demonstrates just some of the horrific consequences of the reckless foreign policies pursued by Kaiser Wilhelm II in 1914 and by Adolf Hitler in 1939.  This was the sole ship owned by HAPAG to be named “Imperator,” which means “Emperor” in Latin.

Das berühmte Passagierschiff “S/S Imperator” (1913) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 52,117 Tonnen, und wurde von A.G. Vulkan in Hamburg gebaut.  Das Schiff wurde von den Engländern nach dem Ersten Weltkrieg beschlagnahmt.

6.)  A new passenger liner named “S/S Vaterland” was commissioned in 1940.  She displaced 41,000 tons full load, and was built by the Blohm & Voss A.G. Shipyard in Hamburg.  She was bombed and sunk at her berth during an Allied air raid in 1944, raised and then scrapped in 1949.  This was the 2nd ship owned by HAPAG to be named after the German Fatherland.

Das zweite Passagierschiff “S/S Vaterland” (1940) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 41,000 Tonnen, und wurde bei Blohm und Voss A.G. in Hamburg gebaut.  Das Schiff wurde in einem Luftangriff auf Hamburg im Jahre 1944 versenkt, später aufgehoben, und endlich im Jahre 1949 verschrottet.

7.)  The container ship “S/S Sydney Express” (1970) displaces up to 33,100 tons full load, and was absorbed into the new merged HAPAG-Lloyd fleet after the corporate union with the North German Lloyd shipping line in 1970.

Das Containerschiff “S/S Sydney Express” (1970) hat eine Einsatzverdrängung von 33,100 Tonnen, und gehört immer noch dem HAPAG-Lloyd.

8.)  The passenger liner “S/S Kaiserin Auguste Victoria” (1906) displaced up to 24,581 tons full load, and was built by the A.G. Vulkan Shipyard in Stettin, Pomerania.  She was unfortunately confiscated by the British in 1919 as war reparations after World War One.  She was named for the German Empress Kaiserin Augusta Victoria Friederike Luise Feodora Jenny of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Augustenburg (1858-1921), who was the wife of German Emperor Kaiser Wilhelm II.  The Kaiser of course lead the Hohenzollern Dynasty, while his wife came from a branch of the Oldenburg Dynasty.  The latter dynasty is the root of the Royal Houses of Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Greece, Russia, Schleswig-Holstein and of course the Grand Duchy of Oldenburg in Germany.  Both Schleswig and Holstein used to be Duchies in Northern Germany, just South of the Danish border.  This ship was the sole one owned by HAPAG to be named after the Empress of Germany.

Das Passagierschiff “S/S Kaiserin Auguste Victoria” (1906) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 24,581 Tonnen, und wurde bei A.G. Vulkan in Stettin (Hinterpommern) gebaut.  Das Schiff wurde von den Engländern nach dem Ersten Weltkrieg im Jahre 1919 leider beschlagnahmt.  Kaiserin Augusta Victoria Friederike Luise Feodora Jenny von Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Augustenburg (1858-1921) war die erste Ehefrau von Kaiser Wilhelm II.  Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Augustenburg gehört das Haus Oldenburg.  Die Monarchen von Dänemark, Norwegen, Schweden, Griechenland, Rußland, Schleswig-Holstein und natürlich auch Oldenburg stammen aus dem Großherzogtum Oldenburg in Nordwestdeutschland.

9.)  The passenger liner “S/S Amerika” (1905) displaced up to 22,225 tons full load, and was built by the Harland & Wolff, Limited Shipyard in Belfast, Northern Ireland.  She was confiscated by the Americans in 1917, when US President Wilson and the United States Congress declared war upon Imperial Germany, Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria and the Ottoman Turkish Empire.  She had been interned in the port of New York since the outbreak of World War One in 1914.  She was the sole ship owned by HAPAG to be named after America.

Das Passagierschiff “S/S Amerika” (1905) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 22,225 Tonnen, und wurde bei Harland und Wolff, Limited in Belfast (Nordirland) gebaut.  Das Schiff wurde leider von den Amerikanern im Jahre 1917 beschlagnahmt, als die Amerikaner Krieg an Deutschland, Österreich-Ungarn, Bulgarien und das Ottomanische Reich (die Türkei) erklärten.  Die “S/S Amerika” wurde seit Anfang des Ersten Weltkrieges im Jahre 1914 im Hafen von Neu York interniert.

10-13.) The 4 sister ships and passenger liners “S/S Albert Ballin” (1923), “S/S Deutschland” (1923), “S/S Hamburg” (1925) and “S/S New York” (1927) each displaced up to 21,455 tons, and were built by the Blohm & Voss Shipyard in Hamburg.  Mr. Albert Ballin was a very talented German-Jewish executive who lead HAPAG from 1888 until his unfortunate suicide in 1918.  He ended his own life in dispair, due to the fact that World War One had ruined his company financially.  So many German ships had either been sunk or merely confiscated at war’s end by the victorious and vindictive Western allies.  The liner “Albert Ballin” survived World War Two, but was confiscated by the Soviet Union in 1949 as war reparations.  She had been unfortunately renamed “S/S Hansa” by the Nazis in 1935, due to the fact that Albert Ballin was a German-Jew.  She was the sole ship owned by HAPAG to be named after Mr. Ballin.

Die vier Schwester-Passagierschiffe “S/S Albert Ballin” (1923), “S/S Deutschland” (1923), “S/S Hamburg” (1925) und “S/S New York” (1927) hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 21,455 Tonnen, und wurden alle bei Blohm und Voss in Hamburg gebaut.  Herr Albert Ballin war der begabte deutschjüdische Direktor HAPAG-Lloyds, der die Firma von 1888 bis 1918 geleitet hat.  Im Jahre 1918 hatte er Selbstmord begangen, weil die Firma nach dem Ende des Ersten Weltkrieges ruiniert war.  Das Passagierschiff “S/S Albert Ballin” wurde von den Nationalsozialisten im Jahre 1935 “S/S Hansa” wegen der Judenverfolgung umbenannt.  Das Schiff überlebte den Zweiten Weltkrieg, und wurde von Sowjetrußland im Jahre 1949 beschlagnahmt.

This “S/S Deutschland” was the 4th ship owned by HAPAG to be named after Germany.  She was sunk at her berth in Lübeck during an Allied air raid in 1945, raised and then scrapped in 1948.

Das Passagierschiff “S/S Deutschland” (1923) wurde bei einem Luftangriff auf Lübeck im Jahre 1945 versenkt, später geborgen und dann endlich im Jahre 1948 verschrottet.

The liner “S/S Hamburg” survived World War Two, and was confiscated by the Soviet Union in 1950 as part of war reparations.  She was the 2nd ship owned by HAPAG to be named after their home town of Hamburg, which is Germany’s largest seaport.

Das Passagierschiff “S/S Hamburg” (1925) hat der Zweite Weltkrieg überlebt, aber sie wurde von Sowjetrußland im Jahre 1950 beschlagnahmt.

The liner “S/S New York” was sunk at her berth during an Allied air raid on Kiel in 1945, raised and then scrapped in 1948.  She was the sole ship owned by HAPAG to be named after the great American city of New York.

Das Passagierschiff “S/S New York” (1927) wurde bei einem Luftangriff auf Kiel im Jahre 1945 versenkt, später geborgen und dann im Jahre 1948 verschrottet.

14-15.)  The passenger liners “S/S Resolute” (1920) and “S/S Reliance” (1920)  displaced up to 19,980 tons each, and were built by the Bremer Vulkan A.G. Shipyard in Vegesack and by the J.C. Tecklenborg A.G. Shipyard in Geestemünde (Bremerhaven), respectively.  They were the sole ships owned by the HAPAG line to carry these English names.  “S/S Resolute” was sold to new owners in 1935, and “S/S Reliance” was turned over the British as part of war reparations after her commissioning, returned to HAPAG in 1926, burned out due to an accidental fire in 1938 and then finally scrapped.

Die zwei Passagierschiffe “S/S Resolute” (1920) und “S/S Reliance” (1920) hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 19,980 Tonnen, und wurden bei  dem Bremer Vulkan A.G. in Vegesack und von J.C. Tecklenborg in Geestemünde (in Bremerhaven, vormals “Wesermünde”) gebaut.  “S/S Resolute” wurde im Jahre 1935 verkauft.  “S/S Reliance” wurde im Jahre 1938 verschrottet.

16-17.)  The passenger liners “S/S President Grant” (1907) and “S/S President Lincoln” (1907) each displaced up to 18,168 tons full load, and were both built by the Harland & Wolff, Limited Shipyard of Belfast, Northern Ireland.  They were the sole ships owned by the HAPAG line to be named after these two American Presidents.  They were both interned in the port of New York upon the outbreak of World War One in 1914, and unfortunately confiscated by the Americans upon their declaration of war upon Imperial Germany in 1917.

Die beiden Passagierschiffe “S/S President Grant” (1907) und “S/S President Lincoln” (1907) hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 18,168 Tonnen, und wurden bei Harland und Wolff, Limited in Belfast (Nordirland) gebaut.  Sie waren im Hafen von Neu York am Anfang des Ersten Weltkrieges im Jahre 1914 interniert, und dann im Jahre 1917 von den Amerikanern beschlagnahmt.  Die ehemaligen amerikanischen Präsidenten Grant und Lincoln gehörten zur Republikanischen Partei.

18-19.)  The passenger liners “S/S Cleveland” (1909) and “S/S Cincinnati” (1909) each displaced up to 16,960 tons full load, and were both built by the Blohm & Voss A.G. Shipyard in Hamburg.  They were the sole ships owned by the HAPAG line to be named after the 2 cities in the State of Ohio.  Many German immigrants settled in Ohio and other states of the American Midwest, and Americans of German ancestry are still the largest ethnic group in the USA.  “S/S Cleveland” was confiscated by the Americans as part of war reparations after World War One in 1919, but actually returned to HAPAG in 1926.  She was removed from service in 1933 and scrapped shortly thereafter.  “S/S Cincinnati” was interned in the port of Boston, Massachusetts upon the outbreak of World War One in 1914, and unfortunately confiscated by the Americans after their declaration of war upon Imperial Germany in 1917.

Die beiden Passagierschiffe “S/S Cleveland” (1909) und “S/S Cincinnati” (1909) hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 16,960 Tonnen, und wurden bei Blohm und Voss A.G. in Hamburg gebaut.  Die zwei Städte Cleveland und Cincinnati liegen im US-Bundesland Ohio, wo viele Bürger deutscher Abstammung leben.  Die Deutschamerikaner sind immer noch die größte Bevölkerungsgruppe der USA, mit einer Stärke von etwa 60 Millionen Menschen.  Die “S/S Cleveland” wurde im Jahre 1933 verschrottet, und die “S/S Cincinnati” wurde von den Amerikanern im Jahre 1917 beschlagnahmt.  Das Schiff “S/S Cincinnati” wurde im Hafen von Boston (US-Bundesland Massachusetts) am Anfang des Ersten Weltkrieges im Jahre 1914 interniert.

20-21.)  The passenger liners “S/S St. Louis” (1929) and “S/S Milwaukee” (1929) each displaced up to 16,732 tons full load, and were built by the Bremer Vulkan A.G. Shipyard in Vegesack and by the Blohm & Voss A.G. Shipyard in Hamburg, respectively.  They were the sole ships owned by the HAPAG line to be named after the large respective cities in the American states of Missouri and Wisconsin.  Both states have very large numbers of people of German descent.  In fact, Wisconsin has the largest German population percentage of of any American state at an amazing 63%.  “S/S St. Louis” was sunk at her berth in Kiel during an Allied air raid in 1944, raised in 1950 and then scrapped.  “S/S Milwaukee” was unfortunately confiscated by the British in 1945 as part of war reparations after World War Two.

Die beiden Passagierschiffe “S/S St. Louis” (1929) und “S/S Milwaukee” (1929) hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 16,732 Tonnen, und wurden bei dem Bremer Vulkan A.G. in Vegesack (die “St. Louis”) und bei Blohm und Voss A.G. in Hamburg auf Kiel gelegt (die “Milwaukee”).  Die Stadt St. Louis liegt im US-Bundesstaat Missouri und die Stadt Milwaukee liegt im US-Bundesstaat Wisconsin.  Sehr viele deutsche Einwanderer haben in Missouri und Wisconsin gesiedelt.  Heute sind 63% der Bevölkerung Wisconsins deutscher Abstammung.  Das Schiff “S/S St. Louis” wurde in einem Luftangriff auf Kiel im Jahre 1944 versenkt, später geborgen und dann im Jahre 1950 verschrottet.  Das Schiff “S/S Milwaukee” wurde von den Engländern im Jahre 1945 leider beschlagnahmt.

22.)  The passenger liner “S/S Deutschland” (1900) displaced up to 16,703 tons full load, and was built by the A.G. Vulkan Shipyard in Stettin, Pomerania.  She was thus the 3rd ship owned by the HAPAG line to be named after Germany.  She was renamed “S/S Victoria Luise” in 1911, and renamed yet again as “S/S Hansa” in 1920.  She was removed from service in 1925, and scrapped shortly thereafter.

Das Passagierschiff “S/S Deutschland” (1900) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 16,703 Tonnen, und wurde bei der A.G. Vulkan in Stettin (Hinterpommern) gebaut.  Sie war für HAPAG die zweite “S/S Deutschland.”  Das Schiff wurde von Sowjetrußland im Jahre 1946 leider beschlagnahmt.

23.)  The passenger liner “S/S Patria” (1938) displaced up to 16,595 tons full load, and was built by the Deutsche Werft A.G. Shipyard in Hamburg.  She was thus the 2nd ship owned by the HAPAG line to be named “Patria,” which is the Latin word for “Fatherland.”  She was unfortunately confiscated by the Soviet Union in 1946 as part of war reparations after World War Two.

Das Passagierschiff “S/S Patria” (1938) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 16,595 Tonnen, und wurde bei der Deutschen Werft A.G. in Hamburg gebaut.  Das Schiff wurde auch von Sowjetrußland im Jahre 1946 leider beschlagnahmt.

24-25.)  The container ships “S/S Elbe Express” (1968) and “S/S Alster Express” (1968) displace up to 14,071 tons full load, and were both taken into the new merged fleet of HAPAG-Lloyd upon the merger with the North German Lloyd shipping line in 1970.  Each ship is named after a major German river which flows through the city of Hamburg.

Die beiden Containerschiffe “S/S Elbe Express” (1968) und “S/S Alster Express” (1968) haben eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 14,071 Tonnen, und gehören immer noch dem HAPAG-Lloyd.

26-29.)  The 4 freighters “S/S Ludwigshafen” (1970), “S/S Erlangen” (1970), “S/S Leverkusen” (1970) and “S/S Hoechst” (1970) displace up to 13,073 tons each, and were all absorbed into the HAPAG-Lloyd fleet after the merger with the North German Lloyd shipping line.  The first 3 vessels are named after German cities, while the 4th unit is named after a German corporation.  “S/S Ludwigshafen” is the sole ship of her name ever to be owned by HAPAG, while “S/S Erlangen” is the 2nd ship of her name to be owned by HAPAG.  “S/S Leverkusen” is the 3rd ship of her name to be owned by HAPAG, whereas “S/S Hoechst” is the 2nd ship owned by HAPAG to be named after this famous German company.

Die vier Frachter “S/S Ludwigshafen” (1970), “S/S Erlangen” (1970), “S/S Leverkusen” (1970) und “S/S Hoechst” (1970) haben eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 13,073 Tonnen.  Die vier Schiffe gehören immer noch dem HAPAG-Lloyd.

30-33.)  The 4 passenger liners “S/S Pennsylvania” (1897), “S/S Pretoria” (1898), “S/S Patricia” (1899) and “S/S Graf Waldersee” (1899) displaced up to 13,023 tons each.  “S/S Pennsylvania” (1897) was built by the Harland & Wolff, Limited Shipyard in Belfast, Northern Ireland, was interned in the port of New York upon the outbreak of World War One in 1914, and was unfortunately confiscated by the Americans upon their declaration of war upon Imperial Germany in 1917.  She was the sole ship owned by HAPAG to be named after the American State of Pennsylvania, which received America’s very first German immigrants in 1683.  They were Amish members of the Mennonite religion, who unfortunately fled Germany due to religious persecution.  They came from the City of Krefeld, and settled in Philadelphia to found Germantown, Pennsylvania.

Die vier Passagierschiffe “S/S Pennsylvania” (1897), “S/S Pretoria” (1898), “S/S Patricia” (1899) und “S/S Graf Waldersee” (1899) hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 13,023 Tonnen.  Die “S/S Pennsylvania” wurde bei Harland und Wolff, Limited in Belfast (Nordirland) auf Kiel gelegt.  Am Anfang des Ersten Weltkrieges im Jahre 1914 wurde sie im Hafen von Neu York interniert.  Als die Amerikaner im Jahre 1917 Krieg an das Deutsche Reich erklärten, wurde sie leider beschlagnahmt.  Die erste richtige “Gruppe” Einwanderer aus Deutschland sind im Jahre 1683 auf dem englischen Segelschiff “Concord” von Deutschland nach Philadelphia (im US-Bundesstaat Pennsylvanien) angekommen.  Sie waren 13 Amish-Mennoniten Familien aus Krefeld, oder deutsche Baptisten, die “Germantown,” Pennsylvanien am 6. Oktober 1683 gegründet haben.  Heute gibt es 1,478,540 Mennoniten, 227,000 Amish-Mennoniten, 50,000 Hutterit-Mennoniten, 207,526 Brethren-Mennoniten und 620,987 Deutsche Baptisten.  Diese Leute führen ein einfaches Leben, sind sehr religiös, sehr fleißig, sehr erfolgreich, und bestehen oft aus Familien mit vielen Kindern.Drei deutsche Männer (mit den Familiennamen Unger, Keffer und Volday) sind in Jamestown, Virginien im Jahre 1607 angesiedelt.  Der Deutsche Peter Minnewit aus Wesel wurde als Governeur von Manhattan (Neu Amsterdam, später “New York” genannt) im Jahre 1626 ernannt.  Nach 1664 war der Deutsche Jacob Leisler aus Frankfurt der neue Governeur von holländisch Neu Amsterdam.  Einige Deutsche haben sich auch in den englischen Kolonien von Neu York, Maryland und Virginien vor 1683 angesiedelt.  Auf Deutsch würde Maryland “Marialand” heißen, und Virginien “Jungfrauland.”

“S/S Pretoria” (1898) was built by the Blohm & Voss A.G. Shipyard in Hamburg, and was unfortunately confiscated by the Americans as part of war reparations after World War One in 1919.  She was the sole ship owned by HAPAG to be named after the city in South Africa, which is a country home to many people of German descent.  Roughly 40% of the Afrikaner population of South Africa is of German origin, being Calvinist Protestants who fled Europe due to religious persecution in the 17th century.

Das Passagierschiff “S/S Pretoria” (1898) wurde bei Blohm und Voss A.G. in Hamburg auf Kiel gelegt, und wurde nach dem Ersten Weltkrieg im Jahre 1919 von den Amerikanern leider beschlagnahmt.  Die Stadt Pretoria liegt in Südafrika.  Die weiße Volksgruppe der “Afrikaner” oder “Kapholländer” ist etwa 40% deutscher Abstammung.

“S/S Patricia” (1899) was built by the A.G. Vulkan Shipyard in Stettin, Pomerania.  She was unfortunately confiscated by the Americans as part of war reparations after World War One in 1919.  She was the 1st ship with this name owned by the HAPAG line.

Das Passagierschiff “S/S Patricia” (1899) wurde bei der A.G. Vulkan in Stettin (Hinterpommern) auf Kiel gelegt, und wurde nach dem Ersten Weltkrieg im Jahre 1919 von den Amerikanern leider beschlagnahmt.

“S/S Graf Waldersee” (1899) was built by the Blohm & Voss Shipyard in Hamburg.  She was also unfortunately confiscated by the Americans as part of war reparations after World War One in 1919.  She was the only ship owned by HAPAG to carry this particular name.

Das Passagierschiff “S/S Graf Waldersee” (1899) wurde bei Blohm und Voss in Hamburg auf Kiel gelegt, und wurde nach dem Ersten Weltkrieg im Jahre 1919 von den Amerikanern leider auch beschlagnahmt.

“Norddeutscher Lloyd” (North German Lloyd)

The North German Lloyd operated 141 commercial vessels from the time of its establishment on February 20, 1857 until the corporate merger with HAPAG in 1970.  The company was founded in Bremen, Germany by Messers.  Hermann Heinrich Meyer and Eduard Crüsemann.  Their ships sailed from Bremerhaven to ports such as New York, Baltimore, Savannah, Galveston, Havana, Rio de Janeiro, Marseille, Alexandria, Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong, Swatow, Shanghai, Manila, Cebu, Tokyo and Sydney.  Employment totalled 22,000 people.  The North German Lloyd was Germany’s 2nd largest shipping company, being surpassed only by the HAPAG shipping line of Hamburg.

Der Norddeutsche Lloyd wurde von den Herren Hermann Heinrich Meyer und Eduard Crüsemann am 20. Februar 1857 in Bremen gegründet.  Von 1857 bis zur Fusion mit HAPAG hatte der Norddeutsche Lloyd 141 Seefahrzeuge.  Der Norddeutsche Lloyd war Deutschlands zweigrößte Reederei, mit 22,000 Angestellten in Bremen, Bremerhaven, Neu York, Baltimore, Savannah, Galveston, Havana, Rio de Janeiro, Marseille, Alexandria, Bangkok, Singapur, Hongkong, Swatow, Schanghai, Manila, Cebu, Tokio und Sydney.

1.)  Their largest ship was the passenger liner “S/S Europa” (1929), which displaced 49,746 tons.  She was built by the Blohm & Voss Shipyard in Hamburg, and was the 1st “S/S Europa to be commissioned by the North German Lloyd.  The German Navy took this ship over during World War Two, and planned to convert it into an auxiliary aircraft carrier.  Had she been coverted into a carrier, her displacement would have been increased to 56,500 tons full load.  She could make up to 26,5 knots and had a range of 10,000 nautical miles.  She was to have been armed with 42 combat aircraft, including 24 Messerschmitt Bf-109 Fighters and 18 Junkers Ju-87 Dive Bombers.  After World War Two she was confiscated by the French as war reparations, where she was renamed “S/S Liberte.”  She was finally scrapped in 1962.

Das Passagierschiff “S/S Europa” (1929) war das größte Schiff des Norddeutschen Lloyds, und hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 49,746 Tonnen.  Das Schiff wurde bei Blohm und Voss in Hamburg gebaut.  Während des Zweiten Weltkrieges hatte die Deutsche Kriegsmarine es vor, die “S/S Europa” als Hilfsflugzeugträger umzubauen.  Leider wurde das nie gemacht, weil die Marine auf Hitlers “Rangliste” immer ganz am Ende war.  Die SS, das Wehrmacht-Heer und die Luftwaffe waren für Hitler und seine Regierung immer wichtiger als die Kriegsmarine.Aber in Wirklichkeit war die Deutsche Kriegsmarine doch allerwichtig.  Die Amerikaner, die Engländer und die Sowjetrußen haben das Deutsche Reich immer als den mächtigsen Feind gesehen – noch stärker und gefährlicher als Japan.  Die Amerikaner aber besonders die Engländer haben die Deutsche Kriegsmarine, und besonders die deutsche Unterseebootwaffe als Hauptfeind gesehen – gefährlicher als die Waffen-SS, das Wehrmacht-Heer und die Luftwaffe zusammen.Der geplante Hilfsflugzeugträger “Europa” (1942) sollte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 56,500 Tonnen haben – d.h. mehr als die “Tirpitz” oder die “Bismarck.”  Sie hatte eine maximale Geschwindigkeit von 26,5 Knoten und eine Reichweite von 10,000 Seemeilen.  Sie sollte mit 42 Flugzeugen (24 Messerschmitt Bf-109 Jagdflugzeuge und 18 Junkers Ju-87 Sturzkampfbombenflugzeuge mit Torpedos) bewaffnet sein.  Nach dem Zweiten Weltkrieg wurde die “S/S Europa” von den Franzosen leider beschlagnahmt, und als “S/S Liberte” umbenannt.  Sie wurde endlich im Jahre 1962 verschrottet.

2.)  The second largest ship in the history of the North German Lloyd was the passenger liner “S/S Bremen” (1929).  She was built by the A.G. Weser Shipyard in Bremen.  This particular “S/S Bremen” was the 4th ship of this name for the North German Lloyd.  She displaced 51,656 tons, and was destroyed due to an accidental fire in 1941.

Das zweitgrößte Schiff des Norddeutschen Lloyds war die “S/S Bremen” (1929) mit einer Einsatzverdrängung von 51,656 Tonnen.  Dieses Passagierschiff wurde bei der A.G. Weser in Bremen gebaut, und war die vierte “Bremen” des Norddeutschen Lloyds.  Das Schiff verbrannte im Jahre 1941 und wurde kurz danach verschrottet.

3.)  The third largest ship of the North German Lloyd was the passenger liner “S/S Columbus” (1914), which displaced up to 33,526 tons full load.  She was the 1st ship of  the North German Lloyd to be named after the great explorer Christopher Columbus, and was built by the F. Schichau Shipyard in Danzig, West Prussia.  She was confiscated by the British in 1921 as war reparations, and renamed “S/S Homeric” in their service.

Das drittgrößte Schiff des Norddeutschen Lloyds war das Passagierschiff “S/S Columbus” (1914).  Sie hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 33,526 Tonnen, und wurde bei F. Schichau in Danzig (Westpreußen) gebaut.  Sie wurde leider nach dem Ersten Weltkrieg von den Engländern im Jahre 1921 beschlagnahmt, und als “S/S Homeric” umbenannt.

4.)  The fourth largest ship of the North German Lloyd was the passenger liner “S/S Columbus” (1924), which displaced 32,354 tons.  She was built by the F. Schichau Shipyard of Danzig, West Prussia, and was the 2nd passenger liner of the North German Lloyd to carry this great name.  She was unfortunately overseas upon the start of World War Two in September 1939.  She tried to make a run for Germany from the Mexican port of Veracruz, but was hunted down by a British destroyer in late 1939.  Her crew scuttled her before the British were able to board her, and all her men except two were rescued by an American cruiser.  They were taken to Ellis Island next to New York City (technically in New Jersey), after which most of the men traveled by train to San Francisco.  Some of the men with valid immigration papers chose to remain in the United States.  After detention on Angel Island in San Francisco Bay, the men sailed to Japan – then an ally of Germany.  While in Japan, many of the men fought for the German war effort by serving aboard merchant ships, armed auxiliary cruisers and even submarines.  Some of the men even made it back to Germany aboard such vessels.  One of these was the armed merchantman “Anneliese Essberger,” which managed to sail from Japan to German-occupied France in 1941.

Das viertgrößte Schiff des Norddeutschen Lloyds war das Passagierschiff “S/S Columbus” (1924) mit einer Einsatzverdrängung von 32,354 Tonnen.  Sie wurde bei F. Schichau in Danzig (Westpreußen) gebaut, und war die zweite “Columbus” des Norddeutschen Lloyds.  Am Anfang des Zweiten Weltkrieges war sie leider in Veracruz, Mexiko.  Sie versuchte nach Deutschland zurückzukehren, aber leider ist das nicht gelungen.  Sie hat sich selbst versenkt, weil sie sich nicht an einen Englischen Zerstörer übergeben wollte.  Ihre Mannschaft wurde von einem Amerikanischen Kreuzer gerettet, und wurde nach Ellis-Insel (im Hafen von Neu York) gebracht.  Dann sind die meisten Besatzungsmitglieder nach San Francisco (in Kalifornien) mit der Eisenbahn gereist.  Danach sind die Deutschen Seemänner nach Japan gereist, wo sie auf deutschen Hilfskreuzern und Unterseebooten im Zweiten Weltkrieg gedient haben.  Dem deutschen Dampfer “S/S Anneliese Essberger” ist es gelungen Frankreich von Japan im Jahre 1941 zu erreichen.

5.)  The fifth largest ship of the North German Lloyd was the 5th passenger liner named “T/S Bremen” (1939) by them, after the Hanseatic City of Bremen in Northern Germany.  She was built by the Chantiers et Ateliers de St. Nazaire Shipyard in France.  She displaced 32,336 tons, and it was aboard this ship that my parents and I sailed from New York to Bremerhaven and back in 1967.  She was originally known as the “T/S Pasteur” while in French service.  The North German Lloyd purchased her in 1959.  While on her way to the breakers in Taiwan in 1980, the “Bremen” unfortunately sunk in the Indian Ocean.  The prefix ”T/S” stands for “Turbine Ship.”

Das fünfgrößte Schiff des Norddeutschen Lloyds war das Passagierschiff “T/S Bremen” (1939).  Sie hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 32,336 Tonnen, und wurde bei Chantiers et Ateliers de Sankt Nazaire (in Frankreich) gebaut.  Sie war die fünfte “Bremen” des Norddeutschen Lloyds, und wurde im Jahre 1959 von den Franzosen gekauft.  Die drei anderen “Bremen” des Norddeutschen Lloyds wurden in den Jahren 1858, 1897 und 1922 getauft.  Im Jahre 1967 sind meine Eltern und ich von Neuyork nach Bremerhaven und zurück auf dem Turbinenschiff “T/S Bremen” gereist.  “T/S” bedeutet “Turbinenschiff,” und “S/S” bedeutet “Dampfschiff” auf Englisch.

6.)  The passenger liner “S/S George Washington” (1909) displaced 25,570 tons.  She was built by the A.G. Vulcan Shipyard in Stettin, Pomerania.  Like so many German vessels, she was unfortunately overseas when World War One began in 1914.  The Americans confiscated her in 1917, when the United States declared war upon Germany.

Das Passagierschiff “S/S George Washington” (1909) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 25,570 Tonnen, und wurde von der A.G. Vulcan in Stettin (Hinterpommern) gebaut.  Sie war leider am Anfang des Ersten Weltkrieges in Amerika interniert, wie so viele andere deutsche Schiffe.  Die Kaiserliche Marine Deutschlands war leider nicht groß genug, die Meere der Welt zu beherrschen.  Damals hatte das Deutsche Reich nach England die zweitgrößte Marine der Welt.  Die “George Washington” wurde von den Amerikanern im Jahre 1917 beschlagnahmt, als Amerika Krieg an das Deutsche Reich erklärte.  George Washington war General und Feldherr während des amerikanischen Unabhängigkeitskrieges (1774 bis 1783), und der erste Präsident der USA von 1789 bis 1797.  Er und sein Vizepräsident John Adams gehörten der Föderalistischen Partei an, Vorgänger der heutigen Republikanischen Partei.  George Washington kam aus dem US-Bundesstaat Virginien, und John Adams kam aus dem US-Bundesstaat Massachusetts.

7.)  A new passenger liner named “S/S Europa” was commissioned in 1953.  She displaces 21,514 tons and still exists today.  She was built by De Schelde N.V. Shipyard in Vlissingen, the Netherlands.  Originally, she was known as “S/S Kungsholm.”  In 1965, she was purchased by the North German Lloyd.  In 1970, she was absorbed into the fleet of HAPAG-Lloyd after their merger with the North German Lloyd.  She was the 2nd ship to be named “S/S Europa” by the North German Lloyd.

Das zweite Passagierschiff “S/S Europa” (1953) hat eine Einsatzverdrängung von 21,514 Tonnen, und wurde bei De Schelde N.V. in Vlissingen (Niederlande) gebaut.  Sie wurde von den Holländern im Jahre 1965 gekauft, und gehört seit 1970 dem HAPAG-Lloyd.

8.)  The passenger liner “S/S Kaiser Wilhelm II” (1903) displaced 19,361 tons full load.  She was built by AG Vulkan in Stettin, Pomerania, which has been part of modern Poland since May 1945.  She was interned in the port of New York upon the start of World War One in August 1914, and finally confiscated by the USA upon the American declaration of war upon Imperial Germany in April 1917.  She was of course named after the German Emperor William II of the Hohenzollern Dynasty of Brandenburg-Prussia, who reigned from 1888 until his abdication in November 1918.  She was the 2nd ship of the North German Lloyd to be named after Kaiser Wilhelm II.

Das Passagierschiff “S/S Kaiser Wilhelm II” (1903) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 19,361 Tonnen, und wurde bei der A.G. Vulkan in Stettin (Hinterpommern) gebaut.  Sie wurde am Anfang des Ersten Weltkrieges im Hafen von Neu York interniert, und dann im Jahre 1917 von den Amerikanern beschlagnahmt.

9.)  The passenger liner “S/S Kronprinzeßin Cecilie” (1907) displaced 19,360 tons full load, and was a sister ship of “S/S Kaiser Wilhelm II.”  She was built by AG Vulkan in Stettin, Pomerania, which is situated on the Baltic Sea coast.  She was named after the wife of Crown Prince William of the Hohenzollern Dynasty, who would have become German Emperor “Kaiser Wilhelm III” upon the death of his father in 1941 – had the Royal family not been forced to abdicate in November 1918.  This ship was interned in the port of Boston, Massachusetts upon the outbreak of World War One in August 1914, and finally confiscated by the USA upon the American declaration of war upon Imperial Germany in April 1917.

Das Passagierschiff “S/S Kronprinzeßin Cecilie” (1907) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 19,360 Tonnen, und wurde bei der A.G. Vulkan in Stettin (Hinterpommern) gebaut.  Kronprinzeßin Cecilie war die Ehefrau von Kronprinz Wilhelm von Brandenburg-Preußen.  Sein Vater Kaiser Wilhelm II von Brandenburg-Preußen ist in Holland im Jahre 1941 gestorben, und Kronprinz Wilhelm ist in Deutschland im Jahre 1951 gestorben.  Das Schiff wurde am Anfang des Ersten Weltkrieges im Hafen von Boston (US-Bundesstaat Massachusetts) interniert, und dann von den Amerikanern im Jahre 1917 beschlagnahmt.

10.)  The passenger liner “S/S München” (1920) displaced 18,940 tons full load, and was built at the AG Weser yard in Bremen, Germany (the second largest seaport in Germany after Hamburg).  She was named after the city of Munich, which is the capital of the German State of Bavaria.  She was the 1st ship of the North German Lloyd to be named after the city of Munich.  In 1923, she was confiscated by the United Kingdom as delayed war reparations for World War One, and renamed “S/S Ohio.”

Das Passagierschiff “S/S München” (1920) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 18,940 Tonnen, und wurde bei der A.G. Weser in Bremen gebaut.  Sie wurde nach dem Ersten Weltkrieg im Jahre 1923 von den Engländern leider beschlagnahmt.

11.)  The passenger liner “S/S Berlin” (1925) displaced 18,600 tons full load, and was built by Armstrong, Whitworth & Company in Newcastle (the United Kingdom).  She served until 1966, when she was scrapped.  She was the 4th ship of the North German Lloyd to be named after the city of Berlin.  Berlin has been the capital of modern Germany since 1871, and was the capital of the Kingdom of Prussia since 1701.  Originally, she had been known as “S/S Gripsholm.”  The North German Lloyd purchased her in 1955, where she served for 11 years.

Das Passagierschiff “S/S Berlin” (1925) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 18,600 Tonnen, und wurde bei Armstrong, Whitworth and Company in Newcastle (England) gebaut.  Sie diente bis 1966, und wurde danach verschrottet.  Sie war die vierte “Berlin” des Norddeutschen Lloyds.

12.)  The passenger liner “S/S Scharnhorst” (1935) displaced up to 18,184 tons full load, and was built by the A.G. Weser Shipyard in Bremen.  She was interned in the port of Kobe, Japan in 1939 due to outbreak of World War Two, and then purchased by the Japanese in 1942.  The Japanese coverted her into an auxiliary aircraft carrier, in which role she was sunk by the American submarine “U.S.S. Spadefish” Northeast of Shanghai, China on November 17, 1944.  She was the 2nd “S/S Scharnhorst” to be commissioned by the North German Lloyd, and was named after a great general of the Prussian Army.  He was one of the Prussian leaders who was instrumental in creating the modern Prussian-German General Staff.

Das Passagierschiff “S/S Scharnhorst” (1935) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 18,184 Tonnen, und wurde bei der A.G. Weser in Bremen gebaut.  Sie wurde von den Japanern im Jahre 1942 gekauft, weil sie am Anfang des Zweiten Weltkrieges im Hafen von Kobe lag.  Die Japanische Marine hat sie zu einem Hilfsflugzeugträger umgebaut.  Sie wurde am 17. November 1944 vor Schanghai von dem amerikanischen Unterseeboot “U.S.S. Spadefish” torpediert.

13.)  The passenger liner “S/S Gneisenau” (1935) displaced up to 18,160 tons full load, and was built by the A.G. Weser Shipyard in Bremen.  She was sunk by a mine in the Baltic Sea on May 2, 1943.  Before this, the German Navy wanted to convert her into an auxiliary aircraft carrier.  She could make up to 21 knots, and had a range of 9,000 nautical miles.  Had she ever been coverted into a carrier, she would have been armed with 24 combat aircraft (including 12 Messerschmitt Me-109 Fighters and 12 Junkers Ju-87 Dive Bombers).  She was the 2nd “S/S Gneisenau” to be commissioned by the North German Lloyd, and was named after another great general of the Prussian Army.  He was a contemporary of Scharnhorst.

Das Passagierschiff “S/S Gneisenau” (1935) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 18,160 Tonnen, und wurde bei der A.G. Weser in Bremen gebaut.  Sie wurde leider am 2. Mai 1943 von einem Minentreffer in der Ostsee gesunken.  Vorher wollte die Deutsche Kriegsmarine die “S/S Gneisenau” als einen Hilfsflugzeugträger umbauen, aber das ist leider nie geschehen.  Sie hatte eine maximale Geschwindigkeit von 21 Knoten, und eine Reichweite von 9,000 Seemeilen.  Als Flugzeugträger sollte sie mit 24 Flugzeugen bewaffnet werden (12 Messerschmitt Bf-109 Jagdflugzeuge und 12 Junkers Ju-87 Sturzkampfbombenflugzeuge mit Torpedos).

14.)  The passenger liner “S/S Potsdam” (1935) displaced up to 17,528 tons full load, and was built by the Blohm & Voss Shipyard in Hamburg.  She was yet another passenger liner which the German Navy planned to convert into an auxiliary aircraft carrier, but did not.  She was confiscated by the British as war reparations as late as 1954, and was scrapped by 1976.  The planned coversion into a carrier would have raised her total displacement to 23,500 tons and given her 24 combat aircaft (12 Messerschmitt Me-109 Fighters and 12 Junkers Ju-87 Dive Bombers).  She could make up to 21 knots and had a range of 9,000 nautical miles.

Das Passagierschiff “S/S Potsdam” (1935) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 17,528 Tonnen, und wurde bei Blohm und Voss in Hamburg gebaut.  Die Deutsche Kriegsmarine hatte es auch vor, die “S/S Potsdam” als einen Hilfsflugzeugträger umzubauen, aber das ist auch leider nie geschehen.  Als Flugzeugträger sollte sie eine Einsatzverdrängung von 23,500 Tonnen haben.  Ihre maximale Geschwindigkeit war 21 Knoten, und sie hatte eine Reichweite von 9,000 Seemeilen.  Sie sollte mit 24 Flugzeugen bewaffnet werden (12 Messerschmitt Bf-109 Jagdflugzeuge und 12 Junkers Ju-87 Sturzkampfbombenflugzeuge mit Torpedos).  Das Schiff wurde von den Engländern im Jahre 1954 leider beschlagnahmt.  Nach dem Zweiten Weltkrieg ging es Großbrittanien eigentlich nicht gut – der Staat war pleite, und das Weltreich der Engländer wurde immer kleiner.  Im Jahre 1952 hatte schon Westdeutschland eine Wirtschaft so groß wie des Deutschen Reiches von 1937.

15.)  The passenger liner “S/S Berlin” (1909) displaced up to 17,324 tons full load, and was built by the A.G. Weser Shipyard in Bremen.  She was the 2nd passenger liner of the North German Lloyd to be named after the city of Berlin.  She was confiscated by the British as war reparations in 1919, and renamed “S/S Arabic” in British service.

Das Passagierschiff “S/S Berlin” (1909) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 17,324 Tonnen, und wurde bei der A.G. Weser in Bremen gebaut.  Sie war die zweite “Berlin” des Norddeutschen Lloyds.  Sie wurde nach dem Ersten Weltkrieg im Jahre 1919 von den Engländern beschlagnahmt, und als “S/S Arabic” umbenannt.

16.)  The passenger liner “S/S Prinz Friedrich Wilhelm” (1907) displaced up to 17,082 tons full load, and was built by the J.C. Tecklenborg A.G. Shipyard of Geestemünde.  She was confiscated by the British as war reparations in 1919, where she was renamed “S/S Montlaurier.”

Das Passagierschiff “S/S Prinz Friedrich Wilhelm” (1907) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 17,082 Tonnen, und wurde bei der J.C. Tecklenborg A.G. in Geestemünde (Bremerhaven, vormals “Wesermünde”) gebaut.  Sie wurde nach dem Ersten Weltkrieg im Jahre 1919 von den Engländern beschlagnahmt, und as “S/S Montlaurier” umbenannt.

17.)  The passenger line “S/S Berlin” (1925) displaced up to 15,286 tons full load, and was built by the Bremer Vulkan A.G. Shipyard in Vegesack.  She was the 3rd passenger liner of the North German Lloyd to be named after the city of Berlin.  She was confiscated by the Soviet Union as war reparations in 1948, where she was renamed “S/S Admiral Nachimov.”

Das Passagierschiff “S/S Berlin” (1925) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 15,286 Tonnen, und wurde bei der Bremer Vulkan A.G. in Vegesack gebaut.  Sie war die dritte “Berlin” des Norddeutschen Lloyds.  Sie wurde nach dem Zweiten Weltkrieg im Jahre 1948 von Sowjetrußland beschlagnahmt, und als “S/S Admiral Nachimov” umbenannt.

18.)  The passenger liner “S/S Kronprinz Wilhelm” (1901) displaced up to 14,908 tons full load, and was built by the A.G. Vulcan Shipyard in Stettin, Pomerania.  She was named after the heir to the throne of Imperial Germany, who would have become German Emperor in 1941 upon the death of his father Kaiser Wilhelm II – had the monarchy not been abolished in November 1918.  She was interned in the port of Newport News, Virginia in 1915, and confiscated by the Americans upon their declaration of war upon Germany and the Central Powers in 1917.

Das Passagierschiff “S/S Kronprinz Wilhelm” (1901) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 14,908 Tonnen, und wurde bei der A.G. Vulcan in Stettin (Hinterpommern) gebaut.  Sie wurde im Hafen von Newport News, Virginien im Jahre 1915 interniert, und von den Amerikanern im Jahre 1917 beschlagnahmt.

19.)  The passenger liner “S/S Kaiser Wilhelm der Große” (1897) displaced up to 14,349 tons full load, and was built by the A.G. Vulcan Shipyard in Stettin, Pomerania.  She was sunk very early in World War One by the British cruiser “H.M.S. Highflyer.”  She was named after German Emperor Kaiser Wilhelm I of the Hohenzollern Dynasty, who reigned from 1861 until his death in 1888.

Das Passagierschiff “S/S Kaiser Wilhelm der Große” (1897) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 14,349 Tonnen, und wurde bei der A.G. Vulcan in Stettin (Hinterpommern) gebaut.  Sie wurde früh im Ersten Weltkrieg von dem Englischen Kreuzer “H.M.S. Highflyer” gesunken.  Kaiser Wilhelm I “der Große” war der Vater von Kaiser Wilhelm II.  Er war König von Brandenburg-Preußen von 1861 bis 1888, und Deutscher Kaiser von 1871 bis 1888.

20.)  The passenger liner “S/S Zeppelin” (1915) displaced up to 14,167 tons full load, and was built by the Bremer Vulkan A.G. Shipyard in Vegesack (which is a suburb of the city of Bremen).  She was confiscated by the British in 1923 as war reparations, and renamed “S/S Ohio” in their service.  Count Zeppelin was the man who designed the lighter-than-air ships which bore his name.  The first generation of 132 airships were built starting before World War One until shortly before the start of World War Two.  A new generation of safer and more sophisticated airships is being built today in the very same place – near Lake Constance, or the “Bodensee” in Southern Germany.

Das Passagierschiff “S/S Zeppelin” (1915) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 14,167 Tonnen, und wurde bei dem Bremer Vulkan A.G. in Vegesack gebaut.  Sie wurde im Jahre 1923 von den Engländern nach dem Ersten Weltkrieg beschlagnahmt, und als “S/S Ohio” umbenannt.  Bis 1938 wurden insgesamt 132 von den Zeppelin Luftschiffen gebaut.  Vor und während des Ersten Weltkrieges wurden die Zeppelin Luftschiffe von der Kaiserlichen Marine benutzt.

21.)  The passenger liner “S/S Stuttgart” (1924) displaced up to 13,367 tons full load, and was built by the A.G. Vulcan Shipyard in Stettin, Pomerania.  She was sunk by an Allied air attack while in the port city of Gotenhafen (now known as “Gdynia” in Poland) in West Prussia in 1943.  She was the 3rd ship of the North German Lloyd to be named after the city of Stuttgart, which used to be the capital of the old Duchy of Swabia in Southwestern Germany.

Das Passagierschiff “S/S Stuttgart” (1924) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 13,367 Tonnen, und wurde bei der A.G. Vulcan in Stettin (Hinterpommern) gebaut.  Sie wurde in einem Luftangriff auf Gotenhafen im Jahre 1943 gesunken.  Sie war die dritte “Stuttgart” des Norddeutschen Lloyds.

22.)  The passenger liner “S/S München” (1923) displaced up to 13,325 tons full load, and was built by the A.G. Vulcan Shipyard in Stettin, Pomerania.  She was sunk by an Allied torpedo close to the end of World War Two in 1945.  She was the 3rd ship of the North German Lloyd to be named after the Bavarian capital city of Munich.  She had been renamed by them as “S/S General von Steuben” in 1931 and again as “S/S Steuben” in 1938.  General von Steuben was a Prussian Army general who emigrated to the United States, and who lead American Army troops during the Revolutionary War against Britain.

Das Passagierschiff “S/S München” (1923) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 13,325 Tonnen, und wurde bei der A.G. Vulcan in Stettin (Hinterpommern) gebaut.  Sie wurde von den Allierten kurz vor dem Ende des Zweiten Weltkrieges torpediert.  Sie war die dritte “München” des Norddeutschen Lloyds,” aber wurde als “S/S General von Steuben” im Jahre 1931 umbenannt.  General von Steuben war Preußischer Heeresoffizier, der im Amerikanischen Befreiungskrieg (1774-1783) auf der Seite Amerikas gegen England gekämpft hatte.

23.)  The passenger liner “S/S Großer Kurfürst” (1900) displaced up to 13,183 tons full load, and was built by the F. Schichau Shipyard in Danzig, West Prussia.  She was interned in the port of New York upon the outbreak of World War One in 1914, and then confiscated by the Americans upon their declaration of war upon Imperial Germany and the nations of the Central Powers in 1917.

Das Passagierschiff “S/S Großer Kurfürst” (1900) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 13,183 Tonnen, und wurde bei F. Schichau in Danzig (Westpreußen) gebaut.  Sie wurde im Hafen von Neu York am Anfang des Ersten Weltkrieges im Jahre 1914 interniert, und wurde von den Amerikanern im Jahre 1917 beschlagnahmt.

24.)  The passenger liner “S/S Kaiser Friedrich” (1898) displaced up to 12,481 tons full load, and was built by the F. Schichau Shipyard in Danzig, West Prussia.  She was named after German Emperor Friedrich III, who reigned for a very short period in 1888 before he died of cancer.  He was the son of Kaiser Wilhelm I “the Great” and the father of Kaiser Wilhelm II.  This ship was actually sold before World War One to the French shipping line “Cie. de Navigation Sudatlantique,” and renamed “S/S Burdigala” by its new owners.

Das Passagierschiff “S/S Kaiser Friedrich” (1898) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 12,481 Tonnen, und wurde bei F. Schichau in Danzig (Westpreußen) gebaut.  Sie wurde nach dem Preußisch-Deutschen Kaiser Friedrich III benannt.  Er war der Sohn von Kaiser Wilhelm I “der Große” und auch der Vater von Kaiser Wilhelm II.  Er war Kaiser für nur ein paar Monate im Jahre 1888, weil er schon sehr krank war und leider an Krebs starb.

25.)  The passenger liner “S/S Sierra Cordoba” (1924) displaced up to 11,469 tons full load, and was built by the Bremer Vulkan A.G. Shipyard in Vegesack, which is a suburb of the city of Bremen.  She was the 2nd ship of the North German Lloyd to be named after this Spanish mountain range.  She was confiscated by the British in 1946 as war reparations, and was destroyed in an accidental fire in 1948.

Das Passagierschiff “S/S Sierra Cordoba” (1924) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 11,469 Tonnen, und wurde beim Bremer Vulkan A.G. in Vegesack gebaut.  Sie war die zweite “Sierra Cordoba” des Norddeutschen Lloyds.  Sie wurde nach dem Zweiten Weltkrieg im Jahre 1946 von den Engländern beschlagnamt, und verbrannte im Jahre 1948.

26.)  The passenger line “S/S Sierra Morena” (1924) displaced up to 11,430 tons full load, and was built by the Bremer Vulkan A.G. Shipyard in Vegesack, which is a suburb of the Hanseatic City of Bremen.  She was taken over by the National Socialist government organ “KdF” (”Kraft durch Freude” or “Strength through Joy” in English) and renamed “S/S Der Deutsche.”  “KdF” produced the Volkswagen Beetle from 1935 until 1945.

Das Passagierschiff “S/S Sierra Morena” (1924) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 11,430 Tonnen, und wurde beim Bremer Vulkan A.G. in Vegesack gebaut.  Im Jahre 1933 wurde sie von der nationalsozialischen “KdF” (”Kraft durch Freude”) übernommen.  Die KdF Organisation gehörte zur damaligen deutschen “Arbeitsfront” der NSDAP.

27.)  The passenger liner “S/S Sierra Ventana” (1923) displaced up to 11,392 tons full load, and was built by Bremer Vulkan A.G. in Vegesack, which is a suburb of the city of Bremen.  She was the 2nd ship of the North German Lloyd to be named after this particular mountain range in Spain.  She was sold to new owners in 1935.

Das Passagierschiff “S/S Sierra Ventana” (1923) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 11,392 Tonnen, und wurde beim Bremer Vulkan A.G. in Vegesack gebaut.  Sie war die zweite “Sierra Ventana” des Norddeutschen Lloyds,” und wurde im Jahre 1935 verkauft.

28.)  The passenger liner “S/S Princess Alice” (1900) displaced up to 10,911 tons full load, and was built by the A.G. Vulcan Shipyard in Stettin, Pomerania.  She had been commissioned as “S/S Kiautschou” by the HAPAG Shipping line of Hamburg in 1900, and was purchased and renamed by the North German Lloyd of Bremen in 1904.  Her initial name from HAPAG was in honor of Germany’s Crown Colony in China.  Unfortunately, she was in an American port in 1917, and was confiscated by the Americans upon their declaration of war upon Imperial Germany and the nations of the Central Powers Alliance (the other countries being Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria and the Ottoman Turkish Empire).

Das Passagierschiff “S/S Princess Alice” (1900) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 10,911 Tonnen, und wurde bei der A.G. Vulcan in Stettin (Hinterpommern) gebaut.  Ursprünglich wurde sie ”S/S Kiautschao” von der HAPAG getauft, und dann wurde sie an den Norddeutschen Lloyd verkauft.  Sie wurde im Jahre 1917 von den Amerikanern beschlagnahmt.  “Kiautschao” war die deutsche Kronkolonie in China – die Stadt Tsingtau und der Provinz Schantung.

29.)  The passenger liner “S/S Prinzeß Irene” (1900) displaced up to 10,881 tons full load, and was built by the A.G. Vulcan Shipyard in Stettin, Pomerania.  She was renamed “S/S Bremen” in 1923, thus becoming the 3rd vessel of the North German Lloyd to be named after their famous home town.  In 1928, she was renamed yet again as “S/S Karlsruhe,” becoming the 2nd ship of the North German Lloyd to be named after the capital of the German State of Baden.  She was scrapped in 1932, after 32 years of service to the North German Lloyd shipping line.

Das Passagierschiff “S/S Prinzeß Irene” (1900) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 10,881 Tonnen, und wurde bei der A.G. Vulcan in Stettin (Hinterpommern) gebaut.  Sie wurde als “S/S Bremen” im Jahre 1923 umbenannt, und war dadurch die dritte “Bremen” des Norddeutschen Lloyds.  Im Jahre 1928 wurde sie dann als “S/S Karlsruhe” umbenannt.  Die Stadt Karlsruhe war Hauptstadt des ehemaligen Großherzogtum Badens.

30.)  The passenger liner “S/S Barbaroßa” (1897) displaced up to 10,769 tons full load, and was built by the Blohm & Voss A.G. Shipyard in Hamburg.  She was interned in the port of New York upon the outbreak of World War One in 1914, and confiscated by the Americans upon their declaration of war upon Imperial Germany in 1917.  She was named after the former German Emperor Friedrich Barbaroßa (”Frederick the Red Beard” in English) from the Middle Ages.

Das Passagierschiff “S/S Barbaroßa” (1897) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 10,769 Tonnen, und wurde bei Blohm und Voss A.G. in Hamburg gebaut.  Sie wurde am Anfang des Ersten Weltkrieges im Jahre 1914 im Hafen von Neu York interniert, und dann im Jahre 1917 von den Amerikanern beschlagnahmt.  Friedrich I “Barbaroßa” war von März 1152 bis Juni 1190 Deutscher Kaiser.  Bei seiner Krönung in Frankfurt und Aachen kamen die Farben “Schwarz-Rot-Gold” zum ersten Mal im Gebrauch.  Er war auch Herzog von Schwaben, und gehörte zum Haus Hohenstaufen.

31.)  The passenger liner “S/S König Albert” (1899) displaced up to 10,643 tons full load, and was built by the A.G. Vulcan Shipyard in Stettin, Pomerania.  She was interned in the port of Genoa, Italy upon the outbreak of World War One in 1914, and then confiscated by the Italians upon their declaration of war upon Austria-Hungary (Germany’s ally) in 1915.  She was named after King Albert of Saxony, a large Central German state.

Das Passagierschiff “S/S König Albert” (1899) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 10,463 Tonnen, und wurde bei der A.G. Vulcan in Stettin (Hinterpommern) gebaut.  Sie war am Anfang des Ersten Weltkrieges im Jahre 1914 im Hafen von Genua interniert, und wurde dann von den Italienern im Jahre 1915 beschlagnahmt, als Italien Krieg an Österreich-Ungarn und Deuschland erklärte.  Albert war von Oktober 1873 bis Juni 1902 König von Sachsen.

32.)  The passenger liner “S/S Königin Luise” (1897) displaced up to 10,566 tons full load, and was built by the A.G. Vulcan Shipyard in Stettin, Pomerania.  She was confiscated by the British in 1919 as war reparations after World War One.

Das Passagierschiff “S/S Königin Luise” (1897) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 10,566 Tonnen, und wurde bei der A.G. Vulcan in Stettin (Hinterpommern) auf Kiel gelegt.  Sie wurde im Jahre 1919 nach dem Ersten Weltkrieg von den Engländern beschlagnahmt.

33.)  The passenger liner “S/S Bremen” (1897) displaced up to 10,522 tons full load, and was built by the F. Schichau Shipyard in Danzig, West Prussia.  She was the 2nd ship of the North German Lloyd shipping line to be named after their home town.  She was unfortunately confiscated by the British in 1919 as war reparations after World War One.

Das Passagierschiff “S/S Bremen” (1897) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 10,522 Tonnen, und wurde bei F. Schichau in Danzig (Westpreußen) auf Kiel gelegt.  Sie war die zweite “Bremen” des Norddeutschen Lloyds, und wurde nach dem Ersten Weltkrieg im Jahre 1919 von den Engländern beschlagnahmt.

34.)  The passenger liner “S/S Friedrich der Große” (1896) displaced up to 10,531 tons full load, and was built by the A.G. Vulcan Shipyard in Stettin, Pomerania.  She was named after the Prussian King Frederick the Great of the Hohenzollern Dynasty.  She was interned in the port of New York upon the outbreak of World War One in 1914, and unfortunately confiscated by the Americans upon their declaration of war upon Imperial Germany in 1917.

Das Passagierschiff “S/S Friedrich der Große” (1896) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 10,531 Tonnen, und wurde bei der A.G. Vulcan in Stettin (Hinterpommern) auf Kiel gelegt.  Sie wurde am Anfang des Ersten Weltkrieges im Hafen von Neu York im Jahre 1914 interniert, und dann im Jahre 1917 von den Amerikanern beschlagnahmt.

35.)  The passenger liner “S/S Main” (1900) displaced up to 10,067 tons full load, and was built by the Blohm & Voss Shipyard in Hamburg.  She was named after the German river which flows through the city of Frankfurt.  She was thus the 2nd ship of the North German Lloyd to be named after this great river.  She was interned in the port of Baltimore, Maryland upon the outbreak of World War One in 1914, and unfortunately confiscated by the Americans upon their declaration of war upon Imperial Germany in 1917.

Das Passagierschiff “S/S Main” (1900) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 10,067 Tonnen, und wurde bei Blohm und Voss in Hamburg auf Kiel gelegt.  Sie war die zweite “Main” des Norddeutschen Lloyds.  Am Anfang des Ersten Weltkrieges wurde sie im Hafen von Baltimore (US-Bundesstaat Maryland) interniert, und dann im Jahre 1917 von den Amerikanern beschlagnahmt.

36.)  The passenger liner “S/S Rhein” (1899) displaced up to 10,058 tons full load, and was built by the Blohm & Voss Shipyard in Hamburg.  She was named after Germany’s most famous river, which flows through cities such as Cologne and Bonn.  She was also thus the 2nd ship of the North German Lloyd to carry this great name.  She was unfortunately confiscated by the British in 1919 as war reparations after World War One.

Das Passagierschiff “S/S Rhein” (1899) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 10,058 Tonnen, und wurde bei Blohm und Voss in Hamburg auf Kiel gelegt.  Sie war die zweite “Rhein” des Norddeutschen Lloyds, und wurde nach dem Ersten Weltkrieg im Jahre 1919 von den Engländern beschlagnahmt.

37.)  The passenger liner “S/S Neckar” (1901) displaced up to 9,835 tons full load, and was built by the J.C. Tecklenborg A.G. Shipyard in Geestemünde, which is a suburb of Bremerhaven.  She was interned in the port of Baltimore, Maryland upon the outbreak of World War One in 1914, and was unfortunately confiscated by the Americans upon their declaration of war upon Imperial Germany in 1917.

Das Passagierschiff “S/S Neckar” (1901) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 9,835 Tonnen, und wurde bei J.C. Tecklenborg A.G. in Geestemünde (in Bremerhaven, vormals “Wesermünde”) auf Kiel gelegt.  Sie wurde am Anfang des Ersten Weltkrieges im Jahre 1914 im Hafen von Baltimore (US-Bundesstaat Maryland) interniert, und dann im Jahre 1917 von den Amerikanern beschlagnahmt.

38.)  The passenger liner “S/S Prinz Ludwig” (1906) displaced up to 9,630 tons full load, and was built by the A.G. Vulcan Shipyard in Stettin, Pomerania.  She was unfortunately confiscated by the British in 1920 as war reparations for World War One.

Das Passagierschiff “S/S Prinz Ludwig” (1906) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 9,630 Tonnen, und wurde bei der A.G. Vulcan in Stettin (Hinterpommern) auf Kiel gelegt.  Sie wurde nach dem Ersten Weltkrieg im Jahre 1920 von den Engländern beschlagnahmt.

39.)  The passenger liner “S/S Crefeld” (1922) displaced up to 9,573 tons full load, and was built by the Flensburger Schiffbau-Gesellschaft in Schleswig-Holstein.  She was named after the city of Crefeld (now spelled “Krefeld) in North Rhine-Westphalia, thus being the 2nd ship owned by the North German Lloyd to be named after this city.  She was interned in the port of Massaua, Eritrea upon the outbreak of World War Two in 1939 (then part of the Italian Colony of Somaliland and Ethiopia), and then scuttled by her crew in 1941 to prevent her from falling into British hands.  The British had conquered all of Italian East Africa by November 27, 1941.

Das Passagierschiff “S/S Crefeld” (1922) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 9,573 Tonnen, und wurde bei der Flensburger Schiffbau-Gesellschaft in Schleswig-Holstein auf Kiel gelegt.  Am Anfang des Zweiten Weltkrieges wurde sie im Hafen von Massaua, Eritrea (eine italienische Kolonie) interniert, und dann im Jahre 1941 selbst versenkt.  Die Engländer haben Italienisch Ostafrika am 27. November 1941 erobert.

40.)  The passenger liner “S/S Fulda” (1924) displaced up to 9,492 tons full load, and was built by the A.G. Weser Shipyard in Bremen.  She was named after the city of Fulda in the German State of Hesse, thus being the 2nd ship owned by the North German Lloyd to be named after this city.  She was interned in the port of Dairen in Northeast China upon the outbreak of World War Two in 1939, and then sold to Japan (an ally of Germany during World War Two) in 1940.

Das Passagierschiff “S/S Fulda” (1924) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 9,492 Tonnen, und wurde bei der A.G. Weser in Bremen auf Kiel gelegt.  Sie war die zweite “Fulda” des Norddeutschen Lloyds.  Am Anfang des Zweiten Weltkrieges wurde sie im Hafen von Dairen, China interniert (damals war Dairen von den Japanern besetzt), und dann im Jahre 1940 wurde sie an die Japaner verkauft.

41.)  The passenger liner “S/S Werra” (1923) displaced up to 9,475 tons full load, and was built by the A.G. Weser Shipyard in Bremen.  She was named after a German river, which has its source in the mountains of the state of Thuringia in Central Germany.  She was thus the 2nd ship owned by the North German Lloyd to be named after the Werra River.  She was sold to new owners in 1935.

Das Passagierschiff “S/S Werra” (1923) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 9,475 Tonnen, und wurde bei der A.G. Weser in Bremen auf Kiel gelegt.  Sie war die zweite “Werra” des Norddeutschen Lloyds, und wurde im Jahre 1935 verkauft.

42.)  The passenger liner “S/S Weser” (1922) displaced up to 9,450 tons full load, and was built by the A.G. Weser Shipyard in Bremen.  She was named after a river in Northwestern Germany, which flows through cities such as Bremen, Bremerhaven and Nordenham on the North Sea Coast.  She was thus the 3rd ship owned by the North German Lloyd to be named after their home town river.  She was removed from service in 1933, and scrapped thereafter.

Das Passagierschiff “S/S Weser” (1922) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 9,450 Tonnen, und wurde bei der A.G. Weser in Bremen auf Kiel gelegt.  Sie war die dritte “Weser” des Norddeutschen Lloyds, und wurde im Jahre 1933 verschrottet.

43.)  The passenger liner “S/S Coblenz” (1924) displaced up to 9,449 tons full load, and was built by the A.G. Weser Shipyard in Bremen.  She was named after the city of Coblenz in the Rhineland-Palatinate (now spelled “Koblenz”), which is situated on both the Rhine and Mosel rivers.  She was thus the 2nd ship owned by the North German Lloyd to be named after the city of Koblenz.  She was sold to new owners in 1935.

Das Passagierschiff “S/S Coblenz” (1924) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 9,449 Tonnen, und wurde bei der A.G. Weser in Bremen auf Kiel gelegt.  Sie war die zweite “Coblenz” des Norddeutschen Lloyds, und wurde im Jahre 1935 verkauft.

44.)  The passenger liner “S/S Saarbrücken” (1924) displaced up to 9,429 tons full load, and was built by the A.G. Weser Shipyard in Bremen.  She was named after the city of Saarbrücken in the Saarland, and was thus the sole ship of this name to be owned by the North German Lloyd.  She was sold to new owners in 1935.

Das Passagierschiff “S/S Saarbrücken” (1924) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 9,429 Tonnen, und wurde bei der A.G. Weser in Bremen auf Kiel gelegt.  Sie wurde im Jahre 1935 verkauft.

45.)  The passenger liner “S/S Trier” (1924) displaced up to 9,415 tons full load, and was built by the A.G. Weser Shipyard in Bremen.  She was named after the City of Trier, which is situated on the River Mosel in the Rhineland-Palatinate.  Trier is one of the oldest cities in Germany, having been founded by the Romans in 16 B.C.  This vessel was thus the 2nd ship owned by the North German Lloyd to be named after Trier.  She was sold to new owners in 1936.

Das Passagierschiff “S/S Trier” (1924) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 9,415 Tonnen, und wurde bei der A.G. Weser in Bremen auf Kiel gelegt.  Sie war die zweite “Trier” des Norddeutschen Lloyds, und wurde im Jahre 1936 verkauft.  Trier ist eine  der ältesten Städte, wenn nicht die älteste Stadt Deutschlands.  Die Stadt wurde im Jahre 16 vor Christus von den Römern gegründet.

46.)  The passenger liner “S/S Köln” (1922) displaced up to 9,265 tons full load, and was built by the Bremer Vulkan A.G. Shipyard in Vegesack, which is a suburb of Bremen.  She was named after the large German City of Cologne, which is located on the River Rhine in the State of North Rhine-Westphalia.  Cologne proper is Germany’s 4th largest city, but it forms the nucleus of Germany’ largest metropolitan region – with more than 11,8 million inhabitants.  It is also one of Germany’s oldest cities, having been founded by the Romans in 38 B.C.  “S/S Köln” was the 3rd ship owned by the North German Lloyd to be named after the great city of Cologne.  She was stranded by accident of the Norrland coast of Sweden (opposite Finland) in 1940, and scrapped thereafter.

Das Passagierschiff “S/S Köln” (1922) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 9,265 Tonnen, und wurde beim Bremer Vulkan A.G. in Vegesack auf Kiel gelegt.  Sie war die dritte “Trier” des Norddeutschen Lloyds.  Sie strandete vor der schwedischen Küste im Jahre 1940 und wurde kurz danach verschrottet.  Die Stadt Köln ist Deutschlands viertgrößte Stadt, aber die Metropole Köln ist Deutschlands größte Metropole mit mehr als 11,8 Millionen Einwohnern.  Köln ist auch eine der ältesten Städte Deutschlands, die im Jahre 38 vor Christus von den Römern gegründet wurde.

47.)  The passenger liner “S/S Derfflinger” (1908) displaced up to 9,060 tons full load, and was built by the F. Schichau Shipyard in Danzig, West Prussia.  She was named after Georg von Derfflinger (1606-1695), who served as a Field Marshall in the Brandenburg-Prussian Army.  She was the sole ship owned by the North German Lloyd to be named after him, was removed from service in 1932 and was scrapped shortly thereafter.

Das Passagierschiff “S/S Derfflinger” (1908) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 9,060 Tonnen, und wurde bei F. Schichau in Danzig (Westpreußen) auf Kiel gelegt.  Das Schiff wurde im Jahre 1932 verschrottet.  Georg von Derfflinger (1606-1695) war Feldmarschall von Brandenburg-Preußen.

48.)  The passenger liner “S/S Bülow” (1906) displaced up to 9,028 tons full load, and was built by the J.C. Tecklenborg A.G. Shipyard in Geestemünde, which is a suburb of Bremerhaven.  She was named after Friedrich Wilhelm Freiherr von Bülow (1755-1816), who served as a Prussian General during the Napoleonic Wars.  She was thus the sole ship owned by the North German Lloyd to be named after him.  She was interned in the port of Lisbon, Portugal upon the outbreak of World War One in 1914, and unfortunately confiscated by the Portuguese upon their declaration of war upon Imperial Germany in 1916.

Das Passagierschiff “S/S Bülow” (1906) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 9,028 Tonnen, und wurde bei J.C. Tecklenborg A.G. in Geestemünde (in Bremerhaven, vormals “Wesermünde”) auf Kiel gelegt.  Am Anfang des Ersten Weltkrieges war das Schiff in Lissabon interniert, und dann im Jahre 1916 beschlagnahmt, als Portugal Krieg an das Deutsche Reich erklärte.  Friedrich Wilhelm Freiherr von Bülow (1755-1816) war preußischer General während der napoleonischen Kriege.

49.)  The passenger liner “S/S Kleist” (1907) displaced up to 8,950 tons full load, and was built by the F. Schichau Shipyard in Danzig, West Prussia.  She was named after Friedrich Graf Kleist von Nollendorf (1762-1823), a Prussian Field Marshal who served during the Napoleonic Wars.  She was thus the sole ship owned by the North German Lloyd to be named after him.  She was unfortunately confiscated by the British as war reparations in 1920 after World War One.

Das Passagierschiff “S/S Kleist” (1907) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 8,950 Tonnen, und wurde bei F. Schichau in Danzig (Westpreußen) auf Kiel gelegt.  Das Schiff wurde nach dem Ersten Weltkrieg im Jahre 1920 von den Engländern beschlagnahmt.  Friedrich Graf Kleist von Nollendorf (1762-1823) war preußischer Generalfeldmarschall während der napoleonischen Kriege.

50.)  The passenger liner “S/S Yorck (1906) displaced up to 8,901 tons full load, and was built by the F. Schichau Shipyard in Danzig, West Prussia.  She was named after Hans David Ludwig Graf Yorck von Wartenburg (1759-1830), who served as a Prussian Field Marshall during the Napoleonic Wars.  She was thus the only ship owned by the North German Lloyd to be named after him.  She was taken out of service in 1933, and scrapped shortly thereafter.

Das Passagierschiff “S/S Yorck” (1906) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 8,901 Tonnen, und wurde bei F. Schichau in Danzig (Westpreußen) auf Kiel gelegt.  Das Schiff wurde im Jahre 1933 verschrottet.  Hans David Ludwig Graf Yorck von Wartenburg (1759-1830) war preußischer Generalfeldmarschall während der napoleonischen Kriege.

51.)  The passenger liner “S/S Prinz Eitel Friedrich” (1904) displaced up to 8,865 tons full load, and was built by the A.G. Vulcan Shipyard in Stettin, Pomerania.  She was named after Prinz (”Prince”) Eitel Friedrich of Prussia (1883-1942), who was a son of the German Emperor Kaiser Wilhelm II of the Hohenzollern Dynasty.  She was thus the only ship owned by the North German Lloyd to be named after him.  She was interned in the port of Newport News, Virginia in 1915, and unfortunately confiscated by the Americans upon their declaration of war upon Imperial Germany in 1917.

Das Passagierschiff “S/S Prinz Eitel Friedrich” (1904) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 8,865 Tonnen, und wurde bei der A.G. Vulcan in Stettin (Hinterpommern) auf Kiel gelegt.  Am Anfang des Ersten Weltkrieges war das Schiff im Hafen von Newport News (US-Bundesstaat Virginien) interniert, und wurde dann im Jahre 1917 beschlagnahmt.  Prinz Eitel Friedrich von Brandenburg-Preußen (1883-1942) war Sohn von Kaiser Wilhelm II.

52.)  The passenger liner “S/S Lützow” (1908) displaced up to 8,818 tons full load, and was built by the A.G. Weser Shipyard in Bremen.  She was named after Ludwig Adolf Wilhelm Freiherr von Lützow (1782-1834), a Prussian Lieutenant General who served during the Napoleonic Wars.  He became famous for establishing and leading the “Freikorps Lützow,” a voluntary cavalry corps which served during the war against France.  She was thus the only ship owned by the North German Lloyd to be named after him.  She was taken out of service in 1932, and scrapped shortly thereafter.

Das Passagierschiff “S/S Lützow” (1908) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 8,818 Tonnen, und wurde bei der A.G. Weser in Bremen auf Kiel gelegt.  Ludwig Adolf Wilhelm Freiherr von Lützow (1782-1834) war preußischer Generalleutnant während der napoleonischen Kriege.  Berühmt war er als Kommandeur des “Freikorps Lützow,” ein Freiwillige-Reiterkorps, das gegen die Franzosen gekämpft hatte.

53.  The passenger liner “S/S Goeben” (1907) displaced up to 8,792 tons full load, and was built by the A.G. Weser Shipyard in Bremen.  She was named after August Karl von Goeben (1816-1880), a Prussian infantry General who served during the Franco-Prussian war of 1870-1871.  She was thus the only ship owned by the North German Lloyd to be named after him.  She was unfortunately confiscated by France as war reparations after World War One in 1920, and renamed “S/S Rousillon” in their service.

Das Passagierschiff “S/S Goeben” (1907) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 8,792 Tonnen, und wurde bei der A.G. Weser in Bremen auf Kiel gelegt.  August Karl von Goeben (1816-1880) war preußischer Infanteriegeneral während des Deutsch-Französischen Krieges (1870-1871).  Nach dem Ersten Weltkrieg im Jahre 1920 wurde das Schiff von den Franzosen beschlagnahmt, und als “S/S Rousillon” umbenannt.

“Österreichischer Lloyd” (Austrian Lloyd) and the “Austro-Americana” Shipping Line

1.)  Österreichischer Lloyd Ship Management of Vienna, Austria (known in English as the Austrian Lloyd) has an even larger ship – the 123,000 ton bulk carrier “M/S Salzburg,” which was commissioned in 1977.    She can make up to 15,2 knots.  Salzburg is both a city and a province within Austria; in the days of the Habsburg Monarchy, the province of Salzburg was a Duchy of the Habsburg family.  The Austrian Lloyd is one of world’s oldest existing shipping lines, having been founded in the city of Triest (now part of Italy) in 1836.  Today, they operate a fleet of 37 commercial vessels.  Prior to the outbreak World War One in 1914, the two large Austrian steamship companies (these being the Austrian Lloyd and the Austro-Americana Line) owned a grand total of 278 vessels.  The prefix “M/S” stands for “Motor Ship.”

Österreichischer Lloyd Ship Management aus Wien hat das größte Schiff im deutschsprachigen Raum: das Containerschiff “M/S Salzburg” (1977) mit einer Einsatzverdrängung von 123,000 Tonnen.  Sie hat eine maximale Geschwindigkeit von 15,2 Knoten.  “M/S” bedeutet “Motorschiff.”  Vor 1919 hieß das Land Salzburg “das Herzogtum Salzburg.”Der Österreichische Lloyd ist eine der ältesten Reedereien der Welt, die in Triest im Jahre 1836 gegründet wurde.  Heute hat die Reederei 37 Handelsschiffe.  Vor dem Ersten Weltkrieg hatte der Österreichische Lloyd und die Austro-Americana Linie insgesamt 278 Handelsschiffe.

2.)  The second largest ship of the Austrian Lloyd is the 66,157-ton bulk carrier “M/S Tirol,” commissioned in 1976.  Her top speed is 14 knots.  The “Tyrol” (English spelling) is a province within modern Austria.  The South Tryol (or “Alto Adige” in Italian) has been part of Italy since the Treaty of Versailles ended the First World War in 1919.  The modern South Tyrol is 74% German and Romansch speaking, and merely 26% Italian-speaking.  Romansch is a small language more closely related to Latin than any other language now in use.  Most Romansch-speakers reside in Southeastern Switzerland today.

Das zweitgrößte Schiff des Österreichischen Lloyds ist das Containerschiff “M/S Tirol” (1976), mit einer Einsatzverdrängung von 66,157 Tonnen und einer maximalen Geschwindigkeit von 14 Knoten.  Südtirol (gehört seit 1919 zu Italien) ist heute 74% Deutsch-und Dolomitenladinisch-sprachig, und nur 26% italienisch.  Dolomitenladinisch ist eine romanische Sprache, die von 30,000 Menschen im Norden Italiens gesprochen wird.  Dolomitenladinisch ist Rätoromanisch sehr ähnlich.  Rätoromanisch wird in Graubünden (in der Schweiz) gesprochen.  Nordtirol und Osttirol liegen in Österreich.  Vor 1919 hieß Tirol “die Gefürstete Grafschaft Tirol und das Land Vorarlberg.”

3.)  The third largest ship of the Austrian Lloyd today is the 44,600-ton multi-purpose bulk carrier “M/S Alberg,” commissioned in 1978.  Her maximum speed is 16 knots.  She sails the high seas, going as far as Australia.

Das drittgrößte Schiff des Österreichischen Lloyds ist das Containerschiff “M/S Arlberg” (1978) mit einer Einsatzverdrängung von 44,600 Tonnen und einer maximalen Geschwindigkeit von 16 Knoten.  Die “Arlberg” ist ein Hochseeschiff das zwischen Europa und Australien verkehrt.  Das Schiff wurde nach dem Arlberg Paß genannt, ein verkehrswichtiger Paß im Alpengebirge (1,793 Meter über dem Adriatischen Meeresspiegel) gelegen zwischen den modernen österreichischen Bundesländern Vorarlberg und Tirol.  Der wirtschaftlichen Bedeutung entsprechend, tragen viele Orte an den Paßzugängen den Zusatz “am Alberg.”  Mit dem Tourismus am Alberg hat sich der Begriff auch als Marke für eine Tourismusregion (vor allem als Wintersportgebiet) etabliert.

4.)  The fourth largest ship of the Austrian Lloyd is a modern cruise liner named “M/V Orient Queen,”  of 16,000 tons maximum displacement and commissioned in 1968.  She sails mostly in the Mediterranean Sea, from her home port in Lebanon.  The prefix “M/V” stands for “Motor Vessel.”

Das viertgrößte Schiff des Österreichischen Lloyds ist das Passagierschiff / Vergnügungsdampfer “M/V Orient Queen” (1968) mit einer Einsatzverdrängung von 16,000 Tonnen.  Sie ist hauptsächlich im Mittelmeer unterwegs, da ihr Heimathafen im Libanon liegt.  “M/V” bedeutet “Motor Vessel” auf Englisch, oder “Motorfahrzeug” auf Deutsch.  “Orient Queen” bedeutet “Königin des Morgenlandes / des Ostens” auf Deutsch.

5.)  The fifth largest vessel in the history of the Austrian Lloyd was never completed due to the sad outbreak of World War One.  The passenger liner “S/S Kaiserin Elisabeth” was to have displaced 15,500 tons.  She was to have been named after the assassinated Empress of Austria-Hungary, the late wife of then Emperor Francis Joseph I (who reigned from 1848 until his death in 1916).  The beloved Empress “Sisi” was murdered by an anarchist while on holiday in Geneva, Switzerland in 1898.  The incomplete ship to be named after her was scrapped on the slipway after World War One.  The prefix “S/S” stands for “Steamship.”

Das fünfgrößte Schiff des Österreichischen Lloyds war das nie getaufte Passagierschiff “S/S Kaiserin Elisabeth.”  Sie sollte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 15,500 Tonnen haben, aber war wegen des Ersten Weltkrieges nie vom Stapel gelaufen.  Elisabeth von Bayern war die beliebte Ehefrau des Kaisers Franz Josef I von Habsburg-Lothringen, die tragisch auf Urlaub in Genf von einem italienischen Anarchisten im Jahre 1898 ermordet wurde.  Das Schiff wurde kurz nach dem Ersten Weltkrieg verschrottet.

6.)  The sixth largest civilian ship in the history of the Austria was the passenger liner “S/S Kaiser Franz Josef I” (1912), which displaced 12,567 tons.  She belonged to the Austro-Americana Line, which was founded in the city of Triest in 1903.  This was obviously a much newer shipping line compared to the Austrian Lloyd, which was founded all the way back in 1836.  The Austro-Americana Line began passenger services from Triest to Messina, Naples, Palermo and New York in 1904.  Service to South America began in 1907.  After World War One, the Austro-Americana Line was confiscated by Italy and renamed the “Cosulich Line.”  They merged with another Italian shipping company in 1932, and the new merged firm was in turn bought out by “Italia Societa Anonima di Navigazione” in 1937.

Das sechsgrößte Handelsschiff Österreichs war das Passagierschiff “S/S Kaiser Franz Josef I” (1912), mit einer Einsatzverdrängung von 12,567 Tonnen.  Sie gehörte der Austro-Americana Linie, die in Triest im Jahre 1903 gegründet wurde.  Die Austro-Americana Linie verkehrte zwischen Triest, Messina, Neapel, Palermo und Neu York sowie Südamerika.  Nach dem Ersten Weltkrieg wurde die Austro-Americana Linie leider von den Italienern beschlagnahmt, und als ”Cosulich Linie” umbenannt.  Im Jahre 1937 wurde die Cosulich Linie von der Italia Societa Anonima di Navigazione gekauft.

7.)  The Austro-Americana Line commissioned the 11,464-ton passenger liner “S/S Polonia” in 1899, which was named for Poland.  She was sold to HAPAG of Hamburg, Germany in 1914.

Das siebtgrößte Handelsschiff Österreichs war das Passagierschiff “S/S Polonia” (1899), die mit einer Einsatzverdrängung von 11,464 Tonnen für Polen genannt wurde.  Das Schiff wurde an die HAPAG im Jahre 1914 verkauft.

8.)  Austro-Americana commissioned the 10,237-ton passenger liner “S/S Canada” in 1898.  She was also sold to HAPAG of Hamburg, Germany in 1914.

Das achtgrößte Handelsschiff Österreichs war das Passagierschiff “S/S Canada” (1898) mit einer Einsatzverdrängung von 10,237 Tonnen.  Sie wurde auch an die HAPAG im Jahre 1914 verkauft.

9.)  “S/S Gablonz” (1912) was commissioned by the Austrian Lloyd, and displaced 8,448 tons full load.  She was confiscated by Italy in 1919 and renamed “S/S Tevere” in 1921.

Das neuntgrößte Handelsschiff Österreichs war das Passagierschiff “S/S Gablonz” (1912) mit einer Einsatzverdrängung von 8,448 Tonnen.  Nach dem Ersten Weltkrieg wurde sie leider von den Italienern im Jahre 1919 beschlagnahmt, und als “S/S Tevere” umbenannt.  Die Stadt Gablonz an der Neiße hat 44,822 Einwohner, und lag im kaiserlichen österreichischen Königreich Böhmen.

10.)  “S/S Marienbad” (1913) was a sister ship of “S/S Gablonz,” also commissioned by the Austrian Lloyd and also displacing 8,448 tons full load.  She was seized by the British in 1916, who turned her over to the French after World War One.  In 1923, the French renamed her “S/S Pellerin de Latouche.”

Das Passagierschiff “S/S Marienbad” (1913) war ein Schwesterschiff der “S/S Gablonz” (1912), auch mit einer Einsatzverdrängung von 8,448 Tonnen.  Die “Marienbad” wurde von den Engländern im Jahre 1916 erbeutet, und im Jahre 1923 an Frankreich gegeben.  Die Franzosen hatten sie als “S/S Pellerin de Latouche” umbenannt.  Die Stadt Marienbad hat 14,083 Einwohner, und lag auch im kaiserlichen österreichischen Königreich Böhmen.

11.)  “S/S Martha Washington” (1908) was commissioned by the Austro-Americana Line, and displaced 8,312 tons full load.  She was interned in the port of New York upon the outbreak of World War One in 1914, and seized by the United States upon the US entry into the war in 1917.  In 1932, she was turned over to the “Italia Line” of Italy, and renamed “S/S Tel Aviv.”  She was scrapped in 1934.

Das Passagierschiff “S/S Martha Washington” (1908) gehörte der Austro-Americana Linie, und hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 8,312 Tonnen.  Am Anfang des Ersten Weltkrieges wurde sie im Jahre 1914 im Hafen von Neu York interniert, und dann im Jahre 1917 von den Amerikanern beschlagnahmt.  Die Amerikaner haben sie an die “Italia Linie” im Jahre 1932 verkauft, wo sie als “S/S Tel Aviv” umbenannt wurde.  Sie wurde kurz danach im Jahre 1934 verschrottet.  Martha Washington war die Ehefrau von George Washington.  Tel Aviv ist heute die bevölkerungsreichste Stadt Israels.  Vor 1948 war Israel die britische Kolonie “Palästina.”  Vor 1919 gehörte Palästina (sowie Libanon, Syrien, Irak, Koweit, Jemen und Bahrain) zum Türkisch-Ottomanische Reich.  Im 19. Jahrhundert gehörten zum mohammedanisch Türkisch-Ottomanischen Reich auch Ägypten, Libyen, Bulgarien, die Wallachei, Moldawien, Griechenland, Albanien, Mazedonien, Serbien, Montenegro sowie Bosnien-Herzegowina.

“Donau Dampf-Schiff Gesellschaft” (Danube Steamship Company)

Today, inland waterway shipping traffic in Austria is still handled by the “Donau Dampf-Schiff Gesellschaft” (DDSG), which is even older than the Austrian Lloyd, having been founded on March 13, 1829.  “DDSG” means “Danube Steamship Company” in English.  By comparison, the Cunard Steamship Company of the UK was founded in 1841.  HAPAG of Hamburg, Germany was founded in 1856 and the North German Lloyd of Bremen, Germany was founded in 1857.

Die Donau Dampf-Schiff Gesellschaft (DDSG) ist noch älter als der Österreichische Lloyd.  Die DDSG wurde am 13. März 1829 gegründet, und ist die älteste Reederei der Welt.  In den Binnengewäßern Österreichs gibt es immer noch 190 aktive Handelsschiffe.  Die bekanntesten Schiffe der DDSG ist das ”Dampfschiff Schönbrunn,”  “M/S Stadt Wien,” ”M/S Stadt Passau,” ”M/S Vindobona” (”Vindobona” is lateinisch für Wien), ”M/S Maria,” ”M/S Wachau” und ”M/S Austria.”

Since 1983, the fleet of the Danube Steamship Company has included the likes of “Dampfschiff Schönbrunn” (named after one of the main Habsburg family palaces), “M/S Stadt Wien” (named after the Austrian capital city of Vienna), “M/S Stadt Passau” (named after the German city of Passau in Lower Bavaria, which is situated on the Danube River), “M/S Vindobona” (the Latin name for Vienna), “M/S Maria” (named after the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God), “M/S Wachau” (named after the valley Wachau in Lower Austria, which is situated on the Danube River) and “M/S Austria” (the Latin and English name of “Österreich” in German).  These very fine small ships transport passengers in comfort among Austria’s numerous inland waterways.  The Danube Steamship Company’s fleet consists of 190 inland waterway ships today.The term “Lloyd” for shipping companies comes from Lloyd’s of London, which is one of the oldest insurance companies in the world.

Germany: an Industrial and Maritime Giant

When one includes both ocean-going and inland-waterway commercial vessels, Germany has the 5th largest commercial fleet on earth (after Mainland China, Russia, the USA and the Netherlands).   When one ranks just ocean-going fleets, Germany ranks 4th largest in the world (after Panama, Greece and Japan).  Since the High Middle Ages (the 1300s), more than 63,000 vessels have been built in German and Austrian shipyards – both civilian and military.  These include more than 25,000 fishing vessels, 10,000 merchantmen, 8,000 submarines, 7,000 fast attack craft, 3,000 minesweepers, 2,000 transport vessels, 1,000 torpedo boats, 1,000 auxiliary naval vessels and 1,000 sailing vessels.

Deutschland ist heute bestimmt eine große Seemacht.  Deutschland hat nach China, Rußland, Amerika und dem Niederland die fünfgrößte Handelsflotte der Welt.  Die Hochseehandelsflotte Deutschlands ist nach Panama, Griechenland und Japan auf der Weltrangliste Nummer vier.  Seit dem Hochmittelalter sind aus Deutschlands sowie Österreichs Werften mehr als 63,000 Seefahrzeuge vom Stapel gelaufen.  Eingerechnet damit sind mehr als 25,000 Fischkutter, 10,000 Handelsschiffe, 8,000 Unterseeboote, 7,000 Schnellboote, 3,000 Minensuchboote, 2,000 Transportschiffe, 1,000 Torpedoboote, 1,000 Hilfskriegsschiffe sowie 1,000 Segelschiffe.

Modern Germany is the undisputed “industrial locomotive” behind the European Union (EU).  The European Union now has an economy even larger than that of the United States, with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) worth in excess of US $16 trillion per year.  Germany is nothing short of an economic superpower, albeit unfortunately still a “political dwarf” since May 7, 1945.

Deutschland hat die größte Wirtschaft Europas, und Europas Wirtschaft ist nun größer als Amerikas Wirtschaft.  Auf der Weltrangliste ist Europa Nummer eins, Amerika Nummer zwei, Japan Nummer drei, China Nummer vier, Kanada Nummer fünf, Brasilien Nummer sechs, Rußland Nummer sieben und Indien Nummer acht.  Aber die Mitgliedschaft in der EU (Europäische Union) ist für Deutschland nicht zum Vorteil, und finanziell ist es zu kostspielig.  Deutschland ist auch seit dem 7. Mai 1945 (der Waffenstillstand in Mitteleuropa) bedauerlicherweise ein “politischer Zwerg.”

By comparison, the nominal value of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the United States is over US $13 Trillion per year.  The USA now has the second largest economy in the world after the European Union (EU).  Japan ranks third (over US $4 Trillion) and Mainland China is fourth (more than US $3 Trillion).  Those remaining economies producing in excess of US $1 Trillion per year include Canada, Brazil, Russia and India.

Why Commercial & Naval Fleets?

The answer to this is simple: fully 90% of the goods in the world are transported by sea, and 95% of foreign trade is done by water.  Without commercial and naval fleets, the world would return to the Stone Age – or worse.  In the entire world today, there exist 297,256 civilian vessels (of these, 30,936 units are of more than 10,000 tons each – the rest go all the way down to small coastal and inland waterway units).  These civilian vessels are protected by a mere 3,155 navy and coast guard vessels – and this figure includes both combat vessels and auxiliary vessels (active duty and reserve units included).  One must keep in mind that auxiliary military vessels are more often than not former civilian vessels, not really meant for combat.  They have little or no protective armor plating, little or no armament and often times even no electronic warfare capability (radar and sonar).  Reserve combat vessels are usually old and obsolete – no match for their modern counterparts in armament, electronic countermeasures and/or speed.  Among active duty military vessels, only combat ships (and usually not boats, with the exception of submarines) are suited for operations on the high seas of the world.  The ratio of civilian to military vessels worldwide is thus an astounding 94 to 1, clearly demonstrating how vulnerable civilian maritime traffic can be to armed conflict, be it from hostile nation-states or due to piracy.

Warum hat Deutschland eine große Handelsmarine, und warum soll Deutschland noch wieder eine große “Hochseeflotte,” d.h. eine große Kriegsmarine haben?  Die Antwort ist das Ausmaß des Außenhandels: 90 prozent aller Handelsgüter werden über die Meere, Seen und Flüße transportiert, und mit dem Außenhandel (noch wichtiger für Deutschland und Mitteleuropa) sind 95 prozent der Güter über die Gewäßer transportiert.  Das Dasein einer Deutschen Handelsmarine und Deutschen Kriegsmarine erklärt sich deswegen von selbst.Ohne Welthandel im heutigen Maße würden wir uns in die Steinzeit versetzt fühlen.  Weltweit gibt es heute 297,256 Handelsschiffe und Handelsboote.  Davon haben 30,936 Schiffe mehr als je 10,000 Tonnen Einsatzverdrängung (Waßerverdrängung).  Der großen Anzahl der Welthandelsflotte steht eine “Kriegsflotte” von nur 3,155  Einheiten gegenüber.  Und außerdem sind einige Schiffe der internationalen “Kriegsflotte” überhaupt nicht “Gefechtsfähig.”  Nicht alle Hilfsschiffe, Einsatzgruppenversorger, Öltanker, Transportschiffe, Landungsschiffe, Aufklärungsschiffe, Minensuchboote sowie Schulschiffe sind völlig Einsatzbereit.  Zur Zeit der beiden Weltkriege (1914 bis 1918 und 1939 bis 1945) haben die sogenannten westlichen Allierten (hauptsächlich Großbrittanien und die Vereinigten Staaten von Amerika) den Handel mit Deutschland und Mitteleuropa, sowie Japan, leider zum großen Teil erfolgreich blockiert.  Und heute haben wir wieder große “Piratenflotten” in Ländern wie Somalien in Ostafrika.

The largest navy in the world today is of course the United States Navy, with 622 vessels of all types.  280 of these are active duty combat vessels.  Ships in the American Navy are also larger compared to those of other modern navies.  In fact, the gross tonnage of the American Navy is more than that of next 17 navies combined.

Die größte Kriegsmarine der Welt seit 1942 ist die Marine der Vereinigten Staaten von Amerika.  Die Amerikanische Marine hat heute 622 Seefahrzeuge, davon sind 280 aktive Kampfschiffe und Kampfboote, mit einer gesamten Waßerverdrängung größer als die der nächsten 17 Marineländer.

The second largest navy in the world today is that of Russia, with 577 vessels of all types.  In third place is Mainland China, with 265 vessels.  Japan is in 4th place with 112 vessels.  North Korea is in 5th place with 101 vessels, and India is in 6th place with 92 vessels.  The Royal Navy of England is in 7th place with 91 commissioned vessels.  The Royal Navy is obviously the second largest navy within NATO, or the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.  France is in 8th place with 83 vessels and the German Navy is of course in 9th place with 76 commissioned vessels.  France is no longer a “full member” of NATO, while the Federal Republic of Germany is.

Die zweitgrößte Marine der Welt ist in Rußland, mit 577 Seefahrzeugen.  Nummer drei ist China mit 265 Seefahrzeugen.  Nummer vier ist Japan mit 112, Nummer fünf ist Nordkorea  mit 101, Nummer sechs ist Indien  mit 92, Nummer sieben ist Großbrittanien  mit 91, und Nummer acht ist Frankreich mit 83 Seefahrzeugen.  Auf der Weltrangliste steht die Bundesrepublik Deutschland auf Platz neun, mit 76 getauften Marineschiffen und Marinebooten.  Innerhalb der NATO hat Deutschland nach Amerika und England die drittgrößte Marine.  Frankreich ist seit 1966 kein volles NATO Mitglied.  Aber wie auch bei der EU ist die NATO nicht von besonderen Vorteilen für Deutschland und Mitteleuropa.  Deutschland und Mitteleuropa sollten auf guter und besserer Zusammenarbeit mit Rußland und Asien bauen.  Der ehemalige “Dreikaiserbund” vom  Deutschen Reich, Österreich-Ungarn und dem Tsarenreich könnte als Vorbild dienen.  Fürst Otto von Bismarck sagte schon, daß die Zukunft Deutschlands im Osten liegt.

Other modern navies rank as follows in terms of total commissioned combat and non-combat vessels: 10) Turkey (72 vessels), 11) Taiwan (71 vessels), 12) Italy (65 vessels), 13) South Korea (64 vessels), 14) Spain (57 vessels), 15) Indonesia (56 vessels), 16) Greece (49 vessels), 17) México (49 vessels), 18) Brazil (48 vessels), 19) Poland (31 vessels), 20) Argentina (29 vessels), 21) Iran (28 vessels), 22) Australia (27 vessels), 23) the Netherlands (25 vessels), 24) Pakistan (25 vessels), 25) Egypt (25 vessels), 26) Thailand (24 vessels), 27) Sweden (23 vessels), 28) Canada (22 vessels), 29) Chile (20 vessels), 30) the Ukraine (19 vessels), 31) Portugal (19 vessels), 32) Venezuela (17 vessels), 33) Romania (17 vessels), 34) Peru (16 vessels), 35) the Philippines (15 vessels), 36) Norway (15 vessels), 37) Denmark (14 vessels), 38) Colombia (14 vessels), 39) Malaysia (12 vessels), 40) Ecuador (12 vessels), 41) Saudi Arabia (11 vessels), 42) Singapore (11 vessels), 43) Vietnam (10 vessels), 44) South Africa (9 vessels), 45) Bangladesh (7 vessels), 46) Bulgaria (7 vessels), 47) Algeria (7 vessels), 48) Israel (7 vessels), 49) Oman (6 vessels), 50) Libya (6 vessels), 51) Uruguay (6 vessels), 52) New Zealand (5 vessels), 53) Finland (5 vessels), 54) Serbia (5 vessels), 55) Morocco (5 vessels), 56) Yemen (4 vessels), 57) Belgium (4 vessels), 58) Syria (3 vessels), 59) Ireland (3 vessels), 60) Myanmar (3 vessels), 61) the United Arab Emirates (3 vessels), 62) Austria-Croatia (3 vessels), 63 ) Cuba (2 vessels), 64) Kenya (2 vessels), 65) Mauritania (2 vessels), 66) Tunisia (2 vessels), 67) Albania (1 vessel), 68) Bahrain (1 vessel), 69) Ivory Coast (1 vessel), 70) Gabon (1 vessel), 71) Estonia (1 vessel), 72) Mauritius (1 vessel) and 73) Nigeria (1 vessel).  The remaining 120 independent nation-states have no navy, but some others do have a coast guard.

Andere Länder haben noch weniger Marinefahrzeuge.  Die Turkei mit 72 Einheiten ist Nummer 10.  Taiwan/Republik China mit 71 Einheiten ist Nummer 11.  Italien mit 65 Einheiten ist Nummer 12.  Südkorea mit 64 Einheiten ist Nummer 13.  Spanien mit 57 Einheiten ist Nummer 14.  Indonesien mit 56 Einheiten ist Nummer 15.  Griechenland ist auf Platz 16 mit 49 Einheiten.  Mexiko ist auch auf Platz 16 mit 49 Einheiten.  Brasilien ist auf Platz 18 mit 48 Einheiten.  Polen ist auf Platz 19 mit 31 Einheiten. Argentinien ist auf Platz 20 mit 29 Einheiten.  Iran ist auf Platz 21 mit 28 Einheiten. Australien liegt auf Platz 22 mit 27 Einheiten.  Die Niederlande liegen auf Platz 23 mit 25 Einheiten.  Pakistan liegt auch auf Platz 23 mit 25 Einheiten.  Ägypten liegt ebenfalls auf Platz 23 mit 25 Einheiten.  Thailand liegt auf Platz 26 mit 24 Einheiten.  Schweden mit 23 Einheiten kommt auf Platz 27.  Kanada mit 22 Einheiten kommt auf Platz 28.  Chile mit 20 Einheiten kommt auf Platz 29.  Die Ukraine mit 19 Einheiten kommt auf Platz 30.  Portugal mit 19 Einheiten kommt auch auf Platz 30.  Venezuela / “Kleinvenedig” mit 17 Einheiten kommt auf Platz 32.  Rumänien mit 17 Einheiten kommt auch auf Platz 32.  Peru belegt Platz 34 mit 16 Einheiten.  Die Philippinen belegen Platz 35 mit 15 Einheiten.  Norwegen belegt auch Platz 35 mit 15 Einheiten.  Dänemark belegt Platz 37 mit 14 Einheiten.  Kolumbien belegt auch Platz 37 mit 14 Einheiten.  Malaysien belegt Platz 39 mit 12 Einheiten.  Ekuador belegt auch Platz 39 mit 12 Einheiten.  Saudiarabien mit 11 Einheiten kommt auf Platz 41.  Singapur mit 11 Einheiten kommt auch auf Platz 41.  Vietnam mit 10 Einheiten kommt auf Platz 43. Südafrika mit 9 Einheiten kommt auf Platz 44.  Bangladesch mit 7 Einheiten kommt auf Platz 45.  Bulgarien mit 7 Einheiten kommt auch auf Platz 45.  Algerien mit 7 Einheiten kommt ebenfalls auf Platz 45.  Israel mit auch 7 Einheiten kommt gleichfalls auf Platz 45.  Oman auf Platz 49 besitzt 6 Einheiten.  Libyen auch auf Platz 49 besitzt auch 6 Einheiten.  Uruguay ebenfalls auf Platz 49 besitzt 6 Einheiten.  Neuseeland auf Platz 52 besitzt 5 Einheiten.  Finnland findet sich auch auf Platz 52 mit 5 Einheiten.  Serbien ist ebenfalls auf Platz 52 mit 5 Einheiten.  Marokko ist gleichfalls auf Platz 52 mit 5 Einheiten.  Jemen mit 4 Einheiten finden wir auf Platz 56.  Belgien mit 4 Einheiten finden wir auch auf Platz 56.  Syrien mit 3 Einheiten finden wir auf Platz 58.  Irland mit 3 Einheiten finden wir auch auf Platz 58.  Burma mit ebenfalls 3 Einheiten finden wir auch auf Platz 58.  Die Vereinigten Arabischen Emirate mit 3 Einheiten finden wir gleichfalls auf Plazt 58.  Kroatien / Österreich auch mit 3 Einheiten sind auch auf Platz 58.  Kuba, Kenya, Mauretanien und Tunesien mit je 2 Einheiten teilen sich auf Platz 63.  Albanien, Bahrain, die Elfenbeinküste, Gabun, Estland, Mauritius und Nigerien haben je ein Kriegsschiff und kommen zusammen auf Platz 67.  Andere Länder haben keine Kreigsmarine, aber vielleicht doch einige kleine Küstenschutzboote.

“Kronkolonien des Reiches” (Crown Colonies of the Reich)

Germany had numerous good overseas colonies in Africa, including Großfriedrichsburg (modern Ghana), Arguin (in modern Mauretania from 1685-1721), Togoland (modern Togo from 1700-1914), Kamerun (modern Cameroon from 1884-1914), German South-West Africa (modern Namibia and part of modern Botswana from 1884-1915) and German East Africa (modern Tanzania, Burundi and Rwanda, plus “Wituland” in modern Kenya and the “Kionga Triangle” in modern Mozambique from 1885-1918).  The Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation colonized Venezuela (”Kleinvenedig” in German or “Small Venice” in English) in the 16th century and Austria colonized such places as Delagoa Bay in East Africa (now part of Mozambique), Calebon (near Madras, India), Banquibazar (in West Bengal), the Nicobar Islands in the Indian Ocean, the Malabar Coast of India and Sabah (now part of Malaysia) between 1722 and 1783.  Austria-Hungary also held the Chinese City of Tianjin from 1898-1914 and the uninhabited island group of Franz Josef Land in the Arctic Ocean (from 1873-1926).

Deutschland hatte vor 1919 viele wertvolle Kolonien und Schutzgebiete.  In Afrika hatte Deutschland Großfriedrichsburg (heute “Ghana”), Arguin (heute in Mauretanien), Togoland, Kamerun, Deutsch-Südwestafrika (heute “Namibien”), Deutschostafrika (heute Tansania, Burundi und Ruanda), Wituland (heute in Kenya) und das Kionga Dreieck (heute in Mosambik).  In Südamerika hatte Deutschland Kleinvenedig (heute “Venezuela”).  Österreich hatte Delagoabucht (heute in Mosambik), Calebon (in der Nähe von Madras in Indien), Banquibazar (in West-Bangladesch), die Nicobarinseln (im  Indischen Ozean), die Malabarküste (in Indien), Sabah (heute in Malaysien), die Stadt Tianjin (in China) und das Franz-Josef Land (im Arktischen Ozean).

Brandenburg-Prussia held the Island of St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands (1685-1720), Krabbeninsel (”Crab Island” in English and held from 1689-1693) and Tertholen (1696) in the Caribbean Sea.  Großfriedrichsburg was colonized by the Brandenburg-Prussian Sailing Frigates “S.M.S. Churprinz” and “S.M.S. Mohrian” on January 1, 1683, whereas the remaining German colonies in Africa and the Pacific region were colonized in the 1800s both by the Imperial German Navy and by German merchants such as Adolf Lüderitz and Carl Peters.  In fact, there is still a coastal city in Namibia today named Lüderitz.  The majority of the people in the Southern part of Namibia are Khoisan Blacks (formerly called “Hottentots”), while there is still a small minority of 45,000 German-speaking people.  Half of Namibia’s current Black population (about 1 million souls) belong to the Evangelical-Lutheran Church of Germany, their ancestors having been converted to Christianity by German missionaries in the 1800s.  Namibia’s capital city is the very German-looking city of Windhuk (”Windhoek” in the Cape Dutch dialect of Afrikaans).  About 1 million people of German ancestry reside in South Africa today.  The Germans there comprise about 40% of the white Afrikaner population, or about 23% of white South Africans.

Brandenburg-Preußen hatte Sankt Thomas (in den Jungfrauinseln), Krabbeninsel und Tertholen im Karibischen Meer.  Großfriedrichsburg in Westafrika wurde von den Brandenburgisch-Preußischen Segelfregatten “S.M.S. Churprinz” und “S.M.S. Mohrian” am 1. Januar 1683 kolonisiert.  Deutsche Kaufmänner wie Adolf Lüderitz und Carl Peters haben Länder wie Deutsch-Südwestafrika und Deutsch-Ostafrika kolonisiert.  In Namibien (vormals “Deutsch-Südwestafrika”) gibt es die Stadt Lüderitz wo noch viel Deutsch gesprochen wird.  In Namibien gibt es etwa 45,000 Leute (etwa zweidrittel davon sind weiß), die Deutsch sprechen.  Und etwa die hälfte der Bevölkerung Namibiens ist evangelisch.  Die Hauptstadt Namibiens ist die Stadt Windhuk (”Windhoek” auf kapholländisch oder Afrikaans).  Viele Deutschstämmige Leute wohnen auch in Südafrika, wo 40% der “Afrikaner” (die weiße Stämme Südafrikas) deutsche Ahnen haben.

German colonies in the Pacific region included the city of Tsingtau (”Tsingtao” in English) and the province of Schantung (”Shantung” in English) in China, the Northern Mariana Islands, the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Palau, Nauru, German Samoa (now known as Samoa and held from 1899-1945) and German New Guinea (much of modern day Papua New Guinea, which was held from 1884-1914).

Deutschlands Kronkolonien in Asien waren die Stadt Tsingtau und die Provinz Schantung in China, die Marianen-Inseln, die Marshall-Inseln, Mikronesien, Palau, Nauru, Deutsch-Samoa (West-Samoa) und Deutsch-Neuguinea (Papua Neuguinea).

The total population of all former German and Austrian colonies today is more than 223 million people.

Die heutige Bevölkerungszahl der ehemaligen Deutschen Kronkolonien ist mehr als 223 Millionen.  Fast 92 Millionen Menschen wohnen in Tsingtau und Schantung und mehr als 55 Millionen Leute wohnen im ehemaligen Deutsch-Ostafrika.  Die Bevölkerungszahl von Großfriedrichsburg (Ghana) ist nun 23 Millionen, und mehr als 17 Millionen Menschen wohnen im ehemaligen Deutsch-Westafrika (Kamerun).  Mehr als 11 Millionen Leute wohnen in Tianjin, China (eine ehemalige Österreichische Kolonie), und mehr als 7 Millionen Menschen wohnen nun im ehemaligen Deutsch-Neuguinea.  Die heutige Bevölkerungszahl von Togoland ist mehr als 5 Millionen, und mehr als 3 Millionen Menschen wohnen in Sabah (in Malaysien, vormals österreichisch) sowie in Arguin (in Mauretanien, vormals brandenburgisch-preußisch).  Fast 2 Millionen Leute wohnen im ehemaligen Deutsch-Südwestafrika (Namibien) sowie in Betschuanaland (heute “Botswana,” vormals auch deutsch).

LARGE CAPITAL SHIPS

I.  “Schlachtschiffe der “Kriegsmarine” (Fast Battleships of the World War II German Navy) 

The largest warship ever commissioned into the German Navy was the great battleship “Tirpitz” (commissioned in 1941 and sunk by British RAF bomber aircraft in Norwegian waters in November 1944), of 52,600 tons and armed with 8-15 inch guns plus 6 aircraft and capable of more than 30 knots with her diesel engines and turbines. She was the newer sister ship of the famous 50,900-ton “Bismarck” (commissioned in 1940 and sunk in the North Sea in May 1941 by a British Royal Navy force which outnumbered her 34 to 1).  The maximum steaming radius of the “Tirpitz” was 10,200 miles and that of the “Bismarck” was 9,280 miles.  “Tirpitz” was scrapped in 1957, as she was in very shallow waters.  “Bismarck” is a protected monument and grave site, and may not be disturbed.  1,977 German sailors went down with the “Bismarck” on May 27, 1941.

Das größte je getaufte Kriegsschiff Deutschlands war die “Tirpitz” (1941).  Das Schlachtschiff “Tirpitz” hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 52,600 Tonnen, und war mit 8-38 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen sowie mit 6 Flugzeugen bewaffnet.  Sie hatte eine maximale Geschwindigkeit von mehr als 30 Knoten und eine Reichweite von 10,200 Seemeilen.  Die “Tirpitz” war das etwas größere Schwesterschlachtschiff der sehr berühmten “Bismarck” (1940).  Die “Bismarck” hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 50,900 Tonnen und eine Reichweite von 9,280 Seemeilen.  Die mächtige “Bismarck” wurde von 34 englischen Kriegssschiffen gejagt, und leider am 27. Mai 1941 im Nordatlantik versenkt.  1,977 deutsche Seemänner sind am diesen traurigen Tag für ihr Vaterland gefallen.  Die “Tirpitz” wurde von englischen Bombenflugzeugen in Norwegen im Jahre 1944 versenkt, und dann im Jahre 1957 verschrottet.

Ia.  ”Hindenburg” Class (1939)

Even larger battleships were laid down by 1939, but scrapped due to the outbreak of World War Two in September 1939.  The naval leadership had been told by Adolf Hitler that no war would start before 1943, so they were caught off guard due to the misplaced trust in their own country’s political leaders.  The bad circumstances brought about due to Hitler’s reckless foreign policy forced the German Navy to concentrate primarily upon submarine construction for the duration of World War Two, because Germany’s resources and her shipbuilding capability were limited.  Germany was expending much more industrial capacity on behalf of her large land army and new air force, meaning the navy had last priority among Germany’s military branches.  Submarines were a faster and less expensive way to wage war against the vast numerical superiority of the British Royal Navy.  By contrast, Germany is today the largest industrial power in all of Europe.  In fact, Western Germany alone surpassed all of prewar Germany’s 1939 industrial capacity as early as 1952.  German shipyards can now easily outproduce those in the United Kingdom.  The new capital ships were to have been the six battleships of the “Hindenburg” class of 68,000 tons each and armed with 8-16 inch guns plus 6 aircraft and capable of reaching a top speed of 30 knots with their diesel engines and turbines.  Steaming radius would have been an impressive 19,000 miles on a combination of diesels and turbines.

Die Deutsche Kriegsmarine hatte vor, noch größere und mächtigere Schlachtschiffe zu bauen.  Die geplante “Hindenburg” Klaße von 1939 hätte eine Einsatverdrängung von je 68,000 Tonnen, und sollte mit 8-40,6 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen sowie mit 6 Flugzeugen bewaffnet werden.  Die geplante maximale Geschwindigkeit war 30 Knoten und die geplante Reichweite war eine sehr eindrucksvolle 19,000 Seemeilen.  Die Patennamen dieser geplanten Schiffe waren “Hindenburg,” “Friedrich der Große,” “Ludendorff,” “Moltke,” “Großdeutschland” und “Führer.”  Die “Hindenburg” und auch die “Friedrich der Große” waren auf dem Kiel gelegt, aber nicht vollendet.  Sie wurden beide im Jahre 1940 schon verschrottet.  Und warum?  Weil das damalige Staatsoberhaupt des Großdeutschen Reiches, nämlich Adolf Hitler, einen Zweiten Weltkrieg angefangen hatte.  Das Deutsche Vaterland, die Deutsche Wehrmacht, und besonders die Deutsche Kriegsmarine waren für solch einen Krieg gar nicht vorbereitet.

Grand Admiral Alfred von Tirpitz was the commander of the German Navy at the start of World War One, and he is often credited with giving great importance to the torpedo as a major new weapon.  Prince Otto von Bismarck was the Prussian and German Chancellor (or Prime Minister) from 1862 until his retirement in 1890.  Paul von Hindenburg was a Field Marshall in the German Army during World War One, famous for the great victory at Tannenberg in East Prussia against the Russians in September of 1914.  He also served as the President (or Head of State) of Germany from 1925 until his death in 1934.The planned sister ships of the super-battleship “Hindenburg” were have to been named “Friedrich der Große” (after the 18th Century King of Prussia Frederick the Great), “Ludendorff” (to be named after another famous Field Marshall of World War One who served under fellow Field Marshall Paul von Hindenburg at the Battle of Tannenberg in 1914), “Moltke” (to be named after a famous Prussian Field Marshall of the wars of German unification in 1864, 1866 and 1870-1871), “Großdeutschland” (to be named after the Greater German Empire) and finally “Führer” (to be named after Germany’s infamous Fascist dictatorial leader Adolf Hitler, who ruled the country from 1933 to 1945).  “Führer” is the German word for “leader.”  Adolf Hitler went down as one of the most ruthless butchers of history, after even more murderous criminals such as Chairman Mao-Tse Tung of Red China (366 million dead), Ghengis Khan of the Mongol Empire (300 million dead) and Joseph Stalin of Soviet Russia (60 million dead). Hitler’s extermination camps and death squads ended the lives of 12 million souls, half of them Jewish.  Perhaps the cruelest tragedy were the deaths of 680,000 loyal German and Austro-Hungarian Jews, whose ancestors had been part of the fabric of Greater Germany, Central Europe and the Balkans for more than 1,600 years – and who loyally defended the Sacred Soil of the Fatherland in every war up to and including World War One.  100,000 German Jews fought for Germany alone during World War One, and 11,000 of them gave their lives for their beloved Fatherland.  The story was much the same throughout Austria-Hungary.

Ib.  Improved “Hindenburg” Classes (1940-1944)

Amazingly, there were actually so-called technical studies for even larger battleships compared to the 6 planned ships of the “Hindenburg” or H-class of 1939.  Given Germany’s industrial reality in 1939, such ideas were virtually fantasy.  Furthermore, such ships would have been of limited value given the changing nature of naval warfare, with the ever-growing importance of both aircraft carriers and submarines.  The plan for battleship “H-40A” in 1940 called for a vessel of 65,600 tons total displacement, armament of 6-16 inch guns in three dual turrets (two fore and one aft), 6 aircraft and a top speed of 32,2 knots.  With such armament, I would call such a vessel a “super battlecruiser.”  The design study for battleship “H-40B” in 1940 called for a ship of 70,000 maximum displacement, armament of 8-16 inch guns, 6 aircraft and a top speed of 32,3 tons.  Compared to the “H-class” of 1939, this vessel basically had more armor.  Both ships designed in 1940 were to have a maximum steaming radius of 20,000 miles.

Es gab auch Pläne für eine größere ”H-Klaße,” die nie auf Kiel gelegt wurden.  Im Jahre 1940, gab es die “H-40A-Klaße” und auch die “H-40B-Klaße.”  Der erste Plan “H-40A” war für einen Schlachtkreuzer mit einer Einsatzverdrängung von 65,600 Tonnen, 6-40,6 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen, 6 Flugzeuge und einer maximalen Geschwindigkeit von 32,2 Knoten und einer Reichweite von 20,000 Seemeilen.  Der zweite Plan “H-40B” war für ein Schlachtschiff mit einer Einsatzverdrängung von 70,000 Tonnen, 8-40,6 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen, 6 Flugzeuge, einer maximalen Geschwindigkeit von 32,3 Knoten und auch einer Reichweite von 20,000 Seemeilen.  Im Jahre 1941 gab es die noch größere “H-41 Klaße.”  Der Plan “H-41? war ein Schlachtschiff mit einer Einsatzverdrängung von 76,000 Tonnen, 8-40,6 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen, 6 Flugzeuge, einer maximalen Geschwindigkeit von 28,8 Knoten und auch einer Reichweite von 20,000 Seemeilen.  Im Jahre 1942 gab es die “H-42 Klaße.”  Der Plan “H-42? war ein Schlachtschiff mit einer Einsatzverdrängung von 98,000 Tonnen (damals konnten die Werften und Häfen des Großdeutschen Reiches Einheiten größer als 98,000 Tonnen nicht unterbringen), 8-40,6 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen, 6 Flugzeuge, einer maximalen Geschwindigkeit von 32,2 Knoten und auch einer Reichweite von 20,000 Seemeilen.  Geplante Schiffe wie die Klaßen “H-40A” bis “H-42? waren hautpsächlich die “Klaße H-39? (die “Hindenburg-Klaße”) mit vielmehr Panzerung.

The design study “H-41? of 1941 called for a ship of 76,000 tons, armament of 8-16 inch guns plus 6 aircraft and with a top speed of 28,8 knots.  Steaming radius was to have been 20,000 miles.  Once again, we are talking basically of yet heavier armor plating.  Each ship’s numerical designation denoted in which year its design study was completed.  As the war went on, every year brought ever more bad news for Germany – making the fulfillment of such plans ever less realistic.  The “H-42? of 1942 called for a fantastic 98,000 battleship (about the maximum any German shipyard could have accommodated at the time) to be armed with 8-16 inch guns, 6 aircraft and with a top speed of 32,2 knots.  Radius would have been a maximum 20,000 miles.The battleship design study of 1943 was the “H-43? of a very unrealistic 120,000 tons total displacement, which would have made her the largest warship in world history – even to this very day.  In fact, no German harbor could have accommodated her in World War Two.  She was to have been armed with 8-20 inch guns and 6 aircraft.  Such a gun caliber would also have taken her into the record books for all time, up to and including the present.  Such unrealistic specifications had far more to do with Hitler’s demands than they did with anyone in the German Navy itself.  Radius was to have been 20,000 miles.The final battleship design study was for the “H-44? of 1944.  This ship was to have displaced an absolutely amazing 141,500 tons, to have been armed with 8-20 inch guns and 9 aircraft and was to have been capable of reaching a top speed of 30,1 knots.  Steaming radius was yet again 20,000 miles.

Endlich gaben es auch die Klaßen “H-43? und “H-44.”  In den Jahren 1943 und 1944 war es schon extrem unrealistsch, weil das Ende des Krieges gegen das Großdeutsche Reich schon in klarer Sicht war.  Der Plan “H-43? wäre ein Schlachtschiff mit einer Einsatzverdrängung von 120,000 Tonnen, 8-50,8 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen, 6 Flugzeuge, einer maximalen Geschwindigkeit von etwa 30 Knoten und einer Reichweite von 20,000 Seemeilen.

Das Riesenschlachtschiff “H-44?

Der Plan “H-44? war für ein Riesenschlachtschiff mit einer Einsatzverdrängung von 141,500 Tonnen, 8-50,8 Schnellfeuerkanonen, 9 Flugzeuge, einer maximalen Geschwindigkeit von 30,1 Knoten und einer Reichweite von 20,000 Seemeilen.  Aber Schlachtschiffe sowie Schlachtkreuzer waren zu der Zeit schon veraltet.  Seit 1941 waren die wichtigsten größeren Kampfschiffe Flugzeugträger.  Die Deutsche Kriegsmarine von 1939 war noch nicht kampfbereit und auch nicht groß genug.  Und außerdem war die Außenpolitik Adolf Hitlers extrem rücksichtslos.  Die Führung der Deutschen Kriegsmarine unter Großadmiral Erich Raeder und später unter Großadmiral Karl Dönitz, sowie viele andere Offiziere der Kriegsmarine, war wohl sehr fähig, konnte sich aber nicht gegen Adolf Hitler durchsetzen.

Adolf Hitler once said of the “Wehrmacht” (German for “armed forces”) that “I have a reactionary Army, a National Socialist Air Force and a Christian and Imperial Navy.”  This obviously speaks very well of the German Naval leadership, for they were rather free of Nazi (National Socialist) political influence – more so than any other branch of the military service, partially due to Hitler’s total ignorance of naval warfare.

Ic.  “Sovetskaja Ukraina” Class (1932)

The Russian naval battleship “Sovetskaya Ukraina” (laid down in 1938 but never completed) was captured by the advancing German armed forces at Nikolaev in the Black Sea in 1941.  When the Germans were forced to retreat later in the war, they destroyed the vessel in March of 1944.  This would have been a very substantial battleship, which would have displaced up to 65,150 tons full load, and was to have been armed with 9-16 inch guns in three triple turrets (two fore and one aft) plus 12-6 inch guns.  Top speed was planned at a very decent 29 knots.  The name of the ship of course refers to the Ukraine, which is now an independent nation in Eastern Europe.  Russian and Ukrainian are mutually intelligible Slavic languages, but the Ukrainian culture is significantly more Westward-looking compared to the Russian culture.  Furthermore, many Ukrainians adhere to the Byzantine Rite Roman Catholic Church, as opposed to the Russian Eastern Orthodox Church.  Sadly, the German occupation of the Ukraine during World War Two was extremely brutal, as it was in much of Eastern Europe.  The horrific policies of Adolf Hitler and his National Socialist Party were very bad for Germany as well, especially when one remembers that German troops were initially greeted as liberators in places such as the Ukraine and the Baltic States of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia.  In other words, this huge resevoir of goodwill towards Germany was squandered.  And even in spite of this, an overwhelming number of German veterans attest to the fact that the civilians in Russia and the former Soviet Union were among the friendliest people they met abroad.

Das sowjetrußische Schlachtschiff “Sovetskaya Ukraina” (im Jahre 1938 auf Kiel gelegt, ist aber nie vom Stapel gelaufen) wurde von den vorstürmenden Soldaten der Deutschen Wehrmacht in Nikolaev am Schwarzen Meer im Jahre 1941 erbeutet.  Als die Wehrmacht sich im März 1944 aus Nikolaev zurückzog, wurde das Schiff von den Deutschen zerstört.  Die geplante “Sovetskaya Ukraine” hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 65,150 Tonnen, und wurde mit 9-40,6 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (in drei Drillingstürme, davon zwei vorne und einer hinten) sowie mit 12-15 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen bewaffnet.  Die maximale geplante Geschwindigkeit des Schiffes war 29 Knoten.Seit 1991 ist die Ukraine ein unabhängiges Land mit etwa 46,3 Millionen Einwohnern, wovon mehr als 4,6 Millionen Deutsch sprechen.  Es gibt auch Rußen, Weißrußen, Tartaren, Bulgaren, Magjaren, Polen, Juden (105,000) und auch Griechen in der Ukraine.  Die meisten Ukrainer gehören entweder zur Ukrainisch-Orthodoxen oder zur Römisch-Katholischen Kirche.Als die Deutsche Wehrmacht im Juni 1941 in die Sowjetunion einmarschierte, wurden die Deutschen Soldaten zuerst als Befreier anerkannt.  So war es in Litauen, Lettland, Kurland, Estland und auch der Ukraine.  Aber leider hatten Männer wie Adolf Hitler, Heinrich Himmler, Reinhard Heidrich und deren SS (d.h. die “zivile” SS aber nicht die Waffen-SS) die Slawische und die Jüdische Zivilbevölkerung sehr schlecht behandelt.  Die neun Abteilungen der Schutz-Staffeln (SS), die die große Mehrheit der Greueltaten “im Namen Deutschlands” eigentlich gemacht haben waren der RKFDV (Reichskommissar-SS für die Festigung Deutschen Volkstums), das RUSHA (Rass-und Siedlungs Hauptamt), die VOMI (Volksdeutsche Mittelstelle), das WVHA (Wirtschaft-und Verwaltungs Hauptamt), das RSHA (Reichsicherheits Hauptamt), die GESTAPO (Geheime Staatspolizei), die KRIPO (Kriminalpolizei), der SD (Sicherheitsdienst) und auch die “Einsatzgruppen.”  225,000 Leute ”dienten” in diesen neun grausamen Abteilungen der “zivilen” SS.  Die 610,000 Mitglieder der Waffen-SS waren im großen und ganzen tüchtige, fähige, patriotische, treue, ernsthafte, fleißige und gute Soldaten – genauso wie beim Wehrmacht-Heer, bei der Luftwaffe und natürlich auch bei der Deutschen Kriegsmarine.Es war sehr tragisch und auch sehr ironisch, weil so viele Deutsche Wehrmachtsangehörige die Rußen und die Ukrainer als sehr freundliche und nette Menschen angesehen haben.  Von 1939 bis 1945 gab es schon 2 Millionen ausländische Freiwillige bei der Deutschen Wehrmacht, und die Hälfte davon kam aus der ehemaligen Sowjetunion.  Wenn Fall “Barbaroßa” im Osten ein “Befreiungskreig” statt ein “Vernichtungskrieg” gewesen wäre, hätte das Deutsche Reich den Krieg im Osten gewonnen – genausowie im Ersten Weltkrieg, als Deutschland und Österreich-Ungarn das Rußische Tsarenreich besiegten.  Damals (im Jahre 1918) kamen Polen, Litauen, Lettland, Kurland, Weißrußland sowie die Ukraine ins Deutsche Kaiserreich.

Id.  “Gascogne” Class (1938)

The initial materials for the French naval battleship “Gascogne” and an as yet unnamed sister ship were captured by advancing German forces in June 1940.  Neither ship was ever laid down.  These were to have been substantial battleships, each displacing up to 48,950 tons.  Armament was to have consisted of 8-15 inch guns in two quadruple turrets, one fore and one aft.  Each ship would have been equipped with 2 aircraft, and top speed was planned at a very respectable 32,1 knots.  The conquest of France was yet another situation badly handled by Adolf Hitler, at least as far as the German Navy was concerned.  It is true that all of the French Atlantic bases were very useful for German submarines and light forces such as torpedo boats for the remainder of the war.  But the Germans should have made every effort to absorb the French capital ships into the German Navy as well.  Realistically, this would have at least added the modern battleships “Dunkerque” (35,500 tons) and ”Strasbourg” (35,500 tons) to the German Navy.  Each ship was armed with 8-13 inch guns, mounted in two forward-mounted quadruple turrets.  Each ship had 4 aircraft as well, and could make up to 31 knots.

Das geplante französische Schlachtschiff “Gascogne” (1938) wurde von den Deutschen Truppen im Jahre 1940 erbeutet.  Das Schiff wurde auf Kiel gelegt, aber ist nie vom Stapel gelaufen.  Die “Gascogne” (1938) und ihre unbenanntes Schwesterschlachtschiff hätten eine Einsatzverdrängung von 48,980 Tonnen gehabt, und wären mit 8-38 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen in zwei Vierlingstürmen, sowie mit zwei Flugzeugen bewaffnet worden.  Die maximale Geschwindigkeit wäre 32,1 Knoten.Die erfolgreiche deutsche Eroberung von Frankreich, Belgien und Holland im Mai und Juni 1940 war eigentlich überhaupt nicht als “Blitzkrieg” geplant.  Die Feldherren von Deutschland, Frankreich und England glaubten, daß es sich auch wie im Ersten Weltkrieg auswirken wird (d.h. ein Krieg von vier Jahren anstatt von vier Wochen).  Deutsche Panzergenerale wie Erich von Manstein und Gerd von Rundstedt haben alles “gewettet” – und deswegen haben sie “gewonnen.”  Mit diesem Erfolg hatte Adolf Hitler eigentlich nichts zu tun.  Für die Deutsche Kriegsmarine war die Eroberung Frankreichs vom großem Vorteil.  Zum ersten mal hatte Deutschland Marinestützpunkte nicht nur in Deutschland, aber nun auch von Norwegen bis zur spanischen Grenze.  Leider gab es nicht genug Kampfschiffe und Kampfboote, vor allem nicht genug Unterseeboote.  Im Esten Weltkrieg war Adolf Hitler ein Gefreiter, und folglich kein Kriegsherr im Sinne des Wortes.  Er wurde nie als Offizier (und auch nie als Unteroffizier) ausgebildet.  Als Land-und Luft “Feldherr” war er total unwissend – und für die Deutsche Kriegsmarine war er noch schlimmer.Großadmiral Erich Raeder wollte die zwei großen französischen Schlachtschiffe “Dunkerque” (”Dünkirchen” auf Deutsch) und “Strasbourg” (”Straßburg” auf Deutsch) in die Deutsche Kriegsmarine bringen, aber leider hatte der unwissende Adolf Hitler das abgelehnt.  Diese Klaße hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 35,500 Tonnen, und wurde mit 8-33 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen sowie mit 4 Flugzeugen bewaffnet.  Die maximale Geschwindigkeit war 31 Knoten.

II.  “Schlachtschiffe / Schlachtkreuzer” (post-dreadnought Battleships / Battlecruisers)

Other famous capital ships of the “Kriegsmarine” include the 38,900-ton battleships (armed with 9-11 inch guns in triple turrets) “Scharnhorst” and “Gneisenau,” named for Prussian military leaders of the Napoleonic Wars against France (fought from 1792 to 1815).  These two generals are also credited with having formed the modern Prussian-German General Staff in 1807.  The “Scharnhorst” was sunk in the Battle of the North Cape off Northern Norway on December 26, 1943.  This was the last battle between surface warships in Europe, in which the “Scharnhorst” was outnumbered 14 to 1 against the Royal Navy of England.  The “Gneisenau” survived to the final year of the war, and was to have been upgraded to carry 6-15 inch guns in triple turrets (in replacement for her 9-11 inch guns) – a conversion which unfortunately never took place due to heavy Allied air raids.  “Gneisenau” was scrapped in 1951, while “Scharnhorst” is a protected grave site for the 1,803 German sailors who lost their lives in the Battle of the North Cape on December 26, 1943.  Steaming radius of both ships was 10,000 miles.  Note: the German Navy referred to these ships as “battleships,” whereas the British referred to them as “battlecruisers.”  The British reasoning was the lighter-than-normal armament of 11-inch guns.

Die zwei Schlachtschiffe “Gneisenau” (1938) und “Scharnhorst” (1939) waren Deutschlands größte aktive Kriegsschiffe am Anfang des Zweiten Weltkrieges.  Sie waren bestimmt sehr gute Schiffe (auf jeden Fall besser als englische Schiffe), aber leider war die Deutsche Kriegsmarine zu klein.  Die “Gneisenau” und die “Scharnhort” hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 38,900 Tonnen, und wurden mit 9-28 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (in drei Drillingstürme) bewaffnet.  Die “Scharnhorst” wurde am 26. Dezember 1943 von 14 englischen Kriegsschiffen am Nordkap gesunken.  1,803 Deutschen Seemänner sind am diesen tragischen und traurigen Tag für ihr Vaterland gefallen.  Die Seeschlacht am Nordkap war die letzte “große” Seeschlacht Europas.  Die Deutsche Kriegsmarine hatte es vor, die “Gneisenau” zu verbessern, d.h. mit 6-38 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (auch in drei Drillingstürme), aber leider ist das nie paßiert.  Der Krieg ging gegen Deutschland und die Kapitulierung war schon in Sicht.

IIa.  “Schneidheim” Class (1939)

3 other battlecruisers were planned but never laid down.  They were to have been of similar size (38,200 tons full-load displacement) and their armament was to have been similar to the “Gneisenau” conversion project.  Planned names included “Schneidheim” (named for a Holy Roman administrative area in the former Kingdom of Württemberg), “Wallenstein” (a Holy Roman and German Field Marshall who served during the Thirty Years’ War, which lasted from 1618 until 1648) and a third ship for which no new name was yet proposed.  The new ships were designed to make an extremely impressive 35 knots with their diesel engines and turbines, and to have a good steaming radius of 14,000 miles.  The Thirty Years’ was particularly devastating, in which foreign powers such as France, Denmark and Sweden decimated one-third of Germany’s 17th century population, or 7 million out of 21 million Germans in 1618.  This demonstrates just how political the so-called Protestant Reformation was.  Habsburg attempts to reform the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation in the late 1400s were sadly too little and too late for Germany’s own geopolitical good.

Die Deutsche Kriegsmarine hatte es vor, noch drei Schlachtkreuzer der “O-Klaße” (1939) zu bauen.  Diese guten Kriegsschiffe wurden aber leider nie auf Kiel gelegt.  Die Einsatzverdrängung war auf 38,200 Tonnen geplant, und die Bewaffnung war mit 9-38 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen geplant.  Die maximale Geschwindigkeit wären  schnelle 35 Knoten, und die Reichweite wäre um die 14,000 Seemeilen (im Gegensatz zu der “Gneisenau” oder der “Scharnhorst,” mit je 10,000 Seemeilen).  Mögliche Patennamen waren “Schneidheim” und “Wallenstein.”  “Schneidheim” lag im Königreich Württemberg im Ersten Deutschen Reich (das Heilige Römische Reich der Deutschen Nation, das von 800 bis 1806 bestand).  Albrecht Wenzel Eusebius von Wallenstein (1583-1634) war Deutscher Generalfeldmarschall, der in Böhmen geboren wurde, der im Dreißigjährigen diente und fiel.  Der Dreißigjährige Krieg (1618-1648) war für Deutschland verheerend – 7 Millionen Deutsche (von 21 Millionen Deutsche insgesamt) sind im Krieg gestorben.  Die Protestantische “Reformation” von Martin Luther war für Deutschland schon gar nicht gut – die Einigung des Vaterlandes wurde zerstört.  Aber der “religiöse” Dreißigjährige Krieg war am schlimmsten für Deutschland, weil Länder wie Frankreich, Dänemark und Schweden den religiösen Zwiespalt innerhalb Deutschlands ausgenutzt haben um Deutschland noch mehr zu schwächen.  Und außerdem hatte Deutschland mit diesen Ländern keine notwendigen Schwierigkeiten, aber davon war nie die Rede.  Die Weltpreße schwieg über dieses Thema und verbreitete lügenhaft vom ”bösen Deutschland.”

IIb.  “40,000-Ton” Class (1918)

A plan for a 40,000-ton battlecruiser marked the peak in Austro-Hungarian capital ship design.  Obviously, the plan never came to fruition due to the bad geopolitical situation.  Armament was planned at 4-16,5 inch guns in two dual turrets, one fore and one aft.  Secondary armament would have consisted of 12-6 inch guns (4 of these being anti-aircraft guns) and 1-21 inch torpedo tube.  Top speed was planned at a very impressive 30 knots.

Dieser geplanter Schlachtkreuzer (von 1918) wurde aber nie gebaut.  Mit einer Einsatzverdrängung von 40,000 Tonnen wäre es das größte und mächtigste geplante Kriegsschiff Österreich-Ungarns gewesen.  Die Bewaffnung war mit vier 42-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (in zwei Zwillingstürme), sowie mit zwölf 15-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen und einem 533-cm Torpedorohr geplant.  Die maximale Geschwindigkeit wäre eine gute 30 Knoten gewesen.

IIc.  “Ersatz S.M.S. Yorck” Class (1916)

A plan for three (3) new battlecruisers of the “Ersatz Yorck” class in 1916 and 1917 marked the pinnacle of capital ship design in World War One Germany.  All three ships were actually laid down, but never launched.  Each vessel was to have displaced up to 38,000 tons, and to have been armed with 8-15 inch guns in four turrets (two fore and two aft), plus 12-6 inch guns mounted in casemates.  Top speed was planned at a very good 27,3 knots.  Both this design and the “Mackensen” class design were to heavily influence the design for the “Scharnhorst” and the “Gneisenau” of the 1930s.

Die drei geplanten Schlachtkreuzer der “Ersatz Yorck” Klaße von 1916 waren die letzten geplanten Großkriegssschiffe der Kaiserlichen Marine.  Sie waren schon alle auf Kiel gelegt, aber sind nie vom Stapel gelaufen.  Die geplante Einsatzverdrängung war 38,000 Tonnen, und die Bewaffnung war mit acht 38-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (in vier Zwillingstürme), sowie mit zwölf 15-cm Kasemattkanonen geplant.  Die maximale Geschwindigkeit wären gute 27,3 Knoten.  Die “Nachfolger” der Ersatz Yorck-Klaße waren die “Gneisenau” von 1938 und die “Scharnhorst” von 1939.

IId.  “36,000-Ton” Class (1917)

The plan for a 36,000-ton battlecruiser was the next-to-last capital ship design to come from Austria-Hungary.  Primary armament would have consisted of 6-15 inch guns in three dual turrets, one mounted fore, the second mounted centrally and the last mounted aft.  Secondary armament would have been 22-6 inch guns, 4 of these being anti-aircraft guns, plus 6-21 inch torpedo tubes.  Torpedoes launched from larger surface ships tended to be far less accurately fired compared to those launched from destroyers, torpedo boats, fast attack craft or submarines.  This decent plan never came to fruition, due to the bad geopolitical situation of Austria-Hungary.

Die Kaiserliche und Königliche Kriegsmarine Österreich-Ungarns hatte es auch vor, einen 36,000 Tonnen Schlachtkreuzer im Jahre 1917 zu bauen.  Aber dieser mächtige Schlachtkreuzer wurde nicht gebaut.  Die Bewaffnung war mit sechs 38-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (in drei Zwillingstürme), sowie mit zweiundzwanzig 15-cm und mit sechs 533-cm Torpedorohren geplant.

IIe.  “34,000-Ton Classes (1915, 1916 and 1917)

Three separate plans for a 34,000-ton battlecruiser marked the first plans for such ships to come from Austria-Hungary.  Each of the three plans called for the same secondary armament (18-6 inch guns, 18-3,5 inch guns and 6-21 inch torpedo tubes) as well as the same very good speed (30 knots).  Primary armament is where the three plans differed.  The first plan of 1915 called for 9-13,75 inch guns, mounted in three triple turrets (one fore, one central and one aft).  The second plan of 1916 called for 8-13,75 inch guns, mounted  in four dual turrets (two fore and two aft).  The final plan of 1917 called for 6-15 inch guns, mounted in three dual turrets (one fore, one central and one aft).  These were all very advanced designs, but they never came to fruition due to Austria-Hungary’s unfavorable geopolitical situation – which merely became worse with every successive year of war.

Die Kaiserliche und Königliche Kriegsmarine Österreich-Ungarns hatte drei verschiedene Pläne für Schlachtkreuzer in den Jahren 1915, 1916 und 1917, die aber auch nicht gebaut wurden.  Die Einsatzverdrängung war 34,000 Tonnen, und die untergeordnete Bewaffnung war immer mit achtzehn 15-cm Kasemattkanonen, achtzehn 9-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen sowie mit sechs 533-cm Torpedorohren geplant.  Im Jahre 1915 wurde die Hauptbewaffnung mit neun 35-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (in drei Drillingstürme) geplant.  Im Jahre 1916 wurde die Hauptbewaffnung mit acht 35-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (in vier Zwillingstürme) geplant.  Im Jahre 1917 wurde die Hauptbewaffnung endlich mit sechs 38-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (in drei Zwillingstürme) geplant.  Aber die geopolitische Lage in  Österreich-Ungarn sowie die der Mittlemächte (Deutschland, Bulgarien und das Ottomanische Reich) war nicht geeignet solche Pläne zu verwirklichen.

III.  “Linienschiffe” (Ships-of-the-Line / Dreadnought Battleships and Battlecruisers of the Imperial Navy)

Admiral Reinhard Scheer commanded the Imperial German “Hochseeflotte” (”High Seas Fleet” in English) during the great Battle of Jutland on May 31, 1916 in World War One.  This was the largest ever clash between dreadnought battleships, in which 101 German warships fought 151 British warships to a tactical victory (albeit a strategic stalemate).  The 50% numerical advantage enjoyed by the British Royal Navy in May 1916 was to decline before the end of World War One.  On April 23, 1918, the Imperial German High Seas Fleet engaged in huge sortie which took the fleet as far North as the lattitude of Stavanger, Norway.  Unfortunately, the German fleet was not able to meet the combined fleets of the British Royal Navy and the U.S. Atlantic fleet.  100 German warships and 146 British and American warships went out to sea on that morning in April 1918, never to meet in battle (a 46% numerical advantage for the British, but this with the U.S. Atlantic fleet attached to them).

Im Ersten Weltkrieg spielten die großen und mächtigen Linienschiffe und Schlachtkreuzer (aber auch die Unterseeboote) eine große und wichtige Rolle.  Bei der Seeschlacht am Skagerrak am 31. Mai 1916 stand eine Minderheit von nur 101 Einheiten der Kaiserlich-Deutschen Marine einem Gegner mit 151 englischen Einheiten gegenüber.  Die Engländer hatten 50 prozent mehr Kriegsschiffe (Linienschiffe, Schlachtkreuzer und Kleine Kreuzer) und andere Kriegsboote (wie zum Beispiel Panzerkreuzer, Minenleger, Zerstörer und Torpedoboote) als Deutschland.  Außerdem war es zum Nachteil für die deutsche Hochseeflotte daß Kaiser Wilhelm II die Flotte nicht voll ausgenutzt hat.  Am 23. April 1918 war die deutsche Hochseeflotte soweit Nord bis Stavanger, Norwegen angekommen, hatte aber nicht den Gegner (die Briten und Amerikaner) angefunden.  Die englische Flotte war schon im Jahre 1918 wesentlich geschwächt und war auf Hilfe aus Amerika angewiesen.  Zu der Zeit im April bestanden die hundert große deutsche Einheiten aus Linienschiffe, Schlachtkreuzer, Kleine Kreuzer und Torpedoboote.  Dem gegenüber standen 146 Einheiten aus Großbrittanien und den Vereinigten Staaten von Amerika.Die deutsche Flotte leidete unter einem großen Nachteil und war nicht oft im Einsatz.  Deutschland und die anderen Mittelmächte (Österreich-Ungarn, Bulgarien und das Ottomanische Reich) leideten wegen der sehr wirksamen von den Allierten geführten Handelsblockade.  Nahrungsmittel, Gummi, Erdgas und andere Rohstoffe waren in Deutschland und Mitteleuropa eventuell sehr knapp.  Die Deutsche Industrie produzierte sehr viele verschiede sogenannte “Ersatz” Waren die natürlich nicht ebenmäßig mit dem originalen Gütern waren.  Zu der Zeit gab es angeblich Nahrungsmittel dem Segespäne eingemischt waren.  Hungerleiden war weit verbreitet und in vielen Fällen tödlich.Im Jahre 1917 haben die Mittelmächte das Rußische Zarenreich besiegt.  Aber es war für Deutschland leider zu spät.  Eventuell führte es zu einer brutalen und blutigen Revolution in Rußland, und anschließend zu einer gleichfalls brutalen kommunistischen Regierung.  Der Kommunismus verbreitete sich in Osteuropa, einschließlich in Ostdeutschland, sowie in Asien, verbunden mit unzahlreichen Verlusten under der Bevölkerung dieser Länder.  In der Zeit von 1917 und 1991 sind unter der sowjetischen Regierung mehr als 60 Millionen Menschen ums Leben gekommen – das fünffache von dem was während der Jahre 1933 bis 1945 im nationalsozialisten Europa unter Adolf Hitler und Heinrich Himmler der Fall war.

I say it was unfortunate that they did not meet in battle because it was extremely bad for German Naval morale to keep the German fleet confined to port.  Above all, it was bad for the civilian population of the Central Powers (Germany, Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria and the Ottoman Turkish Empire) to be blockaded into starvation by the British Royal Navy.  Civilians were reduced into eating “Ersatz” food (”substitute food” in English) with ingredients such as sawdust.  Meat and grains became very scarce, and one of the few staples left in larger quantities were turnips.  The infantrymen at the front were unable to break the stalemate in the West from the Summer of 1914 until the Fall of 1918, largely due to the limitations of technology at the time.  They had plenty of artillery and automatic machine-guns, but no tanks until Britain invented the tank toward the end of World War One.  They were able to massacre each other in brutal battles such as Ypres, the Somme and Verdun, but they were unable to advance to any strategic degree.  This was merely one more critical reason to have a large navy, and to use that large navy.

In August 1914 (one month after the start of World War One in the Balkan region), the British Royal Navy had 373 combat vessels either commissioned or under construction versus 227 for the German High Seas Fleet, or a 64% numerical advantage over Germany.  Among the next largest navies, France had 165 vessels and Czarist Russia had 156.

At the Battle of Jutland in May 1916 (called the Battle of the Skagerrak by Germany), 151 Royal Navy ships met 101 ships of the Imperial German Navy, for a 50% British numerical advantage.  British losses in this battle were 14 ships (115,025 tons) and 6,781 casualties.  German losses were 11 ships (61,180 tons) and 3,058 casualties.  “Skagerrak” is the Danish name for the narrow channel of water located in between the Danish Jutland peninsula and Norway.  Eventually, this body of water leads from the North Sea into the Baltic Sea.By the time of Norwegian sortie of the German Navy in April 1918, the British Royal Navy could muster just 127 warships against 100 German ships (the figure of 146 Western Allied ships included 19 ships of the American Atlantic Fleet from Norfolk, Virginia).  The British numerical advantage over the German Imperial High Seas Fleet had thus gone down from 64% in August 1914, to 50% in May 1916 and down again to a mere 27% by April 1918.This was yet more proof of the folly of German Kaiser Wilhelm II, who was so afraid to deploy his capital warships.  He believed that Germany should “save” its capital ships to use as political bargaining chips in any future peace treaty with the Western Allies.  But without using the ships in the first place, there would never be any such peace treaty.  The Central Powers actually did triumph on the Eastern Front, when Russia surrendered to them on December 22, 1917.  In the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk (signed on March 3, 1918), Russia surrendered Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Belarus (White Russia) and the Ukraine to Germany.  In the Balkan region, Austria-Hungary had wanted to annex Romania (Wallachia), Serbia and Montenegro.  The Ottoman Turkish Empire had wanted to regain Greece and Albania.

IIIa.  “S.M.S. Bayern” Class (1912) 

Germany’s final flagship during World War One was the super-dreadnought battleship “S.M.S. Baden” (1916) – of 32,200 tons maximum displacement and armed with 8-15 inch guns plus 16-6 inch guns and capable of reaching 22 knots under full steam with her coal boilers.  Steaming radius was 5,000 miles, which demonstrates just how limited coal-fired ships were compared to the future diesel and turbine-powered ships.  She had three sister ships, one of which (”S.M.S. Bayern”) was also commissioned into active duty service with the “Kaiserliche Marine” (Imperial Navy) in 1916.  All German and Austrian warships up to 1918 carried the Imperial prefix “S.M.S.” which meant “Seine Majestät Schiff” (His Majesty’s Ship – He being the German and Austro-Hungarian “Kaiser” or Emperor).  Her sister battleships “‘S.M.S. Sachsen” and “S.M.S. Württemberg” were not completed and thus not commissioned into active duty service by November 11, 1918.  The four ships were named after German states or provinces.  “Bayern” is the German word for “Bavaria” and “Sachsen” is German for “Saxony.”  “S.M.S. Bayern” was surrendered to the British after the war and scuttled by her own German crew at the Royal Navy base of Scapa Flow in Scotland in June 1919.  “S.M.S. Baden” was also surrendered after World War One, but used by the British as a target and sunk Southwest of Portsmouth, England in 1921.  She still lies there to this day.  “S.M.S. Sachsen” was launched in 1916 but never commissioned – the Germans scrapped her in 1921.  “S.M.S. Württemberg” (named for the Kingdom of Württemberg in Southwestern Germany) was launched in 1917, never commissioned and also scrapped by the Germans in 1921.  All German capital ships (i.e., large warships) up to the end of World War One were powered by coal.  The British had already begun to switch to oil or diesel.  Diesel fuel was preferable due to its longer range and due to the fact that a diesel-powered ship leaves much less of a “wake” in the form of less visible pollution.  The Germans refrained from the use of diesel power in capital surface ships due to the fact that Germany had far less access to crude oil deposits – something which became very critical with the Allied naval blockade against Germany and her allies of Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria and Ottoman Turkey.  This was less of an issue during World War Two, because Germany had access to crude oil from Romania (an ally of Germany during World War Two) and Russia (a neutral friend of Germany until 1941 and later significantly occupied by invading German troops).

Die größten Linienschiffe der Kaiserlichen Marine waren die vier Einheiten der “S.M.S. Bayern” (1916) Klaße, mit einer Einsatzverdrängung von je 32,200 Tonnen.  Allerdings wurden nur die “S.M.S. Bayern” und die “S.M.S. Baden” getauft.  Die “S.M.S. Sachsen” und die “S.M.S. Württemberg” sind vom Stapel gelaufen, wurden aber nie getauft und auch nie in Dienst gestellt.  Die “S.M.S. Baden” war die letzte Flaggschiff der Kaiserlichen Deutschen Marine.  Die Bewaffnung eines Linienschiffes der “S.M.S. Bayern” Klaße bestand aus acht 38 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (in vier Zwillingstürmen) sowie 16-15 cm Kasemattkanonen.  Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit war mit 22 Knoten bemeßen, und die Reichweite der Schiffe waren 5,000 Seemeilen.  Die “S.M.S. Sachsen” und die “S.M.S. Württemberg” wurden aber im Sinne des Versailler-Vertages nach dem Ersten Weltkrieg im Jahre 1921 verschrottet.  Die “S.M.S. Bayern” wurde von ihrer deutschen Mannschaft im britischen Marinehafen von Scapa Flow im Jahre 1919 selbst versenkt.  Und fast die ganze übergebende deutsche Hochseeflotte hatte sich selbst versenkt, um den “siegriechen” Engländern diese große Nachkriegsbeute nicht zu gönnen.

IIIb.  ”S.M.S. Mackensen” Class (1914)

Even larger dreadnought battlecruisers were launched during World War One, but never commissioned due to the end of the war.  They were to have taken the place of regular battleships due to the knowledge gained by the German Navy at the Battle of Jutland on May 31, 1916.  Battlecruisers had proven themselves to be far more useful compared to battleships, due to their superior speed.  These included the four ships of the “S.M.S. Mackensen” class, which were to displace up to 35,300 tons and were to have been armed with 8-14 inch guns plus 14-6 inch guns.  Their top speed was to have been an impressive 28,8 knots under full steam with their coal boilers, and range of action was 5,500 miles.  “S.M.S. Mackensen” was launched in April 1917, and scrapped in 1924.  ”S.M.S. Graf Spee” was launched in September 1917 and scrapped in 1923.  “S.M.S. Prinz Eitel Friedrich” and “S.M.S. Fürst Bismarck” were still on the slipways at the end of the war, and were scrapped in 1922.  August von Mackensen (1849-1945) was a great German Field Marshall of World War One, who distinguished himself in victories against Russia, Romania and Serbia.  Admiral Maximilian Graf von Spee (1861-1914) was the Admiral who went down with his ships at the Battle of the Falkland Islands in 1914.  Prinz Eitel Friedrich (1883-1942) was a son of Kaiser Wilhelm II, the latter being the German Emperor from 1888-1918.  “Fürst Bismarck” literally means “Prince Bismarck” and of course refers to the German and Prussian Chancellor Otto von Bismarck (1815-1898) who held office from 1862 until his retirement in 1890.

Die vier Schlachtkreuzer der “S.M.S. Mackensen” (1914) Klaße waren auf Kiel gelegt, wurden aber leider nie getauft.  Zur Zeit des Ersten Weltkrieges waren Schlachtkreuzer wesentlich besser als Linienschiffe weil sie verhältnismaßig schneller waren.  Die Panzerung und die Bewaffnung der Schlachtkreuzer lag unter der der Linienschiffe, aber die höhere Geschwindigkeit war vorteilhafter.  Die geplante Einsatzverdrängung eines Schlachtkreuzers der “S.M.S. Mackensen” Klaße lag bei 35,300 Tonnen.  Die geplante Bewaffnung dieser Klaße waren acht 35,5 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (in vier Zwillingstürmen) sowie 14-15 cm Kasemattkanonen.  Und die geplante Höchstgeschwindigkeit lag bei 28,8 Knoten mit einer geplanten Reichweite von 5,500 Seemeilen.  Die “S.M.S. Mackensen” ist im April 1917 vom Stapel gelaufen und wurde im Jahre 1924 verschrottet.  Die “S.M.S. Graf Spee” ist im September 1917 vom Stapel gelaufen und wurde im Jahre 1923 verschrottet.  Die “S.M.S. Prinz Eitel Friedrich” und die “S.M.S. Fürst Bismarck” sind nie vom Stapel gelaufen, wurden aber im Jahre 1922 verschrottet.  Generalfeldmarschall August von Mackensen (1849-1945) war deutscher Feldherr im Ersten Weltkrieg (1914-1918), der die Rußen, die Rumänen und Serben siegreich geschlagen hat.  Admiral Maximilian Graf von Spee (1861-1914) war Kommandeur des Deutsch-Ostasiengeschwaders am Anfang des Ersten Weltkrieges.  Er fiel mit allen deutschen Kreuzern (die “S.M.S. Scharnhorst,” die “S.M.S. Gneisenau,” die “S.M.S. Nürnberg” und die “S.M.S. Leipzig”) in der Falkland-Schlacht.  Prinz Eitel Friedrich (1883-1942) war Sohn von Kaiser Wilhelm II.  Fürst Otto von Bismarck (1815-1898) war Preußisch-Deutscher Kanzler (der “Eiserner Kanzler”) von 1862 bis 1890.

IIIc.  “S.M.S. Derfflinger” Class (1911)

Other important dreadnought class ships during World War One were the three battlecruisers of the “S.M.S. Derfflinger” (1914) class each of which were of 31,200 tons maximum displacement and were armed with 8-12 inch guns plus 12-6 inch guns.  They could make up to 25,5 knots under full steam with their coal boilers.  Steaming radius was 5,300 miles.  The two other ships of this class were “S.M.S. Lützow” (1915) and “S.M.S. Hindenburg” (1917).  “S.M.S. Derfflinger” was named after Brandenburg-Prussian Field Marshal Georg von Derfflinger (1606-1695), who served Brandenburg-Prussia against the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation during the Thirty Years’ War (1618-1648).  “S.M.S. Lützow” was named after Ludwig Adolf Wilhelm von Lützow (1782-1834), a Prussian Lieutenant General who distinguished himself as a great cavalry officer and leader of men during the final years of the Napoleonic Wars (1792-1815), and “S.M.S. Hindenburg” was of course named after the famous German Field Marshall Paul von Hindenburg (1847-1934) of World War One.  “S.M.S. Lützow” was scuttled after heavy damage at the Battle of Jutland in May 1916.  Both of the other ships survived World War One.  “S.M.S. Derfflinger” fought at the Battle of Jutland, but “S.M.S. Hindenburg” was commissioned thereafter (in May of 1917); both ships were surrendered to the British after the war and scuttled by their own German crews at the Royal Navy base of Scapa Flow in Scotland in June 1919.  The British later raised and scrapped them, “S.M.S. Hindenburg” in 1931, and “S.M.S. Derfflinger” in 1946.

Schlachtkreuzer der “S.M.S. Derfflinger” (1911) Klaße waren leider die letzten drei getauften Schlachtkreuzer der Kaiserlichen Marine.  Die Schiffe dieser Klaße hatten einer Einsatzverdrängung von je 31,200 Tonnen.  Die Bewaffnung dieser Klaße bestand aus acht 30,5 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (in vier Zwillingstürme) sowie 12-15 cm Kasemattkanonen.  Die maximale Geschwindigkeit betraf 25,5 Knoten, mit einer Reichweite von 5,300 Seemeilen.  Zwei weiter Schlachtkreuzer dieser Klaße waren die “S.M.S. Lützow” und die “S.M.S. Hindenburg.”  ”S.M.S. Derfflinger” und  “S.M.S. Lützow” nahmen an der Seeschlacht vom Skagerrak teil am 31. Mai 1916, wo die “S.M.S. Lützow” wegen schwerer Beschädigung eigenhänding versenkt wurde.  Die meisten Besatzungsmitglieder der “S.M.S. Lützow” wurden allerdings von anderen deutschen Kriegsschiffen Gott sei Dank gerettet.  ”S.M.S. Derfflinger” und ”S.M.S. Hindenburg” überlebten beide den Ersten Weltkrieg, wurden aber eigenhändig von den Deutschen im britischen Marinehafen von Scapa Flow im Juni 1919 versenkt.
Georg von Derfflinger (1606-1695) war Brandenburisch-Preußischer Generalfeldmarschall zur Zeit des tragischen Dreißigjährigen Krieges, als Brandenburg-Preußen treulos mit Frankreich, Dänemark und Schweden gegen das Heilige Römische Reich Deutscher Nation in den Krieg ging.  Ludwig Adolf Wilhelm von Lützow (1782-1834) war berühmter Preußischer Kavallerie-Generalleutnant zur Zeit des Napoleonischen Krieges (1792-1815).  Paul von Hindenburg (1847-1934) war doch der berühmte Generalfeldmarschall von Tannenberg (1914), und später Reichspräsident der Weimarer Republik von 1925 bis 1934.

IIId.  “S.M.S. König” Class (1911)

The four dreadnought battleships of the “S.M.S. König” (commissioned in 1914 and named for the King of Prussia) class were of 28,600 tons maximum displacement each and were armed with 10-12 inch guns plus 14-6 inch guns.  They were the most powerful German battleships for the first two years of the First World War.  They could make up to 21,3 knots under full steam with their coal boilers, and were slightly better protected (or armored) compared to the very similar “S.M.S. Kaiser” class which preceded them.  Range of action was a decent 8,000 miles.  The three remaining vessels of the “S.M.S. König” class were the “S.M.S. Großer Kurfürst” (1914), the “S.M.S. Markgraf” (1914) and the “S.M.S. Kronprinz Wilhelm” (1914).  “S.M.S. Großer Kurfürst”was named for Prince Friedrich Wilhelm I of Brandenburg-Prussia (1620-1688).  His official titles were “Prince of Brandenburg and Duke of Prussia.”  At the time of his rule, Brandenburg was part of the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation.  Prussia (or what later came to be known as “East Prussia”) was under the sovereignty of the United Kingdom of Poland and Lithuania.  Prussia was most definitely German in both culture and language, but part of a different nation-state.  The United Kingdom of Poland and Lithuania was yet another great nation of the Middle Ages, which included modern Poland, Lithuania, Belarus (White Russia) and the Ukraine (Little Russia).  Much like the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation, the United Kingdom of Poland and Lithuania was both multi-cultural and multi-lingual.  The official state religion was Roman Catholicism, but other religions were respected.  Most Poles and Lithuanians are Roman Catholics, whereas most White Russians are Eastern (Russian) Orthodox.  The Ukrainians (the “Little Russians”) are a mixture of both Byzantine (Greek) Rite Roman Catholic and Eastern (Ukrainian and Russian) Orthodox.  The German Prussians and Slavic Masurians of Eastern Prussia were mostly Evangelical Lutheran, whereas the East Prussian Ermland region was mostly German-speaking Roman Catholic.  In addition to this, Poland had the largest Jewish community in the world, which was largely Yiddish speaking.  Yiddish is a German language written in Hebrew characters, with a highly developed grammar, vocabulary and a rich literary tradition.  Prior to the Holocaust of 1939-1945, the Jewish population in modern Poland was almost 3 million strong.

Die vier Linienschiffe der “S.M.S. König” (1911) Klaße waren bis 1916 die größten Kriegsschiffe der Kaiserlichen Marine.  Sie hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 28,600 Tonnen, und wurden mit zehn 30,5 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (in fünf Zwillingstürme) sowie mit 14-15 cm Kasemattkanonen bewaffnet.  Die maximale Geschwindigkeit war 21,3 Knoten, und die Reichweite war gute 8,000 Seemeilen.  Das die damaligen “Kohlendampfer” wesentlich langsamer waren als die späteren und modernen Diesel-und Turbinenschiffe spricht für sich selbst.  Die Reichweite der älteren Schiffe war auch nicht die wie heutzutage.  Die drei anderen Mitglieder dieser wichtigen Klaße waren die “S.M.S. Großer Kurfürst” (1914), die “S.M.S. Markgraf” (1914) und die “S.M.S. Kronprinz Wilhelm” (1914).  Die “S.M.S. Großer Kurfürst” wurde im Jahre 1936 verschrottet.  Die drei anderen Schwesterlinienschiffe liegen immer noch im britischen Hafen von Scapa Flow, wo sie von ihren deutschen Besatzungsmitgliedern im Juni 1919 selbst versenkt wurden.
Der König war doch Kaiser Wilhelm II, auch König von Preußen.  Preußen war von 1701 bis 1918 Königreich, und bis Mai 1945 das größte Land im Deutschen Reich.Prinz Friedrich Wilhelm I von Brandenburg-Preußen (1620-1688) war der Große Kurfürst.  Damals war er Prinz von Brandenburg sowie Herzog von Preußen.  Brandenburg-Preußen gehörte zum Adelhaus Hohenzollern.  Hohenzollern liegt neben Württemberg, und war das Adelhaus von Brandenburg-Preußen sowie Rumänien.  Ostpreußen war doch deutschsprachig, aber war Schutzgebiet von Polen. 

Nordostpreußen in Rußland

Nordostpreußen (heute “Kaliningrad Oblast” oder “Königsberg Gebiet” in Rußland sowie Memelland in Litauen) und Masuren waren evangelische (Masuren ist heute noch evangelisch), aber das Ermland in Südostpreußen war (und ist heute noch) römisch-katholisch. Das Vereinigte Königreich von Polen und Litauen (1385-1791) war vormals Großmacht in Osteuropa, mit Herrschaft über Polen, Westpreußen, Posen, Galizien, Lodomerien, Litauen, Weißrußland, die Ukraine und Bukowina. Damals hatte Polen die größte jüdische Bevölkerungszahl der Welt. Im Jahre 1939 hatte Polen immer noch 3 Millionen Juden.

Markgrafschaft Brandenburg

Das Linienschiff “S.M.S. Markgraf” wurde für die ehemalige Markgrafschaft Brandenburg benannt. Brandenburg war Markgrafschaft von 1415 bis 1815, Herzogtum und Markgrafschaft von 1618 bis 1701, Königreich Brandenburg-Preußen von 1701 bis 1815, Provinz vom Königreich Preußens von 1815 bis 1918, Provinz des Landes Preußen von 1918 bis 1945, Land der sowjetischen Besatzungszone von 1945 bis 1949 und war aufgeteilt in mehrere Bezirke der Deutschen Demokratischen Republik (DDR) von 1952 bis 1990.

Kronprinz Wilhelm von Preußen

Kronprinz Wilhelm von Preußen war der älteste Sohn vom Deutschen Kaiser Wilhelm II. Kaiser Wilhelm II mußte aber abdanken im November 1918, und lebte in Holland bis er im Jahre 1941 starb. Kronprinz Wilhelm war leider Anhänger der Nationalsozialistischen Bewegung Adolf Hitlers, und starb in Deutschland im Jahre 1951. Der älteste überlebende Sohn von Kronprinz Wilhelm (Prinz Louis Ferdinand von Preußen) war Antinazi, und war während des Zweiten Weltkrieges in Nordamerika. Sein ältester Sohn Prinz Louis Ferdinand II von Preußen lebte nur von 1944 bis 1977. Der älteste Sohn von Prinz Louis Ferdinand II ist Prinz Georg Friedrich Ferdinand von Preußen (im Jahre 1976 geboren).

“S.M.S. Markgraf” was named after a great Count of one of the Eastern Marches (i.e., new territories) of the Hohenzollern Dynasty of Brandenburg-Prussia as well – this going back even further in history. The English equivalent of this noble title is “Marquess.” The Margraviate of Brandenburg was under the rule of the Hohenzollern Dynasty from 1415 until 1918. It was officially a Margraviate from 1415 until 1815. It was just a Margraviate and no more from 1415 to 1618, it was in personal union with the Duchy of Prussia from 1618 until 1701, and then in personal union with the Kingdom of Prussia from 1701 until 1815. Brandenburg was then a “Province” of the Kingdom of Prussia from 1815 until 1918, and then of the State of Prussia from 1918 until 1945. In 1945, Brandenburg came under Soviet Russian occupation after World War Two. In 1949, all former provinces within the Soviet zone of occupation were abolished and replaced with more numerous and much smaller administrative districts of the newly established Communist “German Democratic Republic,” (”Deutsche Demokratische Republik” in German) which lasted from 1949-1990. With the peaceful reunification of Germany in 1990, the old provinces such as Brandenburg were once again re-established, and joined with the existing Federal Republic of Germany (”Bundesrepublik Deutschland” in German) of the West.“S.M.S. Kronprinz Wilhelm” was named for the Crown Prince of Germany, who would have become Kaiser Wilhelm III in 1941 had his father not been deposed in November 1918. Crown Prince William (his English name) lived until 1951 and was succeeded by his son Prince Louis Ferdinand of Prussia, who lived until 1994. Crown Prince William joined the Nazi Party before World War Two, but Prince Louis Ferdinand was an avid anti-Nazi who left Germany before World War Two. The current head of the House of Prussia or Hohenzollern Dynasty is Prinz Georg Friedrich Ferdinand, who was born in 1976 (Prince George Frederick Ferdinand in English), the grandson of Prince Louis Ferdinand (his father Prince Louis Ferdinand II only lived from 1944 until 1977). The four ships of this class all fought at the Battle of Jutland in May 1916 and survived World War One. They were surrendered to the Royal Navy and were scuttled by their own German crews in an act of defiance in June 1919 at the British base of Scapa Flow in Scotland. ”S.M.S. Großer Kurfürst” was later raised and scrapped in 1936, but the three other ships remain at the bottom of Scapa Flow today. A Scottish company purchased the rights to raise and scrap them in 1962, but has never done so.

IIIe. “S.M.S. Seydlitz” Class (1911)

The dreadnought battlecruiser “S.M.S. Seydlitz” (commissioned in 1913) displaced 28,550 tons and was armed with 10-11 inch guns plus 12-6 inch guns. She could make up to 28,1 knots with her coal boilers at full steam and had an operating radius of 4,200 miles. She served with great distinction at the Battle of Jutland in May 1916, inflicting huge losses upon the Royal Navy of England. She survived that battle as the most heavily damaged German ship, limping back home to safety in spite of her tremendous wounds. This was a profound testament to the extremely high quality of German construction and to the skill and bravery of her officers and crewmen. She survived World War One to be surrendered to the British and to be scuttled by her own German crew at the Royal Navy base of Scapa Flow in Scotland in June 1919. She was finally raised and scrapped in 1930. She was named for Friedrich Wilhelm Freiherr von Seydlitz (1721-1773), one of the greatest cavalry generals in the history of the Prussian Army.

Der Schlachtkreuzer “S.M.S. Seydlitz” ist im Jahre 1911 vom Stapel gelaufen, und wurde im Jahre 1913 getauft. Das Schiff hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 28,550 Tonnen, und war mit zehn 28 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (in fünf Zwillingstürme) sowie mit 12-15 cm Kasemattkanonen bewaffnet. Die “S.M.S. Seydlitz” hatte eine Höchstgeschwindigkeit von 28,1 Knoten, und eine Reichweite von 4,200 Seemeilen. Bei der Seeschlacht vom Skagerrak am 31. Mai 1916 wurde sie schwer beschädigt, gelang aber sicher wieder nach Wilhelmshaven Dank ihrer leistungsfähigen Besatzung und auch letztlich wegen der unübertrefflichen Wertverarbeitung während Herstellung des Schiffes. Nach dem Ersten Weltkrieg in Juni 1919 wurde sie von ihrer deutschen Besatzung im Hafen von Scapa Flow selbst versenkt weil sie die Briten diese Kriegsbeute vorenthalten wollten. Friedrich Wilhelm von Seydlitz (1721-1773) war einer der berühmtesten Kavalleriegenerale der Preußischen Armee.

IIIf. “S.M.S. Kaiser” Class (1909)

The five dreadnought battleships of the “S.M.S. Kaiser” (1912) class were each of 27,000 tons maximum displacement, were also armed with 10-12 inch guns plus 14-6 inch guns and could make up to 23,4 knots under full steam with their coal boilers. Range of operations was a rather decent 7,900 miles. ”Kaiser” of course referred to the German Emperor Kaiser Wilhelm II, who reigned from 1888 until his abdication in November 1918. The four other ships of this class were “S.M.S. Prinzregent Luitpold” (1912), “S.M.S. Friedrich der Große” (1912), “S.M.S. Kaiserin” (1913) and ”S.M.S. König Albert” (1913). “S.M.S. Prinzregent Luitpold” was named for the heir to the throne of the Kingdom of Bavaria, a large South German state. “S.M.S. Friedrich der Große” was of course named after King Frederick the Great of Prussia, who won fame (or infamy, depending upon who one asks) as a successful military leader in the 18th century. “S.M.S. Kaiserin” was named for the Empress of Germany and wife of Kaiser Wilhelm II – her name was Kaiserin Augusta. “S.M.S. König Albert” was named after King Albert of Bavaria. All ships except “S.M.S. König Albert” fought at the Battle of Jutland in May 1916. They all survived World War One, and were surrendered to the British after the war. They were scuttled by their own crews in the Royal Navy base of Scapa Flow in Scotland in June 1919. Thereafter, they were raised by the British and scrapped. “S.M.S. Kaiserin” and “S.M.S. König Albert” were scrapped in 1936, and ”S.M.S. Friedrich der Große” was scrapped in 1937. These ships and the four that followed them were considered to be the backbone of the German Navy from 1912 until 1918, and they successfully fought against much larger English ships – a testament to very high German quality of construction and the skill and bravery of the German officers and sailors. “S.M.S. Friedrich der Große” served as Fleet Flagship from 1912 until 1916 (the ships of Grand Admiral Alfred von Tirpitz and Admiral Reinhard Scheer). It was Admiral Scheer who commanded the fleet at Jutland.

Die fünf Linienschiffe der “S.M.S. Kaiser” (1909) Klaße hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 27,000 Tonnen, und waren mit je zehn 30,5 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (in fünf Zwillingstürme) sowie mit 14 15-cm Kasemattkanonen bewaffnet. Sie hatten eine Höchstgeschwindigkeit von 23,4 Knoten und eine Reichweite von 7,900 Seemeilen. Die anderen Linienschiffe dieser Klaße waren die “S.M.S. Prinzregent Luitpold” (1912), die “S.M.S. Friedrich der Große” (1912), die “S.M.S. Kaiserin” (1913) und die “S.M.S. König Albert” (1913). Alle Einheiten dieser Klaße (außer der ”S.M.S. König Albert”) nahmen an der großen Seeschlacht am Skagerrak im Mai 1916 teil. Diese fünf Linienschiffe überlebten den Ersten Weltkrieg, und wurden im Hafen von Scapa Flow in Juni 1919 selbst versenkt. Danach wurden sie alle von den Briten geborgen und verschrottet – die “S.M.S. Kaiserin” und die “S.M.S. König Albert” im Jahre 1936 und die “S.M.S. Friedrich der Große” im Jahre 1937.

Kaiser Wilhelm II

“Kaiser” war doch Kaiser Wilhelm II, König von Preußen. ”Kaiserin” war seine Gemahlin, die Kaiserin Augusta von Deutschland sowie die Königin von Preußen. Der “Prinzregent Luitpold” war der älteste Sohn des Königs von Bayern, und der “König Albert” war der König von Sachsen. Friedrich der Große war doch König von Preußen sowie Markgraf von Brandenburg im 18. Jahrhundert. Er war auch als der “Alte Fritz” und als der “Große Fritz” bekannt.

IIIg. “S.M.S. Moltke” Class (1909)

The two dreadnought battlecruisers of the “S.M.S. Moltke” (1912) class were of 25,400 tons each and were armed with 10-11 inch guns plus 10-6 inch guns and could make an impressive 28,0 knots under full steam with their coal boilers. Steaming radius was 4,100 miles. Helmuth von Moltke was the senior-ranking Prussian Field Marshall during the wars of German unification. These were fought against Denmark in 1864, (sadly) against Austria in 1866 and finally against France from 1870 to 1871. Von Moltke was the first military leader in Europe to make very efficient use of modern railroads to move troops quickly, and to use the telegraph to communicate with his commanders in the field of battle. Prussian observers had learned much about these new technologies by visiting the United States during the Civil War between North and South from 1861 to 1865. The second ship in this class was the “S.M.S. Goeben” (1912), which became famous due to her sortie to Ottoman Turkey at the start of World War One. Germany thus ensured that the Ottoman Empire would enter the war on the side of the Central Powers of Germany, Austria-Hungary and Bulgaria. Both ships survived World War One. “S.M.S. Moltke” fought at the Battle of Jutland in May 1916 and was surrendered to Britain after the war. She was scuttled by her crew while interned in the English Royal Navy Base at Scapa Flow in Scotland, raised and scrapped in 1929. “S.M.S. Goeben” served in the Turkish Navy until she was sadly scrapped in 1974. Many naval veterans in Germany wanted to save her, bring her back home to Germany and restore her as a museum. She was named for the Prussian general August Karl von Goeben, who lived from 1816 until 1880.

Die zwei Schlachtkreuzer der “S.M.S. Moltke” (1909) Klaße hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 25,400 Tonnen, und wurden mit zehn 28 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen sowie mit zehn 15 cm Kasemattkanonen bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit waren gute 28 Knoten, und die Reichweite war 4,100 Seemeilen. Die “S.M.S. Moltke” diente bei der großen Seeschlacht vom Skagerrak im Mai 1916, sowie bei der Befreiung von Estland im Oktober 1917. 363 kaiserlich-deutsche Seefahrzeuge, 80 Flugzeuge, 6 Zeppelin-Luftschiffe und 25,000 Truppen des deutschen Heeres haben die Inseln von Dago, Ösel und Moon von den Rußen erobert, und dadurch den Krieg im Osten gewonnen. Nach dem Ersten Weltkrieg wurde die “S.M.S. Moltke” im britischen Hafen von Scapa Flow selbst versenkt, später geborgen und dann im Jahre 1929 verschrottet.

Helmuth von Moltke

Der ältere Helmuth von Moltke war der berühmte und fähige Preußische Feldherr in den Kriegen gegen Dänemark (1864), Österreich (1866) und Frankreich (1870-1871). Er hatte die moderne Technologie (wie die Eisenbahn und den Telegraph) in der neuen “Keßelschlacht-Taktik” ausgenutzt. Es war aber sehr bedauerlich, daß Preußen Krieg gegen den deutschsprachigen Bruderstaat Österreich führte. Ein großdeutsches Reich genausowie im Ersten Deutschen Reich (das Heilige Römische Reich der Deutschen Nation von 800 bis 1806) wäre für Deutschland besser gewesen. Die christliche Donaumonarchie des Adelhauses Habsburg-Lothringen könnte als Vorbild dienen – ein vereintes Mitteleuropa für das Deutschtum sowie für die Ungarn, die Tschechen, die Slowaken, die Slowener, die Kroaten, die Südtiroler, die Schlesier, die Galizier und die Weißruthener aus Bukowina (”Buchenland” auf deutsch).

Der Schlachtkreuzer Goeben

Der andere Schlachtkreuzer dieser Klaße war die “S.M.S. Goeben” (1912). Am Anfang des Ersten Weltkrieges war die “S.M.S. Goeben” sowie der Kleine Kreuzer die “S.M.S. Breslau” im Mittelmeer. Für die englische Marine waren die zwei deutsche Kriegsschiffe einfach zu schnell. Es war der ”S.M.S. Goeben” und der “S.M.S. Breslau” gelungen, das Ottomanische Reich zu erreichen. Die deutsche Regiergung unter Kaiser Wilhelm II hatte die “S.M.S. Goeben” an die ottomanische Türkei gegeben, und die Türken haben sich dann mit den Mittelmächten (Deutschland, Österreich-Ungarn und Bulgarien) vereinigt. Die “S.M.S. Goeben” überlebte beide Weltkriege, und wurde erst im Jahre 1974 verschrottet. Vorher hatte der Deutsche Marinebund versucht, die “S.M.S. Goeben” zu kaufen und wieder nach Deutschland zu bringen. Der Marinebund wollte die “S.M.S. Goeben” restaurieren, aber leider haben die Türken das abgelehnt. August Karl von Goeben (1816-1880) war Preußischer General, der im Deutsch-Französischen Krieg gedient hatte.

IIIh. “S.M.S. Helgoland” Class (1908)

The four German dreadnought battleships of the “S.M.S. Helgoland” (1911) class were of 24,700 tons maximum displacement each and were armed with 12-12 inch guns plus 14-6 inch guns and could make up to 21,2 knots under full steam with their coal boilers. Radius of action for these ships was 3,600 miles. “Helgoland” is an island and naval base in the German Bay of the North Sea. Her population is Frisian, which is a small Germanic tribe inhabiting the coastal region of Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands. They have a very unique language, quite different from modern German, Dutch or Danish. The island was traded to Germany by England in 1890, for which the English received the island of Zanzibar off the coast of German East Africa in return. The three remaining ships of this class were the “S.M.S. Ostfriesland” (1911), the “S.M.S. Thüringen” (1911) and the “S.M.S. Oldenburg” (1912). “Ostfriesland” is the German word for the Lower Saxon region of East Frisia, which is located in between the city of Oldenburg and the Dutch border. ”Thüringen” is the German word for the German state of Thuringia. This region used to be home to a number of Saxon principalities, one of which is the ancestral home of the current Royal Family of England. During World War One, the English Royal Family adopted the surname “Windsor” due to anti-German feeling in Britain. This is not their real surname, because the male head of the family came from the Thuringian Principality of Sachsen-Coburg-Gotha. The female head of the family was descended from Queen Victoria, who came from the North German Royal House of Hanover. “Oldenburg” was a former Grand Duchy in Northern Germany, with a capital city also named Oldenburg. The current and former Royal Houses of Denmark, Norway, Greece and Russia all trace their ancestral lineage to the Royal House of the Grand Duchy of Oldenburg in Germany. The House (noble family) of Oldenburg is Evangelical Lutheran in Germany, Denmark and Norway. They are Eastern Orthodox in Greece (Greek Orthodox, specifically) and in Russia (Russian Orthodox).

Die vier Linienschiffe der “S.M.S. Helgoland” (1908) Klaße hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 24,700 Tonnen, und wurden mit 12-30,5 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen sowie mit 14-15 cm Kasemattkanonen bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit war 21,2 Knoten, und die Reichweite war 3,600 Seemeilen. Diese vier Linienschiffe beteiligten sich bei der großen Seeschlacht am Skagerrak am 31. Mai 1916, und überlebten den Ersten Weltkrieg. Die anderen Mitglieder dieser Klaße waren die “S.M.S. Ostfriesland” (1911), die “S.M.S. Thüringen” (1911) und die “S.M.S. Oldenburg” (1912). Alle vier Linienschiffe der “S.M.S. Helgoland” Klaße überlebten den Ersten Weltkrieg. Die “S.M.S. Oldenburg” wurde im Jahre 1921 verschrottet, die “S.M.S. Helgoland” wurde im Jahre 1924 verschrottet und die “S.M.S. Thüringen” wurde nur im Jahre 1933 verschrottet. Die “S.M.S. Ostfriesland” wurde aber im Sinne des Versailler-Vertrages nach dem Ersten Weltkrieg an die USA gegeben. Die Amerikaner haben die “S.M.S. Ostfriesland” an der Küste vor dem US-Bundesstaat Virginien mit Luftbomben im Jahre 1921 versenkt, ein Manöver das keinen wertvollen und besonderen Eindruck bei der Führung der amerikanischen Marine hinterließ. Die kaiserlichen japanischen Streitkräfte allerdings haben davon Gebrauch gemacht am 7. Dezember 1941 im Angriff auf Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

Die Adelhäuser von Oldenburg und Sachsen

Die Adelhäuser in Norwegen, Dänemark, Griechenland und Rußland stammen alle aus dem Großherzogtum Oldenburg. Die adelige Familie des Hauses Oldenburg ist in Oldenburg, Norwegen und Dänemark evangelisch, und in Griechenland und Rußland orthodoxisch. Die adelige Familie Wettin stammt aus Sachsen und Thüringen. Die Adelhäuser in Großbrittanien, Portugal, Brasilien, Belgien, Bulgarien, Polen und Litauen stammen alle aus Sachsen und Thüringen. Die adelige Familie des Hauses Wettin ist in Deutschland evangelisch, in Bulgarien orthodoxisch, in Großbrittanien anglikanisch, und in Portugal, Brasilien, Belgien, Polen und Litauen römisch-katholisch.

All four ships of this class fought at the Battle of Jutland in May 1916 and survived the First World War. “S.M.S. Thüringen” survived the longest, having been scrapped in 1933. “S.M.S. Helgoland” was scrapped in 1924, and “S.M.S. Oldenburg” was scrapped in 1921. “S.M.S Ostfriesland” was taken by the Americans as war booty after World War One, and sunk as a target off the coast of Virginia in 1921. The official Japanese Navy observers of this test used the knowledge they gained in the attack on Pearl Harbor, Oahu (Hawaii, USA) on December 7, 1941.

IIIi. “Ersatz S.M.S. Monarch Class (1914)

The Austro-Hungarian Navy planned four brand new dreadnought battleships in 1914, the construction of which was cancelled due to the outbreak of World War One. They were to have been somewhat larger than the four ships of the “S.M.S. Viribus Unitis” class, at 24,605 tons each. Primary armament was to have been 10-14 inch guns, mounted in four turrets (one triple and one dual turret each, fore and aft). Secondary armament was to have been 18-6 inch guns, mounted in casemates. Top speed was to have been 21 knots. But I doubt these ships were missed, because they also lacked the very critical underwater protection – torpedo bulkheads which were not present in the “S.M.S. Viribus Unitis” class. Names for two of the four planned ships had already been mentioned, including “S.M.S. Laudon” and “S.M.S. Hunyadi.” Ernst Gideon Freiherr von Laudon (1717-1790) was a great Austrian Field Marshall of the Seven Years’ War (1756-1763). He was of German, Latvian and Scottish descent (his surname being Scottish). “Hunyadi” was a noble family of Hungarian and Romanian ancestry, whose line died out in the 16th century.

Die vier Linienschiffe der “Ersatz S.M.S. Monarch” Klaße der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine Österreich-Ungarns von 1914 waren auf jeden Fall geplant, aber nie auf Kiel gelegt. Mit einer geplanten Einsatzverdrängung von je 24,605 Tonnen waren sie ein bischen größer als die vier getauften Linienschiffe der “S.M.S. Viribus Unitis” Klaße. Hauptbewaffnung war mit zehn 35,5 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen, (zwei Drillingstürme und zwei Zwillingstürme) sowie mit 18-15 cm Kasemattkanonen geplant. Die geplante Höchstgeschwindigkeit lag bei 21 Knoten. Aber die Linienschiffe Österreich-Ungarns (sowie die meisten Linienschiffe außerhalb des Deutschen Reiches) hatten nicht genug Torpedoabwehrsicherung. Zwei von den vier geplanten Linienschiffe dieser Klaße hatten schon vorgeschlagene Patennamen: die “S.M.S. Laudon” und die “S.M.S. Hunyadi.” Ernst Gideon Freiherr von Laudon (1717-1790) war österreichischer Generalfeldmarschall des Siebenjährigen Krieges (1756-1763). Seine Abstammung kam aus Deutschland, Lettland und Schottland. Hunyadi gehörte zu einem Adelhaus aus Ungarn und Siebenbürgen, das im 16. Jahrhundert ausgestorben ist.

IIIj. “S.M.S. Viribus Unitis” Class (1911)

The four Austrian dreadnought battleships of the ”S.M.S. Viribus Unitis” (1912) class were of 22,500 tons maximum displacement each and armed with 12-12 inch guns plus 12-6 inch guns and could make up to 20,8 knots under full steam with their coal boilers. Range of action was 4,200 miles – very good for ships to be confined to the Adriatic Sea. “Viribus Unitis” is Latin for “with united forces” – this was the motto of the Austrian armed forces, known as the “Kaiserliche und Königliche Wehrmacht” (Imperial and Royal Armed Forces). From 1935 to 1945, Germany also called its armed forces the “Wehrmacht” instead of the “Reichswehr,” which was the official name of the German armed forces from 800 until 1935. Germany had no official armed forced from 1945 until 1956 (aside from the Federal Border Patrol (”Bundesgrenzschutz” in German) and the German Minesweeping Service (”Deutscher Minenräumdienst” in German). Since 1956, the German armed forces have been known as the Federal Armed Forces (or “Bundeswehr” in German). From 1949 until 1990, the armed forces of the former Communist East Germany were known as the National Peoples’ Army (”Nationale Volksarmee” in German). The former East German Navy was known as the Peoples’ Navy (”Volksmarine” in German). Since 1955, the armed forces of Austria have been known as the Federal Army (or “Bundesheer” in German). The Austrian armed forces had this same name from 1918 until 1938, when Austria was annexed by Germany.

Die vier Linienschiffe der “S.M.S. Viribus Unitis” (1911) Klaße gehörten zur Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine von Österreich-Ungarn. Sie hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 22,500 Tonnen, und wurden mit 12-30,5 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (in vier Drillingstürmen) sowie mit 12-15 cm Kasemattkanonen bewaffnet. Die Höchtstgeschwindigkeit lag bei 20,8 Knoten und die Reichweite war 4,200 Seemeilen – ganz gut für Schiffe, die für das Adriatische Meer beabsichtigt waren. “Viribus Unitis” ist lateinisch für “mit vereinten Kräfte,” der Wahlspruch der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Wehrmacht. Die drei anderen Linienschiffe dieser Klaße waren die “S.M.S. Prinz Eugen” (1912), die “S.M.S. Tegetthoff” (1913) und die “S.M.S. Szent Istvan” (1915).

Prinz Eugen von Savoyen

Prinz Eugen von Savoyen (1663-1736) war ein sehr berühmter Generalfeldmarschall des Heiligen Römischen Reiches der Deutschen Nation. Prinz Eugen trat der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Armee im Jahre 1683 bei. Im Jahre 1697 wurde er zum Oberbefehlshaber der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Armee befördert. Prinz Eugen hatte die ottomanischen Türken im Jahre 1697 bei der Schlacht von Zenta geschlagen, als er Sarajevo in Bosnien-Herzegowina eroberte. Zur Zeit des spanischen Erbfolgkrieges (1700 bis 1714) kämpfte Prinz Eugen bei den Schlachten von Cassano und Chiari im Norditalien im Jahre 1705. Und letztlich hatte er im dritten Türkenkrieg von 1716 bis 1718 die ottomanischen Türken bei den Schlachten von Peterwardein und Temeschburg wieder geschlagen. Beim Friedensvertrag von Passarowitz im Jahre 1718 wurden Nordserbien und die kleine Wallachei an Österreich übergeben.
Die Kaiserliche und Königliche Kriegsmarine hatte drei Schiffe “S.M.S. Prinz Eugen” benannt. Das erste Schiff war eine Panzerfregatte im Jahre 1863, dann ein Kasemattschiff im Jahre 1880 und letztlich ein Linienschiff im Jahre 1912. Das Linienschiff überlebte den Ersten Weltkrieg und wurde nach dem Krieg an Frankreich übergeben. Am 24. Mai 1915 hatte die “S.M.S. Prinz Eugen” den Feindeshafen von Ancona (Italien) bombardiert. Am 28. Juni 1922 hatte die französische Marine die “S.M.S. Prinz Eugen” südlich von Toulon als Zielschiff versenkt – und dort liegt sie immer noch. Im Jahre 1940 hatte die Deutsche Kriegsmarine einen Schweren Kreuzer “Prinz Eugen” getauft. Der Kreuzer überlebte den Zweiten Weltkrieg, und wurde eventuell an die amerkanische Marine übergeben. Die Amerikaner haben die “Prinz Eugen” von 1940 im Dezember 1946 in Kwajalein (in den ehemaligen Kaiserlich-Deutschen Marshall Inseln) als Zielschiff versenkt. Ihr umgekippter Rumpf ist dort immer noch leicht zu sehen, weil sie in sehr seichtem Waßer liegt. Eine von ihren Schrauben wurde von den Amerikanern an den Deutschen Marinebund zurückgegeben, und ist nun im Marine-Ehrenmal Laboe zu sehen. Die Donau Dampfschiff Gesellschaft (DDSG) von Österreich hat ein neues Paßagierschiff “M/S Prinz Eugen” im Jahre 1987 getauft, und sie ist immer noch im Dienst.

Die Linienschiffe der Tegetthoff-Klaße

Das Linienschiff “S.M.S. Tegetthoff” (1913) überlebte den Ersten Weltkrieg, und wurde im Jahre 1925 in La Spezia (Italien) verschrottet. Am 24. Mai 1915 hatte die “S.M.S. Tegetthoff” den Hafen von Ancona (Italien) bombardiert. Das Schiff wurde am 25. März 1919 den Italienern übergeben, und blieb bis 1923 im Hafen von Venedig. Vizeadmiral Wilhelm Joseph Freiherr von Tegetthoff hatte die königliche italienische Marine im Jahre 1866 bei der Seeschlacht von Lissa geschlagen. Zu der Zeit war die italienische Flotte die drittgrößte Marine der Welt – nach der Royal Navy von England und der US Navy von Amerika.

Das Linienschiff Szent Istvan (Sankt Stefan)

Das Linienschiff “S.M.S. Szent Istvan” wurde in Sankt Veit am Pflaumb (”Fiume” auf italienisch und heute “Rijeka” auf kroatisch) im Jahre 1912 auf Kiel gelegt, ist im Jahre 1914 vom Stapel gelaufen und wurde erst im Kriegsjahr 1915 getauft und in Dienst gestellt. “Szent Istvan” ist magjarisch für Sankt Stefan, der Kirchenpatron von Ungarn. Während des Ersten Weltkrieges war die “S.M.S. Szent Istvan” fast nie im Einsatz. Am 11. Juni 1918 war sie endlich im Einsatz, wurde aber von dem italienischen Schnellboot “MAS 15? in der südlichen Adria torpediert. 89 Besatzungsmitglieder sind an diesem traurigen Tag gefallen, aber mindestens 873 wurden von anderen Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsschiffen gerettet.

The three remaining ships of the “S.M.S. Viribus Unitis” class were the “S.M.S. Tegetthoff” (1913), the “S.M.S. Prinz Eugen” (1912) and the S.M.S. Szent Istvan” (1915). “S.M.S. Tegetthoff” was of course named after Vice Admiral Wilhelm Joseph von Tegetthoff, who was the great hero of the Battle of Lissa in 1866. “S.M.S. Prinz Eugen” (1912) was named after the great Holy Roman and German Field Marshall Prince Eugene of Savoy, who lived from 1663 until 1736. He was famous for having defeated both the Ottoman Turks and the French. Prince Eugene joined the Imperial and Royal Army in 1683, and became its supreme commander in 1697 – the same year in which the Ottoman Turks were defeated at the Battle of Zenta (leading to the capture of Sarajevo in Bosnia-Herzegovina). He commanded the Army yet again during the War of the Spanish Succession (1700-1714), when the Spanish Monarchy passed from the Habsburg Dynasty to the Bourbon Dynasty. Prince Eugene was active in the Italian theater during the War of the Spanish Succession, at the Battles of Cassano and Chiari (both in 1705). Finally, he commanded the Army during the Third Turkish War from 1716 to 1718, defeating the Ottoman Turks at the Battles of Peterwardein and Temeschburg. He lead the conquest of Belgrade in 1717, which lead to the Peace Treaty of Passarowitz in 1718 – when Ottoman Turkey surrendered both Northern Serbia and Little Wallachia (in modern Romania) to the Austrian Empire. An Armored Sailing Frigate was named “S.M.S. Prinz Eugen” in 1863 (displacing 3,588 tons full load) as well as a Casemate Sailing Ship in 1880.“S.M.S. Szent Istvan” was named for Saint Stephen, the Patron Saint of Hungary. Both “S.M.S. Viribus Unitis” and “S.M.S. Tegetthoff” were scrapped after World War One (the latter in 1925), the former ship after she was sunk by Italian torpedos and went down with some of her crew in 1918. “S.M.S. Prinz Eugen” was taken by France as war booty after the First World War, and sunk as a target off the Southern coast of France – where she remains to this day. “S.M.S. Szent Istvan” was sunk by Italian torpedos in 1918, and went down with some of her crew in shallow waters off the Adriatic coast of Croatia. The wreck is still there, and is preserved as a national monument and grave site.

IIIk. “S.M.S. Wolga” Class (1912)

The completed Imperial Russian dreadnought battleship “Imperator Aleksandr III” (commissioned in 1918) was surrendered to the Imperial German Navy when Russia surrendered to Germany in 1917. She was originally named for Czar Alexander III, but the Germans renamed her after the river “Volga” (”Wolga” in German), along which many ethnic German settlers lived. She displaced 22,500 tons full load, and was armed with 12-12 inch guns plus 18-5 inch guns. She could make up to 21,4 knots with her coal boilers under full steam, but her range of operation was a mere 1,000 miles – which would have been an extreme drawback operating in the North Atlantic and beyond. She was returned to Russia after Germany’s surrender to the Western Allies in November 1918, and fought on the side of the anti-communists in the Russian Civil War. She eventually escaped to France after the unfortunate Bolshevik Communist victory in Russia, where she was finally scrapped in 1936.

Das ehemalige kaiserlich-rußische Linienschiff “Imperator Aleksandr III” (1912) wurde im Jahre 1917 an die Kaiserlich-Deutsche Marine übergeben, und dann im Jahre 1918 als die “S.M.S. Wolga” getauft. Sehr viele Wolgadeutsche wohnen seit dem 18. Jahrhundert in Rußland. Die “S.M.S. Wolga” hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 22,500 Tonnen, und wurde mit 12-30,5 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen sowie mit 18-13 mm Kasemattkanonen bewaffnet. Ihre Höchstgeschwindigkeit war 21,4 Knoten aber ihre Reichweite war nur 1,000 Seemeilen. Man soll hierbei bedenken, daß viele rußische Marinefahrzeuge nur für Einsätze auf der Ostsee gebaut wurden. Nach dem Ende des Ersten Weltkrieges wurde das Linienschiff an die Rußen zurückgegeben, wo es auf der Seite der Antikommunisten gekämpft hat. Nach dem Sieg der Bolschewisten ist es der “Imperator Aleksandr III” gelungen nach Frankreich zu entkommen. Sie wurde endlich im Jahre 1936 verschrottet.

IIIl. “S.M.S. Von der Tann” Class (1907)

“S.M.S. Von der Tann” (1910) was the very first German dreadnought battlecruiser. She was of 21,300 tons maximum displacement and was armed with 8-11 inch guns plus 12-6 inch guns, and could make an impressive 27,4 knots under full steam with her coal boilers. Range of action was 4,400 miles. She was named for a Bavarian general who lived from 1815 until 1881. “S.M.S. Von der Tann” (1910) served at the Battle of Jutland in May 1916, was surrendered to the British after World War One and interned at the Royal Navy base of Scapa Flow in Scotland where her own crew scuttled her in June 1919. The British raised and scrapped the wreck in 1934. Battlecruisers were the ships that replaced armored, or large cruisers. They were even larger, better protected, faster and had more larger caliber guns. Battlecruisers thus made armored, or large cruisers obsolete in the first decade of the twentieth century.

Die “S.M.S. Von der Tann” (1907) war Deutschlands erster Schlachtkreuzer. Sie hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 21,300 Tonnen, und wurde mit acht 28 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (in vier Zwillingstürmen) sowie mit 12-15 cm Kasemattkanonen bewaffnet. Ihre Höchstgeschwindigkeit war gute 27,4 Knoten, und ihre Reichweite war 4,400 Seemeilen. Sie beteiligte sich bei der großen Seeschlacht vom Skagerrak am 31. Mai 1916, und wurde nach dem Ersten Weltkrieg an die Briten im November 1918 übergeben. Im Juni 1919 wurde sie von ihrer deutschen Besatzung im britischen Marinehafen von Scapa Flow (in Schottland) selbst versenkt, um den Engländern diese Kriegsbeute nicht zu gönnen. Im Jahre 1934 wurde sie eventuell geborgen und danach verschrottet.

IIIm. “S.M.S. Nassau” Class (1907)

The four dreadnought battleships of the “S.M.S. Nassau” (1909) class were the very first German dreadnoughts, displaced a maximum of 20,535 tons each and were armed with 12-11 inch guns plus 12-6 inch guns. They could make up to 20,2 knots under full steam with their coal boilers and all saw action at the Battle of Jutland in May 1916. Range of action was an impressive 9,400 miles. “S.M.S. Nassau” (1909) was named for the Duchy of Nassau, which is today part of the German State of Hessen (”Hesse” in English). Her three sister ships were “S.M.S. Westfalen” (1909), “S.M.S. Rheinland” (1910) and “S.M.S. Posen” (1910). “S.M.S. Westfalen” was named for the old Prussian province of Westphalia, now part of the German State of Northrhine-Westphalia. “S.M.S. Rheinland” was named for the old Prussian province of the Rhineland, which is today divided between the modern German States of North Rhine-Westphalia, the Rhineland-Palatinate and the Saarland. “S.M.S. Posen” was named for the old Prussian province of Posen, which is part of modern Poland. 47% of Posen’s population of 5.7 million people can still speak German today. All four ships of this class survived World War One, “S.M.S. Westfalen” being scrapped as late as 1924. “S.M.S. Nassau” was scrapped in June 1920, “S.M.S. Rheinland” was scrapped in 1921, and “S.M.S. Posen” was scrapped in 1922.

Die vier Linienschiffe der “S.M.S. Nassau” (1907) Klaße waren Deutschlands erste sogenannte “Dreadnoughts.” Die “H.M.S. Dreadnought” (1905) der Royal Navy war das erste große und moderne Linienschiff der Welt. Sie hatte mehr Panzerung und mehr größere Schnellfeuerkanonen. Die anderen Linienschiffe der “S.M.S. Nassau” Klaße waren die “S.M.S. Westfalen” (1909), die “S.M.S. Rheinland” (1910) und die “S.M.S. Posen” (1910). Sie hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 20,535 Tonnen, und wurden mit 12-28 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (in sechs Zwillingstürmen) sowie mit 12-15 cm Kasemattkanonen bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit war 20,2 Knoten und die Reichweite war gute 9,400 Seemeilen. Diese vier Linienschiffe beteiligten sich bei der großen Seeschlact vom Skagerrak am 31. Mai 1916, und wurden nach dem Ersten Weltkrieg endlich verschrottet – die “S.M.S. Nassau” im Jahre 1920, die “S.M.S. Rheinland” im Jahre 1921, die “S.M.S. Posen im Jahre 1922 und die “S.M.S. Westfalen” im Jahre 1924.

Battlecruisers proved to be far more useful than battleships (they had less armor plating and fewer guns, but were faster ships – which was critical in battles). The term “dreadnought” battleship came into being in 1906, when the English Royal Navy commissioned “H.M.S. Dreadnought.” She was the first “all big gun” battleship. Before this, battleships were armed with a combination of both large and medium caliber guns. After this, much more importance was given to having many more guns of very large caliber. German battleships in particular were known to have the highest quality of construction and the most accurate guns. Of special importance was the underwater protection given to German dreadnought battleships in the form of separate compartments and torpedo bulkheads. This increased the chance of survival in battle markedly, and enabled German warships to sustain much more punishment in comparison to those of other navies. The best example of this was the German battlecruiser “S.M.S. Seydlitz” which was still able to limp back home to Germany after the Battle of Jutland in May 1916. So many English ships simply exploded, whereas German ships did not.

IV. “Linienschiffe” (Ships-of-the-Line / Pre-Dreadnought Battleships of the Imperial Navy)

The Austrian Navy had among the best pre-dreadnought battleships in the world. The most recent were the three ships of the “S.M.S. Erzherzog Franz Ferdinand” (1910) class. They were each of 15,851 tons full-load displacement, armed with 4-12 inch plus 8-9 inch guns and were capable of 20,2 knots under full steam. They were driven by coal boilers. “S.M.S. Erzherzog Franz Ferdinand” was named for Archduke Francis Ferdinand, the heir to the throne of Austria-Hungary who was tragically assassinated along with his wife in the city of Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina in June 1914. Sadly, the leaders of Europe used this incident as an excuse to start World War One, which endured from July 1914 until November 1918 and cost the lives of 70 million souls. Her sister ships were “S.M.S. Radetzky” (1911) and “S.M.S. Zrinyi” (1911). “S.M.S. Radetzky” was named for the victorious Austrian Field Marshall who defeated the Italians in 1848, while “S.M.S. Zrinyi” was named for the national hero of both Hungary and Croatia who battled the Ottoman Turks at the town of Szigetvar in 1566. The three ships bombarded the Italian coast in 1915. They survived World War One, and were scrapped in 1921 (”S.M.S. Erzherzog Franz Ferdinand” and “S.M.S. Zrinyi”) and in 1926 (”S.M.S. Radetzky”).

Die drei Linienschiffe der österreich-ungarischen “S.M.S. Erzherzog Franz Ferdinand” (1910) Klaße waren die letzten und auch die besten sogenannten “Pre-Dreadnoughts.” Sie hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 15,851 Tonnen, und wurden mit vier 30,5 cm Skodageschützen (in zwei Zwillingstürmen) sowie mit acht 24 cm Skodageschützen (in vier Zwillingstürmen) bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit war gute 20,2 Knoten. Die anderen Mitglieder dieser Klaße waren die “S.M.S. Radetzky” (1911) und die “S.M.S. Zrinyi” (1911). Die drei Schiffe haben Ancona, Italien im Mai 1915 bombardiert, und haben auch den Ersten Weltkrieg überlebt. Sie wurden alle im Jahre 1921 verschrottet.

Erzherzog Franz Ferdinand von Österreich-Este

Erzherzog Franz Ferdinand von Österreich-Este (1863-1914) war Neffe und nach dem Tod von Kronprinz Erzherzog Rudolf von Österreich (1858-1889) Thronfolger von Kaiser Franz Josef I von Österreich (1830-1916). Er wurde aber auch mit seiner Gemahlin Sophie Gräfin Chotek, die Herzogin von Hohenberg (1868-1914) im Sarajevo, Bosnien-Herzegowina erschoßen.

Josef Wenzel Graf Radetzky von Radetz

Josef Wenzel Graf Radetzky von Radetz (1766-1858 ) war österreichischer Generalfeldmarschall, böhmischer Adeliger und wohl der bedeutendeste Heeresführer Österreichs in der ersten Hälfte des 19. Jahrhunderts. Er tratt 1784 als Kadett in das 2. Küraßierregiment ein und beteiligte sich zwischen 1788 und 1789 unter den Feldherren Lacy und Laudon am Türkenkrieg. Von 1792 bis 1795 war er auf Feldzügen gegen Napoleon in den Niederlanden und am Rhein. Zu Beginn des Feldzuges von 1805 wurde Radetzky als Generalmajor nach Italien versetzt. Für seine Leistungen in diesem Feldzug als Oberbefehlshaber des 3. Küraßierregiments erwarb er das Ritterkreuz des Militär Maria Theresia Ordens. 1809 kämpfte er im 5. Armeekorps als Befehlshaber der Vorhut bei Braunau am Inn ebenfalls mit Auszeichnung und stieg nach der Schlacht bei Aspern zum Feldmarschallleutnant auf. 1813 entwickelte er als Chef des Quartiermeisteramts den Plan zur Völkerschlacht bei Leipzig. Nach dem Friedensschluß von 1815 kam Radetzky als Divisionär nach Ödenburg in Westungarn, später nach Ofen (heute Budapest) und 1821 als General der Kavallerie und Festungskommandant nach Olmütz in Mähren. Von 1831 bis 1857 war er Generalkommandant der österreichischen Armee im lombardo-venezianischen Königreich (seit 1836 im Range eines Generalfeldmarschalls). Radetzky wurde vor allem durch seine Siege in den Jahren von 1848 bis 1849 gegen Piemont-Sardinien berühmt. Erst am 28. Februar 1857, im Alter von 90 Jahren, wurde er in den Ruhestand versetzt.

Nikolaus Subic Zrinyi

Zrinyi (”Serin” auf Deutsch) ist der Name eines kroatisch-ungarischen Adelgeschlechts. Nikolaus Subic Zrinyi (1508-1566) war ein kroatischer Feldherr und diente während der Herrschaft des deutschen Kaisers Ferdinand I von Österreich (1503-1564). Bei der Belagerung von Szigetvar im Südungarn (”Inselburg” auf Deutsch) im Jahre 1566 wurden fast alle kroatischen und ungarischen Verteidiger von den überlegenden ottomanischen Türken getötet. Zrinyi geriet schwer verwundet in Gefangenschaft und wurde enthauptet. Etwa 90,000 Türken mit 300 Geschützen standen nur 2,500 Kroaten mit 69 Geschützen gegenüber. Die Türken haben etwa 30,000 Soldaten verloren, und ihre Armee wurde dadurch sehr geschwächt.

IVa. “S.M.S. Deutschland” Class (1904)

The most modern German pre-dreadnought battleships were the “S.M.S. Schlesien” (1908) and her four sister ships. “Schlesien” is the German word for the former Austrian and German province of Silesia, which is now in modern day Poland (Silesia, which has a population of 8.6 million people today is still 77% German-speaking, mostly as a second language, and parts of Upper Silesia are in fact officially bilingual).  Cities with large numbers of German-speaking people include Breslau, Oppeln and Kattowitz.

Each of the five ships of this class displaced a full load of 14,900 tons, were armed with 4-11 inch guns plus later with 2-88 mm anti-aircraft guns. They were capable of 18,5 knots under full steam in their coal boilers, and enjoyed an operating radius of 4,800 miles. The “S.M.S. Schlesien” and her sister ship “S.M.S. Schleswig-Holstein” survived World War One to serve as the largest ships in the postwar “Reichsmarine” until 1933. “Schleswig-Holstein” is the name of the German province on the Danish border, which Denmark finally surrendered back to Germany after the Prusso-Danish War of 1864. In modern Denmark, there are still 3 million German-speaking people (mostly as a second language). Those in North Schleswig maintain a strong German cultural and political identity, where the cities of Tondern and Apenrade are still majority German. The ethnic Danish and Frisian minorities in Schleswig-Holstein enjoy similar privileges. Like all five ships in this class, “S.M.S. Pommern” served at the Battle of Jutland in May 1916; unfortunately she went down with her crew during the night fighting. “Pommern” is the German word for the former German province of Pomerania, which was annexed to Poland in 1945. Modern Further Pomerania has a population of more than 6 million people, of whom 14% still speak German, largely as a second language.  Cities with large numbers of German-speaking people today include Stettin and Kolberg.

After World War Two in May 1945, the Treaties of Yalta and Potsdam took large parts of Eastern Germany and gave them to Poland. Poland in turn lost much land in Eastern Poland to the former Soviet Union. In addition to this most unfortunate consequence of World War Two, millions of human beings were expelled from their homes and moved West. Poles from Eastern Poland moved into formerly German lands, and Germans from Eastern Germany were either expelled or murdered by advancing Soviet troops. 2 million German civilians in Eastern Germany and Eastern Europe lost their lives during the final months of World War Two. 12 million ethnic Germans from formerly Eastern Germany and Eastern Europe were expelled from their ancestral homelands between 1944 and 1950, and settled in what is today modern Germany. Since 1950, a further 4 million ethnic Germans from Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union have emigrated as well, mostly to modern Germany. So since late 1944, fully 16 million ethnic Germans have left their ancestral homelands for the West. For the millions of ethnic Germans who remain in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union, the passage of time has healed wartime scars to the point where they can now once again nurture their German culture and language. Modern German-speakers in this vast region now inhabit Estonia (201,870), Kazakhstan (3,987,874), Kyrgyzstan (20,000), Croatia (1,511,000), Latvia (541), Lithuania (2,060), Moldova (7,300), Poland (8,000,000), Transylvania-Romania (150,000), Russia (17,842,300), Serbia (5,000), Slovakia (1,505,500), Slovenia (1,002,000), the Czech Republic (3,041,200), the Ukraine (4,664,742), Hungary (3,700,000) and Uzbekistan (3,000,000). In the present and in the future, it will be very good if all political jurisdictions will respect peoples’ ethnicity, language, culture and faith as did such medieval states as the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation, and the United Kingdom of Poland and Lithuania. Belligerent modern nationalism as we still know it today benefits nobody, save the tiny “elite” of the so-called “New World Order.”

Die letzten “Pre-Dreadnoughts” der kaiserlich-deutschen Marine waren die fünf Linienschiffe der “S.M.S. Deutschland” (1904) Klaße. Die anderen Mitglieder dieser Klaße waren die “S.M.S. Hannover” (1907), die “S.M.S. Pommern” (1907), die “S.M.S. Schliesien” (1908) und die “S.M.S. Schleswig-Holstein” (1908). Diese fünf Linienschiffe hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 14,900 Tonnen, und wurden mit vier 28 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (in zwei Zwillingstürmen), 14-17 cm Kasemattkanonen sowie mit 20-88 mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen und sechs 45 cm Torpedorohren bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit war 18,5 Knoten, und die Reichweite war 4,800 Seemeilen. Alle fünf Einheiten nahmen bei der großen Seeschlacht am Skagerrak am 31. Mai 1916 teil, wo die “S.M.S. Pommern” torpediert und mit 839 Besatztungsmitglieder versenkt wurde. Die vier anderen Schiffe dieser Klaße überlebeten den Ersten Weltkrieg, und dienten bei der nachkriegs Reichsmarine. Die “S.M.S. Deutschland” wurde in Wilhelmshaven im Jahre 1922 verschrottet, aber die drei anderen Schiffe überlebten auch den Zweiten Weltkrieg. Die “S.M.S. Hannover” wurde in Bremerhaven im Jahre 1946 verschrottet. Die “S.M.S. Schlesien” wurde in Swinemünde im Jahre 1956 verschrottet, und die “S.M.S. Schleswig-Holstein” wurde in Gotenhafen auch im Jahre 1956 von den Polen verschrottet.Die “S.M.S. Deutschland” diente als Flaggschiff der kaiserlich-deutschen Marine von 1906 bis 1912, als sie mit der “S.M.S. Friedrich der Große” ersetzt wurde. Das ehemalige Königreich Hannover dauerte bis es das Königreich Preußen Hannover nach dem preußisch-österreichischen Krieg im Jahre 1866 annektierte. Das war nicht nett und auch nicht besonders vorteilhaft, weil ja die königliche Familie vom Königreich Hannover mit der des Vereinigten Königreich von Großbrittanien und Irland direkt verwandt waren. Die Provinz Hinterpommern gehörte bis 1945 dem Land Preußen. Heutzutage hat Hinterpommern 6 Millionen Einwohner, wovon 14% noch deutsch sprechen (besonders in Stettin und Kolberg). Es gibt viele Deutsche mit polnischer Abstammung. Eine Unzahl von Polen wandern nach Deutschland aus und passen sich der neuen Heimat leicht an. Im Mittelalter hat das Heilige Römische Deutsche Reich sowie der Deutsche Ritterorden Mittel-und Osteuropa besiedelt, germanisiert und auch zum Christentum bekehrt. Viele slawische und auch baltische Stämme wie die Pommern, die Preußen, die Sorben, die Schlesier und die Masuren waren überwiegend germanisiert. Das Herzogtum Schlesien gehört seit 1945 Polen, aber gehörte von 1742 bis 1945 dem Land Preußen.

Das Herzogtum Schlesien

Ursprünglich war das Herzogtum Schlesien österreichisch.  Die Herzogtüme Schleswig und Holstein waren im Jahre 1864 von Preußen und Österreich endlich befreit. Für viele Jahrzehnte waren die beiden Herzogtüme unter dänischer Besatzung.

“S.M.S. Deutschland” (named after Germany) served as fleet flagship from 1906 until 1912. The next ship to be named “Deutschland” was of course the so-called “pocket battleship” commissioned in 1933, upon which my paternal grandfather Wilhelm Johannes Nonnenkamp served from 1933 until 1936. “S.M.S. Hannover” was named for the German city of Hanover and the former Kingdom of Hanover, now part of the state of Lower Saxony (”Niedersachsen” in German). The Kingdom of Hanover was a former ally of Austria against Prussia, and sadly lost her sovereignty in 1866 when the victorious Prussians merely annexed her after the Austro-Prussian War. The Kingdom of Hanover had a dynastic union with the United Kingdom, because the English Royal Family was of the same family as the Royal Family of Hanover (the so-called “Guelphs” or “Welfen” in German). Aside from the “S.M.S. Pommern” which was lost during World War One, the remaining ships of this “S.M.S. Deutschland” class were eventually scrapped – “S.M.S. Schliesien” as late as 1956. “S.M.S. Deutschland” was scrapped in 1922, “S.M.S. Hannover was scrapped in 1946 (after World War Two), and “S.M.S. Schleswig-Holstein” was scrapped in 1947 (also after the Second World War).

IVb. “S.M.S. Braunschweig” Class (1903)

The next previous class of five German pre-dreadnought battleships were almost identical in displacement, armament and speed. These included the “S.M.S. Braunschweig” (”Brunswick” in English) which survived World War One to serve in the postwar “Reichsmarine.” In fact, this was the first ship upon which my paternal grandfather Wilhelm Johannes Nonnenkamp (1903-1972) served as a young sailor in 1924.

Die fünf Linienschiffe der “S.M.S. Braunschweig” (1903) Klaße waren den folgenden fünf Linienschiffen der “S.M.S. Deutschland” (1904) Klaße sehr änhlich. Die fünf Einheiten der “S.M.S. Braunschweig” Klaße hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 14,394 Tonnen, und wurden auch mit vier 28 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (in zwei Zwillingstürmen) sowie mit 14-17 cm Kasemattkanonen bewaffnet. Die anderen Mitglieder dieser Klaße waren die “S.M.S. Hessen,” die “S.M.S. Preußen,” die “S.M.S. Elsaß” und die “S.M.S. Lothringen.” Nur die “S.M.S. Hessen” hat bei der großen Seeschlacht am Skagerrak am 31. Mai 1916 teilgenommen. Alle fünf Einheiten der “S.M.S. Braunschweig” Klaße hatten den Ersten Weltkrieg überlebt, und dienten bei der nachkriegs-Reichsmarine. Die “S.M.S. Preußen” und die “S.M.S. Lothringen” wurden im Jahre 1931 verschrottet, die “S.M.S. Braunschweig” (wo mein Großvater Wilhelm Johannes Nonnenkamp seine Reichsmarinedienstzeit im Jahre 1924 begonnen hatte) wurde im Jahre 1932 verschrottet, die “S.M.S. Elsaß” wurde im Jahre 1936 verschrottet und die “S.M.S. Hessen” wurde erst nach dem Zweiten Weltkrieg im Jahre 1950 verschrottet.Das ehemalige Herzogtum Braunschweig gehörte genau wie dem ehemaligen Königreich Hannover den Welfen. Das ehemalige Großherzogtum Hessen-Darmstadt, das Herzogtum Nassau, das Kurfürstentum Hessen-Kassel und die Freie und Reichstadt Frankfurt bildeten zusammen das moderne deutsche Bundesland Hessen. Das ehemalige Königreich Preußen war das größte Land im ehemaligen wilhelminischen deutschen Kaiserreich. Elsaß und Lothringen (seit 1945 französisch) waren wie andere moderne “französische” Gegenden ursprünglich Teile des Heiligen Römischen Reiches der Deutschen Nation. Elsaß, Lothringen, Burgund, Flandern, Savoyen, Provence und Bar waren alle deutsch. Es gibt immer noch 5,2 Millionen Menschen in Frankreich, die deutsch sprechen (besonders in Elsaß und Ostlothringen).

Herzogtum Braunschweig (the “Duchy of Brunswick”) in English existed as such from 1815 until Germany’s monarchies were sadly abolished at the end of World War One in November 1918. This Duchy was a successor to Herzogtum Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel (the “Duchy of Brunswick-Wolfenbuettel” in English), which existed from 1235 until 1815. The last Duke of Brunswick was Ernst August Christian Georg (1887-1953), who reigned from 1913 until the abdication of his throne in November 1918. He belonged to the Royal House of Hanover (”Hannover” in German), whose members (his direct relatives) used to rule the former Kingdom of Hanover and the United Kindom of Great Britain and Ireland. His eldest son was Prinz Ernst August (1914-1987), who would have inherited his father’s title and position had the monarchy not been abolished in November of 1918. The eldest son of the late Prinz Ernst August (1914-1987) is Prinz Ernst August IV, who was born in 1954. He is married to Caroline, the hereditary Princess of Monaco (a daughter of the late Prince Rainier III of Monaco and his wife, the late American film actress Grace Kelly). The current Prinz Ernst August IV (born in 1954) is also a great-great grandson of the last official King of Hanover, Georg V (1819-1878). The King’s full name was “Georg Friedrich Alexander Karl Ernst August.” He was a first cousin of Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, and was a Duke of Cumberland in the peerage of Great Britain. He was most unfortunately deposed in 1866, when the Kingdom of Prussia abolished the Hanoverian monarchy and annexed the Kingdom of Hanover, making it a mere province within the Kingdom of Prussia. The Kingdom of Hanover had been a loyal ally of the Empire of Austria in the Austro-Prussian War of 1866.The eldest child and only son of Georg V (1819-1878) was named Ernst August (1845-1923). He would have become the King of Hanover upon the death of his father Georg V in 1878. He and his wife the Princess Thyra of Denmark had 6 children, 3 of them boys. The first son died at the age of 11 in 1912 and the second one at the age of 16 in 1901. The third son was none other than Ernst August Christian Georg (1887-1953), who reigned as the Duke of Brunswick. Thus, one can see that this family has a valid claim to both the thrones of the Kingdom of Hanover and to the Duchy of Brunswick.The four remaining ships in the “S.M.S. Braunschweig” class were “S.M.S. Elsaß” (named after the province of Alsace, which is now part of France), “S.M.S. Lothringen” (named after the province of Lorraine, which is also now part of France), “S.M.S. Hessen” (named after the German state of Hesse) and “S.M.S. Preußen” (named after the province of Prussia, which is now part of Poland and Russia). There are still 5,2 million German-speaking people in modern France (primarily as a second language, but as a native German dialect in the Alsace (700,000 individuals) and in the Eastern Lorraine (400,000 people).

Many modern provinces of France, including Alsace (”Elsaß” in German), Lorraine (”Lothringen” in German), Burgundy (”Burgund” in German), Savoy (”Savoyen” in German) and Flanders (”Flandern” in German) used to belong to the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation. The Alsace and Eastern Lorraine are still German-speaking today, and in Burgundy a majority of the population can speak German as a second language.  Even in modern Savoy, 9% of the people can speak German as a second language.  All five ships of this “S.M.S. Braunschweig” class were eventually scrapped – “S.M.S. Hessen” as late as 1950 (after World War Two). “S.M.S. Braunschweig” was scrapped in 1932, “S.M.S. Elsaß was scrapped in 1936, and both “S.M.S. Preußen” and “S.M.S. Lothringen” were scrapped in 1931.

IVc. “S.M.S. Wittelsbach” Class (1902)

The preceding class of five German pre-dreadnought battleships belonged to the “S.M.S. Wittelsbach” (1902) class, each of which displaced a maximum 12,798 tons full load, were armed with 4-9 inch guns plus 18-6 inch guns and could make up to 18,1 knots under full steam with their coal boilers. “S.M.S. Wittelsbach” (1902) was named for the Royal House of the Kingdom of Bavaria, which was an ally of Austria until 1866. “S.M.S. Wettin” (1902) was named for the Royal House of the Kingdom of Saxony, another ally of Austria until 1866. “S.M.S. Zähringen” (1902) was named for the Royal House of the Grand Duchy of Baden, yet another ally of Austria until 1866. “S.M.S. Mecklenburg” (1903) was named for the Grand Duchies of Mecklenburg-Schwerin and Mecklenburg-Strelitz in Northern Germany, both allies of the Kingdom of Prussia. “S.M.S. Schwaben” (1904) was named for the old Duchy of Swabia, of which the city of Stuttgart was the capital.

Die fünf Linienschiffe der “S.M.S. Wittelsbach” (1902) Klaße hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 12,798 Tonnen, und wurden mit vier 24 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen sowie mit 18-15 cm Kasemattkanonen bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit war 18,1 Knoten. Alle fünf Einheiten dieser Klaße überlebten den Ersten Weltkrieg. Die vier anderen Mitglieder dieser Klaße waren die “S.M.S. Wettin” (1902), die “S.M.S. Zähringen” (1902), die “S.M.S. Mecklenburg” (1903) und die “S.M.S. Schwaben” (1904). Vier Schiffe wurden im Jahre 1921 verschrottet, aber die “S.M.S. Zähringen” wurde nach dem Zweiten Weltkrieg erst im Jahre 1950 verschrottet.Das Adelhaus Wittelsbach beherrschte das Königreich Bayern (mit der Pfalz) bis November 1918. Das Königreich Bayern war nach dem Königreich Preußen und dem Kaiserreich Österreich-Ungarn das drittmächtigste Land im deutschen Reich. Das Adelhaus Wittelsbach hat bis heute auch das römisch-katholische Anrecht auf den Thron von England, Schottland, Wales und Irland.Das Adelhaus Wettin beherrschte das Königreich Sachsen und die Herzogtüme von Thüringen bis November 1918, sowie das Königreich Bulgarien bis 1945. Vorher hatte das Adelhaus Wettin auch das Königreich Portugal sowie Brasilien unter sich beherrscht. Sie haben das Vereinigte Königreich von Polen und Litauen bis 1795 beherrscht. Die wettinische Linie von Sachsen-Coburg-Gotha beherrscht noch das Vereinigte Königreich von Großbrittanien und Nordirland, sowie das Königreich Belgien.Das Adelhaus Zähringen beherrschte das Großherzogtum Baden (wovon Karlsruhe die Hauptstadt war) bis November 1918. Das Adelhaus Mecklenburg ist im ehemaligen Großherzogtum Mecklenburg-Schwerin ausgestorben, und deswegen hat das Adelhaus Hohenzollern nun das Anrecht auf Mecklenburg-Schwerin. Das Adelhaus Mecklenburg-Strelitz beherrschte das Großherzogtum Mecklenburg-Strelitz bis November 1918, und existiert noch heute.

The male line of the House of Mecklenburg-Schwerin became extinct on July 31, 2001 upon the death of Hereditary Grand Duke Friedrich Franz (1910-2001). The title passed on by inheritance to the Hohenzollern Dynasty, or the Royal House of Brandenburg-Prussia. The male line of the former Grand Duchy of Mecklenburg-Strelitz is currently held by Hereditary Grand Duke Georg Borwin, born in 1956.“S.M.S. Schwaben” was named for the old Holy Roman Duchy of Swabia in Southern Germany, which eventually became part of the Kingdom of Württemberg. Swabia is of course home to two famous German carmakers of today: both Mercedes-Benz and Porsche are based in the Swabian capital city of Stuttgart. All five ships in this class were eventually scrapped, “S.M.S. Zähringen” as late as 1950 (after World War Two). “S.M.S. Wettin,” “S.M.S. Wittelsbach,” “S.M.S. Schwaben” and “S.M.S. Mecklenburg” were all scrapped in 1921.

IVd. “S.M.S. Kaiser Friedrich III” Class (1898)

The class of five pre-dreadnought battleships built immediately before the “S.M.S. Wittelsbach” class were those of the “S.M.S. Kaiser Friedrich III” (1898) class. These ships displaced a maximum of 11,785 tons each and were armed with 4-9 inch guns plus 18-6 inch guns and could make up to 17,9 knots under full steam with their coal boilers. “S.M.S. Kaiser Friedrich III” was named for the German Emperor and King of Prussia Frederick III who reigned only for a brief period during 1888 – he unfortunately died of cancer. “S.M.S. Kaiser Wilhelm II” (1900) was named after the German Emperor and King of Prussia William II who reigned from 1888 until his abdication and exile to the Netherlands in 1918. He was the eldest son of Kaiser Friedrich III, and was very instrumental in making Germany’s navy second largest in the world after the Royal Navy of England. He died in exile in 1941. “S.M.S. Kaiser Wilhelm der Große” (1901) was named after German Emperor and King of Prussia William the Great, who reigned from 1861 until his death in 1888. He was the father of Frederick III and the grandfather of William II. “S.M.S. Kaiser Barbaroßa” (1901) was named after Holy Roman and German Kaiser Friedrich I Barbaroßa (”Emperor Frederick I the Red Beard” in English), who ruled from 1152 until his death in 1190. The official occasion of the coronation of Kaiser Friedrich I Barbaroßa was the first time the modern German national colors of black, red and gold were used. These colors have been used by the German peasant rebels of 1525, by the German “Freikorps Lützow” cavalry volunteers of the Napoleonic Wars, by the Germanic Confederation (1815-1866), by the liberal democratic German revolutionaries of 1848, by ethnic German minorities in the Balkans, by the Weimar Republic (1918-1933), by the former East Germany (1949-1990) and by other countries such as Belgium and Papua New Guinea (both formerly parts of the German Empire).

Die fünf Linienschiffe der “S.M.S. Kaiser Friedrich III” (1898) Klaße waren den folgenden fünf Linienschiffen der “S.M.S. Wittelsbach” (1902) Klaße sehr ähnlich. Sie hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 11,785 Tonnen, und wurden mit je vier 24 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (in zwei Zwillingstürmen) sowie mit 18-15 cm Kasemattkanonen bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit war 17,9 Knoten. Die vier anderen Mitglieder dieser Klaße waren die “S.M.S. Kaiser Wilhelm II” (1900), die “S.M.S. Kaiser Wilhelm der Große” (1901), die “S.M.S. Kaiser Barbaroßa” (1901) und die “S.M.S. Kaiser Karl der Große” (1902). Alle fünf Linienschiffe dieser Klaße haben den Ersten Weltkrieg überstanden und wurden im Jahre 1920 verschrottet – außer der ”S.M.S. Kaiser Wilhelm II,” die im Jahre 1922 verschrottet wurde.Friedrich III (1831-1888) war Deutscher Kaiser und König von Preußen für nur 99 Tage im Jahre 1888, als er an Kehlkopfkrebs starb. Friedrichs ältester Sohn Wilhelm II (1859-1941) war Deutscher Kaiser und König von Preußen von 1888 bis zu seiner Abdankung im November 1918. Wilhelm I “der Große” (1797-1888) war der Vater von Friedrich III (1831-1888) und der Großvater von Wilhelm II (1859-1941). Er war König von Preußen von 1861 bis 1888 und Deutscher Kaiser von 1871 bis 1888. Wilhelm I, Friedrich III und Wilhelm II gehörten zum Adelhaus Hohenzollern.Kaiser Friedrich I “Barbaroßa” (1122-1190) war Herzog von Schwaben (1147-1190), Römisch-Deutscher König (1152-1190) und auch Deutscher Kaiser (1155-1190). Er gehörte zum Adelhaus Hohenstaufen. Bei seiner Krönung in Frankfurt am Main am 4. März 1152 waren die deutschen Nationalfarben “Schwarz-Rot-Gold” zum ersten Mal in Gebrauch. Die männliche Linie des Adelhauses Hohenstaufen starb im Jahre 1268 aus. Die Erben des Adelhauses Hohenstaufen sind die Mitglieder des modernen Adelhauses Habsburg-Lothringen.

Kaiser Karl der Große

Karl der Große (747-814) war seit dem 25. Dezember 800 in Aachen der erste Deutsche Kaiser. Er gehörte zum Adelhaus der Karolinger. Damals gehörten Frankreich, die Niederlande, die Lombardei, Rom, das Herzogtum Benevent (in Süditalien), das Spanische Mark, Böhmen, Mähren, die Schweiz, Österreich, Slowenien, Kroatien sowie Westungarn zum Deutschen Reich. Die Karolinger waren Franken, und die Franken stammen aus Nordwestdeutschland und den Niederlanden seit dem 3. Jahrhundert nach Christus. Die modernen Erben der Karolinger sind die Mitglieder des Adelhauses Habsburg-Lothringen.

“S.M.S. Kaiser Karl der Große” (1902) was named after Holy Roman and German Emperor Charles the Great (Charlemagne), who ruled from 768 until his death in 814. He was King of Franconia from 768 and Holy Roman & German Emperor from 800, when the First German Empire was proclaimed in the city of Aachen. Franconia is located in Northern Bavaria. All five ships of this class were eventually scrapped, “S.M.S. Kaiser Wilhelm II” as late as 1922. “S.M.S. Kaiser Friedrich III,” ”S.M.S. Kaiser Wilhelm der Große,” “S.M.S. Kaiser Karl der Große” and “S.M.S. Kaiser Barbaroßa” were all scrapped in 1920.

IVe. “S.M.S. Erzherzog Karl” Class (1906)

The three ships of the “S.M.S. Erzherzog Karl” (1906) class of the Imperial and Royal Austro-Hungarian Navy displaced a maximum 11,782 tons each and were armed with 4-9 inch plus 12-7 inch guns and could make up to 20,5 knots under full steam with their coil boilers. “Erzherzog Karl” means “Archduke Charles,” who was a member of the Royal House of Habsburg, the Austrian Royal Family. A Habsburg first inherited the throne of the Holy Roman Empire of the German Empire, or the First Reich, in 1273. They were deposed from this throne in 1806 after their defeat at the hands of Napoleon Bonaparte of France. The German Empire was replaced with a Confederation of German states, although Austria continued to remain the most influential German state until their defeat at the hands of Prussia in 1866 during the Austro-Prussian War. Erzherzog Karl of Habsburg was actually a great military commander of the Napoleonic Wars against France, which lasted from 1792 until 1815. He was the first commander to defeat Napoleon at the Battle of Aspern in May 1809, and it is for this fact that he is remembered and honored. He lived from 1771 until 1847. The Habsburg family ruled Austria-Hungary until November 1918, and the former foes of Germany and Austria-Hungary were allied to one another militarily from 1866 to 1918. The Hohenzollern leadership of Brandenburg-Prussia and later Germany was inept, but not evil. They relied too heavily upon force in their foreign policy – something they had exercised against rival German states for hundreds of years. This reckless philosophy earned them the enmity of many sovereign nations especially after Kaiser Wilhelm II came to the imperial throne of Germany in 1888. Worst of all was Kaiser Wilhelm II’s loss of the political alliance forged by Chancellor Otto von Bismarck, who served as Prussian and German Chancellor from 1862 until his retirement in 1890. This was known as the “Dreikaiserbund” or “Three Emperors’ League” which included Germany, Austria-Hungary and Czarist Russia. It never made any sense for Germany and Austria to earn the enmity of Russia, which had so many interests in common with them. The fall of the Christian monarchies in Germany, Austria-Hungary and Russia in 1917-1918 paved the way for harsh “peace treaties” such as the horrible Treaty of Versailles. Germany was stripped of much territory inhabited by German people, of her colonies and was slapped with massive war reparations which she could never hope to pay. Austria-Hungary fared even worse, being divided into many small countries – hence the phrase “Balkanization.” Russia fared worst of all, falling into civil war and a Communist dictatorship which eventually murdered 60 million of her own people. The global economic depression which came upon the world soon thereafter (hyperinflation in Germany in 1923 and the Wall Street stock market crash in 1929) paved the way for the rise of Adolf Hitler and his National Socialist (”Nazi”) Party in 1933. His policies were truly bad, and even more reckless on a global scale compared with those of the Hohenzollern Dynasty. In hindsight, nothing compares favorably with the longevity of the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation or “First Reich” (800 to 1806) nor with the Habsburg Dynasty which endured in Austria until 1918.

Die drei Linienschiffe der “S.M.S. Erzherzog Karl” (1906) Klaße der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 11,782 Tonnen, und waren mit je vier 24 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen sowie mit je 12-19 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit war gute 20,5 Knoten. Die zwei anderen Mitglieder dieser Klaße waren die “S.M.S. Erzherzog Friedrich” (1907) und die “S.M.S. Erzherzog Ferdinand Max” (1907). Die drei Einheiten dieser Klaße überlebten den Ersten Weltkrieg, und wurden im Jahre 1920 verschrottet.Erzherzog Karl von Österreich (1771-1847) war auch Herzog von Teschen, Feldherr und Mitglied des Adelhauses Habsburg-Lothringen. Er ist am besten dadurch in Erinnerung geblieben, weil er Napoleon Bonaparte von Frankreich die erste Niederlage auf dem Schlachtfeld zufügte. Die Schlacht bei Aspern fand am 21. und 22. Mai 1809 zwischen napoleonischen Truppen und Österreich bei den Orten Aspern und Eßling (heute Teile Wiens) statt.Erzherzog Friedrich von Österreich (1856-1936) war auch Herzog von Teschen und Heerführer im Ersten Weltkrieg. Im Ersten Weltkrieg war Friedrich von 1914 bis 1917 Armeeoberkommandant und damit Befehlshaber der gesamten Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Wehrmacht. Friedrich Ferdinand Leopold von Österreich (1821-1847) trat im Jahre 1837 in die Kaiserliche und Königliche Kriegsmarine ein und wurde bald danach Schiffskapitän. Im Jahre 1839 unternahm Erzherzog Friedrich Orientreisen. Im Jahre 1840 zeichnete er sich bei dem syrischen Feldzug der “Londoner Allianz” (Österreich, England, Rußland und das Ottomanische Reich) gegen Muhammad Ali Pascha (1769-1849) aus. Bei der Eroberung des Kastells von Sidon (”Saida” auf italienisch und deutsch) und bei der Einnahme von Sankt Jean d’Acre (heute “Akkon” in der Bucht von Haifa, Israel) erhielt er aufgrund seiner Tapferkeit den Maria Theresia-Orden verliehen. Im Jahre 1844 wurde er zum Vizeadmiral und Marineoberkommandant der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine ernannt. Er legte den Grundstein für zahlreiche Reformen und zur Umgestaltung der damals noch vollständig venezianisch orientierten Österreichischen Kriegsmarine. Im Jahre 1845 wurde er feierlich in den Johanniter Orden aufgenommen. Mit nur 26 Jahren starb Friedrich an den Folgen einer Gelbsucht.

Erzherzog Ferdinand Maximilian von Österreich, Kaiser von Mexiko

Erzherzog Ferdinand Maximilian von Österreich (1832-1867) war der jüngere Bruder von Kaiser Franz Josef I (1830-1916) aus dem Adelhaus Habsburg-Lothringen. Zur Zeit der französischen “Mexikanischen Interventionskriege” (1861-1867) wurde er von 1864 bis 1867 von Frankreich, Österreich und Belgien als Kaiser von Mexiko eingesetzt.

Die Reise der Segelfregatte Elisabeth

Maximilian intereßierte sich vor allem für die Seefahrt und unternahm viele Fernreisen (zum Beispiel nach Brasilien) auf der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Segelfregatte “S.M.S. Elisabeth.” Im Jahre 1854 wurde er im Alter von nur 22 Jahren zum Oberbefehlshaber der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine ernannt, welche er in den folgenden Jahren reorganisierte. 1857 erfolgte seine Hochzeit mit der belgischen Prinzeßin Charlotte, sowie seine Ernennung zum Generalgouverneur von dem Königreich Lombardei-Venedig. Als Kaiser von Mexiko wurde Ferdinand Maximilian von den Mexikanern unter Benito Juarez (1806-1872) am 14. Mai 1867 entmachtet, und wurde dann am 19. Juni 1867 mit seiner Gemahlin und seinen mexikanischen Generälen erschoßen. Seit 1867 ist Mexiko immer noch eine ziemlich korrupte Republik mit viel Armut und hohe Kriminalität.

The two remaining ships of the “S.M.S. Erzherzog Karl” (1906) class were the “S.M.S. Erzherzog Friedrich” (1907) which means “Archduke Frederick” in English and the “S.M.S. Erzherzog Ferdinand Max” (1907). Erzherzog Friedrich was yet another member of the ruling Austrian House of Habsburg, who was a Field Marshall during World War One. He lived from 1856 until 1936. The second ship was named after none other than the younger brother of Austro-Hungarian Emperor Kaiser Franz Josef I (who ruled Austria from 1848 until his death in 1916). Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian was a great friend of the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy and rose to the rank of Vice Admiral therein. He eventually moved to Mexico with his wife to become the Emperor of Mexico, where he was tragically assassinated in 1867 at the young age of 34. He was a good man, and his death was a terrible loss to the Imperial & Royal Navy, to Austria-Hungary and to Mexico. The three ships of this class survived World War One, and were scrapped in 1920.

IVf. “S.M.S. Brandenburg” Class (1892)

The next previous class of German capital ships were actually the first “modern” pre-dreadnought battleships in the Imperial German Navy. The four ships of the “S.M.S. Brandenburg” (1892) class displaced a maximum 10,670 tons each, were armed with 6-11 inch guns plus 8-4 inch guns and could make up to 16,9 knots under full steam with their coal boilers. Their construction marked the very start of the naval arms race between Germany and Britain, which of course culminated in World War One. “Brandenburg” is the name of the German State surrounding Germany’s national capital city of Berlin. The remaining ships of this class were named “S.M.S. Wörth” (1893), “S.M.S. Weißenburg” (1894) and “S.M.S. Kurfürst Friedrich Wilhelm” (1894). “Wörth” and “Weißenburg” are the names of German-speaking cities in Alsace-Lorraine, which were the sites of German victories against France during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871. Kurfürst Friedrich Wilhelm (1620-1688), or “Prince Frederick William” of the House of Hohenzollern ruled Brandenburg-Prussia from 1640 until his death in 1688. He was a prince of Brandenburg and a duke of Prussia. Brandenburg-Prussia was a kingdom from 1701 until 1918, and Brandenburg alone had been an Electorate Principality within the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation before that. Prussia had been an ethnically German Duchy under the sovereignty of the United Kingdom of Poland and Lithuania, another great medieval nation-state. The majority religion in Prussia was Evangelical Lutheran, with a Roman Catholic minority in the Ermland region. The old Duchy of Prussia eventually came to be known as “East Prussia” in modern times.

Die vier Linienschiffe der “S.M.S. Brandenburg” (1892) Klaße waren Deutschlands erste moderne sogenannte “Pre-Dreadnoughts.” Sie waren große, gepanzerte Hochseekampfschiffe ohne Segel, mit Schnellfeuerkanonen (statt mit nur Kasemattkanonen) bewaffnet. Sie hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 10,670 Tonnen, und waren mit je sechs 28 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen sowie mit acht 10,5 cm Kasemattkanonen bewaffnet. Die Höchtsgeschwindigkeit war 16,9 Knoten. Die drei anderen Mitglieder dieser Klaße waren die “S.M.S. Wörth” (1893), die “S.M.S. Weißenburg” (1894) und die “S.M.S. Kurfürst Friedrich Wilhelm” (1894). Alle vier Einheiten dieser Klaße nahmen im Jahre 1900 am chinesischen Boxeraufstand teil. Drei von den vier Linienschiffen dieser Klaße überstanden den Ersten Weltkrieg. Die “S.M.S. Kurfürst Friedrich Wilhelm” wurde von einem englischen Unterseeboot im Jahre 1915 torpediert. Die “S.M.S. Wörth” wurde im Jahre 1919 verschrottet, die “S.M.S. Brandenburg” wurde ein Jahr später verschrottet und die “S.M.S. Weißenburg” wurde erst im Jahre 1938 verschrottet.Die Schlachten von Weißenburg (am 4. August 1870) und Wörth an der Sauer (am 6. August 1870) waren preußische Siege zur Zeit des Deutsch-Französischen Krieges (1870-1871). Kurfürst Friedrich Wilhelm I von Preußen (1620-1688) war Kurfürst von Brandenburg sowie Herzog von Preußen von 1640 bis 1688. Sein dritter Sohn, Friedrich I (1657-1713), war Kurfürst von Brandenburg, Herzog von Preußen sowie (nach dem Jahre 1701) König “in Preußen.”

All four ships of this class gained fame (or infamy if one is Chinese) in the Boxer Rebellion, when they were sent to help crush the nationalist Boxer uprising. All of the Western powers (and Japan) in China joined forces to crush the uprising – these included the USA, Britain, France, Portugal, Russia, Germany and Austria-Hungary. The Austrian commander had the greatest empathy and respect for the Chinese when he declared that if he had been one of them he would have been a Boxer (Chinese Nationalist) as well. Three of these four vessels survived World War One, with “S.M.S. Weißenburg” being scrapped as late as 1938. “S.M.S. Kurfürst Friedrich Wilhelm” was sunk by a British submarine in 1915. “S.M.S. Wörth” was scrapped in 1919, and “S.M.S. Brandenburg” was scrapped in 1920.

IVg. “S.M.S. Habsburg” Class (1902)

The first and very smallest Austrian modern pre-dreadnought battleships were the three ships of the “S.M.S. Habsburg” (1902) class. They each displaced a maximum 8,823 tons, were armed with 3-9 inch guns plus 12-6 inch guns and could make up to 19,5 knots under full steam with their coal boilers. “Habsburg” is of course the name of the Royal Family of Austria, which has been headed by Prince Otto von Habsburg since 1922. He became the head of the family at age 10, when his father Kaiser Karl died in 1922. Kaiser Karl was recently beatified by the Roman Catholic Church, which means he is on his way to Sainthood. He earned this great honor because he was such a benevolent ruler of his people and tried in vain to end World War One before November 1918 – unfortunately “leaders” such as Woodrow Wilson of the United States would have none of it. Wilson wanted the war to continue until unconditional surrender and the destruction of Central Europe. “Habsburg” (spelled “Hapsburg” in English) is actually a corruption of “Habichtsburg” which was the name of the family when they owned their ancestral castle in the Canton of Aargau in Switzerland. “Habichtsburg” literally means “Castle of the Hawk” in English. The noble family of Habsburg-Lothringen can trace their ancestral lineage at least as far back as 60 B.C.

Die drei Linienschiffe der “S.M.S. Habsburg” (1902) Klaße waren die ersten und auch die kleinsten sogenannten “Pre-Dreadnoughts” der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine. Sie hatten je eine Einsatzverdrängung von 8,823 Tonnen, und waren mit je drei 24 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen sowie mit 12-15 cm Kasemattkanonen bewaffnet. Die Höchtsgeschwindigkeit waren gute 19,5 Knoten. Die zwei anderen Mitglieder dieser Klaße waren die “S.M.S. Arpád” (1903) und die “S.M.S. Babenberg” (1904). Alle drei Einheiten haben den Ersten Weltkreig überstanden, und wurden im Jahre 1923 verschrottet.Das Adelhaus Arpád herrschte über das Königreich Ungarn von 896 bis 1301, und das Adelhaus Babenberg herrschte über die Erzherzogtümer Nieder-und Oberösterreich von 976 bis 1248. Die beiden Adelhäuser sind ausgestorben, und deren Erben sind die Mitglieder des modernen Adelhauses Habsburg-Lothringen. Das Adelhaus Habsburg stammt aus der “Habichtsburg” im Kanton Aargau in der Schweiz, und kann ihren Stammbaum bis mindestens 60 Jahren vor Christus verfolgen. Das heutige Familienhaupt des Adelhauses Habsburg-Lothringen ist Prinz Otto von Habsburg (im Jahre 1912 geboren). Vormals war er CSU-Abgeordneter des europäischen Parlaments in Straßburg. Heute ist er im Ruhestand und wohnt mit seiner Gattin Prinzeßin Regina in Bayern.

Modern Switzerland was part of the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation until the so-called “Peace Treaty” of Westphalia in 1648. Both the Netherlands and Switzerland were taken from Germany and given their “independence” by the victors of France, Denmark and Sweden – who had decimated the German population by one-third in 30 years of horrible warfare from 1618-1648. 7 million Germans died in the Thirty Years’ War. The Netherlands is still home to 11.8 million German-speaking people today (the modern high Dutch language is very closely related to German) and Switzerland has another 7 million German-speaking people. The other official languages of modern Switzerland are French, Italian and Romansch. Romansch is the modern language most closely resembling Latin. The remaining ships in this class were “S.M.S. Arpád” (1903) and “S.M.S. Babenberg” (1904). “Arpád” was the name of the family and the dynasty that ruled Hungary from 896-1301, whereas “Babenberg” was the name of the family and the dynasty that ruled Austria from 976-1248, before the Habsburg dynasty inherited the Austrian lands. The Babenberg family came from Bamberg, Franconia, which is now in Northern Bavaria (Germany). The Habsburg family came from the Aargau, which is now in Switzerland. All three ships survived World War One, and were finally scrapped in 1923.Pre-dreadnought battleships of all nations were of course obsolete with the advent of the dreadnought battleships, and thus did not carry the brunt of the battle during World War One. The largest battle between pre-dreadnought battleships ever was fought between Japan and Russia at Tsushima in the Pacific in 1905. The Japanese crushed the Russian fleet in this important battle of the Russo-Japanese War.Going back even further in time, the predecessors of pre-dreadnought battleships were “ships of the line,” built of wood and powered by sails in the old days, and moving up to iron construction and coil boilers by the late 19th century. Later ironclads were often known as “casemate ships” (due to their casemate guns) or simply as armored ships (”Panzerschiffe” in German) due to their protective belt armor plating. The forerunners of heavy, large or armored cruisers were known as frigates (first as sailing frigates and then as armored frigates), whereas the forerunners of light or small cruisers were known as corvettes (first as sailing and then as armored corvettes). The forerunners of modern destroyers and torpedo boats were likely smaller warships such as gunboats, cannon-boats, dispatch boats and “Avisos” (Spanish for cruising or scouting vessels). Rivers and lakes were often patrolled by armored monitors, small vessels with large guns but shallow draughts.

IVh. “S.M.S. Renown” Class (1857)

“S.M.S. Renown” (1857) was a former British ship, and was the only large old-style wooden “ship of the line” ever owned by the Imperial German Navy. She was purchased from the English in 1870, being carvel-built out of oak, 74 meters long and with a maximum displacement of 5,700 tons. She had a single expansion engine, was fully rigged, had a sail area of 4,500 square meters and could make up to 10 knots. She had 2 battery decks armed with 91 cannon, built by the British Naval Arsenal at Woolwich. Her crew consisted of 42 commissioned officers and 477 enlisted men. She was scrapped in 1892 after 35 years of service.

Das kaiserlich-deutsche Segellinienschiff “S.M.S. Renown” (1857) wurde von England im Jahre 1870 gekauft. Sie war aus Holz gebaut, war 74 Meter lang, hatte eine Segelfläche von 4,500 Quadratmeter (sowie eine einzelne Expansionsmachine) und hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 5,700 Tonnen. Die Höchtsgeschwindigkeit war 10 Knoten. Sie war mit 91 Kanonen bewaffnet und hatte eine Mannschaft von 42 Offizieren und 477 Matrosen. Sie wurde endlich im Jahre 1892 verschrottet.

Germany and Austria-Hungary owned a total of 103 gunboats over the years, which ranged in size up to about 1,000 tons or so. Many of these vessels served overseas in Germany’s Pacific colonies. By the time of World War One in 1914, they had become hopelessly obsolete and were thus largely scuttled by their crews at the beginning of the war. Monitors ranged in size up to about 600 tons, and were very slow due to being river and lake-based.

Deutschland und Österreich-Ungarn haben insgesamt 103 Kanonenboote gehabt. Im Ersten Weltkrieg waren Kanonenboote schon veraltet. Die besten und auch die modernsten Kanonenboote der kaiserlich-deutschen Marine waren die sechs Einheiten der “S.M.S. Iltis” (1897) Klaße. Sie hatten je eine Einsatzverdränung von 1,048 Tonnen, und waren mit je vier 88 mm Schnellfeuerkanonen sowie mit sechs Maschinengewehren bewaffnet. Die Höchtsgeschwindigkeit war 14,8 Knoten und die Reichweite war 3,080 Seemeilen. Die fünf anderen Mitglieder dieser Klaße waren die “S.M.S. Jaguar” (1899), die “S.M.S. Tiger” (1900), die “S.M.S. Luchs” (1900), die “S.M.S. Panther” (1902) und die “S.M.S. Eber” (1903). Die ersten vier Kanonenboote wurden im Kiautschou (Deutschlands Schutzgebiet in Tsingtau und Schantung, China) zwischen September und November 1914 selbst versenkt. Am Anfang des Ersten Weltkrieges lag die “S.M.S. Eber” in der Lüderitzbucht von Deutsch-Südwestafrika. Es gelang ihr allerdings nicht nach Deutschland zurück zukommen, und wurde vor Bahia (Brasilien) auch selbst versenkt. Die “S.M.S. Panther” hat den Ersten Weltkrieg überstanden, und wurde erst im Jahre 1931 verschrottet.

V. “Küstenpanzerschiffe” (Coastal Armored Ships)

Coastal armored ships were the true predecessors of modern pre-dreadnought battleships. They were distinguished from earlier armored casemate ships, armored frigates and wooden ships-of-the-line or battleships by having no sails. They were entirely coal-powered and used more modern guns in turrets. These guns were “rapid fire” cannon of significant caliber and would be used by all navies until the end of the Second World War as their primary surface armament. Rapid-fire cannons are called “Schnellfeuerkanonen” in German, sometimes abbreviated as “SFK.”

“Küstenpanzerschiffe” waren die Vorgänger der sogenannten “Pre-Dreadnought” Linienschiffe. Sie hatten keine Segel, und ihre Hauptbewaffnung waren Schnellfeuerkanonen (statt nur Kasemattkanonen). Die Vorgänger der Küstenpanzerschiffe waren die Kasemattschiffe, die Panzerfregatten und auch die Holzlinienschiffe – alle mit Segel und die meisten mit Kohldampfantrieb und Panzerung.

Va. “S.M.S. Kronprinz Erzherzog Rudolf” Class (1889)

“S.M.S. Kronprinz Erzherzog Rudolf” (1889) of the Austrian Navy was the largest armored coastal ship in any German Navy. She displaced a maximum 7,432 tons, was armed with 3-12 inch guns and could make up to 16 knots with her coal boilers under full steam. She was named after the initial heir to the throne of Austria-Hungary, who sadly died under suspicious circumstances before he could take the throne. He was the sole son of Austro-Hungarian Emperor Kaiser Franz Josef I, who reigned from 1848 until his death in 1916. The ship survived World War One and was scrapped thereafter.

Das Küstenpanzerschiff “S.M.S. Kronprinz Erzherzog Rudolf” (1889) war derzeit das größte Küstenpanzerschiff der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine. Es hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 7,432 Tonnen und war mit drei 30,5 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit waren 16 Knoten. Das Schiff hat den Ersten Weltkrieg überstanden, und wurde danach verschrottet.Kronprinz Erzherzog Rudolf von Österreich-Ungarn (1858-1889) war der einzige Sohn von Kaiser Franz Josef I von Österreich (1830-1916) und Kaiserin Elisabeth von Österreich-Ungarn (1837-1898), und Erzherzog-Thronfolger von Österreich-Ungarn.

Vb. “S.M.S. Kronprinzeßin Erzherzogin Stephanie” Class (1889)

“S.M.S. Kronprinz Erzherzog Rudolf” (which means Crown Prince Archduke Rudolph in English) was accompanied by “S.M.S. Kronprinzeßin Erzherzogin Stephanie” (1889) which means “Crown Princess Archduchess Stephanie” in English – she was the wife, and then the widow, of young Rudolf. The ship displaced a maximum 6,830 tons, was armed with 2-12 inch guns and could make up to 17 knots under full steam with her coal boilers. This ship also survived the First World War and was scrapped thereafter.

Das Küstenpanzerschiff “S.M.S. Kronprinzeßin Erzherzogin Stephanie” (1889) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 6,830 Tonnen, und war mit zwei 30,5 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen bewaffnet. Die Höchtsgeschwindigkeit waren 17 Knoten. Das Schiff hat den Ersten Weltkrieg überstanden, und wurde danach verschrottet.Stephanie von Belgien (1864-1945) war Ehefrau von Kronprinz Erzherzog Rudolf von Österreich-Ungarn (1858-1889) und dadurch auch Kronprinzeßin von Österreich-Ungarn.

Vc. “S.M.S. Monarch” Class (1898)

The next class of three Austrian armored coastal ships were somewhat smaller at 5,878 tons full load displacement per ship. They were armed with 4-9 inch guns and could make up to 17,5 knots under full steam with their coal boilers. The ships were all commissioned in 1898 and were named “S.M.S. Monarch,” “S.M.S. Wien” (the German word for “Vienna”) and “S.M.S. Budapest” (named after the capital city of Hungary, a country which has 3,7 million German-speaking people today). ”S.M.S. Monarch” and “S.M.S. Budapest” survived World War One, and were scrapped after the war in 1921. “S.M.S. Wien” was sunk in relatively shallow water during the war and raised by the Italians thereafter. Most of her was scrapped, but the stern part of the ship with the nameplate was salvaged and can be seen in an Italian maritime museum today. Vienna is of course the capital city of Austria, and the former seat of the Habsburg Dynasty, which ruled the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation (the First Reich) until 1806 and the Austro-Hungarian Empire until November 1918. The Habsburg family can trace its ancestral claim to the throne of Germany and Austria-Hungary all the way back to 482, when the Frankish Kingdom was proclaimed – this Kingdom became the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation in 800, when Charles the Great (”Karl der Große” in German or “Charlemagne” in French) was crowned by the Pope.

Die drei Küstenpanzerschiffe der “S.M.S. Monarch” (1898) Klaße hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 5,878 Tonnen, und waren mit je vier 24 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (in zwei Zwillingstürmen) bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit war 17,5 Knoten. Die zwei anderen Mitglieder dieser Klaße waren die “S.M.S. Wien” (1898) und die “S.M.S. Budapest” (1898). Die “S.M.S. Monarch” und die “S.M.S. Budapest” überstanden den Ersten Weltkrieg, und wurden im Jahre 1921 verschrottet. Die “S.M.S. Wien” wurde am 10. Dezember 1917 von zwei italienischen Torpedoschnellbooten mit zwei Torpedos versenkt. 30 von den 435 Besatzungsmitgliedern kamen ums Leben, aber die anderen Besatzungsmitgliedern wurden von den Österreichern gerettet. Das Schiff wurde von den Italienern in den 1920er Jahren geborgen und dann verschrottet.Die Stadt Budapest (”Ofen” auf deutsch) war Hauptstadt des Königreiches Ungarns. Heute gibt es noch 3,7 Millionen deutschsprachige Einwohner in Ungarn.

Vd. “S.M.S. Siegfried” Class (1890)

The largest class of German coastal armored ships was that of the “S.M.S. Siegfried” (1890). The 8 ships of this class each displaced a maximum 4,320 tons full load displacement and were armed with 3-9 inch guns plus 10-88 mm guns. They could make up to 15,4 knots under full steam with their coal boilers. The remaining ships were named “S.M.S. Beowulf” (1892), “S.M.S. Frithjof” (1893), “S.M.S. Hildebrand” (1893), “S.M.S. Heimdall” (1894), “S.M.S. Hagen” (1894), “S.M.S. Odin” (1896) and “S.M.S. Agir” (1896). All of these ships survived World War One, were later converted into merchant vessels after the war, and then eventually scrapped. Each ship in this class was named for characters from Norse mythology, which shows how close German culture is to the culture of Scandinavian countries such as Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Iceland. The Scandinavians are a “Germanic” people as are the Dutch, the Flemish (of Belgium), the Letzeburgers (of Luxembourg), the Frisians, the English and the Afrikaners (the Cape Dutch of South Africa). All these languages are Germanic as is Yiddish, an old Jewish language using Hebrew characters. 3 million Jews around the world still speak Yiddish, especially in countries such as the USA, Israel and Russia. There are more than 2,5 million German-speaking people each in Belgium and Sweden today. 200,000 people in Israel speak German today, mostly descendants of those who were forced to emigrate from Central Europe between 1933 and 1945. 474,000 people (virtually the entire population) in Luxembourg speak German. 1 million people in South Africa speak German today, most of them being Afrikaners of German ancestry. 3,5 million people in the United Kingdom speak German. The USA has more than 60,5 million ethnic Germans, making them the largest ethnic group in America. The largest wave of German emigration to the USA occurred in the 1840s, especially after the failed liberal revolution in Germany of 1848. Many states in the US Midwest have very large ethnic German populations. The best example is Wisconsin, where 63% of the population is of German heritage. Next comes North Dakota, where 48% of the people are ethnic Germans. In fact, the capital city of North Dakota is named “Bismarck” after German-Prussian Chancellor Otto von Bismarck. South Dakota is 47% German and Nebraska is 46% German. Iowa (home to many German Anabaptist Mennonites) is 45% German and Minnesota is 43% German. Pennsylvania is 34% German. The first German emigrants to America came from the German city of Krefeld aboard the sailing ship “Concord” in 1683, and settled in modern-day Philadelphia where they founded Germantown. Many German, Austrian, Moravian, Swiss and Dutch Anabaptists – including the Amish, the Hutterites, the Brethren, and the Quakers, all settled in Pennsylvania and beyond. They eventually expanded throughout the United States, Canada, Latin America, Africa and Asia. Some even migrated back to Central Europe. Today, there are more than 4,5 million such German Anabaptists all over the world.

Die acht kaiserlich-deutschen Küstenpanzerschiffe der “S.M.S. Siegfried” (1890) Klaße hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 4,320 Tonnen, und waren mit je drei 21 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (in drei Einzeltürmen) sowie mit je zehn 88 mm Schnellfeuerkanonen (auch in Einzeltürmen) bewaffnet. Die sieben anderen Mitglieder dieser Klaße waren die “S.M.S. Beowulf” (1892), die “S.M.S. Frithjof” (1893), die “S.M.S. Hildebrand” (1893), die “S.M.S. Heimdall” (1894), die “S.M.S Hagen” (1894), die “S.M.S. Odin” (1896) und die “S.M.S. Agir” (1896). Alle Einheiten dieser Klaße überstanden den Ersten Weltkrieg, und wurden nach dem Krieg verschrottet – die “S.M.S. Odin” zuletzt im Jahre 1935. Die Patennamen dieser acht Küstenpanzerschiffe kamen aus der skandinavischen Mythologie. Die deutsche Sprache ist auch in Skandinavien weit verbreitet. 3,015,000 Leute in Dänemark, 201,870 Leute in Estland, eine Million Leute in Finnland und 2,520,000 Leute in Schweden sprechen deutsch. Vor 1919 war Nordschleswig (heute in Dänemark) ein Teil des Deutschen Reiches. Es gibt heute in Nordschleswig eine Partei der deutschen Minderheit – genauso wie der SSW (Südschleswiger Wahlverband) der dänischen und friesischen Minderheiten in Schleswig-Holstein.

Ve. “S.M.S. Nordland” and “S.M.S. Adler” Classes (pre-1890)

Prior German armored coastal ships were even smaller, demonstrating to us just how primitive the earliest pre-dreadnoughts were. But for their own time, they were certainly advanced merely by not having rigging & sails and in having turret guns as their primary armament instead of older casemate guns and pounders. Pounder guns were like those found on old wooden sailing ships. “S.M.S. Nordland” displaced just 3,800 tons and was armed with 3-6 inch guns, 10-20 mm guns plus 2-6 pounders. “Pounders” were just that – the shells coming out of these cannon weighed 6 pounds each in this case. In the old days, they were not even explosive! She could make 16 knots under full steam with coal power. “S.M.S. Adler” (which means “eagle” in English) was even smaller at 3,500 tons. She was armed with 2-9 inch guns, 4-6 inch guns plus 8-76 mm guns. Her top speed was also 16 knots.

Die ersten kaiserlich-deutschen Küstenpanzerschiffe vor dem Jahre 1890 waren noch kleiner. Die “S.M.S. Nordland” hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 3,800 Tonnen, und war mit 3-15 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen, zehn 20 mm Schnellfeuerkanonen sowie mit zwei 6-Pfunder bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit waren 16 Knoten.Das Küstenpanzerschiff ”S.M.S. Adler” war noch kleiner, mit einer Einsatzverdrängung von nur 3,500 Tonnen. Sie war mit zwei 24 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen, vier 15 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen sowie mit acht 76 mm Schnellfeuerkanonen bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit waren auch 16 Knoten.

VI. “Kasemattschiffe” (Casemate Ships)

Before the pre-dreadnought battleships and the armored coastal ships, the largest capital ships in the German and Austrian navies were the armored casemate ships, so named due to their casemate guns. Their construction included both wood and iron (thus the armor) and their propulsion included both coal boilers and sails.

Die größten Vorgänger der sogenannten “Pre-Dreadnought” Linienschiffe waren die Kasemattschiffe. Sie waren mit Kasemattkanonen bewaffnet, waren mit Holz sowie mit Panzerung gebaut, hatten Segel und auch Kohldampfantrieb.

VIa. “S.M.S. Custoza” Class (1875)

The Austrian casemate ship “S.M.S. Custoza” (1875) was named for one of Austria’s great victories over the Italian nationalists in the war of 1848 to 1849. Contrary to popular belief, nationalists were never universally popular in any country. In fact, during this war roughly 30% of the Italian population fought on behalf of the Austrian side and the Habsburg Dynasty. Large segments of Southern Italy, including Sicily and Naples, wanted nothing to do with a future secular and unified Italian state. Large areas of the South Tyrol, Triest and Görz (”Gorizia” in Italian) remained loyal to Austria-Hungary right up to the end of World War One. There were also many ethnic Italians throughout the Adriatic coast of Slovenia and Croatia who remained loyal to Austria. “S.M.S. Custoza” displaced 7,609 tons and was armed with 8-10 inch casemate guns. She could make up to 14 knots and was manned by a crew of 548.

Das Kasemattschiff “S.M.S. Custoza” (1875) der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 7,609 Tonnen, und war mit acht 26 cm Kasemattkanonen, sechs 88 mm Schnellfeuerkanonen sowie mit zwei 70 mm Schnellfeuerkanonen bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Segel sowie mit Kohldampfantrieb war 14 Knoten. Sie hatte eine Besatzung von 548 Offizieren und Matrosen, und wurde im Jahre 1920 verschrottet.Custoza (vormals “Custozza”) ist ein italienisches Dorf südwestlich von Verona (im Land Venedig, oder “Venezia” auf italienisch), das Schauplatz zweier Schlachten zwischen Österreich und Italien war. Am 25. Juli 1848 schlug hier Generalkommandant Johann Josef Wenzel Graf von Radetzky (1766-1858) das Heer Sardiniens unter König Albert von Sardinien-Piemont (1798-1849). Am 24. Juni 1866 besiegte Erzherzog Albrecht von Österreich (1817-1895) das bedeutend größere italienische Heer unter dem piemontesischen Oberbefehlshaber General Alfonso La Marmora (1804-1878). Die Custozzakaserne des österreichischen Heeres in Neulengbach (im Sankt Pölten-Land in Niederösterreich) ist nach den Schlachten von Custozza benannt.

VIb. “S.M.S. Lissa” Class (1871)

The Austrian casemate ship “S.M.S Lissa” (1871) was named for Vice Admiral Tegetthoff’s great victory over the larger and more powerful Italian fleet near the island of Lissa in the Adriatic Sea in 1866. In fact, Italy’s navy was ranked as the third most powerful fleet in the entire world. In my own opinion, Tegetthoff was the greatest admiral ever – he used all available ships (including those thought to be obsolete) and his battle formation literally charged the Italian fleet in the shape of a huge arrow. He split the Italian fleet in two and then destroyed it, even ramming enemy ships. He had tremendous skill and great optimism. “S.M.S. Lissa” displaced 7,086 tons and was armed with 12-9 inch casemate guns. She could make up to 13 knots and had a crew of 620 officers and enlisted men.

Das Kasemattschiff “S.M.S. Lissa” (1871) der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 7,086 Tonnen, und war mit 12-23 cm Kasemattkanonen, vier Acht-Pfundern sowie mit zwei Drei-Pfunder bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Segel sowie mit Kohldampfantrieb war 13 Knoten, und sie hatte eine Besatzung von 620 Offizieren und Matrosen. Sie wurde im Jahre 1895 verschrottet.Im sogenannten dritten italienischen “Unabhängigkeitskrieg” gewann der Österreichische Vizeadmiral Wilhelm Freiherr von Tegetthoff (1827-1871) am 20. Juli 1866 durch Anwendung der Rammtaktik die Seeschlacht von Lissa bei der heute “Vis” (in Kroatien) genannten Insel gegen die zahlenmäßig überlegende italienische Flotte unter Admiral Carlo Pellion di Persano. Dies war die erste Seeschlacht, in der in größerem Umfang Panzerschiffe eingesetzt wurden.

MEDIUM CAPITAL SHIPS

VII. “Schwere Kreuzer” (Heavy Cruisers)

World War Two Heavy Cruisers included the four ships of the “Admiral Hipper” class and the three “Panzerschiffe” (armored ships which were nicknamed “Pocket Battleships” by the Western Allies) of the “Deutschland” class. The term ” Pocket Battleship” is somewhat misleading, because these ships had to be much smaller than battleships according the terms of the Treaty of Versailles imposed upon Germany by the victorious Western Allies in 1919 after World War One. They were for all intents and purposes Heavy Cruisers, and were reclassified as such upon the outbreak of the Second World War in September 1939. The ”Admiral Hipper” displaced 18,200 tons, was armed with 8-8 inch guns in 4 turrets plus 3 aircraft and was capable of an impressive 32,5 knots under full steam turbine power. Steaming radius was 6,800 miles. She was named for the commanding Admiral of Germany’s battlecruiser squadron from World War One and survived until 1945. Her sister ship the “Blücher” (named for a Prussian Field Marshall of the Napoleonic Wars and one of the victors of the Battle of Waterloo in 1815) was unfortunately sunk during the successful German invasion and occupation of Norway in April 1940. Their sister ship the “Prinz Eugen” (named for a Field Marshall of the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation who defeated the Turks and for a similarly-named Austrian dreadnought battleship of World War One) was handed over to the USA in 1945 and sunk as a target ship in Bikini Atoll in 1946 (a nuclear test site in which many Allied ships were also expended). The fourth ship of the “Admiral Hipper” class was launched but never completed (the “Lützow,” named for a great Prussian General of the Napoleonic Wars). An earlier German battlecruiser named “S.M.S. Lützow” fought at the famous Battle of Jutland in May 1916, where she was scuttled due to heavy damage. Most of her crew was fortunately saved. Ludwig Adolf Wilhelm von Lützow was a Prussian general and hero of the Napoleonic Wars against France who lived from 1782 until 1834. His family actually came from Mecklenburg, which is North of Brandenburg-Prussia on the Baltic Sea. He formed the legendary “Freikorps Lützow” (”Free Corps Luetzow” in English) of 50,000 volunteer cavalrymen to fight the French in 1813.

Die Zeit der Schlachtschiffe (vormals Linienschiffe, Küstenpanzerschiffe und Kasemattschiffe) ist schon vorbei. Gegen Flugzeugträger und Unterseeboote sind solche großen Einheiten nun veraltet. Die größten modernen Kriegsschiffe außer Flugzeugträger sind die Kreuzer (Schlachtkreuzer, Schwere Kreuzer und Kleine Kreuzer). Nur die Vereinigten Staaten von Amerika, Rußland, Frankreich und Peru haben noch Kreuzer. Die Amerikaner haben 27 Kleine Kreuzer der “U.S.S. Ticonderoga” Klaße, mit einer Einsatzverdrängung von je 9,600 Tonnen. Die Rußen haben drei Schlachtkreuzer der “Kirov” Klaße (mit einer Einsatzverdrängung von je 28,000 Tonnen), zehn Kleine Kreuzer der “Slava” Klaße (mit einer Einsatzverdrängung von je 11,490 Tonnen) und zwei Kleine Kreuzer der “Kara” Klaße (mit einer Einsatzverdränung von je 9,900 Tonnen). Die Franzosen haben einen Kleinen Kreuzer – die “Jeanne d’Arc,” mit einer Einsatzverdrängung von 10,575 Tonnen. Peru hat einen Leichten Kreuzer der “De Zeven Provinciën” Klaße, mit einer Einsatzverdrängung von 12,165 Tonnen (vormals niederländisch, und auch vormals Beute der Deutschen Kriegsmarine zur Zeit des Zweiten Weltkrieges in den Niederlanden).Die letzten, die modernsten sowie die größten Schweren Kreuzer der Deutschen Marine waren fünf Einheiten der “Admiral Hipper” (1934) Klaße. Die vier anderen Mitglieder dieser Klaße waren die “Blücher” (1939), die “Prinz Eugen” (1940), die “Seydlitz” (vom Stapel gelaufen aber nie getauft) und die “Lützow” (auch vom Stapel gelaufen aber nie getauft). Die “Admiral Hipper” und die “Blücher” hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 18,200 Tonnen, und die “Prinz Eugen” hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 18,400 Tonnen. Die Deutsche Kriegsmarine hatte es vor, die “Seydlitz” als Hilfsflugzeugträger statt als Schweren Kreuzer zu fertigen. Als Hilfsflugzeugträger war die “Seydlitz” mit einer Einsatzverdängung von 18,000 Tonnen geplant. Die geplante Einsatzverdrängung für die “Lützow” war schon 19,800 Tonnen – das größte Schiff dieser Klaße. Die Schweren Kreuzer der “Admiral Hipper” Klaße waren mit acht 20,3 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (in vier Zwillingstürmen) sowie mit drei Flugzeugen bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit war gute 33,5 Knoten.Der Schwere Kreuzer “Admiral Hipper” war zur Zeit des Zweiten Weltkrieges sehr aktiv. Im April 1945 erhielt das Schiff bei zwei Luftangriffen Bombentreffer und war nicht mehr einsatzfähig. Am 3. Mai 1945 wurde die “Admiral Hipper” von den Deutschen im Dock gesprengt. Das Schiff wurde später von den Briten abgedichtet, anschließend in die Heikendorfer Bucht geschleppt und dort gegenüber vom Leichten Kreuzer “Emden” auf Grund gesetzt. Die Abwrackung folgte im Jahre 1946. Die Schiffsglocke befindet sich im Deutschen Marine-Ehrenmal in Laboe. Der Namensvetter Admiral Franz Ritter von Hipper (1863-1932) war ein Deutscher Admiral in der Kaiserlichen Marine. Er stammt aus einer bayerischen Gastwirtschaftsfamilie. Nach der Schulzeit trat Franz Hipper mit knapp 18 Jahren im April 1881 in die Kaiserliche Marine ein. Im Herbst 1884 wurde er zum Offizier befördert und als solcher war er bis 1903 Kommandant und Flottenchef von Torpedobooten. Im Jahre 1912 wurde er zum Konteradmiral befördert, und leitete ab Oktober 1913 als Befehlshaber die Aufklärungsstreitkräfte der Hochseeflotte. Mit Ausbruch des Ersten Weltkriegs führte er die Schlachtkreuzer der Kaiserlichen Marine erfolgreich gegen die “Royal Navy” von England. Er führte den Aufklärungsverband im Gefecht auf der Doggerbank (am 24. Januar 1915) und in der Skagerrakschlacht (am 31. Mai 1916). In der letztgenannten Schlacht wurden der “Royal Navy” schwere Verlußte zugefügt; Admiral Hipper galt danach sowohl in Deutschland als auch in Großbrittanien als großer Marineführer. Im Juni 1916 wurde er von König Ludwig III von Bayern in den erblichen bayerischen Ritterstand erhoben. Im August 1918, wurde er als Nachfolger von Admiral Reinhard Scheer zum Admiral und Chef der Deutschen Hochseeflotte ernannt.Der Schwere Kreuzer “Blücher” wurde am 20. September 1939 in Dienst gestellt. Sie hatte nur eine sehr kurze Laufbahn. Bereits bei ihrem ersten Kampfeinsatz bei der Invasion Norwegens (das “Unternehmen Weserübung”) führte am 9. April 1940 zum Totalverlust des Schiffes. Das Wrack liegt heute noch an der Untergangsstelle in 90 Metern Tiefe. 830 Besatzungsmitglieder und Heeressoldaten des Landungskommandos fanden im eiskalten Waßer des Oslofjords den Tod.

Generalfeldmarschall Gebhardt Leberecht von Blücher

Gebhardt Leberecht von Blücher (1742-1819) war Preußischer Generalfeldmarschall und hat sich in bedeutenden Schlachten besonders gegen Napoleon Bonaparte von Frankreich hervorgetan.Der Schwere Kreuzer “Prinz Eugen” wurde am 1. August 1940 in Dienst gestellt. Das Schiff wurde auch als “Der glückliche Prinz” oder “Das glückhafte Schiff” bezeichnet, da es verschiedene Einsätze fast unbeschadet überstand (so zum Beispiel das Unternehmen “Rheinübung” mit dem großen Schlachtschiff “Bismarck,” den Kanaldurchbruch “Unternehmen Cerberus” mit den Schlachtschiffen “Scharnhorst” und “Gneisenau” und das Norwegenunternehmen “Sportpalast” (im Februar 1942). Die “Prinz Eugen” überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg, und wurde eventuell den Amerikanern übergeben. Im Bikini-Atoll der Marschall-Inseln wurde das Schiff etwa eine Seemeile entfernt von “Nullpunkt” der als “Operation Crossroads” bekannt gewordenen Atombombenversuchsserie mit zahlreichen weiteren Versuchsschiffen (alliierte Kriegsschiffe) versenkt. Der Deutsche Marinebund bemühte sich um die Bergung und Rückführung eines der drei Propeller. Die Verhandlungen dazu wurden bis Ende des Jahres 1978 abgeschloßen. Der Propeller ist nun auf dem Gelände des Marine-Ehrenmals in Laboe aufgestellt. Eine der Torpedozielanlagen (Backbord achtern) befindet sich im Deutschen Schiff-Fahrtsmuseum Bremerhaven (vormals “Wesermünde genannt). Prinz Eugen Franz von Savoyen-Carignan (1663-1736) war einer der berühmtesten Feldherren des Adelhauses Österreich (Habsburg) und wesentliche Stütze der Großmachtstellung Österreichs innerhalb Europas.Der Schwere Kreuzer “Seydlitz” lief vom Stapel am 19. Januar 1939, wurde aber nie in Dienst gestellt. Er war mit Kriegsbeginn zu zwei Drittel fertig. Im August 1942 entschied die Deutsche Kriegsmarine, das Schiff zu einem Flugzeugträger umzubauen. Da es als Schwerer Kreuzer schon 90 Prozent fertig war, mußten umfangreiche Umbauten vorgenommen werden.

Schwerer Kreuzer / Hilfsflugzeugträger Seydlitz

Wegen zunehmender Materialknappheit wurden diese Arbeiten im Januar 1943 eingestellt und die “Seydlitz” nach Königsberg in Ostpreußen geschleppt. Dort wurde sie am 10. April 1945 gesprengt. Friedrich Wilhelm Freiherr von Seydlitz-Kurzbach (1721-1773) war ein Preußischer Kavallerieoffizier. Er gilt als einer der besten Kavallerieführer Preußens.

Schwerer Kreuzer Lützow der Admiral Hipper-Klaße

Der Schwere Kreuzer “Lützow” lief am 1. Juli 1939 vom Stapel, wurde aber auch nie in Dienst gestellt. Das halbfertige Schiff wurde an Sowjetrußland im April 1940 verkauft, in den Hafen von Leningrad (heute wieder Sankt Petersburg genannt) geschleppt und dort weitergebaut. Zu Beginn des deutschen Rußlandfeldzuges im Juni 1941 war der Kreuzer ungefähr zu zwei Drittel fertig. Durch deutschen Beschuß erhielt der Kreuzer mehrere schwere Treffer und sank im Hafen auf Grund. Das Schiff wurde von den Rußen nach dem Krieg geborgen, aber richtig fertiggestellt wurde es nie. In der Folgezeit diente es bis zur Verschrottung im Jahre 1960 als Wohnschiff der sowjetrußischen Marine. Ludwig Adolf Wilhelm Freiherr von Lützow (1782-1834) war Preußischer Generalmajor. Er ist vor allem durch das nach ihm benannte Freikorps, die “Schwarzen Jäger,” bekannt worden.

Captured Italian Heavy Cruisers

The German Navy captured two Italian heavy cruisers in 1943. The “Bolzano” (1933) displaced 13,885 tons and was armed with 8-8 inch guns. She was named for the capital of the German-speaking South Tyrol, a former Austrian province which has been part of Italy since 1918. The German name for the city is “Bozen.” Today, the German-speaking “Südtiroler Volkspartei” (”South Tyrolian Peoples’ Party) governs the province from Bozen with 74% of the popular vote. The other captured Italian heavy cruiser was the “Gorizia” (1931), which displaced 14,560 tons and was armed with 8-8 inch guns. She was named for the capital city of the province of Gorizia, located on Italy’s border with Slovenia. This was yet another former Austrian province until 1918, the German name for it being “Görz.” Today, there are 2,833,000 German-speaking people in Italy.

Zur Zeit des Zweiten Weltkrieges hatte die Deutsche Kriegsmarine zwei italenische Schwere Kreuzer übernommen. Die “Gorizia” (”Görz” auf deutsch) wurde im Jahre 1931 getauft, und wurde im Jahre 1943 als Kriegsbeute genommen. Sie hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 14,560 Tonnen, und war mit acht 20,3 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (in vier Zwillingstürmen) bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit war gute 33 Knoten. Das Schiffe wurde von den Engländern spät im Jahre 1943 durch Fliegerbomben versenkt, nach dem Krieg von den Italienern geborgen und dann im Jahre 1946 endlich verschrottet.Der Schwere Kreuzer “Bolzano” (”Bozen” auf deutsch) wurde im Jahre 1933 getauft, und wurde im September 1943 im Hafen von La Spezia als Kriegsbeute übernommen. Am 22. Juni 1944 wurde das Schiff von den Allierten durch Fliegerbomben versenkt, nach dem Krieg von den Italienern geborgen und kurz danach verschrottet. Das Schiff hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 13,885 Tonnen, und war mit acht 20,3 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen bewaffnet. Die Höchtsgeschwindigkeit war gute 35 Knoten.

VIII. “Panzershiffe” (Armored Ships)

The “Deutschland” class was of course famous as the largest new German capital ships built after the Treaty of Versailles. The “Deutschland” was commissioned in 1933, the “Admiral Scheer” in 1934 and the “Admiral Graf Spee” in 1936. My paternal grandfather Wilhelm Johannes Nonnenkamp (1903-1972) served aboard the “Deutschland” from 1933-1936. His first cousin from Nordenham, Lower Saxony (also named Wilhelm Nonnenkamp) served aboard the same ship as he did. My grandfather came from the city of Oldenburg which is also in Lower Saxony. The first two ships of this class survived the war, whereas the “Admiral Graf Spee” was scuttled after the Battle of the River Plate off Montevideo, Uruguay in December 1939 (she had been outnumbered by 3 British Cruisers, was low on fuel & ammunition and the German Navy believed it pointless to sacrifice her crew and/or surrender her). Her 45-year old captain Langsdorff chose to go against his orders to avoid enemy combat vessels if at all possible, and engaged 3 Royal Navy cruisers off the coast of Uruguay. This cost him fuel, ammunition, caused damage to the ship, but above all the stealth and the time he would have required to make a run back for Germany. In spite of this, during the course of 3 months (from September to December, 1939), the “Admiral Graf Spee” sunk 9 vessels and was chased or confronted by no fewer than 44 Allied ships.

Die drei Panzerschiffe der “Deutschland” (1931) Klaße waren die ersten großen Einheiten der Reichsmarine, und haben die veralteten Linienschiffe der ehemaligen Kaiserlichen Marine ersetzt. Die zwei anderen Mitglieder dieser Klaße waren die “Admiral Scheer” (1934) und die “Admiral Graf Spee” (1936). Die “Deutschland” hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 15,900 Tonnen, aber die zwei anderen Schiffe dieser Klaße hatten je eine Einsatzverdrängung von 16,200 Tonnen. Die Hauptbewaffnung waren je sechs 28 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (in zwei Zwillingstümen) sowie acht 15 cm Geschütze (in Einzellafetten). Die Höchtsgeschwindigkeit waren gute 28 bis 28,5 Knoten.

Oberbootsmannsmaat Wilhelm Johannes Nonnenkamp

Im Februar 1940 waren die drei Einheiten dieser Klaße als Schwere Kreuzer umklaßifiziert.  Mein Großvater Wilhelm Johannes Nonnenkamp (1903-1972) diente von 1933 (die Indienstellung des Schiffes) bis 1936 auf dem Panzerschiff “Deutschland.” Als 1936 in Spanien der Bürgerkrieg ausbrach, wurde die “Deutschland” zur Seeraumkontrolle in spanische Gewäßer beordert. Zur Zeit des Zweiten Weltkrieges war die “Deutschland” (seit November 1939 als “Lützow” umbenannt, weil Adolf Hitler kein Schiff mit dem Namen “Deutschland” verlieren wollte) sehr aktiv, und hatte zwei feindliche Schiffe versenkt und Eins als Beute genommen. Am 16. April 1945 wurde sie von britischen Lancaster-Bombern im Hafen von Swindemünde in Hinterpommern schwer beschädigt. Sie wurde endlich von den Rußen im Hafen von Königsberg in Ostpreußen im Jahre 1949 verschrottet.Die “Admiral Scheer” (1934) war auch zur Zeit des Zweiten Weltkreiges sehr aktiv, und hatte 17 feindliche Schiffe versenkt. Sie wurde am 9. April 1945 nach Bombentreffern im Bauhafen der Deutschen Werke in Kiel gekentert. Der Rumpf wurde von ortsansäßigen Unternehmen ausgeschlachtet (insbesondere nach Buntmetallen), und bei der Demontage der Werftanlagen mit Trümmern und Sand bedeckt und später überbaut. Die Schiffsglocke befindet sich heute im Marinemuseum in Wilhelmshaven. Reinhard Scheer (1863-1928) war Admiral der Kaiserlichen Marine. Er kommandierte die Hochseeflotte in der Skagerrakschlacht am 31. Mai 1916, eine der größten Seeschlachten der Geschichte.Die “Admiral Graf Spee” (1936) war nur am Anfang des Zweiten Weltkrieges sehr aktiv, und hatte 9 feindliche Schiffe zwischen September und Dezember 1939 versenkt. Sie war nach der Seeschlacht vor dem Rio de la Plata (am 13. Dezember gegen drei englische Kreuzer) am 17. Dezember 1939 vor der Küste Uruguays von der eigenen Besatzung, die sich in außichtsloser Lage glaubte, versenkt wurde. Ihren Namen erhielt das Schiff zu Ehren des Vizeadmirals Maximilian Johannes Maria Hubert Reichsgraf von Spee (1861-1914), der im Ersten Weltkrieg das Ostasiengeschwader befehligte.

The three “Deutschland” class ships displaced a maximum 16,200 tons each, were armed with 6-11 inch guns in dual turrets plus 2 aircraft and were capable of up to 28,5 knots under full steam with their diesel engines. Maximum steaming radius was an extremely impressive 21,500 miles – combat surface ships in any other navy just could not match them.Admiral Reinhard Scheer was Commander in Chief of the German Navy from 1916-1918, while Admiral Graf Spee was Commander in Chief of the German East Asia Squadron in World War One. The squadron was based in Tsingtau (China) and oversaw German colonies in Shantung (China) and the Pacific (Micronesia, Palau, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, the Northern Marianas and the Marshall Islands). He and his ships were victorious against the British at the Battle of the Coronel in the Pacific but were later sunk by a much larger British force at the Battle of the Falkland Islands in December 1914. His two sons (junior officers) died with him on that tragic day. Admiral Graf Spee commanded two armored cruisers (also called large cruisers) which were named “S.M.S. Scharnhorst” and “S.M.S. Gneisenau” (after which their World War Two namesakes were christened). His small cruisers were named “S.M.S. Nürnberg,” “S.M.S. Leipzig,” “S.M.S. Köln,” “S.M.S. Karlsruhe,” “S.M.S. Emden” and “S.M.S. Dresden.” All were named for large German cities, and eventually all went down far from home in the face of overwhelming odds. “S.M.S. Emden” became one of the most famous warships of World War One under her chivalrous commander Korvettenkapitän (a Lieutenant Commander in the German Navy) Karl von Müller, who sunk 25 Allied ships in the Indian Ocean before he was finally defeated by H.M.A.S. Sydney at the Battle of the Cocos Islands in late 1914. “S.M.S. Emden” was hunted by 80 Allied warships – a tribute to the courage and the skill of her officers and crewmen.

VIIIa. “Kreuzer P” (”Cruiser P”)

Prior to the unfortunate outbreak of World War Two in September of 1939, the German Navy’s ambitious “Z” Plan called for the construction of 12 large “Panzerschiffe,” which would have been extremely effective commerce raiders during time of war. Maximum displacement was to have been 25,689 tons each for the so-called “Kreuzer P” or “Cruiser P” project. Armament would have consisted of 6-11 inch guns in two triple turrets (just as in the “Deutschland” class of Panzerschiffe) plus 4-6 inch guns, 4-4 inch guns, 4-1,5 inch guns and 6 21-inch torpedos. Each ship would also have 2 Arado Ar-196 floatplanes, which was the standard aircraft aboard German surface vessels during World War Two. Top speed was to have been a very impressive 33 knots and steaming radius a record 25,000 miles – even better than that of the smaller “Deutschland” class.

Der Plan des “Kreuzer Ps” (1939) war für 12 noch größere, bessere, und schnellere Panzerschiffe. Die geplante Einsatzverdrängung war je 25,689 Tonnen, und die geplante Bewaffnung waren je sechs 28 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (in zwei Zwillingstürmen), vier 15 cm Geschütze, vier 10,5 cm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen, vier 3,7 cm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen sowie sechs 53,3 cm Torpedorohre und zwei Arado Ar-196 Flugzeuge. Die geplante Höchstgeschwindigkeit war gute 33 Knoten, und die geplante Reichweite war gute 25,000 Seemeilen (noch besser als die kleinere “Deutschland” Klaße). Leider wurden diese stärkeren Kriegsschiffe nie auf Kiel gelegt.

The “Z Plan”

The “Z Plan” of the German Admiralty called for Germany to have a “balanced fleet.” The plan was sadly cut short by the start of the Second World War, started due to Adolf Hitler’s overly aggressive, irresponsible and reckless policies. By 1948, the “Z Plan” called for Germany to have 8 aircraft carriers of the “Graf Zeppelin” class, the 4 existing battleships (”Scharnhorst,” “Gneisenau,” “Bismarck” and “Tirpitz”), the 6 super-battleships of the “Hindenburg” class, the 3 small Panzerschiffe of the “Deutschland” class, the 12 larger Panzerschiffe of the “Kreuzer P” class, the 5 heavy cruisers of the “Admiral Hipper” class, 24 light cruisers (the 6 existing units plus 18 planned 10,400-ton light cruisers), 36 scout cruisers (initially planned as a 5,900-ton class, but eventually upgraded to a 7,500-ton class), 70 destroyers, 90 torpedo boats and 241 submarines.

“Z-Plan” ist die geläufige Bezeichnung für einen groß angelegten Flottenrüstungsplan, den die Deutsche Kriegsmarine unter ihrem Oberbefehlshaber Großadmiral Erich Raeder in den Jahren 1938 und 1939 entwickelte und am 27. Januar 1939 per Gesetz in Kraft gesetzt wurde. Darin vorgesehen waren zehn Schlachtschiffe (die “Scharnhorst,” die “Gneisenau,” die “Bismarck,” die “Tirpitz” und die sechs größeren Einheiten der “H-Klaße), acht Flugzeugträger der “Graf Zeppelin” Klaße, die drei Panzerschiffe der “Deutschland” Klaße, die 12 größere Panzerschiffe der “Kreuzer P” Klaße, die fünf Schweren Kreuzer der “Admiral Hipper” Klaße, 24 Leichte Kreuzer (die “Emden,” die drei Einheiten der “K-Klaße,” die “Leipzig,” die “Nürnberg” und 18 Einheiten der “M-Klaße”), 36 Spähkreuzer (mit einer Einsatzverdrängung von je 7,500 Tonnen), 70 Zerstörer, 90 Torpedoboote und 241 Unterseeboote. Die britische Kriegserklärung gegen das Deutsche Reich am 3. September 1939 bedeutete das Ende des guten Z-Planes.

IX. “Panzerkreuzer” (Armored Cruisers)

Armored or large cruisers (”Große Kreuzer” in German) were the predecessors of the great dreadnought battlecruisers which were so important during the First World War. Most navies stopped making them during the first decade of the 20th century, because they had become obsolete. After World War One, “Heavy Cruisers” became their modern successors – they proved to be very useful ships during World War Two. By the time of the Second World War (1939-1945), battlecruisers and battleships were very similar to one another. They both required high speeds, and the American Navy actually called its newest battleships “Fast Battleships.” The “U.S.S. New Jersey,” “U.S.S. Missouri” and “U.S.S. Iowa” are good examples of this – they all exist in the USA as museums today (in New Jersey, Hawaii and Virginia, respectively).

Große Kreuzer oder “Panzerkreuzer” waren die Vorgänger der modernen Schweren Kreuzer des Zweiten Weltkrieges. Panzerkreuzer waren zur Zeit des Ersten Weltkrieges schon veraltet, weil die großen Marinestreitkräften der Welt (die Royal Navy von England sowie die Deutsche Hochseeflotte) schon Schlachtkreuzer hatten. Panzerkreuzer waren zu langsam, zu klein, zu schwach (nicht genug Panzerung sowie Bewaffnung). Die modernen Schweren Kreuzer waren besser, hauptsächlich weil sie so viel schneller waren.

IXa. “S.M.S. Blücher” Class (1908)

The last German armored or large cruiser was “S.M.S. Blücher” (1908). She displaced 17,500 tons (less than the new battlecruisers) and was armed with 12-8 inch guns (not as powerful as the new battlecruisers). She could make 25,8 knots, which was slower than most new battlecruisers. Unfortunately, the Imperial German Navy attached her to the first battlecruiser squadron. She was sunk at the Battle of the Dogger Bank in the North Sea in 1915, taking most of crew down with her.

Die “S.M.S. Blücher” (1908) war Deutschlands letzter Panzerkreuzer. Sie hatte eine Einsatzverdränung von 17,500 Tonnen, und war mit 12-21 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (davon sechs in drei Zwillingstürmen und sechs in Kasemattenaufstellung) bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit war nur 25,8 Knoten – besser als ältere Panzerkreuzer, aber langsamer als die Schlachtkreuzer. Sie wurde im Seegefecht auf der Doggerbank von fünf britischen Schlachtkreuzern am 24. Januar 1915 versenkt. Sie erhielt zwischen 70 und 100 Treffer. 792 Besatzungsmitglieder starben, und 260 wurden von den Briten gerettet. Gebhardt Leberecht von Blücher (1742-1819) war Preußischer Generalfeldmarshall.

IXb. “S.M.S. Scharnhorst” Class (1907)

The “S.M.S. Scharnhorst” and “S.M.S. Gneisenau” of 1907 each displaced 12,985 tons and were armed with 8-8 inch guns. Their top speed was 23,5 knots. After they defeated the Royal Navy at the Battle of Coronel in the Pacific, the British sent two new battlecruisers to hunt them down. They were hopelessly outclassed and outnumbered by the British fleet which sunk them at the Battle of the Falkland Islands in late 1914. Admiral Graf Spee of Germany’s East Asia Squadron went down with all of his ships and most of his men, including his two sons on that tragic and sad day.

Die zwei kaiserlich-deutschen Panzerkreuzer “S.M.S. Scharnhorst” (1907) und “S.M.S. Gneisenau” (1907) hatten eine Einsatzverdränung von je 12,985 Tonnen, und waren je mit acht 21 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (davon vier in zwei Zwillingstürmen und vier in Kasemattenaufstellung) bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit waren 23,5 Knoten. Sie gehörten zum Deutschen Ostasiengeschwader unter Vizeadmiral Maximilian Graf von Spee. Sie versenkten zwei englische Panzerkreuzer im Seegefecht bei Coronel am 1. November 1914, wurden aber von zwei englischen Schlachtkreuzern im Seegefecht bei den Falklandinseln am 8. Dezember 1914 selbst versenkt. Mehr als 2,000 Deutsche Seeleute, unter ihnen Vizeadmiral Graf von Spee und seine beiden Söhne, kamen ums Leben.

IXc. “12,000-Ton” Class (1917)

This was the final class of planned armored, or large, cruiser in Austria-Hungary. The ship type would have displaced up to 12,000 tons full load and was to have been armed with 6-7,5 inch guns mounted in three dual turrets (one fore, one central and one aft). Secondary armament would have been comprised of 4-3,5 inch anti-aircraft guns and 2-21 inch torpedo tubes. Top speed was planned at a very impressive 35 knots. I believe that such a ship (if built and put to good use) would have served the Austro-Hungarian fleet far better than did the dreadnought battleships. This was proven in the numerous skirmishes which were fought between the Austro-Hungarians and the Western Allies (the Italians, the French and the British) in the Adriatic Sea between 1915 and 1918.

Zur Zeit des Ersten Weltkrieges hatte die Kaiserliche und Königliche Kriegsmarine es vor, einen 12,000-Tonnen Panzerkreuzer zu bauen. Die geplante Bewaffnung waren sechs 19 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (in drei Zwillingstürmen), vier 9 cm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen und zwei 53,3 Torpedorohre. Die geplante Höchtsgeschwindigkeit war gute 35 Knoten – ganz schnell für 1917. Solche schnellen Panzerkreuzer haetten der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine von grossen Nutzen sein koennen. Aber das Schiff wurde nie auf Kiel gelegt weil die derzeitliche wirtschaftliche Lage in Oesterreich-Ungarn zur Zeit des Ersten Weltkrieges es verhinderte.

IXd. “S.M.S. Yorck” Class (1905)

“S.M.S Yorck” (1905) and “S.M.S. Roon” (1906) each displaced 10,266 tons and were armed with 4-8 inch guns. They could make up to 21,1 knots under full steam with their coal boilers. The first ship of this class was named after the Prussian Field Marshall von Yorck, who lived from 1759 to 1830. The second ship was named after Prussian Field Marshall Albrecht Graf von Roon (1803-1879) who served during the Wars of Prussian-German Unification from 1864 to 1871. “S.M.S. Yorck” was sunk by mines in 1914, whereas “S.M.S. Roon survived World War One and was scrapped in 1921. Late in the war, she was converted to carry 4 seaplanes as well – the first step in the direction of true aircraft carriers.

Die zwei kaiserlich-deutschen Panzerkreuzer “S.M.S. Yorck” (1905) und “S.M.S. Roon” hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 10.266 Tonnen, und waren mit je vier 21 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit war 21,1 Knoten. Die “S.M.S. Yorck” wurde von Minentreffern im Jahre 1914 versenkt. Die “S.M.S. Roon” überstand den Ersten Weltkrieg und wurde im Jahre 1921 verschrottet. Vor dem Ende des Ersten Weltkrieges, wurde die “S.M.S. Roon” as Seeflugzeugträger für vier Seeflugzeuge umgebaut – Deutschlands erster “Flugzeugträger.”Johann David Ludwig Graf Yorck von Wartenburg (1759-1830) war ein Preußischer Generalfeldmarschall und der Gründer des Adelgeschlechts Yorck von Wartenburg. Albrecht Theodor Emil Graf von Roon (1803-1879) war ein Preußischer General und Minister, und kurzzeitig Preußischer Ministerpräsident.

IXe. “S.M.S. Friedrich Carl” Class (1903)

“S.M.S. Friedrich Carl” (1903) and “S.M.S. Prinz Adalbert” (1904) were named after members of the Royal House of Brandenburg-Prussia, or the Hohenzollern Dynasty. Each ship displaced 9,875 tons and was armed with 10-6 inch guns. They could make up to 20,5 knots under full steam with their coal boilers. The first ship was sunk by mines in 1914 and the second ship by a British submarine in 1915.

Die zwei kaiserlich-deutschen Panzerkreuzer “S.M.S. Friedrich Carl” (1903) und “S.M.S. Prinz Adalbert” (1904) hatten eine Einsatverdrängung von je 9,875 Tonnen, und waren mit zehn 15 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit war 20,5 Knoten. Die “S.M.S. Friedrich Carl” wurde von Minentreffern im Jahre 1914 versenkt, und die “S.M.S. Prinz Adalbert” wurde von einem englischen Unterseeboot im Jahre 1915 torpediert.Prinz Friedrich Carl Nikolaus von Preußen (1828-1885) war Preußischer Generalfeldmarschall und auch der jüngere Bruder von Kaiser Wilhelm II. Prinz Heinrich Wilhelm Adalbert von Preußen (1811-1873) war ein Sohn von Prinzeßin Marianne (1785-1846) und Prinz Friedrich Wilhelm Karl von Preußen (1783-1851). Prinz Adalbert war Deutscher Admiral.

Prinz Adalbert (”Albert” in English) of Prussia lived from 1811 until 1873. He was a member of the Royal House of Brandenburg-Prussia, or the Hohenzollern Dynasty. His father was one Prinz Wilhelm (”Prince William” in English), this Prinz Wilhelm being the youngest brother of King Friedrich Wilhelm III (”Frederick Willam III” in English) of Prussia. King Friedrich Wilhelm III of Prussia lived from 1770 until 1840, and reigned as King of Prussia from 1797 until his death in 1840.Prinz Adalbert of Prussia (1811-1873) served in the Prussian Army from 1826 until 1848 (this meant he joined the army at the age of 15, which was not unusual in those days), and then in the Prussian Navy from 1848 until 1871.

IXf. “S.M.S. Prinz Heinrich” Class (1902)

”S.M.S. Prinz Heinrich” (1902) was named after the younger brother of Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany. She displaced 9,806 tons and was armed with 2-6 inch guns. She could make up to 19,9 knots under full steam. She survived World War One, and was scrapped in 1920.

Der kaiserlich-deutsche Panzerkreuzer “S.M.S. Prinz Heinrich” (1902) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 9,806 Tonnen, und war mit zwei 15 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (in einem Zwillingsturm) bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit war 19,9 Knoten. Das Schiff überstand den Ersten Weltkrieg, und wurde im Jahre 1920 verschrottet. Prinz Albert Wilhelm Heinrich von Preußen (1862-1929) war Großadmiral der Kaiserlichen Marine und Bruder Kaiser Wilhelms II.

Prinz Heinrich (”Prince Henry) of Prussia lived from 1862 until 1929, and he served in the Imperial German Navy from 1877 until 1918. He commanded the First Torpedo Boat Division from 1887-1888, the Imperial Yacht “S.M.S. Hohenzollern” from 1888-1889 and the cruiser “S.M.S. Irene” from 1889-1896. Thereafter, he commanded other ships such as the armored coastal ship “S.M.S. Beowulf,” the armored corvette “S.M.S. Sachsen” and the pre-dreadnought battleship “S.M.S. Wörth.” He was promoted to the rank of Großadmiral (”Grand Admiral” in English) in 1909 (a 5-star admiral in the German Navy). He commanded the German naval forces the Baltic Sea during World War One (1914-1918).

IXg. “S.M.S. Sankt Georg” Class (1905)

“S.M.S. Sankt Georg” (1905) was Austria’s largest armored cruiser, displacing up to 8,070 tons full load. She was armed with 4-9 inch guns plus 12-7 inch guns and could make up to 22 knots with her coal boilers under full steam. She was named after Saint George, a hero and martyr of the early Christian Church who died in 303. He died under the persecution of Christians lead by Roman Emperor Diocletan. Legend has it that Saint George was the famed “dragon slayer.” In Austria, Saint George is the patron saint of the Tyrol. The ship survived World War One and was scrapped by 1923.

Der Panzerkreuzer “S.M.S. Sankt Georg” (1905) war der größte Panzerkreuzer der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine. Sie hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 8,070 Tonnen, und war mit vier 24 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (in zwei Zwillingstürmen) und 12 19-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit war 22 Knoten. Sie überstand den Ersten Weltkrieg, und wurde im Jahre 1923 verschrottet. Das Schiff wurde nach Sankt Georg benannt, ein frühzeitiger Held und Martyrer des Christentums, der im Jahre 303 starb. Sankt Georg starb zur Zeit der Christenverfolgung vom Römischen Kaiser Diocletan. Eine Legende besagt, dass Sankt Georg auch “Drachentotschläger” war. Sankt Georg ist auch der Schutzheiliger von Tirol.

IXh. “S.M.S. Sachsen” Class (1877)

The Imperial German Navy’s “S.M.S. Sachsen” (1877) class of armored corvettes totally outclassed previous armored sailing corvettes, so I am including them in the category of armored, protected or large cruisers. These 4 ships had no rigging or sails. “S.M.S. Sachsen” (1877) was built by the A.G. Vulcan Shipyard in Stettin, Pomerania in July 1877, and was followed by her sister ships “S.M.S. Bayern” (1878) in May 1878, “S.M.S. Württemberg” (1878) in November 1878 and “S.M.S. Baden” (1880) in July 1880. The 3 latter ships were all built by the Imperial Shipyard in Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein. All ships were named after states of Imperial Germany, displaced up to 7,800 tons full load, were 98 meters long, and could make up to 14 knots. Their twin 4-blade screws were driven by 2 single expansion engines, and they were staffed by crews of 32 commissioned officers and 285 enlisted men. Each ship had wrought iron armor plating, and was armed with 6 26-cm guns, 6 8,7-cm ring cannon, 8 3,7-cm revolving cannon plus 2 torpedo tubes. They survived World War One, and were scrapped as late as 1940 after about 60 years of service.

Die vier kaiserlich-deutschen Panzerkorvetten der “S.M.S. Sachsen” (1877) Klaße waren eigentlich vielmehr als Panzerkreuzer, und nicht wie Segelpanzerkorvetten. Die vier Einheiten dieser Klaße hatten keine Segel. Die drei anderen Mitglieder dieser Klaße waren die “S.M.S. Bayern” (1878), die “S.M.S. Württemberg” (1878) und die “S.M.S. Baden” (1880). Sie hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 7,800 Tonnen und waren je 98 Meter lang. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit war 14 Knoten. Sie hatten eine Besatzung von je 32 Offiziere und 285 Matrosen. Die Bewaffnung waren je sechs 26 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen, sechs 8,7 cm Ringkanonen, acht 3,7 cm Turmkanonen und zwei Torpedorohre. Alle vier Schiffe dieser Klaße überstanden den Ersten Weltkrieg, und wurden im Jahre 1940 (zur Zeit des Zweiten Welkrieges) verschrottet.

IXi. “S.M.S. Kaiser Karl VI” Class (1900)

“S.M.S. Kaiser Karl VI” (1900) was Austria’s second largest armored cruiser, displacing up to 6,970 tons full load. She was armed with 2-9 inch guns and could make up to 20 knots under full steam with her coal boilers. She was named after Holy Roman and German Emperor Kaiser Karl VI of Habsburg (Charles VI in English), who was the father of Empress Maria Theresia of Habsburg. Holy Roman and German Emperor Charles VI was married to Elisabeth Christine of Braunschweig (”Brunswick” in English), and he reigned from 1711 until his death in 1740. The ship survived World War One and was scrapped by 1923.

Der Panzerkreuzer “S.M.S. Kaiser Karl VI” (1900) war der zweitgrößte Panzerkreuzer der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine. Sie hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 6,970 Tonnen und war mit zwei 24 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit war 20 Knoten. Sie wurde nach dem Heilig-Römischen und Deutschen Kaiser Karl VI von Österreich benannt. Seine Gattin war Elisabeth Christine von Braunschweig. Er war Deutscher Kaiser von 1711 bis er im Jahre 1740 starb. Seine Nachfolgerin war seine Tochter die Kaiserin und Königin Maria Theresia von Österreich, vom Adelhaus Habsburg-Lothringen.

IXj. “S.M.S. Kaiserin Augusta” Class (1895)

The seven ships of the “S.M.S. Kaiserin Augusta” (1895) class comprised Germany’s first armored cruisers. They replaced the old armored frigates, which had been powered both by sails and by steam. The seven new ships displaced between 6,318 and 6,791 tons each, were armed with up to 2-9 inch guns, 6-6 inch guns plus 4-4 inch guns and could make up to 21,6 knots under full steam with their coal boilers. Kaiserin Augusta of the Grand Duchy of Sachsen-Weimar-Eisenach (1811-1890) was the wife of Kaiser Wilhelm I der Große (”William I the Great” in English) and thus the German Empress and the Queen of Prussia. The other ships in this class were ”S.M.S. Hertha” (1898), “S.M.S. Freya” (1898), “S.M.S. Vineta” (1899), “S.M.S. Hansa” (1899), S.M.S. Victoria Louise” (1899) and “S.M.S. Fürst Bismarck” (1900). All seven ships survived World War One, “S.M.S. Victoria Louise” being scrapped as late as 1923. Hertha, Freya and Vineta are female first names. “Hansa” refers to the old Hanseatic League of the Middle Ages. Victoria Louise (1892-1980) was a daughter of Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany and thus a Princess of Prussia. “Fürst Bismarck” was named after Prince (and later Prussian & German Chancellor) Otto von Bismarck.

Die sieben kaiserlich-deutschen Panzerkreuzer der “S.M.S. Kaiserin Augusta” (1895) Klaße waren Deutschlands erste Panzerkreuzer. Sie waren die Nachfolger der Segelpanzerfregatten, und hatten selbst keine Segel mehr. Die Einsatzverdrängung dieser sieben Einheiten war zwischen 6,318 und 6,791 Tonnen. Die Bewaffnung waren je zwei 24 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen, sechs 15 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen und vier 10,5 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit war 21,6 Knoten. Kaiserin Augusta von Preußen (1811-1890) war die Gattin von Kaiser Wilhelm I “der Große” von Preußen, und wurde im Großherzogtum Sachsen-Weimar-Eisenach geboren. Die sechs anderen Mitglieder dieser Klaße waren die “S.M.S. Hertha” (1898), die “S.M.S. Freya” (1898), die “S.M.S. Vineta” (1899), die “S.M.S. Hansa” (1899), die “S.M.S. Victoria Louise” (1899) und die “S.M.S. Fürst Bismarck” (1900). Prinzeßin Victoria Louise (1892-1980) war eine Tochter von Kaiser Wilhelm II. Fürst Bismarck war Reichskanzer Otto von Bismarck.

IXk. “S.M.S. Kaiserin und Königin Maria Theresia” Class (1894)

“S.M.S. Kaiserin und Königin Maria Theresia” (1894) was Austria’s first and smallest armored cruiser at 6,096 tons full load displacement. She was armed with 2-9 inch guns and could make up to 19 knots under full steam with her coal boilers. She survived World War One and was scrapped by 1923. She was named after Holy Roman and German Empress Maria Theresia of Austria (1717-1780), or the Habsburg Dynasty. She came to the throne of the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation (the First Reich) upon the death of her father Kaiser Karl VI. Since Holy Roman and German law only allowed male monarchs to rule the country, the Habsburgs had to change the law with the help of the Reichstag, or the German parliament. Some foreign countries and one rebellious German State in particular (Brandenburg-Prussia, of course) used this as a flimsy excuse to wage war upon the Empire when she came to the throne in 1740. The War of the Austrian Succession cost the Habsburg Monarchy the German State of Silesia, which was surrendered to Prussia. Silesia remained in Prussian-German hands until 1945, when it was surrendered to Poland. The official name of the Habsburg family has been “Habsburg-Lothringen” (”Hapsburg-Lorraine” in English) since Maria Theresia married Franz I Stephan von Lothringen (”Francis I Stephen of Lorraine” in English) in 1736. This was due to the fact that the Habsburg line had no more male heirs at the time of her marriage. Maria Theresia ruled as Holy Roman and German Empress from 1740 until 1745, when she turned the Imperial title over to her husband (and consort). Her consort Franz I Stephan von Lothringen ruled as Holy Roman and German Emperor from 1745 until his death in 1765. Their eldest son Josef II (”Joseph II” in English) inherited the Imperial title in 1765, and ruled as Holy Roman and Geman Emperor until his death in 1790.

Der Panzerkreuzer “S.M.S. Kaiserin und Königin Maria Theresia” (1894) war der erste und auch der kleinste Panzerkreuzer der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine. Sie hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 6,096 Tonnen, und war mit zwei 24 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit war 19 Knoten. Das Schiff überstand den Ersten Weltkrieg, und wurde im Jahre 1923 verschrottet. Maria Theresia von Österreich (1717-1780) war eine Fürstin aus dem Hause Habsburg. Die regierende Erzherzogin von Österreich und Königin von Ungarn und Böhmen (1740-1780) war die Ehefrau des Römisch-Deutschen Kaisers Franz I Stephan von Lothringen (1708-1765) und sie war auch Kaiserin des Heiligen Römischen Reiches der Deutschen Nation (das Erste Deutsche Reich).

Josef II was thus the 61st consecutive monarch in the noble line of Franconian Kings, Holy Roman and German Emperors since the Merovingian House of King Clovis I came to the throne in 482. The Merovingian House held the throne from 482 until its male line died out in 679. The throne was then inherited by the Carolingian House, which held it until its male line died out in 911. The throne then passed to the Franconian House until 919. The House of Saxony was the next noble house to inherit the throne, and held the throne until its male line died out in 1024. The subsequent noble houses to inherit this great throne were the Franconian-Salian House (1024-1138), the House of Hohenstaufen (1138-1273) and finally the great House of Habsburg, which still endures to this very day.

X. “Segelfregatten” (Sailing Frigates)

Before Heavy Cruisers, and the Large / Armored Cruisers before them, came the old sailing frigates. First they were made of wood, and then they became armored. Before the Hohenzollern Dynasty of Brandenburg-Prussia forged a second German empire in 1871 (the Second Reich), the largest German navy belonged to the Habsburg-Lothringen Dynasty of Austria, which held the Imperial Throne of the first German empire (or First Reich) – which lasted from 800 until 1806.

Die Vorgänger der Panzerkreuzer waren die Panzerfregatten und die Segelfregatten. Vor 1866 hatte Österreich die beste und auch die größte Kriegsmarine im deutschsprachigem Raum.

Xa. “S.M.S. Kaiser” Class (1872)

The Imperial German armored sailing frigates “S.M.S. Kaiser” (1872) and “S.M.S. Deutschland” (1872) were two first-rate ships armed with casemate guns. They were built by the firm of Bermuda Brothers in Poplar (the United Kingdom), and were thus among the last large capital German warships built abroad. Each ship displaced up to 7,600 tons full load, was 89 meters long, had a single expansion engine, was fully rigged and had a sail area of 1,623 square meters. They could make up to 14,5 knots, and their armament consisted of 8 26-cm ring cannon. Their crews were comprised of 32 commissioned officers and 568 enlisted men. “S.M.S. Kaiser” served as the fleet flagship, and the new German Emperor Kaiser Wilhelm II made his first state voyage in her to Saint Petersburg (Russia), Stockholm (Sweden) and Copenhagen (Denmark) upon his ascension to the Imperial Throne in 1888. These vessels were scrapped after 1904.

Die zwei kaiserlich-deutschen Panzerfregatten “S.M.S. Kaiser” (1872) und “S.M.S. Deutschland” (1872) wurden in England gebaut. Sie hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 7,600 Tonnen, waren je 89 Meter lang und hatten ein Segelbereich von je 1,623 Quadratmeter. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Segel und Dampfantrieb war 14,5 Knoten. Sie waren mit je acht 26 cm Kasemattkanonen bewaffnet, und hatten eine Besatzung von je 32 Offiziere und 568 Matrosen. Die “S.M.S. Kaiser” war Flottenflaggschiff als der neue Kaiser Wilhelm II Sankt Petersburg, Stockholm und Kopenhagen im Jahre 1888 besuchte. Die beiden Schiffe dieser Klaße wurden im Jahre 1904 verschrottet.

Xb. “S.M.S. Preußen” Class (1873)

The 3 Imperial German armored sailing frigates “S.M.S. Preußen” (1873), “S.M.S. Friedrich der Große” (1874) and “S.M.S. Großer Kurfürst” (1875) displaced 6,821 tons each, and were 96 meters long. “S.M.S. Preußen” was built by the A.G. Vulkan Shipyard of Stettin, Pomerania and was named after the Kingdom of Prussia. “S.M.S. Friedrich der Große” was built by the Imperial Shipyard in Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein and was named after Prussian King Frederick the Great. “S.M.S. Großer Kurfürst” was built by the Imperial Shipyard in Germany’s great naval base of Wilhelmshaven, in the Grand Duchy of Oldenburg. Their armored protection consisted of teak planking clad in wrought iron, and their propulsion system was a German-made single expansion engine. Their crews were comprised of 46 commissioned officers and 454 enlisted men each. Each ship had 3 masts, a sail area of 1,834 square meters and could make up to 14 knots. “S.M.S. Preußen” was scrapped in Wilhelmshaven in 1919 after 46 years of service. “S.M.S. Friedrich der Große” was scrapped in Rönnebeck in 1920 after 46 years of service as well. Unfortunately, “S.M.S. Großer Kurfürst” was lost in a collision with “S.M.S. König Wilhelm” during formation exercises off the coast of Folkestone in the English Channel in 1878. Due to oversight, the bulkheads were not closed and the ship sank with 269 men.

Die drei kaiserlich-deutschen Panzerfregatten der “S.M.S. Preußen” (1873) Klaße hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 6,821 Tonnen, und waren je 96 Meter lang. Die zwei anderen Mitglieder dieser Klaße waren die “S.M.S. Friedrich der Große” (1874) und die “S.M.S. Großer Kurfürst” (1875). Sie hatten eine Besatzung von je 46 Offiziere und 454 Matrosen, hatten je drei Masten und ein Segelbereich von je 1,834 Quadratmeter. Die “S.M.S. Preußen” wurde in Wilhelmshaven im Jahre 1919 verschrottet. Die “S.M.S. Friedrich der Große” wurde in Roennebeck im Jahre 1920 verschrottet. Die “S.M.S. Grosser Kurfürst” wurde leider in einem Manöverunfall im Ärmelkanal im Jahre 1878 verloren. 269 Besatzungsmitglieder dabei kamen ums Leben.

Xc. “S.M.S. Erzherzog Albrecht” Class (1874)

“S.M.S. Erzherzog Albrecht” (1874) was among the last of Austria-Hungary’s armored frigates, or “Panzerfregatten” in German. She displaced 5,994 tons and was made of both wood and iron. She was armed with 2-9 inch guns and could make up to 13 knots with a combination of coil boilers and sails. Her crew consisted of 580 officers and men. She was named after Austrian Archduke Albert (1817-1895), who was a great military leader and hero in the war against Italy in 1866. Unfortunately, the Austrian military leaders who fought against Prussia on Austria’s Northern frontier were not so talented, so the war was lost and Prussia became the most influential German state. The Northern theater of the Austro-Prussian war was fought in Lower Saxony, Saxony proper and in Bohemia and Moravia. Austria’s German allies included the likes of the Kingdom of Bavaria, the Kingdom of Saxony, the Kingdom of Württemberg, the Kingdom of Hanover and the Grand Duchy of Baden. The Kingdom of Prussia was allied to the Kingdom of Italy.

Die Panzerfregatte “S.M.S. Erzherzog Albrecht” (1874) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 5,994 Tonnen, und war mit zwei 24 cm Kasemattkanonen bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Segel und Dampfantrieb war 13 Knoten. Die Besatzung war 580 Offiziere und Matrosen. Erzherzog Albrecht Friedrich Rudolf von Österreich (1817-1895) war Herzog von Teschen, großer Feldherr (Generalfeldmarschall sowie Generalinspekteur der Österreich-Ungarischen Armee) und Held im Krieg gegen Italien im Jahre 1866. Er besiegte die Italiener in der Schlacht bei Custoza am 24. Juni 1866. Das Kaiserreich Österreich, das Königreich Bayern, das Königreich Sachsen, das Königreich Württemberg, das Königreich Hannover und das Großherzogtum Baden haben gegen das Königreich Preußen im Norden den Krieg leider verloren. Die Zukunft wird zeigen, daß Preußens Sieg fuer Großdeutschland nicht vorteilhaft war. Das Zweite Deutsche Reich der Preußen dauerte nur von 1871 bis 1918. Der Erste Weltkrieg war für Deutschland und Österreich-Ungarn überhaupt auch nicht von großen Nutzen, und das Dritte Deutsche Reich von 1933 bis 1945 war für Mitteleuropa noch weniger von Vorteil. Die Auswirkungen des Zweiten Weltkrieges waren für Mitteleuropa am schlimmsten, und die moderne Nachkriegswelt von heute ist total korrupt. Die sogenannten “Siegesmächte” von Nordamerika und Westeuropa sind in finanziellen Nöten, und das Wirtschaftswesen im Westen steht vor Bankrott.

Xd. “S.M.S. Adria” Class (1873)

“S.M.S. Adria” (1873) displaced 3,956 tons and was named after the Adriatic Sea, Austria-Hungary’s outlet to the wide world. She was also made of wood and iron, and was thus an armored sailing frigate. She was armed with 15-6 inch guns and could make up to 13 knots with a combination of her coal boilers and sails. 453 officers and men manned this ship.

Die Panzerfregatte “S.M.S. Adria” (1873) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 3,956 Tonnen, und war mit 15 15-cm Kasemattkanonen bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Segel und Dampfantrieb war 13 Knoten, und die Besatzung des Schiffes war 453 Offiziere und Matrosen. Die Häfen des Adriatischen Meeres waren für Österreich-Ungarn sehr wichtig. Die wichtigsten Adriahäfen sind Triest, Gafers (heute “Koper” in Slowenien), Polei (heute “Pula” in Kroatien), Sankt Veit am Plaumb (heute “Rijeka” in Kroatien), Ploce, Zara (heute “Zadar” in Kroatien), Spalato (heute “Split” in Kroatien), Ragusa (heute “Dubrovnik” in Kroatien) und Cattaro (heute “Kotor” in Montenegro).

Xe. “S.M.S. Vulkan” Class (1878)

“S.M.S. Vulkan” (1878) displaced 3,600 tons and was armed with 8-8 inch guns. She was yet another armored frigate, and could make up to 13 knots with her coal boilers and sails. She had a crew of 431 officers and men. “Vulkan” is merely one German word for “volcano.”

Die Panzerfregatte “S.M.S. Vulkan” (1878) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 3,600 Tonnen, und war mit acht 21 cm Kasemattkanonen bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit war 13 Knoten mit Segel und Dampfantrieb, und die Besatzung des Schiffes war 431 Offiziere und Matrosen.

Xf. “S.M.S. Kaiser Max” Class (1863)

The foursome of “S.M.S. Kaiser Max” (1863), “S.M.S. Prinz Eugen” (1863), ”S.M.S. Feuerspeier” (1863) and “S.M.S. Don Juan d’Austria” (1863) displaced 3,588 tons each and were armed with 8-8 inch guns. They were armored frigates and could make up to 11,5 knots with their coal boilers and sails. Each vessel had a crew of 400 officers and men. “S.M.S. Kaiser Max” was named after Holy Roman and German Emperor (Kaiser) Maximilian II of the Habsburg Dynasty, who reigned from 1564 until 1576. Prince Eugene of Savoy was a very famous Field Marshall of the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation, known for his victory over the Ottoman Turks. “Feuerspeier” is the real German word for “volcano.” “S.M.S. Don Juan d’Austria” was named after the great Holy Roman and German Admiral who lived from 1547 to 1578. He was a son of the Holy Roman and German Emperor (Kaiser) Charles V (or “Karl V” in German), who reigned from 1519 until 1556. Don Juan of Austria became famous for his great naval victory at the Battle of Lepanto in 1571, when the “Holy League” alliance defeated the larger fleet of Ottoman Turkey. The Holy League deployed 212 warships versus 286 Ottoman warships. Casualties were 12 ships and 8,000 dead & wounded for the Holy League versus an astounding 187 ships and 30,000 dead, wounded and captured Turks.

Die vier Panzerfregatten der “S.M.S. Kaiser Max” (1863) Klaße hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 3,588 Tonnen, und waren mit je acht 21 cm Kasemattkanonen bewaffnet. Die Höchtsgeschwindigkeit war 11,5 Knoten mit Segel und mit Dampfantrieb, und die Besatzungen waren je 400 Offiziere und Matrosen. Die drei anderen Mitglieder dieser Klaße waren die “S.M.S. Prinz Eugen” (1863), die “S.M.S. Feuerspeier” (1863) und die “S.M.S. Don Juan d’Austria” (1863).

Maximilian von Österreich, Römisch-Deutscher Kaiser

Maximilian von Österreich (1527-1576) war Kaiser des Heiligen Römischen Reiches der Deutschen Nation von 1564 bis er im Jahre 1576 starb. Prinz Eugen Franz von Savoyen-Carignan (1663-1736) war einer der berühmtesten Feldherren des Adelhauses Habsburg und wesentliche Stütze der Großmachtstellung Österreichs innerhalb Europa. Johann von Österreich, oder “Don Juan d’Austria” (1547-1578) auf spanisch, war Oberbefehlshaber der spanisch-habsburgischen Flotte und auch Statthalter der spanisch-habsburgischen Niederlande (heute “Belgien”). Johann von Österreich fuehrte die Kriegsflotte der Heiligen Liga (Kriegsschiffe aus Spanien, Venedig, Savoyen, Genua, Malta, Toskana sowie päpstliche Schiffe) am 7. Oktober 1571 siegreich in der Seeschlacht von Lepanto gegen die Osmanischen Türken, nachdem sie in den Wochen vorher dauernd auf einander gewartet haben. Diese Seeschlacht war die letzte Seeschlacht, die mit Galeeren ausgetragen worden ist. 212 Kriegsschiffe des Reiches besiegten 286 osmanische türkische Kriegsschiffe. Das Reich hatte 12 Schiffe und 8,000 Seeleute verloren, aber die osmanischen Türken haben 187 Schiffe und 30,000 Seeleute verloren.

Xg. “S.M.S. Salamander” Clas (1862)

“S.M.S. Salamander” (1862) displaced 3,027 tons and was armed with 10-7 inch guns. She was yet another armored frigate and could make 11 knots with her coal boilers and sails. Her crew consisted of 346 officers and enlisted men.

Die Panzerfregatte “S.M.S. Salamander” (1862) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 3,027 Tonnen, und war mit zehn 19 cm Kasemattkanonen bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Segel und mit Dampfantrieb war 11 Knoten, und die Besatzung des Schiffes war 346 Offiziere und Matrosen.

Xh. “S.M.S. Schwarzenberg” Class (1854)

“S.M.S. Schwarzenberg” (1854) displaced 2,614 tons and was armed with 6-60 pounders. She could make 11 knots with her coal boilers sails, and her crew consisted of 547 officers and men. The older the ship, the more labor intensive it was to keep it going – hence the larger crews of older ships compared to new ships. This ship was named after the great Austrian Field Marshall Karl Philipp zu Schwarzenberg (1771-1820) who helped lead the Allied forces to victory against Napoleon Bonaparte of France at the Battle of Leipzig in 1813. 310,000 Allied troops defeated 210,000 French troops in this historic battle. France suffered 76,000 casualties versus 54,000 Allied casualties. The Allied nations represented in the battle were Austria, Prussia, Russia and Sweden. Leipzig is a German city located in Saxony.

Die Panzerfregatte “S.M.S. Schwarzenberg” (1854) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 2,614 Tonnen, und war mit sechs 60 Pfundern bewaffnet. Die Höchtsgeschwindigkeit mit Segel und mit Dampfantreib war 11 Knoten, und die Besatzung des Schiffes war 547 Offiziere und Matrosen. Diese älteren Schiffe benötigten mehr Seeleute als heutzutage. Karl Philipp Fuerst zu Schwarzenberg (1771-1820) war Österreichischer Generalfeldmarschall und Botschafter in Paris. Fürst zu Schwarzenberg stand seit 1788 im österreichischen Militärdienst und wurde nach der Teilnahme am Türkenkrieg im Jahre 1789 und am Ersten Koalitionskrieg gegen Frankreich im Jahre 1796 zum Generalmajor befördert. Auch in den folgenden Jahren an den Kriegen gegen das revolutionäre und napoleonische Frankreich beteiligt, wurde er 1805 Vizepräsident des Hofkriegrats. Nach dem Frieden von Schönbrunn im Jahre 1810 als österreichischer Botschafter nach Paris entsandt, leitete Schwarzenberg die Verhandlungen über die Eheschließung Napoleon Bonapartes mit Erzherzogin Marie Louise von Habsburg-Lothringen, die Tochter des Kaisers Franz I von Österreich. Im Rußlandfeldzug führte er 1812 das österreichische Hilfskorps der Großen Armee Napoleons. Nach dem Waffenstillstand mit Rußland und dem vergeblichen Versuch, zwischen Frankreich und Russland zu vermitteln, erhielt Schwarzenberg 1813 den Oberbefehl (im Auftrag des Fürsten von Metternich) über die verbündeten Streitkräfte gegen Napoleon. Er befehligte die Hauptarmee in der Leipziger Völkerschlacht im Jahre 1813 und zog als Feldmarschall 1814 siegreich in Paris ein; 1815 wurde er Präsident des Hofkriegsrats. In Leipzig haben 310,000 Truppen aus Österreich, Preußen, Sachsen und Rußland 210,000 französische Truppen besiegt. Die siegreichen Verbündeten haben 54,000 Soldaten verloren, und die besiegten Franzosen haben 76,000 Soldaten verloren.

Xi. “S.M.S. Graf Dandolo” Class (1859)

“S.M.S. Graf Dandolo” (1859) was the smallest of the Austrian armored sailing frigates at just 1,697 tons full load displacement. She was armed with 14-6 inch guns and could make only 10 knots. Her crew consisted of 294 officers and enlisted men. She was named after a famous Austrian count who had an Italian surname – a Vice Admiral who served as the Commander-in-Chief of the Imperial and Royal Navy from 1847 to 1848.  Vice Admiral Graf Dandolo was the 48th Commander-in-Chief of the Navy since 1369.  The Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation established an Admiralty in 983.  In between 983 and 1369, the Commander-in-Chief of the German Navy was perhaps the Emperor (i.e., Kaiser) himself, or an Admiral of one of the Hanseatic League Cities of Northern Germany (such as Hamburg or Lübeck). All countries, including Germany and Austria, have minorities of people from many diverse places who of course blend into the social fabric of the country and become loyal citizens for many generations. The Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation was majority ethnic German, but it had substantial minorities of other people such as the Frisians, Dutch, Flemings, Walloons, French, Jews, Gypsies, Italians, Romansch, Poles, Sorbs, Wends, Czechs, Moravians, Slovaks, Silesians, Masurians, Lithuanians, Kashubians, Slovenes, Croats, Bosnians, Montenegrins, Magyars, Romanians, Serbs, Ruthenians and Danes.  The small size of the “S.M.S. Graf Dandolo” illustrates how the old sailing frigates evolved into armored or large cruisers, and finally into heavy cruisers. The last heavy cruiser to be laid down but not commissioned by the German Navy was the “Lützow” which was launched in 1939. She would have displaced 19,800 tons and was to have been armed with 8-8 inch guns.

Die Panzerfregatte “S.M.S. Graf Dandolo” (1859) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,697 Tonnen, und war mit 14 15-cm Kasemattkanonen bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit war 10 Knoten, und die Besatzung des Schiffes war 294 Offiziere und Matrosen.  Zwischen 1847 und 1848 war Vizeadmiral Graf Dandolo der Oberbefehlshaber der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine.

Xj. “S.M.S. Principessa di Bologna” Class (1810)

This class of wooden sailing frigates belonged to the “Austrian-Venetian” Navy. Each vessel displaced up to 1,570 tons full load, and was built out of oak. They were 47,0 meters long, with a beam of 11,9 meters. There were 8 ships in this class:

Die acht Segelfregatten (ohne Panzerung und ohne Dampfantrieb) der “S.M.S. Principessa di Bologna” (1810) Klaße hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 1,570 Tonnen, und waren aus Eichenholz gebaut. Sie waren je 47 Meter lang, und hatten eine Breite von je 11,9 Meter.

1.) “S.M.S. Principessa di Bologna” was launched in Venice on September 3, 1811. She was armed with 44 cannons, and was scrapped in 1826.

Die “S.M.S. Principessa di Bologna” lief am 3. September 1811 in Venedig vom Stapel und war mit 44 Kanonen bewaffnet. Das Schiff wurde im Jahre 1826 verschrottet.

2.) “S.M.S. Austria” was launched in Venice on August 15, 1812. She made an overseas voyage to Brazil during 1817-1818, and was scrapped in 1827.

Die “S.M.S. Austria” lief am 15. August 1812 in Venedig vom Stapel und reiste nach Brasilien zwischen 1817 und 1818. Das Schiff wurde im Jahre 1827 verschrottet.

3.) “S.M.S. Augusta” was launched in Venice on November 7, 1815. She joined “S.M.S. Austria” on the 1817-1818 voyage to Brazil, and was scrapped in 1826.

Die “S.M.S. Augusta” lief am 7. November 1815 in Venedig vom Stapel und reiste mit der “S.M.S. Austria” nach Brasilien zwischen 1817 und 1818. Das Schiff wurde im Jahre 1826 verschrottet.

4.) “S.M.S. Ebe” was launched in Venice on July 14, 1821. In between 1833-1834, she undertook a voyage to transport political refugees from the port of Triest to New York, USA. She was scrapped in 1848.

Die “S.M.S. Ebe” lief am 14. Juli 1821 in Venedig vom Stapel. Zwischen 1833 und 1834 hat sie italienische politische Flüchtlinge von Triest nach Neu York gebracht. Das Schiff wurde im Jahre 1848 verschrottet.

5.) “S.M.S. Guerriera” was launched in Venice on September 12, 1829. She joined “S.M.S. Ebe” in transporting political refugees from the Austrian port of Triest to safety in New York during 1833-1834. She partook in military operations during the Morocco Crisis of 1838, and did likewise off Saida (now called “Sidon”) in Lebanon during 1840. During the war of 1848-1849, she blockaded revolutionary forces off Venice. After the war, she was converted to use as a barracks ship. She was scrapped in 1858.

Die “S.M.S. Guerriera” lief am 12. September 1829 in Venedig vom Stapel. Zwischen 1833 und 1834 hatte sie mit der “S.M.S. Ebe” italienische politische Flüchtlinge von Triest nach Neu York gebracht. Im Jahre 1838 hatte sie österreichische Marineinfanteristen an der Küste von Marokko unterstützt, und ebenso im Jahre 1840 an der Küste von Saida im Libanon. Zur Zeit des Krieges in Italien zwischen 1848 und 1849 hatte sie die feindliche Truppen an der Küste von Venedig blockiert. Sie wurde nach dem Krieg als Wohnschiff gebraucht, und wurde endlich im Jahre 1858 verschrottet.

6.) “S.M.S. Medea” was launched in Venice on August 7, 1827. She immediately became the fleet flagship. In between 1829-1830, she served off Morocco and in Arab ports where Austrian troops were deployed. In between 1833-1834, she joined her sister frigates “S.M.S. Guerriera” and “S.M.S. Ebe” in transporting Italian political refugees from Triest to New York. She was scrapped by 1842.

Die “S.M.S. Medea” lief am 7. August 1827 in Venedig vom Stapel und wurde bald danach Flottenflaggschiff. Zwischen 1829 und 1830 hatte sie österreichische Marineinfanteristen an der Küste von Marokko unterstützt. Zwischen 1833 und 1834 hatte sie mit der “S.M.S. Guerriera” und der “S.M.S. Ebe” italienische politische Flüchtlinge von Triest nach Neu York transportiert. Das Schiff wurde im Jahre 1842 verschrottet.

7.) “S.M.S. Venere” was launched in Venice on June 12, 1832. In between 1848-1849, she joined “S.M.S. Guerriera” in blockading revolutionary forces off the port of Venice. in 1849, she undertook a voyage to England. In 1850, she sailed to Lisbon and Madeira, Portugal. She was scrapped in 1872.

Die “S.M.S. Venere” lief am 12. Juni 1832 in Venedig vom Stapel. Zwischen 1848 und 1849 hatte sie mit der “S.M.S. Guerriera” feindliche Truppen an der Küste von Venedig blockiert. Im Jahre 1849 reiste sie nach England, und im Jahre 1850 reiste sie nach Madeira, Portugal. Das Schiff wurde im Jahre 1872 verschrottet.

8.) “S.M.S. Adria” was launched in Venice on February 20, 1819. In between 1820-1822, she undertook a voyage to China. From 1828 until 1830, she served off the coast of Morocco, where Austrian naval infantry were deployed. From 1850 to 1851, she made a voyage to the North Sea and to the Baltic Sea. In between 1857 and 1858, she made an even longer overseas voyage to South America and South Africa. She was finally scrapped in 1870.

Die “S.M.S. Adria” lief am 20. Februar 1819 in Venedig vom Stapel. Zwischen 1820 und 1822 reiste sie nach China. Zwischen 1828 und 1830, hatte sie österreichische Marineinfanteristen an der Küste von Marokko unterstützt. Zwischen 1850 und 1851 reiste sie zur Nordsee und zur Ostsee. In den Jahren 1857 und 1858 ist sie nach Südamerika und Südafrika gereist. Das Schiff wurde im Jahre 1870 verschrottet.

Xk. “S.M.S. Novara” Class (1845)

The great wooden sailing frigate “S.M.S. Novara” was laid down in Venice in February of 1845, launched in April 1850 and finally commissioned into the service of the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy on November 4, 1850. She displaced up to 2,630 tons full load, and was armed with 4-60 pounders, 28-30 pounders, 2-6 inch guns, 1-4,7 inch gun plus 1-6 pounder cannon. In 1854, she sailed to England. In between 1857 and 1859, she gained fame as the very first German warship to circumnavigate the globe. In 1862, she received coal boilers and screws in addition to her sails. She became a hulk in 1876, a gunnery training ship in 1881 and she was finally scrapped in 1899 after a fruitful life of 54 years in the navy.

Die “S.M.S. Novara” (im Jahre 1845 auf Kiel gelegt, und nach der Schlacht bei Novara im Jahre 1849 benannt) war eine Segelfregatte aus Österreich, die die Novara-Expedition von 1857 bis 1859 unternahm. Später brachte sie Erzherzog Ferdinand Maximilian von Österreich im Mai 1864 nach Veracruz, wo er zum Kaiser von Mexiko gekrönt wurde. Nach seiner Absetzung und Erschießung wurde der Leichnam Erzherzog Ferdinand Maximilians auf ihr wieder zurück über den Atlantik gebracht. Bei der Ausschiffung des Sarges am Anlegesteg von Schloß Miramare wurde Maximilians Lieblingslied ”La Paloma” gespielt. Zum Andenken an dieses traurige Ereignis beschloßen die anwesenden Marineoffiziere, dass La Paloma von nun ab auf österreichischen Kriegsschiffen nie mehr erklingen soll. Diese Tradition wird bis heute von traditionsbewussten österreichischen Seglern eingehalten und wird auch bei den Kursen zur Erlangung des Segelpatents unter „Seemannschaft“ vorgetragen. Die “S.M.S. Novara” hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 2,630 Tonnen, und war mit vier 60 Pfundern, 28-30 Pfundern, zwei 15-cm Kanonen, eine 12-cm Kanone und einen sechs Pfunder bewaffnet. Sie hatte eine Besatzung von 447 Offiziere und Matrosen.

She had a crew of at least 447 officers and enlisted men, was 165 feet long, had a beam of 44 feet and a draught of 19 feet. Her sail area was 18,291 square feet, and her living space was just 5,685 square feet – giving one an idea of just how little space there was for such a large crew. She was equipped with a distillery, which turned salty seawater into perfectly healthy drinking water. She was also equipped with a shower for her crew, demonstrating how advanced she was for her time – and how seriously the Austrian Navy took the maintance of good personal hygiene.

Circumnavigation of the Globe (1857-1859)

Her circumnavigation of the globe was the brainchild of His Imperial Highness Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian, the Commander-in-Chief of the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy. Its purpose was for the expansion of scientific knowledge, to expand Austria’s commercial ties, and of course to train the officers, cadets and sailors of the navy. The commander of the ship during the course of this famous and noble voyage was Kontreadmiral Bernhard Aloys Freiherr von Wüllerstorf und Urbair, who lived to the age of 67. The voyage would traverse 51,686 nautical miles, make 25 ports of call, spend 551 days at sea and 298 days in various ports around the world. A sponsor of this great undertaking who was not able to go along due to his advanced age and frail health was the illustrious Prussian-German naturalist and explorer, Friedrich Wilhelm Heinrich Alexander Freiherr von Humboldt (1769-1859). He prayed to “Almighty God, that His blessing may rest upon this great and noble enterprise, to the honor of our common German Fatherland!”

Die ”Novara Expedition” von 1857 bis 1859 war die erste großangelegte wißenschaftliche Weltumsegelungsmission der österreichischen Kriegsmarine sowie die eines deutschen Kriegsschiffes. Sie wurde von der Segelfregatte “S.M.S. Novara” (1845) durchgeführt und stand unter dem Kommando von Kontreadmiral Bernhard Aloys Freiherr von Wüllerstorf und Urbair. Die von der ”Kaiserlichen Akademie der Wissenschaften in Wien” vorbereitete und von Fachgelehrten unter Leitung des Geologen Ferdinand von Hochstetter und des Zoologen Georg von Frauenfeld begleitete Forschungsreise zeitigte international beachtete Resultate. Die Fregatte verließ 30. April 1857 Triest, segelte über Gibraltar, Madeira (Portugal), Rio de Janeiro (Brasilien) zum Kap der Guten Hoffnung (Südafrika). Im Indischen Ozean besuchte die Expedition vom 19. November bis 6. Dezember 1857 die Inseln Sankt Paul und Amsterdam. Es ging dann weiter über Ceylon (heute “Sri Lanka”) und Madras (Indien) nach Singapur. Die nächsten Stationen der Reise waren Java, Manila (die Philippinen), Honkong, Schanghai (China) und die Salomon-Inseln. Am 5. November 1858 erreichte sie Sydney (Australien), von wo aus Auckland (Neuseeland) und Tahiti (französisch-Polynesien) angelaufen wurden. Die Rückreise führte über Valparaiso (Chile) und um das Kap Hoorn noch zu den Azoren (Portugal). Am 26. August 1859, nachdem 10,600 Seemeilen zurückgelegt wurden, lief die Novara nach der ersten deutschen Weltumrundung wieder in Triest ein.

Pola, Triest and Gibraltar

The escorts of “S.M.S. Novara” included the wooden sailing corvette “S.M.S. Caroline,” commanded by Fregattenkapitän Kohen, and the steamship “S.M.S. Santa Lucia,” commanded by Fregattenkapitän von Littrow. They departed the great Austrian Naval Base of Pola (known as “Pula” in modern Croatian or as “Polei” in the German language), on March 15, 1857. They laid anchor in the Austrian Naval Base of Triest on March 17, and after fitting out finally departed upon their global journey on April 30, 1857. They passed the Austrian Adriatic port of Ragusa on May 2nd, and left the Adriatic on May 3rd. They passed the Sicilian port of Messina on May 8th, and laid anchor for the first time at the British Royal Navy base of Gibraltar on May 20th, where they remained as welcome visitors for 10 days.

Funchal (Madeira) and Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)

“S.M.S. Novara” and her escorts departed the British port of Gibraltar on May 30, 1857 and arrived in the port of Funchal in the Portuguese colony of Madeira on June 8. The climate of the Madeira island group is very moderate, never getting either too hot or too cold. Unfortunately, the region was very impoverished in 1857. It was originally settled as a penal colony, and later imported slaves from Africa. “S.M.S. Novara” left her two escorts to continue the remainder of the journey on her own. They returned to Austria, while she went on to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, where she lowered her anchor on August 4, 1857. At the time, Brazil’s population consisted of just 8 million souls, 250,000 of whom inhabited Rio de Janeiro. The ethnic German colony in Rio de Janeiro already had 3,000 inhabitants (most of them Evangelical Lutherans from Prussia, who settled in Brazil as early as 1821). Another German colony was founded by the engineer Julius Friedrich Köhler in the city of Petropolis on July 30, 1845. By 1857, Petropolis had 2,500 ethnic Germans, mostly with roots from Baden and the Rhineland. “S.M.S. Novara” departed Rio de Janeiro for Cape Town, South Africa on August 31, 1857.

Cape Town (South Africa)

“S.M.S. Novara” visited the Cape Colony of South Africa from October 1-26, 1857. This was originally settled on behalf of the Netherlands by Jan van Riebeck in 1652, and then taken away from the Netherlands by the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland in 1815 (after the Napoleonic Wars). In 1857, the Cape Colony had a population of 280,000 souls, 30,000 of whom lived in Cape Town. About half of the population was white (mostly British), with the remainder being Cape Malays, Bushmen and Hottentots. The Cape Malays originally came from the Dutch East Indies, now known as Indonesia. Bushmen and Hottentots are now called “Khoisan” blacks, being of a separate racial sub-group in comparison to the majority Bantu blacks of Central and (Northern) South Africa. One of the first German settlers in South Africa was a Mr. Rathfelder from Württemberg, who established his new home in the town of Constantia. Another wave of German immigration came after the Crimean War in 1856. Soldiers of the German Legion under General Suttersheim (who fought on the side of the British and their French, Ottoman Turkish and Sardinian allies) settled in “British Cafraria” in the Cape Colony of South Africa.

St. Paul and Amsterdam Islands (Southern Indian Ocean)

The next stop for “S.M.S. Novara” were the two basically uninhabited islands of St. Paul and Amsterdam in the Southern Indian Ocean, which now belong to France. Both islands are very small in land area, and the climate in this region is known to be cold, humid and often severe. In the 19th century, the islands were only frequented by fishermen and whalers as a rest stop and as a place where they could preserve their catch. “S.M.S. Novara” remained at St. Paul Island from November 17 until December 6, 1857, where her crew conducted scientific experiments and took geographic readings. At the time, 3 fishermen were living on the island. In spite of the harsh climate, it was very suitable for growing crops such as turnips, corn, wheat and barley. The “S.M.S. Novara” was off the coast of the much smaller Amsterdam Island (which had no human habitation whatsoever) from December 7-8, 1857. It was much harder to land there, because one required very rare calm seas in which a small boat could be launched from the sailing frigate. After this, the expedition headed due North toward the Indian subcontinent.

Point de Galle (Ceylon) and Madras (India)

“S.M.S. Novara” docked at the port of Point de Galle, Ceylon on January 8, 1858. “Ceylon” is the former name for the modern country of Sri Lanka, located off the Southern coast of India. At the time, it was like India also a British colony. Unlike India (which is majority Hindu), Ceylon is majority Buddhist. During the visit to Ceylon, crew members and scientists from the “S.M.S. Novara” made inland journeys to Colombo (the capital city) and to the tallest mountains on the island. The frigate departed Point de Galle on January 16, 1858 and docked at the port of Madras, India on January 30, where they remained until February 10, 1858.

Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia (the Dutch East Indies and the Spanish Philippine Islands)

“S.M.S. Novara” landed in the Nicobar Islands in the Indian Ocean on February 23, 1858. This group of Islands had been claimed as an Austrian Colony on April 1, 1778 by Fregattenkapitän Bennet of the Sailing Ship “S.M.S. Joseph und Theresia.” Bennet landed on the Northeast side of Kar-Nicobar, in the settlement of New Denmark. The Nicobar Islands had previously been an isolated outpost of the Kingdom of Denmark. “S.M.S. Novara” left the Nicobar Islands on March 26, 1858 and landed in the British Colony of Singapore on April 15, 1858. At the time, Singapore had 100,000 inhabitants, of whom 60,000 were already ethnic Chinese. The ship departed Singapore on April 21, 1858 and landed in Batavia, the capital city of Java and the Dutch East Indies, on May 5, 1858. Batavia (now known as Jakarta) had a population of 70,000 souls and the Island of Java 10 million souls. “S.M.S. Novara” departed Java on May 29, 1858 and arrived in the port of Cavite (7 nautical miles from Manila and also on the Island of Luzon) on June 18, 1858. The Philippines (”Las Islas Filipinas” in Spanish) had been ruled by Spain since 1521. De Facto rule in the Philippines rested in the hands of four Roman Catholic Orders – the Augustinians, the Dominicans, the Franciscans and the Recoletos (who were a branch of the Augustinians). The population of the Philippines in 1858 was 3,359,864 souls – merely 3 percent of the ethnic Filipino population today. The population of Metropolitan Manila in 1858 was merely 10,000 within the walled city and 140,000 in Binondo, or 150,000 total. The major economic commodities in the Philippine economy of 1858 were tobacco (manufacture of “Cigarillos”), hemp (used for making rope and rigging for sailing ships) and sugar. The Philippines were ruled by a Spanish-appointed Governor-General until 1898. Provincial government and the provincial judiciary were headed by an “Alcalde Mayor” or “Gobernador.” Departmental administrators were directly below them were known as “Gobernadorcillos,” and below these were the “Cabezas” or Parish Justices.

Hong Kong, Shanghai and the Pacific

“S.M.S. Novara” departed Manila on June 25, 1858 and docked in the British Colony of Hong Kong on July 5, 1858, where the Austrians remained until July 18, 1858. Hong Kong was already a thriving commercial port, albeit very new and much smaller than it is today (much the same situation as in Singapore, another British Colony in Asia which was specifically developed almost from scratch). Hong Kong had 80,000 inhabitants in 1858. The Austrians arrived in the port of Shanghai, China on July 25, 1858. At the time, Old Shanghai had 250,000 inhabitants and the entire Shanghai area had a population of 400,000 people. The entire Chinese Empire (or “Middle Kingdom,” as it was called by the Chinese) had a population of 420 million souls – then as now the most populous country on earth. One of China’s most serious problems at the time was the opium trade, mostly conducted by the British. “S.M.S. Novara” departed Shanghai on August 11, 1858 and arrived in Guaham (now the American territory of “Guam”) and the Marianne Archipelago (now the American Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands) on August 27, 1858. At the time, both Guam and the Marianas (in addition to the rest of Micronesia, Palau and Nauru) were all Spanish Colonies. “S.M.S Novara” arrived at Puynipet Island (now known as “Pohnpei” in the Federated States of Micronesia) on September 16, 1858. In 1858, Puynipet Island had just 2,000 inhabitants, compared to 34,000 today.“S.M.S. Novara” departed Micronesia and sighted the Solomon Islands on October 8, 1858. They remained in the Solomon Islands for more than one week, and then resumed their voyage to Sydney, Australia where they arrived on November 5, 1858.

Australia

“S.M.S Novara” visited Sydney, Australia from November 5 until December 7, 1858.  Australia had been established as a penal colony by the British in 1788.  It was thought that convicts would have a much greater chance of rehabilitation and eventually leading a productive life in a colony as opposed to being incarcerated in Britain.  They would work for a number of years, with part of their earnings going to the state and the remainder saved for them until their release.  It was hoped that eventual family life would make them solid citizens of Australia, which it did.  By 1858, metropolitan Sydney had 93,000 inhabitants.  The state of New South Wales (of which Sydney is the largest city) had a population of 350,000 and all of British Australia (with the exception of Tasmania and New Zealand) had 1.4 million souls.  New South Wales ceased to be a penal colony in 1840, at which time 21 percent of its population was comprised of convicts.  In other words, most new immigrants to Australia were already free people.  The ethnic German population in New South Wales in 1858 amounted to 7,000 individuals, or about two percent of the total population.  Most of the Germans had come from the Rheingau wine-growing region near Wiesbaden, Lorch and Frankfurt in Hesse.  They brought their agricultural and wine-growing skills with them, establishing farms and vineyards along the Hunter, Clarence and Brisbane Rivers in New South Wales.

New Zealand

The next port of call for “S.M.S. Novara” was Auckland, New Zealand from December 22, 1858 until January 8, 1859.  At the time, New Zealand had 129.392 inhabitants, of whom 57 percent were whites and 43 percent were the native Maori Pacific Islanders.  The largest city of Auckland had a population of 16,315.  58 percent of the inhabitants of this British colony were males, illustrating the fact that European settlement was still in its very early stages.  Men often immigrated before their wives and children, sending for their spouses and families when they were more settled financially.  New Zealand in 1859 already had a small ethnic German population which comprised about 0.5 percent of the entire colony, or about 700 individuals.  The ethnic German population in modern New Zealand is 200,000 strong, or 4.6 percent of the country.  The geologist of the Novara Expedition (Dr. Hochstetter) stayed behind for nine months to complete an extensive survey of the southern part of the North Island at the request and at the expense of the New Zealand government.

Tahiti (French Polynesia) and Pitcairn

“S.M.S. Novara” visited Papeete, Tahiti (now the capital city of French Polynesia) from January 11-28, 1859.  The population of the island of Tahiti at the time was just 5,988, down from an estimated 16,000 upon its discovery by Europeans in 1797.  As in many places around the world, non-European populations had little or no immunity to diseases brought by the newcomers.  Upon departing Tahiti, the Novara Expedition passed within one hundred nautical miles of Pitcairn Island, famous because of the true story of the “Mutiny of H.M.S. Bounty.”  Due to overpopulation, the people of Pitcairn were moved initially to Tahiti in March 1831 (whence they came with the British mutineers in 1789), and then to Norfolk Island (a British colony) in May 1856.  The descendants of the Bounty mutineers were not happy in Tahiti, so the British government moved them to the larger Norfolk Island.  In 1858, 60 of the 219 Pitcairn Islanders on Norfolk Island chose to return home to Pitcairn.  The soil on Norfolk Island had proven to be less than fertile for agriculture.

Valparaiso, Chile and Back Home to Austria

“S.M.S. Novara” anchored in Valparaiso, Chile from April 17 until May 11, 1859.  The rest of the voyage took the sailing frigate around dangerous Cape Horn and back to Austria via the Falkland Islands, Patagonia, La Plata (where they encountered a hurricane), the Equator, the Island of St. Helena, the Sargasso Sea, the Azores, Gibraltar, the Mediterranean Sea and the Adriatic Sea.  In the Adriatic, they visited the Austrian port of Ragusa (now known as “Dubrovnik” in modern Croatia) before returning home to Triest on August 26, 1859.

The scientists of the Novara Expedition temporarily left the ship to complete an overland trip from Valparaiso, Chile to Bolivia, Peru and the Isthmus of Panama.  Chile had a population of about one million people, of whom 60,000 were in Valparaiso.  Panama City had roughly 9,000 inhabitants.  From here, Dr. Karl Scherzer (a botanist) and other Austrian scientists went on to the Atlantic coast of Panama, St. Thomas in the then Danish Virgin Islands, and finally aboard the British passenger vessel “R.M.S. Magdalena” to London and Southampton, England.  The “Magdalena” had 163 passengers most of whom were on holiday.  The steamship “Behar” took the Austrian party on to the port of Gibraltar, where they rejoined the sailing frigate “S.M.S. Novara.”  The global circumnavigation had been unfortunately sped up due to the new war between France and Austria.  France and the Kingdom of Sardinia in northwestern Italy were attempting to unite the Italian peninsula by force of arms.  Their opponents were the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies in southern Italy (Naples and Sicily), the Papal States in central Italy and the Habsburg-Este kingdoms and duchies of northeastern Italy (Lombardy-Venetia, Modena, Tuscany and Parma).  The regions of Gorizia, the Isonzo, Trient and the South Tyrol were Austrian Habsburg-Lothringen (Lorraine) lands.  Autonomous sentiments still live in the hearts of many of the people in modern Italy.  Autonomous political parties currently receive 84 percent of the popular votes in the South Tyrol, 60 percent in Trient, 29 percent in Venetia, 22 percent in Lombardy, 18 percent in the Aosta Valley, 14 percent in Friuli, 13 percent in Piedmont, 5 percent in Emilia-Romagna and in Liguria and one percent in Tuscany – more than 150 years after the war launched by France and Sardinia.

Xl. “S.M.S. Eckernförde” Class (1843)

The sailing frigate “S.M.S. Eckernförde” (commissioned in Copenhagen, Denmark in 1843) was captured by the German Navy during the war against Denmark in 1848. In this war, the States of the Germanic Confederation waged war to liberate the German-speaking Duchies of Schleswig and Holstein from Danish control. This goal was not reached in 1848, but had to wait until the next war against Denmark in 1864. Austria waged war in 1848 against revolutionary nationalist uprisings in Italy, the Balkans and the Carpathian mountain region. Austria won control over Bukovina, Banat, Vojvodina and Croatia during this war. “S.M.S. Eckernförde” displaced up to 1,300 tons full load, and was carvel-built of oak with copper. She had no engines, but could make up to 15 knots with her sails. She was armed with 2-60 pounders, 26-long 24 pounders and 20-short 24 pounders. She finished her career in the Royal Prussian Navy, where she made many overseas voyages as a training vessel from 1864 until 1870. She then served as a floating barracks in Kiel from 1870 until 1880, and finally as a coal hulk from 1880 until 1891. She was scrapped in Kiel in 1891.

Die ”S.M.S. Eckernförde” (1843) war eine Segelfregatte, die ursprünglich unter dänischer Flagge fuhr, doch 1849 erbeutet und 1852 an das Königreich Preußen versteigert wurde. Sie hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,300 Tonnen, und war mit zwei 60 Pfundern, 26 langen 24 Pfundern und 20 kurzen 24 Pfundern bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit unter Segel (ohne Dampfantrieb) war gute 15 Knoten.Bei einem Seegefecht am 5. April 1849 im Schleswig-Holsteinischen Krieg (1848-1849) gelang es durch den Beschuß der Küstenbatterien bei Eckernförde, die dänische Besatzung der Segelfregatte “S.M.S. Gefion” zur Aufgabe zu zwingen. Das Schiff konnte wegen des ungünstigen Windes die Bucht nicht verlaßen und sich so auch nicht dem feindlichen Feuer entziehen. Daraufhin wurde es erobert, repariert und dann auf Seiten des Deutschen Bundes (1815-1866) unter dem Namen “S.M.S. Eckernförde” wieder in Dienst gestellt.1852 nach der Auflösung der gesamtdeutschen “Reichsmarine” (1848-1852) wurde das Schiff zusammen mit der Radfregatte ”S.M.S. Barbaroßa” von Preußen ersteigert und unter ihrem alten Namen ”S.M.S. Gefion” in Dienst gestellt. Ab 1870 lag die “S.M.S. Gefion” als Wohnschiff in Kiel. Sie wurde dann wiederum am 5. April 1880 aus der Liste der Kriegsschiffe gestrichen und die Außerdienststellung erfolgte am 5. Mai. Der Rumpf wurde als Kohlenhulk genutzt und im Sommer 1891 bei der Kaiserlichen Werft in Kiel abgewrackt. Die Galionsfigur der Gefion befindet sich heute im neuen Rathaus von Eckernförde, eine Nachbildung dient im Kurpark als Brunnenfigur. Auch der Anker des Schiffes ist im Kurpark zu sehen.

Xm. “S.M.S. Bellona” Class (1842)

The sailing frigate “S.M.S. Bellona” was launched in Venice on April 21, 1842. She displaced up to 1,260 tons full load, and was armed with 44 cannon. In between 1842 and 1843, she made a training voyage to England. From 1844 until 1845, she took another cruise to England and the Azores. From 1848 to 1849, she partook in the Austrian Naval blockade of revolutionary nationalist Italian forces in Venice. In 1851, she made a voyage to Madeira, Portugal and the West Indies. She became a hulk in 1868 and was scrapped by 1903. “Bellona” is the pagan Roman goddess of war, perhaps related to Mars, the pagan god of war. Her temple lay outside of the protective walls of the Imperial city of Rome.

Die Segelfregatte “S.M.S. Bellona” lief am 21. April 1842 in Venedig vom Stapel. Sie hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,260 Tonnen, und war mit 44 Kanonen bewaffnet. Zwischen 1842 und 1843 machte sie eine Ausbildungsreise nach England. Zwischen 1844 und 1845, reiste sie wieder nach England und auch nach den Azoren. Zwischen 1848 und 1849 hat sie feindliche Truppen an der Küste von Venedig blockiert. Im Jahre 1851 reiste sie nach Madeira sowie nach Westindien (das Karibische Meer). Ab 1868 wurde das Schiff als Hulk benutzt, und die “S.M.S. Bellona” wurde im Jahre 1903 verschrottet – nach 61 Jahren Dienstzeit. “Bellona” war die heidnische römische Kriegsgöttin, die mit Mars, dem heidnisch römischen Kriegsgott, verwandt war.

Xn. “S.M.S. Erzherzog Johann” Class (1839)

The sister German sailing frigates “S.M.S. Erzherzog Johann” (1839) and “S.M.S. Barbaroßa” (1840) each displaced up to 1,135 tons full load. They had no engines, but could make up to 9 knots with their sails. They were built of oak, and rigged as barques (although the “S.M.S. Barbaroßa” was re-rigged as a brig after 1852). “S.M.S. Erzherzog Johann” was scrapped in 1857.

Die zwei deutschen Segelfregatten “S.M.S. Erzherzog Johann” (1839) und “S.M.S. Barbaroßa” (1840) hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 1,135 Tonnen und waren aus Eichenholz gebaut. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit war 9 Knoten (nur mit Segel – diese Schiffe hatten keinen Dampfantrieb). Sie wurden im Jahre 1857 verschrottet.

Xo. “S.M.S. Adria” Class (1786)

The old wooden sailing frigate “S.M.S. Adria” displaced up to 420 tons full load. Her construction began in Venice on May 17, 1797, and she was finally launched on June 6, 1803. She had an uneventful career, and was scrapped by 1815. She was 40 meters long, and had a maximum beam of 10,2 meters. She was built out of oak, and her armament consisted of 26-12 Pounders plus 4-6 Pounders. She had a crew of 284 commissioned officers and enlisted men.

Die vier Segelfregatten der “S.M.S. Adria” (1786) Klasse waren vielleicht die kleinsten Segelfregatten der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine. Sie hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von je nur 420 Tonnen, waren je 40 Meter lang und hatten eine Breite von je 10,2 Meter. Sie waren aus Eichenholz gebaut, und waren mit je 26 12-Pfundern sowie mit vier Sechs-Pfundern bewaffnet. Die Besatzungen waren je 284 Offiziere und Matrosen. Die “S.M.S. Adria” wurde am 17. Mai 1797 in Venedig auf Kiel gelegt, aber lief vom Stapel nur am 6. Juni 1806. Sie wurde im Jahre 1815 verschrottet.
Die drei anderen Mitglieder dieser Klaße waren die “S.M.S. Austria” (1797), die “S.M.S. Pallade” (1786) und die “S.M.S. Aquila” (1797). Die “S.M.S. Austria” lief am 21. September 1803 in Venedig vom Stapel und wurde im Jahre 1814 verschrottet. Die “S.M.S. Pallade” wurde im Jahre 1786 auf Kiel gelegt, und wurde im Jahre 1802 verschrottet – sie ist nie vom Stapel gelaufen. Die “S.M.S. Aquila” wurde im Jahre 1797 auf Kiel gelegt, und lief am 21. September 1800 vom Stapel. Sie wurde im Jahre 1806 verschrottet.

“S.M.S. Austria” was a wooden sailing frigate and a sister ship to “S.M.S. Adria.” Her keel was laid down on the same date as that of “S.M.S. Adria,” and she shared the same technical specifications as well. She was launched in Venice on September 21, 1803. She also had an uneventful career, and was scrapped by 1814.“S.M.S. Pallade” was yet another wooden sailing frigate and sister ship to “S.M.S. Adria” and “S.M.S. Austria.” Her construction commenced in 1786. Her career was also uneventful, and she was scrapped in 1802 – never having been launched.“S.M.S. Aquila” started construction in Venice at the same time as “S.M.S. Adria” and “S.M.S. Austria.” She was actually launched earlier, on September 21, 1800. Her career was uneventful, and she was scrapped after 1806.

SMALL CAPITAL SHIPS

XI. “Leichte Kreuzer” (Light Cruisers)

Other important vessels the Navy deployed during World War Two were six modern light cruisers (the “Emden,” the three ships of the “Königsberg” class and the two ships of the “Leipzig” class), more than 50 modern destroyers and over 80 modern torpedo boats (basically smaller destroyers). They were of course christened after their famous World War One namesakes. Of their counterparts during World War One, Armored Cruisers proved to be obsolete (hence the step up to Battlecruisers), whereas Small Cruisers were useful scouts that evolved into modern light cruisers. Small torpedo boats evolved into modern destroyers from the 1880s to the great war of 1914-1918.

Die nächsten wichtigen Kriegsschiffe waren die Leichten Kreuzer. Zur Zeit des Zweiten Weltkrieges gab es sechs moderne Leichte Kreuzer – die “Emden,” die drei Mitglieder der “Königsberg” Klaße, die “Leipzig” und die “Nürnberg.” Die Deutsche Kriegsmarine hatte auch mehr als 50 moderne Zerstörer und mehr als 80 moderne Torpedoboote.

XIa. “Nürnberg” Class (1935)

The “Nurnberg” (1935) was the final German light cruiser to be commissioned. She displaced 9,040 tons and was armed with 9-6 inch guns in triple turrets plus 2 aircraft. She could make up to 32 knots with her diesel engines and turbines. Steaming radius was 5,700 miles. Her crew consisted of 896 officers and men. She survived World War Two and was handed over to the Soviet Union as war booty thereafter. She served in the Soviet Navy until 1961, when she was decommissioned and scrapped. The famous interwar (i.e., between World Wars One and Two) “Z-Plan” of German Navy had plans for thirty-six 7,500-ton scout cruisers (to be armed with 6-6 inch guns in 3 dual turrets) and eighteen 10,400-ton light cruisers (to be armed with 8-6 inch guns in 4 dual turrets) which never materialized due to the premature outbreak of World War Two. Steaming radius was to have been 12,000 miles and 8,000 miles, respectively.

Die “Nürnberg” (1935) war Deutschlands letzter getaufter Leichter Kreuzer. Sie hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 9,040 Tonnen, und war mit neun 15 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (in drei Drillingstürmen, eine vorne und zwei achtern) sowie mit zwei Flugzeuge bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Dieselantrieb sowie mit Turbinenantrieb war gute 32 Knoten, und die Reichweite war 5,700 Seemeilen. Die Besatzung des Schiffes war 896 Offiziere und Matrosen. Die “Nürnberg” überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg, und wurde an Sowjetrußland übergeben. Sie diente bei der sowjetrußischen Marine bis sie im Jahre 1961 verschrottet war.Der Z-Plan von Januar 1939 hatte es auch vor, mehr Leichte Kreuzer für Deutschland zu bauen. Die 18 Leichten Kreuzer der “M-Klaße” hatten eine geplante Einsatzverdrängung von je 10,400 Tonnen, und die geplante Bewaffnung waren je acht 15 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (in vier Zwillingstürmen, zwei vorne und zwei achtern). Die geplante Reichweite waren je 8,000 Seemeilen. Es gab auch 36 Spähkreuzer mit einer geplanten Einsatzverdrängung von je 7,500 Tonnen. Die geplante Bewaffnung waren je sechs 15 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (in drei Drillingstürmen, eine vorne und zwei achtern). Die geplante Reichweite waren gute je 12,000 Seemeilen. Diese geplanten Kriegsschiffe wurden aber nie auf Kiel gelegt, weil die rücksichtslose Außenpolitik Adolf Hitlers einen Zweiten Weltkrieg im September 1939 angefangen hat.

The German naval leadership was caught off guard by Hitler’s reckless foreign policy, and was forced to “shift gears” and to concentrate primarily on submarine construction for the remainder of World War Two. Hitler had promised them no armed conflict prior to 1943, and certainly no armed conflict with the United Kingdom and the United States of America. Germany’s then-limited resources were thus turned away from surface ship construction.

XIb. “Leipzig” Class (1931)

The “Leipzig” (1931) displaced 8,382 tons and was armed with 9-6 inch guns in triple turrets plus 2 aircraft. She could make a good 32 knots with her diesel engines and turbines. Radius of operations was 5,700 miles. Crew size was 850 officers and men. All of her three gun turrets were placed on a center line. In the K-class, the two aft turrets were “staggered” to increase their firing angles. This was later deemed not necessary, hence the change in the “Leipzig.” The “Leipzig” was named after a large German city in Saxony and especially after her famous World War One namesake. She survived the Second World War and was scuttled in the North Sea by the British in December 1946.

Der Leichte Kreuzer “Leipzig” (1931) war Deutschlands zweitletzter getaufter Leichter Kreuzer, und hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 8,382 Tonnen. Sie war mit neun 15 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (in drei Drillingstürmen, eine vorne und zwei achtern) sowie mit zwei Flugzeuge bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Dieselantrieb sowie mit Turbinenantrieb war gute 32 Knoten, und die Reichweite war 5,700 Seemeilen. Die Besatzung des Schiffes war 850 Offiziere und Matrosen. Das Schiff überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg, und wurde von den Engländern in der Nordsee im Dezember 1946 versenkt.

XIc. “Königsberg” Class (1929)

The so-called “K-Class” of three light cruisers followed the “Emden.” The “Königsberg” (1929) and her sisters “Karlsruhe” (1929) and “Köln” (1930) each displaced 8,130 tons and were armed with 9-6 inch guns in modern triple turrets plus 2 aircraft. Small and light cruisers before this class were always armed with guns in single turrets. These ships could make a good 32,5 knots with their diesel engines and turbines. Steaming radius was a very impressive 18,000 miles in this class. The crew of each ship consisted of 820 officers and men. All 3 ships were named after large German cities in general and after their illustrious World War One counterparts in particular. “Königsberg” and “Karlsruhe” were unfortunately lost during the successful German invasion of Norway in April 1940. “Köln” survived until 1945 and was scrapped after World War Two. “Königsberg” was raised and scrapped after the war.

Die drei Leichten Kreuzer der “K-Klaße” (1929) waren die “Königsberg” (1929), die “Karlsruhe” (1929) und die “Köln” (1930). Sie hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 8,130 Tonnen, und waren mit je neun 15 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (in drei Drillingstürmen, eine vorne und zwei achtern) sowie mit zwei Flugzeuge bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit war gute 32,5 Knoten mit Dieselantrieb sowie mit Turbinenantrieb, und die Reichweite war sehr gute 18,000 Seemeilen. Die Besatzung eines Schiffes der “K-Klaße” war 820 Offiziere und Matrosen. Die “Königsberg” und die “Karlsruhe” gingen zur Zeit der erfolgreichen Norwegeninvasion im April 1940 leider verloren. Die “Köln” überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg, und wurde kurz danach verschrottet. Die “Königsberg” wurde geborgen und nach dem Zweiten Weltkrieg auch verschrottet.

The city of Königsberg (now called “Kaliningrad” in Russian) was once the capital of the German State of East Prussia. Modern East Prussia is divided between both Russia and Lithuania (the Northern half) and Poland (the Southern half). The Polish part includes the regions of Masuria and the Ermland. Masuria is inhabited by the Evangelical-Lutheran Slavic Masurian people, and the Ermland is an old Roman Catholic German region. The Lithuanian part includes the narrow Memelland region in the far North. The Polish part of Southern East Prussia has a population of 1,427,091 people in 2008.

XId. “Emden” Class (1925)

Germany’s first post-World War One light cruiser was the “Emden” (1925). She was very similar to the last class of small cruiser from the end of World War One in terms of armament, speed and crew size. In fact, the only differences between them were that she had two smoke stacks instead of four, that she was diesel-powered instead of coal-powered and that a large amount of welding was used in her construction in order to reduce the weight of the ship by a few hundred tons. She was used to “show the flag” overseas between the two world wars, and was often used to train new sailors and officer candidates. She survived until 1945 and was scrapped after World War Two. She was of course named after the very famous “S.M.S. Emden” of World War One. She displaced 6,990 tons and could steam up to 5,300 miles. Her top speed was 29 knots. She was armed with 8-6 inch guns in single turrets, and was manned by a crew of 630 commissioned officers and enlisted sailors.

Der Leichte Kreuzer “Emden” (1925) war Deutschlands erster neuer Leichter Kreuzer nach dem Ersten Weltkrieg. Sie war den letzten deutschen Kleinen Kreuzern des Ersten Weltkrieges sehr ähnlich. Die neue “Emden” hatte zwei statt vier Schornsteine, und Dieselantrieb sowie Turbinenantrieb statt Kohlendampfantrieb. Bis September 1939 wurde sie sehr oft als Schulschiff benuetzt. Das Schiff überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg, und wurde nach dem Ende des Krieges verschrottet. Sie hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 6,990 Tonnen, war mit acht 15 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (in Einzeltürmen) bewaffnet, und hatte eine Besatzung von 630 Offiziere und Matrosen.

XIe. Captured Dutch Light Cruisers

Germany also had the possession of numerous captured enemy light cruisers during the course of World War Two. These included the two Dutch light cruisers “De Zeven Provincien” and “Eendracht,” each of 12,165 tons displacement, which were not actually launched until 1953. Today, both ships belong to the Peruvian Navy under different names – and they have been substantially modernized since their original commissioning in the Dutch Navy.

Die zwei niederländischen Leichten Kreuzer “De Zeven Provincien” und “Eendracht” wurden als Beuteschiffe zur Zeit des Zweiten Weltkrieges beschlagnahmt. Im Jahre 1940 waren sie schon auf Kiel gelegt, aber sie liefen vom Stapel nur nach dem Ende des Zweiten Weltkrieges im Jahre 1953, als sie wieder den Niederländern gehörten. Die zwei Schiffe wurden nach Peru verkauft, wo eins immer noch ist. Ein Schiff ist noch im Gebrauch, und das andere wurde schon verschrottet. Die Einsatzverdrängung der “Almirante Grau” (die ehemalige “De Zeven Provincien”) ist 12,165 Tonnen. Die Bewaffnung des Schiffes besteht aus acht SSM (Schiffabwehr-Raketen), acht 15,2 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (in zwei Zwillingstürmen vorn), acht Bofors 57 mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen, acht Bofors 40 mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen sowie drei Hubschrauber. Die Höchtsgeschwindigkeit des Schiffes ist gute 32 Knoten.

XIf. Captured Italian Light Cruisers

In 1943, the German Navy captured a good number of Italian light cruisers. These included the “Vesuvio” (1941) and the “Etna” (1942), each of 6,096 tons total displacement and armed with 6-5 inch guns. Both ships were named for volcanos in Italy, survived World War Two and were scrapped in 1945.

Als Italien im Jahre 1943 Krieg an das Deutsche Reich erklärte, hatte die Deutsche Kriegsmarine viele italienische Kriegsschiffe als Beute genommen. Die zwei Spähkreuzer “Vesuvio” (1941) und “Etna” (1942) hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 6,096 Tonnen, und waren mit je sechs 13,5 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (in drei Drillingstürmen) sowie mit zehn 6,5 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen bewaffnet. Die Höchtsgeschwindigkeit war gute 28 Knoten. Die zwei Schiffe überstanden den Zweiten Weltkrieg, und wurden nach dem Ende des Krieges verschrottet.

The 4 other captured Italian light or scout cruisers included the “Ciao Mario” (1941), the “Cornelio Silla” (1941), the “Giulio Germanico” (1941) and the “Ottaviano Augusto” (1942). Each ship in this class displaced 5,420 tons and was armed with 8-5 inch guns. They were all named after heroes of the old Roman Empire. “Ciao Mario” was scuttled by the Germans in 1944, “Cornelio Silla” was sunk in an Allied air raid in 1944, “Giulio Germanico” survived World War Two and was scrapped in 1971, and “Ottaviano Augusto” was sunk in an Allied air attack in late 1943.

Die vier Spähkreuzer “Ciao Mario” (1941), “Cornelio Silla” (1941), “Giulio Germanico” (1941) und “Ottaviano Augusto” (1942) hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 5,420 Tonnen, und waren mit je acht 13,5 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (in vier Zwillingstürmen, zwei vorne und zwei achtern) sowie mit acht 3,7 cm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen bewaffnet. Diese vier Schiffe wurden als Kriegsbeute im Jahre 1943 von Italien übernommen, und waren nach Helden des Römischen Reiches ernannt. Die “Ciao Mario” wurde von den Deutschen im Jahre 1944 selbst versenkt. Die “Cornelio Silla” wurde von Fliegerbomben im Jahre 1944 versenkt. Die “Giulio Germanico” überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg, und wurde erst im Jahre 1971 verschrottet. Die “Ottaviano Augusto” wurde durch Fliegerbomben im Jahre 1943 versenkt.

XII. “Kleine Kreuzer” (Small Cruisers)

The small cruisers used before and during World War One were the successors of the old armored and sailing corvettes. All of these ships were used heavily for scouting duty, to go ahead of the main battle fleet and to search for the enemy. They were smaller than armored or large cruisers, and had little protective armor plating. On the other hand, they were larger and more powerful compared to destroyers or torpedo boats. They were also the most common navy vessels used to serve abroad on foreign missions, training cruises or on colonial duty. Thus, they followed closely in the footsteps of their predecessors, the old armored or sailing corvettes.

Die Kleinen Kreuzer waren die Nachfolger der Panzerkorvetten und der Segelkorvetten, und auch die Vorgänger der modernen Leichten Kreuzer. Sie hatten wenig Panzerung, keine Segel und dienten als Spähkreuzer. Sie waren auch ziemlich schnell, und stärker als Zerstörer oder Torpedoboote. Sie haben sehr oft gedient im Ausland – genau wie die Panzerkorvetten und die Segelkorvetten.

XIIa. “S.M.S. Cöln II” Class (1916)

The last class of 14 German small cruisers during World War One included the likes of the “S.M.S. Wiesbaden” (1917) and the “S.M.S. Dresden” (1918). They were named after large German cities, and namesake small cruisers which were lost earlier during the war. Dresden is of course the capital city of the German State of Saxony. Each ship displaced up to 7,486 tons full load, was armed with 8-6 inch guns in single turrets plus 3-88 mm anti-aircraft guns and could make an impressive 29,3 knots under full steam with their coal boilers. Such speed is still good for today’s standards! Both ships survived World War One. “S.M.S. Wiesbaden” was scrapped by Germany in the 1920s along with 8 other incomplete cruisers of this class and “S.M.S. Dresden” was surrendered to the British and scuttled by her German crew at the Royal Navy base of Scapa Flow in Scotland in June 1919 along with 4 other completed cruisers of this class. The first German “Light Cruiser” (new nomenclature) after World War One was the “S.M.S. Emden” of 1925. She was a virtual copy of these ships, with the only differences being fewer smoke stacks (two versus four), diesel power (versus coal power) and more hull welding (to reduce weight). Names of the 12 remaining ships of this modern class were “S.M.S. Königsberg II” (1916), “S.M.S. Emden II” (1916), “S.M.S. Karlsruhe II” (1916), “S.M.S. Nürnberg II” (1917), “S.M.S. Cöln II” (1917), “S.M.S. Magdeburg II” (1917), “S.M.S. Leipzig II” (1918), “S.M.S. Rostock II” (1918), “S.M.S. Frauenlob II” (1918), “S.M.S. Ersatz Cöln” (1918), “S.M.S. Ersatz Emden” (1918) and “S.M.S. Ersatz Karlsruhe” (1918).

Die 14 Mitglieder der “S.M.S. Cöln II” (1916) Klaße waren die letzten, die größten und die besten Kleinen Kreuzer der Kaiserlichen Marine. Die 13 anderen Einheiten dieser Klaße waren die “S.M.S. Königsberg II” (1916), die “S.M.S. Emden II” (1916), die “S.M.S. Karlsruhe II” (1916), die “S.M.S. Wiesbaden” (1917), die “S.M.S. Nürnberg II” (1917), die “S.M.S. Magdeburg II” (1917), die “S.M.S. Dresden” (1918), die “S.M.S. Leipzig II” (1918), die “S.M.S. Rostock II” (1918), die “S.M.S. Frauenlob II” (1918), die “S.M.S. Ersatz Cöln” (1918), die “S.M.S. Ersatz Emden” (1918) und die “S.M.S. Ersatz Karlsruhe” (1918). Sie hatten je eine Einsatzverdrängung von 7,486 Tonnen, und waren mit je acht 15 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (in Einzeltürmen) sowie mit drei 88 mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit war mit Kohldampfantrieb sehr gute 29,3 Knoten – immer noch gut heutzutage. Alle Einheiten dieser Klaße wurden auf Kiel gelegt, viele liefen vom Stapel, aber die meisten wurden nie getauft. Fast alle Mitglieder dieser Klaße wurden in den 1920er Jahren verschrottet – außer fünf Schiffe, die in Scapa Flow in Schottland von den eigenen deutschen Besatzungen im Juni 1919 versenkt wurden.

“Cöln” is merely an antiquated German spelling of the modern “Köln,” or the large city of Cologne in the Rhineland. The city of Cologne proper has a population of 991,395 people today. It is the 4th largest German city after Berlin, Hamburg and Munich, but forms the largest metropolitan region in Germany with population of 11,817,132 people in 2008.

XIIb. “S.M.S. Graudenz” Class (1914)

“S.M.S. Graudenz” (1914) and “S.M.S. Regensburg” (1915) displaced 6,382 tons each and were armed with 7-6 inch guns plus 2-88 mm anti-aircraft guns. They could make a good 27,5 knots under full steam with their coal boilers. Both were named after large German cities. Graudenz was in Eastern Germany (now part of Poland) and Regensburg is in Bavaria in Southern Germany. Regensburg is the former home of the Reichstag (parliament) of the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation, or First Reich which endured from 800 to 1806. Both ships survived World War One. “S.M.S. Graudenz” was scrapped in 1937 and “S.M.S. Regensburg” was scuttled by the Germans off their occupied French naval base of Lorient in 1944, where she remains to this day.

Die zwei Kleinen Kreuzer “S.M.S. Graudenz” (1914) und “S.M.S. Regensburg” (1915) hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 6,382 Tonnen, und waren mit sieben 15 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen sowie mit zwei 88 mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit war mit Kohldampfantrieb gute 27,5 Knoten – immer noch gut für heute. Die zwei Schiffe überstanden den Ersten Weltkrieg. Die “S.M.S. Graudenz” wurde im Jahre 1937 verschrottet, und die “S.M.S. Regensburg” wurde von den Deutschen in Lorient, Frankreich im Jahre 1944 selbst versenkt.

XIIc. “S.M.S. Stralsund” Class (1912)

“S.M.S Stralsund” (1912) displaced 5,587 tons and was armed with 7-6 inch guns plus 2-88 mm anti-aircraft guns. She could make an impressive 28,2 knots under full steam with her coal boilers – also a good top speed for a warship of today! Stralsund is a coastal city on the Baltic Sea, in the modern German State of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (”Mecklenburg-Near Pomerania” in English). The ship survived World War One and was scrapped in 1935.

Der Kleine Kreuzer “S.M.S. Stralsund” (1912) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 5,587 Tonnen, und war mit sieben 15 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (in Einzeltürmen) sowie mit zwei 88 mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Kohldampfantrieb war gute 28,2 Knoten – immer noch gut für heute. Das Schiff überstand den Ersten Weltkrieg, und wurde im Jahre 1935 verschrottet.

XIId. “S.M.S. Oldenburg” Class (1884)

“S.M.S. Oldenburg” (1884) was a single member class of Imperial German armored corvette, but she was built without any rigging and sails – making her very modern for her time. It is for this reason that I include her among the small cruisers. She was built by the A.G. Vulcan Shipyard in the port city of Stettin, Pomerania. She was a casemated ship armed with 8 24-cm and 2 8,7-cm ring cannon, and her crew was comprised of 34 commissioned officers plus 355 enlisted men. She displaced up to 5,249 tons full load,, was 80 meters long, and she was powered by 2 double expansion engines driving twin 3-blade screws – giving her a top speed of up to 14 knots. She was scrapped in 1919 after 35 years of service. She was of course named after the Grand Duchy of Oldenburg, which was located in Northwestern Germany.

Die Panzerkorvette “S.M.S. Oldenburg” (1884) war ein Einzelschiff ohne Segel – ganz modern zu der Zeit. Sie wurde beim A.G. Vulcan in Stettin, Hinterpommern gebaut. Sie war mit acht 24 cm Kasemattkanonen sowie mit zwei 8,7 cm Ringkanonen bewaffnet, und hatte eine Besatzung von 34 Offiziere und 355 Matrosen. Sie hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 5,249 Tonnen, war 80 Meter lang und die Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Kohldampfantrieb war 14 Knoten. Sie wurde im Jahre 1919 verschrottet – nach 35 Jahren Dienstzeit.

XIIe. “S.M.S. Straßburg” Class (1912)

“S.M.S. Straßburg” (1912) and “S.M.S. Breslau” (1912) each displaced 5,281 tons and were armed with up to 8-6 inch guns, 2-88 mm anti-aircraft guns and 2-50 cm torpedo tubes. They could make up to 27,5 knots under full steam with their coal boilers. “S.M.S. Straßburg” survived World War One and was scrapped in 1947. She was named after the capital city of Straßburg in the German State of Elsaß-Lothringen (”Alsace-Lorraine”) which is now part of France. Straßburg (”Strasbourg” in French) is the seat of the modern European Parliament, the primary legislative body of the European Union. “S.M.S. Breslau” was sunk by mines in the Aegean Sea in January 1918.

Die zwei Kleinen Kreuzer “S.M.S. Straßburg” (1912) und “S.M.S. Breslau” (1912) hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 5,281 Tonnen, und waren mit je acht 15 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (in Einzeltürmen), zwei 88 mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen und zwei 50 cm Torpedorohre bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Kohldampfantrieb war gute 27,5 Knoten – immer noch gut für heute. Die “S.M.S. Breslau” wurde durch Minentreffer im ägaischen Meer in Januar 1918 versenkt. Die “S.M.S. Straßburg” überstand den Ersten Weltkrieg sowie den Zweiten Weltkrieg, und wurde im Jahre 1947 verschrottet.

XIIf. “S.M.S. Pillau” Class (1914)

“S.M.S. Pillau” (1914) and “S.M.S. Elbing” (1915) each displaced up to 5,252 tons and were armed with 8-6 inch guns plus 4-2 inch guns. They could make up to 27,5 knots with their coal boilers under full steam. Both ships were named for coastal cities and German naval bases in the old German Province of East Prussia (”Ostpreußen” in German), which today is divided between Poland (Southern half including Ermland and Masuria regions) and Russia (Northern half now named “Kaliningrad Oblast” or “Königsberg Region”). “S.M.S. Pillau” survived World War One and was scrapped in 1944. “S.M.S. Elbing” was heavily damaged and then scuttled by her German crew at the Battle of Jutland in May 1916 – fortunately the vast majority of her crew was rescued and transferred to other German warships.

Die Kleinen Kreuzer “S.M.S. Pillau” (1914) und die “S.M.S. Elbing” (1915) hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 5,252 Tonnen, und waren mit je acht 15 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (in Einzeltürmen) sowie mit vier 5,2 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Kohldampfantrieb war gute 27,5 Knoten – immer noch gut für heute. Die “S.M.S. Elbing” wurde bei der Seeschlacht am Skagerrak am 31. Mai 1916 schwer beschädigt, und wurde von ihrer deutschen Besatzung selbst versenkt. Die große Mehrheit der Besatzung wurde von anderen deutschen Kriegsschiffen gerettet. Die “S.M.S. Pillau” überstand den Ersten Weltkrieg, und wurde im Jahre 1944 verschrottet.

XIIg. “S.M.S. Frankfurt” Class (1915)

“S.M.S. Frankfurt” (1915) displaced a maximum 5,200 tons and was armed with 8-6 inch guns plus 4-2 inch guns and could make up to 27,5 knots with her coal boilers under full steam. Any speed of 26 knots and above is still considered good for the combat ships of modern navies around the world. She was named for the German city of Frankfurt, which is today the capital of the modern German State of Hessen (”Hesse” or “Hessia” in English) and the seat of the European Central Bank. Frankfurt is also Germany’s banking capital, home to such large banks as Deutsche Bank and Dresdner Bank. The ship survived World War One, and was surrendered to the USA as war booty thereafter. The Americans sunk her as a target vessel in a test off the coast of Cape Henry in 1921.

Der Kleine Kreuzer “S.M.S. Frankfurt” (1915) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 5,200 Tonnen, und war mit acht 15 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (in Einzeltürmen) sowie mit vier 5,2 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Kohldampfantrieb war gute 27,5 Knoten. Eine maximale Geschwindigkeit von 26 oder mehr Knoten ist für moderne Kriegsschiffe immer noch ganz gut. Die “S.M.S. Frankfurt” überstand den Ersten Weltkrieg, und wurde an die USA übergeben. Sie wurde als Zielschiff der amerikanischen Marine an der Küste von Virginien im Jahre 1921 versenkt.

XIIh. “S.M.S. Kolberg” Class (1910)

”S.M.S. Kolberg” (1910) displaced 4,915 tons and was armed with 6-6 inch guns plus 2-88 mm anti-aircraft guns. She could make up to 26,3 knots with her coal boilers under full steam. She was named after the city of Kolberg in the old German Province of Pomerania, which since 1945 has been part of Poland. Kolberg and Pomerania lie along the Baltic Sea coast. The ship survived World War One, and was scrapped in 1929.

Der Kleine Kreuzer “S.M.S. Kolberg” (1910) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 4,915 Tonnen, und war mit sechs 15 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (in Einzeltürmen) sowie mit zwei 88 mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen bewaffnet. Die Höchtsgeschwindigkeit mit Kohldampfantrieb war gute 26,3 Knoten. Das Schiff überstand den Ersten Weltkrieg, und wurde im Jahre 1929 verschrottet. Die Stadt Kolberg liegt in Hinterpommern (seit 1945 in Polen). Die Bevölkerungszahl von Hinterpommern ist heute 6,025,877, wovon 14 Prozent immer noch deutsch als eine zweite Sprache sprechen.  Die deutschsprechende Bevölkerung von Ostpommern ist hauptsächlich in Stettin und auch in Kolberg zu finden.

Further Pomerania’s current population in modern Poland is 6,025,877, of whom 14% can still speak German as a second language.  The German-speaking minority of Eastern Pomerania is primarily resident in the cities of Stettin and Kolberg.  Pomerania ranges from the German-Polish border near the Oder River to just West of the city of Danzig in the East (now called “Gdansk” in Polish).

XIIi. “S.M.S. Mainz” Class (1909)

“S.M.S. Mainz” (1909) displaced 4,889 tons and was armed with 12-4 inch guns plus 4-2 inch guns. One can notice the less powerful armament of an older small cruiser such as this. She could make up to 26,8 knots under full steam with her coal boilers and was named after the German city of Mainz. Sadly, she was sunk by British battlecruisers in the Battle of Helgoland on August 28, 1914. She carried Germany’s first flag officer (i.e., an admiral) to die in World War One down with her. The German Navy had only small cruisers out to sea on that fateful day. When the battle commenced, the large and powerful German battlecruisers were unfortunately pinned down behind the Jade Estuary (the outlet of the Wilhelmshaven Naval Base) due to the low tide.

Der Kleine Kreuzer “S.M.S. Mainz” (1909) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 4,889 Tonnen, und war mit 12-10,5 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (in Einzeltürmen) sowie mit vier 5,2 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen bewaffnet. Man soll beachten, das die älteren Kleinen Kreuzer weniger Bewaffnung hatten. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit des Schiffes war gute 26,8 Knoten. Die meisten Kriegsschiffe am Ende des Ersten Weltkrieges haben noch Kohldampfantrieb benützt. Die “S.M.S. Mainz” wurde von englischen Schlachtkreuzern bei der Seeschlacht von Helgoland am 28. August 1914 leider versenkt. Die Kaiserliche Marine hat drei Kleine Kreuzer, ein Torpedoboot, Konteradmiral Leberecht Maass und 700 Seeleute verloren. 400 deutsche Seeleute wurden von den Engländern als Kriegsgefangene gerettet. Die Englaender haben nur 35 Seeleute verloren, weil die mächtigen deutschen Schlachtkreuzer behindert waren, weil während der Ebbe das Waßer der Jade eine Ausfahrt unmöglich machte.

XIIj. “S.M.S. Kaiser Franz Josef I” Class (1890)

The Austrian small cruisers “S.M.S. Kaiser Franz Josef I” (1890) and “S.M.S. Kaiserin Elisabeth” (1892) displaced 4,566 tons each and were armed with 8-6 inch guns plus 2-3 inch guns. They could make up to 19 knots under full steam, which illustrates how older cruisers were considerably slower. They were named for the ruling Emperor Franz Josef I (1830-1916) and his wife Empress Elisabeth (1837-1898) of Austria-Hungary, who were of the Habsburg-Lothringen Dynasty. The first ship of this class survived World War One and was scrapped after the war, while “S.M.S. Kaiserin Elisabeth” was scuttled in the German colony of Tsingtau in China in 1914. She was deemed too obsolete to fight, which would have been suicidal for her crew. The men fought alongside the Germans in trying to defend Tsingtau against the vastly more numerous Japanese and British invaders. They surrendered in late 1914, and most of them spent numerous horrific years in Japanese and Australian captivity. The Australian camps were particularly brutal, and many Austrian survivors only made it back home to Austria, Hungary, Czechoslovakia and Yugoslavia in 1920.

Die zwei Kleinen Kreuzer “S.M.S. Kaiser Franz Josef I” (1890) und “S.M.S. Kaiserin Elisabeth” (1892) hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 4,566 Tonnen, und waren mit je acht 15 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (in Einzeltürmen) sowie mit zwei 7,0 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Kohldampfantrieb waren nur 19 Knoten. Hier kann man beachten, wie die älteren Kleinen Kreuzer auch wesentlich langsamer waren. Die “S.M.S. Kaiser Franz Josef I” überstand den Ersten Weltkrieg und wurde im Oktober 1919 verschrottet. Die “S.M.S. Kaiserin Elisabeth” war am Anfang des Ersten Weltkrieges im deutschen Schutzgebiet von Tsingtau. Sie wurde von ihrer eigenen österreichischen Besatzung versenkt, weil sie schon zu veraltet für den Krieg war. Ihre Besatzung hatte mit den deutschen Kameraden Tsingtau gegen die britische und die japanische Übermacht verteidigt, bis sie sich im Spätjahr 1914 übergaben. Die Kriegsgefangenschaft in Japan war nicht schlecht, aber in Australien war die Kriegsgefangenschaft sehr brutal. Die Deutschen sind nur im Jahre 1919 wieder nach Deutschland gekommen, aber die Österreicher, die Ungarn, die Tschechen, die Slowaken, die Slowener und die Kroaten wurden erst im Jahre 1920 aus der Kriegsgefangenschaft entlaßen.Franz Josef I von Oesterreich (1830-1916) war der zweitletzte Kaiser von Österreich sowie König von Ungarn von 1848 bis er im Jahre 1916 starb. Sein Nachfolger war Karl I Franz Josef Ludwig Hubert Georg Maria (1887-1922), der letzte Kaiser von Österreich, sowie König von Ungarn, Böhmen, Dalmatien, Kroatien, Slavonien, Galizien, Lodomerien, Illyrien und Jerusalem. Elisabeth Aumalie Eugenie, Herzogin in Bayern (1837-1898), wurde auch “Sisi” oder “Sißi” genannt. Sie war Base (die Cousine) ersten Grades von Franz Josef I, und auch seine Gattin. Der Nachfolger von Kaiser Karl ist sein ältester Sohn Otto von Habsburg-Lothringen (am 20. November 1912 geboren und jetzt im Ruhestand in Bayern). Seit den 1. Januar 2007 ist das neue Oberhaupt des Adelhauses Habsburg-Lothringen Ottos ältester Sohn Karl von Habsburg-Lothringen (am 11. Januar 1961 in Bayern geboren). Karl von Habsburg-Lothringen is Souveraen, Großmeister und Ritter des Ordens vom Goldenen Vlies. Er ist auch Träger des Großkreuzes des Souveränen Malteser-Ritterordens und Ehrenritter des Deutschen Ordens. Er ist seit 1986 Präsident der habsburgischen “Paneuropa-Union,” und seit 2002 Generaldirektor der “Organisation der nicht-repräsentierten Nationen und Völker” (UNPO). Karl von Habsburg-Lothringen ist mit Francesca Thyßen-Bornemisza de Kaszon verheiratet. Das Ehepaar und ihre drei Kinder wohnen seit 2005 in Wien. Ihre Kinder heißen Eleonore, Ferdinand Zvonimir (der Thronfolger, der am 21. Juni 1997 in Salzburg geboren wurde) und Gloria.

XIIk. “Irene” Class (1887)

The 2 Imperial German cruising corvettes “S.M.S. Irene” (1887) and “S.M.S. Prinzeß Wilhelm” (1887) were built without any rigging and sails – thus do I include them here among other small cruisers. They were both steel ships, each 104 meters long, displacing up to 4,271 tons full load, capable of up to 18 knots, being powered by 2 double expansion engines driving twin screws. “S.M.S. Irene (1887) was built by the A.G. Vulcan Shipyard in Stettin, Pomerania, while “S.M.S. Prinzeß Wilhelm” (1887) was built by the Germania Shipyard in Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein. Both vessels were armed with 14 15-cm ring cannon, and were scrapped in 1921 and 1922, respectively (after up to 35 years of service in the German Navy).

Die zwei kaiserlich-deutschen Kreuzerkorvetten “S.M.S. Irene” (1887) und “S.M.S. Prinzeß Wilhelm” (1887) wurden ohne Segel gebaut, und waren deswegen mehr als Kleine Kreuzer. Sie hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 4,271 Tonnen, waren je 104 Meter lang, und die Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Dampfantrieb waren 18 Knoten. Die “S.M.S. Irene” wurde beim A.G. Vulcan in Stettin (Hinterpommern) gebaut, und die “S.M.S. Prinzeß Wilhelm” wurde bei Germania in Kiel gebaut. Die Bewaffnung dieser Klaße waren je 14-15 cm Ringkanonen. Diese Schiffe überstanden den Ersten Weltkrieg, und wurden zwischen 1921 und 1922 verschrottet.

XIIl. “S.M.S. Saida” Class (1914)

The three Austrian small cruisers “S.M.S. Saida” (1914), “S.M.S. Helgoland” (1914) and “S.M.S. Novara” (1915) displaced 4,010 tons each, were armed with 9-4 inch guns plus one 2 inch gun and could make up to 27 knots under full steam with their coal boilers. All three ships survived World War One and were scrapped after the war. “S.M.S. Saida” and “S.M.S. Helgoland” were taken by Italy as war booty, and scrapped in 1937 after their service in the Italian Navy. “S.M.S. Novara” was taken by France as war booty, and was scrapped by the Germans in 1942, after she was captured by Germany in 1940. In comparison to dreadnought battleships, battlecruisers and armored cruisers, small cruisers saw much more action during World War One. Both heads of state and admirals were afraid to lose the larger ships, and a new weapon (the submarine with her deadly torpedos) changed naval warfare forever. In hindsight, navies should have had many more small cruisers, destroyers, torpedo boats and submarines – and fewer of the large ships. Another new weapon of World War One (the airplane) would make battleships and battlecruisers obsolete by the time of World War Two. The aircraft carrier would eventually replace the battleship as the most important type of capital navy ship – a fact which still holds true today.

Die drei Mitglieder der “S.M.S. Saida” (1914) Klaße hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 4,010 Tonnen, und waren mit je neun 10,0 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (in Einzeltürmen) sowie mit einer 4,7 cm Schnellfeuerkanone bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Dampfantrieb war gute 27 Knoten. Die zwei anderen Einheiten dieser Klaße waren die “S.M.S. Helgoland” (1914) und die “S.M.S. Novara” (1915). Alle drei Schiffe überstanden den Ersten Weltkrieg. Die “S.M.S. Saida” und die “S.M.S. Helgoland” wurden nach dem Ersten Weltkrieg an Italien übergeben, und wurden im Jahre 1937 verschrottet. Die “S.M.S. Novara” wurde nach dem Ersten Weltkrieg an Frankreich übergeben, und dann im Jahre 1940 von der Deutschen Kriegsmarine beschlagnahmt. Sie wurde dann im Jahre 1942 verschrottet. Alle drei Schiffe waren zur Zeit des Ersten Weltkriegs sehr aktiv.

XIIm. “S.M.S. Stuttgart” Class (1908)

“S.M.S. Stuttgart” (1908) displaced 4,002 tons and was armed with 4-4 inch guns and 3 seaplanes, which made her Germany’s first warship to be armed with aircraft. She could make up to 23 knots with her coal boilers under full steam. She was named after the German city of Stuttgart, which is the traditional capital of the former Duchy of Swabia. Stuttgart is still home to the companies building both Mercedes-Benz and Porsche cars today. The ship survived World War One and was scrapped in 1920.

Der Kleine Kreuzer “S.M.S. Stuttgart” (1908) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 4,002 Tonnen, und war mit vier 10,5 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (in Einzeltürmen) bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Dampfantrieb war 23 Knoten. Sie wurde als Deutschlands erster Flugbootträger umgebaut, und wurde auch mit 3 Flugboote ausgerüstet. Das Schiff überstand den Ersten Weltkrieg, und wurde im Jahre 1920 verschrottet.

XIIn. “S.M.S. Admiral Spaun” Class (1910)

The Austrian small cruiser “S.M.S. Admiral Spaun” (1910) displaced 4,000 tons and was armed with 7-4 inch guns and one 2 inch gun. She could make up to 27 knots under full steam with her coal boilers, and survived World War One to be scrapped thereafter. She was named after Austrian Admiral Hermann Freiherr von Spaun (1833-1919). He joined the Austrian Navy in 1850, and served in the war against France and the Kingdom of Sardinia in 1859. He also served in the war against Denmark in 1864, and in the war against Italy and the Kingdom of Prussia in 1866. Admiral von Spaun retired from the Navy in 1904.

Der Kleine Kreuzer “S.M.S. Admiral Spaun” (1910) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 4,000 Tonnen, und war mit sieben 10,0 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (in Einzeltürmen) sowie mit einer 4,7 cm Schnellfeuerkanone bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Dampfantrieb war gute 27 Knoten. Das Schiff überstand den Ersten Weltkrieg, und wurde im Jahre 1922 von den Engländern verschrottet. Admiral Hermann Freiherr von Spaun (1833-1919) diente bei der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine von 1850 bis er im Jahre 1904 in den Ruhestand ging. Er diente im Krieg gegen Frankreich und das Königreich Sardinien im Jahre 1859, gegen das Königreich Dänemark im Jahre 1864, und gegen das Königreich Italian sowie das Königreich Preußen im Jahre 1866.

XIIo. “S.M.S. Stettin” Class (1907)

“S.M.S. Stettin” (1907) displaced 3,822 tons and was armed with 10-4 inch guns plus 8-2 inch guns. She could make up to 25,2 knots under full steam with her coal boilers, and was named after Stettin, the capital city of Pomerania now part of modern Poland since 1945. She survived World War One and was scrapped in 1920.

Der Kleine Kreuzer “S.M.S. Stettin” (1907) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 3,822 Tonnen, und war mit zehn 10,5 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (in Einzeltürmen) sowie mit acht 5,2 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Dampfantrieb war 25,2 Knoten. Das Schiff überstand den Ersten Weltkrieg und wurde im Jahre 1920 verschrottet. Die Hansestadt Stettin war bis Mai 1945 die Hauptstadt von Pommern.

XIIp. “S.M.S. Bremen” Class (1902)

The 12 small cruisers similar to “S.M.S. Danzig” (1907) displaced up to 3,783 tons each and were armed with 10-4 inch guns plus 2-45 cm torpedo tubes. They could make up to 25,2 knots under full steam with their coal boilers. Danzig is a large port city in East Prussia, now part of modern Poland under the Polish name of “Gdansk.” Other ships in this class of 12 units included the “S.M.S. München” (named after the Bavarian capital city of Munich), the “S.M.S. Emden” (which gained fame due to her heroic raiding cruise in the Indian Ocean in 1914), the “S.M.S. Dresden” (which was sunk by British cruisers in the Pacific at Isla Juan Fernandez or “Robinson Crusoe” Island in 1914), the “S.M.S Königsberg” (which was scuttled by her own crew in the Rufiji River Delta in German East Africa to prevent her from being useful to the British), the “S.M.S. Nürnberg” (which was sunk by the British at the Battle of the Falkland Islands in 1914), the “S.M.S. Leipzig” (same fate as “S.M.S. Nürnberg”), the S.M.S. Karlsruhe (same fate as “S.M.S. Nürnberg”) and finally the “S.M.S. Köln” (sunk by the British off Trinidad & Tobago in 1914). Other ships of the class were of course “S.M.S. Bremen” (commissioned in 1904), “S.M.S. Berlin” (1905), “S.M.S. Hamburg” (1904) and ”S.M.S. Lübeck” (1905).

Die 12 Kleinen Kreuzer der “S.M.S. Bremen” (1902) Klaße hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 3,783 Tonnen, und waren mit je zehn 10,5 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (in Einzeltürmen) sowie mit zwei 45 cm Torpedorohre bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Dampfantrieb war 25,2 Knoten. Die 11 anderen Mitglieder dieser zahlreichen und sehr berühmten Klaße waren die “S.M.S. Danzig,” die “S.M.S. München,” die “S.M.S. Emden,” die “S.M.S. Dresden,” die “S.M.S. Königsberg,” die “S.M.S. Nürnberg,” die “S.M.S. Leipzig,” die “S.M.S. Köln,” die “S.M.S. Berlin,” die “S.M.S. Hamburg” und die “S.M.S. Lübeck.” Die “S.M.S. Emden” unter Kapitän zur See Karl von Müller hatte 30 feindliche Schiffe im Indischen Ozean im Jahre 1914 versenkt. 80 feindliche Kriegsschiffe haben die “S.M.S. Emden” entweder gejagt oder auch bekämpft. Die “S.M.S. Königsberg” wurde von ihrer eigenen Besatzung in Deutsch-Ostafrika versenkt. Die “S.M.S. Nürnberg” und die “S.M.S. Leipzig” fielen bei der Falklandschlacht im Jahre 1914 (sie gehörten zum Deutschlands Ostasiengeschwader unter Vizeadmiral Maximilian Johannes Maria Hubert Reichsgraf von Spee). Die “S.M.S. Dresden” wurde von ihrer eigenen Besatzung bei Isla Juan Fernandez (oder “Robinson Kreuznauer Insel”) im Südpazifischen Ozean versenkt. Die “S.M.S. Köln” wurde von der britischen Marine in der Nähe von Trinidad und Tobago im Jahre 1914 versenkt.

XIIq. “S.M.S. Arcona” Class (1902)

The “S.M.S. Arcona” (1902) displaced 3,180 tons and was armed with 8-4 inch guns plus 2-50 cm torpedo tubes. She could make up to 21,5 knots under full steam with her coal boilers and was one of Germany’s earliest modern small cruisers along with her sister ships. She was named after Cape Arcona, which lies along the German Baltic Sea Coast in the modern State of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (”Mecklenburg-Near Pomerania” in English).

Der Kleine Kreuzer “S.M.S. Arcona” (1902) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 3,180 Tonnen, und war mit acht 10,5 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (in Einzeltürmen) sowie mit zwei 50 cm Torpedorohre bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Dampfantrieb war 21,5 Knoten. Das Schiff überstand den Ersten Weltkrieg, und diente auch bei der nachkriegs Reichsmarine. Sie wurde von ihrer eigenen Besatzung am 3. Mai in 1945 in Wilhelmshaven versenkt, nach dem Ende des Zweiten Weltkrieges geborgen und im Jahre 1949 endlich verschrottet.

XIIr. “S.M.S. Niobe” Class (1900)

The “S.M.S. Niobe” (1900) displaced 2,963 tons and was armed with 10-4 inch guns plus 2-50 cm torpedo tubes. She could make up to 22,1 knots with under full steam with her coal boilers and belonged to the very first class of German small cruisers. Steaming radius was 4,000 miles. The 7 other ships in this class of 8 units were “S.M.S. Gazelle” (1900), “S.M.S. Nymphe” (1900), “S.M.S. Thetis” (1901), “S.M.S. Ariadne” (1901), “S.M.S. Amazone” (1901), “S.M.S. Medusa” (1901) and ”S.M.S. Frauenlob” (1903). “Gazelle” is of course an animal, and the rest of the ships were named after figures from classical mythology with the exception of “Frauenlob.” “Frauenlob” literally means “for the praise of women.” The very first “S.M.S. Frauenlob” was a sailing vessel of the Prussian Navy, donations for which were collected from women all over the Kingdom of Prussia. “S.M.S. Gazelle” survived World War One and was scrapped in 1920. “S.M.S. Niobe” survived World War One to fight again in World War Two, where she was lost in the Adriatic in November 1943. “S.M.S. Nymphe” survived World War One and was scrapped in 1932. “S.M.S. Thetis” survived the great war as well, and was finally scrapped in 1930. “S.M.S. Ariadne” was sunk off the East Frisian coast of Germany in August 1914. “S.M.S. Amazone” survived both world wars and was scrapped in 1954. “S.M.S. Medusa” survived World War One to be lost very late in World War Two, in May 1945. “S.M.S. Frauenlob” was sunk by a British cruiser at the Battle of Jutland in May 1916.

Die acht Kleinen Kreuzer der “S.M.S. Niobe” (1900) Klaße hatten je eine Einsatzverdrängung von 2,963 Tonnen, und waren mit je zehn 10,5 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (in Einzeltürmen) sowie mit zwei 50 cm Torpedorohre bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Kohldampfantrieb war 22,1 Knoten, und die Reichweite war 4,000 Seemeilen. Die sieben anderen Mitglieder dieser Klaße waren die “S.M.S. Gazelle” (1900), die “S.M.S. Nymphe” (1900), die “S.M.S. Thetis” (1901), die “S.M.S. Ariadne” (1901), die “S.M.S. Amazone” (1901), die “S.M.S. Medusa” (1901) und die “S.M.S. Frauenlob” (1903). Die meisten Patennamen dieser Klaße kamen aus der klaßischen Mythologie. Die erste “S.M.S. Frauenlob” war ein Segelschiff der Königlichen Preußischen Marine. Die Geld dafür wurde von Frauen über ganz Preußen gesammelt. Die “S.M.S. Niobe” überstand den Ersten Weltkrieg, aber wurde im Jahre 1943 im Adriatischen Meer versenkt. Die “S.M.S. Gazelle” überstand den Ersten Weltkrieg, und wurde im Jahre 1920 verschrottet. Die “S.M.S. Nymphe” überstand den Ersten Weltkrieg, und diente bei der nachkriegs Reichsmarine. Sie wurde im Jahre 1932 verschrottet. Die “S.M.S. Thetis” überstand den Ersten Weltkrieg, und diente auch bei der nachkriegs Reichsmarine. Sie wurde im Jahre 1930 verschrottet. Die “S.M.S. Ariadne” wurde am Anfang des Ersten Weltkrieges im August 1914 an der Küste von Ostfriesland versenkt. Die “S.M.S. Amazone” überstand den Ersten sowie den Zweiten Weltkrieg, und wurde erst im Jahre 1954 verschrottet. Die “S.M.S. Medusa” überstand den Ersten und fast den Zweiten Weltkrieg – sie wurde im Mai 1945 versenkt. Die “S.M.S. Frauenlob” wurde bei der Skagerrakschlacht am 31. Mai 1916 von den Engländern versenkt.

XIIs. “S.M.S. Aspern” Class (1900)

The Austrian small cruiser “S.M.S. Aspern” (1900) displaced 2,625 tons and was armed with 8-5 inch guns plus 10-2 inch guns and could make up to 22 knots under full steam with her coal boilers. She was named for the Austrian victory against the French at the town of Aspern in Austria in May 1809. Austrian Archduke Charles of the Habsburg Dynasty (”Erzherzog Karl” in German) handed Napoleon Bonaparte of France his first real defeat in a war which began in 1792. The tide would truly not be turned until Napoleon’s retreat from Moscow began in 1812, and final victory would not be won until the Battle of Waterloo in what is now Belgium in 1815. Napoleon Bonaparte was born on the island of Corsica, which although part of France is much closer to Italy in terms of both language and culture. The ship survived World War One and was scrapped after the war.

Der Kleine Kreuzer “S.M.S. Aspern” (1900) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 2,625 Tonnen, und war mit acht 12 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (in Einzeltürmen) sowie mit zehn 4,7 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Kohldampfantrieb war 22 Knoten. Das Schiff überstand den Ersten Weltkrieg, und wurde im Jahre 1922 verschrottet. Erzherzog Karl Ludwig Johann Joseph Laurentius von Österreich (1771-1847) war Herzog von Teschen, grosser Feldherr und Mitglied des Adelhauses Habsburg-Lothringen. Er ist am besten dadurch in Erinnerung geblieben, daß er Napoleon Bonaparte von Frankreich die erste Niederlage bei Aspern (heute ein Teil von Wien) im Mai 1809 auf dem Schlachtfeld zufügte.

XIIt. “S.M.S. Szigetvár” Class (1901)

The Austrian small cruiser “S.M.S. Szigetvár” (1901) displaced 2,562 tons and was armed with 8-5 inch guns and could make up to 22 knots under full steam with her coal boilers. She was named for the Hungarian and Croatian battle against the Ottoman Turks at the town of Szigetvar (”Inselburg” in German which means “island castle” in English) in Southern Hungary in 1566. The Austrians, Hungarians and Croatians were wiped out (they had a much smaller force), but the “victory” cost Ottoman Turkey so much in men and material that the Turks never truly recovered from this costly victory of theirs. The Hungarian-Croatian military leader in this battle was their shared national hero Miklos Zrinyi.

Der Kleine Kreuzer “S.M.S. Szigetvar” (1901) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 2,562 Tonnen, und war mit acht 12 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (in Einzeltürmen), zehn 4,7 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen, zwei Maschinengewehre sowie mit zwei 45 cm Torpedorohre bewaffnet. Die Besatzung des Schiffes war 17 Offiziere und 290 Matrosen. Das Schiff überstand den Ersten Weltkrieg, und wurde im Jahre 1923 verschrottet. Die Schlacht von Szigetvar (”Inselburg” auf deutsch) in Südungarn im Jahre 1566 ist sehr berühmt, weil die Ungarn und die Kroaten unter deren Nationalheld Miklos Subic Zrinyi den osmanischen Türken viel gekostet haben. Die Türken haben “gewonnen” sozusagen, aber der Preis war zu hoch. Fast alle 2,500 Ungarn und Kroaten gingen verloren, aber die osmanischen Türken haben 30,000 Soldaten und auch ihren Feldherrn Sultan Suleyman den Prächtigen verloren.

XIIu. “S.M.S. Zenta” Class (1899)

The Austrian small cruiser “S.M.S. Zenta” (1899) displaced 2,313 tons and was armed with 8-5 inch guns plus 10-2 inch guns. She could make up to 21,8 knots and was one of the last small cruisers to be powered both by coal boilers (steam engines) and by auxiliary rigging and sails. She was sunk early in World War One in August 1914, when she was on patrol in the Southern Adriatic Sea. Virtually the entire French fleet (complete with 12 battleships, and armored cruisers in addition to the battleships) plus numerous British cruisers and destroyers surprised and sunk her – a grand total of 61 enemy warships. Her officers and crew were very courageous against a much larger enemy, and many of them died that day. Many were also taken prisoner and sent to a POW camp in Montenegro, where they were eventually liberated by advancing Austrian troops more than one year later. She was named for the Austrian victory over Ottoman Turkey in 1697 at the town of Zenta (”Senta” in Serbo-Croatian”) in Serbia. The Austrians were lead by the legendary Holy Roman and German Field Marshall Prince Eugene of Savoy, who eventually had one Austrian dreadnought battleship (1912) and one German Heavy Cruiser (1940) named after him. The Province of Savoy is now part of France, but used to belong to the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation.

Der Kleine Kreuzer “S.M.S. Zenta” (1899) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 2,313 Tonnen, und war mit acht 12 Schnellfeuerkanonen, zehn 4,7 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen, zwei Maschninengewehre sowie mit zwei 45 cm Torpedorohre bewaffnet. Die Besatzung des Schiffes war 17 Offiziere und 290 Matrosen. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Dampfantrieb sowie mit Segel (sie war der letzte Kleine Kreuzer der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine, der mit Segel gebaut wurde) war 21,8 Knoten. Sie wurde am Anfang des Ersten Weltkrieges am 16. August 1914 im südlichen Adriatischen Meer versenkt. Eine sehr große feindliche Flotte von 61 französischen und englischen Kriegsschiffen hatte sie gejagt und bekämpft. Dabei waren 12 Schlachtschiffe, sowie mehrere Panzerkreuzer und Zerstörer. 179 Österreichische Seeleute gingen verloren, aber die anderen wurden von den Alliierten als Kriegsgefangene gerettet. Im Jahre 1916 wurden die Gefangenen von ihren Österreichischen Armeekameraden in Montenegro befreit. Der Generalfeldmarschall Prinz Eugen Franz von Savoyen-Carignan (1663-1736) hat die ottomanischen Türken bei der Schlacht von Zenta in Serbien im Jahre 1697 zerschlagen.

XIIv. “S.M.S. Carola” Class (1880)

The “S.M.S. Carola” (1880) class of Imperial German flush-decked and fully rigged sailing corvettes were among the last of their kind, and foretold the coming era of small (unarmored) cruisers – hence my decision to include them at the end of this section as opposed to including them in the section immediately following this one. There were a total of 6 ships in this class, the others of which were “S.M.S. Olga,” “S.M.S. Marie” (1881), ”S.M.S. Sophie” (1881), “S.M.S. Alexandrine” (1885) and “S.M.S. Arcona” (1885). They were rigged as barques, and had 1,200 square meters of sail area each. Each ship displaced from 2,147 to 2,361 tons, and was from 76 up to 81 meters long. They were all built by A.G. Vulcan of Stettin, Pomerania.

Die sechs kaiserlich-deutschen Segelkorvetten der “S.M.S. Carola” (1880) Klaße waren Kleine Kreuzer. Die Einsatzverdrängung dieser Schiffe war zwischen 2,147 und 2,361 Tonnen. Sie waren je zwischen 76 und 81 Meter lang, und hatten ein Segelbereich von je 1,200 Quadratmeter. Sie wurden alle beim A.G. Vulcan in Stettin (Hinterpommern) gebaut. Die fünf anderen Mitglieder dieser Klaße waren die “S.M.S. Olga” (1880), die “S.M.S. Marie” (1881), die “S.M.S. Sophie” (1881), die “S.M.S. Alexandrine” (1885) und die “S.M.S. Arcona” (1885).

XIIw. “S.M.S. Nixe” Class (1885)

The single Imperial German flush-decked sailing corvette “S.M.S. Nixe” (1885) was also fully rigged, had a sail area of 1,580 square meters, was 63 meters long and displaced up to 1,781 tons full load. She was launched by the Imperial Shipyard in Danzig, West Prussia in July of 1885 and also foretold the soon-coming era of small cruisers.

Die kaiserlich-deutsche Segelkorvette “S.M.S. Nixe” (1885) war auch ein Kleiner Kreuzer. Sie hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,781 Tonnen, war 63 Meter lang, und hatte ein Segelbereich von 1,580 Quadratmeter. Sie wurde in Danzig, Westpreußen gebaut.

XIIx. “S.M.S. Bussard” Class (1888)

The “S.M.S. Bussard” (1888) class of 6 Imperial German small cruisers each displaced up to 1,600 tons full load, were 83 meters long, and were armed with gun-turrets at the bow and at the stern. With the exception of later unarmed sailing vessels intended just for training purposes, these were pretty much the final German Navy ships built to take rigging and sails. All the ships within this class were named after different types of birds, and all were built at the Imperial Shipyard in Wilhelmshaven. The 5 remaining members of this class were named “S.M.S. Falke” (1891), “S.M.S. Seeadler” (1892), “S.M.S. Condor” (1892), “S.M.S. Cormoran” (1892) and “S.M.S. Geier” (1894).

Die sechs kaiserlich-deutschen Kleinen Kreuzer der “S.M.S. Bussard” (1888) Klaße hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 1,600 Tonnen, waren je 83 Meter lang, und hatten Kohldampfantrieb sowie Segel. Die fünf anderen Mitglieder dieser Klaße waren die “S.M.S. Falke” (1891), die “S.M.S. Seeadler” (1892), die “S.M.S. Condor” (1892), die “S.M.S. Cormoran” (1892) und die “S.M.S. Geier” (1894). Sie wurden alle in Wilhelmshaven gebaut.

XIIy. “S.M.S. Blitz” Class (1882)

The “S.M.S. Blitz” (1882) of 2 Imperial German dispatch boats were also fully rigged and foretold the immediately coming era of small, mostly unarmored cruisers. “S.M.S. Blitz” (German for “lightning”) and her sister ship “S.M.S. Pfeil” (German for “arrow”) were both launched in 1882. Each ship was fully rigged as a schooner, displaced up to 1,486 tons full load and was 78 meters long.

Die zwei kaiserlich-deutschen Segelschooner “S.M.S. Blitz” (1882) und “S.M.S. Pfeil” (1882) waren auch Kleine Kreuzer. Sie hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 1,486 Tonnen und waren je 78 Meter lang.

XIIz. “S.M.S. Schwalbe” Class (1887)

The 2 Imperial German small cruisers “S.M.S. Schwalbe” (German for the type of bird known as a “swallow”) and “S.M.S. Sperber” (German for “sparrow”) were both launched in 1887, displaced up to 1,111 tons full load, were rigged fore and aft as barques and were each 70 meters in length. They were built by the Imperial Shipyard in the great (and largest) German naval base of Wilhelmshaven, located in the Grand Duchy of Oldenburg.

Die zwei Kleinen Kreuzer “S.M.S. Schwalbe” (1887) und “S.M.S. Sperber” (1887) waren Deutschlands kleinste Kleine Kreuzer. Sie hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 1,111 Tonnen, waren je 70 Meter lang und hatten Kohldampfantrieb sowie Segel. Sie wurden in Wilhelmshaven (im Großherzogtum Oldenburg) gebaut.

XIII. “Segelkorvetten” (Sailing Corvettes)

Just as sailing frigates evolved into armored or large cruisers, so did sailing corvettes evolve into small cruisers. Method of construction was similar. These ships were originally made of wood if one goes far back enough in time, and then they eventually were built of both iron and wood – hence the later term “armored” corvettes.

Die Segelkorvetten waren die Vorgänger der Kleinen Kreuzer. Am Anfang waren sie aus Holz ohne Panzerung gebaut, und mit Segel aber ohne Kohldampfantrieb gebaut.

XIII (1) “S.M.S. Hansa” Class (1872)

“S.M.S. Hansa” (1872) was an armored and screw-driven sailing corvette, having been launched at the Imperial Shipyard in Danzig, West Prussia. This Imperial German ship was built out of iron-clad teak, was 73 meters long, and displaced up to 3,950 tons full load. She was powered by a single expansion engine, was fully rigged, had a sail area of 1,760 square meters and could make up to 13 knots. Her crew consisted of 28 commissioned officers and 371 enlisted men. She was armed with 8 21-cm ring cannon. She sailed from Kiel to South America and back from 1878 to 1880. She then served as a harbor guard ship, and as a living quarters after 1888. She was scrapped in the port of Swinemünde (near Stettin), Pomerania in 1906.

Die Panzerkorvette “S.M.S. Hansa” (1872) wurde in Danzig, Westpreußen gebaut. Sie hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 3,950 Tonnen, war 73 Meter lang, hatte ein Segelbereich von 1,760 Quadratmeter, und eine Höchstgeschwindigkeit (mit Segel und mit Kohldampfantrieb) von 13 Knoten. Die Besatzung des Schiffes war 28 Offiziere und 371 Matrosen, und sie hatte eine Bewaffnung von acht 21 cm Ringkanonen. Zwischen 1878 und 1880 reiste sie von Kiel nach Südamerika und zurück. Nach 1888 wurde sie als Wohnschiff der Kaiserlichen Marine benutzt. Sie wurde in Swinemünde (Hinterpommern) im Jahre 1906 verschrottet.

XIII (2) “S.M.S. Bismarck” Class (1877)

The protected (armored) 3-masted sailing corvettes of the “S.M.S. Bismarck” (1877) class each displaced 3,300 tons full load, were 84 meters long, were fitted with a single expansion engine, were fully rigged and had a sail area of 2,210 square meters. Their crews consisted of 18 commissioned officers, 46 officer candidates (cadets) and 386 enlisted sailors. Armament was comprised of up to 14 15-cm ring cannon and two 88 mm rapid-firing cannon. The Imperial German Navy commissioned 7 ships in this class, including the “S.M.S. Blücher” (1877), the “S.M.S. Moltke” (1877), the “S.M.S. Stosch” (1878), the “S.M.S. Gneisenau” (1879), the “S.M.S. Stein” (1879) and the “S.M.S. Charlotte” (1885). “S.M.S. Stosch” (which was named after a Prussian Admiral), was launched by the A.G. Vulkan Shipyard of Stettin, Pomerania and served overseas until 1886 – when she partook in the German conquest of the Island of Zanzibar and established the Imperial Crown Colony of German East Africa (modern day Tanzania, Burundi and Rwanda). She was converted into a training ship in 1891, and finally scrapped in 1907.

Die sieben Segelkorvetten der “S.M.S. Bismarck” (1877) Klaße hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 3,300 Tonnen, waren je 84 Meter lang, hatten ein Segelbereich von je 2,210 Quadratmeter, und eine Besatzung von je 18 Offiziere, 46 Offiziersanwaerter (Kadetten) und 386 Matrosen. Die Bewaffnung waren je 14 15-cm Ringkanonen und zwei 88 mm Schnellfeuerkanonen. Die sechs anderen Mitglieder dieser Klaße waren die “S.M.S. Blücher” (1877), die “S.M.S. Moltke” (1877), die “S.M.S. Stosch” (1878), die “S.M.S. Gneisenau” (1879), die “S.M.S. Stein” (1879) und die “S.M.S. Charlotte” (1885). Die “S.M.S. Stosch” wurde beim A.G. Vulkan in Stettin (Hinterpommern) gebaut, und diente im Ausland bis 1886. Ihre Besatzung hat Zanzibar fuer Deutschland genommen, und dann auch Deutsch-Ostafrika (Tansania, Burundi und Ruanda) etabliert. Nach 1891 wurde sie als Schulschiff benutzt, und sie wurde endlich im Jahre 1907 verschrottet. Albrecht von Stosch (1818-1896) war Deutscher Admiral von 1872 bis er im Jahre 1883 in den Ruhestand ging.Die “S.M.S. Moltke” und die “S.M.S. Gneisenau” wurde bei der Kaiserlichen Werft in Danzig, Westpreußen gebaut. Sie dienten auch oft im Ausland. Die “S.M.S. Moltke” wurde erst im Jahre 1920 verschrottet (nach 43 Jahren Dienstzeit), aber die “S.M.S. Gneisenau” ging leider am 16. Dezember 1900 in einem Sturm an der Küste von Malaga (Südspanien) mit Kapitän zur See Kretschmann und 41 Besatzungsmitgliedern verloren. Die Masten des versenkten Schiffes waren fuer viele Jahren danach immer noch sichtbar. Die “S.M.S. Gneisenau” hatte auch in Kamerun (im Jahre 1884) und Zanzibar (im Jahre 1885) gedient. Die “S.M.S. Charlotte” diente im Ausland bis 1897, und danach wurde sie als Schulschiff benutzt. Sie wurde im Jahre 1909 verschrottet. Die “S.M.S. Stein” wurde beim A.G. Vulkan in Stettin, Hinterpommern gebaut. Sie diente im Ausland bis 1888, und diente danach als Schulschiff, bis sie im Jahre 1908 verschrottet wurde. Baron Heinrich Friedrich Karl Reichsfreiherr vom und zum Stein (1757-1831) war Preußischer Staatsmann.

“S.M.S. Moltke” and “S.M.S Gneisenau” (named after famous generals of the Prussian Army) were both built by the Imperial Shipyard in Danzig, West Prussia. They also served overseas for much of their careers, “S.M.S. Moltke” being srapped in 1920 after 43 years of service. “S.M.S. Gneisenau” was unfortunately lost in a storm off the coast of Malaga on December 16, 1900 – along with 41 of her crew members (including her commander, Captain Kretschmann). The wrecked ship’s masts were still visible many years later. She had served in German colonial missions off the coasts of both Cameroon in 1884 and Zanzibar in 1885. “S.M.S. Charlotte” served abroad until 1897, when she was converted into a training ship. She was scrapped in 1909.“S.M.S. Stein” (1879) was built by A.G. Vulcan of Stettin, Pomerania. She served overseas until 1888, and then became a training ship for naval cadets and cabin boys until she was scrapped in 1908. She was named after Baron Heinrich Friedrich Karl Reichsfreiherr vom und zum Stein (1757-1831), a famous Prussian statesman who introduced reforms which paved the way for the formation of the Second German Empire in 1871. He promoted the abolition of serfdom and the establishment of a modern municipal system of city governments. He came from an old Franconian family in Northern Bavaria, but was himself born on his family’s estate in Hessen-Nassau. He attended the university in Göttingen, and then entered the Prussian civil service.

XIII (3) “S.M.S. Ariadne” Class (1871)

The 3 flush-decked sailing corvettes “S.M.S. Ariadne” (1871), “S.M.S. Freya” (1874) and “S.M.S. Luise” (1874) were built by the Imperal (German) Shipyard in Danzig, West Prussia. Each ship displaced up to 1,692 tons full load, was 68 meters long and ran on a double expansion engine. They were fully rigged, had a sail area of 1,582 square meters and could make up to 14 knots. The crew of each vessel consisted of 13 commissioned officers and 220 enlisted men. Armament was comprised of 6 15-cm ring cannon and 2 12-cm ring cannon. “S.M.S. Luise” served in East Asia from 1875 until 1880, then for 2 years in South America, and as a training ship from 1885 to 1888. She was scrapped in Hamburg in 1897.

Die drei Segelkorvetten der “S.M.S. Ariadne” (1871) Klaße hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 1,692 Tonnen, waren je 68 Meter lang, hatten ein Segelbereich von je 1,582 Quadratmeter, eine Besatzung von je 13 Offiziere und 220 Matrosen, und eine Bewaffnung von je sechs 15 cm Ringkanonen und zwei 12 cm Ringkanonen. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Segel und Kohldampfantrieb war 14 Knoten. Die zwei anderen Mitglieder dieser Klaße waren die “S.M.S. Freya” (1874) und die “S.M.S. Luise” (1874). Alle drei Schiffe wurden bei der Kaiserlichen Werft in Danzig, Westpreußen gebaut. Die “S.M.S. Luise” diente von 1875 bis 1880 in Ostasien, für zwei Jahren in Südamerika und dann von 1885 bis 1888 als Schulschiff. Sie wurde in Hamburg im Jahre 1897 verschrottet.

XIII (4) “S.M.S. Delta” Class (1871)

The beautiful Austrian sailing corvettes “S.M.S. Delta” (1871), “S.M.S. Frundsberg” (1873) and “S.M.S. Aurora” (1874) each displaced 1,343 tons and were armed with 4-6 inch guns. They could make 11,5 knots and saw a good deal of overseas duty to “show the flag” and to train young naval cadets of the Imperial and Royal Naval Academy located at Sankt Veit am Pflaumb (”Fiume” in Italian and “Rijeka” as it is now called in Croatia). Rijeka is still 5% German-speaking today. Delta merely denotes the fourth letter in the Greek alphabet, while Georg (”George” in English) von Frundsberg was a famous German knight who lived from 1473 until 1528. He was one of Emperor Charles V’s most highly decorated soldier-knights. During World War Two, the elite 10th Panzer Division (armored division) of the Waffen-SS was named after him as well. This elite division distinguished itself in desperate battles such as Lemberg (Eastern Front, 1944), Normandy (France, 1944), Arnhem (the Netherlands, 1944) and the Ardennes (Belgium & Luxembourg, 1944-1945). One often overlooks the sad fact that front line soldiers were often no more than teenagers, who had to grow up and die too fast – long before “their time.”

Die drei Segelkorvetten der “S.M.S. Delta” (1871) Klaße hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 1,343 Tonnen, und waren mit je vier 15,2 cm Kanonen und einer 66 mm Kanone bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Segel und Kohldampfantrieb war 11,5 Knoten, und die Besatzungen waren je 203 Offiziere und Matrosen. Die “S.M.S. Delta” überstand den Ersten Weltkrieg, und wurde im Jahre 1920 in Polei (heute Pula in Kroatien) verschrottet. Die “S.M.S. Frundsberg” überstand den Ersten sowie den Zweiten Weltkrieg, und wurde im Jahre 1945 in Sibenning (heute Sibenik in Kroatien) verschrottet. Die “S.M.S. Aurora” überstand den Ersten Weltkrieg, und wurde im Jahre 1927 auch in Sibenning verschrottet. Diese drei Korvetten wurden auch als Schulschiffe fuer die Kaiserliche und Königliche Marineakademie in Sankt Veit am Pflaumb (heute Rijeka in Kroatien) benutzt. Etwa 5 Prozent der Bevölkerung in Sankt Veit am Pflaumb spricht immer noch deutsch.Georg von Frundsberg (1473-1528) war ein Süddeutscher Soldat und Landsknechtführer im kaiserlich-habsburgischen Dienst. Er gilt als einer der wichtigsten deutschen Infanterietaktiker und Kriegsunternehmer der frühen Neuzeit. Sein Name ist eng verbunden mit den Kämpfen der Habsburger, insbesondere mit Kaiser Karl V. Zur Zeit des Zweiten Weltkrieges gab es eine elite 10. SS-Panzerdivision “Frundsberg” der Waffen-SS, die in Schlachten wie Lemberg (Ostfront im Jahre 1944), Normandie (Westfront in Frankreich zwischen Juni und August 1944), Arnheim (Westfront in Holland zwischen September und November 1944) und den Ardennen (Westfront in Belgien und Luxemburg zwischen Dezember 1944 und Januar 1945) sich gegen die Übermacht der Alliierten sehr gut verteidigen konnte.

XIII (5) “S.M.S. Corona” Class (1812)

The wooden sailing corvette “S.M.S. Corona” was launched in Venice on February 20, 1819. Construction commenced in 1812, but in June of 1815 her planned name was changed to “S.M.S. Adria.” One day after she was launched, she was renamed as “S.M.S. Carolina” on February 21, 1819. She displaced up to 914 tons full load, and was armed with 20-36 Pounders plus 4-12 Pounders. She was manned by a crew of 220 officers and enlisted men. In between 1820 and 1822, she undertook a voyage to China. From 1828 to 1830, she was attached to the Morocco Division of the Austrian Navy, providing support to Austrian Naval Infantry deployed in North Africa. The deployment was to combat pirates who had attacked Austrian commercial ships. In August of 1849, she was renamed yet again as “S.M.S. Lombardia.” From 1850 until 1851, she made a voyage to the North Sea and into the Baltic Sea. In between 1857 and 1858, she took her final overseas voyage to South America and to South Africa. She was retired from active duty service in 1864 and was finally scrapped in 1870.

Die Segelkorvette “S.M.S. Corona” wurde im Jahre 1812 in Venedig auf Kiel gelegt, und lief am 20. Februar 1819 vom Stapel. Sie hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 914 Tonnen, und war mit 20-36 Pfundern sowie mit vier 12 Pfundern bewaffnet. Die Besatzung des Schiffes war 220 Offiziere und Matrosen. Diese älteren Schiffe hatten Segel aber kein Kohldampfantrieb. Zwischen 1820 und 1822 reiste sie nach China. Zwischen 1828 und 1830 diente sie an der Küste von Marokko, wo sie Österreichische Marinesoldaten unterstützt hatte. Es gab Piraten, die Österreichische Handelsschiffe in Nordafrika angegriffen haben. Im August 1849 wurde sie als “S.M.S. Lombardia” umbenannt. Zwischen 1850 und 1851 reiste sie zur Nordsee und auch zur Ostsee. Zwischen 1857 und 1858 reiste sie nach Südamerika und auch nach Südafrika. Sie wurde erst im Jahre 1870 verschrottet, nach einer langen und guten Dienstzeit von 51 Jahren.

XIII (6) “S.M.S. Carolina” Class (1808)

The earlier wooden sailing corvette also bearing the name “S.M.S. Carolina” was launched in Venice on March 12, 1808. She displaced up to 810 tons full load, was built out of oak, and was armed with 24-18 Pounders plus 2-12 Pounders. She was 41 meters long and had a maximum beam of 11,9 meters. In 1815, she partook in the Austrian naval blockade of Arcona (on the Italian Adriatic coast). This was during the war against Napoleonic France, when French troops were occupying Italian soil. She was scrapped in 1818.

Die Segelkorvette “S.M.S. Carolina” (1808) lief am 12. März 1808 in Venedig vom Stapel. Sie hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 810 Tonnen, war aus Eichenholz gebaut, war 41 Meter lang und hatte eine Breite von 11,9 Meter. Sie war mit 24-18 Pfundern sowie mit zwei 12 Pfundern bewaffnet. Im Jahre 1815 am Ende der napoleonischen Kriege hatte sie die Stadt Arcona an der westlichen Adriatischen Küste blockiert. Sie wurde bald nach dem Ende des Krieges im Jahre 1818 verschrottet.

XIII (7) “S.M.S. Veloce” Class (1834)

The wooden sailing corvette “S.M.S. Veloce” was launched in Venice on April 24, 1834. She displaced up to 718 tons full load, was built of oak, and was armed with 4-24 Pounders plus 20-18 Pounders. She had a crew of 238 officers and enlisted men. She was 41 meters long and had a maximum beam of 10,4 meters. She was renamed as “S.M.S. Diana” on November 19, 1849. She had an uneventful career, became a hulk in 1869 and was scrapped in 1870. “Diana” was yet another pagan Roman goddess, equivalent to the pagan Greek goddess “Artemis.” They were the protectors of pregnant women.

Die Segelkorvette “S.M.S. Veloce” lief am 24. April 1834 in Venedig vom Stapel. Sie hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 718 Tonnen, war aus Eichenholz gebaut, war 41 Meter lang und hatte eine Breite von 10,4 Meter. Sie war mit vier 24 Pfundern sowie mit 20-18 Pfundern bewaffnet. Die Besatzung des Schiffes bestand aus 238 Offiziere und Matrosen. Sie wurde am 19. November 1849 als “S.M.S. Diana” umbenannt, wurde als Hulk im Jahre 1869 umgebaut, und wurde im Jahre 1870 verschrottet. Diana war eine heidnische römische Göttin der Schwangerschaft.

XIII (8) “S.M.S. Sirena” Class (1838)

The wooden sailing corvette “S.M.S. Sirena” was launched in Venice on October 12, 1838. She displaced up to 594 tons full load, and was built of oak. She was armed with 4-9 Pounders plus 16-36 Pounders. She had a crew of 140 officers and enlisted men. She was planned with the name “S.M.S. Sirena,” but actually launched with the name “S.M.S. Clemenza.” On November 19, 1849, she was renamed yet again as “S.M.S. Minerva.” She was scrapped in 1893. “Sirena” is Italian for “siren” in English, this coming from the classical story of the Odyssey (song number XII). The “sirens” were the people who inhabited a particular island in Greek mythology. The sirens represented the dangerous fascination which the sea has always held for mankind. “Minerva” is the Roman goddess of war, and the protector of the craftsman. The pagan feast of Minerva in ancient Rome was held on March 19.

Die Segelkorvette “S.M.S. Sirena” lief am 12. Oktober 1838 in Venedig vom Stapel. Sie hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 594 Tonnen, war aus Eichenholz gebaut, war mit vier 9 Pfundern sowie mit 16-36 Pfundern bewaffnet, und hatte eine Besatzung von 140 Offiziere und Matrosen. Am 19. November 1849 wurde sie als “S.M.S. Minerva” umbenannt, und sie wurde im Jahre 1893 (nach eine Dienstzeit von 55 Jahren) verschrottet. Minerva war eine heidnische römische Göttin des Krieges, und auch die Schutzerin von Handwerkern.

XIII (9) “S.M.S. Abbondanza” Class (1828)

The wooden sailing corvette “S.M.S. Abbondanza” was launched in Venice on June 19, 1828. She displaced up to 430 tons full load, and was built out of oak. She was 34 meters long, and had a maximum beam of 6,9 meters. She was armed with 18-12 Pounders. In 1829, she was part of the “Morocco Division” of the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy, supporting Austrian naval infantry engaged in combating pirates. In 1831, she blockaded the insurgent city of Ancona on the Adriatic coast of Italy. She met her tragic end on the night of April 10, 1833. She was sailing back to Austria from Constantinople (now called “Istanbul” in Turkey). She was caught and stranded in a heavy storm by the Italian port of Brindisi. The ship was a total loss, but fortunately here entire crew was rescued.

Die Segelkorvette “S.M.S. Abbondanza” lief am 19. Juni 1828 in Venedig vom Stapel, und war auch aus Eichenholz gebaut. Sie hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 430 Tonnen, war 34 Meter lang und hatte eine Breite von 6,9 Meter. Sie war mit 18-12 Pfundern bewaffnet. Im Jahre 1829 diente sie in der “Marokkodivision” der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine, die arabische Piraten bekämpfte. Im Jahre 1831 hat sie die feindliche Stadt Arcona im westlichen Adriatischen Meer blockiert. Die “S.M.S Abbondanza” strandete am 10. April 1833 in einem Sturm an der Küste von Brindisi. Das Schiff ging verloren, aber die ganze Besatzung wurde gerettet.

XIII (10) “S.M.S. Cesaria” Class (1829)

“S.M.S. Cesaria” was laid down in Venice in 1829, and launched on June 13, 1833. She was renamed as “S.M.S. Titania” on November 19, 1849, and stripped of her armament in 1859. She was used as a blockade ship in that year, and scuttled at the entrance to Venice harbor during armed hostilities in Italy. She was then raised and scrapped in 1860. She displaced up to 247 tons, which demonstrates just how small some old wooden sailing corvettes were. She was 28,6 meters long, and had a maximum beam of 7,3 meters. She was built out of oak, and her armament consisted of 10-12 Pounders. She was manned by a crew of 64 commissioned officers and enlisted men. The Italian word “Cesaria” means “Cesar,” or “Emperor” in English. The German equivalent is “Kaiser,” and the Russian word is “Czar.” The Italian word “Titania” is “Titanic” in English. The Titans of Classical Mythology were the children of Uranos and Gaia, thus being the offspring of the first divine generation. This generation ruled, before Zeus and the Olympians took their power away from them. There were 13 Titans, being Hesiod, Kronos, Okeanos, Koios, Kreios, Hyperion, Iapetos, Theia, Themis, Mnemosyne, Phoibe, Tethys and Rheia.

Die Segelkorvette “S.M.S. Cesaria” wurde in Venedig im Jahre 1829 auf Kiel gelegt, und lief am 13. Juni 1833 vom Stapel. Am 19. November 1849 wurde sie als “S.M.S. Titania” umbenannt. Sie wurde im Jahre 1859 als Blockadeschiff im Hafen von Venedig selbst versenkt, im Jahre 1860 geborgen und dann verschrottet. Sie hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von nur 247 Tonnen, und war vielleicht die kleinste Segelkorvette der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine. Sie war 28,6 Meter lang, hatte eine Breite von 7,3 Meter und war aus Eichenholz gebaut. Sie war mit zehn 12-Pfundern bewaffnet, und hatte eine Besatzung von 64 Offiziere und Matrosen. “Cesaria” ist auf deutsch “Kaiser.” “Titania” kommt aus der klaßischen Mythologie. Sie waren die Kinder von Uranos und Gaia, und waren die erste Generation der heidnischen Götter. Die 13 Kinder von Uranos und Gaia waren die Herrscher der Welt, bevor sie von Zeus und den Olympianern entmachtet wurden. Diese 13 Kinder hießen Hesiod, Kronos, Okeanos, Koios, Kreios, Hyperion, Iapetos, Theia, Themis, Mnemosyne, Phoibe, Tethys und Rheia.

XIII (11) Smaller and Older Sailing Ships of the Austrian Navy

1.) “S.M.S. Pilade” was a wooden sailing brig launched in Venice on May 1, 1849. A brig was smaller than a contemporary corvette of its time, and this ship displaced up to 485 tons full load. She was renamed “S.M.S. Plyades” on November 19, 1849. She was converted into a transport vessel in 1861, and became just a hulk in 1868. She was scrapped in 1872. She was 32,4 meters long and had a maximum beam of 9,8 meters. She was built out of oak, and was armed with 4-12 Pounders plus 12-24 Pounders. She had a crew of 100 commissioned officers and enlisted men. The “Plyades” were the 7 sisters, who were the daughters of Atlas in pagan Greek mythology. Brigs were warships smaller than either wooden sailing frigates or wooden sailing corvettes. They had just 2 main masts, compared to frigates and corvettes, which had 3 main masts.

Die größten Holzsegelschiffe der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine waren die Linienschiffe. Sie hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung zwischen 1,878 und 5,194 Tonnen. Danach kamen die Segelfregatten, die als moderne Schwere Kreuzer benutzt wurden. Die Segelfregatten der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von mindestens 420 Tonnen, und die größten davon waren größer als die kleinsten Linienschiffe. Nach den Segelfregatten kamen die Segelkorvetten, die als moderne Leichte Kreuzer benutzt wurden. Die Segelkorvetten der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von mindestens 247 Tonnen, und die größten davon waren größer als die kleinsten Segelfregatten. Nach den Segelkorvetten kamen die Segelbriggs des Adriatischen Meeres. Sie waren Hochsee-Segler zwischen 170 und 500 Tonnen, mit zwei Masten mit Rahsegeln und Gaffelsegel am Großmast. Die Segelbriggs der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine wurden als moderne Fregatten oder Zerstörer der Deutschen Marine benutzt.Das Segelbrigg “S.M.S. Pilade” lief am 1. Mai 1849 in Venedig vom Stapel. Sie hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 485 Tonnen, war aus Eichenholz gebaut, war 32,4 Meter lang und hatte eine Breite von 9,8 Meter. Sie war mit vier 12 Pfundern sowie mit 12-24 Pfundern bewaffnet. Die Besatzung des Schiffes war 100 Offiziere und Matrosen. Am 19. November 1849 wurde sie als “S.M.S. Plyades” umbenannt. Sie wurde im Jahre 1861 als Transportschiff umgebaut, im Jahre 1868 als Hulk umgebaut, und wurde im Jahre 1872 verschrottet. Die “Plyades” waren die sieben Töchter von Atlas aus der klaßischen griechischen Mythologie.

2.) “S.M.S. Fenice” was a wooden sailing “Galiot” (a sailing ship usually somewhat smaller than a brig, being narrow and fast by design) launched in Venice on March 26, 1812. At first, she was assigned to various duties including fleet, post (mail delivery), transport and guard. By 1829, she had been converted into a sailing brig. She was renamed “S.M.S. Usaro” on August 1, 1829, and immediately deployed to support Austrian naval infantry in Morocco – who were sent to North Africa to combat pirates. These Arab pirates had attacked commercial shipping, including from Austria. From 1836 to 1837, she transported Italian political refugees from the Austrian port of Triest (these unfortunate people likely came from North Central and Northwestern Italy) to safety in New York. In August of 1849, she was renamed as “S.M.S. Il Crociato” and again as “S.M.S. Hussar” on November 19, 1849. She then served in the fleet and as a training vessel, being retired in 1868 and scrapped in 1870. She displaced up to 462 tons full load, was built of oak, was 32 meters long and had a maximum beam of just 8,8 meters. Initially, she was armed with 16-12 Pounders; later, this was changed to 12-18 Pounders. Her crew consisted of 100 commissioned officers and enlisted men. “Hussars” were of course cavalrymen in the Imperial Austrian Army. The German name for this type of sailing vessel is “Goelette.”

Die Segelgoelette “S.M.S. Fenice” lief am 26. März 1812 in Venedig vom Stapel. Eine Segelgoelette ist ein Hochseeschiff kleiner als ein Segelbrigg gebaut, mit Schonertakelung und starkem Fall der Masten nach achtern. Die Bauart der Segelgoeletten war sehr schlank, und sie waren deswegen schnellere Segler. Die “S.M.S. Fenice” hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 462 Tonnen, war aus Eichenholz gebaut, war 32 Meter lang und hatte eine Breite von 8,8 Meter. Zuerst war sie mit 16-12 Pfundern bewaffnet; später war sie mit 12-18 Pfundern umgebaut. Die Besatzung des Schiffes bestand aus 100 Offiziere und Matrosen. Sie wurde am 1. August 1829 als “S.M.S. Usaro” umbenannt, und diente kurz danach an der Küste von Marokko, wo sie Österreichische Marineinfanteristen gegen arabische Piraten unterstüzte. Die arabischen Piraten haben Österreichische Handelsintereßen angegriffen. Zwischen 1836 und 1837 hat sie italienische politische Flüchtlinge von Triest nach Neu York gebracht. Im August 1849 wurde sie als “S.M.S. Il Crociato” umbenannt, und kurz danach am 19. November 1849 endlich als “S.M.S. Hussar” umbenannt. Sie wurde als Schulschiff benutzt, bis sie im Jahre 1870 verschrottet wurde. Die “Husaren” waren die berühmten Kavalleriesoldaten der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Armee.

3.) “S.M.S. San Marco” (Italian for “Saint Mark”) was a wooden sailing brig launched in Venice on May 20, 1826. In 1827, she was upgraded to a corvette, and renamed “S.M.S. Adria.” She displaced up to 450 tons full load, and was armed with 20-12 Pounders, 1-6 Pounder plus 4-1 Pounders. She was manned by a crew of 168 commissioned officers and enlisted men. She was built out of oak, had a length of 34,5 meters and a maximum beam of 9,1 meters. From 1828 to 1830, she was attached to the Morocco Division of the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy, supporting Austrian Naval Infantry deployed to hunt down Arab pirates. In 1835, she took Italian political refugees from the Austrian port of Triest to safety in New York. In between 1848 and 1849, she partook in the Austrian naval blockade of Venice, when that Austrian port was occupied by revolutionary Italian nationalists. In 1852, she was down-graded to service as a floating coal hulk. She was finally scrapped in 1859.

Das Segelbrigg “S.M.S. San Marco” lief am 20. Mai 1826 in Venedig vom Stapel. Im Jahre 1827 wurde sie als Segelkorvette umgebaut, und als “S.M.S. Adria” umbenannt. Eine Segelkorvette ist ein Hochseeschiff kleiner als eine Segelfregatte, jedoch mit deren Takelung. Es ist ein Vollschiff mit einfachen Marssegeln, Bram-und Oberbramsegeln, an Fock-oder Großmast nur Stag-, jedoch keine Graffelsegel, und mit etwa 18 Kanonen (Pfundern) bewaffnet. In der Adria und im Mittelmeer waren sie auch auf Riemenantrieb eingerichtet. Sie wurden als Aufklärungs-, Konvoi-und Kaperschiffe benutzt. Die “S.M.S. Adria” hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 450 Tonnen, war aus Eichenholz gebaut, war 34,5 Meter lang und hatte eine Breite von 9,1 Meter. Sie war mit 20-12 Pfundern sowie mit einem Sechs-Pfunder und vier Ein-Pfundern bewaffnet. Die Besatzung des Schiffes bestand aus 168 Offiziere und Matrosen. Zwischen 1828 und 1830 hat sie Österreichische Marineinfanteristen gegen arabischen Piraten an der Küste von Marokko unterstuzt. Im Jahre 1835 hat sie italienische politische Flüchtlinge von Triest nach Neu York gebracht. Zwischen 1848 und 1849 hat sie Venedig blockiert, als Venedig zur Zeit von italienischen Nationalisten übernommen wurde. Im Jahre 1852 wurde sie als Kohlenhulk umgebaut, und sie wurde endlich im Jahre 1859 verschrottet.

4.) A sister ship of “S.M.S. San Marco” was the brig “S.M.S. Emo,” launched in Venice on June 3, 1826. She was also converted and upgraded to a wooden sailing corvette in 1826. She was immediately renamed “S.M.S. Lipsia.” In 1834, she transported Italian political refugees from the Austrian port of Triest to safety in New York. In between 1847 and 1848, she underwent repair work in the Austrian port of Venice. From March 1848 until August 1849, she was captured and used by revolutionary Italian nationalists under the new and temporary name “Independenza.” She was then re-taken by the Austrians, and promptly renamed “S.M.S. Leipzig,” after the great German city in the Kingdom of Saxony (an ally of Habsburg Austria). She was scrapped in 1860.

Das Segelbrigg “S.M.S. Emo” war ein Schwesterschiff vom Segelbrigg “S.M.S. San Marco.” Sie lief am 3. Juni 1826 in Venedig vom Stapel, wurde auch im Jahre 1826 als Segelkorvette umgebaut, und wurde bald danach als “S.M.S. Lipsia” umbenannt. Im Jahre 1834 hat sie italienische politische Flüchtlinge von Triest nach Neu York gebracht. Zwischen März 1848 und August 1849 wurde sie von feindlichen italienischen Nationalisten beschlagnahmt, und als die “Independenza” umbenannt. Im August 1849 wurde sie von den Österreichern befreit, und als die “S.M.S. Leipzig” umbenannt. Leipzig lag im Königreich Sachsen, das mit dem Kaiserreich Österreich verbündet war.

5.) “S.M.S. Sparviero” was a wooden sailing brig. Construction in Venice commenced during 1805, and the vessel was launched as “S.M.S. Principessa Augusta” (”Princess Augusta” in English) on November 27, 1806. During the Napoleonic Wars, she partook in the Austrian naval blockade of the Italian city of Ancona, on the Adriatic coast. She was scrapped in 1836. For technical specifications, please see the end of the following paragraph under her sister ship “S.M.S. Otello.”

Das Segelbrigg “S.M.S. Sparviero” wurde in Venedig im Jahre 1805 auf Kiel gelegt, und lief am 27. November 1806 als “S.M.S. Principessa Augusta” vom Stapel. Sie hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 450 Tonnen, war aus Eichenholz gebaut, war 34 Meter lang und hatte eine Breite von 9,1 Meter. Sie war mit 18-9 Pfundern bewaffnet, und ihre Besatzung bestand aus 120 Offiziere und Matrosen. Zur Zeit der napoleonischen Kriege (bis 1815) hatte sie die feindliche Stadt Ancona an der westlichen Küste des Adriatischen Meeres blockiert. Sie wurde im Jahre 1836 verschrottet.

6.) A sister ship to “S.M.S. Sparviero” was the wooden sailing brig “S.M.S. Otello.” Her construction began in 1812 in Venice, and she was finally launched as “S.M.S. Veloce” in May of 1818. In 1827, she was converted into a sailing corvette. She was retired and reassigned to be a coal carrier in 1837, and finally scrapped by 1839. She displaced up to 450 tons full load, was 34 meters long and had a maximum beam of 9,1 meters. She was built out of oak, and was armed with 18-9 Pounders. Her crew consisted of 120 commissioned officers and enlisted men.

Das Segelbrigg “S.M.S. Otello” war ein Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Sparviero.” Sie wurde im Jahre 1812 in Venedig auf Kiel gelegt, und lief im Mai 1818 als die “S.M.S. Veloce” vom Stapel. Im Jahre 1827 wurde sie als Segelkorvette umgebaut. Sie wurde im Jahre 1837 als Kohlenhulk umgebaut, und dann im Jahre 1839 verschrottet.

7.) The wooden sailing brig “S.M.S. Orione” displaced up to 391 tons. Her keel was laid in Venice in 1809, and she was launched on January 29, 1812. She was built of oak, was 29,3 meters long and had a maximum beam of 8,5 meters. Her armament consisted of 2-12 Pounders and 14-24 Pounders. She had a crew of 112 commissioned officers and enlisted men. She was renamed “S.M.S. Oreste” on October 27, 1832. From 1848 until 1849, she partook in the blockade of revolutionary nationalist forces in Venice. She was renamed yet again as “S.M.S. Orestes” on November 19, 1849, and was finally scrapped in 1856. In classical mythology, “Orion” was a very large hunter, and also the son of Poseidon. “Oreste” was the son of Agamemnon, and the brother of Elektra in pagan Greek mythology.

Das Segelbrigg “S.M.S. Orione” wurde im Jahre 1809 in Venedig auf Kiel gelegt, und lief am 29. Januar 1812 vom Stapel. Sie hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 391 Tonnen, war aus Eichenholz gebaut, war 29,3 Meter lang und hatte eine Breite von 8,5 Meter. Sie war mit zwei 12 Pfundern sowie mit 14-24 Pfundern bewaffnet, und ihre Besatzung bestand aus 112 Offiziere und Matrosen. Am 27. Oktober 1832 wurde sie als die “S.M.S. Oreste” umbenannt. Zwischen 1848 und 1849 hat sie feindliche italienische Nationalisten an der Küste von Venedig blockiert. Am 19. November 1849 wurde sie als die “S.M.S. Orestes” umbenannt, und sie wurde im Jahre 1856 verschrottet (nach eine Dienstzeit von 44 Jahren). “Orion” war in der klaßischen heidnischen griechischen Mythologie ein großer Jäger, und auch der Sohn von Poseidon. “Oreste” war der Sohn von Agamemnon, und auch der Bruder von Elektra.

8.) The wooden sailing brig “S.M.S. Montecuccoli” was a sister ship of “S.M.S. Orione,” having been laid down in Venice in 1809. She was launched on March 22, 1817. In 1848 and 1849, she also partook in the blockade of revolutionary nationalist forces in Venice. She was retired as a hulk in 1868, and scrapped by 1872. “Montecuccoli” was a great noble ethnic Italian family from which many good Austrian naval officers came.

Das Segelbrigg “S.M.S. Montecuccoli” war ein Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Orione.” Sie wurde im Jahre 1809 in Venedig auf Kiel gelegt, und lief am 22. März 1817 vom Stapel. Zwischen 1848 und 1849 hatte sie auch feindliche italienische Nationalisten an der Küste von Venedig blockiert. Im Jahre 1868 wurde sie als Kohlenhulk umgebaut, und sie wurde endlich im Jahre 1872 verschrottet (nach einer Dienstzeit von 55 Jahren). Montecuccoli ist der Name einer bedeutenden aus dem Herzogtum Modena stammenden Familie. Stammsitz war die Burg Montecuccoli (”Kuckucksberg” auf deutsch) in Modena, Italien. Alfonso Montecuccoli war Admiral des Großherzogtums Toskana, der im Jahre 1607 eine kleine Kriegsflotte gegen die Türken geführt hat. Girolamo Montecuccoli (1583-1643) war Geheimkämmerer des Großherzogs von Toskana und Kommandant über dessen deutsche Leibgarde, und später Minister und Rat Leopolds V von Tirol. Ernesto Montecuccoli (1582-1633) war General des Heiligen Römischen Reiches der Deutschen Nation zur Zeit des Dreißigjährigen Krieges.

Raimondo Montecuccoli

Raimondo Montecuccoli (1609-1680) war Österreichischer Generalfeldmarschall des Heiligen Römischen Reiches der Deutschen Nation, sowie Diplomat und Staatsmann. Leopold Philipp Fürst Montecuccoli (1662-1698) war ein kaiserlich-habsburgischer Feldmarschall-Leutnant (wie ein Generalleutnant des deutschen Heeres) des Heiligen Römischen Reiches der Deutschen Nation, und ein Sohn von Raimondo Montecuccoli. Rudolf Ludwig Raimund Heinrich Alfons Graf von Montecuccoli (1843-1922) war Admiral der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine sowie Flottenkommandant von 1904 bis 1913 (als Flottenkommandant war er der Nachfolger von Admiral Hermann Freiherr von Spaun).

9.) The wooden sailing brig “S.M.S. Jena” was named for a German city in the region of Thuringia. This region was home to numerous Saxon duchies of the noble Wettin family. She displaced up to 390 tons, was 32 meters long and had a maximum beam of 8,8 meters. Her armament consisted of 2-12 Pounders and 14-24 Pounders. She had a crew of 112 commissioned officers and enlisted men. She was launched in Venice on November 25, 1806, and was renamed as “S.M.S. Veneto” in 1815. “Veneto” is the province of which the city of Venice is the capital. From 1828 until 1829, she was part of the “Morocco Division” of the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy, providing support to Austrian naval infantry combating Arab pirates. In between 1848 and 1849, she partook in the Austrian naval blockade of revolutionary nationalist forces in Venice. On May 11, 1849, she was renamed yet again as “S.M.S. Pola,” after the new Austrian naval base located in Croatia. She was retired as a hulk in 1868, and scrapped in 1870.

Das Segelbrigg “S.M.S. Jena” lief am 25. November 1806 in Venedig vom Stapel. Sie hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 390 Tonnen, war 32 Meter lang, hatte eine Breite von 8,8 Meter und ihre Besatzung bestand aus 112 Offiziere und Matrosen. Die Bewaffnung des Schiffes war zwei 12 Pfundern sowie 14-24 Pfundern. Im Jahre 1815 wurde sie als die “S.M.S. Venento” umbenannt. Zwischen 1828 und 1829 diente sie bei der “Marokko-Division” der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine, um Österreichische Marineinfanteristen gegen arabische Piraten zu unterstützen. Zwischen 1848 und 1849 hat sie feindliche italienische Nationalisten an der Küste von Venedig blockiert. Am 11. Mai 1849 wurde sie als die “S.M.S. Pola” umbenannt. Sie wurde im Jahre 1868 als Kohlenhulk umgebaut, und wurde endlich im Jahre 1870 verschrottet (nach einer langen und guten Dienstzeit von 64 Jahren).

10.) The wooden sailing brig “S.M.S. Indiano” was a sister ship of “S.M.S. Jena.” She was launched in Venice during 1808, and severely damaged on a voyage within the Adriatic Sea on May 21, 1820. The navy was unable to salvage her to any useful degree, and therefore scrapped her by September of that same year.

Das Segelbrigg “S.M.S. Indiano” war ein Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Jena.” Sie lief im Jahre 1808 in Venedig vom Stapel, aber wurde am 21. Mai 1820 im Adriatischen Meer sehr schwer beschädigt. Leider war es nicht möglich das Schiff zu reparieren, und deswegen wurde es im September 1820 verschrottet.

11.) The wooden sailing brig “S.M.S. Pallade” displaced up to 391 tons full load. She was built out of oak, was 32 meters long and had a maximum beam of 8,8 meters. Her armament consisted of 4-9 Pounders and 12-24 Pounders. She was manned by a crew of 100 commissioned officers and enlisted men. Her keel was laid down in Venice in 1834, and she was launched on October 16, 1838 as “S.M.S. Venezia” (the Italian word for “Venice”). Prior to her launching, she was actually renamed as “S.M.S. Pilade.” She was assigned to Austrian fleet duties for the next 10 years, and was then renamed yet again as “S.M.S. Triest” on May 11, 1848. Triest was yet another very important Austrian Naval Base. From 1848 to 1849, she partook in the Austrian naval blockade of revolutionary nationalist forces in Venice. In 1849, she blockaded the Italian port city of Ancona for the same reason. She was sold to the breakers for scrapping in 1856.

Das Segelbrigg “S.M.S. Pallade” wurde in Venedig im Jahre 1834 auf Kiel gelegt, und lief am 16. Oktober 1838 als die “S.M.S. Venezia” vom Stapel. Sie hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 391 Tonnen, war 32 Meter lang, hatte eine Breite von 8,8 Meter und eine Besatzung von 100 Offiziere und Matrosen. Die Bewaffnung des Schiffes bestand aus vier Neun-Pfundern sowie 12-24 Pfundern. Sie wurde 11. Mai 1848 als die “S.M.S. Triest” umbenannt. Zwischen 1848 und 1849 hat sie feindliche italienische Nationalisten an der Küste von Venedig sowie Ancona blockiert. Sie wurde im Jahre 1856 verschrottet.

12.) “S.M.S. Tritone” was a sister ship of “S.M.S. Pallade.” Her keel was laid down in Venice in 1834, and she was launched on April 30, 1836. She was assigned to Austrian fleet duties for the next 12 years, and was then renamed as “S.M.S. San Marco” in August of 1849. On November 19, 1849, she renamed yet again as “S.M.S. Triton” (the German version of “Tritone”). She met her unfortunate end on May 9, 1859, when she was destroyed due to a munitions explosion in the Lacroma Canal in the Eastern Adriatic. Triton was the son of Poseidon and Amphitrite, half man and half fish (from pagan Greek mythology).

Das Segelbrigg “S.M.S. Tritone” war ein Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Pallade.” Sie wurde in Venedig im Jahre 1834 auf Kiel gelegt, und lief am 30. April 1836 vom Stapel. Im August 1849 wurde sie als die “S.M.S. San Marco” umbenannt, und am 19. November 1849 wurde sie wieder als die “S.M.S. Triton” umbenannt. Am 9. Mai 1859 wurde sie leider durch einen Explosionsunfall im Lacroma-Kanal in der östlichen Adria zerstört. In der heidnischen griechischen Mythologie war Triton der Sohn von Poseidon und Amphitrite. Triton war halb Mann und halb Fisch.

13.) “S.M.S. Saida” (the Italian and the German name for the city of “Sidon” in Lebanon) was a wooden sailing “Galiot” (”Goelette” in German) which displaced up to 344 tons full load. She was built out of oak, was 28 meters long, and had a maximum beam of 8,4 meters. Her armament consisted of 6-30 Pounders, and she was manned by a crew of 68 commissioned officers and enlisted men. Her keel was laid down in Venice in 1852, and she was launched on March 24, 1855. She was assigned to numerous duties within the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy, including as a “Station Ship,” a training vessel and to a combat “Eskadré” (this is actually a French word; the German equivalent is “Geschwader,” or “Squadron” in English). In 1872, she was upgraded to a wooden sailing brig. She met her unfortunate end on November 20, 1874, when she was stranded and wrecked in a storm on the Southern coast of Italy.

Die Segelgoelette “S.M.S. Saida” wurde in Venedig im Jahre 1852 auf Kiel gelegt, und lief am 24. März 1855 vom Stapel. Sie hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 344 Tonnen, war aus Eichenholz gebaut, war 28 Meter lang, hatte eine Breite von 8,4 Meter und ihre Besatzung bestand aus 68 Offiziere und Matrosen. Die Bewaffnung des Schiffes bestand aus sechs 30 Pfundern. Im Jahre 1872 wurde sie als Segelbrigg umgebaut. Am 20. November 1874 strandete sie in einem Sturm an der südlichen Küste von Italien und ging verloren.

14.) The wooden sailing battery “S.M.S. Mongibello” was laid down in Venice in 1835, and launched on October 14, 1844. She was retired in 1868, and converted into a floating hulk. She met her end on December 12, 1908, when she was assisting in recovery efforts for the new destroyer “S.M.S. Huszar.” She was stranded in a storm in the Gulf of Cattaro, in the Southeastern Adriatic Sea. She displaced up to 268 tons, was 26 meters long, had a maximum beam of 8,1 meters and a maximum draught of 1,8 meters. She was constructed out of oak, and her armament consisted of 1-80 Pounder, 4-36 Pounders and 2-18 Pounders. She was manned by a crew of 53 commissioned officers and enlisted men.

Die Segelbatterie “S.M.S. Mongibello” wurde in Venedig im Jahre 1835 auf Kiel gelegt, und lief am 14. Oktober 1844 vom Stapel. Sie hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 268 Tonnen, war aus Eichenholz gebaut, war 26 Meter lang, hatte eine Breite von 8,1 Meter und eine Besatzung von 53 Offiziere und Matrosen. Die Bewaffnung des Schiffes bestand aus vier 36 Pfundern sowie zwei 18 Pfundern. Im Jahre 1868 wurde sie als Kohlenhulk umgebaut. Am 12. Dezember 1908 strandete sie und ging verloren am Golf von Cattaro als sie versuchte der neue Zerstörer “S.M.S. Huszar” zu bergen.

15.) A sister ship of “S.M.S. Mongibello” was “S.M.S. Vesuvio,” named after an Italian volcano. She was also laid down in Venice in 1835, and launched on October 31, 1844. She was retired in 1868, and converted into a steam dredger in 1873. She was finally scrapped in 1915, after an impressive 80 years of service in the Austrian Navy.

Die Segelbatterie “S.M.S. Vesuvio” war ein Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Mongibello.” Sie wurde in Venedig im Jahre 1835 auf Kiel gelegt, und lief am 31. Oktober 1844 vom Stapel. Im Jahre 1873 wurde sie als Dampfbaggerschiff umgebaut. Sie wurde endlich im Jahre 1915 verschrottet – nach einer langen und guten Dienstzeit von 71 Jahren.

16.) The wooden sailing battery “S.M.S. Fermo” was laid down in Venice in 1836, and launched on June 8, 1846. She was retired in 1868, and converted into a guard hulk. She was converted yet again into a coal carrier in 1877, and then into a pontoon crane vessel in 1887. She was finally scrapped in 1897. She displaced up to 251 tons, and was built out of oak. She was 23 meters long, and had a maximum beam of 8,5 meters. Her armament consisted of 2-36 Pounders, 8-18 Pounders and 8-3 Pounders. She was manned by a crew of 54 commissioned officers and enlisted men.

Die Segelbatterie “S.M.S. Fermo” wurde in Venedig im Jahre 1836 auf Kiel gelegt, und lief am 8. Juni 1846 vom Stapel. Im Jahre 1868 wurde sie als Wachhulk umgebaut, und im Jahre 1877 wurde sie als Kohlenträger umgebaut. Sie wurde im Jahre 1897 verschrottet, nach einer Dienstzeit von 51 Jahren. Sie hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 251 Tonnen, war aus Eichenholz gebaut, war 23 Meter lang und hatte eine Breite von 8,5 Meter. Die Bewaffnung des Schiffes bestand aus zwei 36 Pfunder, acht 18 Pfunder und acht Drei-Pfunder. Sie hatte eine Besatzung von 54 Offiziere und Matrosen.

17.) The sister ship of “S.M.S. Fermo” was “S.M.S. Forte,” which was laid down in Venice in 1836. She was launched on July 8, 1846. She was retired in 1868, and converted into a hulk. The rest of her history was identical to that of her sister ship.

Die Segelbatterie “S.M.S. Forte” war ein Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Fermo.” Sie wurde in Venedig im Jahre 1836 auf Kiel gelegt, und lief am 8. Juni 1846 vom Stapel. Sie wurde auch im Jahre 1868 als Hulk umgebaut, und wurde auch im Jahre 1897 verschrottet.

18.) “S.M.S. Dragone” was a wooden sailing “Galiot” (the German word for this type of vessel is “Goelette”), built of oak and displacing up to 214 tons. Her keel was laid down in Venice in 1806, and she was launched on July 26, 1808. She was actually taken by Austria from the Italians, where she had the name “Volteggiatore.” She was originally part of the Italian Adriatic Division, and was taken over by Austria on April 25, 1814, at which time she became an Imperial Yacht for the Habsburg Monarch. In 1819, she was renamed as “S.M.S. Cesaria,” and she was scrapped by 1829. She was 27,6 meters long, and had a maximum beam of 6,9 meters. Her armament consisted of 10-6 Pounders, and she was manned by a crew of 62 commissioned officers and enlisted men. “Dragone” is the Italian word for “dragon” in English, or “Drache” in German.

Die Segelgoelette “S.M.S. Dragone” wurde in Venedig im Jahre 1806 auf Kiel gelegt, und lief am 26. Juli 1808 vom Stapel. Sie hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 214 Tonnen, war aus Eichenholz gebaut, war 27,6 Meter lang und hatte eine Breite von 6,9 Meter. Die Bewaffnung des Schiffes bestand aus zehn Sechs Pfundern, und sie hatte eine Besatzung von 62 Offiziere und Matrosen. Sie wurde von feindlichen italienischen Nationalisten beschlagnahmt, und als die “Volteggiatore” umbenannt. Als sie von den Österreichern am 25. April 1814 befreit wurde, wurde sie als die Kaiserliche und Königliche Jacht umgebaut. Im Jahre 1819 wurde sie als die “S.M.S. Cesaria” umbenannt, und sie wurde im Jahre 1829 verschrottet.

19.) A sister ship of “S.M.S. Dragone” was “S.M.S. Fenice.” Her keel was laid down in 1811 in Venice, and she was launched on March 26, 1812. She was originally Italian, having been taken over by the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy on April 25, 1814. She was assigned to fleet, postal (mail delivery), transport and guard duties over the course of her career. In 1829, she was converted into a wooden sailing brig. She was renamed “S.M.S. Ussaro” on August 1, 1829, and immediately attached to the Austrian Morocco Division, supporting Austrian Naval Infantry sent to combat Arab pirates. This lasted until 1830. From 1836 until 1837, she joined other Austrian naval vessels in transporting Italian political refugees from the Austrian port of Triest to safety in New York. In March of 1848, she was renamed as “Il Crociato” in the service of revolutionary nationalist Italians who temporarily captured her from the Austrian Navy. This did not last long, and upon her return to Austria, she was renamed yet again as “S.M.S. Hussar” on November 19, 1849. She served for many years as a training vessel in the Austrian Navy, being retired in 1868 and scrapped in 1870. A “Hussar” was a cavalryman in the Imperial and Royal Austrian Army.

Die Segelgoelette “S.M.S. Fenice” war ein Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Dragone.” Sie wurde in Venedig im Jahre 1811 auf Kiel gelegt, und lief am 26. März 1812 vom Stapel. Sie wurde auch von feindlichen italienischen Nationalisten beschlagnahmt, und wurde auch am 25. April 1814 von den Österreichern wieder befreit. Im Jahre 1829 wurde sie als die “S.M.S. Ussaro” umbenannt, und diente bei der “Marokko-Division” der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine, wo sie Österreichische Marineinfanteristen gegen arabische Piraten unterstützt hatte. Zwischen 1836 und 1837 hat sie italienische politische Flüchtlinge von Triest nach Neu York gebracht. Im Jahre 1848 wurde sie wieder von feindlichen italienischen Nationalisten beschlagnahmt, und als die “Il Crociato” umbenannt. Nach ihrer zweiten Befreiung durch die Österreicher, wurde sie am 19. November 1849 als die “S.M.S. Hussar” umbenannt. Dann wurde sie als Schulschiff benutzt, bevor sie im Jahre 1870 verschrottet wurde – nach einer Dienstzeit von 58 Jahren.

20.) Yet another sister ship of “S.M.S. Dragone” was “S.M.S. Sfinge.” Her keel was laid down in Venice in 1829, and she was launched on July 15 of that same year. She was immediately assigned to fleet and postal delivery duties within the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy. Between 1848 and 1849, she partook in the Austrian naval blockade of revolutionary nationalist forces in Venice. In August of 1849, she was renamed as “S.M.S. Sfinx,” and reassigned back to the Austrian fleet. She was converted into a coal hulk in 1854, and scrapped by 1860. This ship was of course named after the Sphinx of Egypt, a kingly symbol of a half-man, half-lion beast. In Classical Mythology, the Sphinx was the offspring of yet another hybrid beast.

Die Segelgoelette “S.M.S. Sfinge” war das zweite Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Dragone.” Sie lief am 15. Juli 1829 in Venedig vom Stapel. Zwischen 1848 und 1849 hatte sie feindliche italienische Nationalisten an der Küste von Venedig blockiert. Im Jahre 1849 wurde sie als die “S.M.S. Sfinx” umbenannt. Sie wurde im Jahre 1854 als Kohlenhulk umgebaut, und wurde im Jarhe 1860 verschrottet.

21.) Still another sister ship of “S.M.S. Dragone” was “S.M.S. Vigilante.” Her keel was laid down in Venice in 1837, and her planned name was changed to “S.M.S. Virtuosa” in 1839. From March 1848 until August 1849, she was captured by revolutionary nationalist forces in Venice, but not completed. In August 1849, she was finally retaken by her original Austrian owners. Her planned name was changed yet again to “S.M.S. Aretina” on November 18, 1849, and she was finally launched into active service as “S.M.S. Arethusa” on November 4, 1850. She served as both a station and as a training vessel in the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy before her retirement in 1882. She was then used and sunk as a target vessel for Torpedoboot V (i.e., the fifth torpedo boat to be commissioned into the Austrian Navy) on September 16, 1882 – after which she was raised and scrapped. The names of this ship went first from “vigilante” to “the virtuous one.” “Arethusa” was a beautiful Nymph (a well-woman of Classical Mythology), being the daughter of Atlas. One day as she was bathing in a river, the pagan god Alpheios of that river fell in love with her. Arethusa fled from the river, and sought refuge with the goddess Artemis on the Island of Ortygia. Alpheios then changed himself into a river, and followed Arethusa through the sea so that he could be with his beloved.

Die Segelgoelette “S.M.S. Vigilante” war das dritte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Dragone.” Sie wurde im Jahre 1837 in Venedig auf Kiel gelegt, und lief endlich am 4. November 1850 als die “S.M.S. Arethusa” am Stapel. Sie wurde als Schulschiff benutzt, bevor sie als Zielschiff am 16. September 1882 benutzt wurde. Sie wurde von dem Torpedoboot V (das fuenfte Torpedoboot der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine) torpediert – nachdem sie geborgen und verschrottet wurde. Arethusa war eine schöne Nymphe der klaßischen heidnischen Mythologie. Sie war auch die Tochter von Atlas. Eines Tages badete sie im Fluß, als sich der heidnische Gott Alpheois in sie verliebte. Arethusa ist dann sofort geflohen, um sich mit der Göttin Artemis auf der Insel Ortygia zu verstecken. Alpheios ist nach seiner Verliebten Arethusa gelaufen, und ist selbst ein Fluß geworden um mit ihr zu sein.

22.) “S.M.S. Enrichetta” was a wooden sailing Galiot (”Goelette” in German), laid down in Venice in 1825. She was launched on April 7, 1826. From 1828 to 1829, she was part of the Morocco Division of the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy, sent to help Austrian naval infantry in combating Arab pirates. Thereafter, she was reassigned to fleet, postal delivery and customs duties. She was scrapped in 1845. She was 27,3 meters long, and had a maximum beam of 6,8 meters. Her armament consisted of 14-12 Pounders, and she was manned by a crew of 87 commissioned officers and enlisted men. She was constructed out of oak, she displaced up to 207 tons and her name of course is a girl’s first name.

Die Segelgoelette “S.M.S. Enrichetta” wurde im Jahre 1825 in Venedig auf Kiel gelegt, und lief am 7. April 1826 vom Stapel. Sie hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 207 Tonnen, war aus Eichenholz gebaut, war 27,3 Meter lang und hatte eine Breite von 6,8 Meter. Die Bewaffnung des Schiffes bestand aus 14-12 Pfundern, und sie hatte eine Besatzung von 87 Offiziere und Matrosen. Zwischen 1828 und 1829 diente sie bei der “Marokko-Division” der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine, um Österreichische Marineinfanteristen gegen arabische Piraten zu unterstützen. Sie wurde im Jahre 1845 verschrottet.

23.) “S.M.S. Elisabetta” was a wooden sailing Galiot (”Goelette” in German) laid down in Venice in 1826, and launched on August 4, 1826. She was immediately assigned to fleet, postal delivery and station duties within the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy. In 1849, she partook in the Austrian naval blockade of revolutionary nationalist rebels in Venice. In August 1849, her name was Germanized to “S.M.S. Elisabeth” in honor of the new Empress of Austria, Elizabeth of Bavaria (the wife of Emperor Franz Josef I of Habsburg-Lothringen). She then served as a training ship, until she was retired in 1857. Thereafter, she was used as a coal hulk until being scrapped sometime after 1860. She displaced up to 206 tons, was built out of oak, was 27,3 meters long and had a maximum beam of 6,8 meters. Her armament consisted of 8-12 Pounders, and she was manned by a crew of 63 commissioned officers and enlisted men.

Die Segelgoelette “S.M.S. Elisabetta” wurde im Jahre 1826 in Venedig auf Kiel gelegt, und lief am 4. August 1826 vom Stapel. Sie hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 206 Tonnen, war aus Eichenholz gebaut, war 27,3 Meter lang, und hatte eine Breite von 6,8 Meter. Die Bewaffung des Schiffes bestand aus acht 12 Pfundern, und sie hatte eine Besatzung von 63 Offiziere und Matrosen. Im Jahre 1849 hat sie feindliche italienische Nationalisten an der Küste von Venedig blockiert. Im August 1849 wurde sie als “S.M.S. Elisabeth,” nach der neuen Kaiserin Österreichs, umbenannt. Sie wurde dann als Schulschiff benutzt, und wurde im Jahre 1860 verschrottet.

24.) “S.M.S. Bravo” was a wooden brig-schooner laid down in Venice in 1833, and launched on June 30, 1834. She was immediately assigned to tender and postal delivery duties within the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy. She was upgraded into a full brig in 1842, and was briefly captured by rebellious Italian nationalist forced in Venice from March 1848 until August 1849. Upon her return to the Austrian Navy, she became a training vessel. She lived a long and productive life, only being scrapped in 1903 after an impressive 70 years of service in the Austrian Navy. She was built out of oak, was 25 meters long and had a maximum beam of 7 meters. Her armament consisted of 2-1 Pounders and 6-8 Pounders. She was manned by a crew of 46 commissioned officers and enlisted men, and had a maximum displacement of 200 tons.

Der Segelbriggschooner “S.M.S. Bravo” wurde im Jahre 1833 in Venedig auf Kiel gelegt, und lief am 30. Juni 1834 vom Stapel. Sie hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 200 Tonnen, war aus Eichenholz gebaut, war 25 Meter lang und hatte eine Breite von 7 Meter. Die Bewaffnung des Schiffes bestand aus zwei Ein-Pfundern und sechs Acht-Pfundern, und sie hatte eine Besatzung von 46 Offiziere und Matrosen. Im Jahre 1842 wurde sie als Segelbrigg umgebaut. Zwischen März 1848 und August 1849 wurde sie von feindlichen italienischen Nationalisten beschlagnahmt. Nach ihrer Befreiung wurde sie als Schulschiff der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine benutzt. Sie wurde erst im Jahre 1903 verschrottet, nach einer langen und guten Dienstzeit von 69 Jahren.

25.) A sister ship of “S.M.S. Bravo” was “S.M.S. Dromedario.” She was laid down in Venice in 1836, and was launched on April 15, 1837. She was immediately assigned to tender duties within the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy (supplying other warships, that is). She was upgraded into a full brig in 1845. In between 1848 and 1849, she partook in the Austrian naval blockade of Italian nationalist rebels in Venice. On November 19, 1849 she was renamed “S.M.S. Dromedar.” She returned to being a wooden sailing tender, and was retired in 1877. Thereafter, she served as a coal hulk until she was finally scrapped in 1893 after 57 years of service in the Austrian Navy.

Der Segelbriggschooner “S.M.S. Dromedario” war ein Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Bravo.” Sie wurde im Jahre 1836 in Venedig auf Kiel gelegt, und lief am 15. April 1837 vom Stapel. Im Jahre 1845 wurde als Segelbrigg umgebaut. Zwischen 1848 und 1849 hat sie feindliche italienische Nationalisten an der Küste von Venedig blockiert. Am 19. November 1849 wurde sie als die “S.M.S. Dromedar” umbenannt. Danach wurde sie als Versorgungsschiff benutzt, und sie wurde erst im Jahre 1893 verschrottet – nach einer Dienstzeit von 56 Jahren.

26.) ”S.M.S. Madonna dell’Assunta” was an armed wooden sailing merchantman, originally belonging to the Woinowich Shipping Company of Triest. On December 15, 1759 she commenced operations as a merchant raider against the navy of Brandenburg-Prussia, the most powerful German state after her native Austria. She was damaged in this role in 1760, and thereafter returned to her original civilian owners. She was built out of oak, displaced up to 200 tons, and was armed with between 6 and 8 guns. She was named after the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven, or the fourth Glorious Mystery of the Rosary.

Das Hilfssegelschiff “S.M.S. Madonna dell’Assunta” war nur vom 15. Dezember 1759 bis irgendwann im Jahre 1760 im Dienst der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine. Sie gehörte der Reederei Woinowich aus Triest, und wurde im Handelskrieg gegen Brandenburg-Preußen benutzt. Sie hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 200 Tonnen, und war mit sechs bis acht Kanonen bewaffnet. Sie wurde nach der Annahme der Gesegneten Jungfrau Maria (das vierte prachtvolle Geheimnis des Rosenkranzes) benannt.

27.) “S.M.S. Artemisia” was a wooden sailing Galiot (”Goelette” in German) laid down in Venice in 1839, and launched on September 15, 1851. Upon her commissioning into the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy, her name was altered somewhat to “S.M.S. Arthemisia.” She was immediately assigned to both fleet and training duties. In 1866, she was converted into an ammunition hulk. Surprisingly, she was upgraded into a full wooden sailing brig in 1869. She was then used as a training vessel for young naval cadets until her retirement and scapping in 1902. She was built out of oak, displaced up to 185 tons, was 26 meters long, had a maximum beam of 7,5 meters and was armed with 1-18 Pounder plus 8-12 Pounders. Her crew consisted of 69 commissioned officers and enlisted men. Arthemisia was the daughter of Zeus and Leto, and the twin sister of Apollon from Classical Mythology. The author Homer described her as the “sovereign of the animals,” and as the “Lioness of Women.” She also represented motherhood and fertility. Her famous pagan temple is located in Ephesus.

Die Segelgoelette “S.M.S. Artemesia” wurde im Jahre 1839 in Venedig auf Kiel gelegt, und lief am 15. September 1851 als die “S.M.S. Arthemisia” vom Stapel. Sie hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 185 Tonnen, war aus Eichenholz gebaut, war 26 Meter lang und hatte eine Breite von 7,5 Meter. Die Bewaffnung des Schiffes bestand aus einem 18 Pfunder sowie acht 12 Pfundern, und sie hatte eine Besatzung von 69 Offiziere und Matrosen. Im Jahre 1866 wurde sie als Munitionshulk umgebaut, und dann im Jahre 1869 wurde sie als Segelbrigg umgebaut. Danach wurde sie als Schulschiff benutzt, bis sie im Jahre 1902 verschrottet wurde – nach einer Dienstzeit von 51 Jahren. Arthemisia war die Tochter von Zeus und Leto, und der Zwilling von Apollon aus der klaßischen Mythologie.

28.) “S.M.S. Delfino” was a wooden brig-schooner laid down in Venice in 1834 and launched on May 21, 1835. She was immediately assigned to tender and postal delivery duties within the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy. She was then upgraded into a full wooden sailing brig in 1845. She was renamed as “S.M.S. Delphin” on November 19, 1849 and spent the rest of her naval career as a training vessel. She was finally sold to the breakers in 1856. She displaced up to 181 tons, was built out of oak, was 24,9 meters long and had a maximum beam of 6,8 meters. Her armament consisted of 4-6 Pounders and 6-12 Pounders. She was manned by a crew of 56 commissioned officers and enlisted men. Her name means “dolphin” in English (she had the Italian name from 1835 until 1849, and the German name thereafter).

Der Segelbriggschooner “S.M.S. Delfino” wurde im Jahre 1834 in Venedig auf Kiel gelegt, und lief am 21. Mai 1835 vom Stapel. Sie hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 181 Tonnen, war aus Eichenholz gebaut, war 24,9 Meter lang und hatte eine Breite von 7,5 Meter. Die Bewaffnung des Schiffes bestand aus vier Sechs Pfundern sowie Sechs 12 Pfundern, und sie hatte eine Besatzung von 56 Offiziere und Matrosen. Im Jahre 1845 wurde sie als Segelbrigg umgebaut, und am 19. November 1849 wurde sie als die “S.M.S. Delphin” umbenannt. Danach wurde sie als Schulschiff benutzt, bis sie im Jahre 1856 verschrottet wurde.

29.) “S.M.S. Camäleonte” was a wooden brig-schooner laid down in Venice in 1832 and launched on July 6, 1833. She was immediately assigned to tender and postal delivery duties within the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy. In 1845, she was upgraded into a full wooden sailing brig. In between March of 1848 and August of 1849, she was captured by revolutionary nationalist rebels in Italy. Thereafter, she was retaken by her own Austrian forces. On November 19, 1849, her name was Germanized to “S.M.S. Camäleon.” The English translation is “chameleon,” which is a type of lizard. For the remainder of her career, she was used as a training vessel. She was finally scrapped in 1905, after an impressive 73 years of service in the Austrian Navy. She displaced up to 168 tons, was built out of oak, was 23,4 meters long and had a maximum beam of 6,7 meters. Her armament consisted of 4-6 Pounders and 6-12 Pounders. She was manned by a crew of 56 commissioned officers and enlisted men.

Der Segelbriggschooner “S.M.S. Camäleonte” wurde im Jahre 1832 in Venedig auf Kiel gelegt, und lief am 6. Juli 1833 vom Stapel. Sie hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 168 Tonnen, war aus Eichenholz gebaut, war 23,4 Meter lang und hatte eine Breite von 6,7 Meter. Die Bewaffnung des Schiffes bestand aus vier Sechs Pfundern sowie sechs 12 Pfundern, und sie hatte eine Besatzung von 56 Offiziere und Matrosen. Im Jahre 1845 wurde sie als Segelbrigg umgebaut. Zwischen März 1848 und August 1849 wurde sie von feindlichen italienischen Nationalisten beschlagnahmt. Als sie wieder österreichisch würde, wurde sie am 19. November 1849 als die “S.M.S. Camälion” umbenannt. Danach wurde sie als Schulschiff benutzt, bis sie im Jahre 1905 verschrottet wurde – nach einer langen und guten Dienstzeit von 72 Jahren.

30.) The sister ship of “S.M.S. Camäleonte” was “S.M.S. Fido.” Her keel was laid down in Venice in 1833, and she was launched on August 23, 1834. She was also assigned to tender and postal delivery duties within the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy, and was similarly upgraded into a full wooden sailing brig in 1845. Her career was considerably shorter than that of her sister ship, being scrapped in 1868. “Fido” is merely the Italian word for “loyal” in English or “treu” in German.

Der Segelbriggschooner “S.M.S. Fido” war ein Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Camäleonte.” Sie wurde im Jahre 1833 in Venedig auf Kiel gelegt, und lief am 23. August 1834 vom Stapel. Im Jahre 1845 wurde sie als Segelbrigg umgebaut, und sie wurde im Jahre 1868 verschrottet. “Fido” ist auf deutsch “treu.”

31.) “S.M.S. Divina Providenza” was a wooden sailing “Trabaccolo” (”Trabakel” in German). This type of ship was a robust sort of smaller sailing vessel, mainly built for transport duties. She was a civilian vessel temporarily taken into the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy from 1802 until 1806. She went back to her civilian life in February 1806. She was built out of oak and displaced up to 112 tons. While in naval service, she was armed with 2-12 Pounders and 2-6 Pounders. Her crew consisted of 27 officers and men. Her name means “Divine Providence” in English.

Das Segeltrabakel “S.M.S. Divina Providenza” war ein Handelsschiff, das zwischen 1802 und 1806 in der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine diente. Sie hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 112 Tonnen, war aus Eichenholz gebaut, und hatte eine Besatzung von 27 Offiziere und Matrosen. Die Bewaffnung des Schiffes bestand aus zwei 12 Pfundern sowie zwei Sechs Pfundern. Das Segeltrabakel war ein robust gebautes kleineres Segelfahrzeug fuer Transportzwecke, mit zwei Masten mit Lateinsegeln und zwei Klüvern, für weite Reisen zusätzlich Rahsegel am Fockmast. Das Segeltrabakel war das gebräuchlichste Segelfahrzeug der Adria-Küstenfahrt, mit einer Einsatzverdrängung zwischen 15 und 115 Tonnen. Bei der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine waren sie zur Versorgung der heimischen Küstenstationen und Schiffsabteilungen im Ausland benutzt.

32.) “S.M.S. Camello” was a wooden sailing “Trabaccolo” (”Trabakel” in German) built and launched in Venice in 1804. She served as a transport vessel from 1805 until 1809, and was then sold to civilian owners. She displaced up to 111 tons, was built out of oak, and was armed with 4 guns (2-18 Pounders and 2-6 Pounders). Her crew consisted of 27 officers and men.

Das Segeltrabakel “S.M.S. Camello” lief im Jahre 1804 in Venedig vom Stapel. Sie hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 111 Tonnen, und war aus Eichenholz gebaut. Die Bewaffnung des Schiffes bestand aus zwei 18 Pfundern sowie zwei Sechs Pfundern, und sie hatte eine Besatzung von 27 Offiziere und Matrosen. Im Jahre 1809 wurde sie verkauft.

33.) “S.M.S. La Lippa” was a wooden sailing “Trabaccolo” (”Trabakel” in German). She was laid down in Venice in 1820, and launched on October 25, 1821. On November 26 of the same year, she was renamed as “S.M.S. Dromedario.” She was assigned to transport duties within the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy, and was scrapped in 1837. She was built out of oak, displaced up to 110 tons, was 24,7 meters long and had a maximum beam of 6,2 meters. She was unarmed, and had a crew of 24 officers and men.

Das Segeltrabakel “S.M.S. La Lippa” wurde im Jahre 1820 in Venedig auf Kiel gelegt, und lief am 25. Oktober 1821 vom Stapel. Am 26. November 1821 wurde sie als die “S.M.S. Dromedario” umbenannt. Sie hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 110 Tonnen, war aus Eichenholz gebaut, war 24,7 Meter lang und hatte eine Breite von 6,2 Meter. Sie hatte keine Bewaffnung, und hatte eine Besatzung von 24 Offiziere und Matrosen. Sie wurde im Jahre 1837 verschrottet.

34.) “S.M.S. Bravo” was a wooden sailing “Trabaccolo” (”Trabakel” in German). She was purchased from civilian owners in 1800, and served as a transport vessel in the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy until 1809, when she was sold back to civilian owners. She displaced up to 102 tons, was built out of oak, and was armed with 6 guns (2-14 Pounders and 4-9 Pounders). Her crew consisted of 50 commissioned officers and enlisted men. “Bravo” is the Italian word for “brave,” “clever,” “smart,” “skilled,” “nice” or “well done” in English. Today, this would be considered to be a small vessel. Even when she was new, she was a small naval vessel. But many hundreds of years ago, the famous English wooden sailing battleship “H.M.S. Golden Hind” had the exact same displacement as the Austrian “S.M.S. Bravo” when the former circumnavigated the globe from 1577 to 1580. The English vessel had a crew of 70, was 31 meters long, had a beam of 6 meters and a draught of 2,7 meters. She was armed with 18 guns and could make up to 3 knots under good conditions.

Das Segeltrabakel “S.M.S. Bravo” wurde im Jahre 1800 von der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine gekauft, und im Jahre 1809 wieder verkauft. Sie hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 102 Tonnen, war aus Eichenholz gebaut, und hatte eine Besatzung von 50 Offiziere und Matrosen. Die Bewaffnung des Schiffes bestand aus zwei 14 Pfundern sowie vier Neun Pfundern. “Bravo” ist auf deutsch “brav.” Heutzutage ist ein Schiff (oder Boot) von einer 102 Tonnen Einsatzverdrängung ziemlich klein. Als das englische Linienschiff “H.M.S. Golden Hind” in den Jahren zwischen 1577 bis 1580 eine Weltumsegelung machte, war es genauso groß (oder klein) wie das österreichische Segeltrabakel “S.M.S. Bravo von 1800. Das englische Linienschiff “S.M.S. Golden Hind” hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 102 Tonnen, war 31 Meter lang, hatte eine Breite von 6 Meter und ein Tiefgang von 2,7 Meter. Sie war mit 18 Kanonen bewaffnet, hatte eine Besatzung von 70 Offiziere und Matrosen, und ihre Höchstgeschwindigkeit (nur mit Segel) war 3 Knoten.

35.) “S.M.S. Dromedario” was a wooden sailing “Trabaccolo” (”Trabakel” in German). She was purchased from civilian owners in 1804, and served as a transport vessel in the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy until 1809, when she was sold back to civilian owners. She displaced up to 90 tons, was built out of oak, and was armed with 4 guns (2-12 Pounders and 2-6 Pounders). Her crew consisted of 27 commissioned officers and enlisted men, and her name refers to a type of animal.

Das Segeltrabakel “S.M.S. Dromedario” wurde im Jahre 1804 von der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine gekauft, und im Jahre 1809 wieder verkauft. Sie hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 90 Tonnen, war aus Eichenholz gebaut, und hatte eine Besatzgung von 27 Offiziere und Matrosen. Die Bewaffnung des Schiffes bestand aus zwei 12 Pfundern sowie zwei Sechs Pfundern.

36.) “S.M.S. San Andrea” was a wooden sailing “Trabaccolo” (”Trabakel” in German). She was purchased from civilian owners in 1802, and served as a transport vessel in the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy until February 5, 1806, when she was sold to Italy. She displaced up to 89 tons, was built out of oak, and was unarmed. Her name translates to “Saint Andrew” in English, “Sankt Andreas” in German or “San Andrés” in Spanish.

Das Segeltrabakel “S.M.S. San Andrea” wurde im Jahre 1802 von der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine gekauft, und am 5. Februar 1806 wieder verkauft. Sie hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 89 Tonnen, war aus Eichenholz gebaut, und hatte keine Bewaffnung.

37.) “S.M.S. Calypso” was a wooden sailing cannon-sloop (”Kanonierschaluppe” in German) laid down in Venice in 1831, and launched on May 24, 1832. She was briefly captured by rebellious nationalist troops in Venice from March of 1848 until August of 1849, and then returned to the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy. The remainder of her naval career was uneventful, being scrapped by 1858. She displaced up to 81 tons, was built out of oak, was 19,5 meters long, had a maximum beam of 5,1 meters and a draught of 2,2 meters. She was armed with 7 guns, including 1-24 Pounder, 4-4 Pounders and 2-3 Pounders. Her crew consisted of 33 commissioned officers and enlisted men.

Die Segelkanonierschaluppe “S.M.S. Calypso” wurde im Jahre 1831 in Venedig auf Kiel gelegt, und lief am 24. Mai 1832 vom Stapel. Sie hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 81 Tonnen, war aus Eichenholz gebaut, war 19,5 Meter lang, hatte eine Breite von 5,1 Meter und ein Tiefgang von 2,2 Meter. Die Bewaffnung des Schiffes bestand aus einem 24 Pfunder, vier Vier Pfundern sowie zwei Drei Pfundern, und sie hatte eine Besatzung von 33 Offiziere und Matrosen. Sie wurde zwischen März 1848 und August 1849 von feindlichen italienischen Nationalisten beschlagnahmt, und wurde im Jahre 1858 verschrottet. Die Segelkanonierschaluppe war ein Ruderkanonenboot mit Hilfsbesegelung, infolge starker Bauart mit langer Lebensdauer. Sie war auch ein flaches und niedriges Seefahrzeug nach spanischem Muster, mit einem durchgehenden Oberdeck, ein Mast mit Gaffelsegel, manchmal mit Rahsegel und einem kleinen Yawlmast achtern, später nur mit Lateinsegel.

38.) “S.M.S. Costanza” was sister ship of “S.M.S. Calypso.” She was laid down in Venice in 1832, and launched on October 13th of that same year. Her career was uneventful, being scrapped by 1857.

Die Segelkanonierschaluppe “S.M.S. Costanza” war ein Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Calypso.” Sie wurde im Jahre 1832 in Venedig auf Kiel gelegt, und lief am 13. Oktober 1832 vom Stapel. Sie wurde im Jahre 1857 verschrottet, nach einer Dienstzeit von 25 Jahren.

39.) “S.M.S. Viennese” was a sister ship of both “S.M.S. Calypso” and “S.M.S. Costanza.” She was laid down in Venice in 1832, and launched on November 13th of that same year. She was briefly captured by revolutionary nationalist rebels in Venice from March of 1848 until August of 1849, and then returned to the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy. The remainder of her career was uneventful, being scrapped by 1860. Her name means refers to someone who is from the Austrian capital city of Vienna. The name of the city is “Wien” in German and “Vindebona” in Latin.

Die Segelkanonierschaluppe “S.M.S. Viennese” war das zweite Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Calypso.” Sie lief am 13. November 1832 in Venedig vom Stapel, und wurde zwischen März 1848 und August 1849 von feindlichen italienischen Nationalisten beschlagnahmt. Sie wurde im Jahre 1860 verschrottet, nach einer Dienstzeit von 28 Jahren.

40.) “S.M.S. Calliope” was another sister ship of “S.M.S. Calypso,” “S.M.S. Costanza” and “S.M.S. Viennese.” Her keel was laid down in Venice in 1832, and she was launched on March 26, 1833. Her career within the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy was uneventful. She was converted into a coal barge in 1858, and scrapped by 1860.

Die Segelkanonierschaluppe “S.M.S. Calliope” war das dritte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Calypso.” Sie wurde im Jahre 1832 in Venedig auf Kiel gelegt, und lief am 26. März 1833 vom Stapel. Sie wurde im Jahre 1858 als Kohenhulk umgebaut, und wurde im Jahre 1860 verschrottet.

41.) “S.M.S. Danae” was yet another sister ship of “S.M.S. Calypso,” “S.M.S. Costanza,” “S.M.S. Viennese” and “S.M.S. Calliope.” Her keel was laid down in Venice in 1832, and she was launched on January 11, 1834. In between March of 1848 and August of 1849, she was captured by rebellious Italian nationalist forces in Venice. Thereafter, she returned to the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy. She was converted into a coal barge in 1858, and scrapped by 1860. In Classical Mythology, the name of this vessel referred to the 50 daughters of the Egyptian King Danaos. The girls did not want to marry their cousins, so they fled their country in the company of their father. They moved to Argos, but their cousins followed them. They were thus forced to marry their cousins, but they each received the gift of a dagger from their royal father. The girls promised to kill their new husbands, which 49 of the 50 sisters did on their common wedding night. The last sister (Hypermnestra) helped her new spouse Lynkeus escape with his life. The first 49 sisters were captured and made to atone for their crimes for the remainder of their lives.

Die Segelkanonierschaluppe “S.M.S. Danae” war das vierte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Calypso.” Sie wurde im Jahre 1832 in Venedig auf Kiel gelegt, und lief am 11. Januar 1834 vom Stapel. Zwischen März 1848 und August 1849 wurde sie von feindlichen italienischen Nationalisten beschlagnahmt. Sie wurde als Kohlenhulk im Jahre 1858 umgebaut, und wurde im Jahre 1860 verschrottet. Die “Danae” waren die 50 Töchter des Ägyptischen König Danaos aus der klaßischen Mythologie. Die Mädchen wollten ihre Vettern nicht heiraten, und zogen mit ihrem Vater nach Argos um. Die Vetter liefen den Mädchen nach, um sie doch zu heiraten. 49 von den 50 Schwestern haben ihre 49 Vettern ermordet, aber die Schwester Hypermnestra hat ihren neuen Ehemann Lynkeus geholfen, sodaß er nicht ermordet wurde. Danach wurden die anderen 49 Schwestern gefangen genommen.

42.) “S.M.S. Veneziana” was still another vessel of the prolific “S.M.S. Calypso” class. Her keel was laid down in Venice (after which she was named) in 1832, and she was launched on January 11, 1834. She was renamed “S.M.S. Veruda” on May 11, 1848. She was converted into a coal barge in 1852, and scrapped by 1857.

Die Segelkanonierschaluppe “S.M.S. Veneziana” war das fünfte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Calypso.” Sie wurde im Jahre 1832 in Venedig auf Kiel gelegt, und lief am 11. Januar 1834 vom Stapel. Am 11. Mai 1848 wurde sie als die “S.M.S. Veruda” umbenannt. Im Jahre 1852 wurde sie als Kohlenhulk umgebaut, und sie wurde im Jahre 1857 verschrottet.

43.) “S.M.S. Concordia” was another vessel belonging to the “S.M.S. Calypso” class. Her keel was laid down in Venice in 1832, and she was launched on April 22, 1834. She was also converted into a coal barge in 1858, and then scrapped by 1860. In the old pagan religion of ancient Rome, “Concordia” embodied the spirit of harmony within society. A temple in honor of Concordia was constructed in the 4th Century before Christ. The temple was located near the Forum of Rome, and its altar was at the exit of the capitol. Emperor Tiberius restored the temple, which was renamed “Corcordia Augusta.” He wanted to restore the harmony within his own royal family, which was actually infamous for murderous infighting.

Die Segelkanonierschaluppe “S.M.S. Concordia” war das sechste Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Calypso.” Sie wurde im Jahre 1832 in Venedig auf Kiel gelegt, und lief am 22. April 1834 vom Stapel. Im Jahre 1858 wurde sie als Kohlenhulk umgebaut, und sie wurde im Jahre 1860 verschrottet.

44.) “S.M.S. Merope” was also a member of the numerous “S.M.S. Calypso” class of sloops. Her keel was laid down in Venice in 1832, and she was launched on May 17, 1834. From March 1848 until August 1849, she was captured by rebellious nationalist Italian forces in Venice. After her return to the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy, she was converted into a storage boat and scrapped by 1858.

Die Segelkanonierschaluppe “S.M.S. Merope” war das siebte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Calypso.” Sie wurde im Jahre 1832 in Venedig auf Kiel gelegt, und lief am 17. Mai 1834 vom Stapel. Zwischen März 1848 und August 1849 wurde sie von feindlichen italienischen Nationalisten beschlagnahmt. Danach wurde sie als Lagerboot benutzt, bis sie im Jahre 1858 verschrottet wurde.

45.) “S.M.S. Didone” was another member of the “S.M.S. Calypso” class of wooden sailing cannon-sloops within the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy. Her keel was laid down in Venice in 1832, and she was launched on June 19, 1834. Her career was unremarkable, she being converted to coal carrying duties by 1852 and scrapped by 1860.

Die Segelkanonierschaluppe “S.M.S. Didone” war das achte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Calypso.” Sie wurde im Jahre 1832 in Venedig auf Kiel gelegt, und lief am 19. Juni 1834 vom Stapel. Im Jahre 1852 wurde sie als Kohlenhulk umgebaut, und sie wurde im Jahre 1860 verschrottet.

46.) “S.M.S. Medusa” was yet another member within the “S.M.S. Calypso” class of Austrian wooden cannon-sloops. Her keel was laid down in Venice in 1832, and she was launched on February 26, 1835. From March of 1848 until August of 1849, she was under the control of rebellious Italian nationalist forces in Venice. The remainder of her career within the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy was not eventful – she was converted into a coal barge in 1858, and scrapped by 1860. “Medusa” became a popular ship’s name in the German Navies of the future – first for sailing vessels in the Royal Prussian Navy, and later for small cruisers in the Imperial German Navy. Today, one will find names like this among modern German minesweepers.

Die Segelkanonierschaluppe “S.M.S. Medusa” war das neunte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Calypso.” Sie wurde im Jahre 1832 in Venedig auf Kiel gelegt, und lief am 26. Februar 1835 vom Stapel. Zwischen März 1848 und August 1849 wurde sie von feindlichen italienischen Nationalisten beschlagnahmt. Im Jahre 1858 wurde sie als Kohlenhulk umgebaut, und sie wurde im Jahre 1860 verschrottet. Der Patenname “Medusa” ist immer noch bei der Deutschen Marine beliebt. Heute gibt es ein Minensuchboot, das “Medusa” heißt.

47.) “S.M.S. Delfina” was also a member of the “S.M.S. Calypso” class of Austrian wooden cannon-sloops. Her keel was laid down in Venice in 1832, and she was launched on March 11, 1835. She was also captured by revolutionary nationalist Italian rebels in Venice from March 1848 until August 1849. She was scrapped in 1857, after having served as a coal barge.

Die Segelkanonierschaluppe “S.M.S. Delfina” war das zehnte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Calypso.” Sie wurde im Jahre 1832 in Venedig auf Kiel gelegt, und lief am 11. März 1835 vom Stapel. Zwischen März 1848 und August 1849 wurde sie auch von feindlichen italienischen Nationalisten beschlagnahmt. Danach wurde sie als Kohlenhulk umgebaut, und sie wurde im Jahre 1857 verschrottet.

48.) “S.M.S. Fulminante” was another member of the “S.M.S. Calypso” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian cannon-sloops. Her keel was laid down in Venice in 1835, and she was launched on September 3, 1836. She was also under the control of revolutionary nationalist Italian rebels in Venice from March of 1848 until August of 1849. She was scrapped in 1857, after having served the navy as a fresh water barge.

Die Segelkanonierschaluppe “S.M.S. Fulminante” war das elfte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Calypso.” Sie wurde im Jahre 1835 in Venedig auf Kiel gelegt, und lief am 3. September 1836 vom Stapel. Zwischen März 1848 und August 1849 wurde sie auch von feindlichen italiensichen Nationalisten beschlagnahmt. Danach wurde sie als Süßwasserhulk umgebaut, und sie wurde im Jahre 1857 verschrottet.

49.) “S.M.S. Gelosa” was yet another member of the “S.M.S. Calypso” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian cannon-sloops. Her keel was laid down in Venice in 1835, and she was launched on April 5, 1839. She was under the control of revolutionary nationalist Italian rebels in Venice from March 1848 until August 1849. Upon her return to the Austrian Navy, she was used as a barge. She was retired and scrapped in 1857.

Die Segelkanonierschaluppe “S.M.S. Gelosa” war das zwölfte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Calypso.” Sie wurde im Jahre 1835 in Venedig auf Kiel gelegt, und lief am 5. April 1839 vom Stapel. Zwischen März 1848 und August 1849 wurde sie auch von feindlichen italienischen Nationalisten beschlagnahmt. Danach wurde sie als Lastkahnboot umgebaut, und sie wurde im Jahre 1857 verschrottet.

50.) “S.M.S. Proserpina” was still another member of the “S.M.S. Calypso” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian sailing cannon-sloops. Her keel was laid down in Venice in 1832, and she was launched on December 28, 1844. She was briefly captured by revolutionary nationalist Italian rebels in the port of Venice from March 1848 until August 1849. Upon her return to Austria, she served as a coal barge (from 1864 until 1872) and then as a guard hulk (from 1872 until 1877). She was only scrapped in 1894, after 62 years of service in the Austrian Navy.

Die Segelkanonierschaluppe “S.M.S. Proserpina” war das dreizehnte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Calypso.” Sie wurde im Jahre 1832 in Venedig auf Kiel gelegt, und lief erst am 28. Dezember 1844 vom Stapel. Zwischen März 1848 und August 1849 wurde sie auch von feindlichen italienischen Nationalisten beschlagnahmt. Im Jahre 1864 wurde sie als Kohlenhulk umgebaut, und sie wurde erst im Jahre 1894 verschrottet – nach einer langen und guten Dienstzeit von 50 Jahren.

51.) “S.M.S. Stella” was also a member of the prolific ”S.M.S. Calypso” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian cannon-sloops. Her keel was laid down in Venice in 1832, and she was launched on January 27, 1845. She was captured by revolutionary nationalist Italian rebels in the Austrian naval port of Venice from March 1848 until August 1849. Her career was rather brief. She was converted into a harbor-blocking guard hulk, and then scrapped by 1862.

Die Segelkanonierschaluppe “S.M.S. Stella” war das vierzehnte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Calypso.” Sie wurde im Jahre 1832 in Venedig auf Kiel gelegt, und lief erst am 27. Januar 1845 vom Stapel. Zwischen März 1848 und August 1849 wurde sie von feindlichen italienischen Nationalisten beschlagnahmt. Danach wurde sie als Wachhulk umgebaut, und sie wurde im Jahre 1862 verschrottet.

52.) “S.M.S. Pandora” was another member of the “S.M.S. Calypso” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian cannon-sloops. Her keel was laid down in Venice in 1835, and she was launched on February 10, 1845. She was also captured by revolutionary nationalist Italian troops in the then-Austrian naval port of Venice from March 1848 until August 1849. After her return to the Austrian Navy, she was retired in 1862 and then converted into an ammunition hulk. She was scrapped in 1866. In classical mythology, “Pandora” was supposedly created by the pagan gods in order to punish Prometheus, because the latter had stolen fire from the heavens.

Die Segelkanonierschaluppe “S.M.S. Pandora” war das fünfzehnte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Calypso.” Sie wurde im Jahre 1835 in Venedig auf Kiel gelegt, und lief erst am 10. Februar 1845 vom Stapel. Zwischen März 1848 und August 1849 wurde sie auch von feindlichen italienischen Nationalisten beschlagnahmt. Im Jahre 1862 wurde sie als Munitionshulk umgebaut, und sie wurde im Jahre 1866 verschrottet. In der heidnischen griechischen Mythologie hat die Frau Pandora Prometheus bestraft, weil er Feuer vom Himmel gestohlen hatte. Prometheus war der Freund und der Kulturstifter der Menschheit.

53.) “S.M.S. Tartara” was also a member of the “S.M.S. Calypso” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian wooden sailing cannon-sloops. Her keel was laid down in the Austrian naval port of Venice in 1836, and she was launched on February 19, 1845. She was briefly under the control of revolutionary nationalist Italian rebels in Venice from March 1848 until August 1849. Upon her return to Austria, she served as an ammunition hulk from 1862 until she was scrapped in 1866. In classical pagan mythology, the name of this vessel referred to the origin of the universe. “Tartara” was supposedly underneath the earth and under Hell, where he served as a prison for the enemies of the pagan gods of the first generation. Cyclops, titans and giants were among the numerous prisoners of Tartara.

Die Segelkanonierschaluppe “S.M.S. Tartara” war das sechszehnte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Calypso.” Sie wurde im Jahre 1836 in Venedig auf Kiel gelegt, und lief am 19. Februar 1845 vom Stapel. Zwischen März 1848 und August 1849 wurde sie auch von feindlichen italienischen Nationalisten beschlagnahmt. Im Jahre 1862 wurde sie als Munitionshulk umgebaut, und sie wurde im Jahre 1866 verschrottet. In der heidnischen griechischen Mythologie war Tartara mit dem Ursprung des Universums verbunden. Er lebte unter der Hölle, wo er als der Kerkermeister für die Feinde der Götter der ersten Generation diente.

54.) “S.M.S. Tremenda” was yet another member of the numerous “S.M.S. Calypso” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian wooden sailing cannon-sloops. Her keel was laid down in the Austrian naval port of Venice in 1842, and she was launched on February 22, 1845. She was briefly captured by revolutionary nationalist Italian rebels in Venice from March 1848 until August 1849. Upon her return to the Austrian Navy, she served as an ammunition barge from 1862 until she was scrapped in 1866.

Die Segelkanonierschaluppe “S.M.S. Tremenda” was das siebzehnte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Calypso.” Sie wurde im Jahre 1842 in Venedig auf Kiel gelegt, und lief am 22. Februar 1845 vom Stapel. Zwischen März 1848 und August 1849 wurde sie auch von feindlichen italienischen Nationalisten beschlagnahmt. Im Jahre 1862 wurde sie als Munitionshulk umgebaut, und sie wurde im Jahre 1866 verschrottet.

55.) “S.M.S. Galatea” was the final member of the “S.M.S. Calypso” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian wooden sailing cannon-sloops. Her keel was laid down in the Austrian naval port of Venice in 1847, and she was launched on January 27, 1849. She was under the control of revolutionary nationalist Italian rebels in Venice (while still unfinished) from March 1848 until August 1849. Upon her return to the Austrian Navy, she was used as an ammunition barge until 1864, and as a fresh water barge until she was scrapped in 1868. In classical mythology, Galatea was a nymph of the ocean. She was called into being during Homer’s 18th song. She was the lover of Akis.

Die Segelkanonierschaluppe “S.M.S. Galatea” war das achtzehnte und auch das letzte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Calypso.” Sie wurde im Jahre 1847 in Venedig auf Kiel gelegt, und lief am 27. Januar 1849 vom Stapel. Zwischen März 1848 und August 1849 wurde sie auch von feindlichen italienischen Nationalisten beschlagnahmt. Im Jahre 1864 wurde sie als Munitionshulk umgebaut, und sie wurde im Jahre 1868 verschrottet. In der heidnischen griechischen Mythologie war Galatea eine Nymphe des Ozeans. Sie war die Verliebte von Akis, und wurde während des 18. Liedes von Homer ernannt.

56.) “S.M.S. Vicenza” was a wooden sailing cannon-barge (a floating battery) purchased from civilian owners in the Austrian naval port of Triest in August 1848. She was briefly deployed in the Austrian naval blockade of revolutionary nationalist Italian rebels in the occupied Austrian naval port of Venice in January 1849. She was later renamed “S.M.S. Caorle.” She displaced up to 81 tons, was built out of oak, was armed with up to 10 howitzers, and had a crew of 38 commissioned officers and enlisted men.

Die schwimmende Segelbatterie “S.M.S. Vicenza” wurde von der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine im August 1848 in Triest gekauft. Im Januar 1849 hat sie feindliche italienische Nationalisten an der Küste von Venedig blockiert. Danach wurde sie als die “S.M.S. Caorle” umbenannt. Sie hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 81 Tonnen, war aus Eichenholz gebaut, hatte eine Bewaffnung von zehn Kanonen, und eine Besatzung von 38 Offiziere und Matrosen.

57.) “S.M.S. Custoza” was the sister ship of “S.M.S. Vicenza.” Her naval career was identical to that of her sister ship, with the same historical dates as well. She was later renamed “S.M.S. Pirano.” Custoza was named for the Battle of Custoza, in which the Imperial and Royal Austrian Army defeated the Army of the Kingdom of Sardinia from July 24-25, 1848. 33,000 Austrian troops under the leadership of Field Marshall (the equivalent of a 5-star general in the American Army) Joseph Graf Radetzky von Radetz (1766-1858) defeated 22,000 Sardinian Italians under the command of King Charles Albert of Piedmont-Sardinia (1798-1849). There was yet another Battle of Custoza in 1866, during the Prusso-Austrian War. The Austrians defeated the Italians yet again in 1866.

Die schwimmende Segelbatterie “S.M.S. Cuztoza” war das Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Vicenza.” Nach Januar 1849 wurde sie als die “S.M.S. Pirano” umbenannt. Es gibt zwei Schlachten von Cuztoza in Italien. Im Juli 1848 haben 33,000 Österreichische Truppen unter Generalfeldmarschall Josef Graf Radetzky von Radetz (1766-1858) 22,000 Sardinische Truppen unter König Karl Adalbert von Piemont-Sardinien (1798-1849) geschlagen. Im Deutschen Bruderkrieg von 1866 haben die Österreicher die Italiener nochmal bei Custoza besiegt.

58.) “S.M.S. Aquila” was the first member of a class of wooden cannon-sloops in the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy. She displaced up to 80 tons, was 17,6 meters long, had a maximum beam of 4,9 meters and a maximum draught of 1,6 meters. She was built out of oak, was armed with 1-24 Pounder and 2-1 Pounders. She was manned by a crew of 31 commissioned officers and enlisted men. These vessels were powered by a combination of sails and rudders (oars), and meant for coastal combat duty. This vessel was built in either Triest or Sankt Veit am Pflaumb (”Fiume” in Italian and Rijeka in modern Croatia) in 1788, and was used until March of 1798. Until 1849, Venice (”Venedig” in German) was the largest Austrian Navy base. Thereafter, Triest and Pola (”Polei” in German and Pula in modern Croatia) became the largest and most important Austrian naval bases. During World War One, most Austro-Hungarian capital warships were based in Polei. Sankt Veit am Plaumb was the home of the Austrian naval academy until 1918.

Die Segelkanonierschaluppe “S.M.S. Aquila” wurde entweder in Triest oder in Sankt Veit am Pflaumb (vormals “Fiume” auf italienisch und nun “Rijieka” in Kroatien) im Jahre 1788 gebaut, und im März 1798 verkauft. Sie hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 80 Tonnen, war 17,6 Meter lang, hatte eine Breite von 4,9 Meter und ein Tiefgang von 1,6 Meter. Die Bewaffnung des Schiffes bestand aus einem 24-Pfunder und zwei Ein-Pfundern. Sie hatte eine Besatzung von 31 Offiziere und Matrosen. Bis 1849 war Venedig der größte österreichische Marinehafen. Die “S.M.S. Aquila” hatte sehr viele Schwesterschiffe mit ähnlichen Lebensgeschichten. Von 1849 bis 1918 waren Triest und Polei (vormals “Pola” auf italienisch und nun “Pula” in Kroatien) die größten österreichischen Marinehäfen. Zwischen 1802 und 1854 war die Marineakademie der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine in Venedig, von 1854 bis 1918 war sie in Sankt Veit am Pflaum (damals “Fiume” genannt). Die Akademie existiert heute noch in Kroatien.

59.) “S.M.S. Centauro” was the 2nd member of the “S.M.S. Aquila” class of Imperal and Royal Austrian wooden cannon-sloops. Her naval career and historical dates were identical to those of “S.M.S. Aquila.” A centaur is a creature from classical mythology, with the head and chest of a man and the body of a horse. They were known to be very wise, educated in matters of astronomy and to have the special gift of accurate prophecy.

Die Segelkanonierschaluppe “S.M.S. Centauro” war das Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Aquila.” Der Zentaur kommt aus der klaßischen Mythologie, und war halb Mann und halb Pferd. Sie waren sehr verständig, und wußten viel von der Sternkunde sowie über Vorausdeutung.

60.) “S.M.S Colombo” was the 3rd member of the “S.M.S. Aquila” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian wooden cannon-sloops. Her naval career and historical dates were identical to those of “S.M.S. Aquila.” Colombo is the capital city of the island of Sri Lanka, located in the Indian Ocean off the Southern coast of India proper. Sri Lanka used to be known as “Ceylon.”

Die Segelkanonierschaluppe “S.M.S. Colombo” war das zweite Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Aquila.” Colombo ist die Hauptstadt Sri Lankas (vormals “Ceylon” genannt).

61.) “S.M.S. Corvo” was the 4th member of the “S.M.S. Aquila” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian wooden cannon-sloops. Her naval career and historical dates were identical to those of “S.M.S. Aquila.”

Die Segelkanonierschaluppe “S.M.S. Corvo” war das dritte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Aquila.”

62.) “S.M.S. Dragone” was the 5th member of the “S.M.S. Aquila” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian wooden cannon sloops. Her naval career and historical dates were identical to those of “S.M.S. Aquila.” “Dragone” is the Italian word for “dragon,” or “Drache” in German. Dragons are creatures from mythology, known to be large, fire-breathing, flying reptiles. They were also intelligent, and known to steal and horde treasure such as jewels, precious metals and diamonds.

Die Segelkanonierschaluppe “S.M.S. Dragone” war das vierte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Aquila.” Drachen kommen auch aus der klaßischen Mythologie. Sie waren sehr große, feuer-spuckende, furchteregende, fliegende Reptilien. Sie waren auch sehr intelligent, und begehrten Edelsteine, Edelmetalle sowie Diamanten.

63.) “S.M.S. India” was the 6th member of the “S.M.S. Aquila” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian wooden cannon-sloops. Her naval career and historical dates were identical to those of “S.M.S. Aquila.” She was named after the empire of India, or “Indien” in German. Most of the Indian subcontinent became a colony of Britain, but there were exceptions. The Malabar Coast of India, as well as the Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal, were both originally colonies of Austria and the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation. Portugal, France and the Netherlands also had substantial colonial possessions on the Indian subcontinent and in the Indian Ocean. The Hindu faith is dominant in India, with a large minority of Muslims and substantial numbers of both Christians (especially Roman Catholics) and Sikhs as well. There are modern Indians with the surname “Borromeo,” named after the famous Traditionalist Roman Catholic Cardinal from Milan, Saint Charles Borromeo.

Die Segelkanonierschaluppe “S.M.S. India” war das fünfte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Aquila.” Indien war vormals eine Kronkolonie von Großbrittanien, aber andere Mächte aus Europa hatten auch Schutzgebiete in Indien. Portugal, Frankreich, die Niederlande und auch Österreich hatten Kolonien in Südwestasien. Die Malabarküste von Indien sowie die Nicobar-Inseln gehörten Österreich. Das Erzherzogtum Österreich war der wichtigste und der mächtigste Staat im Ersten Deutschen Reich (das Heilige Römische Reich der Deutschen Nation).

64.) “S.M.S. Lira” was the 7th member of the “S.M.S. Aquila” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian wooden cannon-sloops. Her naval career and historical dates were identical to those of “S.M.S. Aquila.” “Lira” is the name of the former Italian currency, in use until the unfortunate adoption of the Euro. Since the adoption of the modern Euro currency, most people in Europe have seen their incomes stagnate, while at the same time their cost of living has doubled or even tripled.

Die Segelkanonierschaluppe “S.M.S. Lira” war das sechste Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Aquila.” Die Lira war die ehemalige Währung Italiens. Der heutige “Euro” hat für Europa mehr Nachteile als Vorteile. Das Einkommen ist ungefähr dasselbe, aber die Lebenskosten sind nun zwei-oder dreimal so hoch wie früher.

65.) “S.M.S. Lupo” was the 8th member of the “S.M.S. Aquila” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian wooden cannon-sloops. Her naval career and historical dates were identical to those of “S.M.S. Aquila.” Lupo is now the trademark name of the smallest Volkswagen passenger car sold in Europe. In some markets, the same car now carries the trademark name of “Fox.”

Die Segelkanonierschaluppe “S.M.S. Lupo” war das siebte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Aquila.” Die berühmte und erfolgreiche Gruppe Volkswagen-Porsche aus Deutschland und Österreich verkauft einen Kleinwagen, der “Lupo” heißt.

66.) “S.M.S. Pavone” was the 9th member of the “S.M.S. Aquila” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian wooden cannon-sloops. Her naval career and historical dates were identical to those of “S.M.S. Aquila.”

Die Segelkanonierschaluppe “S.M.S. Pavone” was das achte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Aquila.”

67.) “S.M.S. Delfino” was the 10th member of the “S.M.S. Aquila” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian wooden cannon-sloops. Her naval career was identical to that of “S.M.S. Aquila,” except for the fact that she was scrapped in 1797. Her name is Italian for “dolphin” in English or “Delfin” in German.

Die Segelkanonierschaluppe “S.M.S. Delfino” war das neunte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Aquila.” Ihre Lebensgeschichte war die der “S.M.S. Aquila” sehr ähnlich, aber sie wurde im Jahre 1797 verschrottet.

68.) “S.M.S. Ercole” was the 11th member of the “S.M.S. Aquila” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian wooden cannon-sloops. Her naval career and historical dates were identical to those of “S.M.S. Delfino.”

Die Segelkanonierschaluppe “S.M.S. Ercole” war das zehnte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Aquila.”

69.) “S.M.S. Orione” was the 12th member of the “S.M.S. Aquila” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian wooden cannon-sloops. Her naval career and historical dates were identical to those of “S.M.S. Delfino.” In classical pagan mythology, “Orion” was a very large (giant) hunter. Orion was the son of Poseidon and Euryale, and one of the Gorgones.

Die Segelkanonierschaluppe “S.M.S. Orione” war das elfte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Aquila.” Orion kommt auch aus der klaßischen heidnischen Mythologie. Er war ein riesiger Jäger, und auch der Sohn von Poseidon und Euryale. Er gehörte zu den Gorgonen.

70.) “S.M.S. Pegaso” was the 13th member of the “S.M.S. Aquila” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian wooden cannon-sloops. Her naval career and historical dates were identical to those of “S.M.S. Delfino.” Her name (”Pegasus” in Latin) refers to the famous winged horse of classical mythology, which had its origin in Asia Minor (or modern Turkey).

Die Segelkanonierschaluppe “S.M.S. Pegaso” war das zwölfte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Aquila.” Das fliegende Pferd Pegasus kommt aus der klaßischen römischen Mythologie, das aus der Türkei kam.

71.) “S.M.S. Cane” was the 14th member of the “S.M.S. Aquila” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian wooden cannon-sloops. Her keel was laid down in 1793 in either Trieste, Fiume (”Sankt Veit am Pflaumb” in German, or “Rijeka” in modern Croatia) or Porto Re. She was used until she was scrapped in 1797 – a very brief naval career of merely 4 years!

Die Segelkanonierschaluppe “S.M.S. Cane” war das dreizehnte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Aquila.” Sie wurde im Jahre 1793 entweder in Triest, in Sankt Veit am Pflaumb (damals “Fiume” genannt) oder in Porto Re auf Kiel gelegt, und wurde schon im Jahre 1797 verschrottet.

72.) “S.M.S. Ceffea” was the 15th member of the “S.M.S. Aquila” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian wooden cannon-sloops. Her naval career and historical dates were identical to those of “S.M.S. Cane,” with the single exception that she was scrapped one year later in 1798.

Die Segelkanonierschaluppe “S.M.S. Ceffea” war das vierzehnte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Aquila.” Ihre Lebensgeschichte und die Lebensgeschichten der folgenden Segelkanonierschaluppen waren die der “S.M.S. Cane” sehr ähnlich, aber die “S.M.S. Ceffea” wurde im Jahre 1798 verschrottet.

73.) “S.M.S. Celsea” was the 16th member of the “S.M.S. Aquila” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian wooden cannon-sloops. Her naval career and historical dates were identical to those of “S.M.S. Cane.”

Die Segelkanonierschaluppe “S.M.S. Celsea” war das fünfzehnte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Aquila.”

74.) “S.M.S. Cetta” was the 17th member of the “S.M.S. Aquila” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian wooden cannon-sloops. Her naval career and historical dates were identical to those of “S.M.S. Cane.”

Die Segelkanonierschaluppe “S.M.S. Cetta” war das sechszehnte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Aquila.”

75.) “S.M.S. Dolfino” was the 18th member of the “S.M.S. Aquila” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian wooden cannon-sloops. Her naval career and historical dates were identical to those of “S.M.S. Ceffea,” thus being scrapped in 1798.

Die Segelkanonierschaluppe “S.M.S. Dolfino” war das siebzehnte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Aquila.” Ihre Lebensgeschichte war die der “S.M.S. Aquila” sehr ähnlich, aber sie wurde im Jahre 1798 verschrottet.

76.) “S.M.S. Grue” was the 19th member of the “S.M.S. Aquila” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian wooden cannon-sloops. Her naval career and historical dates were identical to those of “S.M.S. Ceffea,” thus being scrapped in 1798.

Die Segelkanonierschaluppe “S.M.S. Grue” war das achtzehnte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Aquila.” Sie wurde im Jahre 1798 verschrottet.

77.) “S.M.S. Pallena” was the 20th member of the “S.M.S. Aquila” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian wooden cannon-sloops. Her naval career and historical dates were identical to those of “S.M.S. Cane,” being scrapped in the year 1797.

Die Segelkanonierschaluppe “S.M.S. Pallena” war das neunzehnte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Aquila,” und wurde im Jahre 1797 verschrottet.

78.) “S.M.S. Pantera” was the 21st member of the “S.M.S. Aquila” class to be named – in other words, there were numerous other Imperial and Royal Austrian wooden cannon-sloops of this particular class which never received names (just call or pennant numbers). She was laid down by the Austrians at least by March of 1798, but was taken over by the French Navy from April 1, 1806 until she was liberated in September of 1813. 1806 was the year when Napoleon Bonaparte sadly abolished the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation (800 – 1806), and replaced it with his puppet “Confederation of the Rhine.” This vessel was scrapped by 1818.

Die Segelkanonierschaluppe “S.M.S. Pantera” war das zwanzigste genannte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Aquila.” Es gab mehrere Mitglieder dieser Klaße, die nie genannt wurden. Die große Mehrheit der Unterseeboote Deutschlands sowie Österreich-Ungarns hatten auch keine Patennamen, und nur Nummern. Die “S.M.S. Pantera” wurde im Jahre 1798 auf Kiel gelegt, und wurde von den Franzosen am 1. April 1806 beschlagnahmt. Im Jahre 1806 hat Napoleon Bonaparte auch das Erste Deutsche Reich (das Heilige Römische Reich der Deutschen Nation) leider beendet, und mit seinem sogenannten “Rheinbund” ersetzt. Die “S.M.S. Pantera” wurde im Jahre 1818 verschrottet – drei Jahre nach Napoleon Bonaparte und Frankreich endlich besiegt wurden. Napoleons sogenanntes “Rheinbund” dauerte von 1806 bis 1815, aber der Deutsche Bund (von dem Kaiserreich Österreich beherrscht, genauso wie das Erste Deutsche Reich von 800 bis 1806) dauerte von 1815 bis 1867, als es von Preußens “Norddeutsche Bund” von 1867 bis 1871 ersetzt wurde.

79.) “S.M.S. Corragiosa” was the 22nd member of the “S.M.S. Aquila” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian wooden cannon-sloops to be named. She was laid down at least by March of 1798, and then disarmed by November 1809. She was taken by the French Navy in 1810, and returned to Austria on December 5, 1813. She was sunk off the coast of Dalmatia (now part of modern Croatia) by accident in 1816, raised in 1818 and scrapped by 1819.

Die Segelkanonierschaluppe “S.M.S. Corragiosa” war das einundzwanzigste genannte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Aquila.” Sie wurde nicht später als März 1798 auf Kiel gelegt, und wurde dann im Jahre 1809 entwaffnet. Im Jahre 1810 wurde sie von den Franzosen beschlagnahmt, und dann am 5. Dezember 1813 wurde sie von Österreich befreit. Im Jahre 1816 wurde sie in einem Unfall an der Küste von Dalmatien versenkt, im Jahre 1818 geborgen und dann endlich im Jahre 1819 verschrottet.

80.) “S.M.S. Audace” was the 23rd member of the “S.M.S. Aquila” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian wooden cannon-sloops to be named. She was laid down in Venice 1796, and launched in December of that same year. She was briefly in the possession of the French Navy from May 17 until December 30, 1797, and then re-taken by Austria in heavily damaged condition in 1798. She was stripped of her armament in November 1809, and then sold to the French Navy in 1810. She returned yet again to Austria on December 5, 1813 and was scrapped by 1820.

Die Segelkanonierschaluppe “S.M.S. Audace” war das zweiundzwanzigste genannte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Aquila.” Sie wurde im Jahre 1796 in Venedig auf Kiel gelegt, und lief im Dezember 1796 vom Stapel. Sie wurde von den Franzosen vom 17. Mai bis dem 30. Dezember 1797 beschlagnahmt, und wurde im Jahre 1798 beschädigt von den Österreichern befreit. Im Jahre 1809 wurde sie entwaffnet, und dann im Jahre 1810 an die Franzosen verkauft. Am 5. Dezember 1813 wurde sie wieder österreichisch, und sie wurde endlich im Jahre 1820 verschrottet.

81.) “S.M.S. Adirata” was the 24th member of the “S.M.S. Aquila” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian wooden cannon-sloops to be named. She was laid down in Venice in 1797, and then briefly taken over by the French Navy before being re-taken by Austria in 1798. Her construction progressed very slowly, and she was only launched in 1805. She was disarmed in November 1809, and then sold to France in 1810. She was finally returned to Austria in the Dalmatian port of Zara (another Austrian naval base) on December 5, 1813. She met an unfortunate end in August 1820, when she was stranded in a storm near the Dalmatian port of Ragusa (yet another Austrian naval base now known as “Dubrovnik” in modern Croatia). The ship was literally broken in two.

Die Segelkanonierschaluppe “S.M.S. Adirata” war das dreiundzwanzigste genannte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Aquila.” Sie wurde im Jahre 1797 in Venedig auf Kiel gelegt, und wurde für einige Monaten zwischen 1797 und 1798 beschlagnahmt. Sie wurde erst im Jahre 1805 von der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine in Dienst genommen. Im Jahre 1809 wurde sie entwaffnet, und im Jahre 1810 an den Franzosen verkauft. Am 5. Dezember 1813 wurde sie wieder im Hafen von Zara in Dalmatien wieder österreichisch. Im August 1820 strandete sie in einem Sturm an der Küste von Ragusa in Dalmatien (heute Dubrovnik in Kroatien). Das Schiff zerbrach in zwei Teile, und wurde versenkt.

82.) “S.M.S. Vittoria” was the 25th member of the “S.M.S. Aquila” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian wooden cannon-sloops to be named. Her historical dates and naval career were virtually identical to those of “S.M.S. Adirata,” with the exception being that she was merely scrapped by the year 1820. Her name is Italian for “Victoria” in English.

Die Segelkanonierschaluppe “S.M.S. Vittoria” war das vierundzwanzigste genannte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Aquila.” Ihre Lebensgeschichte war die der “S.M.S. Adirata” sehr ähnlich, aber sie wurde im Jahre 1820 verschrottet.

83.) “S.M.S. Leda” was the 26th member of the “S.M.S. Aquila” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian wooden cannon-sloops to be named. The facts about her career are unfortunately not very complete. She was in enemy (Italian) hands during the Napoleonic Wars. On April 1, 1809 she was taken over by the British sailing frigate “H.M.S. Mercury,” and returned to Austria in the port of Triest (an important Austrian naval base) on April 11, 1809. In classical Greek mythology, Leda was the daughter of King Thestion and the wife of King Tyndareos of Sparta. She had an affair with the god Zeus, and bore him the children Polydeukes (”Pollux” in Latin), Helena, Kastor and Klytaimnestra.

Die Segelkanonierschaluppe “S.M.S. Leda” war das fünfundzwanzigste genannte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Aquila.” Leider wissen wir nicht viel über ihre Lebensgeschichte. Zur Zeit der napoleonischen Kriege wurde sie von feindlichen italienischen Waffenverbündeten Napoleons beschlagnahmt. Am 1. April 1809 wurde sie von der britischen Segelfregatte “H.M.S. Mercury” befreit, und in Triest an Österreich zurückgegeben. In der klaßischen griechischen Mythologie war Leda die Tochter von König Thestion und auch die Ehefrau von König Tyndareos von Sparta. Obwohl sie schon verheiratet war, war Leda in den heidnischen Gott Zeus verliebt, mit dem sie die Kinder Polydeukes (”Pollux” auf lateinisch), Helena, Kastor und Klytaimnestra hatte.

84.) “S.M.S. Ninfa” was the 27th member of the “S.M.S. Aquila” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian wooden cannon-sloops to be named. Very little is known about her history, but we do know that she was in existence in 1809.

Die Segelkanonierschaluppe “S.M.S. Ninfa” war das sechsundzwanzigste genannte Schwesterchiff der “S.M.S. Aquila.”

85.) “S.M.S. Bellepoule” was the 28th member of the “S.M.S. Aquila” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian wooden cannon-sloops to be named. She was launched in Venice in 1795, was taken over by France in 1797, returned to Austria in 1814 and scrapped by 1816.

Die Segelkanonierschaluppe “S.M.S. Bellepoule” war das siebenundzwanzigste genannte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Aquila.” Sie lief im Jahre 1795 in Venedig vom Stapel, und wurde im Jahre 1797 von den Franzosen beschlagnahmt. Im Jahre 1814 wurde sie an Österreich zurückgegeben, und sie wurde im Jahre 1816 verschrottet.

86.) “S.M.S. Dea” was the 29th member of the “S.M.S. Aquila” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian wooden cannon-sloops to be named. She was launched in Venice in September of 1794, was taken over by France in 1797, by the Italians in 1806 and was returned to Austria in 1814. She was discovered to be unseaworthy upon her return to the Austrian Navy, and was therefore immediately sent to the breakers.

Die Segelkanonierschaluppe “S.M.S. Dea” war das achtundzwanzigste genannte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Aquila.” Sie lief im Jahre 1794 in Venedig vom Stapel, und wurde im Jahre 1797 von den Franzosen beschlagnahmt. Im Jahre 1806 wurde sie von den Franzosen den Italienern gegeben. Sie wurde endlich im Jahre 1814 an Österreich zurückgegeben, aber leider war sie nicht mehr seetüchtig – deswegen wurde sie verschrottet.

87.) “S.M.S. Egida” was the 30th member of the “S.M.S. Aquila” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian wooden cannon-sloops to be named. She was launched in Venice in 1795, taken over by France in 1797, by the Italians in 1806 and was returned to Austria in 1814. She served in the Austrian Navy for 7 years prior to being scrapped in 1821.

Die Segelkanonierschaluppe “S.M.S. Egida” war das neunundzwanzigste genannte Schwesterchiff der “S.M.S. Aquila.” Sie lief im Jahre 1795 in Venedig vom Stapel, und wurde im Jahre 1797 von den Franzosen beschlagnahmt. Im Jahre 1806 wurde sie auch von den Franzosen den Italienern gegeben. Im Jahre 1814 wurde sie endlich der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine zurückgegeben, wo sie bis ihrer Verschrottung im Jahre 1821 wieder diente.

88.) “S.M.S. Fiera” was the 31st member of the “S.M.S. Aquila” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian wooden cannon-sloops to be named. She was launched in Venice in 1794, taken over by France in 1797, by the Italians in 1806 and was returned to Austria in 1814. She served in the Austrian Navy for 6 years prior to being scrapped in 1820.

Die Segelkanonierschaluppe “S.M.S. Fiera” war das dreißigste genannte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Aquila.” Sie lief im Jahre 1794 in Venedig vom Stapel, und wurde im Jahre 1797 von den Franzosen beschlagnahmt. Im Jahre 1806 wurde sie auch von den Franzosen den Italienern gegeben. Im Jahre 1814 wurde sie endlich an der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine zurückgegeben, wo sie bis ihrer Verschrottung im Jahre 1820 wieder diente.

89.) “S.M.S. Medusa” was the 32nd member of the “S.M.S. Aquila” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian wooden cannon-sloops to be named. She was launched in Venice in 1795, was taken over by France in 1797, thereafter by the Italians, and was returned to Austria in the Dalmatian port of Zara on December 5, 1813. She served in the Austrian Navy for 4 more years prior to being sold to civilian owners in 1817. Numerous smaller ships in the German Navies of the future were to eventually carry the name “Medusa.”

Die Segelkanonierschaluppe “S.M.S. Medusa” war das einunddreißigste genannte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Aquila.” Sie lief im Jahre 1795 in Venedig vom Stapel, und wurde im Jahre 1797 von den Franzosen und den Italienern beschlagnahmt. Am 5. Dezember 1813 wurde sie im Hafen von Zara in Dalmatien an Österreich zurückgegeben. Im Jahre 1817 wurde sie verkauft.

90.) “S.M.S. Tigre” was the 33rd member of the “S.M.S. Aquila” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian wooden cannon-sloops to be named. She was launched in 1804, and was eventually scrapped in 1829 after an uneventful career. Her name means “Tiger” in both German and English.

Die Segelkanonierschaluppe “S.M.S. Tigre” war das zweiunddreißigste genannte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Aquila.” Sie lief im Jahre 1804 vom Stapel und wurde im Jahre 1829 verschrottet.

91.) “S.M.S. Calypso” was the 34th member of the “S.M.S. Aquila” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian wooden cannon-sloops to be named. Her keel was laid down in Venice in 1806, and she was launched in November of 1807. She was scrapped in 1831 after an uneventful career.

Die Segelkanonierschaluppe “S.M.S. Calypso” war das dreiunddreißigste genannte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Aquila.” Sie wurde im Jahre 1806 in Venedig auf Kiel gelegt, und lief im November 1807 vom Stapel. Sie wurde im Jahre 1831 verschrottet.

92.) “S.M.S. Mantovana” was the 35th member of the “S.M.S. Aquila” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian wooden cannon-sloops to be named. She was launched in Venice in 1806, sunk by accident in 1816, raised and scrapped by 1818.

Die Segelkanonierschaluppe “S.M.S. Mantovana” war das vierunddreißigste genannte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Aquila.” Sie lief im Jahre 1806 in Venedig vom Stapel, wurde im Jahre 1816 bei einem Unfall versenkt, wurde geborgen und im Jahre 1818 verschrottet.

93.) “S.M.S. Sovrana” was the 36th member of the “S.M.S. Aquila” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian wooden cannon-sloops to be named. She suffered the same fate (and on the same dates) as her sister ship “S.M.S. Mantovana.”

Die Segelkanonierschaluppe “S.M.S. Sovrana” war das fünfunddreißigste genannte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Aquila.” Ihre Lebensgeschichte war die der “S.M.S. Mantovana” sehr ähnlich.

94.) “S.M.S. Baccante” was the 37th member of the “S.M.S. Aquila” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian wooden cannon-sloops to be named. The details of her past are unfortunately very sketchy; we know she existed by 1814 and that she was scrapped by 1818.

Die Segelkanonierschaluppe “S.M.S. Baccante” war das sechsunddreißigste genannte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Aquila.” Wir wissen leider nicht viel über ihre Lebensgeschichte. Sie existierte schon im Jahre 1814, und wurde im Jahre 1818 verschrottet.

95.) “S.M.S. Battava” was the 38th member of the “S.M.S. Aquila” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian wooden cannon-sloops to be named. The details of her past are even more sketchy than those of “S.M.S. Baccante.” We do know that she was in existence in 1814, when she was determined to be unseaworthy and therefore scrapped.

Die Segelkanonierschaluppe “S.M.S. Battava” war das siebenundzwanzigste genannte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Aquila.” Wir wissen auch nicht viel über ihre Lebensgeschichte. Im Jahre 1814 war sie nicht mehr seefähig, und wurde deswegen verschrottet.

96.) “S.M.S. Elvetica” was the 39th member of the “S.M.S. Aquila” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian wooden cannon-sloops to be named. As far as is known, her history was pretty much identical to that of her sister ship “S.M.S. Battava,” except that she was scrapped in 1815.

Die Segelkanonierschaluppe “S.M.S. Elvetica” war das achtundzwanzigste genannte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Aquila.” Ihre Lebensgeschichte war die der “S.M.S. Battava” sehr ähnlich, aber sie wurde im Jahre 1815 verschrottet.

97.) “S.M.S. Fina” was the 40th member of the “S.M.S. Aquila” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian wooden cannon-sloops to be named. The details of her past are hard to come by, but we do know that she was based with the Austrian Navy in the port of Triest in November 1813, and that she was scrapped by 1829.

Die Segelkanonierschaluppe “S.M.S. Fina” war das neunundzwanzigste genannte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Aquila.” Wir wissen leider nicht viel über ihre Lebensgeschichte, aber im Jahre 1813 war sie im Hafen von Triest stationiert, und sie wurde im Jahre 1829 verschrottet.

98.) “S.M.S. Imperiosa” was the 41st member of the “S.M.S. Aquila” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian wooden cannon-sloops to be named. We know that she was in the Austrian Navy by 1814 at least until 1820.

Die Segelkanonierschaluppe “S.M.S. Imperiosa” war das vierzigste genannte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Aquila.” Sie diente bei der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine mindestens von 1814 bis 1820.

99.) “S.M.S. Lodola” was the 42nd member of the “S.M.S. Aquila” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian wooden cannon-sloops to be named. We know only that she was based with the Austrian Navy in the port of Triest by November 1813, and that she was sold to civilian owners in 1814.

Die Segelkanonierschaluppe “S.M.S. Lodola” war das einundvierzigste genannte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Aquila.” Im November 1813 war sie im Marinehafen von Triest stationiert, und sie wurde im Jahre 1814 verkauft.

100.) “S.M.S. Palestra” was the 43rd member of the “S.M.S. Aquila” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian wooden cannon-sloops to be named. We know only that she existed by 1814.

Die Segelkanonierschaluppe “S.M.S. Palestra” war das zweiundvierzigste genannte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Aquila.” Sie existierte schon im Jahre 1814, aber mehr wissen wir leider nicht.

101.) “S.M.S. Pelosa” was the 44th member of the “S.M.S. Aquila” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian wooden cannon-sloops to be named. We know merely that she was in existence by 1814, and that the Austrian Navy sold her to the breakers by 1819.

Die Segelkanonierschaluppe “S.M.S. Pelosa” war das dreiundvierzigste genannte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Aquila.” Sie existierte schon im Jahre 1814, und sie wurde im Jahre 1819 verschrottet.

102.) “S.M.S. Veneziana” was the 45th member of the “S.M.S. Aquila” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian wooden cannon-sloops to be named. Her history and dates were identical to those of her sister ship “S.M.S. Pelosa.” Her name refers to someone who comes from the city of Venice.

Die Segelkanonierschaluppe “S.M.S. Veneziana” war das vierundvierzigste genannte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Aquila.” Ihre Lebensgeschichte war die der “S.M.S. Pelosa” sehr ähnlich.

103.) “S.M.S. Zenobia” was the 46th member of the “S.M.S. Aquila” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian wooden cannon-sloops to be named. We only know that she was in existence in 1814.

Die Segelkanonierschaluppe “S.M.S. Zenobia” war das fünfundvierzigste genannte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Aquila.” Sie existierte schon im Jahre 1814, aber mehr wissen wir leider nicht.

104.) “S.M.S. Comachiesa” was the 47th member of the “S.M.S. Aquila” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian wooden cannon-sloops to be named. She was launched in 1807, and was broken up in the port of Ancona in 1815.

Die Segelkanonierschaluppe “S.M.S. Comachiesa” war das sechsundvierzigste genannte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Aquila.” Sie lief im Jahre 1807 vom Stapel, und sie wurde in Ancona im Jahre 1815 verschrottet.

105.) “S.M.S. Gelosa” was the 48th member of the “S.M.S. Aquila” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian wooden cannon-sloops to be named. Her keel was laid down in Venice in 1817, and she was launched on June 7, 1818. She was eventually used as a target vessel (i.e., as target practice for other Austrian naval vessels), and scrapped by 1835.

Die Segelkanonierschaluppe “S.M.S. Gelosa” war das siebenundvierzigste genannte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Aquila.” Sie wurde in Venedig im Jahre 1817 auf Kiel gelegt, und lief am 7. Juni 1818 vom Stapel. Eventuell wurde sie als Zielschiff benutzt, und sie wurde im Jahre 1835 verschrottet.

106.) “S.M.S. Pandora” was the 49th member of the “S.M.S. Aquila” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian wooden cannon-sloops to be named. Her keel was laid down in Venice in 1817, and she was launched on July 25, 1818. Her naval career was uneventful, and she was scrapped by 1836.

Die Segelkanonierschaluppe “S.M.S. Pandora” war das achtundvierzigste genannte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Aquila.” Sie wurde in Venedig im Jahre 1819 auf Kiel gelegt, und lief am 12. Dezember 1820 vom Stapel. Sie wurde im Jahre 1842 verschrottet.

107.) “S.M.S. Tremenda” was the 50th member of the “S.M.S. Aquila” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian wooden cannon-sloops to be named. Her keel was laid down in Venice in 1819, and she was launched on December 12, 1820. Her naval career was uneventful, and she was scrapped by 1842.

Die Segelkanonierschaluppe “S.M.S. Tremenda” war das neunundvierzigste genannte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Aquila.” Sie wurde in Venedig im Jahre 1819 auf Kiel gelegt, und lief am 12. Dezember 1820 vom Stapel. Sie wurde auch im Jahre 1842 verschrottet.

108.) “S.M.S. Fulminante” was the 51st member of the “S.M.S. Aquila” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian wooden cannon-sloops to be named. Her keel was laid down in Venice in 1820, and she was launched on December 21, 1820. Her naval career was uneventful, and she was scrapped by 1835.

Die Segelkanonierschaluppe “S.M.S. Fulminante” war das fünfzigste genannte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Aquila.” Sie wurde in Venedig im Jahre 1820 auf Kiel gelegt, und lief am 21. Dezember 1820 vom Stapel. Sie wurde im Jahre 1835 verschrottet.

109.) “S.M.S. Tartara” was the 52nd member of the “S.M.S. Aquila” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian wooden cannon-sloops to be named. Her keel was laid down in 1819 in Venice, and she was launched on December 28, 1820. Her naval career was uneventful, and she was scrapped by 1836.

Die Segelkanonierschaluppe “S.M.S. Tartara” war das einundfünfzigste genannte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Aquila.” Sie wurde in Venedig im Jahre 1819 auf Kiel gelegt, und lief am 28. Dezember 1820 vom Stapel. Sie wurde im Jahre 1836 verschrottet.

110.) “S.M.S. Galatea” was the 53rd and final member of the “S.M.S. Aquila” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian wooden cannon-sloops to be named. Her keel was laid down in Venice in 1824, and she was launched on August 29, 1826. Her naval career was uneventful, and she was scrapped by 1847.

Die Segelkanonierschaluppe “S.M.S Galatea” war das zweiundfünfzigste und letzte genannte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Aquila.” Sie wurde in Venedig im Jahre 1824 auf Kiel gelegt, und lief am 29. August 1826 vom Stapel. Sie wurde im Jahre 1847 verschrottet.

111.) “S.M.S. Ercole” was a wooden sailing trabaccolo (”Trabakel” in German) of the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy. She displaced up to 80 tons, was built out of oak and was not armed due to the fact that she began her career as a civilian vessel. She was taken over by the navy and used for transport duties from 1802 to 1806. She was stranded in the Gulf of Medolino on November 3, 1806.

Das Segeltrabakel “S.M.S. Ercole” war ein Einzelschiff. Sie hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 80 Tonnen, war aus Eichenholz gebaut und hatte keine Bewaffnung. Ursprünglich war sie Zivilschiff, und sie gehörte der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine nur von 1802 bis sie am 3. November 1806 am Golf von Medolino (heute Medulin in Istrien, Kroatien) strandete und versank. Auf deutsch heißt Istrien auch “Küstenland.”

XIII (12) The Smallest Sailing Vessels of the Austro-Venetian Navy (less than 80 tons displacement)

Die kleinsten genannten Segelfahrzeuge der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine (weniger als 80 Tonnen Einsatzverdrängung):

1.) “S.M.S. Saetta” was a wooden sailing battery, laid down in Venice in 1835 and launched on March 12, 1845. She was taken over by revolutionary nationalist Italian rebels in Venice from March 1848 until August 1849. Thereafter, she was liberated and returned to the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy. She was converted into an ammunition barge in 1871, and into a mine-carrying barge in 1908. She displaced up to 76 tons, was built out of oak, was 17,5 meters long, had a maximum beam of 5,2 meters and a draught of 1,3 meters. She was armed with 1-36 Pounder, 1-18 Pounder and 4-24 Pounders. Her crew consisted of 39 commissioned officers and enlisted men.

Die Segelbatterie “S.M.S. Saetta” wurde in Venedig im Jahre 1835 auf Kiel gelegt, und lief am 12. März 1845 vom Stapel – zehn Jahre nach der Kiellegung. Zwischen März 1848 und August 1849 wurde sie von feindlichen italienischen Nationalisten beschlagnahmt. Im Jahre 1871 wurde sie als Munitionshulk umgebaut, und dann im Jahre 1908 wurde sie als Minenträger umgebaut. Sie hatte eine Dienstzeit von vielleicht 73 Jahren. Sie hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 76 Tonnen, war aus Eichenholz gebaut, war 17,5 Meter lang, hatte eine Breite von 5,2 Meter und ein Tiefgang von 1,3 Meter. Die Bewaffnung des Schiffes bestand aus einem Ein-Pfunder, einem 18-Pfunder und vier 24-Pfundern. Sie hatte eine Besatzung von 39 Offiziere und Matrosen.

2.) “S.M.S San Francesco delle Vigne” (1802) was a “trabaccolo” (a “Trabakel” in German) of 75 tons displacement. She was used for transport duties within the Austrian Navy, and was surrendered to the Italian allies of Napoleonic France on February 4, 1806.

Das Segeltrabakel “San Francesco delle Vigne” (1802) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 75 Tonnen. Sie wurde als Transportfahrzeug benutzt, und wurde am 4. Februar 1806 an Frankreich übergeben.

3.) “S.M.S. Agile” (1815) was a pinnace (called a “Peniche” in German) laid down in Venice, and launched on April 26, 1816. She was scrapped in 1832.

Die Segelpeniche “S.M.S. Agile” (1815) lief am 26. April 1816 in Venedig vom Stapel, und wurde im Jahre 1832 verschrottet. Eine Segelpeniche war eine verbesserte Segelkanonierschaluppe nach französischen Plänen, jedoch leichter, schärfer und hochbordiger gebaut, deshalb seetüchtiger und besser besegelt. Infolge guter und starker Bauart hatten die Segelpenichen eine längere Lebensdauer. Sie waren als Topsegelschoner getakelt, in drei Größenklaßen und wurden als Stations-und Kurierschiffen benutzt.

4.) “S.M.S. Amazone” (1815) was the 2nd member of the “S.M.S. Agile” class of pinnaces, laid down in Venice. She was launched on August 16, 1816 and she was scrapped in 1839.

Die Segelpeniche “S.M.S. Amazone” (1815) war ein Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Agile.” Sie lief am 16. August 1816 in Venedig vom Stapel, und wurde im Jahre 1839 verschrottet.

5.) “S.M.S. Ninfa” (1817) was the 3rd member of the “S.M.S. Agile” class of pinnaces, laid down in Venice. She was launched on April 4, 1818. She was stranded in a storm off the coast of Pirano on January 31, 1839. The wreck was scrapped in February 1839.

Die Segelpeniche “S.M.S. Ninfa” (1817) war das zweite Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Agile.” Sie lief am 4. April 1818 in Venedig vom Stapel, und strandete am 31. Januar 1839 in einem Sturm an der Küste von Pirano (heute Piran in Slowenien). Im Februar 1839 wurde sie verschrottet.

6.) “S.M.S. Sirena” (1817) was the 4th member of the “S.M.S. Agile” class of pinnaces, and was laid down in Venice in 1817. She was launched on April 4, 1818, and she served in the Austrian Navy until she was scrapped in the year 1832.

Die Segelpeniche “S.M.S. Sirena” (1817) war das dritte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Agile.” Sie wurde in Venedig im Jahre 1817 auf Kiel gelegt, und lief am 4. April 1818 vom Stapel. Sie wurde im Jahre 1832 verschrottet.

7.) “S.M.S. Aspide” (1817) was the 5th member of the “S.M.S. Agile” class of wooden sailing pinnaces, and was laid down in Venice in 1817. She was launched on June 27, 1818, and she served the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy until being scrapped in 1833.

Die Segelpeniche “S.M.S. Aspide” (1817) war das vierte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Agile.” Sie wurde in Venedig im Jahre 1817 auf Kiel gelegt, und lief am 27. Juni 1818 vom Stapel. Sie wurde im Jahre 1833 verschrottet.

8.) “S.M.S. Baccante” (1817) was the 6th member of the “S.M.S. Agile” class of wooden sailing pinnaces in the Austrian Navy, and was laid down in Venice in 1817. She was launched on September 2, 1818, and she served until being scrapped in 1833.

Die Segelpeniche “S.M.S. Baccante” (1817) war das fünfte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Agile.” Sie wurde in Venedig im Jahre 1817 auf Kiel gelegt, und lief am 2. September 1818 vom Stapel. Sie wurde im Jahre 1833 verschrottet.

9.) “S.M.S. Costante” (1819) was the 7th member of the “S.M.S. Agile” class of wooden sailing pinnaces, and was launched in Venice on November 19, 1819. She served in the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy until being scrapped in 1841.

Die Segelpeniche “S.M.S. Costante” (1819) war das sechste Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Agile.” Sie lief am 19. November 1819 in Venedig vom Stapel, und wurde im Jahre 1841 verschrottet.

10.) “S.M.S. Furiosa” (1819) was the 8th member of the “S.M.S. Agile” class of wooden sailing pinnaces, and was launched in Venice on November 27, 1819. She served in the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy until being scrapped in 1834.

Die Segelpeniche “S.M.S. Furiosa” (1819) war das siebte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Agile.” Sie lief am 27. November 1819 in Venedig vom Stapel, und wurde im Jahre 1834 verschrottet.

11.) “S.M.S. Sentinella” (1819) was the 9th member of the “S.M.S. Agile” class of wooden sailing pinnaces, and was launched in Venice on May 23, 1820. She served in the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy until being scrapped in 1832.

Die Segelpeniche “S.M.S. Sentinella” (1819) war das achte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Agile.” Sie lief am 23. Mai 1820 in Venedig vom Stapel, und wurde im Jahre 1832 verschrottet.

12.) “S.M.S. Gloriosa” (1821) was the 10th member of the “S.M.S. Agile” class of wooden sailing pinnaces, and was launched in Venice in 1821. We have no further data about her service in the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy.

Die Segelpeniche “S.M.S. Gloriosa” (1821) war das neunte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Agile.” Sie lief im Jahre 1821 in Venedig vom Stapel, aber weiteres ist uns leider nicht bekannt.

13.) “S.M.S. Lince” (1821) was the 11th member of the “S.M.S. Agile” class of wooden sailing pinnaces, and was launched in Venice on June 4, 1821. She served in the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy until being scrapped in 1839.

Die Segelpeniche “S.M.S. Lince” (1821) war das zehnte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Agile.” Sie lief am 4. Juni 1821 in Venedig vom Stapel, und wurde im Jahre 1839 verschrottet.

14.) “S.M.S. Palma” (1821) was the 12th member of the “S.M.S. Agile” class of wooden sailing pinnaces, and was launched in Venice on June 4, 1821. She served in the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy until be scrapped in 1841.

Die Segelpeniche “S.M.S. Palma” (1821) war das elfte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Agile.” Sie lief am 4. Juni 1821 in Venedig vom Stapel, und wurde im Jahre 1841 verschrottet.

15.) “S.M.S. Astuta” (1821) was the 13th member of the “S.M.S. Agile” class of wooden sailing pinnaces, and was launched in Venice on August 27, 1821. She served in the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy until being scrapped in 1835.

Die Segelpeniche “S.M.S. Astuta” (1821) war das zwölfte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Agile.” Sie lief am 27. August 1821 in Venedig vom Stapel, und wurde im Jahre 1835 verschrottet.

16.) “S.M.S. Ecate” (1821) was the 14th member of the “S.M.S. Agile” class of wooden sailing pinnaces, and was launched in Venice on September 6, 1821. She served in the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy until being scrapped in 1837.

Die Segelpeniche “S.M.S. Ecate” (1821) war das dreizehnte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Agile.” Sie lief am 6. September 1821 in Venedig vom Stapel, und wurde im Jahre 1837 verschrottet.

17.) “S.M.S. Vestale” (1821) was the 15th member of the “S.M.S. Agile” class of wooden sailing pinnaces, and was launched in Venice in 1821. She was stranded and lost off the coast of Syra, Venice on October 1, 1822.

Die Segelpeniche “S.M.S. Vestale” (1821) war das vierzehnte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Agile.” Sie lief im Jahre 1821 in Venedig vom Stapel, und strandete am 1. Oktober 1822 in der Nähe von Syra an der Küste von Venedig.

18.) “S.M.S. Anfitrite” (1824) was the 16th member of the “S.M.S. Agile” class of wooden sailing pinnaces, and was launched in Venice on July 15, 1824. She served in the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy until being scrapped in 1839.

Die Segelpeniche “S.M.S. Anfitrite” (1824) war das fünfzehnte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Agile.” Sie lief am 15. Juli 1824 in Venedig vom Stapel, und wurde im Jahre 1839 verschrottet.

19.) “S.M.S. Diana” (1824) was the 17th member of the “S.M.S. Agile” class of wooden sailing pinnaces, and was launched in Venice on August 18, 1824. She served in the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy until being scrapped in 1843.

Die Segelpeniche “S.M.S. Diana” (1824) war das sechszehnte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Agile.” Sie lief am 18. August 1824 in Venedig vom Stapel, und wurde im Jahre 1843 verschrottet.

20.) “S.M.S. Leda” (1827) was the 18th member of the “S.M.S. Agile” class of wooden sailing pinnaces, and was launched in Venice on September 27, 1827. In 1847, she was converted into a coal barge, and then in 1857, into fresh water-carrying barge number 22.

Die Segelpeniche “S.M.S. Leda” (1827) war das siebzehnte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Agile.” Sie lief am 27. September 1827 in Venedig vom Stapel, und wurde im Jahre 1847 als Kohlenhulk umgebaut. Im Jahre 1857 wurde sie als Süßwaßerlastkahn Nummer 22 umgebaut. Sie hatte eine Dienstzeit von vielleicht 91 Jahren.

21.) “S.M.S. Cerere” (1826) was the 19th member of the “S.M.S. Agile” class of wooden sailing pinnaces, and was launched in Venice on December 1, 1827. In 1849, her name was changed to “S.M.S. Ceres.” In 1857, she was converted into fresh water-carrying barge number 18.

Die Segelpeniche “S.M.S. Cerere” (1826) war das achtzehnte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Agile.” Sie lief am 1. Dezember 1827 in Venedig vom Stapel, und wurde im Jahre 1849 als die “S.M.S. Ceres” umbenannt. Im Jahre 1857 wurde sie als Süßwaßerlastkahn Nummer 18 umgebaut. Sie hatte eine Dienstzeit von vielleicht 91 Jahren.

22.) “S.M.S. Pallade” (1827) was the 20th member of the “S.M.S. Agile” class of wooden sailing pinnaces, and was launched in Venice on December 10, 1827. She was briefly captured by Italian nationalist rebels in Venice from March 1848 until August 1849. Upon her return to the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy in 1849, her name was changed to “S.M.S. Pallas.” In 1857, she was converted into coal-carrying barge number 13.

Die Segelpeniche “S.M.S. Pallade” (1827) war das neunzehnte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Agile.” Sie lief am 10. Dezember 1857 in Venedig vom Stapel, und wurde zwischen März 1848 und August 1849 von feindlichen italienischen Nationalisten beschlagnahmt. Danach wurde sie als die “S.M.S. Pallas” umbenannt. Im Jahre 1857 wurde sie als Süßwaßerlastkahn Nummer 13 umgebaut. Sie hatte eine Dienstzeit von vielleicht 91 Jahren.

23.) “S.M.S. Sibilla” (1827) was the 21st member of the “S.M.S. Agile” class of wooden sailing pinnaces, and was launched in Venice on April 5, 1828. In 1849, her name was changed to “S.M.S. Sibylle.” In 1858, she was converted into cargo boat number 37.

Die Segelpeniche “S.M.S. Sibilla” (1827) war das zwanzigste Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Agile.” Sie lief am 5. April 1828 in Venedig vom Stapel, und wurde im Jahre 1849 als die “S.M.S. Sibylle” umbenannt. Im Jahre 1858 wurde sie als Frachtboot Nummer 37 umgebaut. Sie hatte eine Dienstzeit von vielleicht 90 Jahren.

24.) “S.M.S. Tetide” (1827) was the 22nd member of the “S.M.S. Agile” class of wooden sailing pinnaces, and was launched in Venice on April 26, 1828. In 1849, her name was changed to “S.M.S. Thetis.” In 1857, she was converted into coal-carrying barge number 11.

Die Segelpeniche “S.M.S. Tetide” (1827) war das einundzwanzigste Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Agile.” Sie lief am 26. April 1828 in Venedig vom Stapel, und wurde im Jahre 1849 als die “S.M.S. Thetis” umbenannt. Im Jahre 1857 wurde sie als Kohlenhulk Nummer 11 umgebaut. Sie hatte eine Dienstzeit von vielleicht 90 Jahren.

25.) “S.M.S. Minerva” (1827) was the 23rd and final named member of the “S.M.S. Agile” class of wooden sailing pinnaces, and was launched in Venice on June 18, 1828. In 1843, her named was changed to “S.M.S. Modesta.” In 1852, she was converted into a coal-carrying hulk. In October 1854, she was sunk at her berth in the Dalmatian port of Zara due to an accident. After unsuccessful attempts to raise her in 1855, she was blown up.

Die Segelpeniche “S.M.S. Minerva” (1827) war das zweiundzwanzigste und letzte genannte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Agile.” Sie lief am 18. Juni 1828 in Venedig vom Stapel, und im Jahre 1843 wurde sie als die “S.M.S. Modesta” umbenannt. Im Jahre 1852 wurde sie als Kohlenhulk umgebaut. Im Oktober 1854 wurde sie bei einem Unfall im Marinehafen Zara versenkt. Die Versuche, das Boot im Jahre 1855 zu bergen blieben ohne Erfolg.

26.) “S.M.S. Morlacca” (1829) was the first member of a brand new class of wooden sailing pinnaces, and was launched in Venice on February 22, 1831. In 1857, she was converted into cargo boat number 12. The boats of this class displaced 72 tons each, were 19 meters long, had a beam of 4,9 meters and a draught of 2,3 meters. Like all Austrian wooden sailing vessels, they were built out of oak. Their armament consisted of 5 cannon (1-12 Pounder, 2-4 Pounders and 2-1 Pounders). The crew was comprised of 26 commissioned officers and enlisted men.

Die Segelpeniche “S.M.S. Morlacca” (1829) lief am 22. Februar 1831 in Venedig vom Stapel, und wurde im Jahre 1857 als Frachtboot Nummer 12 umgebaut. Sie hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 72 Tonnen, war aus Eichenholz gebaut, war 19 Meter lang, hatte eine Breite von 4,9 Meter und einen Tiefgang von 2,3 Meter. Die Bewaffnung des Schiffes bestand aus fünf Kanonen (einem 12-Pfunder, zwei Vier-Pfundern und zwei Ein-Pfunder). Sie hatte eine Besatzung von 26 Offiziere und Matrosen. Sie hatte eine Dienstzeit von vielleicht 87 Jahren.

27.) “S.M.S. Brenta” (1829) was the 2nd member of the “S.M.S. Morlacca” class of wooden sailing pinnaces, and was launched in Venice on March 1, 1831. In 1857, she was converted into coal depot boat number 8.

Die Segelpeniche “S.M.S. Brenta” (1829) war ein Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Morlacca.” Sie lief am 1. März 1831 in Venedig vom Stapel, und im Jahre 1857 wurde sie als Kohlendepotboot Nummer 8 umgebaut. Sie hatte eine Dienstzeit von vielleicht 87 Jahren.

28.) “S.M.S. Laibach” (1830) was the 3rd member of the “S.M.S. Morlacca” class of wooden sailing pinnaces, and was launched in Venice on September 17, 1831. In 1857, she was converted into cargo boat number 28. She was named after the capital city of the Duchy of Carniola (called “Herzogtum Krain” in German), which is still the capital city of modern Slovenia. About half the people in modern Slovenia speak German.

Die Segelpeniche “S.M.S. Laibach” (1830) war das zweite Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Morlacca.” Sie lief am 17. September 1831 in Venedig vom Stapel, und im Jahre 1857 wurde sie als Frachtboot Nummer 28 umgebaut. Sie hatte eine Dienstzeit von vielleicht 87 Jahren. Die Stadt Laibach war die Hauptstadt des Herzogtums Krain, und ist heute die Hauptstadt Sloweniens – wo immer noch die Hälfte der Gesamtbevölkerung deutsch spricht.

29.) “S.M.S. Salona” (1831) was the 4th member of the “S.M.S. Morlacca” class of wooden sailing pinnaces, and was launched in Venice on March 17, 1832. She was briefly captured by Italian nationalist rebels in Venice from March 1848 until being liberated by Austrian forces in August 1849. She was scrapped in 1863.

Die Segelpeniche “S.M.S. Salona” (1831) war das dritte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Morlacca.” Sie lief am 17. März 1832 in Venedig vom Stapel, und wurde zwischen März 1848 und August 1849 von feindlichen italienischen Nationalisten beschlagnahmt. Sie wurde im Jahre 1863 verschrottet.

30.) “S.M.S. Iride” (1831) was the 5th member of the “S.M.S. Morlacca” class of wooden sailing pinnaces, and was launched in Venice on August 1, 1832. In 1849, whe was renamed “S.M.S. Iris.” In 1858, she was converted into cargo boat number 41. In 1866, she was converted yet again to carry coal.

Die Segelpeniche “S.M.S. Iride” (1831) war das vierte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Morlacca.” Sie lief am 1. August 1832 in Venedig vom Stapel, und im Jahre 1849 wurde sie als die “S.M.S. Iris” umbenannt. Im Jahre 1858 wurde sie als Lastboot Nummer 41 umbenannt, und im Jahre 1866 wurde sie als Kohlenhulk umgebaut. Sie hatte eine Dienstzeit von vielleicht 86 Jahren.

31.) “S.M.S. Agile” (1832) was the 6th member of the “S.M.S. Morlacca” class of wooden sailing pinnaces, and was launched in Venice on January 19, 1833. In 1857, she was converted into fresh water-carrying barge number 19.

Die Segelpeniche “S.M.S. Agile” (1832) was das fünfte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Morlacca.” Sie lief am 19. Januar 1833 in Venedig vom Stapel, und wurde im Jahre 1857 als Süßwaßerlastkahn Nummer 19 umgebaut. Sie hatte eine Dienstzeit von vielleicht 85 Jahren.

32.) “S.M.S. Aquila” (1831) was the 7th member of the “S.M.S. Morlacca” class of wooden sailing pinnaces, and was launched in Venice on September 2, 1833. In 1857, she was converted into cargo boat number 33.

Die Segelpeniche “S.M.S. Aquila” (1831) war das sechste Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Morlacca.” Sie lief am 2. September 1833 in Venedig vom Stapel, und im Jahre 1857 wurde sie als Frachtboot Nummer 33 umgebaut. Sie hatte eine Dienstzeit von vielleicht 85 Jahren.

33.) “S.M.S. Sirena” (1833) was the 8th member of the “S.M.S. Morlacca” class of wooden sailing pinnaces, and was launched in Venice on October 17, 1833. In 1849, her name was changed to “S.M.S. Sirene.” In 1854, she was converted into a fresh water-carrying barge (pennant number not known).

Die Segelpeniche “S.M.S. Sirena” (1833) war das siebte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Morlacca.” Sie lief am 17. Oktober 1833 in Venedig vom Stapel, und im Jahre 1849 wurde sie als die “S.M.S. Sirene” umbenannt. Im Jahre 1854 wurde sie als Süßwaßerlastkahn umgebaut (Nummer nicht bekannt). Sie hatte eine Dienstzeit von vielleicht 85 Jahren.

34.) “S.M.S. Baccante” (1833) was the 9th member of the “S.M.S. Morlacca” class of wooden sailing pinnaces, and was launched in Venice on December 7, 1833. In 1857, she was converted into coal hulk number 10. She was scrapped in 1861.

Die Segelpeniche “S.M.S. Baccante” (1833) war das achte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Morlacca.” Sie lief am 7. Dezember 1833 in Venedig vom Stapel, und im Jahre 1857 wurde sie als Kohlenhulk Nummer 10 umgebaut. Sie wurde im Jahre 1861 verschrottet.

35.) “S.M.S. Sentinella” (1833) was the 10th member of the “S.M.S. Morlacca” class of wooden sailing pinnaces, and was launched in Venice on February 5, 1834. In 1852, she was converted into a barge. In 1857, she was converted yet again into cargo boat number 21. Thereafter (unknown year) she was converted into a fresh water-carrying barge.

Die Segelpeniche “S.M.S. Sentinella” (1833) war das neunte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Morlacca.” Sie lief am 5. Februar 1834 in Venedig vom Stapel, und im Jahre 1852 wurde sie als Lastkahn umgebaut. Im Jahre 1857 wurde sie als Frachtboot Nummer 21 umgebaut, und danach als Süßwaßerlastkahn umgebaut. Sie hatte eine Dienstzeit von vielleicht 84 Jahren.

36.) “S.M.S. Aspide” (1833) was the 11th member of the “S.M.S. Morlacca” class of wooden sailing pinnaces, and was launched in Venice on May 7, 1834. In 1849, her name was changed to “S.M.S. Aspis.” In 1858, she was converted into cargo boat number 42.

Die Segelpeniche “S.M.S. Aspide” (1833) war das zehnte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Morlacca.” Sie lief am 7. Mai 1834 in Venedig vom Stapel, und im Jahre 1849 wurde sie als die “S.M.S. Aspis” umbenannt. Im Jahre 1858 wurde sie als Frachtboot Nummer 42 umgebaut. Sie hatte eine Dienstzeit von viellecht 84 Jahren.

37.) “S.M.S. Elena” (1834) was the 12th member of the “S.M.S. Morlacca” class of wooden sailing pinnaces, and was launched in Venice on September 18, 1834. In 1858, she was converted into cargo boat number 40. Thereafter (year of conversion unknown), she was converted yet again into a coal carryer.

Die Segelpeniche “S.M.S Elena” (1834) war das elfte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Morlacca.” Sie lief am 18. September 1834 in Venedig vom Stapel, und im Jahre 1858 wurde sie als Frachtboot Nummer 40 umgebaut. Danach wurde sie als Kohlenhulk umgebaut. Sie hatte eine Dienstzeit von vielleicht 84 Jahren.

38.) “S.M.S. Furiosa” (1834) was the 13th member of the “S.M.S. Morlacca” class of wooden sailing pinnaces, and was launched in Venice on December 13, 1834. She was captured by Italian nationalist rebels in 1848, and was sunk in a skirmish with Imperial and Royal Austrian coastal batteries on June 13, 1848. This happened off the coast of Caorle, Venice and she was blown to bits in the process of the battle.

Die Segelpeniche “S.M.S. Furiosa” (1834) war das zwölfte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Morlacca.” Sie lief am 13. Dezember 1834 in Venedig vom Stapel, und wurde im März 1848 von feindlichen italienischen Nationalisten beschlagnahmt. Am 13. Juni 1848 wurde sie von österreichischen Küstenbatterien in der Nähe von Caorle (Venedig) versenkt.

39.) “S.M.S. Astuta” (1835) was the 14th member of the “S.M.S. Morlacca” class of wooden sailing pinnaces, and was launched in Venice on August 6, 1836. In 1866, she was converted into an ammunition depot boat. She was scrapped in 1868.

Die Segelpeniche “S.M.S. Astuta” (1835) war das dreizehnte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Morlacca.” Sie lief am 6. August 1836 in Venedig vom Stapel, und wurde im Jahre 1866 als Munitionsdepotboot umgebaut. Sie wurde im Jahre 1868 verschrottet.

40.) “S.M.S. Ecate” (1837) was the 15th member of the “S.M.S. Morlacca” class of wooden sailing pinnaces, and was launched in Venice on July 19, 1838. In 1849, she was renamed “S.M.S. Hecate.” In 1866, she was converted into an ammunition depot boat.

Die Segelpeniche “S.M.S. Ecate” (1837) war das vierzehnte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Morlacca.” Sie lief am 19. Juli 1838 in Venedig vom Stapel, und wurde im Jahre 1848 als die “S.M.S. Hecate” umbenannt. Im Jahre 1866 wurde sie als Munitionsdepotboot umgebaut. Sie hatte eine Dienstzeit von vielleicht 80 Jahren.

41.) “S.M.S. Vestale” (1837) was the 16th member of the “S.M.S. Morlacca” class of wooden sailing pinnaces, and was launched in Venice on January 18, 1839. In 1857, she was converted into coal barge number 9.

Die Segelpeniche “S.M.S. Vestale” (1837) war das fünfzehnte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Morlacca.” Sie lief am 18. Januar 1839 in Venedig vom Stapel, und wurde im Jahre 1857 als Kohlenhulk Nummer 9 umgebaut. Sie hatte eine Dienstzeit von vielleicht 79 Jahren.

42.) “S.M.S. Amazone” (1838) was the 17th member of the “S.M.S. Morlacca” class of wooden sailing pinnaces, and was launched in Venice on June 26, 1839. She was briefly captured by Italian nationalist rebels from March 1848 until August 1849. She was stranded off the coast of Veruda, Venice on July 2, 1854 and scrapped shortly thereafter.

Die Segelpeniche “S.M.S. Amazone” (1838) war das sechszehnte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Morlacca.” Sie lief am 26. Juni 1839 in Venedig vom Stapel, und wurde zwischen März 1848 und August 1849 von feindlichen italienischen Nationalisten beschlagnahmt. Am 2. Juli 1854 strandete sie an der Küste von Veruda (Venedig) und kurz danach wurde sie verschrottet.

43.) “S.M.S. Ninfa” (1839) was the 18th member of the “S.M.S. Morlacca” class of wooden sailing pinnaces, and was launched in Venice on August 31, 1839. In 1852, she was converted into coal hulk number 14.

Die Segelpeniche “S.M.S. Ninfa” (1839) war das siebzehnte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Morlacca.” Sie lief am 31. August 1839 in Venedig vom Stapel, und wurde im Jahre 1852 als Kohlenhulk Nummer 14 umgebaut. Sie hatte eine Dienstzeit von vielleicht 79 Jahren.

44.) “S.M.S. Bocchese” (1839) was the 19th member of the “S.M.S. Morlacca” class of wooden sailing pinnaces, and was launched in Venice on November 30, 1839. In 1858, she was converted into cargo boat number 36.

Die Segelpeniche “S.M.S. Bocchese” (1839) war das achtzehnte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Morlacca.” Sie lief am 30. November 1839 in Venedig vom Stapel, und im Jahre 1858 wurde sie als Frachtboot Nummer 36 umgebaut. Sie hatte eine Dienstzeit von ungefähr 79 Jahren.

45.) “S.M.S. Lince” (1839) was the 20th member of the “S.M.S. Morlacca” class of wooden sailing pinnaces, and was launched in Venice on February 9, 1841. In 1849, she was renamed “S.M.S. Linx.” In 1858, she was converted into cargo boat number 45.

Die Segelpeniche “S.M.S. Lince” (1839) war das neunzehnte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Morlacca.” Sie lief am 9. Februar 1841 in Venedig vom Stapel, und wurde im Jahre 1849 als die “S.M.S. Linx” umbenannt. Im Jahre 1858 wurde sie zum Frachtboot Nummer 45 umgebaut. Sie hatte eine Dienstzeit von fast 77 Jahren.

46.) “S.M.S. Anfitrite” (1839) was the 21st member of the “S.M.S. Morlacca” class of wooden sailing pinnaces, and was launched in Venice on November 16, 1841. In 1858, she was converted into cargo boat number 38.

Die Segelpeniche “S.M.S Anfitrite” (1839) war das zwanzigste Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Morlacca.” Sie lief am 16. November 1841 in Venedig vom Stapel, und im Jahre 1858 wurde sie zum Frachtboot Nummer 38 umgebaut. Sie hatte eine Dienstzeit von zirka 77 Jahren.

47.) “S.M.S. Najade” (1839) was the 22nd member of the “S.M.S. Morlacca” class of wooden sailing pinnaces, and was launched in Venice on December 23, 1841. She was converted into a general-purpose hulk in 1875. In 1901, she was converted into coal barge number K60 – and she was still in service as late as 1911, 72 years after her keel was laid down.

Die Segelpeniche “S.M.S. Najade” (1839) war das einundzwanzigste Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Morlacca.” Sie lief am 23. Dezember 1841 in Venedig vom Stapel, und im Jahre wurde sie zum Hulk umgebaut. Im Jahre 1901 wurde sie zum Kohlenhulk Nummer K.60 umgebaut. Sie hatte eine Dienstzeit von nahezu 77 Jahren.

48.) “S.M.S. Palma” (1841) was the 23rd member of the “S.M.S. Morlacca” class of wooden sailing pinnaces, and was launched in Venice on February 21, 1843. She was briefly captured by Italian nationalist rebels from March 1848 until August 1849. In 1857, she was converted into coal barge number 6. In 1859, she was converted yet again into a munitions-carrying boat.

Die Segelpeniche “S.M.S. Palma” war das zweiundzwanzigste Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Morlacca.” Sie lief am 21. Februar 1843 in Venedig vom Stapel. Zwischen März 1848 und August 1849 wurde sie von feindlichen italienischen Nationalisten beschlagnahmt. Im Jahre 1857 wurde sie zum Kohlenhulk Nummer 6 umgebaut, und im Jahre 1859 wurde sie als Munitionsboot umgebaut. Sie hatte eine Dienstzeit von vielleicht 75 Jahren.

49.) “S.M.S. Costante” (1841) was the 24th member of the “S.M.S. Morlacca” class of wooden sailing pinnaces, and was launched in Venice on April 10, 1843. In 1857, she was converted into the fresh water-carrying barge number 20.

Die Segelpeniche “S.M.S. Costante” (1841) war das dreiundzwanzigste Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Morlacca.” Sie lief am 10. April 1843 in Venedig vom Stapel, und im Jahre 1857 wurde sie zum Süßwaßerlastkahn Nummer 20 umgebaut. Sie hatte eine Dienstzeit von ungefähr 75 Jahren.

50.) “S.M.S. Diana” (1843) was the 25th and final named member of the “S.M.S. Morlacca” class of wooden sailing pinnaces, and was launched in Venice on July 27, 1844. In 1857, she was converted into coal barge number 7. She was stranded off the coast of Caroman-Venetien, Venice in December 1859. In 1860, she was raised and scrapped.

Die Segelpeniche “S.M.S. Diana” (1843) war das vierundzwanzigste und letzte genannte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Morlacca.” Sie lief am 27. Juli 1844 in Venedig vom Stapel, und im Jahre 1857 war sie zum Kohenhulk Nummer 7 umgebaut. Im Dezember 1859 strandete sie an der Küste von Caroman (Venedig), und im Jahre 1860 wurde sie geborgen und verschrottet.

51.) “S.M.S. Brenta” (1811) was the first member of another class of wooden sailing pinnaces in the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy. She and her sister vessels were captured from the Italian allies of Napoleonic France, and entered the Austrian Navy in the Gulf of Cattaro (in modern day Montenegro) in September of 1813. She was scrapped in 1829. She displaced 67 tons, was 19 meters long, had a beam of 4,6 meters and a draught of 1,9 meters. Like all wooden sailing vessels in the Austrian Navy, she was built out of oak. She and her sister vessels were built in Venice, were armed with just one 12-Pounder cannon, and were manned by a crew of 27 commissioned officers and enlisted sailors.

Die Segelpeniche “S.M.S. Brenta” (1811) und ihre Schwesterschiffe wurden von den italienischen Waffenverbündeten Frankreichs im September 1813 beschlagnahmt, und von der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine Österreichs eingenommen. Die “S.M.S. Brenta” hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 67 Tonnen, war 19 Meter lang, hatte eine Breite von 4,6 Meter und einen Tiefgang von 1,9 Meter. Sie wurde in Venedig aus Eichenholz gebaut. Ihre Bewaffnung bestand aus einem 12-Pfunder, und sie hatte eine Besatzung von 27 Offiziere und Matrosen. Sie wurde im Jahre 1829 verschrottet.

52.) “S.M.S. Bocchese” (1811) was the 2nd member of the “S.M.S. Brenta” class of wooden sailing pinnaces. She was scrapped in 1839.

Die Segelpeniche “S.M.S. Bocchese” (1811) war ein Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Brenta.” Sie wurde im Jahre 1839 verschrottet.

53.) “S.M.S. Gliuta” (1811) was the 3rd member of the “S.M.S. Brenta” class of wooden sailing pinnaces, and was commissioned into the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy in the Dalmatian port of Zara on December 5, 1813. She was scrapped in 1821.

Die Segelpeniche “S.M.S. Gliuta” (1811) war das zweite Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Brenta.” Sie war im Kriegshafen Zara in Dalmatien (Kroatien) stationiert, und wurde im Jahre 1821 verschrottet.

54.) “S.M.S. Laibach” (1811) was the 4th member of the “S.M.S. Brenta” class of wooden sailing pinnaces, and was commissioned into the Austrian Navy in the Dalmatian port of Zara on December 5, 1813. She was scrapped in 1830. She was named after the capital city of the Duchy of Carniola (called “Herzogtum Krain” in German), which is still the capital city of modern-day Slovenia. About half the population in Slovenia speaks German today.

Die Segelpeniche “S.M.S. Laibach” (1811) war das dritte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Brenta.” Sie war auch im Kriegshafen Zara in Dalmatien (Kroatien) stationiert, und wurde im Jahre 1830 verschrottet.

55.) S.M.S. Morlacca” (1811) was the 5th member of the “S.M.S. Brenta” class of wooden sailing pinnaces, and was commissioned into the Austrian Navy in the Dalmatian port of Zara on December 5, 1813. She was scrapped in 1827.

Die Segelpeniche “S.M.S. Morlacca” (1811) war das vierte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Brenta.” Sie war auch im Kriegshafen Zara in Dalmatien (Kroatien) stationiert, und wurde im Jahre 1827 verschrottet.

56.) “S.M.S. Narenta” (1811) was the 6th member of the “S.M.S. Brenta” class of wooden sailing pinnaces, and was commissioned into the Austrian Navy in the Dalmatian port of Zara on December 5, 1813. She was scrapped during the decade of the 1820s (specific year not known).

Die Segelpeniche “S.M.S. Narenta” (1811) war das fünfte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Brenta.” Sie war auch im Kriegshafen Zara in Dalmatien (Kroatien) stationiert, und wurde in den 1820er Jahren verschrottet.

57.) “S.M.S. Ragusa” (1811) was the 7th member of the “S.M.S. Brenta” class of wooden sailing pinnaces, and was commissioned into the Austrian Navy in the Dalmatian port of Zara on December 5, 1813. The Dalmatian port city of Ragusa is now known as “Dubrovnik” in modern Croatia.

Die Segelpeniche “S.M.S. Ragusa” (1811) war das sechste Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Brenta.” Sie war auch im Kriegshafen Zara in Dalmatien (Kroatien) stationiert, und hatte eine Dienstzeit von vielleicht 107 Jahren. Die Hafenstadt Ragusa nennt sich heute “Dubrovnik” in Kroatien.

58.) “S.M.S. Rovignese” (1811) was the 8th member of the “S.M.S. Brenta” class of wooden sailing pinnaces, and was commissioned into the Austrian Navy in the Dalmatian port of Zara on December 5, 1813. She was scrapped in 1827.

Die Segelpeniche “S.M.S. Rovignese” (1811) war das siebte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Brenta.” Sie war auch im Kriegshafen Zara in Dalmatien (Kroatien) stationiert, und wurde im Jahre 1827 verschrottet.

59.) “S.M.S. Salona” (1811) was the 9th member of the “S.M.S. Brenta” class of wooden sailing pinnaces, and was commissioned into the Austrian Navy in the Dalmatian port of Zara on December 5, 1813. She was scrapped in 1831.

Die Segelpeniche “S.M.S. Salona” (1811) war das achte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Brenta.” Sie war auch im Kriegshafen Zara in Dalmatien (Kroatien) stationiert, und wurde im Jahre 1831 verschrottet.

60.) “S.M.S. Triestina” (1811) was the 10th member of the “S.M.S. Brenta” class of wooden sailing pinnaces, and was commissioned into the Austrian Navy in the Dalmatian port of Zara on December 5, 1813. She was scrapped in 1826.

Die Segelpeniche “S.M.S. Triestina” (1811) war das neunte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Brenta.” Sie war auch im Kriegshafen Zara in Dalmatien (Kroatien) stationiert, und wurde im Jahre 1826 verschrottet.

61.) “S.M.S. Aspide” (1811) was the 11th member of the “S.M.S. Brenta” class of wooden sailing pinnaces. She was not kept by the Austrians for long, and was both commissioned and scrapped in 1814.

Die Segelpeniche “S.M.S. Aspide” (1811) war das zehnte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Brenta.” Sie existierte überhaupt nicht lange. Sie lief vom Stapel und wurde schon im Jahre 1814 verschrottet.

62.) “S.M.S. Bianca” (1812) was the 12th member of the “S.M.S. Brenta” class of wooden sailing pinnaces, and was commissioned into the Austrian Navy in 1814. She was scrapped in 1819.

Die Segelpeniche “S.M.S. Bianca” (1812) war das elfte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Brenta.” Sie wurde im Jahre 1814 getauft und wurde schon im Jahre 1819 verschrottet.

63.) “S.M.S. Bionda” (1812) was the 13th member of the “S.M.S. Brenta” class of wooden sailing pinnaces, and was commissioned into the Austrian Navy in 1814. She was scrapped in 1824.

Die Segelpeniche “S.M.S. Bionda” (1812) war das zwölfte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Brenta.” Sie wurde im Jahre 1814 getauft und wurde schon im Jahre 1824 verschrottet.

64.) “S.M.S. Elena” (1812) was the 14th member of the “S.M.S. Brenta” class of wooden sailing pinnaces, and was commissioned into the Austrian Navy in 1814. She was scrapped in 1833.

Die Segelpeniche “S.M.S. Elena” (1812) war das dreizehnte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Brenta.” Sie wurde im Jahre 1814 getauft und dann im Jahre 1833 verschrottet.

65.) “S.M.S. Fiamma” (1812) was the 15th member of the “S.M.S. Brenta” class of wooden sailing pinnaces, and was commissioned into the Austrian Navy in 1814. She was scrapped in 1819.

Die Segelpeniche “S.M.S. Fiamma” (1812) war das vierzehnte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Brenta.” Sie wurde im Jahre 1814 getauft und wurde schon im Jahre 1819 verschrottet.

66.) “S.M.S. Fiumana” (1811) was the 16th member of the “S.M.S. Brenta” class of wooden sailing pinnaces, and was commissioned into the Austrian Navy in 1814. She was scrapped in 1829.

Die Segelpeniche “S.M.S. Fiumana” (1811) war das fünfzehnte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Brenta.” Sie wurde im Jahre 1814 getauft und im Jahre 1829 verschrottet.

67.) “S.M.S. Lubna” (1811) was the 17th member of the “S.M.S. Brenta” class of wooden sailing pinnaces, and was commissioned into the Austrian Navy in 1814. She was scrapped sometime after 1816.

Die Segelpeniche “S.M.S. Lubna” (1811) war das sechszehnte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Brenta.” Sie wurde im Jahre 1814 getauft und schon nach 1816 verschrottet.

68.) “S.M.S. Sdobba” (1811) was the 18th member of the “S.M.S. Brenta” class of wooden sailing pinnaces, and was commissioned into the Austrian Navy in 1814. She was scrapped in 1824.

Die Segelpeniche “S.M.S. Sdobba” (1811) war das siebzehnte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Brenta.” Sie wurde im Jahre 1814 getauft und im Jahre 1824 verschrottet.

69.) “S.M.S. Trevisana” (1811) was the 19th and final named member of the “S.M.S. Brenta” class of wooden sailing pinnaces, and was commissioned into the Austrian Navy in 1814. She was stranded and wrecked in 1818 (location not known).

Die Segelpeniche “S.M.S. Trevisana” (1811) war das achtzehnte und letzte genannte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Brenta.” Sie wurde im Jahre 1814 getauft und strandete im Jahre 1818 (der Ort der Strandung ist unbekannt).

70.) “S.M.S. Fortunato” (1833) was a “trabaccolo” (called a “Trabakel” in German), laid down in Venice and launched on September 2, 1833. She was assigned to transport duties in the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy, and was briefly captured by Italian nationalist rebels in Venice from March 1848 until August 1849. She was scrapped in 1862. She displaced 60 tons, was 18 meters long and had beam of 5,9 meters. Like all Austrian wooden sailing vessels, she was built out of oak.

Das Segeltrabakel “S.M.S. Fortunato” lief am 2. September 1833 in Venedig vom Stapel. Zwischen März 1848 und August 1849 wurde sie von feindlichen italienischen Nationalisten beschlagnahmt. Sie wurde im Jahre 1862 verschrottet. Sie hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 60 Tonnen, war aus Eichenholz gebaut, war 18 Meter lang und hatte eine Breite von 5,9 Meter.

71.) “S.M.S. Fedele” (1833) was the only named sister vessel of “S.M.S. Fortunato,” and was laid down in Venice. She was launched on November 9, 1833, and was assigned to transport duties in the Austrian Navy. The remainder of her service was identical to that of “S.M.S. Fortunato.”

Das Segeltrabakel “S.M.S. Fedele” (1833) war das einzige genannte Schwesterboot der “S.M.S. Fortunato.” Sie lief am 9. November 1833 in Venedig vom Stapel, und ihre Lebensgeschichte war die der “S.M.S. Fortunato” sehr ähnlich.

72.) “S.M.S. Intrepido” (1830) was the sole wooden sailing “trabaccolo” (called a “Trabakel” in German) in her class, and was used as a transport vessel. She was laid down in Venice in 1830, and was launched on July 30, 1831. She was briefly captured by Italian nationalist rebels in Venice from March 1848 until August 1849, and was scrapped in 1862. She displaced 58 tons, was 18 meters long, and had a beam of 5,9 meters. She was built out of oak, and had a crew of just 9 officers and men.

Das Segeltrabakel “S.M.S. Intrepido” (1830) war ein Einzelboot. Sie wurde im Jahre 1830 in Venedig auf Kiel gelegt, und lief am 30. Juli 1831 vom Stapel. Zwischen März 1848 und August 1849 wurde sie von feindlichen italienischen Nationalisten beschlagnahmt. Sie wurde im Jahre 1862 verschrottet. Sie hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 58 Tonnen, war 18 Meter lang, hatte eine Breite von 5,9 Meter, war aus Eichenholz gebaut, und hatte eine Besatzung von 9 Offiziere und Matrosen.

73.) “S.M.S. Rondine” (1828) was the first member of yet another class of wooden sailing pinnaces, and was built in Venice. She was launched on October 25, 1828, and was briefly captured by Italian nationalist rebels in Venice from March 1848 until August 1849. In late 1849, she was renamed “S.M.S. Schwalbe” (which means the bird type “swallow” in German). In 1858, she was converted into cargo boat number 43. In 1861, she was converted again, and this time into a mine-carrying barge. In 1866, she was assigned to harbor guard duties. She and her sisters displaced 56 tons each, were 17,6 meters long, had a beam of 4,2 meters and a draught of 1,6 meters. Like all wooden sailing vessels from Austria, she was built out of oak. She was armed with 3 cannon (1-12 Pounder and 2-1 Pounders) and had a crew of 26 commissioned officers and enlisted men.

Die Segelpeniche “S.M.S. Rondine” (1828) lief am 25. Oktober 1828 in Venedig vom Stapel. Zwischen März 1848 und August 1849 wurde sie von feindlichen italienischen Nationalisten beschlagnahmt. Spät im Jahr 1849 wurde sie als ”S.M.S. Schwalbe” umbenannt. Im Jahre 1858 wurde sie zum Frachter Nummer 43 umgebaut. Im Jahre 1861 wurde sie zum Minenträger umgebaut, und nach 1866 wurde sie für den Hafenwachtdienst benutzt. Sie hatte eine Dienstzeit von ungefähr 90 Jahren. Sie hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 56 Tonnen, war aus Eichenholz gebaut, war 17,6 Meter lang, hatte eine Breite von 4,2 Meter und einen Tiefgang von 1,6 Meter. Ihre Bewaffnung bestand aus einem 12-Pfunder und zwei Ein-Pfundern. Sie hatte eine Besatzung von 26 Offiziere und Matrosen.

74.) “S.M.S. Volpe” (1828) was the 2nd member of the “S.M.S. Rondine” class of wooden sailing pinnaces, and was built in Venice. She was launched on December 18, 1828, and was briefly captured by Italian nationalist rebels in Venice from March 1848 until August 1849. In 1853, she was converted into the coal-carrying hulk number 15. On September 19, 1861 she was sunk due to an accident near Kumbor in the Gulf of Cattaro (in modern day Montenegro). She was raised and scrapped in December 1861.

Die Segelpeniche “S.M.S. Volpe” (1828) war ein Schwesterboot der “S.M.S. Rondine.” Sie lief am 18. Dezember 1828 in Venedig vom Stapel. Zwischen März 1848 und August 1849 wurde sie von feindlichen italienischen Nationalisten beschlagnahmt. Im Jahre 1853 wurde sie zum Kohlenhulk Nummer 15 umgebaut. Am 19. September 1861 wurde sie bei einem Unfall im Golf von Cattaro (heute “Kotor” in Montenegro) versenkt. Im Dezember 1861 wurde sie geborgen und verschrottet.

75.) “S.M.S. Lampreda” (1828) was the 3rd member of the “S.M.S. Rondine” class of wooden sailing pinnaces, and was built in Venice. She was launched on January 13, 1829, and was briefly captured by Italian nationalist rebels in Venice from March 1848 until August 1849. In 1857, she was converted into general-purpose barge number 25.

Die Segelpeniche “S.M.S. Lampreda” (1828) war das zweite Schwesterboot der “S.M.S. Rondine.” Sie lief am 13. Januar 1829 in Venedig vom Stapel. Zwischen März 1848 und August 1849 wurde sie von feindlichen italienischen Nationalisten beschlagnahmt. Im Jahre 1857 wurde sie zum Lastkahn Nummer 25 umgebaut. Sie hatte eine Dienstzeit von fast 89 Jahren.

76.) “S.M.S. Serpe” (1828) was the 4th member of the “S.M.S. Rondine” class of wooden sailing pinnaces, and was built in Venice. She was launched on March 7, 1829, and was briefly captured by Italian nationalist rebels in Venice from March 1848 until August 1849. In late 1849, she was renamed “S.M.S. Schlange” (which means “snake” in German). In 1858, she was converted into cargo boat number 39.

Die Segelpeniche “S.M.S. Serpe” (1828) war das dritte Schwesterboot der “S.M.S. Rondine.” Sie lief am 7. März 1829 in Venedig vom Stapel, und wurde zwischen März 1848 und August 1849 von feindlichen italienischen Nationalisten beschlagnahmt. Spät im Jahr 1849 wurde sie als die “S.M.S. Schlange” umbenannt. Im Jahre 1858 wurde sie zum Frachter Nummer 39 umgebaut. Sie hatte eine Dienstzeit von zirka 89 Jahren.

77.) “S.M.S. Leggera” (1829) was the 5th and final named member of the “S.M.S. Rondine” class of wooden sailing pinnaces, and was built in Venice. She was launched on October 8, 1829, and was briefly captured by Italian nationalist rebels in Venice from March 1848 until August 1849. In 1854, she was converted into general-purpose barge number VI. In 1857, her pennant or “call” number was changed to 26.

Die Segelpeniche “S.M.S. Leggera” (1829) war das vierte und letzte genannte Schwesterboot der “S.M.S. Rondine.” Sie lief am 8. Oktober 1829 in Venedig vom Stapel, und wurde zwischen März 1848 und August 1849 von feindlichen italienischen Nationalisten beschlagnahmt. Im Jahre 1854 wurde sie zum Lastkahn Nummer VI umgebaut, und im Jahre 1857 wurde sie als Lastkahn Nummer 26 umbenannt. Sie hatte eine Dienstzeit von nahezu 89 Jahren.

78.) “S.M.S. Andromaca” (1829) was the first member of another class of wooden sailing pinnaces, and was built in Venice. She was launched on Feburary 28, 1830, and was briefly captured by Italian nationalist rebels in Venice from March 1848 until August 1849. In late 1849, she was renamed “S.M.S. Andromache.” In 1857, she was converted into coal-carrying barge number 27. She displaced 44 tons, was 16,3 meters long, had a beam of 3,9 meters and a draught of 1,5 meters. Like all wooden sailing vessels from Austria, she was built out of oak. She was armed with one 12-Pounder cannon, and had a crew of 26 commissioned officers and enlisted men.

Die Segelpeniche “S.M.S. Andromaca” (1829) lief am 28. Februar 1830 in Venedig vom Stapel, und wurde zwischen März 1848 und August 1849 von feindlichen italienischen Nationalisten beschlagnahmt. Spät im Jahr 1849 wurde sie als die “S.M.S. Andromache” umbenannt. Im Jahre 1857 wurde sie zum Kohlenhulk Nummer 27 umgebaut. Sie hatte eine Dienstzeit von vielleicht 88 Jahren. Sie hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 44 Tonnen, war aus Eichenholz gebaut, war 16,3 Meter lang, hatte eine Breite von 3,9 Meter und einen Tiefgang von 1,5 Meter. Ihre Bewaffnung bestand aus einem 12-Pfunder, und sie hatte eine Besatzung von 26 Offiziere und Matrosen.

79.) “S.M.S. Zaira” (1831) was the 2nd and final member of the “S.M.S. Andromaca” class of wooden sailing pinnaces, and was built in Venice. She was launched on September 1, 1831, and was briefly captured by Italian nationalist rebels in Venice from March 1848 until August 1849. In 1858, she was converted into cargo boat number 44.

Die Segelpeniche “S.M.S. Zaira” (1831) war das einzige Schwesterboot der “S.M.S. Andromaca.” Sie lief am 1. September 1831 in Venedig vom Stapel, und wurde auch zwischen März 1848 und August 1849 von feindlichen italienischen Nationalisten beschlagnahmt. Im Jahre 1858 wurde sie zum Frachter Nummer 44 umgebaut. Sie hatte eine Dienstzeit von ungefähr 87 Jahren.

80.) “S.M.S. Amico” (1848) was the first member of a class of wooden sailing “trabaccolos” (called a “Trabakel” in German), and was a former merchant vessel purchased by the Austrian Navy. She was assigned to the “Ruderflottille Friaul” (which means “Rudder Flottilla Friuli” in English), which was located off the coast of Triest. She displaced 44 tons, was unarmed, was built out of oak and had a crew of just 7 officers and men.

Das Segeltrabakel “S.M.S. Amico” (1848) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 44 Tonnen, war aus Eichenholz gebaut, hatte keine Bewaffnung, und hatte eine Besatzung von nur 7 Offiziere und Matrosen. Sie gehörte zur Ruderflottille Friaul an der Küste von Triest. Sie hatte eine Dienstzeit von fast 70 Jahren.

81.) “S.M.S. Guglielmo” (1842) was the 2nd and final member of the “S.M.S. Amico” class of wooden sailing trabaccolos. She was built in Rovigno (a Croatian port in Istria), and was assigned to the “Ruderflottille Friaul” after 1849. This basically involved transport and harbor duties. She was scrapped after 1862.

Das Segeltrabakel “S.M.S. Guglielmo” (1842) war das einzige Schwesterboot der “S.M.S Amico.” Sie wurde in Rovigno im Istrien (Kroatien) gebaut, und gehörte auch nach 1849 zur Ruderflottille Friaul. Sie wurde im Jahre 1862 verschrottet.

82.) “S.M.S. Vulcano” (1848) was a wooden sailing “trabaccolo” of 29 tons displacement. She was also assigned to the “Ruderflottille Friaul” after 1849. She was built out of oak, and was not armed.

Das Segeltrabakel “S.M.S. Vulcano” (1848) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 28 Tonnen, war aus Eichenholz gebaut, war 12,4 Meter lang, hatte eine Breite von 4,5 Meter und einen Tiefgang von 1,6 Meter. Sie gehörte auch zur Ruderflottille Friaul an der Küste von Triest. Sie wurde im Jahre 1859 verkauft.

83.) “S.M.S. Fiorentino” (1848) was another wooden sailing “trabaccolo,” and of 28 tons displacement. She was also part of the “Ruderflottille Friaul” off the coast of Triest after 1849, and was sold to civilian owners in 1859. She was 12,4 meters long, had a beam of 4,5 meters, a draught of 1,6 meters and was built out of oak.

Das Segeltrabakel “S.M.S. Fiorentino” (1848) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 28 Tonnen, war aus Eichenholz gebaut, war 12,4 Meter lang, hatte eine Breite von 4,5 Meter und einen Tiefgang von 1,6 Meter. Sie gehörte auch zur Ruderflottille Friaul an der Küste Triests, und wurde im Jahre 1859 verkauft.

84.) “S.M.S. Vincitore” (1843) was built in Rovigno, and was a wooden sailing “trabaccolo” of 27 tons displacement. She was also assigned to the “Ruderflottille Friaul,” and was scrapped after 1866. She was built out of oak, and was not armed.

Das Segeltrabakel “S.M.S. Vincitore” (1843) wurde in Rovigno im Istrien (Kroatien) gebaut, hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 27 Tonnen, war aus Eichenholz gebaut, und hatte keine Bewaffnung. Sie gehörte auch der Ruderflottille Friaul an der Küste Triests, und wurde im Jahre 1866 verschrottet.

85.) “S.M.S. Santa Eufemia” (1848) was a wooden sailing “trabaccolo” of 23 tons displacement. She was part of the “Ruderflottille Friaul” until 1856. She was built out of oak, and was unarmed.

Das Segeltrabakel “S.M.S. Santa Eufemia” (1848) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 23 Tonnen, und gehörte bis 1856 zur Ruderflottille Friaul an der Küste von Triest. Sie war aus Eichenholz gebaut, und hatte keine Bewaffnung.

86.) “S.M.S. Elvira” (1832) was the first member of a class of wooden sailing “piroges,” built in Venice. She was scrapped in 1843. She displaced just 19 tons, was 14 meters long, had a beam of 3,5 meters and a very shallow draught of 0,5 meters. She was built out of oak, and was armed with 1-24 Pounder cannon. Most of her numerous sister vessels were briefly captured by Italian nationalist rebels in Venice from March 1848 until August 1849 (they are numbered immediately below):

Die Segelpiroge “S.M.S. Elvira” (1832) wurde in Venedig auf Kiel gelegt, und wurde im Jahre 1843 verschrottet. Sie hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 19 Tonnen, war 14 Meter lang, hatte eine Breite von 3,5 Meter und einen Tiefgang von 0,5 Meter. Sie war aus Eichenholz gebaut und ihre Bewaffnung bestand aus einem 24-Pfunder. Die Mehrheit ihrer Schwesterfahrzeuge wurden zwischen März 1848 und August 1849 von den feindlichen italienischen Nationalisten beschlagnahmt. Eine Segelpiroge ist ein leichtes, flaches Lagunenfahrzeug mit Segel-und Riemenantrieb, mit einem Mast mit Lateinsegel und acht Riemen. Sie waren sehr zahlreich, und wurden immer wieder für Stations-und Zolldienst, auch auf Flüssen, nachgebaut.

87.) “S.M.S. Adelaide” (1839) was launched on April 15, 1846 and kept in the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy until 1861.

Die Segelpiroge “S.M.S. Adelaide” (1839) lief am 15. April 1846 vom Stapel und wurde im Jahre 1861 verkauft.

88.) “S.M.S. Attiva” (1839) was launched on April 15, 1846 and scrapped after 1860.

Die Segelpiroge “S.M.S. Attiva” (1839) lief am 15. April 1846 vom Stapel und wurde nach 1860 verschrottet.

89.) “S.M.S. Bianca” (1834) was launched on April 30, 1846 and scrapped after 1860.

Die Segelpiroge “S.M.S. Bianca” lief am 30. April 1846 vom Stapel und wurde nach 1860 verschrottet.

90.) “S.M.S. Bilancia” (1834) was launched on April 30, 1846 and scrapped after 1864.

Die Segelpiroge “S.M.S. Bilancia” (1834) lief am 30. April 1846 vom Stapel und wurde nach 1864 verschrottet.

91.) “S.M.S. Celia” (1834) was launched on April 23, 1846 and attached to the “Gardaseeflottille” (”Lake Garda Flottilla” in German) after 1856.

Die Segelpiroge “S.M.S. Celia” (1834) lief am 23. April 1846 vom Stapel und gehörte nach 1856 zur Gardaseeflottille.

92.) “S.M.S. Civetta” (1838) was launched on April 17, 1846 and was converted into cargo boat number 29 in 1857.

Die Segelpiroge “S.M.S. Civetta” (1838) lief am 17. April 1846 vom Stapel und wurde im Jahre 1857 als Frachter Nummer 29 umgebaut. Sie hatte eine Dienstzeit von vielleicht 72 Jahren.

93.) “S.M.S. Colomba” (1834) was launched on April 24, 1846 and was scrapped after 1859.

Die Segelpiroge “S.M.S. Colomba” (1834) lief am 24. April 1846 vom Stapel und wurde nach 1859 verschrottet.

94.) “S.M.S. Conchiglia” (1840) was launched on September 4, 1844 and was part of the “Gardaseeflottille” until 1864.

Die Segelpiroge “S.M.S. Conchiglia” (1840) lief am 4. September 1844 vom Stapel und gehörte bis 1864 zur Gardaseeflottille.

95.) “S.M.S. Curiosa” (1833) was launched on August 20, 1844 and scrapped after 1859.

Die Segelpiroge “S.M.S. Curiosa” (1833) lief am 20. August 1844 vom Stapel und wurde nach 1859 verschrottet.

96.) “S.M.S. Eleonora” (1833) was launched on August 9, 1844 and was attached to the “Gardaseeflottille” until 1864.

Die Segelpiroge “S.M.S. Eleonora” (1833) lief am 9. August 1844 vom Stapel und gehörte bis 1864 zur Gardaseeflottille.

97.) “S.M.S. Elvira” (1833) replaced the lead member of this class when she was launched on August 8, 1844. She was assigned to the Tagliamento River until 1866, which lies in between Triest and Venice.

Die Segelpiroge “S.M.S. Elvira” (1833) lief am 8. August 1844 vom Stapel, und diente bis 1866 auf dem Tagliamento Fluß (zwischen Triest und Venedig).

98.) “S.M.S. Erminia” (1834) was launched on May 5, 1846 and scrapped after 1860.

Die Segelpiroge “S.M.S. Erminia” (1834) lief am 5. Mai 1846 vom Stapel und wurde nach 1860 verschrottet.

99.) “S.M.S. Eulalia” (1839) was launched on August 22, 1844 and scrapped after 1866.

Die Segelpiroge “S.M.S. Eulalia” (1839) lief am 22. August 1844 vom Stapel und wurde nach 1866 verschrottet.

100.) “S.M.S. Euridice” (1833) was launched on October 24, 1844 and scrapped after 1866.

Die Segelpiroge “S.M.S. Euridice” (1833) lief am 24. Oktober 1844 vom Stapel und wurde nach 1866 verschrottet.

101.) “S.M.S. Gemma” (1833) was launched on August 27, 1844 and scrapped after 1860.

Die Segelpiroge “S.M.S. Gemma” (1833) lief am 27. August 1844 vom Stapel und wurde nach 1860 verschrottet.

102.) “S.M.S. Generosa” (1831) was launched May of 1832 and scrapped after 1859.

Die Segelpiroge “S.M.S. Generosa” (1831) lief im Mai 1832 vom Stapel und wurde nach 1859 verschrottet.

103.) “S.M.S. Gentile” (1832) was launched on August 23, 1832 and scrapped after 1860.

Die Segelpiroge “S.M.S. Gentile” (1832) lief am 23. August 1832 vom Stapel und wurde nach 1860 verschrottet.

104.) “S.M.S. Giusta” (1831) was launched in August of 1832 and scrapped after 1860.

Die Segelpiroge “S.M.S. Giusta” (1831) lief im August 1832 vom Stapel und wurde nach 1860 verschrottet.

105.) “S.M.S. Gloriosa” (1831) was launched in September of 1832 and scrapped after 1864.

Die Segelpiroge “S.M.S. Gloriosa” (1831) lief im September 1832 vom Stapel und wurde nach 1864 verschrottet.

106.) “S.M.S. Grave” (1833) was launched in March of 1839 and scrapped after 1860.

Die Segelpiroge “S.M.S. Grave” (1833) lief im März 1839 vom Stapel und wurde nach 1860 verschrottet.

107.) “S.M.S. Graziosa” (1833) was launched on May 9, 1845 and scrapped after 1860.

Die Segelpiroge “S.M.S. Graziosa” (1833) lief am 9. Mai 1845 vom Stapel und wurde nach 1860 verschrottet.

108.) “S.M.S. Guglia” (1833) was launched on August 7, 1844 and scrapped after 1860.

Die Segelpiroge “S.M.S. Guglia” (1833) lief am 7. August 1844 vom Stapel und wurde nach 1860 verschrottet.

109.) “S.M.S. Ingegnosa” (1833) was launched on August 3, 1844 and scrapped after 1860.

Die Segelpiroge “S.M.S. Ingegnosa” (1833) lief am 3. August 1844 vom Stapel und wurde nach 1860 verschrottet.

110.) “S.M.S. Lodola” (1833) was launched on July 30, 1844 and scrapped after 1860.

Die Segelpiroge “S.M.S. Lodola” (1833) lief am 30. Juli 1844 vom Stapel und wurde nach 1860 verschrottet.

111.) “S.M.S. Maga” (1833) was launched on August 20, 1844 and was converted into cargo boat number 34 in 1857.

Die Segelpiroge “S.M.S. Maga” (1833) lief am 20. August 1844 vom Stapel und wurde im Jahre 1857 als Frachter Nummer 34 umgebaut. Sie hatte eine Dienstzeit von ungefähr 74 Jahren.

112.) “S.M.S. Matilde” (1833) was launched on August 23, 1844 and scrapped after 1860.

Die Segelpiroge “S.M.S. Matilde” (1833) lief am 23. August 1844 vom Stapel und wurde nach 1860 verschrottet.

113.) “S.M.S. Mosca” (1833) was launched on April 11, 1846 and scrapped after 1859.

Die Segelpiroge “S.M.S. Mosca” (1833) lief am 11. April 1859 vom Stapel und wurde nach 1859 verschrottet.

114.) “S.M.S. Nereide” (1833) was launched on September 3, 1844 and scrapped after 1860.

Die Segelpiroge “S.M.S. Nereide” (1833) lief am 3. September 1844 vom Stapel und wurde nach 1860 verschrottet.

115.) “S.M.S. Niobe” (1834) was launched on March 12, 1845 and scrapped after 1860.

Die Segelpiroge “S.M.S. Niobe” (1834) lief am 12. März 1845 vom Stapel und wurde nach 1860 verschrottet.

116.) “S.M.S. Perla” (1833) was launched on February 25, 1845 and was attached to the “Gardaseeflottille” in 1856.

Die Segelpiroge “S.M.S. Perla” (1833) lief am 25. Februar 1845 vom Stapel und gehörte ab 1856 zur Gardaseeflottille.

117.) “S.M.S. Pernice” (1833) was launched on May 5, 1845 and scrapped after 1859.

Die Segelpiroge “S.M.S. Pernice” (1833) lief am 5. Mai 1845 vom Stapel und wurde nach 1859 verschrottet.

118.) “S.M.S. Perseverante” (1833) was launched on February 8, 1845 and scrapped after 1860.

Die Segelpiroge “S.M.S. Perseverante” (1833) lief am 8. Februar 1845 vom Stapel und wurde nach 1860 verschrottet.

119.) “S.M.S. Placida” (1833) was launched on May 7, 1846, attached to the “Gardaseeflottille” in 1856 and scrapped after 1860.

Die Segelpiroge “S.M.S. Placida” (1833) lief am 7. Mai 1846 vom Stapel und gehörte zwischen 1856 und 1860 zur Gardaseeflottille; danach wurde sie verschrottet.

120.) “S.M.S. Pomona” (1834) was launched on March 13, 1845, attached to the “Gardaseeflottille” in 1856 and scrapped after 1860.

Die Segelpiroge “S.M.S. Pomona” (1834) lief am 13. März 1845 vom Stapel und gehörte zwischen 1856 und 1860 zur Gardaseeflottille; danach wurde sie verschrottet.

121.) “S.M.S. Sagace” (1834) was launched on February 25, 1845 and scrapped after 1860.

Die Segelpiroge “S.M.S. Sagace” (1834) lief am 25. Februar 1845 vom Stapel und wurde nach 1860 verschrottet.

122.) “S.M.S. Susanna” (1833) was launched on April 23, 1845, attached to the “Gardaseeflottille” in 1856 and scrapped after 1860.

Die Segelpiroge “S.M.S. Susanna” (1833) lief am 23. April 1845 vom Stapel, und gehörte zwischen 1856 und 1860 zur Gardaseeflottille; danach wurde sie verschrottet.

123.) “S.M.S. Temeraria” (1833) was launched on August 30, 1844 and scrapped after 1860.

Die Segelpiroge “S.M.S. Temeraria” (1833) lief am 30. August 1844 vom Stapel und wurde nach 1860 verschrottet.

124.) “S.M.S. Teresa” (1833) was launched on October 1, 1844 and scrapped after 1866.

Die Segelpiroge “S.M.S. Teresa” (1833) lief am 1. Oktober 1844 vom Stapel und wurde nach 1866 verschrottet.

125.) “S.M.S. Tigre” (1833) was launched on January 29, 1845 and scrapped after 1860.

Die Segelpiroge “S.M.S. Tigre” (1833) lief am 29. Januar 1845 vom Stapel und wurde nach 1860 verschrottet.

126.) “S.M.S. Tortosa” (1833) was launched on September 3, 1844 and scrapped after 1860.

Die Segelpiroge “S.M.S. Tortosa” (1833) lief am 3. September 1844 vom Stapel und wurde nach 1860 verschrottet.

127.) “S.M.S. Umile” (1833) was launched on February 7, 1845 and scrapped after 1866.

Die Segelpiroge “S.M.S. Umile” (1833) lief am 7. Februar 1845 vom Stapel und wurde nach 1866 verschrottet.

128.) “S.M.S. Urania” (1833) was launched on October 1, 1844 and scrapped after 1860.

Die Segelpiroge “S.M.S. Urania” (1833) lief am 1. Oktober 1844 vom Stapel und wurde nach 1860 verschrottet.

129.) “S.M.S. Valente” (1834) was launched on August 3, 1844 and scrapped after 1860.

Die Segelpiroge “S.M.S. Valente” (1834) lief am 3. August 1844 vom Stapel und wurde nach 1860 verschrottet.

130.) “S.M.S. Vespa” (1834) was launched on September 20, 1846 and scrapped after 1860.

Die Segelpiroge “S.M.S. Vespa” (1834) lief am 20. September 1846 vom Stapel und wurde nach 1860 verschrottet.

131.) “S.M.S. Virginia” (1834) was launched on September 21, 1846 and scrapped after 1860.

Die Segelpiroge “S.M.S. Virginia” (1834) lief am 21. September 1846 vom Stapel und wurde nach 1860 verschrottet.

132.) “S.M.S. Vivace” (1834) was launched on September 19, 1846 and scrapped after 1860.

Die Segelpiroge “S.M.S. Vivace” (1834) lief am 19. September 1846 vom Stapel und wurde nach 1860 verschrottet.

133.) “S.M.S. Zenobia” (1834) was the final named member of the “S.M.S. Elvira” class of wooden sailing piroges, and was launched in Venice on September 24, 1846. She was scrapped after 1860.

Die Segelpiroge “S.M.S. Zenobia” (1834) war das letzte genannte Segelfahrzeug der “S.M.S. Elvira” Klaße. Sie wurde im Jahre 1834 in Venedig auf Kiel gelegt, und lief am 24. September 1846 vom Stapel. Sie wurde nach 1860 verschrottet.

XIII (13) Older Sailing Ships of the Austrian Navy (for which exact tonnage is not available)

An Admiralty was established in the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation by Kaiser Otto III in A.D. 983. Even before this time, the Empire and the Frankish Kingdom from which it descended had to defend itself from maritime threats launched by the Frisians, the Normans and the predecessors of the Moors (from what is now modern Mauritania). In the 10th century, the Empire was expanding toward the North and the East, where Slavic tribes were being Germanized and Christianized. This meant a German naval presence in the Baltic Sea. From the 11th to the 13th centuries, German vessels departing from the North Sea and its tributaries took part in the Christian Crusades in the Holy Land. The main German states with naval vessels in the North Sea (the German Bay or “Deutsche Bucht” in German) and the Baltic Sea (called the “East Sea” or “Ostsee” in German) were the Hanseatic Cities such as Hamburg, Bremen, Lübeck, Kiel, Rostock, Stralsund, Wismar, Greifswald, Anklam, Demmin, Wolgast, Stettin and Königsberg. One can see a picture of the fleet flagship “S.M.S. Bunte Kuh” from the year 1401 (”bright cow” in English) in my photo section.

Die deutsche Admiralität (das heißt: die Admiralität des Deutschen Reiches, oder genauer des Heiligen Römischen Reiches der Deutschen Nation – auch “Das Erste Deutsche Reich”) wurde im Jahre 983 von Kaiser Otto III gegründet. Das Deutsche Reich selbst wurde im Jahre 800 in Aachen gegründet. Der Vorgänger des Deutschen Reiches war das Königreich der Franken (die modernen germanischen Nachfolger der Franken sind die Franken in Nordbayern). Die Kriegsmarine des Ersten Deutschen Reiches mußte sich im Westen gegen die Friesen, die Normannen, und auch gegen die islamischen Mauren verteidigen. Im Osten haben die Deutschen die westlichen slawischen und baltischen Stämme erobert, germanisiert und zum Christentum bekehrt. Die Kriegsmarine des Reiches mußte Deutschlands Interessen in der Ostsee verteidigen. Zwischen dem 11. und den 13. Jahrhundert hatten die Kriegsschiffe des Deutschen Reiches die christlichen Kreuzfahrer zum heiligen Land transportiert. Die deutschen Hansestädte wie Hamburg, Bremen, Lübeck, Kiel, Rostock, Stralsund, Wismar, Stettin und Königsberg hatten die meisten, die besten und auch die größten deutschen Kriegsschiffe.

After the 13th century, the then Habsburg Archduchy of Austria became the premier naval state within the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation. The earliest Austrian naval port was that of Triest, which voluntarily placed itself under the protection of Austria on August 31, 1369. It was already an important commercial seaport with valuable business in shipping the likes of lumber, salt, oil and fish. Other important and powerful states in the Adriatic Sea in those days included Görz (”Gorizia” in Italian), Istria, the Republic of Venedig (”Venezia” in Italian or “Venice” in English) and Dalmatia on the modern coast of Croatia.

Nach dem 13. Jahrhundert hatte das Erzherzogtum Österreich die größte und auch die beste Kriegsmarine im Ersten Deutschen Reich. Am 31. August 1369 hat sich der Kriegshafen Triest freiwillig unter Österreichs Schutz gestellt. Als Handelshafen war Triest für ganz Mitteleuropa (für Güter wie Holz, Salz, Öl und Fisch) schon sehr wichtig. Im Jahre 1374 wurden Istrien (”Küstenland” auf deutsch) und Krain auch österreichisch. Im Jahre 1440 wurde das Kriegsmarinearsenal Wien gegründet. In der Donaustadt Wien wurden die ersten österreichischen Galeeren gebaut. Die Soldaten des Deutschen Reiches haben die Stadt Preßburg von den Ungarn befreit. Zwischen 1441 und 1446 wurden die ersten vier Galeeren in Dienst gestellt. Sie hatten eine Einstaztverdrängung von je 200 Tonnen, zwei bis drei Masten mit Lateinsegel, und waren wie Ramkreuzer gebaut. Sie hatten je bis 70 Riemen, mit drei bis fünf Matrosen pro Riemen. Zwischen 1458 und 1488 wurden neun mehr Galeeren in Dienst gestellt. Die Verlußte im Krieg gegen Ungarn waren ziemlich hoch, aber die neue Donauflottille war für Österreich sehr wichtig. Eventuell wurde Ungarn auch ein treues Teil des habsburgischen Reiches.

In 1374, Austria gained the neighboring territories of Istria (named “Küstenland” or “coastal land” in German) and Carniola (called “Krain” in German). In the year 1440, an arsenal for building river-going warships was founded in the Austrian capital city of Vienna (called “Wien” in German). The city of Vienna is located right along the river Danube (called the “Donau” in German). The first warships to be constructed in Vienna were galleys, for use against Hungarian forces near the river city of Preßburg (now known as “Bratislava” in modern Slovakia). Such galleys were commissioned into the new Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy in 1441, 1442, 1443 and 1446. The ship type of the Galley had been constructed by countries within the Mediterranean Sea region since about A.D. 1000. The largest vessels displaced up to 200 tons, and their primary armament was the ram, located at the tip of the bow below the waterline. They would have up to 70 oars, with each oar being manned by 3 to 5 crew members. In addition to the oars, 2 to 3 masts with lateen sails would provide auxiliary propulsion. In addition to the all-important ram-bow, the ships would carry catapults which were mounted fore and aft on widely overhanging platforms. Such ships were used by Mediterranean navies as their primary capital warships until the 16th century. Additional galleys were commissioned into the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy in 1458, 1459, 1476, 1477, 1478, 1480, 1482, 1485 and 1488. Losses in combat against the Hungarians were very high, but the new Danube Flottilla was an important force operation in unison with the Imperial and Royal Austrian Army. Eventually, Hungary would be subdued and become an important and loyal part of the Habsburg Empire.The many older wooden sailing vessels for which technical data (such as definitive displacement in tons) is unfortunately sketchy include Ships-of-the-Line (battleships), Frigates, Brigs, Brigantines, Pinnaces, Floating Batteries, Galleys, Galleons, Avisos (scouts), Sloops and Transporters. Their information follows immediately below.

XIII (14) Austro-Venetian “Ships-of-the-Line” (Wooden Battleships for which exact tonnage is not available)

“Ships-of-the-Line” (or plural “Linienschiffe” in German) were the great capital ships of yesterday. They evolved into the battleships, dreadnought battleships and fast battleships of the modern era. They grew out of the great galleons of antiquity, and were not replaced until rendered obsolete by the modern aircraft carrier.

Für die älteren Kriegsschiffe und Segelfahrzeuge des Ersten Deutschen Reiches haben wir leider nicht genug technische Daten. Die größten Kriegsschiffe waren zuerst die Galeeren, und dann die Linienschiffe. Linienschiffe, Schlachtschiffe und Schlachtkreuzer waren die wichtigsten Kriegsschiffe bis den Zweiten Weltkrieg. Bis zum Ende des Zweiten Weltkrieges waren die größten Kriegsschiffe die Flugzeugträger.

1.) The oldest Austrian “Ship-of-the-Line,” or wooden sailing battleship, was “S.M.S. San Leopoldo,” which was part of the Austro-Venetian Navy from at least 1713 until 1733. She had been purchased from the Navy of the Kingdom of Naples, and was scrapped early due to decay. She was armed with 50 cannon, and built out of oak. We do not know what her official displacement was, but ships of this caliber could have been anywhere from 1,879 tons up to 5,194 tons in size. Her name refers to “Saint Leopold” in English, who was a favorite patron saint of the House of Habsburg. The name had been used for male members of the Habsburg Dynasty since the time of Archduke Leopold, who was martyred at the hands of Swiss rebels in June of 1386. The original lands of the Habsburg Dynasty were located at the castle “Habichtsburg” (”the Castle of the Hawk” in English), which is still located in the Swiss Canton of Aargau today.

Das erste Segellinienschiff der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine Österreichs war die “S.M.S. San Leopoldo.” Sie wurde von der Kriegsmarine des Königreiches Neapel gekauft, und diente von 1713 bis sie im Jahre 1733 verschrottet wurde. Sie war aus Eichenholz gebaut, und ihre Bewaffnung bestand aus 50 Kanonen. Die Segellinienschiffe der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine hatten je eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,879 bis 5,194 Tonnen. Sankt Leopoldus ist der Lieblingsschutzheilige des Adelhauses Habsburg. Der erste Erzherzog Leopold von Österreich fiel im Jahre 1386 gegen schweizerische Aufständige. Der Ursprung des Adelhauses Habsburg ist das Schloß “Habichtsburg” im schweizerischen Kanton Aargau.

2.) “S.M.S. Santa Barbara” was commissioned into the Austrian Navy in 1716, but sold to the Navy of the Kingdom of Naples in 1718. The Kingdom of Naples was an old ally of Austria, which encompassed the Southern third of Italy. She was built out of oak.

Das Segellinienschiff “S.M.S. Santa Barbara” wurde im Jahre 1716 getauft. Im Jahre 1718 hat die Kaiserliche und Königliche Kriegsmarine Österreichs die “S.M.S. Santa Barbara” an das Königreich Neapel verkauft. Das Königreich Neapel (Süditalien und Sizilien) und das Erzherzogtum Österreich waren miteinander verbündet.

3.) “S.M.S. San Carlo” was commissioned into the Austrian Navy in 1718. She had originally belonged to the Navy of the Kingdom of Naples, and was named after Saint Charles Borromeo of Milan. She was built out of oak, and was armed with 70 cannon. She was decommissioned in 1735 and scrapped in the port of Triest in 1737 due to early decay.

Das Segellinienschiff “S.M.S. San Carlo” wurde im Jahre 1718 getauft. Sie wurde von dem Königreich Neapel gekauft, war aus Eichenholz gebaut, und war mit 70 Kanonen bewaffnet. Sie wurde im Jahre 1737 in Triest verschrottet. “San Carlo Borromeo” war Sankt Karl Borromäus (1538-1854) von Mailand in Norditalien. Er war ein Kardinal und ist ein Heiliger der Römisch-Katholischen Kirche. Er stammte aus dem italienischen Adelsgeschlecht der Borromeo. Er war der Sohn von Giberto Borromeo (der Graf von Arona) und Margherita de Medici. Arona liegt am Lago Maggiore (”Langensee” auf deutsch).

4.) “S.M.S. Kaiser Karl VI” was laid down in the port of Triest in 1725, and commissioned into the Austrian Navy on September 28, 1726. We believe she was sold to the breakers in Venice on December 30, 1738. Like all other Austrian wooden sailing vessels, she was built out of oak. She was named after Holy Roman and German Emperor (”Kaiser”) Karl VI, who reigned from 1711 until 1740. He was married to Elisabeth Christine von Braunschweig, and they were the parents of future Empress (”Kaiserin”) Maria Theresia.

Das Segellinienschiff “S.M.S. Kaiser Karl VI” wurde im Jahre 1725 in Triest auf Kiel gelegt, und lief am 28. September 1726 vom Stapel. Sie war aus Eichenholz gebaut. Am 30. Dezember 1738 wurde sie verkauft, und danach wurde sie verschrottet. Der Heilig-Römische und Deutsche Kaiser Karl VI Franz Josef Wenzel Balthasar Anton Johann Ignaz von Österreich (1685-1740) regierte von 1711 bis er im Jahre 1740 starb. Seine Ehefrau war Elisabeth Christine von Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel (1691-1750), und deren Tochter war die zukünftige Kaiserin und Königin Maria Theresia von Österreich (1717-1780).

5.) “S.M.S. Triest” was laid down in the port after which she was named in 1725, and commissioned into the Austrian Navy in 1728. She met the same eventual fate as her sister ship “S.M.S. Kaiser Karl VI.”

Das Segellinienschiff “S.M.S. Triest” wurde im Jahre 1725 in Triest auf Kiel gelegt, und wurde im Jahre 1728 getauft. Ihre Lebensgeschichte war die des Schwesternschiffes “S.M.S. Kaiser Karl VI” sehr ähnlich.

6.) “S.M.S. San Luis” was commissioned in 1733, and met with the same fate as her sister ships “S.M.S. Kaiser Karl VI” and “S.M.S. Triest.”

Das Segellinienschiff “S.M.S. San Luis” wurde im Jahre 1733 getauft. Ihre Lebensgeschichte war die des Schwesternschiffes “S.M.S. Kaiser Karl VI” sehr ähnlich.

7.) “S.M.S. San Michele” was laid down in 1733, launched in 1734, and met with the same eventual fate as her sister ships of the “S.M.S. Kaiser Karl VI” class.

Das Segellinienschiff “S.M.S. San Michele” wurde im Jahre 1733 auf Kiel gelegt, und lief im 1734 vom Stapel. Ihre Lebensgeschichte war die des Schwesternschiffes “S.M.S. Kaiser Karl VI” sehr ähnlich.

8.) “S.M.S. Santa Elisabetta” was laid down in 1734, launched in 1735, and met with the same eventual fate as her sister ships of the “S.M.S. Kaiser Karl VI” class.

Das Segellinienschiff “S.M.S. Santa Elisabetta” wurde im Jahre 1734 auf Kiel gelegt, und lief im 1735 vom Stapel. Ihre Lebensgeschichte war die des Schwesternschiffes “S.M.S. Kaiser Karl VI” sehr ähnlich.

9.) “S.M.S. Diamante” was laid down in Venice in 1798, and launched on January 19, 1806. At first, she was taken over by the Italians, but later returned on Austria on April 25, 1814. She was scrapped by 1825.

Das Segellinienschiff “S.M.S. Diamante” wurde im Jahre 1798 in Venedig auf Kiel gelegt, und lief am 19. Januar 1806 vom Stapel. Sie wurde von den italienischen Waffenverbündeten Napoleons beschlagnahmt, und wurde erst am 25. April 1814 an Österreich zurückgegeben. Sie wurde im Jahre 1825 verschrottet.

10.) “S.M.S. Leoni” was laid down in Venice in 1798, but never completed. She was damaged during the Napoleonic Wars, and scrapped in 1805.

Das Segellinienschiff “S.M.S. Leoni” wurde im Jahre 1798 in Venedig auf Kiel gelegt, wurde aber nie fertiggestellt. Zur Zeit der napoleonischen Kriege wurde sie beschädigt, und sie wurde im Jahre 1805 verschrottet.

11.) “S.M.S. Coronati” had the same history as her sister ship “S.M.S. Leoni.”

Das Segellinienschiff “S.M.S. Coronati” hatte eine Lebensgeschichte die der ihres Schwesternschiffes die “S.M.S. Leoni” sehr ähnlich war.

12.) “S.M.S. Laharpe” was launched in Venice on July 23, 1797. She was armed with 74 cannon, and was built out of oak. Initially, she was confiscated by the French Navy due to the Napoleonic Wars. She was returned to the Austrian Navy on November 14, 1799, and was used as a prison hulk after 1803. She was then confiscated by the Italians (allies of Napoleon Bonaparte) on January 19, 1806. She was once again returned to her rightful Austrian owners in Venice on April 25, 1814, and was scrapped by 1815.

Das Segellinienschiff “S.M.S. Laharpe” lief am 23. Juli 1797 in Venedig vom Stapel. Sie war aus Eichenholz gebaut, und war mit 74 Kanonen bewaffnet. Sie wurde von den Franzosen beschlagnahmt, und wurde am 14. November 1799 an Österreich zurückgegeben. Sie wurde bis 1803 als Gefängnishulk benutzt. Am 19. Januar 1806 wurde sie von den italienischen Waffenverbündeten Napoleons beschlagnahmt, und wurde erst am 25. April 1814 an Österreich zurückgegeben. Sie wurde im Jahre 1815 verschrottet.

13.) “S.M.S. Beyrand” was launched in Venice on July 17, 1797, and was confiscated by the French Navy due to the Napoleonic Wars. On August 16, 1799, she was sunk by Austrian and Russian artillery. The Austrians recovered their former ship in July 1800, and scrapped her by 1802.

Das Segellinienschiff “S.M.S. Beyrand” lief am 17. Juli 1797 in Venedig vom Stapel, und wurde von den Franzosen sofort beschlagnahmt. Am 16. August 1799 wurde sie von österreichischer und rußischer Artillerie versenkt. Im Juli 1800 wurde sie von den Österreichern geborgen, und dann im Jahre 1802 verschrottet.

14.) “S.M.S. Stengel” was built and launched in Venice in 1797. She was confiscated by the French Navy on May 17, 1797 due to the Napoleonic Wars. The Austrian Navy recaptured her in Ancona (on the Italian side of the Adriatic Sea) on November 14, 1799. She was cannibalized for spare parts by the Austrians in the port of Venice in 1800, converted into a pontoon vessel and renamed “S.M.S. Megera” in 1805. On January 19, 1806 she was confiscated by the Italians, where she spent the rest of her days.

Das Segellinienschiff “S.M.S. Stengel” lief im Jahre 1797 in Venedig vom Stapel. Am 17. Mai 1797 wurde sie von den Franzosen beschlagnahmt. Am 14. November 1799 hatte die Kaiserliche und Königliche Kriegsmarine die “S.M.S. Stengel” im Kriegshafen von Ancona befreit. Im Jahre 1800 hatten die Österreicher das Schiff für Ersatzteile benutzt, danach als Pontonschiff umgebaut, und im Jahre 1805 als die “S.M.S. Megera” umbenannt. Am 19. Januar 1806 wurde sie von den italienischen Waffenverbündeten Napoleons beschlagnamt, und sie wurde nie wieder zurückgegeben.

15.) “S.M.S. Saturno” was laid down in Venice in 1812, but never completed. In December 1815, her named was changed to “S.M.S. Emo.” She was finally scrapped while only 45% complete in 1823. She was to have been armed with 80 cannon.

Das Segellinienschiff “S.M.S. Saturno” wurde im Jahre 1812 in Venedig auf Kiel gelegt, aber sie wurde nie fertiggestellt. Im Dezember 1815 wurde sie als die “S.M.S. Emo” umbenannt. Im Jahre 1823 wurde sie verschrottet trotzdem sie nur 45 Prozent fertiggestellt war. Ihre geplante Bewaffnung war 80 Kanonen.

16.) “S.M.S. Castiglione” was laid down in Venice in 1811, and launched on August 2, 1812. Unfortunately, she caught fire and was burned while still in port on September 14, 1814. Thereafter, her remains were scrapped. She was armed with 74 cannon, built out of oak, was 59 meters long, and had a maximum beam of 15,5 meters. Her armament was on 2 decks, and she was manned by a crew of 580 commissioned officers and sailors.

Das Segellinienschiff “S.M.S. Castiglione” wurde im Jahre 1811 in Venedig auf Kiel gelegt, und lief am 2. August 1812 vom Stapel. Am 14. September 1814 fiel sie einem Feuer zum Opfer und wurde danach verschrottet. Ihre Bewaffnung bestand aus 74 Kanonen. Sie war aus Eichenholz gebaut, war 59 Meter lang, hatte eine Breite von 15,5 Meter und eine Besatzung von 580 Offiziere und Matrosen.

17.) “S.M.S. San Bernardo” was was a sister ship of “S.M.S. Castiglione,” and had the same history with the same dates.

Das Segellinienschiff “S.M.S. San Bernardo” war ein Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Castiglione,” und ihre Lebensgeschichte war die der “S.M.S. Castiglione” sehr ähnlich.

18.) “S.M.S. Duquesne” was laid down in Venice in 1811, and was launched as “S.M.S. Cesare” on December 7, 1815. She was never commissioned, and was scrapped in 1820 while only 90% complete. She was a member of the “S.M.S. Castiglione” class of wooden sailing battleships.

Das Segellinienschiff “S.M.S. Duquesne” wurde im Jahre 1811 in Venedig auf Kiel gelegt, und lief am 7. Dezember 1815 als die “S.M.S. Cesare” vom Stapel. Sie wurde nie in Dienst gestellt, und wurde im Jahre 1820 verschrottet – als sie fast 90 Prozent fertiggestellt war. Sie gehörte zur “S.M.S. Castiglione” Klaße.

19.) “S.M.S. Montenotte” was laid down in Venice in 1810, but was never launched or commissioned. Her name was changed to “S.M.S. Kulm” on June 11, 1814, but she was scrapped while just 60% complete in 1818. She was also a member of the “S.M.S. Castiglione” class of Austrian wooden sailing battleships.

Das Segellinienschiff “S.M.S. Montenotte” wurde im Jahre 1810 in Venedig auf Kiel gelegt, aber sie lief nie vom Stapel. Am 11. Juni 1814 wurde sie als die “S.M.S. Kulm” umbenannt. Im Jahre 1818 wurde sie verschrottet, als sie schon 60 Prozent fertiggestellt war. Sie gehörte auch zur “S.M.S. Castiglione” Klaße. Zwischen den 29. und den 30. August 1813 haben 60,000 Truppen aus Österreich, Preußen und Rußland 32,000 Soldaten des napoleonischen Frankreichs bei der Schlacht von Kulm in Nordböhmen besiegt. Die Verlußte der Sieger waren 11,000 Mann und die Verlußte der Franzosen waren 18,000 Soldaten (5,000 davon gefallen oder verwundet und 13,000 davon gefangen genommen).

20.) “S.M.S. Arcole” was laid down in Venice in 1811, but was also never launched or commissioned into service. Her planned name was changed to “S.M.S. Tonante” on June 11, 1814, but she was scrapped while just 20% complete in 1821. She was yet another member of the “S.M.S Castiglione” class of Austrian wooden sailing battleships.

Das Segellinienschiff “S.M.S. Arcole” wurde im Jahre 1811 in Venedig auf Kiel gelegt, aber sie lief nie vom Stapel. Am 11. Juni 1814 wurde sie als die “S.M.S. Tonante” umbenannt. Im Jahre 1821 wurde sie verschrottet, als sie nur 20 Prozent fertiggestellt war. Sie gehörte auch zur “S.M.S. Castiglione” Klaße.

21.) “S.M.S. Sigmaring” was laid down in Venice in 1810, but was also not launched or commissioned into active duty service. Her planned name was changed to “S.M.S. Hanau” on June 11, 1814, but she was scrapped while only 20% complete in 1826. She was part of the “S.M.S. Castiglione” class of Austro-Venetian wooden sailing battleships.

Das Segellinienschiff “S.M.S. Sigmaring” wurde im Jahre 1810 in Venedig auf Kiel gelegt, aber sie lief nie vom Stapel. Am 11. Juni 1814 wurde sie als die “S.M.S. Hanau” umbenannt. Im Jahre 1826 wurde sie verschrottet, als sie nur 20 Prozent fertiggestellt war. Sigmaringen liegt in Baden-Württemberg. Das Schloß Sigmaringen war auch als “Hohenzollernschloß” bekannt. “Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen” ist die schwäbisch römisch-katholisch gebliebene Linie der Hohenzollern, ein altes deutsches Adelsgeschlecht. Hanau die Stadt der Gebrüder Grimm liegt im Gebiet östlich vom Rhein-Main an der Mündung Kinzig und Main. Im 19. Jahrhundert war Hanau ein Zentrum der demokratischen Bewegung in Deutschland.

22.) “S.M.S. Severo” was laid down in Venice in 1807, and was launched as “S.M.S. Rigeneratore” on July 7, 1811. Her name reverted to “S.M.S. Severo” on June 11, 1814, when she served as an Admiral’s flagship in Venice. In 1823, she was converted into a Frigate, and renamed yet again as “S.M.S. Bellona.” She was armed with 56 cannon, and served in the Levant-Eskadre (squadron) of the Austro-Venetian Navy. She was scrapped in 1831.

Das Segellinienschiff “S.M.S. Severo” wurde im Jahre 1807 in Venedig auf Kiel gelegt, und lief am 7. Juli 1811 als die “S.M.S. Rigeneratore” vom Stapel. Am 11. Juni 1814 wurde sie wieder als die “S.M.S. Severo” umbenannt, als sie als das Flaggschiff des Admirals diente. Im Jahre 1823 wurde sie als eine Segelfregatte umgebaut, und als die “S.M.S. Bellona” umbenannt. Ihre Bewaffnung bestand aus 56 Kanonen, und sie diente bei der “Levant-Eskadré” der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine (bei der kaiserlich deutschen Marine wurden die Eskadrén “Geschwader” benannt). Die “S.M.S. Bellona” wurde im Jahre 1831 verschrottet.

23.) “S.M.S. Reale Italiano” was laid down in Venice in 1807, and was launched on August 15, 1812. She was disarmed in 1814, and converted into a Frigate. After she was renamed as “S.M.S. Italiano” (meaning “the Italian” in English) in 1829, she served as both a training vessel and as harbor guard ship. In 1835, she was retired and used as a target vessel, finally being scrapped in 1836. She had been armed with 74 cannon.

Das Segellinienschiff “S.M.S. Reale Italiano” wurde im Jahre 1807 in Venedig auf Kiel gelegt, und lief am 15. August 1812 vom Stapel. Im Jahre 1814 wurde sie als eine Segelfregatte umgebaut. Im Jahre 1829 wurde sie als die “S.M.S. Italiano” umbenannt, nachdem sie als Schulschiff und Hafenwachtschiff diente. Im Jahre 1835 wurde sie als Zielschiff benutzt, und sie wurde im Jahre 1836 verschrottet. Zwischen 1812 und 1814 bestand ihre Bewaffnung aus 74 Kanonen, danach wurde sie aber entwaffnet.

24.) “S.M.S. Lombardo” was laid down in Venice in 1810, but never launched or commissioned. She was scrapped while just 30% complete in 1830. She was a sister ship of “S.M.S. Reale Italiano.”

Das Segellinienschiff “S.M.S. Lombardo” wurde im Jahre 1810 in Venedig auf Kiel gelegt, aber sie lief nie vom Stapel. Sie wurde im Jahre 1830 verschrottet, als sie nur 30 Prozent fertiggestellt war. Sie war ein Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Reale Italiano.”

XIII (15) Austro-Venetian Frigates (for which exact tonnage is not available)

Wooden sailing frigates (with a single ship called a “Segelfregatte” in German) within the old Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy ranged in size from 420 tons to 1,878 tons displacement. Even Danube river frigates were not necessarily small; “S.M.S. Sankt Leopoldus” of 1716 had 3 masts and 2 cannon decks. Both wooden sailing frigates and wooden sailing corvettes were warships with 3 main masts. Eventually, frigates grew larger than corvettes. The former evolved into the large, heavy and armored cruisers of the modern era. The latter evolved into the small and light cruisers of the modern era, also known by their Spanish name of “Avisos,” or “scouts.”

Die Segelfregatten der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von je zwischen 420 und 1,878 Tonnen. Auch die berühmten Donaufregatten waren nicht klein. Zum Beispiel, hatte die “S.M.S. Sankt Leopoldus” von 1716 drei Masten und zwei Kanonendecks. Segelfregatten und Segelkorvetten hatten drei Masten, aber die Segelfregatten waren größer. Die Segelfregatten waren die Schweren Kreuzer, und die Segelkorvetten waren die Leichten Kreuzer von gestern.

1.) The wooden Danube sailing frigate “S.M.S. Santa Anna” was built and launched in Vienna in 1692. She served in the naval war against Ottoman Turkey, and was disarmed in 1699 – likely to be sold to civilian commercial interests. She was 44,3 meters long, built out of oak, armed with 60 cannon on 2 decks (40 heavy cannon and 20 light cannon), and her crew consisted of 210 commissioned officers and enlisted men. She was named after the mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who was the wife of Saint Joachim. Her sister 7 ships were:

Die Donaufregatte “S.M.S. Santa Anna” lief im Jahre 1692 in Wien vom Stapel. Sie diente im Krieg gegen die ottomanische Türkei. Im Jahre 1699 wurde sie entwaffnet und als Handelsschiff verkauft. Sie war 44,3 Meter lang, war aus Eichenholz gebaut, war mit 60 Kanonen auf zwei Decks bewaffnet (40 schwere Kanonen und 20 leichte Kanonen) und sie hatte eine Besatzung von 210 Offiziere und Matrosen. Sie hatte sieben Schwesterschiffe. “Santa Anna” war die Mutter der Jungfrau Maria, und auch die Ehefrau von Sankt Joachim.

2.) “S.M.S. Sankt Gabriel” (1692): same history. She was named after the Archangel Gabriel who appeared to the Blessed Virgin Mary, who said “Hail Mary, full of Grace, Blessed art Thou amongst women, and Blessed is the Fruit of Thy Womb, Jesus.” It was He who told her of the coming Virgin Birth of Our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ (the Messiah).

Die Donaufregatte “S.M.S. Sankt Gabriel” (1692) hatte eine Lebensgeschichte die der ihres Schwesternschiffes “S.M.S. Santa Anna” sehr ähnlich war. Der Erzengel Gabriel (zu deutsch “Held Gottes”) ist der zweite der vier Erzengel und wird in der Bibel in dem Buch Daniel und im Evangelium nach Lukas erwähnt. Er gilt als Ausleger von Visionen und als Bote Gottes. Er nimmt auch im Islam eine wichtige Rolle ein.

3.) “S.M.S. Santa Maria” (1692): same history. She was named after the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God (Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ).

Die Donaufregatte “S.M.S. Santa Maria” (1692) hatte eine Lebensgeschichte die der ihres Schwesternschiffes “S.M.S. Santa Anna” sehr ähnlich war. Die Jungfrau Santa Maria war die Mutter von Jesus Christus, die Ehefrau von Sankt Josef, und die Tochter von Sankt Joachim und Santa Anna.

4.) “S.M.S. Sankt Michael” (1692): same history. She was named after the senior Archangel of Heaven, who came to His position after Lucifer rebelled and was cast down into Hell by God the Father. It is Saint Michael who will defeat Satan (the “Adversary,” and the new name of the former “Lucifer,” or “angel of light”), after the angel of darkness is crushed by the Blessed Virgin Mary (as foretold in the Book of Genesis, Chapter 3, Verse 15).

Die Donaufregatte “S.M.S. Sankt Michael” (1692) hatte eine Lebensgeschichte die der ihres Schwesternschiffes “S.M.S. Santa Anna” sehr ähnlich war. Der Erzengel Michael (auf deutsch “Wer ist wie Gott?”) ist ein in der Bibel erwähnter Erzengel, der für Anhänger aller drei Abrahamitischen Relgionen von Bedeutung ist. Den Christen gilt er vor allem als Bezwinger Satans und Seelenwäger am Tag des Jüngsten Gerichts. Er ist seit der siegreichen Schlacht auf dem Lechfeld am 10. August 955 Schutzpatron des Heiligen Römischen Reiches sowie des modernen Deutschlands.

5.) “S.M.S. Sankt Salvator” (1692): same history. She was named after our “Holy Savior,” Jesus the Christ (Messiah) of Nazareth.

Die Donaufregatte “S.M.S. Sankt Salvator” (1692) hatte eine Lebensgeschichte die der ihres Schwesternschiffes “S.M.S. Santa Anna” sehr ähnlich war. “Sankt Salvator” ist der Heilige Erlöser Jesus Christus.

6.) “S.M.S. Heiliger Erlöser” was laid down in Vienna in 1692 and launched in 1693. She was sunk due to an accidental munitions explosion off the coast of Esseg (now known as “Osijek” in Croatia) on December 15, 1695. Her name means “Holy Redeemer” in English, she thus having been named after Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Die Donaufregatte “S.M.S. Heiliger Erlöser” wurde im Jahre 1692 in Wien auf Kiel gelegt, und lief im Jahre 1693 vom Stapel. Am 15. Dezember 1695 versank sie bei einem Munitionsunglück an der Küste von Esseg (nun “Osijek” in Kroatien).

7.) “S.M.S. Sankt Joseph” (1693) served with her sister Frigates in the war against Ottoman Turkey. She was scuttled by her own crew on August 17, 1696 at the mouth of the River Theiß (the longest tributary river of the Danube), in order to prevent her from falling into enemy hands. This extreme measure was taken because Turkish forces had effectively blocked her escape. She was of course named after Saint Joseph, the Foster Father of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who was also the husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Die Donaufregatte “S.M.S. Sankt Joseph” (1693) diente mit ihren Schwesterschiffen im Krieg gegen die ottomanische Türkei. Am 17. August 1696 wurde sie an der Theißmündung (der längste Nebenfluß der Donau) selbst versenkt, weil die Kaiserliche und Königliche Kriegsmarine das Schiff nicht an den ottmanischen Türken aufgeben wollte. Die ottomanische Armee hat ihre Flucht aber blockiert. Sankt Josef war der Ehemann der Jungfrau Maria, und auch der Stiefvater von Jesus Christus.

8.) “S.M.S. Sankt Leopold” (1693) had the same history and the same unfortunate fate as her sister ship “S.M.S. Sankt Joseph.” She was named after one of the favorite Patron Saints of the Habsburg Monarchy.

Die Donaufregatte “S.M.S. Sankt Leopold” (1693) hatte eine Lebensgeschichte die der ihres Schwesternschiffes “S.M.S. Sankt Joseph” sehr ähnlich war.

9.) “S.M.S. Sankt Carolus Borromäus” (1716) was the first Imperial and Royal Austrian wooding sailing frigate of the class following the “S.M.S. Santa Anna” class. She was named after Saint Charles Borromeo, a great Roman Catholic Cardinal from Milan, Italy (called “Mailand” in German). She was armed with 30 cannon, and served in the war against Ottoman Turkey from 1716 to 1717. She was 42 meters long, had a maximum beam of 8,8 meters, was built out of oak, and had a crew of 150 commissioned officers and enlisted men (plus a contingent of up to 320 Austrian Marine troops). This was a very prolific class of Danube Frigates, and the histories of her many sister ships follow immediately below:

Die Donaufregatte “S.M.S. Sankt Carolus Borromäus” (1716) diente bis 1717 mit ihren Schwesterschiffen im Krieg gegen die ottomanische Türkei. Sie war 42 Meter lang, hatte eine Breite von 8,8 Meter, war aus Eichenholz gebaut, war mit 30 Kanonen bewaffnet, und sie hatte eine Besatzung von 150 Offiziere und Matrosen und 320 Marineinfanteristen.

10.) “S.M.S. Sankt Franciscus” (1716): same history. She was named after Saint Francis of Assisi.

Die Donaufregatte “S.M.S. Sankt Franciscus” (1716) hatte eine Lebensgeschichte die der ihres Schwesternschiffes “S.M.S. Sankt Carolus Borromäus” sehr ähnlich war. Franz von Assisi (gebürtig Giovanni Battista Bernardone, 1181-1226) versuchte streng und bis ins Einzelne nach dem Vorbild des Jesus von Nazaret zu leben (sogenannte “Imitatio Christi”). Diese Lebensweise zog gleichgesinnte Gefährten und Nachahmer an. Franz gründete den Orden der “Minderen Brüder” und war Mitbegründer des Frauenordens der Klarissen. Er ist ein Heiliger der Römisch-Katholischen Kirche.

11.) “S.M.S. Sankt Josephus” (1716): same history. She was named after Saint Joseph, the Foster Father of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Die Donaufregatte “S.M.S. Sankt Josephus” (1716) hatte eine Lebensgeschichte die der ihres Schwesternschiffes “S.M.S. Sankt Carolus Borromäus” sehr ähnlich war.

12.) “S.M.S. Sankt Leopoldus” (1716): same history. She was named after one of the favorite Patron Saints of the Habsburg Monarchy, a member of the family who was martyred in a battle in Switzerland in the 14th century. He was defending their ancestral home castle known as the “Habichtsburg” (the “castle of the hawk” in English). The Habsburg family surname is derived from the name of this castle.

Die Donaufregatte “S.M.S. Sankt Leopoldus” (1716) hatte eine Lebensgeschichte die der ihres Schwesternschiffes “S.M.S. Sankt Carolus Borromäus” sehr änhlich war.

13.) “S.M.S. Santa Elisabeth” (1716): same history. She was named after Saint Elizabeth, the first degree cousin of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the mother of Saint John the Baptist.

Die Donaufregatte “S.M.S. Santa Elisabeth” (1716) hatte eine Lebensgeschichte die der ihres Schwesternschiffes “S.M.S. Sankt Carolus Borromäus” sehr ähnlich war. Elisabet war gemäß der biblischen Erzählung des Neuen Testaments die Mutter Johannes des Taufers. Nach dem Lukasevangelium stammte sie aus dem Geschlecht Aarons, nach dessen Stamm-Mutter Elischeba sie genannt war. Sie war mit dem Priester Zacharias verheiratat. Die Ehe blieb lange kinderlos, da Elisabet unfruchtbar war, bis der Engel Gabriel Zacharias die Geburt eines Sohnes voraußagte, den er Johannes nennen sollte. Weiter erwähnt wird Elisabet bei der Heimsuchung Marias (ihre Base oder ihre Kusine) und bei der Geburt von Johannes des Taufers.

14.) “S.M.S. Santa Maria” (1716): same history as her sister ships of the “S.M.S. Sankt Carolus Borromäus” class, but with the proud distinction that she served as the Admiral’s flagship. She was named after the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God (Our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ of Nazareth).

Die Donaufregatte “S.M.S. Santa Maria” (1716) hatte eine Lebensgeschichte die der ihres Schwesternschiffes “S.M.S. Sankt Carolus Borromäus” sehr ähnlich war. Sie war auch das Flaggschiff des Admirals.

15.) “S.M.S. Sankt Stephanus” (1716): same history.

Die Donaufregatte “S.M.S. Sankt Stephanus” (1716) hatte eine Lebensgeschichte die der ihres Schwesternschiffes “S.M.S. Sankt Carolus Borromäus” sehr ähnlich war. Stephanus (1-40) ist laut dem Neuen Testament ein Diakon der Jerusalemer Urgemeinde. Er gilt als erster christlicher Martyrer. Aus der Namensgebung läßt sich schließen, daß er vermutlich hellenistischer Herkunft war. Seit 560 Jahren nach Christus sind seine Gebeine angeblich in der Krypta von San Lorenzo fuori le mura in Rom neben denen des römischen Archidiakons Laurentius bestattet.

16.) “S.M.S. Sankt Eugenius” (1716): same history.

Die Donaufregatte “S.M.S. Sankt Eugenius” (1716) hatte eine Lebensgeschichte die der ihres Schwesternschiffes “S.M.S. Sankt Carolus Borromäus” sehr ähnlich war. Eugen I wurde am 10. August 654 als Nachfolger von Martin I zum Pabst gewählt. Sein Name bedeutet aus dem Griechischen übersetzt “der Edelgeborene.” Er wurde als Heiliger der Römisch-Katholischen Kirche kanonisiert. Das Patronatsfest ist an seinem Todestag, also am 2. Juni (er ist im Jahre 657 gestorben).

17.) “S.M.S. Sankt Johannes Capistranus” (1716): this ship was completed too late in time for the war against Ottoman Turkey (it was commissioned in 1718), so it never saw any combat. It was named after Saint John Capistrano.

Die Donaufregatte “S.M.S. Sankt Johannes Capistranus” (1716) war ein Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Sankt Carolus Borromäus.” Sie wurde im Jahre 1718 getauft, und diente deswegen nicht im Krieg gegen die ottomanische Türkei, da der Krieg schon beendet war. Johannes Capistranus (1386-1456), eigentlich “Giovanni da Capistrano,” war ein in seiner Zeit weithin berühmter Wanderprediger, Heerführer und Inquisitor.

18.) “S.M.S. Santa Theresia” (1716): this was the final ship in the “S.M.S. Sankt Carolus Borromäus” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian Danube wooden sailing frigates. She was also commissioned too late (1718) to partake in the war against Ottoman Turkey, so she never saw combat.

Die Donaufregatte “S.M.S. Santa Theresia” (1716) war das letzte Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Sankt Carolus Borromäus.” Sie wurde im Jahre 1718 getauft, und diente deswegen auch nicht im Krieg gegen die ottomanische Türkei, da der Krieg schon beendet war. Theresia von Avila, eigentlich “Teresa Sanchez de Cepeda y Ahumada” (1515-1582) war Karmelitin und Mystikerin, Kirchenlehrerin und Heilige.

19.) “S.M.S. Arciduchessa Teresa” (1733) was armed with 30 cannon. Her keel was laid down in Triest, and she was launched on October 15, 1735.

Die Segelfregatte “S.M.S. Arciduchessa Teresa” (1733) lief am 15. Oktober 1735 in Triest vom Stapel, und war mit 30 Kanonen bewaffnet. Maria Theresia von Österreich (1717-1780) war eine Fürstin aus dem Adelhaus Habsburg. Die regierende Erzherzogin von Österreich und Königin von Ungarn, Böhmen, Dalmatien, Kroatien, Slavonien, Galizien und Lodomerien (1740-1780) zählte zu den prägenden Monarchen der Ära des Aufgeklärten Absolutismus. Sie war Ehefrau des Römisch-Deutschen Kaisers Franz I Stephan von Lothringen (insofern Kaiserin) und Mitregentin ihres Sohnes Kaiser Josephs II. Ihr Gatte stützte sich maßgeblich auf ihre Hausmacht.

20.) “S.M.S. Sankt Carl” (1735) was also armed with 30 cannon. She was built and launched in Belgrade, the modern-day capital of Serbia. She partook in a war against Ottoman Turkey, which occupied Serbia for many years. For a very short time, Serbia was occupied by Austria. In fact, Austria held both Northern Serbia (where Belgrade is located) and Little Wallachia (Western Romania) from 1718 until the Turks took these areas back in 1739. On November 10, 1737 the crew of “S.M.S. Sankt Carl” scuttled their ship off the coast of Orschowa (now known as “Orsova” in Southwestern Romania) to prevent her from falling into enemy hands. An unsuccessful attempt was made to salvage her in 1738. The 14 frigates of the “S.M.S. Sankt Carl” class were built out of oak, and with a shallow draught (no more than 2,2 meters). They had 2 decks, and could accommodate up to 320 marine infantrymen. The regular crew consisted of about 38 commissioned officers and enlisted sailors (this was of course in addition to the Austrian marines).

Die Donaufregatte “S.M.S. Sankt Carl” (1735) lief im Belgrad vom Stapel, und war auch mit 30 Kanonen bewaffnet. Sie diente im Krieg gegen die ottomanische Türkei. Am 10. November 1737 wurde sie an der Donauküste von Orschowa (nun “Orsova” in Südwestrumänien) eigenhändig versenkt, weil die Kaiserliche und Königliche Kriegsmarine das Schiff nicht an die ottomanischen Türken aufgeben wollten. Im Jahre 1738 versuchten die Österreicher ohne Erfolg das Schiff zu bergen. Die 14 Donaufregatten der “S.M.S. Sankt Carl” Klaße waren aus Eichenholz gebaut, hatten einen Tiefgang von nur 2,2 Meter, hatten zwei Kanonendecks und hatten je eine Besatzgung von 38 Offiziere und Matrosen sowie 320 Marineinfanteristen. Zwischen 1718 und 1739 waren Nordserbien und die Kleine Wallachei (Südwestrumänien) ein Teil des habsburgischen Reiches.

21.) “S.M.S. Santa Elisabeth” (1735) was also built in Belgrade. She was scuttled by her own crew for the same reason and in the same location as her sister ship “S.M.S. Sankt Carl.” The Turkish forces actually succeeded in salvaging and removing the vessel for their own use.

Die Donaufregatte “S.M.S. Santa Elisabeth” (1735) hatte eine Lebensgeschichte die der ihres Schwesternschiffes “S.M.S. Sankt Carl” sehr ähnlich war, aber die ottomanische Türken haben es geschafft das Schiff zu bergen und für die eigene Kriegsmarine gegen Österreich zu benutzen.

22.) “S.M.S. Sankt Francesco” (1736) was also laid down and launched in Belgrade. She was scuttled by her crew at the mouth of the River Temesch on July 24, 1739 in order to prevent her from falling into Ottoman Turkish hands. This is located in modern-day Western Romania.

Die Donaufregatte “S.M.S. Sankt Francesco” (1736) war ein Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Sankt Carl.” Am 24. Juli 1739 wurde sie an der Temeschmündung in der Kleinen Wallachei selbst versenkt, weil die Kaiserliche und Königliche Kriegsmarine das Schiff nicht an die ottomanischen Türken aufgeben wollten.

23.) “S.M.S. Santa Theresa” (1736) was also built in Belgrade. She met the same fate on the same day as that of her sister ship “S.M.S. Sankt Francesco.”

Die Donaufregatte “S.M.S. Santa Theresa” (1736) gehörte auch zur “S.M.S. Sankt Carl” Klaße. Sie hatte eine Lebensgeschichte die der ihres Schwesternschiffes “S.M.S. Sankt Francesco” sehr ähnlich war.

24.) “S.M.S. Sankt Stephano” (1736) was laid down in Belgrade, but never launched or completed.

Die Donaufregatte “S.M.S. Sankt Stephano” (1736) wurde auch in Belgrad auf Kiel gelegt, lief aber nie vom Stapel. Sie gehörte auch zur “S.M.S. Sankt Carl” Klaße.

25.) “S.M.S. Aquila Imperiale” (1737) was laid down and launched in Vienna. She partook in the campaign against Ottoman Turkey until 1739. In 1738, this frigate was renamed “S.M.S. Unbefleckte Empfängnis,” which means “Immaculate Conception” in English. This Roman Catholic Dogma refers to the fact that the Blessed Virgin Mary was herself born without the taint of original sin, which the rest of the human race inherits from the transgression of Adam and Eve committed in the Garden of Eden 6,000 years ago.

Die Donaufregatte “S.M.S. Aquila Imperiale” (1737) lief in Wien vom Stapel. Sie gehörte auch zur “S.M.S. Sankt Carl” Klaße. Im Jahre 1738 wurde sie als die “S.M.S. Unbefleckte Empfängnis” umbenannt. Zwischen 1737 und 1739 diente sie im Krieg gegen die ottomanische Türkei. Das Unbefleckte Empfängnis (auf lateinisch “immaculata conceptio”) ist ein Römisch-Katholisches Glaubensdogma, das nicht mit der Jungfraugeburt verwechselt werden darf. Ein eigenes kirchliches Fest, das der Erwählung Marias im Mutterleib gedenkt, läßt sich bereits im 9. Jahrhundert nachweisen. Nach der Lehre von dem Unbefleckten Empfängnis wurde die Gottesmutter Maria von jedem Makel der Erbsünde bewahrt, jedoch auf natürliche Weise von ihrer Mutter empfangen und geboren. Damit errettete Gott Maria vom allerersten Augenblick ihres Lebens an vor der Macht der Sünde.

26.) “S.M.S. Il Leone” (1737) was also built in Vienna, and had a similar career to her sister ship “S.M.S. Aquila Imperiale.” In 1738, this frigate was renamed “S.M.S. Sankt Leopoldo.”

Die Donaufregatte “S.M.S Il Leone” (1737) lief in Wien vom Stapel, und gehörte auch zur “S.M.S. Sankt Carl” Klaße. Im Jahre 1738 wurde sie als die “S.M.S. Sankt Leopoldo” umbenannt. Sie hatte eine Lebensgeschichte die der ihres Schwesternschiffes “S.M.S. Aquila Imperiale” sehr ähnlich war.

27.) “S.M.S. Il Tritone” (1737) was also built in Vienna, and had a similar career to her sister ships “S.M.S. Aquila Imperiale” and “S.M.S. Il Leone.” In 1738, this frigate was renamed “S.M.S. Sankt Michael.”

Die Donaufregatte “S.M.S. Il Tritone” (1737) lief in Wien vom Stapel, und gehörte auch zur “S.M.S. Sankt Carl” Klaße. Im Jahre 1738 wurde sie als die “S.M.S. Sankt Michael” umbenannt. Sie hatte eine Lebensgeschichte die der ihres Schwesternschiffes “S.M.S. Aquila Imperiale” sehr ähnlich war.

28.) “S.M.S. Il Cavallo Marino” (1737) was also built in Vienna, and had a similar career to her sister frigates “S.M.S. Aquila Imperiale,” “S.M.S. Il Leone” and “S.M.S. Il Tritone.” In 1738, this frigate was renamed “S.M.S. Sankt Josephus.”

Die Donaufregatte “S.M.S. Il Cavallo Marino” (1737) lief in Wien vom Stapel, und gehörte auch zur “S.M.S. Sankt Carl” Klaße. Im Jahre 1738 wurde sie als die “S.M.S. Sankt Josephus” umbenannt. Sie hatte eine Lebensgeschichte die der ihres Schwesternschiffes “S.M.S. Aquila Imperiale” sehr ähnlich war.

29.) Another “S.M.S. Sankt Carl” was built in Belgrade, and launched in 1738. This was to replace the wooden sailing frigate of the same name, which was lost in 1737.

Die Donaufregatte “S.M.S. Sankt Carl” (1738) lief in Belgrad vom Stapel. Sie war ein Ersatzschiff für die erste Donaufregatte “S.M.S. Sankt Carl,” die am 10. November 1737 selbst versenkt wurde.

30.) Another “S.M.S. Santa Elisabeth” was built and launched in Vienna in 1739. She also fought against the Ottoman Turks. This was to replace the wooden sailing frigate of the same name, which was lost in 1737.

Die Donaufregatte “S.M.S. Santa Elisabeth” (1739) lief in Wien vom Stapel, und gehörte auch zur “S.M.S. Sankt Carl” Klaße. Sie diente im Krieg gegen die ottomanische Türkei, und war ein Ersatzschiff für die erste Donaufregatte “S.M.S. Santa Elisabeth,” die auch am 10. November 1737 selbst versenkt wurde.

31.) “S.M.S. Santa Maria Anna” was built and launched in Vienna in 1739; she also fought against the Ottoman Turks.

Die Donaufregatte “S.M.S. Maria Anna” (1739) lief in Wien vom Stapel, und diente auch im Krieg gegen die ottomanische Türkei. Das Schiff gehörte zur “S.M.S. Sankt Carl” Klaße. Maria (auf aramäisch “Mariam”) ist im Neuen Testament die Mutter des Jesus Christus von Nazaret. Sie lebte nach Mark 1,9 unter anderen als gläubige Jüdin mit ihrem Ehemann Josef und weiteren Angehörigen in der Kleinstadt Nazaret in Galiläa. Als Gottesgebärerin, die Jesus Christus als Jungfrau empfangen und gebar, wird sie im Römisch-Katholizismus und in der Östlichen Orthodoxie verehrt. Im Protestantismus wird die Jungfraugeburt überwiegend dogmatisch anerkannt, die Verehrung Marias als Gottesmutter jedoch hauptsächlich (aber nicht ausschließlich) abgelehnt. Die Heilige Anna (auf hebräisch “Hannah), die Mutter Marias war laut mehreren apokryphen Evangelien des 2. bis 6. Jahrhunderts die Großmutter von Jesus Christus.

32.) “S.M.S. Santa Catharina” was built and launched in Vienna in 1739; she also fought against the Ottoman Turks.

Die Donaufregatte “S.M.S. Santa Catharina” (1739) lief in Wien vom Stapel, und diente im Krieg gegen die ottomanische Türkei. Sie gehörte auch zur “S.M.S. Sankt Carl” Klaße. Die Heilige Catharina von Siena (”Caterina Benincasa” als 23. Kind eines verarmten Adeligen geboren, der sich als Wollfärber den Lebensunterhalt verdienen mußte) lebte von 1347 bis 1380, und war eine italienische Mystikerin und Kirchenlehrerin.

33.) “S.M.S. Sankt Francesco de Paula” was built and launched in Vienna in 1739; she also fought against the Ottoman Turks. This was the 14th and final member of the “S.M.S. Sankt Carl” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian wooden sailing frigates.

Die Donaufregatte “S.M.S. Francesco de Paula” (1739) lief in Wien vom Stapel, und war das letzte Schiff der “S.M.S. Sankt Carl” Klaße. Sie diente auch im Krieg gegen die ottomanische Türkei.

34.) “S.M.S. Maria Theresia” (1765) was laid down in Kosterneuburg and launched on April 14, 1769. Until August 1769 she was based in Peterwardein. She partook in a war against Ottoman Turkey from 1788-1791, where she served as the Admiral’s flagship. She was sold to civilian owners thereafter. She was of course named after the Holy Roman and German Empress Maria Theresia of the House of Habsburg. From this point onward, the House has been known as “Habsburg-Lothringen,” due to Maria Theresia’s marriage to Francis I of Lothringen (or “Lorraine” in English). Francis I was also the Grand Duke of Tuscany, which came into the Habsburg inheritance through his relationship. This vessel did not have any sister ships.

Die Donaufregatte “S.M.S. Maria Theresia” (1765) lief am 14. April 1769 in Klosterneuburg (bei Wien) vom Stapel, und war ein Einzelschiff. Bis 1769 war sie in Peterwardein (bei Neusatz in Wojwodina) stationiert. Zwischen 1788 und 1791 diente sie als Flaggschiff des Admirals im Krieg gegen die ottomanische Türkei.

35.) “S.M.S. Aurora” (1765) was armed with 30 cannon, and was launched in Sankt Veit am Pflaumb (”Fiume” in Italian or “Rijeka” in modern Croatia) on September 10, 1766. In 1770, she was sold to the Italian State of Tuscany.

Die Segelfregatte “S.M.S. Aurora” (1765) lief am 10. September 1766 in Sankt Veit am Pflaumb (heute “Rijeka” in Kroatien) vom Stapel, und war mit 30 Kanonen bewaffnet. Im Jahre 1770 wurde sie an das Großherzogtum Toskana (mit Österreich verbündet) verkauft. Die Großherzogen Toskanas kamen aus den Adelhäusern Medici, Bourbon-Parma und eventuell auch Habsburg-Lothringen.

36.) “S.M.S. Stella Mattutina” (1765) was a sister ship of “S.M.S. Aurora,” and was also launched in Sankt Veit am Pflaumb on September 7, 1768. She was also sold to the Italian State of Tuscany in 1770.

Die Segelfregatte “S.M.S. Stella Mattutina” (1765) war ein Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Aurora,” und lief am 7. September 1768 in Sankt Veit am Pflaumb vom Stapel. Im Jahre 1770 wurde sie auch an das Großherzogtum Toskana verkauft.

37.) “S.M.S. Etruria” (1767) was another sister ship of “S.M.S. Aurora” and “S.M.S. Stella Mattutina.” She was launched in Sankt Veit am Pflaumb (the future location of the Austrian Naval Academy) in 1769. The Imperial and Royal Austrian Naval Academy was founded by Archduke Charles of Habsburg-Lothrigen (1771-1847) in 1802. This wooden sailing frigate served both Austria and the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, which came into the Habsburg-Lothringen inheritance.

Die Segelfregatte “S.M.S. Etruria” (1767) war auch ein Schwesterschiff der “S.M.S. Aurora,” und lief im 1769 in Sankt Veit am Pflaumb vom Stapel. Die Marineakademie der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine liegt in Sankt Veit am Pflaumb, und wurde im Jahre 1802 in Venedig von Erzherzog Karl von Österreich (1771-1847) gegründet. Die “S.M.S. Etruria” wurde eventuell auch an das Großherzogtum Toskana verkauft.

38.) “S.M.S. L’Austria” (1799) was armed with 22 cannon, and was a former merchantman purchased by the Imperal and Royal Austrian Navy. She was fitted out in the port of Livorno on the Ligurian Sea as “corsair” to raid enemy merchant shipping off the Italian Riviera. She was sold back to civilian owners in July 1800.

Die Segelfregatte “S.M.S. L’Austria” (1799) wurde in Livorno am Ligurischen Meer gebaut, und war mit 22 Kanonen bewaffnet. Im Juli 1800 wurde sie als Handelsschiff verkauft. Bevor Napoleon Bonaparte Norditalien angegriffen hat, gab es Staaten wie das Königreich Sardinien, die Republik Venedig, und die Herzogtüme Parma, Modena, Lucca sowie das Großherzogtum Toskana und die Päpstlichen Staaten. Die sogenannten Republiken Cisalpine (Mailand) und Ligurien (Genua sowie Livorno) waren nichts mehr als Satelliten Frankreichs.

39.) “S.M.S La Costanza” (1805) was armed with 12 cannon, and was yet another former merchantman purchased by the Austrian navy. She was assigned to port defense duties, and was sold back to civilian owners in 1806.

Die Segelfregatte “S.M.S. La Costanza” (1805) wurde auch im Jahre 1806 als Handelsschiff verkauft. Sie war mit 12 Kanonen für den Handelskrieg bewaffnet.

40.) “S.M.S. Felsenburg” (1805) was armed with 9 cannon, and was a former merchant vessel purchased by the Austrian navy. She was assigned to convoy and transport duties before being sold back to civilian owners in 1806.

Die Segelfregatte “S.M.S. Felsenburg” (1805) wurde auch im Jahre 1806 als Handesschiff verkauft. Sie war mit 9 Kanonen als Geleitschiff und Transporter bewaffnet. Eine Felsenburg ist eine mittelalterliche Burg, bei der natürliche Felsenformationen unmittelbar in die Wehranlagen einbezogen sind und den Aufbau der Anlage prägen. Topographisch gehören Felsenburgen zur Gruppe der Höhenburgen.

41.) “S.M.S. L’Utilita” (1805) was another former merchantman purchased by the Austrian navy, and used for convoy duties (as a convoy lead ship) and the defense of commerce before being sold back to civilian owners.

Die Segelfregatte “S.M.S. Armonia” (1809) war auch ein ehemaliges Handelsschiff, das eventuell wieder als Handelsschiff verkauft wurde.

42.) “S.M.S. Armonia” (1809) was still another former merchantman purchased by the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy, and kept for a short while before being sold back to civilian owners.

Die Segelfregatte “S.M.S. Armonia” (1809) war auch ein ehemaliges Handelsschiff, das eventuell wieder als Handelsschiff verkauft wurde.

43.) “S.M.S. Strela” (1808) was captured from the Napoleonic French Navy, which had in turn captured the ship from the Imperial Russian Navy during the retreat of the latter from the Adriatic Sea. She was armed with 24 cannon, and was based first in Triest and then in Venice. She was sold to civilian owners in August 1814.

Die Segelfregatte “S.M.S. Strela” (1808) wurde von den Franzosen beschlagnamt, und in die Kaiserliche und Königliche Kriegsmarine eingenommen. Davor haben die Franzosen das Schiff von den Rußen beschlagnahmt, als es Rußland im Adriatischen Meer diente. Das Schiff war mit 24 Kanonen bewaffnet, und war von der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine Österreichs in Triest und eventuell in Venedig stationiert. Im August 1814 wurde sie als Handelsschiff verkauft.

XIII (16) Austro-Venetian Brigs (for which exact tonnage is not available)

A “brig” (called a “Brigg” in German) was a 2-masted and square-rigged wooden sailing ship, smaller than either a frigate or a corvette (which had 3 masts). Brigs within the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy ranged in size from 168 up to 485 tons displacement.

Die Segelbriggs der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine Österreichs hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von je zwischen 168 und 485 Tonnen. Segelbriggs haben zwei Masten (die Segelfregatten und die Segelkorvetten sind noch größer, und haben drei Masten).

1.) “S.M.S. Achilles” (1793) was part of the Austrian Navy from 1793 until at least 1815 (the end of the Napoleonic Wars).

Das Segelbrigg “S.M.S. Achilles” (1793) diente mindestens bis 1815.

2.) “S.M.S. Distruzione” (1784) was launched in Venice. She was armed with 16 cannon, and was confiscated by the French Navy on May 17, 1797. Her new French crew scuttled her on December 30, 1797, and the Austrians raised her on January 18, 1798. She was repaired and renamed “S.M.S. Orione” in 1802, now armed with just 12 cannon. On January 19, 1806 she was turned over to France’s Italian allies.

Das Segelbrigg “S.M.S. Distruzione” (1784) lief in Venedig vom Stapel, und war mit 16 Kanonen bewaffnet. Am 17. Mai 1797 wurde das Schiff von den Franzosen beschlagnahmt, und am 30. Dezember 1797 wurde die “S.M.S. Distruzione” von den Franzosen selbst versenkt. Am 18. Januar 1798 hatten die Österreicher das Schiff geborgen, und im Jahre 1802 als die “S.M.S. Orione” umbenannt. Die “S.M.S. Orione” war mit nur 12 Kanonen umgebaut, und am 19. Januar 1806 wurde sie von den italienischen Verbündeten Frankreichs endlich beschlagnahmt.

3.) “S.M.S. Oreste” was commissioned no later than 1797, and was armed with 18 cannon. The French Navy confiscated her from Austria on May 17, 1797, and scuttled her off the coast of Venice on December 30, 1797. The Austrians raised the ship on January 18, 1798, repaired and then recommissioned her in 1799. From 1803-1805, she undertook a mission to Cadiz, Spain and then to Morrocco. In November 1809, she was sold to civilian owners.

Das Segelbrigg “S.M.S. Oreste” (1797) war mit 18 Kanonen bewaffnet. Am 17. Mai 1797 wurde sie auch von den Franzosen beschlagnahmt, und am 30. Dezember 1797 auch von den Franzosen selbst versenkt. Am 18. Januar 1798 hatten die Österreicher das Schiff geborgen und im Jahre 1799 wieder getauft. Zwischen 1803 und 1805 reiste die “S.M.S. Oreste” nach Cadiz in Spanien und auch nach Marokko. Im November 1809 wurde sie als Handelsschiff verkauft.

4.) “S.M.S. Pilade” (1797) had the same history and dates as her sister sailing brig “S.M.S. Oreste.”

Das Segelbrigg “S.M.S. Pilade” (1797) hatte eine Lebensgeschichte die der ihres Schwesternschiffes “S.M.S. Oreste sehr änhlich war.

5.) “S.M.S. Polluce” was armed with 16 cannon, and was launched in Venice in 1791 under the orginal name “S.M.S. Castore.” The French Navy confiscated her from Austria on May 17, 1797 and renamed her yet again as “S.M.S. Rivoli.” In 1799, the Austrians recaptured her from the French in the port of Ancona, on the Italian Adriatic coast. She then reverted to her old name of “S.M.S. Polluce.” On January 19, 1806 she was turned over to France’s Italian allies. She was scrapped by 1812.

Das Segelbrigg “S.M.S. Polluce” lief im Jahre 1791 in Venedig ursprünglich als die “S.M.S. Castore” vom Stapel. Am 17. Mai 1797 wurde sie von den Franzosen beschlagnahmt, und als die “S.M.S. Rivoli” umbenannt. Im 1799 wurde sie von den Österreichern im Hafen von Ancona zurückgenommen, und wieder als die “S.M.S. Polluce” umbenannt. Am 19. Januar 1806 wurde sie von den italienischen Waffenverbündeten Frankreichs beschlagnahmt, und im Jahre 1812 wurde sie verschrottet.

6.) “S.M.S. Faceto” was purchased from civilian owners in 1804, but sold back later in the same year.

Das Segelbrigg “S.M.S. Faceto” wurde als Handelsschiff im Jahre 1804 verkauft. Das Schiff hatte keine Bewaffnung, weil sie vorher auch ein Handelsschiff war.

7.) “S.M.S. L’Oracolo” had the same history and dates as her sister sailing brig “S.M.S. Faceto.” She had been armed with 14 cannon.

Das Segelbrigg “S.M.S. L’Oracolo” hatte eine Lebensgeschichte die der ihres Schwesternschiffes “S.M.S. Faceto” sehr ähnlich war, aber sie war mit 14 Kanonen bewaffnet.

8.) “S.M.S. Il Bizarro” was armed with 12 cannon, and was purchased from civilian owners in 1805. She was sold back to those same owners in 1806.

Das Segelbrigg “S.M.S. Il Bizarro” war ein ehemaliges Handelsschiff, das im Jahre 1805 gekauft wurde. Sie war mit 12 Kanonen bewaffnet. Im Jahre 1806 wurde sie wieder als Handelsschiff verkauft.

9.) “S.M.S. Castore” was armed with 20 cannon, and was laid down in Venice in 1804. In August 1805, she was launched with the new name “S.M.S. Eolo.” She was briefly assigned to the Austrian fleet, and then sold to civilian owners in November 1809.

Das Segelbrigg “S.M.S. Castore” wurde im Jahre 1804 in Venedig auf Kiel gelegt, und lief im August 1805 als die “S.M.S. Eolo” vom Stapel. Sie war mit 20 Kanonen bewaffnet. Im November 1809 wurde sie als Handelsschiff verkauft.

10.) “S.M.S. Assur” was armed with 4 cannon. She was purchased from civilian owners in July 1806, and then renamed as “S.M.S. Delfino” on August 30, 1806. She was briefly assigned to the Imperial and Royal Austrian fleet, and then sold back to civilian owners in November 1809.

Das Segelbrigg “S.M.S. Assur” war mit 4 Kanonen bewaffnet. Im Juli 1806 wurde das Handelsschiff von der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine gekauft, und am 30. August 1806 als die “S.M.S. Delfino” umbenannt. Im November 1809 wurde sie wieder als Handelsschiff verkauft.

11.) “S.M.S. Cesare” (1814) was captured from the Italian allies of Napoleonic France. She was armed with 16 cannon, and was not kept in the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy for very long before being sold to civilian owners.

Das Segelbrigg “S.M.S. Cesare” (1814) wurde von den italienischen Waffenverbündeten Frankreichs weggenommen. Sie war mit 14 Kanonen bewaffnet, und wurde als Handelsschiff verkauft.

12.) “S.M.S. Eridano” (1806) was built overseas, and was captured by the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy during the Napoleonic Wars. She was armed with 16 cannon, and was scrapped after June 1816.

Das Segelbrigg “S.M.S. Eridano” (1806) wurde von den Franzosen weggenommen. Sie war mit 16 Kanonen bewaffnet, und wurde im Juni 1816 verschrottet.

13.) “S.M.S. Mamelucco” (1808) was laid down in Venice in 1808, and launched on August 17, 1811. She was armed with 10 cannon, and was captured from the Italian allies of Napoleonic France. She was renamed “S.M.S. Ussaro” on May 5, 1815, and was renamed yet again as “S.M.S. Fenice” after modernization on February 18, 1829. She was briefly under the control of Italian nationalist rebels in Venice from March 1848 until August 1849. After the Austrians got her back, she was renamed yet another time as “S.M.S. Phönix.” She was scrapped in 1855, after 47 years of service.

Das Segelbrigg “S.M.S. Mamelucco” (1808) wurde in Venedig auf Kiel gelegt, und lief am 17. August 1811 vom Stapel. Sie war mit zehn Kanonen bewaffnet, und wurde von den italienischen Waffenverbündeten Frankreichs übernommen. Am 5. Mai 1815 wurde sie als die “S.M.S. Ussaro” umbenannt, und nach einer Modernisierung am 18. Februar 1829 als die “S.M.S. Fenice” umbenannt. Zwischen März 1848 und August 1849 wurde sie von feindlichen italienischen Nationalisten beschlagnahmt. Danach wurde sie als die “S.M.S. Phönix” umbenannt. Im Jahre 1855 wurde sie verschrottet – nach einer Dienstzeit von 44 Jahren.

14.) “S.M.S. Waxel” (1814) was captured from the Italian allies of Napoleonic France, but not kept by the Austrians for very long. She was sold to civilian owners on August 29, 1814.

Das Segelbrigg “S.M.S. Waxel” (1814) wurde von den italienischen Waffenverbündeten Frankreichs beschlagnahmt, und am 29. August 1814 als Handelsschiff verkauft.

15.) “S.M.S. Ciclope” (1809) was also captured from the Italian allies of Napoleonic France, and was sold to civilian owners in 1814. She had been based in the port of Triest and was active off the coast of Istria (called “Küstenland” in German, or “coastal land” in English).

Das Segelbrigg “S.M.S. Ciclope” (1809) wurde auch von den italienischen Waffenverbündeten Frankreichs beschlagnahmt, und im Jahre 1814 als Handelsschiff verkauft. Bei der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine Österreichs war sie in Triest stationiert, und an der Küste von Istrien (”Küstenland” auf deutsch) im Einsatz.

16.) “S.M.S. Mercurio” (1809) had an identical history to her sister ship “S.M.S. Ciclope.”

Das Segelbrigg “S.M.S. Mercurio” (1809) hatte eine Lebensgeschichte die der ihres Schwesternschiffes “S.M.S. Ciclope” sehr ähnlich war.

17.) “S.M.S. Castellano” (1848) was a former Venetian merchantman, captured by the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy. She was scuttled in order to help block the harbor entrance to Venice, later raised and then scrapped in 1850.

Das Segelbrigg “S.M.S. Castellano” (1848) war ein ehemaliges Handelsschiff aus Venedig. Sie wurde von der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine in der Hafeneinfahrt von Venedig selbst versenkt, um den Hafen zu blockierien. Im Jahre 1850 wurde sie geborgen und dann verschrottet.

18.) “S.M.S. Febo” (1849) was captured from the Italian nationalist rebels, and then converted into a coal depot ship in 1850.

Das Segelbrigg “S.M.S. Febo” (1849) wurde von den feindlichen italienischen Nationalisten beschlagnahmt, und im Jahre 1850 als Kohlendepotschiff umgebaut.

XIII (17) Austro-Venetian Brigantines (for which exact tonnage is not available)

A “brigantine” (with the same name in German, but capitalized like all German nouns) was a sort of smaller brig. A brig was a wooden sailing warship with 2 main masts, thus being somewhat smaller than either wooden sailing frigates or wooden sailing corvettes, which had 3 main masts. Brigantines within the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy displaced from 185 up to 462 tons.

Eine Segelbrigantine ist etwas kleiner als ein Segelbrigg, aber hat auch zwei Masten. Die Segelbrigantinen der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine Österreichs hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von je zwischen 185 und 462 Tonnen.

1.) “S.M.S. König David” (1628) was part of a contingent of 24 warships of the “Imperial Armada of the Baltic Sea” during the 30 Years’ War of 1618-1648. They were based in the port cities of Wismar and Rostock. She was named after King David of Israel from the Old Testament of the Holy Bible.

Die Segelbrigantine “S.M.S. König David” (1628) gehörte der Kaiserlichen Armada der Ostsee zur Zeit des Dreißigjährigen Krieges (1618-1648). Es gab 24 Österreichische Kriegsschiffe, die in den Kriegshäfen von Wismar und Rostock stationiert waren.

2.) “S.M.S. Gran Rodolfo” (1764) was armed with 20 cannon, and was a former merchantman purchased by the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy. She partook in convoy duties, protecting Austrian shipping traffic from Algerian pirates. She was later sold back to civilian owners.

Die Segelbrigantine “S.M.S. Graf Rodolfo” (1764) war mit 20 Kanonen bewaffnet, und war ein ehemaliges Handelsschiff. Sie wurde als Geleitschiff gegen algerische Piraten benutzt. Danach wurde sie wieder als Handelsschiff verkauft.

3.) “S.M.S. La Sacra Famiglia” (1764) was armed with 12 cannon, and had a history very similar to her sister ship “S.M.S. Gran Rodolfo.” She was named after the Holy Family of Saint Joseph, the Blessed Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ.

Die Segelbrigantine “S.M.S. La Sacra Famiglia” (1764) war mit 12 Kanonen bewaffnet, und sie hatte eine Lebensgeschichte die der ihres Schwesternschiffes “S.M.S. Graf Rodolfo” sehr ähnlich war. Die Mitglieder der Heiligen Familie waren Sankt Josef, die Jungfrau Maria und Jesus Christus von Nazaret.

4.) “S.M.S. Il Vincitore” (1778) was armed with 12 cannon, and originally belonged to David’s Shipping Company of Sankt Veit am Pflaumb (called “Fiume” in Italian and “Rijeka” in modern Croatia). She was briefly purchased by the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy to guard her home port, but was deemed to be unsuited to this task and thereby resold to her civilian owners. Sankt Veit am Plaumb was the home of the Naval Academy of the Imperal and Royal Austrian Navy, which endured until the sad end of the Habsburg-Lothringen Monarchy in November 1918.

Die Segelbrigantine “S.M.S. Il Vincitore” (1778) war mit 12 Kanonen bewaffnet, und gehörte ursprünglich der Reederei David in Sankt Veit am Pflaumb (heute Rijeka in Kroatien). Sie wurde von der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine als Hafenschutzschiff benutzt, und wurde bald wieder an die Reederei David verkauft.

5.) “S.M.S. Le Ferme” (1784) was armed with with 20 cannon, and was built in the Austrian Netherlands (modern-day Belgium). In 1786, she sailed to Triest, which became her new home port. She was active in the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy at least until July 1794.

Die Segelbrigantine “S.M.S. La Ferme” (1784) war mit 20 Kanonen bewaffnet, und wurde in den Österreichischen Niederlanden (heute Belgien) gebaut. Im Jahre 1786 reiste sie nach Triest, und war dort stationiert. Sie wurde kurz nach Juli 1794 verschrottet.

6.) “S.M.S. Le Just” (1784) was also armed with 20 cannon, and also came from the Austrian Netherlands (modern-day Belgium). She accompanied her sister ship “S.M.S. Le Ferme” to Triest in 1786, and was sold to civilian owners in July 1791.

Die Segelbrigantine “S.M.S. Le Just” (1784) hatte eine Lebensgeschichte die der ihres Schwesternschiffes “S.M.S. La Ferme” sehr ähnlich war, aber sie wurde als Handelsschiff im Jahre 1791 verkauft.

7.) “S.M.S. Le Fort” (1784) was a sister ship of “S.M.S. Le Ferme” and “S.M.S. Le Just.” Unlike her two sisters, she remained in the Austrian Netherlands (modern-day Belgium).

Die Segelbrigantine “S.M.S. Le Fort” (1784) gehörte zur “S.M.S. La Ferme” Klaße. Sie blieb in den Österreichischen Niederlanden (heute Belgien).

8.) “S.M.S. Cesare Augusto” (1788) was a former merchantman, briefly purchased by the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy for use in a war against Ottoman Turkey. She was assigned to coastal protection duties before being sold back to civilian owners in November 1788.

Die Segelbrigantine “S.M.S. Cesare Augusto” (1788) war ein ehemaliges Handelsschiff, die in den Krieg gegen die ottomanische Türkei benutzt wurde. Im November 1788 wurde sie wieder als Handelsschiff verkauft.

9.) “S.M.S. Citta di Vienna” (1788) was identical to and had the same history as her sister ship “S.M.S. Cesare Augusto.” She was named after the city of Vienna, capital of the Habsburg-Lothringen empire.

Die Segelbrigantine “S.M.S. Citta di Vienna” (1788) hatte eine Lebensgeschichte die der ihres Schwesternschiffes “S.M.S. Cesare Augusto” sehr ähnlich war.

10.) “S.M.S. San Giovanni” (1788) was identical to and had the same history as her sister ships “S.M.S. Cesare Augusto” and “S.M.S. Citta di Vienna.”

Die Segelbrigantine “S.M.S. San Giovanni” (1788) hatte eine Lebensgeschichte die der ihres Schwesternschiffes “S.M.S. Cesare Augusto” sehr ähnlich war.

11.) “S.M.S. Agile” (1791) was armed with 8 cannon, and was built in Venice. She was briefly captured by the French Navy from May 17 until December 30, 1797, before being retaken by the Austrians on January 18, 1798. She was damaged while under French authority, partially repaired and launched in 1805. She was then assigned to commerce protection and harbor defense duties within the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy.

Die Segelbrigantine “S.M.S. Agile” (1791) war mit acht Kanonen bewaffnet, und wurde in Venedig gebaut. Zwischen den 17. Mai und den 30. Dezember 1797 wurde sie von den Franzosen beschlagnahmt, bevor sie am 18. Januar 1798 von den Österreichern zurückerobert wurde. Die Brigantine wurde von der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine repariert und danach im Jahre 1805 in Dienst gestellt. Danach wurde sie als Geleitschiff sowie als Hafenverteidigungsschiff benutzt.

12.) “S.M.S. Indagatore” (1797) was armed with 8 cannon, and was built in Venice. She was captured by the Napoleonic French Navy on May 17, 1797 and damaged on December 30, 1797 before being launched. The Austrians recaptured her on January 18, 1798 but did not resume working on her until 1805. She was launched in September 1805, and then assigned to coastal protection, harbor defense and convoy duties. She was sold to civilian owners in 1810.

Die Segelbrigantine “S.M.S. Indagatore” (1797) hatte eine Lebensgeschichte die der ihres Schwesternschiffes “S.M.S. Agile” sehr ähnlich war, aber sie wurde als Handelsschiff im Jahre 1810 verkauft.

13.) “S.M.S. Cibelle” (1790) was armed with 12 cannon, and was built in Venice. She was captured from the Italian allies of Napoleonic France, and launched on May 17, 1790. The French Navy recaptured her off the island of Corfu on July 23, 1797, while the Austrians got her back again off the port of Ancona on November 14, 1799. She was then assigned to courier, trade protection and port defense duties. The Italians retook her from the Austrians on January 19, 1806, and she finally went back to Austria near the end of the Napoleonic Wars in 1814. She was later renamed “S.M.S. Dalmato,” and was reassigned to salvaging duties. She remained in the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy at least until September 1820.

Die Segelbrigantine “S.M.S. Cibelle” (1790) war mit 12 Kanonen bewaffnet, und wurde in Venedig gebaut. Sie wurde von den italienischen Waffenverbündeten Frankreichs beschlagnahmt, und lief am 17. Mai 1790 im Dienst der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine vom Stapel. Am 23. Juli 1797 hatten die Franzosen das Schiff an der Küste von Korfu zurückerobert. Am 14. November 1799 hatten dann die Österreicher das Schiff an der Küste von Ancona von den Franzosen zurückerobert. Danach wurde sie als Transportschiff, als Geleitschiff sowie als Hafenverteidigungsschiff benutzt. Am 19. November 1806 wurde sie von der italienischen Waffenverbündeten Frankreichs nochmals beschlagnahmt. Im Jahre 1814 wurde sie endlich wieder von Österreich beschlagnamt, und als die “S.M.S. Dalmato” umbenannt. Danach wurde sie als Bergungsschiff benutzt, bis sie im September 1820 verschrottet wurde.

14.) “S.M.S. Arabo” (1799) was a former armed merchantman captured from the Italians and the French.

Die Segelbrigantine “S.M.S. Arabo” (1799) war ein ehemaliges bewaffnetes französisches und italienisches Handelssschiff, das von den Österreichern beschlagnahmt wurde.

15.) “S.M.S. Merope” (1796) was launched in Venice on June 25, 1796. She was also captured from the Italian allies of the Napoleonic French. The French Navy retook her off the coast of Genoa from May 17, 1797 until the Austrians captured her yet again on June 4, 1800. She remained in the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy at least until 1822.

Die Segelbrigantine “S.M.S. Merope” (1796) lief am 25. Juni 1796 in Venedig vom Stapel. Bei der Kiellegung war sie italienisch, bei dem Stapellauf österreichisch, und am 17. Mai 1797 wurde sie an der Küste von Genua von den Franzosen beschlagnahmt. Am 4. Juni 1800 wurde sie endlich von Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine zurückerobert und im Jahre 1822 wurde sie verschrottet.

16.) “S.M.S. La Francesca” (1805) was a former merchantman purchased by the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy. She briefly partook in commerce protection and harbor defense duties before being resold to civilian owners in 1806.

Die Segelbrigantine “S.M.S. La Francesca” (1805) war ein ehemaliges Handelsschiff, das von der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine gekauft wurde. Sie wurde als Geleitschiff und als Hafenverteidigungsschiff benutzt, bevor sie im Jahre 1806 wieder als Handelsschiff verkauft wurde.

17.) “S.M.S. La Solidita” (1805) had a history identical to that of her sister ship “S.M.S. La Francesca.”

Die Segelbrigantine “S.M.S. La Solidita” (1805) hatte eine Lebensgeschichte die der ihres Schwesternschiffes “S.M.S. La Francesca” sehr ähnlich war.

18.) “S.M.S. La Gioja” (1805) was another armed former merchantman. She was overpowered by 3 French corsairs while escorting 5 Austrian merchant ships near the Adriatic island of Lissa on December 5, 1805. She and the 5 civilian vessels capitulated to the French Navy.

Die Segelbrigantine “S.M.S. La Gioja” (1805) war ein ehemaliges bewaffnetes Handelsschiff. Am 5. Dezember 1805 wurde sie und fünf österreichische Handelsschiffe von drei französischen Korsaren in der Nähe von Lissa erobert.

19.) “S.M.S. La Viaggiatrice” (1805) was armed with 28 cannon, and was a former merchantman not kept for very long by the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy.

Die Segelbrigantine “S.M.S. La Viaggiatrice” (1805) war mit 28 Kanonen bewaffnet, und war auch ein ehemaliges Handelsschiff. Sie war nicht lange bei der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine.

20.) “S.M.S. Iride” (1813) was another former merchantman confiscated from the Italian allies of Napoleonic France upon the Austrian liberation of the port of Triest in November 1813. She was assigned to commerce protection and transport duties within the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy, and then sold to civilian owners in August 1814.

Die Segelbrigantine “SM.S. Iride” (1813) war ein ehemaliges Handelsschiff, das im November 1813 von den italienischen Waffenverbündeten Frankreichs im neulich befreiten Hafen von Triest beschlagnahmt wurde. Sie wurde als Geleitschiff sowie als Transportschiff benutzt, und dann als Handelsschiff im August 1814 verkauft.

21.) “S.M.S. Nina” (1807) was built in the United States, and taken from the Italian allies of Napoleonic France upon the Austrian liberation of the port of Triest in November 1813. She was renamed as “S.M.S. Arianna,” and assigned to commerce protection, transport, fleet, training and postal delivery duties within the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy. She was scrapped in 1839, after 32 years of service.

Die Segelbrigantine “S.M.S. Nina” (1807) wurde in den Vereinigten Staaten gebaut, und wurde auch im November 1813 von den italienischen Waffenverbündeten Frankreichs im neulich befreiten Hafen von Triest beschlagnahmt. Sie wurde als die “S.M.S. Arianna” umbenannt, und diente als Geleitschiff, als Transportschiff, als Flottenschiff sowie als Schulschiff. Im Jahre 1839 wurde sie verschrottet, nach einer Dienstzeit von 32 Jahren.

22.) “S.M.S. Aurora” (1814) was taken from the Italian allies of Napoleonic France on April 25, 1814. She was assigned to postal delivery and station duties within the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy, and scrapped in 1844.

Die Segelbrigantine “S.M.S. Aurora” (1814) wurde am 25. April 1814 von den italienischen Waffenverbündeten Frankreichs beschlagnahmt. Sie wurde als Postschiff sowie als Stationsschiff benutzt, und wurde im Jahre 1844 verschrottet – nach einer Dienstzeit von 30 Jahren.

23.) “S.M.S. Gloria” (1806) was armed with 10 cannon, and was built in Venice. She was launched in March of 1807, and taken from the Italian allies of Napoleonic France on April 25, 1814. On May 20, 1815 she was renamed as “S.M.S. Vigilante,” and assigned to commerce protection, transport, fleet, training and postal delivery duties within the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy. She was scrapped in 1836.

Die Segelbrigantine “S.M.S. Gloria” (1806) war mit zehn Kanonen bewaffnet, und wurde in Venedig gebaut. Sie lief im März 1807 vom Stapel, und wurde am 25. April 1814 von den italienischen Waffenverbündeten Frankreichs beschlagnahmt. Am 20. Mai 1815 wurde sie als die “S.M.S. Vigilante” umbenannt, wurde als Geleitschiff, als Transportschiff, als Flottenschiff, als Schulschiff sowie als Postschiff bei der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine benutzt. Sie wurde im Jahre 1836 verschrottet, nach einer Dienstzeit von 29 Jahren.

24.) “S.M.S. Aretusa” (1811) was armed with 10 cannon, and was also built in Venice. She was launched on April 15, 1812, and taken from the Italian allies of Napoleonic France on April 25, 1814. She was assigned to fleet, training and customs duties within the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy. She was scrapped in 1843.

Die Segelbrigantine “S.M.S. Aretusa” (1811) war mit zehn Kanonen bewaffnet, und wurde in Venedig gebaut. Sie lief am 15. April 1812 vom Stapel, und wurde am 25. April 1814 von den italienischen Waffenverbündeten Frankreichs beschlagnahmt. Sie wurde als Flottenschiff, als Schulschiff sowie als Zollschiff bei der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine benutzt. Sie wurde im Jahre 1843 verschrottet, nach einer Dienstzeit von 31 Jahren.

25.) “S.M.S. Amora” (1815) was in the Austrian Navy, but unfortunately we have no further details about her history of service therein.

Die Segelbrigantine “S.M.S. Amora” (1815) diente bei der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine Österreichs, aber mehr ist uns leider nicht bekannt.

XIII (18) Austro-Venetian Cannon Sloops (for which exact tonnage is not available)

A cannon sloop (called a “Kanonierschaluppe” in German) was cannon boat with a rudder and sails. They were well-built, and were known for their longevity. They were designed to be flat and low, and were first seen in Spain. In the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy, a cannon-sloop would have displaced from 80 to 81 tons.

Die Segelkanonierschaluppen der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von je zwischen 80 un 81 Tonnen.

1.) “S.M.S. Schwalbe” (1849) was built in Triest, and was launched on June 20, 1849. “Schwalbe” is the German word for the bird known in English as a “swallow.” She was in service until 1851, when she was stripped of her armament.

Die Segelkanonierschaluppe “S.M.S. Schwalbe” (1849) lief am 20. Juni 1849 in Triest vom Stapel, und diente bis sie im Jahre 1851 entwaffnet wurde.

2.) “S.M.S. Italiana” (1849) was built in Venice, and was launched on August 27, 1849. She was captured from Italian nationalist rebels, and absorbed into the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy.

Die Segelkanonierschaluppe “S.M.S. Italiana” (1849) lief am 27. August 1849 in Venedig vom Stapel, und wurde von feindlichen italienischen Nationalisten beschlagnahmt.

XIII (19) Austro-Venetian Pinnaces (for which exact tonnage is not available)

A “pinnace” (called a “Peniche” in German) was a small and light sailing vessel used to guide larger warships. They were better than wooden cannon-sloops, and were first seen in France. In comparison to sloops, they were lighter, sharper, more seaworthy and equipped with more effective sails. They were also used for courier duties. In the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy, a pinnace would have displaced from 44 up to 72 tons.

Die Segelpenichen der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine Österreichs hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von je zwischen 44 und 72 Tonnen.

1.) “S.M.S. Tartara” (1848) was only part of the Austrian Navy from 1848 until 1849.

Die Segelpeniche “S.M.S. Tartara” (1848) diente bei der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine nur bis 1849.

2.) “S.M.S. Neitra” (1848) was purchased by the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy in 1848, and was scrapped in 1861.

Die Segelpeniche “S.M.S. Neitra” (1848) diente bis sie im Jahre 1861 verschrottet wurde.

3.) “S.M.S. Furiosa” (1849) was built in Triest, and was scrapped in 1859.

Die Segelpeniche “S.M.S. Furiosa” (1848) lief in Triest vom Stapel, und wurde im Jahre 1859 verschrottet.

XIII (20) Austro-Venetian Floating Batteries (for which exact tonnage is not available)

The wooden sailing battery (called a “schwimmende Batterie” in German) was the predecessor of the more modern armorclad monitor or even the gunboat. These were small vessels, intended for coastal, river and lake usage.

Die schwimmenden Segelbatterien der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine waren die Vorgänger der späteren Kanonenboote. Sie waren ziemlich klein, und dienten hauptsächlich an den Küsten, auf Flüßen und auf Binnenseen.

1.) “S.M.S. Vulcano” was purchased from civilian owners in late September 1797, and then armed for the defense of the Austrian naval port of Triest. In January 1798, she was sold back to her civilian owners. This vessel was named “volcano” in Italian, the language of the majority of officers and servicemen within the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy until 1848, when German became the majority language.

Die Segelbatterie “S.M.S. Vulcano” wurde im September 1797 gekauft, und war als Hafenverteidiger bewaffnet. Sie wurde schon wieder im Januar 1798 verkauft.

2.) “S.M.S. Bucintoro” was armed with 12 cannon, and had been launched in Venice in 1728. She was briefly captured by the French Navy from July 17 until December 30, 1797. The Austrians got her back on January 18, 1798, renamed her “S.M.S. Idra” in 1805, but lost her again to France’s Italian allies on January 19, 1806. She was returned to Austria for the final time on April 25, 1814, and was finally scrapped in 1824 – after an incredible 96 years of service.

Die Segelbatterie “S.M.S. Bucintoro” war mit 12 Kanonen bewaffnet, und lief im Jahre 1728 in Venedig vom Stapel. Zwischen den 17. Juli und den 30. Dezember 1797 wurde sie von den Franzosen beschlagnahmt. Am 18. Januar 1798 wurde sie wieder österreichisch, aber am 19. Januar 1806 wurde sie von den italienischen Waffenverbündeten Frankreichs beschlagnahmt. Am 25. April 1814 wurde sie endlich wieder österreichisch, und sie wurde im Jahre 1824 verschrottet – nach einer langen Dienszeit von 96 Jahren.

3.) “S.M.S. Obusiera” (1840) was built in Venice, but we have no further details about her.

Die Segelbatterie “S.M.S. Obusiera” (1840) wurde in Venedig gebaut, aber mehr ist uns leider nicht bekannt.
]]> https://theborromeofamily.com/named-vessels-of-the-german-and-the-austro-hungarian-navies-part-1/feed/ 1 Die Deutsche und die Österreichische Marine II https://theborromeofamily.com/named-vessels-of-the-german-and-the-austro-hungarian-navies-part-2/ https://theborromeofamily.com/named-vessels-of-the-german-and-the-austro-hungarian-navies-part-2/#comments Fri, 05 Jun 2026 16:19:00 +0000 http://www.theborromeofamily.com/?p=1130 Welcome to my Bookstore:

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The German and the Austrian Navies / Die Deutsche und die Österreichische Marine (Part 2 / Teil Zwei)

XIII (21) Austro-Venetian Galiots (for which exact tonnage is not available)

A “galiot” (called a “Galeotte” in German) was a smaller type of wooden sailing galley. They had one or two masts, and about 20 oars, using both sails and oars for propulsion. Warships of this type usually carried between 2 and 12 smaller cannon, and between 50 and 150 commissioned officers and enlisted men. They could displace anywhere from 50 to 300 tons, and were common in the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation.

Die Segelgaleotten der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine Österreichs waren etwas kleiner als die Segelgaleeren. Eine Segelgaleotte hatte einen oder zwei Masten, ungefähr 20 Riemen, war mit zwei bis zwölf Kanonen bewaffnet, und hatte eine Besatzung von 50 bis 150 Offiziere und Matrosen. Sie hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von je zwischen 50 und 300 Tonnen, und waren im Ersten Deutschen Reich sehr zahlreich.

1.) “S.M.S. Azzardo” was armed with 12 cannon, and was purchased by the Austrian Navy in 1797. She served to protect commercial shipping in the Northern Adriatic Sea at least until 1799. The ships of this class were built out of oak, were 31 meters long, had a maximum beam of 6,3 meters and a draught of 1,1 meters. They could accommodate up to 97 commissioned officers and enlisted men, and had up to 36 oars per vessel.

Die Segelgaleotte “S.M.S. Azzardo” war mit 12 Kanonen bewaffnet, und wurde im Jahre 1797 gekauft. Sie diente in der nördlichen Adria mindestens bis 1799. Sie war aus Eichenholz gebaut, war 31 Meter lang, hatte eine Breite von 6,3 Meter und einen Tiefgang von 1,1 Meter. Sie hatte eine Besatzung von 97 Offiziere und Matrosen, und hatte bis 36 Riemen.

2.) “S.M.S. Cacciatrice” was a sister ship of “S.M.S. Azzardo,” and had a very similar history.

Die Segelgaleotte “S.M.S. Cacciatrice” hatte eine Lebensgeschichte die der ihres Schwesternschiffes “S.M.S. Azzardo” sehr ähnlich war.

3.) “S.M.S. Colomba” was a sister ship of both “S.M.S. Azzardo” and “S.M.S. Cacciatrice,” and had an identical history of service and dates.

Die Segelgaleotte “S.M.S. Colomba” hatte eine Lebensgeschichte die der ihres Schwesternschiffes “S.M.S. Azzardo” sehr ähnlich war.

4.) “S.M.S. Dalmatina” was yet another member of the “S.M.S. Azzardo” class of Austrian wooden sailing galiots. Her history and dates of service were the same as those of her 3 earlier sister ships.

Die Segelgaleotte “S.M.S. Dalmatina” hatte eine Lebensgeschichte die der ihres Schwesternschiffes “S.M.S. Azzardo” sehr ähnlich war.

5.) “S.M.S. Pirogue” was also a member of the “S.M.S. Azzardo” class of Austrian wooden sailing galiots. Her history and dates of service were identical to those of her 4 earlier sister ships.

Die Segelgaleotte “S.M.S. Pirogue” hatte eine Lebensgeschichte die der ihres Schwesternschiffes “S.M.S. Azzardo” sehr ähnlich war.

6.) “S.M.S. Valerosa Risoluzione” was another member of the “S.M.S. Azzardo” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian wooden sailing galiots. Her history and dates of service were the same as those of her 5 earlier sisters ships.

Die Segelgaleotte “S.M.S. Valerosa Risoluzione” hatte eine Lebensgeschichte die der ihres Schwesternschiffes “S.M.S. Azzardo” sehr ähnlich war.

7.) “S.M.S. Speranza” was the 7th named member of the “S.M.S. Azzardo” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian wooden sailing galiots. Her history and dates of service were identical to those of her 6 earlier sister ships.

Die Segelgaleotte “S.M.S. Speranza” hatte eine Lebensgeschichte die der ihres Schwesternschiffes “S.M.S. Azzardo” sehr ähnlich war.

8.) “S.M.S. Stella” was the 8th named member of the “S.M.S. Azzardo” class of Imperial and Royal Austro-Venetian wooden sailing galiots. Her history and dates of service were the same as those of her 7 earlier sister ships.

Die Segelgaleotte “S.M.S. Stella” hatte eine Lebensgeschichte die der ihres Schwesternschiffes “S.M.S. Azzardo” sehr ähnlich war.

9.) “S.M.S. Buon Destino” was the 9th member of the “S.M.S. Azzardo” class of Imperial and Royal Austro-Venetian wooden sailing galiots. She was launched in Venice in May 1796, and also served to protect commercial shipping traffic in the Northern Adriatic Sea after July 1797. On January 19, 1806 she was turned over to France’s Italian allies, who had temporarily defeated German and Austrian forces in the Napoleonic Wars.

Die Segelgaleotte “S.M.S. Buon Destino” war das neunte Mitglied der “S.M.S. Azzardo” Klaße. Sie lief im Mai 1796 in Venedig vom Stapel, und diente auch als Geleitschiff in der nördlichen Adria. Am 19. Januar 1806 wurde sie von den italienischen Waffenverbündeten Frankreichs beschlagnahmt.

10.) “S.M.S. Diana” was the 10th member of the “S.M.S. Azzardo” class of Imperial and Royal Austro-Venetian wooden sailing galiots. She was launched in Venice in May 1796, and was surrendered to the French Navy from May 17 until December 30, 1797. The Austrians recaptured her in damaged condition on January 18, 1798. They repaired and relaunched her that same year, and used her to block the harbor entrance into Venice until 1805. She was again surrendered on January 19, 1806 – this time to France’s Italian allies in the Napoleonic Wars.

Die Segelgaleotte “S.M.S. Diana” war das zehnte Mitgleid der “S.M.S. Azzardo” Klaße. Sie lief im Mai 1796 in Venedig vom Stapel. Zwischen den 17. Mai und den 30. Dezember 1797 wurde sie von den Franzosen beschlagnahmt, und am 18. Januar 1798 wurde sie wieder österreichisch. Sie wurde von der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine repariert, und diente bis 1805 in Venedig als Hafenverteidiger. Am 19. Januar 1806 wurde sie von den italienischen Waffenverbündeten beschlagnahmt.

11.) “S.M.S. Isabella” was the 11th member of the “S.M.S. Azzardo” class of Imperial and Royal Austro-Venetian wooden sailing galiots. She was armed with 6 cannon, and was a former merchant vessel. In July 1799, she was converted into a “corsair,” which is an armed vessel intended to raid commercial shipping. She was sold back to civilian owners in November 1799.

Die Segelgaleotte “S.M.S. Isabella” war das elfte Mitglied der “S.M.S. Azzardo” Klaße. Sie war mit sechs Kanonen bewaffnet, und war ein ehemaliges Handelsschiff. Im Juli 1799 wurde sie als Korsar umgebaut, um am Handelskrieg teilzunehmen. Im November 1799 wurde sie wieder als Handelsschiff verkauft.

12.) “S.M.S. Klenau” was the 12th member of the “S.M.S. Azzardo” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian wooden sailing galiots, and the sole member of this class to be given a German name. Her history and specifications were identical to those of her sister ship “S.M.S. Isabella,” with the exception that she was armed with just 2 cannon as opposed to 6.

Die Segelgaleotte “S.M.S. Klenau” hatte eine Lebensgeschichte die der ihres Schwesternschiffes “S.M.S. Isabella” sehr ähnlich war, aber sie war mit nur zwei Kanonen bewaffnet. Johann von Klenau (1758-1819) war österreichischer General. Er trat 1775 als Leutnant in ein Infanterieregiment ein. Er wurde 1778 Rittmeister bei den “Chevaux-legers” (leichte Reiter), 1788 Major, 1795 wegen seiner Tapferkeit im französischen Krieg (namentlich am 27. Juli 1794 vor Lüttich und am 24. September 1795 bei Handschuhsheim bei Heidelberg) Oberst und 1797 Generalmajor. Nachdem er sich besonders 1799 in Italien durch sein Feldherrntalent hervorgetan hat, wurde er bald im Jahre 1800 zum Feldmarschall-Leutnant befördert. Während der Napoleonischen Kriege schlug er Pierre Francois Charles Augereau bei Lauf und wurde 1805 in Ulm gefangen genommen. 1809 führte er in der Schlacht bei Aspern die Vorhut der 4. und 5. Kolonne und in der Schlacht bei Wagram an Stelle Hillers das 6. Armeekorps mit Auszeichnung. Danach kämpfte er in der Völkerschlacht bei Leipzig, wo er den Kolmberg bei Wachau am 16. Oktober 1813 erfolgreich verteidigte. Er nahm am 11. November 1813 die Stadt Dresden durch Kapitulation und ging dann mit seinem Korps nach Italien. Im Jahre 1815 wurde er kommandierender Feldmarschall-Leutnant in Brünn in Mähren.

13.) “S.M.S. Principe Carlo” was the 13th named member of the “S.M.S. Azzardo” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian wooden sailing galiots. Her history and specifications were identical to those of her two sister ships “S.M.S. Isabella” and “S.M.S. Klenau,” with the exception that she was armed with 4 cannon.

Die Segelgaleotte “S.M.S. Principe Carlo” war das dreizehnte Mitglied der “S.M.S. Azzardo” Klaße. Sie hatte eine Lebensgeschichte die der ihres Schwesternschiffes “S.M.S. Isabella” ähnlich war, aber sie war mit vier Kanonen bewaffnet.

14.) “S.M.S. Intrapresa” was the 14th and final named member of the “S.M.S. Azzardo” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian wooden sailing galiots. Her keel was laid down in Venice in 1804, and she was launched on May 21, 1805. She was assigned to escort (protect) Austrian commercial vessels for 4 years. During the Austrian retreat from the port of Triest on May 15, 1809, she was damaged and became unseaworthy. The French occupation forces repaired her by 1810, and recommissioned her as “L’Enterprise.” During the Allied campaign to liberate the Illyrian Peninsula from French rule, she was burned and gutted by her French crew to prevent her from falling into the hands of the British Royal Navy.

Die Segelgaleotte “S.M.S. Intrapresa” war das vierzehnte und letzte genannte Mitglied der “S.M.S. Azzardo” Klaße. Sie wurde im Jahre 1804 in Venedig auf Kiel gelegt, und lief am 21. Mai 1805 vom Stapel. Sie wurde als Geleitschiff für vier Jahre benutzt, aber bei dem österreichischen Rückzug vor Triest am 15. Mai 1809 wurde sie beschädigt und war nicht mehr seefähig. Die Franzosen hatten das Schiff beschlagnahmt, und als die “L’ Enterprise” umbenannt. Als die Franzosen am Ende der Napoleonischen Kriege aus Illyrien (”Küstenland” auf deutsch) zurückzogen, wurde das Schiff selbst versenkt, damit es nicht der britischen Kriegsmarine in die Hände fiel.

15.) “S.M.S. Arciduca Giovanni” (1815) was attached to the “Gardaseeflottille” (”Lake Garda Flottilla” in English) of the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy, and was sold to civilian owners in 1838.

Die Segelgaleotte “S.M.S. Arciduca Giovanni” (1815) gehörte zur Gardaseeflottille, und wurde im Jahre 1838 als Handelsschiff verkauft.

XIII (22) Austro-Venetian Chebeks (for which exact tonnage is not available)

A chebek (called a “Schebek” in German) was a very thin, or narrow, and very fast sailing vessel with 2 or 3 masts. The Austrian vessels were built out of oak, and were up to 23,7 meters long, with a maximum beam of 6,8 meters and a draught of 2 meters. They had a maximum crew of 75 commissioned officers and enlisted men.

Eine Segelschebeke (”Sciabecchino” auf italienisch) ist ein leichtes, flottes Segelfahrzeug – auch bei schwachem Wind. Es hat zusätzlich Riemenantrieb, und ist gut manövrierfähig. Es ist auch lang und schmal, ist sehr scharf gebaut, und ist besonders gut zum Kreuzen und zum leichten Kriegsdienst. Es hat zwei bis drei Masten mit Lateinsegel und Klüver, und Fockmast Fall nach vorne.

1.) “S.M.S. Colloredo” was armed with 14 cannon, and was built in the German-speaking port city of Zengg in 1788. She had a busy career of combat service in the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy, before she was surrendered to France’s Italian allies on January 19, 1806.

Die Segelschebeke “S.M.S. Colloredo” war mit 14 Kanonen bewaffnet, und wurde im Jahre 1788 in Zengg (heute “Senj” in Kroatien) gebaut. Sie war sehr oft im Einsatz, bevor sie am 16. Januar 1806 an den italienischen Waffenverbündeten Frankreichs übergeben wurde.

2.) “S.M.S. Henricy” was the 2nd member of the “S.M.S. Colloredo” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian chebeks. Her history in the service of the Austrian navy was identical to that of her sister ship, she also being surrendered to France’s Italian allies on the same day. On July 5, 1806 one Russian frigate and two Russian brigs captured her in a bloodless operation off San Giorgio di Lesina in the Adriatic Sea.

Die Segelschebeke “S.M.S. Henricy” war das zweite Mitglied der “S.M.S. Colloredo” Klaße. Sie hatte eine Lebensgeschichte die der ihres Schwesternfahrzeuges “S.M.S. Colloredo” sehr ähnlich war, aber am 5. Juli 1806 wurde sie von einer rußischen Segelfregatte und zwei Segelbriggs an der Küste von San Giorgio di Lesina erobert.

3.) “S.M.S. Agamemnone” was the 3rd member of the “S.M.S. Colloredo” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian wooden sailing chebeks. She was armed with 12 cannon, and was built in Venice in 1797. On November 18, 1800 she was stranded and lost off Cervia in the Adriatic Sea.

Die Segelschebeke “S.M.S. Agamemnone” war das dritte Mitglied der “S.M.S. Colloredo” Klaße. Sie war mit 12 Kanonen bewaffnet, und wurde im Jahre 1797 in Venedig gebaut. Am 18. November 1800 strandete sie an der Küste von Cervia an der westlichen Adria, und wurde deswegen versenkt.

4.) “S.M.S. Ardito il Grande” was the 4th member of the “S.M.S. Colloredo” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian wooden sailing chebeks. She was armed with 16 cannon, and was built in Venice in 1794. She was surrendered to Napoleonic France’s Italian allies on January 19, 1806.

Die Segelschebeke “S.M.S. Ardito il Grande” war das vierte Mitglied der “S.M.S. Colloredo” Klaße. Sie war mit 16 Kanonen bewaffnet, und wurde im Jahre 1794 in Venedig gebaut. Am 19. Januar 1806 wurde sie von den italenischen Waffenverbündeten Frankreichs beschlagnahmt.

5.) “S.M.S. Ardito il Piccolo” was the 5th member of the “S.M.S. Colloredo” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian wooden sailing chebeks. She was armed with 8 cannon, and was built in Venice in 1791. She was surrendered to Napoleonic France’s Italian allies on January 19, 1806.

Die Segelschebeke “S.M.S. Ardito il Piccolo” war das fünfte Mitglied der “S.M.S. Colloredo” Klaße. Sie war mit acht Kanonen bewaffnet, und wurde im Jahre 1791 in Venedig gebaut. Am 19. Januar 1806 wurde sie von den italienischen Waffenverbündeten Frankreichs beschlagnahmt.

6.) “S.M.S. Corriere” was the 6th member of the “S.M.S. Colloredo” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian wooden sailing chebeks. She was armed with 8 cannon, and was built in Venice in 1794. She was surrendered to Napoleonic France’s Italian allies on January 19, 1806.

Die Segelschebeke “S.M.S. Corriere” war das sechste Mitglied der “S.M.S. Colloredo” Klaße. Sie war mit acht Kanonen bewaffnet, und wurde im Jahre 1794 in Venedig gebaut. Am 19. Januar 1806 wurde sie von den italienischen Waffenverbündeten Frankreichs beschlagnahmt.

7.) “S.M.S. Diocleziano” was the 7th member of the “S.M.S. Colloredo” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian wooden sailing chebeks. She was built in Venice in 1771, and had very active service until she was converted into a prison hulk in 1801. She was scrapped in 1803.

Die Segelschebeke “S.M.S. Diocleziano” war das siebte Mitglied der “S.M.S. Colloredo” Klaße. Sie wurde im Jahre 1771 in Venedig gebaut, und war sehr oft im Einsatz bis sie im Jahre 1801 als Gefängnishulk umgebaut wurde. Sie wurde im Jahre 1803 verschrottet, nach einer Dienstzeit von 32 Jahren.

8.) “S.M.S. Emilio” was the 8th member of the “S.M.S. Colloredo” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian wooden sailing chebeks. She was built in Venice in 1793, and had very active service until being converted into a hulk in 1803. She was used to help block the harbor entrance into Venice in 1805, and was surrendered to Napoleonic France’s Italian allies on January 19, 1806.

Die Segelschebeke “S.M.S. Emilio” war das achte Mitglied der “S.M.S. Colloredo” Klaße. Sie wurde im Jahre 1793 in Venedig gebaut, und war sehr oft im Einsatz bis sie im Jahre 1803 als Gefängnishulk umgebaut wurde. Im Jahre 1805 nahm sie an Venedigs Hafenverteidigung teil, aber am 19. Januar 1806 wurde sie von den italenischen Waffenverbündeten Frankreichs beschlagnahmt.

9.) “S.M.S. Enea” was the 9th member of the “S.M.S. Colloredo” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian wooden sailing chebeks. She was built in Venice in 1795, and had very active service until being converted into a hulk in 1803. She was surrendered to Napoleonic France’s Italian allies on January 19, 1806.

Die Segelschebeke “S.M.S. Enea” war das neunte Mitglied der “S.M.S. Colloredo” Klaße. Sie wurde im Jahre 1795 in Venedig gebaut, und war sehr oft im Einsatz bis sie im Jahre 1803 als Hulk umgebaut wurde. Am 19. Januar 1806 wurde sie von den italienischen Waffenverbündeten Frankreichs beschlagnahmt.

10.) “S.M.S. Intrepido” was the 10th member of the “S.M.S. Colloredo” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian wooden sailing chebeks. She was armed with 18 cannon, and was built in Venice in 1794. She was surrendered to Napoleonic France’s Italian allies on January 19, 1806.

Die Segelschebeke “S.M.S. Intrepido” war das zehnte Mitglied der “S.M.S. Colloredo” Klaße. Sie war mit 18 Kanonen bewaffnet, und wurde im Jahre 1794 in Venedig gebaut. Am 19. Januar 1806 wurde sie von den italienischen Waffenverbündeten Frankreichs beschlagnahmt.

11.) “S.M.S. Lampo” was the 11th member of the “S.M.S. Colloredo” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian wooden sailing chebeks. She was armed with 12 cannon, and was built in Venice in 1795. She was surrendered to Napoleonic France’s Italian allies on January 19, 1806.

Die Segelschebeke “S.M.S. Lampo” war das elfte Mitglied der “S.M.S. Colloredo” Klaße, wurde in Venedig gebaut und war mit 12 Kanonen bewaffnet. Am 19. Januar 1806 wurde sie von den italienischen Waffenverbündeten Frankreichs beschlagnahmt.

12.) “S.M.S. Nord” was the 12th member of the “S.M.S. Colloredo” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian wooden sailing chebeks, and the first member of this class to have a German name. “Nord” is the German word for “North.” She was built in Venice in 1794, and had active service until being scrapped in 1803.

Die Segelschebeke “S.M.S. Nord” war das zwölfte Mitglied der “S.M.S. Colloredo” Klaße. Sie wurde in Venedig im Jahre 1794 gebaut, und wurde im Jahre 1803 verschrottet.

13.) “S.M.S. Prudente” was the 13th member of the “S.M.S. Colloredo” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian wooden sailing chebeks. She was built in Venice in 1793, was armed with 8 cannon, and was used to help block the harbor entrance into Venice in 1805. She was surrendered to Napoleonic France’s Italian allies on January 19, 1806.

Die Segelschebeke “S.M.S. Prudente” war das dreizehnte Mitglied der “S.M.S. Colloredo” Klaße. Sie wurde im Jahre 1793 in Venedig gebaut, war mit acht Kanonen bewaffnet, und verteidigte im Jahre 1805 den Hafen von Venedig. Am 19. Januar 1806 wurde sie von den italienischen Waffenverbündeten Frankreichs beschlagnahmt.

14.) “S.M.S. Re Pirro” was the 14th member of the “S.M.S. Colloredo” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian wooden sailing chebeks, and was also armed with 14 cannon. She was built in Venice in 1789, and had a very active naval career filled with convoy, courier and transport duties. She was surrendered to Napoleonic France’s Italian allies on January 19, 1806. In 1849, she was still active – albeit as a civilian commerce vessel (an impressive 60 years after her launching).

Die Segelschebeke “S.M.S. Re Pirro” war das vierzehnte Mitglied der “S.M.S. Colloredo” Klaße. Sie war mit 14 Kanonen bewaffnet, wurde im Jahre 1789 in Venedig gebaut, und war als Geleitfahrzeug sowie als Transportfahrzeug sehr aktiv. Am 19. Januar 1806 wurde sie von den italienischen Waffenverbündeten Frankreichs beschlagnahmt. Im Jahre 1849 war sie immer noch als Handelsfahrzeug unterwegs – 60 Jahre nach dem Stapellauf.

15.) “S.M.S. Staffeta” was the 15th member of the “S.M.S. Colloredo” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian wooden sailing chebeks, and was armed with 8 cannon. In 1805, she was used to help block the harbor entrance into Venice. She was surrendered to Napoleonic France’s Italian allies on January 19, 1806.

Die Segelschebeke “S.M.S. Staffeta” war das fünfzehnte Mitglied der “S.M.S. Colloredo” Klaße. Sie war mit acht Kanonen bewaffnet, und im Jahre 1805 verteidigte sie den Hafen von Venedig. Am 19. Januar 1806 wurde sie von den italienischen Waffenverbündeten Frankreichs beschlagnahmt.

16.) “S.M.S. Tigre” was the 16th member of the “S.M.S. Colloredo” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian wooden sailing chebeks, and was commissioned into the Austrian navy in July 1797. She was built in Venice, and entered active duty service off the coast of Dalmatia. “Tigre” is the Italian word for “tiger.”

Die Segelschebeke “S.M.S. Tigre” war das sechszehnte Mitglied der “S.M.S. Colloredo” Klaße, und wurde im Juli 1797 getauft. Sie wurde in Venedig gebaut, und diente an der Küste von Dalmatien in Kroatien.

17.) “S.M.S. Tritone” was the 17th member of the “S.M.S. Colloredo” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian wooden sailing chebeks, and was armed with 18 cannon. She was built in Venice, and was commissioned into the Austrian navy in July 1797. She served off the coast of Dalmatia, and was used to blockade the harbor entrance into Venice in 1805. She was surrendered to Napoleonic France’s Italian allies on January 19, 1806.

Die Segelschebeke “S.M.S. Tritone” war das siebzehnte Mitglied der “S.M.S. Colloredo” Klaße. Sie war mit 18 Kanonen bewaffnet, wurde in Venedig gebaut, und wurde im Juli 1797 getauft. Sie diente hauptsächlich an der Küste von Dalmatien in Kroatien, verteidigte aber im Jahre 1805 den Hafen von Venedig. Am 19. Januar 1806 wurde sie von den italienischen Waffenverbündeten Frankreichs beschlagnahmt.

18.) “S.M.S. Trionfante” was the 18th member of the “S.M.S. Colloredo” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian wooden sailing chebeks, and was armed with 3 cannon. She was built in Venice, and was commissioned into the Austrian navy in July 1797. She served off the coast of Dalmatia, and was scrapped by 1803.

Die Segelschebeke “S.M.S. Trionfante” war das achtzehnte Mitglied der “S.M.S. Colloredo” Klaße. Sie war mit drei Kanonen bewaffnet, wurde in Venedig gebaut, und wurde im Juli 1797 getauft. Sie diente an der Küste von Dalmatien in Kroatien, und wurde im Jahre 1803 verschrottet.

19.) “S.M.S. Arzilio” was the 19th named member of the “S.M.S. Colloredo” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian wooden sailing chebeks, and was built in Venice in 1797. She was scrapped by 1803.

Die Segelschebeke “S.M.S. Arzilio” war das neunzehnte genannte Mitglied der “S.M.S. Colloredo” Klaße. Sie wurde im Jahre 1797 in Venedig gebaut, und wurde im Jahre 1803 verschrottet.

20.) “S.M.S. Proserpina” was the 20th named member of the “S.M.S. Colloredo” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian wooden sailing chebeks, and was armed with 3 cannon. She was commissioned into the Austrian navy in July 1797, and initially served off the coast of Dalmatia. She was confiscated almost immediately by the French Navy, and was held by them until December 30, 1797 – when she was recaptured by the Austrians. She was sold to civilian owners in 1803, then came into the Italian Navy allied to Napoleonic France, and was once again returned to Austria on April 25, 1814.

Die Segelschebeke “S.M.S. Proserpina” war das zwanzigste genannte Mitglied der “S.M.S. Colloredo” Klaße, und war mit drei Kanonen bewaffnet. Sie wurde im Juli 1797 getauft, und wurde bis zum 30. Dezember 1797 von den Franzosen unter Beschlagnahme gehalten, als sie dann von der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine befreit wurde. Im Jahre 1803 wurde sie als Handelsfahrzeug verkauft, wurde aber kurz danach von den italienischen Waffenverbündeten Frankreichs beschlagnahmt. Am 25. April 1814 wurde sie endlich wieder österreichisch.

21.) “S.M.S. Chasteler” was the 21st named member of the “S.M.S. Colloredo” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian wooden sailing chebeks, and was armed with 16 cannon. She was a former merchant vessel, taken into the Austrian navy and armed as a “corsair” to attack enemy merchant shipping. She served in this capacity from July until November of 1799, after which she was sold back to her civilian owners.

Die Segelschebeke “S.M.S. Chasteler” war das einundzwanzigste genannte Mitglied der “S.M.S. Colloredo” Klaße, und war mit 16 Kanonen bewaffnet. Sie war ein ehemaliges Handelsfahrzeug, und diente zwischen Juli und November 1799 als Korsar bei der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine. Danach wurde sie wieder als Handelsfahrzeug verkauft.

22.) “S.M.S. D’Aspre” was the 22nd named member of the “S.M.S. Colloredo” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian wooden sailing chebeks, and was armed with 6 cannon. She was a former merchantman, purchased by the Austrian navy for use as a “corsair,” to raid enemy merchant shipping. She served in this capacity for the brief period from July until November of 1799, after which she was sold back to her civilian owners.

Die Segelschebeke “S.M.S. D’Aspre” war das zweiundzwanzigste genannte Mitglied der “S.M.S. Colloredo” Klaße, und war mit sechs Kanonen bewaffnet. Sie hatte eine Lebensgeschichte die der ihres Schwesternfahrzeuges “S.M.S. Chasteler” sehr ähnlich war.

23.) “S.M.S. Melas” was the 23rd named member of the “S.M.S. Colloredo” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian wooden sailing chebeks, and was armed with 3 cannon. She was a former merchantman, purchased by the Austrian navy for use as a “corsair,” to raid enemy merchant shipping. She served in this capacity for the brief period from July until November of 1799. On December 25, 1799, she became part of the Imperial and Royal Austrian “Flottilla of the Riviera,” with coastal patrol and convoy duties in the Ligurian Sea. The Italian Riviera is East of the French Riviera, and North of the Island of Corsica.

Die Segelschebeke “S.M.S. Melas” war das dreiundzwanzigste genannte Mitglied der “S.M.S. Colloredo” Klaße, und war mit drei Kanonen bewaffnet. Sie hatte eine Lebensgeschichte die der ihres Schwesternfahrzeuges “S.M.S. Chasteler” sehr ähnlich war, aber ab den 25. Dezember 1799 gehörte sie zur ligurischen “Rivierenflottille” der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine.

24.) “S.M.S. Suwaroff” was the 24th named member of the “S.M.S. Colloredo” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian wooden sailing chebeks, and was armed with 3 cannon. She was a former merchantman, purchased by the Austrian navy for use as a “corsair,” to raid enemy merchant shipping. She served in this capacity for the brief period from July until November of 1799, after which she was sold back to her civilian owners. She was also stationed in Livorno on the Ligurian Sea, in the Grand Duchy of Tuscany. The Grand Duchy of Tuscany was initially ruled by the Medici family (related to the Borromeo family of Milan, Italy and to the Vitaliani family of Padua, Italy) from 1569 until 1737. It then passed to the Habsburg-Lothringen Dynasty, where it remained until 1860. The Grand Duchy of Tuscany is still rightfully claimed by the House of Habsburg-Lothringen.

Die Segelschebeke “S.M.S. Suwaroff” war das vierundzwanzigste genannte Mitglied der “S.M.S. Colloredo” Klaße, und war mit drei Kanonen bewaffnet. Sie hatte eine Lebensgeschichte die der ihres Schwesternfahrzeuges “S.M.S. Melas” sehr ähnlich war. Die “Rivierenflottille” der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine war in Livorno stationiert. Livorno und Ligurien gehörte zum Großherzogtum Toskana. Von 1569 bis 1737 beherrschte die Familie Medici das Großherzogtum Toskana. Ab 1737 gehörte Toskana zum Adelshaus Habsburg-Lothringen.

25.) “S.M.S. Monnier” was the 25th named member of the “S.M.S. Colloredo” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian wooden sailing chebeks, and was armed with 4 cannon. She was initially a Neapolitan merchantman (the Kingdom of Naples endured from 1285 until 1816), until the French Navy converted her into a “corsair” in 1799. She was captured by the Austrian navy on November 14, 1799.

Die Segelschebeke “S.M.S. Monnier” war das fünfundzwanzigste genannte Mitglied der “S.M.S. Colloredo” Klaße, und war mit vier Kanonen bewaffnet. Ursprünglich war sie ein Handelsfahrzeug aus Neapel. Im Jahre 1799 wurde sie als Korsar von den Franzosen beschlagnahmt, aber am 14. November 1799 wurde sie von der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine beschlagnahmt.

26.) “S.M.S. Eugenio” was the 26th and final named member of the “S.M.S. Colloredo” class of Imperial and Royal Austrian wooden sailing chebeks, and was armed with 5 cannon. Initially, she belonged to the Italian allies of Napoleonic France. The Austrian navy captured her on April 25, 1814 and then sold to civilian owners in August 1814.

Die Segelschebeke “S.M.S. Eugenio” war das sechsundzwanzigste und letzte genannte Mitglied der “S.M.S. Colloredo” Klaße, und war mit fünf Kanonen bewaffnet. Ursprünglich gehörte sie zu den italienischen Waffenverbündeten Frankreichs.  Am 25. April 1814 wurde sie von der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine beschlagnahmt, und im August 1814 als Handelsfahrzeug verkauft.

XIII (23) Austro-Venetian Marteganes (for which exact tonnage is not available)

A “martegane” (same name in German, but capitalized like all German nouns) was a sharply built wooden sailing vessel of about 110 tons displacement, and with 2 to 3 masts. Marteganes were similar to chebeks, but with fuller forms. They were armed with anywhere from 4 to 14 light cannon, and had a crew of 27 to 70 commissioned officers and enlisted men.

Eine Segelmartegane (”Martegana” auf italienisch) ist ein scharf gebauter Segler von etwa 110 Tonnen Einsatzverdrängung, mit zwei bis drei Masten und Lateinsegeln, manchmal auch mit Klüver. Eine Segelmartegane ist einer Segelschebeke sehr ähnlich, mit 12 bis 14 Kanonen bewaffnet und mit einer Besatzung von 40 bis 70 Offiziere und Matrosen.

1.) “S.M.S. Julie” was was armed with 4 cannon, and was formerly a French vessel. The Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy captured her from the Napoleonic French Navy on November 14, 1799. She was lost in a storm off the coast of Ancona on August 8, 1800.

Die Segelmartegane “S.M.S. Julie” war mit vier Kanonen bewaffnet, und wurde am 14. November 1799 von den Franzosen beschlagnahmt. Am 8. August 1800 wurde sie in einem Sturm vor Ancona versenkt.

2.) “S.M.S. Nereide” was armed with 14 cannon, and was also captured from the Napoleonic French Navy on November 14, 1799. She had been launched by the French in the port of Marseilles in 1787. The Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy renamed her “S.M.S. Teti” on February 13, 1802, and assigned her to convoy duties. She was surrendered to Napoleonic France’s Italian allies on January 19, 1806.

Die Segelmartegane “S.M.S. Nereide” war mit 14 Kanonen bewaffnet, und wurde auch am 14. November 1799 von den Franzosen beschlagnahmt. Sie lief im Jahre 1787 in Marseilles vom Stapel, und wurde am 13. Februar 1802 als die “S.M.S. Teti” umbenannt. Danach diente sie als Geleitfahrzeug, bis sie am 19. Januar 1806 von den italienischen Waffenverbündeten Frankreichs beschlagnahmt wurde.

3.) “S.M.S. Teti” was armed with 14 cannon, and was also originally part of the French Navy. She had been launched in Marseilles in 1792, and was taken over by the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy on November 14, 1799. She was initially assigned to port defense and convoy duties. She was renamed “S.M.S. Nereide” on February 13, 1802 (thus exchanging names with martegane number 2 on my list). She was used as a transport vessel until she was surrendered to Napoleonic France’s Italian allies on January 19, 1806.

Die Segelmartegane “S.M.S. Teti” war mit 14 Kanonen bewaffnet, und lief im Jahre 1792 in Marseilles vom Stapel. Am 14. November 1799 wurde sie von der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine beschlagnahmt, und diente danach als Hafenverteidiger sowie als Geleitfahrzeug. Am 13. Februar 1802 wurde sie als die “S.M.S. Nereide” umbenannt, und hatte dadurch ihren Patennamen mit ihrem Schwesterfahrzeug “S.M.S. Teti” gewechselt. Sie wurde dann als Transportfahrzeug benutzt, bis sie am 19. Januar 1806 von den italienischen Waffenverbündeten Frankreichs beschlagnahmt wurde.

4.) “S.M.S. Leggera” had a brief life in the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy. Initially, she belonged to the Italian allies of Napoleonic France. The Austrians obtained her on March 25, 1814 and then sold her to new civilian owners in August 1814.

Die Segelmartegane “S.M.S. Leggera” wurde am 25. März 1814 von den italienischen Waffenverbündeten Frankreichs beschlagnahmt, und wurde im August 1814 von der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine Österreichs als Handelsfahrzeug verkauft.

XIII (24) Austro-Venetian Feluccas (for which exact tonnage is not available)

A “felucca” (called a “Feluke” in German) was similar to a small wooden sailing galley. It was a smaller and flatter vessel, with 2 masts, a rudder and no upper deck. They were used for guarding and defending lagoons and coastal areas.

Eine Segelfeluke (”Felucca” auf italienisch) ist einer Segelgaleere ähnlich, ist aber kleiner und flachgehender. Sie ist ein zweimastiges Ruderfahrzeug mit lateinischer Hilfsbesegelung aber ohne Oberdeck. Segelfeluken wurden hauptsächlich im Wachdienst und Stationsdienst in Lagunengebieten und in Küstengewässern eingesetzt.

1.) “S.M.S. Guardiamarina” was armed with 2 cannon, and was commissioned in Triest in 1753. She was part of the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy until she was sold to civilian owners in 1773.

Die Segelfeluke “S.M.S. Guardiamarina” war mit zwei Kanonen bewaffnet, und wurde im Jahre 1753 in Triest getauft. Im Jahre 1773 wurde sie als Handelsfahrzeug verkauft.

2.) “S.M.S. Fenice” was a former merchant vessel, armed with 4 cannon and built in 1793. The Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy did not keep her long, and she was sold back to civilian owners in early 1798.

Die Segelfeluke “S.M.S. Fenice” war ein ehemaliges Handelsfahrzeug, und war mit vier Kanonen bewaffnet. Sie wurde im Jahre 1793 gebaut, und wurde im Jahre 1798 wieder als Handelsfahrzeug verkauft.

3.) “S.M.S. Lepre” was an identical sister ship of “S.M.S. Fenice,” and had the same historical dates within the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy.

Die Segelfeluke “S.M.S. Lepre” hatte eine Lebensgeschichte die der ihres Schwesternfahrzeuges “S.M.S. Fenice” sehr ähnlich war.

4.) “S.M.S. Angelica” was armed with 2 cannon and was built in Venice in 1797. She served off the coast of Dalmatia, and was surrendered to Napoleonic France’s Italian allies on January 19, 1806.

Die Segelfeluke “S.M.S. Angelica” war mit zwei Kanonen bewaffnet, und wurde im Jahre 1797 in Venedig gebaut. Sie diente an der Küste von Dalmatien in Kroatien, bis sie am 19. Januar 1806 von den italienischen Waffenverbündeten Frankreichs beschlagnahmt wurde.

5.) “S.M.S. Bissa” was also armed with 2 cannon, and was built in Venice in 1797. She also served off the coast of Dalmatia (Croatia), and was scrapped by 1805.

Die Segelfeluke “S.M.S. Bissa” war mit zwei Kanonen bewaffnet, und wurde im Jahre 1797 in Venedig gebaut. Sie diente an der Küste von Dalmatien in Kroatien, bis sie im Jahre 1805 verschrottet wurde.

6.) “S.M.S. Costanza” was armed with 2 cannon, and was built in Venice in 1797. She served off the coast of Dalmatia, Croatia, and in convoy duties as well. She was surrendered to Napoleonic France’s Italian allies on January 19, 1806, and was finally returned to Austria on April 25, 1814. She was scrapped in 1816.

Die Segelfeluke “S.M.S. Costanza” war mit zwei Kanonen bewaffnet, und wurde im Jahre 1797 in Venedig gebaut. Sie diente als Geleitfahrzeug an der Küste von Dalmatien in Kroatien. Am 19. Januar 1806 wurde sie von den italienischen Waffenverbündeten Frankreichs beschlagnahmt, und wurde erst am 25. April 1814 wieder österreichisch. Im Jahre 1816 wurde sie verschrottet.

7.) “S.M.S. Deifobe” was armed with 2 cannon, and was built in Venice in 1797. She served off the coast of Dalmatia, Croatia and was scrapped in 1805.

Die Segelfeluke “S.M.S. Deifobe” hatte eine Lebensgeschichte die der ihres Schwesternfahrzeuges “S.M.S. Bissa” sehr ähnlich war.

8.) “S.M.S. Diana” was armed with 3 cannon, and was built in Venice in 1797. She also served off the Dalmatian coast, and was surrendered to the Italian allies of Napoleonic France on January 19, 1806.

Die Segelfeluke “S.M.S. Diana” war mit drei Kanonen bewaffnet, und wurde im Jahre 1797 in Venedig gebaut. Am 19. Januar wurde sie von den italienischen Waffenverbündeten Frankreichs beschlagnahmt.

9.) “S.M.S Espedita” was armed with 2 cannon, and was built in Venice in 1789. She served off the Dalmatian coast of Croatia (part of the Kingdom of Hungary within the old Habsburg Empire), and was scrapped in 1805.

Die Segelfeluke “S.M.S. Espedita” war mit zwei Kanonen bewaffnet, und wurde im Jahre 1789 in Venedig gebaut. Sie diente an der Küste von Dalmatien in Kroatien bis sie im Jahre 1805 verschrottet wurde.

10.) “S.M.S. Forte” was armed with 2 cannon, and was built in Venice in 1797. She also served off the Dalmatian coast of Croatia, and was scrapped by 1805.

Die Segelfeluke “S.M.S. Forte” war mit zwei Kanonen bewaffnet, und wurde im Jahre 1797 in Venedig gebaut. Sie diente an der Küste von Dalmatien in Kroatien, und wurde im Jahre 1805 verschrottet.

11.) “S.M.S. Iride” was armed with 2 cannon, and was built in Venice in 1797. She served off the Dalmatian coast of Croatia, and was surrendered to the Italian allies of Napoleonic France on January 19, 1806.

Die Segelfeluke “S.M.S. Iride” war mit zwei Kanonen bewaffnet, und wurde im Jahre 1797 in Venedig gebaut. Sie diente an der Küste von Dalmatien in Kroatien, und wurde am 19. Januar 1806 von den italienischen Waffenverbündeten Frankreichs beschlagnahmt.

12.) “S.M.S. Mora” was armed with 3 cannon, and was built in Venice in 1797. She also served off the Dalmatian coast of Hungary, as a station ship and in convoy duties to protect Austrian commercial shipping from enemy attacks. She was sold in 1809.

Die Segelfeluke “S.M.S. Mora” war mit drei Kanonen bewaffnet, und wurde im Jahre 1797 in Venedig gebaut. Sie diente als Stationsfahrzeug sowie als Geleitfahrzeug an der Küste von Dalmatien in Kroatien, und wurde im Jahre 1809 als Handelsfahrzeug verkauft.

13.) “S.M.S. Pratica” was armed with 2 cannon, and was built in Venice in 1797. She served off the Dalmatian coast of Croatia, and was surrendered to the Italian allies of Napoleonic France on January 19, 1806. The first so-called “Kingdom of Italy” was merely a puppet state of France, ruled by Napoleon Bonaparte and his relatives.

Die Segelfeluke “S.M.S. Pratica” war mit zwei Kanonen bewaffnet, und wurde im Jahre 1797 in Venedig gebaut. Sie diente an der Küste von Dalmatien in Kroatien, und wurde am 19. Januar 1806 von den italienischen Waffenverbündeten Frankreichs beschlagnahmt.

14.). “S.M.S. Prudenza” was armed with 2 cannon, and was built in Venice in 1797. She served off the Dalmatian coast of Croatia, and was surrendered to the Italian allies of Napoleonic France on January 19, 1806.

Die Segelfeluke “S.M.S. Prudenza” hatte eine Lebensgeschichte die der ihres Schwesternfahrzeuges “S.M.S. Pratica” sehr ähnlich war.

15.) “S.M.S. Ragno” was armed with 2 cannon, and was built in Venice in 1797. She too served off the Dalmatian coast of Croatia, and was scrapped in 1805.

Die Segelfeluke “S.M.S. Ragno” war mit zwei Kanonen bewaffnet, und wurde im Jahre 1797 in Venedig gebaut. Sie diente an der Küste von Dalmatien in Kroatien, und wurde im Jahre 1805 verschrottet.

16.) “S.M.S. Riguardo” was armed with 2 cannon, and was built in Venice in 1797. She served off the Dalmatian coast of Croatia, and was scrapped in 1802.

Die Segelfeluke “S.M.S. Riguardo” war mit zwei Kanonen bewaffnet, und wurde im Jahre 1797 in Venedig gebaut. Sie diente an der Küste von Dalmatien in Kroatien, und wurde im Jahre 1802 verschrottet.

17.). “S.M.S. Rondinella” was armed with 2 cannon, and was built in Venice in 1797. She was based in the Dalmatian port of Sebenico (called “Sibenik” in modern Croatia), and was active both as a station ship and in convoy duties to protect Austrian commercial shipping from enemy attacks. She was surrendered to the Italian allies of Napoleonic France on January 19, 1806. The Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy recaptured her on July 21, 1809, and then sold her to France in November 1809. She was lost in a storm off the coast of Fiume (”Sankt Veit am Pflaumb” in German and “Rijeka” in modern Croatia) in 1810.

Die Segelfeluke “S.M.S. Rondinella” war mit zwei Kanonen bewaffnet, und wurde im Jahre 1797 in Venedig gebaut. Sie war im Hafen von Sibenning (”Sebenico” auf italienisch, und heute “Sibenik” in Kroatien) stationiert, und diente als Stationsfahrzeug sowie als Geleitfahrzeug. Am 19. Januar 1806 wurde sie von den italienischen Waffenverbündeten Frankreichs beschlagnahmt, und wurde am 21. Juli 1809 von der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine zurückerobert. Im Jahre 1810 strandete sie in einem Sturm vor Sankt Veit am Pflaumb (”Fiume” auf italienisch und heute “Rijeka” in Kroatien).

18.) “S.M.S. Tremenda” was armed with 2 cannon, and was built in Venice in 1797. She served off the Dalmatian coast of Croatia, and was scrapped in 1804.

Die Segelfeluke “S.M.S. Tremenda” war mit zwei Kanonen bewaffnet, und wurde im Jahre 1797 in Venedig gebaut. Sie diente an der Küste von Dalmatien in Kroatien, und wurde im Jahre 1804 verschrottet.

19.) “S.M.S. Vigilanza” was armed with 2 cannon, and was built in Venice in 1797. She served in convoy and station duties, and was surrendered to the Italian allies of Napoleonic France on January 19, 1806.

Die Segelfeluke “S.M.S. Vigilanza” war mit zwei Kanonen bewaffnet, und wurde im Jahre 1797 in Venedig gebaut. Sie diente als Geleitfahrzeug sowie als Stationsfahrzeug, und wurde am 19. Januar 1806 von den italienischen Waffenverbündeten Frankreichs beschlagnahmt.

20.) “S.M.S. Lovis” was armed with 2 cannon, and was a former merchantman. She was armed as a “corsair” in Livorno in July 1799, and partook in a war on commerce in the Ligurian Sea. She was sold back to her civilian owners in November 1799.

Die Segelfeluke “S.M.S. Lovis” war mit zwei Kanonen bewaffnet, und war ein ehemaliges Handelsfahrzeug. Sie wurde im Juli 1799 in Livorno as Korsar umgebaut, und diente im Handelskrieg im ligurischen Meer bis sie im November 1799 wieder als Handelsfahrzeug verkauft wurde.

21.) “S.M.S. Langhendone” was armed with 2 cannon, and was also a former merchantman. She was armed as a “corsair” in July 1799, and also partook in a war on commercial shipping in the Ligurian Sea. She was sold back to her civilian owners in November 1799.

Die Segelfeluke “S.M.S. Langhendone” hatte eine Lebensgeschichte die der ihres Schwesternfahrzeuges “S.M.S. Lovis” sehr ähnlich war.

22.) “S.M.S. Citta del Gand” was armed with 2 cannon, and was another former merchantman. She was also converted into a “corsair” in July 1799, and partook in the war against commercial shipping in the Ligurian Sea until November 1799 – when she was sold back to her civilian owners. She was named after the city of Ghent in the Flemish Netherlands.

Die Segelfeluke “S.M.S. Citta del Gand” hatte eine Lebensgeschichte die der ihres Schwesternfahrzeuges “S.M.S. Lovis” sehr ähnlich war.

23.) “S.M.S. La Peppina” was yet another former merchantman purchased by the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy. She became part of the Imperial and Royal Flottilla of the (Italian) Riviera on February 3, 1800. She was sold back to her civilian owners in July 1800, after having partook in the war against commercial shipping in the Ligurian Sea.

Die Segelfeluke “S.M.S. La Peppina” war ein ehemaliges Handelsfahrzeug, das von der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine gekauft wurde. Vom 3. Februar 1800 bis Juli 1800 gehörte sie zur Rivierenflottille der K.u.K. Kriegsmarine, wo sie im Handelskrieg im ligurischen Meer teilnahm. Danach wurde sie wieder als Handelsfahrzeug verkauft.

24.) “S.M.S. Melas” was armed with 6 cannon, and was another former merchantman “purchased” by the Austrian Navy, or better yet, by one of her officers. In April 1800, she was converted into a “corsair” by the Austrian Linienschiffsleutnant Schram (at his own personal expense!). She thus served as the flagship of the “Corsair Flottilla” of the Ligurian Sea. She partook in blockade, convoy and transport duties.

Die Segelfeluke “S.M.S. Melas” war mit sechs Kanonen bewaffnet, und war auch ein ehemaliges Handelsfahrzeug. Im April 1800 wurde sie von dem Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Linienschiffsleutnant (gleich einem Korvettenkapitän bei der Deutschen Marine) Schram persönlich gekauft, und als Korsar umgebaut. Sie diente als Flaggschiff der K.u.K. Korsarenflottille im ligurischen Meer.

25.) “S.M.S. Mora” was laid down in Venice in 1811, and launched in 1812. On December 5, 1813 she was captured from the Italian allies of Napoleonic France, and stationed in the Dalmatian port of Zara by the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy. She was scrapped by 1817.

Die Segelfeluke “S.M.S. Mora” wurde im Jahre 1811 in Venedig auf Kiel gelegt, und lief im 1812 vom Stapel. Ursprünglich gehörte sie dem italienischen Waffenverbündeten Frankreichs. Am 5. Dezember 1813 wurde sie von der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine beschlagnahmt, und wurde im Jahre 1817 verschrottet.

26.) “S.M.S. Volpe” was armed with 5 cannon, laid down in Venice in 1811 and launched in 1812. On April 25, 1814 the Italian allies of Napoleonic France surrendered her to the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy. She was scrapped by 1823.

Die Segelfeluke “S.M.S. Volpe” war mit fünf Kanonen bewaffnet, wurde im Jahre 1811 in Venedig auf Kiel gelegt, und lief im 1812 vom Stapel. Ursprünglich gehörte sie dem italienischen Waffenverbündeten Frankreichs. Am 25. April 1814 wurde sie von der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine beschlagnahmt, und wurde im Jahre 1823 verschrottet.

27.) “S.M.S. Spedita” was a former merchantman, taken as a prize from the Italian allies of Napoleonic France by Austria in 1813. She was stationed on the Dalmatian coast of Croatia.

Die Segelfeluke “S.M.S. Spedita” war ein ehemaliges Handelsfahrzeug der italienischen Waffenverbündeten Frankreichs, und wurde im Jahre 1813 von der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine beschlagnahmt. Danach diente sie an der Küste von Dalmatien in Kroatien.

28.) “S.M.S. Fortunata” was the final named Imperial and Royal Austrian wooden sailing felucca. She was commissioned at least by 1815 and served until 1841 in the Austrian naval base of Venice (called “Venedig” in German).

Die “S.M.S. Fortunata” war die letzte genannte Segelfeluke der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine. Sie wurde im Jahre 1815 getauft und diente bis 1841 im österreichischen Hafen von Venedig.

XIII (25) Austro-Venetian Brazzeras

A “brazzera” (called a “Brazzere” in German) was a small wooden sailing vessel originally intended for use as a fishing boat. They were anywhere from 10 to 100 tons in total displacement, and came from the Island of Brazza (now known by its Croatian name of “Brac” on the Eastern side of the Adriatic Sea). They normally had 2 masts, but those from Istria had just one mast. The Istrian Peninsula is now shared by 3 countries, including Croatia, Slovenia and Italy. In Italy (on the Western side of the Adriatic Sea), they were called “Tartana” vessels. Please see the following section on the “Tartana.”

Eine Segelbrazzere (”Brazzara” auf italienisch) ist ein kleines Segel-Fischerfahrzeug mit einer Einsatzverdrängung zwischen 10 und 100 Tonnen, ein Typ der von der Insel Brazza (in Dalmatien in Kroatien) stammt. Es hat zwei Masten mit Lateinsegeln und Klüver, aber in Istrien (”Küstenland” auf deutsch) hat es nur einen Mast mit Lateinsegel. In Italien wird eine Segelbrazzere eine Segeltartana genannt.

1.) “S.M.S. Corriere” was a former civilian vessel, purchased by the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy in Venice in August 1799. She was used for convoy and patrol duties, and was sold back to her civilian owners in 1802. Tonnage unknown.

Die Segelbrazzere “S.M.S. Corriere” war ein ehemaliges Zivilfischerfahrzeug, das im August 1799 von der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine gekauft wurde. Sie wurde als Geleitfahrzeug sowie als Patrouillenfahrzeug benutzt, und sie wurde im Jahre 1802 wieder als Zivilfischerfahrzeug verkauft. Wir wissen leider nicht, wie groß sie war.

2.) “S.M.S. Lepre” was also a former civilian vessel, purchased by the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy in January 1800. She was used for convoy duties, until being surrendered to the Italian allies of Napoleonic France on January 19, 1806. She displaced just 15 tons. She was built out of oak, was armed with 2 cannon (both 6-Pounders) and had a crew of just 12 officers and men.

Die Segelbrazzere “S.M.S. Lepre” war auch ein ehemaliges Zivilfischerfahrzeug, das im Januar 1800 von der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine gekauft wurde. Sie wurde als Geleitfahrzeug benutzt, bis sie am 19. Januar 1806 von den italienischen Waffenverbündeten Frankreichs beschlagnahmt wurde. Sie hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 15 Tonnen, war aus Eichenholz gebaut, war mit zwei Sechs-Pfunder bewaffnet, und sie hatte eine Besatzung von 12 Offiziere und Matrosen.

XIII (26) Austro-Venetian Tartanas (for which exact tonnage is not available)

A “tartana” is similar to a “brazzera” fishing boat of the Adriatic Sea. The former was found on the Italian (Western) side, whereas the latter was found on the Dalmatian (Eastern side). Among the Italian boats, the average-sized ones (those from 40 to 70 tons displacement) were called “tartana.” The larger ones (those from 70 to 100 tons displacement) were called “tartanone,” whereas the smallest ones (those from 10 to 40 tons displacement) were called “tartanella.” I am most intrigued by this, because the horse-drawn carts manufactured by my Cebu City, Philippines great-grandfather José Maria Borromeo y Galan (1847-1930) were called “Tartanilla.” This is merely the Spanish word for the Italian “Tartanella.” The Philippines were of course a Spanish Crown Colony from 1521-1898, after which they were annexed by the United States, which held them from 1898-1946.

Eine Segeltartana ist einer Segelbrazzere sehr ähnlich. Eine Segeltartana ist eine Segelbrazzere, die aus Italien und Istrien (”Küstenland” auf deutsch) stammt. Sie werden für Fischereizwecken benutzt, zum Segeln und Rudern, und haben eine Einsatzverdrängung von je zwischen 10 und 100 Tonnen. Eine Segeltartana hat einen, zwei oder drei Masten mit Lateinsegel und zwei Klüvern sowie von 16 bis 20 Riemen. Die kleineren Segeltartanen (mit einer Einsatzverdrängung zwischen 10 und 40 Tonnen) werden “Segeltartanellen” genannt, und die größeren Segeltartanen (mit einer Einsatzverdrängung zwischen 70 und 100 Tonnen) werden “Segeltartanonen” genannt. Auf spanisch heißt Segeltartanella “Tartanilla.” Die Firma meines Ururgroßvaters aus Cebu City, die Philippinen, José Maria Borromeo y Galan (1847-1930) hat Pferdekarren, die “Tartanillas” heißen, von 1879 bis 1933 gebaut. Die Philippinen waren zwischen 1521 und 1898 eine Kronkolonie von Spanien, und das Adelhaus Habsburg beherrschte Spanien bis 1700.

1.) “S.M.S. Madonna della Grazia” was originally part of the Genoese Navy. Genoa is a very important seaport on the Ligurian coast. She was purchased by the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy in 1719, and partook in the occupation of Lipari Island, which is just North of Sicily. Her name means “Mother of Grace” in English.

Die Segeltartana “S.M.S. Madonna della Grazia” gehörte ursprünglich der Kriegsmarine von Genua (in Ligurien). Sie wurde im Jahre 1719 von der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine gekauft, und nahm an der Besatzung von der Insel Lipari (nördlich von Sizilien) teil.

2.) “S.M.S. Chasteler” was armed with 4 cannon, and was a former civilian fishing boat. She was purchased by the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy on December 25, 1799, and was then fitted out (armed) in the port of La Spezia. This is yet another important seaport on the Ligurian coast. She became part of the Austrian “Imperial and Royal Flottilla of the (Italian) Riviera.” Unfortunately, she was sunk by 3 Algerian pirate ships in the Gulf of Taranto on July 25, 1800. Taranto is another important seaport and naval base located in extreme Southern Italy.

Die Segeltartana “S.M.S. Chasteler” war mit vier Kanonen bewaffnet, und war ein ehemaliges Zivilfischerfahrzeug. Am 25. Dezember 1799 wurde sie von der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine gekauft, und wurde im Hafen von La Spezia bewaffnet. Sie gehörte zur K.u.K. Rivierenflottille in Ligurien. Am 25. Juli 1800 wurde sie von drei algerischen Piratenschiffe am Golf von Taranto versenkt.

3.) “S.M.S. Ott” was armed with 6 cannon, and was another former civilian fishing vessel. She was purchased by the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy on December 25, 1799, and was fitted out (armed) in the port of La Spezia on the Ligurian Sea. She was attached to the “Imperial and Royal Flottilla of the (Italian) Riviera” after July 1800.

Die Segeltartana “S.M.S. Ott” war mit sechs Kanonen bewaffnet, und war auch ein ehemaliges Zivilfischerfahrzeug. Am 25. Dezember 1799 wurde sie von der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine gekauft, und wurde im Hafen von La Spezia bewaffnet. Ab Juli 1800 gehörte sie zur K.u.K. Rivierenflottille in Ligurien.

4.) “S.M.S. Querini” was armed with 6 cannon, and was also a former civilian fishing vessel. She had an identical history to her sister ship “S.M.S. Ott.”

Die Segeltartana “S.M.S. Querini” war mit sechs Kanonen bewaffnet, und hatte eine Lebensgeschichte die der ihres Schwesternfahrzeuges “S.M.S. Ott” sehr ähnlich war.

5.) “S.M.S. Isabella” was armed with 20 cannon, and was an already armed civilian fishing vessel when she was purchased by the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy in January 1805. She was fitted out in the Austrian naval base of Triest, and became a convoy lead ship. She was briefly captured as a prize by the enemy from April 13 until April 29, 1809, off the coast of Capodistria (the most important seaport in modern Slovenia, now called “Koper” in Slovene or “Gafers” in German). She was sold back to civilian owners on November 8, 1809.

Die Segeltartana “S.M.S. Isabella” war ein Zivilfischerfahrzeug mit 20 Kanonen bewaffnet, und wurde im Januar 1805 von der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine gekauft. Sie war in Triest stationiert, und diente als Geleitzugflaggschiff. Zwischen den 13. April und den 29. April 1809 wurde sie vor Gafers (”Capodistria” auf italienisch und heute “Koper” in Slowenien) beschlagnahmt. Danach wurde sie von den Österreichern befreit. Am 8. November 1809 wurde sie wieder als Zivilfischerfahrzeug verkauft.

6.) “S.M.S. Aquila” was armed with 16 cannon, and was yet another already armed civilian fishing vessel. She was purchased by the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy, and then fitted out in the base of Triest in July 1805. She served as a convoy lead vessel, and was then sold back to civilian owners in February 1806.

Die Segeltartana “S.M.S. Aquila” war ein Zivilfischerfahrzeug mit 16 Kanonen bewaffnet, und wurde von der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine gekauft. Ab Juli 1805 war sie in Triest stationiert, und sie diente auch als Geleitzugflaggschiff. Im Februar 1806 wurde sie wieder als Zivilfischerfahrzeug verkauft.

7.) “S.M.S. Glorioso” was armed with 10 cannon, and had a very similar history to her sister ship “S.M.S. Aquila.”

Die Segeltartana “S.M.S. Glorioso” war mit zehn Kanonen bewaffnet, und hatte eine Lebensgeschichte die der ihres Schwesternfahrzeuges “S.M.S. Aquila” sehr ähnlich war.

XIII (27) Austro-Venetian Paranzas (for which exact tonnage is not available)

A “paranza” (called a “Paranze” in German) was a small, flat and sharply designed sailing vessel with one mast and a rudder – usually used as a fishing boat. It also had from 8 to 10 oars and 2 small cannon.

Eine Segelparanze (”Paranza” auf italienisch) ist ein kleines, flachgehendes, vorn und achtern scharf gebautes Ruder-und Segelfahrzeug für die Fischerei mit einem Mast und einem Lateinsegel an sehr langer Rah und mit acht bis zehn Rudern sowie zwei kleine Geschütze ausgerüstet.

1.) “S.M.S. Eugene” was armed with 6 cannon, and was a former civilian fishing vessel. She was purchased by the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy, and armed as a “corsair” to attack enemy merchant shipping in the Ligurian Sea in July 1799. She was sold back to her civilian owners in November 1799.

Die Segelparanze “S.M.S. Eugene” war mit sechs Kanonen bewaffnet, und war ein ehemaliges Zivilfischerfahrzeug. Zwischen Juli und November 1799 wurde sie von der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine als Korsar im Handelskrieg im ligurischen Meer benutzt. Danach wurde sie wieder als Zivilfischerfahrzeug verkauft.

2.) “S.M.S. Marianna” was armed with 6 cannon, and had an identical history to her sister ship “S.M.S. Eugene.”

Die Segelparanze “S.M.S. Marianna” war mit sechs Kanonen bewaffnet, und hatte eine Lebensgeschichte die der ihres Schwesternfahrzeuges “S.M.S. Eugene” sehr ähnlich war.

3.) “S.M.S. Klenau” was armed with 3 cannon, and was another former civilian fishing vessel. She was purchased by the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy on December 25, 1799, and was fitted out in the port of La Spezia. She was attached to the “Imperial and Royal Flottilla of the (Italian) Riviera, and partook in convoy duties after August 1800.

Die Segelparanze “S.M.S. Klenau” war mit drei Kanonen bewaffnet, und war auch ein ehemaliges Zivilfischerfahrzeug. Am 25. Dezember 1799 wurde sie von der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine gekauft, und war im Hafen von La Spezia stationiert. Ab August 1800 gehörte sie zur Rivierenflottille der K.u.K. Kriegsmarine, wo sie als Geleitfahrzeug diente.

4.) “S.M.S. Vedetta” was captured from the Italian allies of Napoleonic France on October 29, 1813, and was assigned to transport and station duties within the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy. She was scrapped in 1825.

Die Segelparanze “S.M.S. Vedetta” gehörte ursprünglich dem italienischen Waffenverbündeten Frankreichs, und wurde am 29. Oktober 1813 von der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine beschlagnahmt. Sie wurde als Transportfahrzeug sowie als Stationsfahrzeug benutzt, und wurde im Jahre 1825 verschrottet.

5.) “S.M.S. Agile” was captured either from the Napoleonic forces of France or Italy in 1814, and was assigned to station duties within the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy. She was scrapped in 1817.

Die Segelparanze “S.M.S. Agile” gehörte ursprünglich entweder den Franzosen oder deren italienischen Waffenverbündeten, und wurde im Jahre 1814 von der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine beschlagnahmt. Sie wurde im Jahre 1817 verschrottet.

6.) “S.M.S. Pronta” was captured from the Italian allies of Napoleonic France in 1814, and then briefly assigned to transport duties within the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy. She was sold to civilian owners in August 1814.

Die Segelparanze “S.M.S. Pronta” gehörte ursprünglich den italienischen Waffenverbündeten Frankreichs, und wurde im Jahre 1814 beschlagnahmt. Zuerst wurde sie als Transportfahrzeug benutzt, und dann wurde sie im August 1814 als Zivilfischerfahrzeug verkauft.

7.) “S.M.S. Superiora” was captured from the Italian allies of Napoleonic France in 1809, and then assigned to station duties within the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy. She was scrapped in 1827.

Die Segelparanze “S.M.S. Superiora” wurde im Jahre 1809 von den italienischen Waffenverbündeten erobert, und wurde dann als Stationsfahrzeug bei der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine benutzt. Sie wurde im Jahre 1827 verschrottet.

8.) “S.M.S. Teriscore” was captured from the Italian allies of Napoleonic France in 1814, and then assigned to station duties within the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy. She was scrapped in 1828.

Die Segelparanze “S.M.S. Teriscore” wurde im Jahre 1814 von den italienischen Waffenverbündeten Frankreichs beschlagnahmt, und wurde dann als Stationsfahrzeug bei der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine benutzt. Sie wurde im Jahre 1828 verschrottet.

9.) “S.M.S. Stella” was captured from the Italian allies of Napoleonic France off the port of Ancona in June 1815, and then assigned to station duties within the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy. She was scrapped by 1828.

Die Segelparanze “S.M.S. Stella” wurde im Juni 1815 vor Ancona von den italienischen Waffenverbündeten Frankreichs beschlagnahmt, und wurde dann als Stationsfahrzeug bei der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine benutzt. Sie wurde im Jahre 1828 verschrottet.

XIII (28) Austro-Venetian Bragozzos (for which exact tonnage is not available)

A “bragozzo” (called a “Bragozze” in German) was a small, flat, sailing vessel intended for use as a fishing boat. They had 2 masts, and came from the region of Chioggia (a coastal suburb of Venice).

Eine Segelbragozze (”Bragozzo” auf italienisch) ist ein kleines, flachgehendes Segel-Fischerfahrzeug mit zwei Masten, wovon der kürzere Fockmast Fall nach vorn hat, nur als Fischerfahrzeug ohne Klüversegel. Die Segelbragozzen stammen aus Chioggia bei Venedig.

1.) “S.M.S. Speranza” was a former civilian fishing vessel, captured from the Italian allies of Napoleonic France in November 1805. She was taken into the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy, armed and then served until being sold to civilian owners in 1809.

Die Segelbragozze “S.M.S. Speranza” war eine ehemaliges Zivilfischerfahrzeug, das im Jahre 1805 von den italienischen Waffenverbündeten Frankreichs erobert wurde. Sie wurde im Jahre 1809 wieder als Zivilfischerfahrzeug verkauft.

2.) “S.M.S. Foresto” was a former civilian fishing vessel, purchased from her owners in September 1861. She served very briefly off Miramare Castle in the port of Triest (called “Schloß Miramar” in German), which was owned by the Habsburg Archduke Maximilian. He was a great personal supporter of the Imperial and Austrian Navy, and held the rank of Vice Admiral therein (like a “3 star” Admiral in the U.S. Navy). He briefly served as the Emperor of Mexico from 1864-1867 before being murdered by Mexican rebels.

Die Segelbragozze “S.M.S. Foresto” war ein ehemaliges Zivilfischerfahrzeug, das im September 1861 von der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine gekauft wurde. Sie diente vor Schloß Miramar bei Triest. Schloß Miramar (”Castello di Miramare” auf italienisch) liegt auf einer Felsenklippe der Bucht von Grignano an der Adria etwa fünf Kilometer nordwestlich der Hafenstadt Triest. Das Schloß wurde zwischen 1856 und 1860 von Erzherzog Ferdinand Maximilian von Österreich, den jüngeren Bruder Kaiser Franz Josefs I, und seiner Gattin Charlotte von Belgien erbaut. Architekt und Bauleiter war Carl Junker. Das Schloß und seine Inneneinrichtung sowie die umliegende Parkanlage wurden entsprechend den detaillierten Anweisungen und Vorstellungen des Erzherzogs erbaut und spiegeln in vielen Bereichen die große Liebe Maximilians zum Meer wider. Die Innenausstattung wurde erst 1870, nach dem Tod Ferdinand Maximilians, fertig gestellt. Seit 1955 ist das Schloß als Staatliches Museum für Besucher geöffnet.

XIII (29) Austro-Venetian Avisos (for which exact tonnage is not available)

“Aviso” is a Spanish word, meaning “warning.” The larger avisos evolved into the future sailing corvettes and small cruisers in use before World War One. The smaller avisos (such as the vessels listed below) evolved into the the future dispatch boats, torpedo ships and torpedo boats in use before the First World War.

Eine Segelaviso ist ein schnelles, kleines Kriegsschiff für Nachrichtenübermittlung. Neben späteren Depeschenfahrten diente es auch als Vorposten-, Aufklärungs-und Verbindungsboot. Außerdem fanden Avisos auch als Führungsschiffe und für leichte Kampfaufgaben im späteren Kolonialkrieg Verwendung. Avisos waren normalerweise leicht bewaffnet und ungepanzert.

1.) “S.M.S. Alessandro” was a former civilian vessel, purchased by the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy and armed as a “corsair” in July 1799. She briefly partook in a war on enemy commerce in the Ligurian Sea, before being sold back to civilian owners in November 1799.

Die Segelaviso “S.M.S. Alessandro” war ein ehemaliges Handelsschiff, das im Juli 1799 als bewaffneter Korsar von der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine gekauft wurde. Sie nahm am Handelskrieg im ligurischen Meer teil, bevor sie im November 1799 wieder als Handelsschiff verkauft wurde.

2.) “S.M.S. Principessa di Tourdajo” was armed with 2 cannon, and was another former civilian vessel purchased by the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy in July 1799. She was fitted out as a “corsair,” and then partook in the war on enemy commerce in the Ligurian Sea. She was sold back to civilian owners in November 1799.

Die Segelaviso “S.M.S. Principessa di Tourdajo” war mit zwei Kanonen bewaffnet, und hatte eine Lebensgeschichte die der ihres Schwesternschiffes “S.M.S. Alessandro” sehr ähnlich war.

3.) “S.M.S. Costante” was armed with 6 cannon, and was yet another former civilian vessel purchased by the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy. Her history of service therein was identical to that of “S.M.S. Alessandro” and “S.M.S. Principessa di Tourdajo.”

Die Segelaviso “S.M.S. Costante” war mit sechs Kanonen bewaffnet, und hatte eine Lebensgeschichte die der ihres Schwesternschiffes “S.M.S. Alessandro” sehr ähnlich war.

4.) “S.M.S. Henriette” was armed with 2 cannon, and was a former civilian vessel purchased by the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy in July 1799. She was armed as a “corsair” in the port of Livorno and partook in a war on enemy commerce until being sold back to civilian owners in November 1799.

Die Segelaviso “S.M.S. Henriette” war mit zwei Kanonen bewaffnet, und hatte eine Lebensgeschichte die der ihres Schwesternschiffes “S.M.S. Alessandro” sehr ähnlich war. Sie war im Hafen von Livorno stationiert.

5.) “S.M.S. Cherteler” was armed with 2 cannon, and had a very similar history to her sister ships listed above. She was also sold back to civilian owners in November 1799, after having partook in the war against enemy shipping in the Ligurian Sea. Her home port while in the Imperial and Austrian Navy was Livorno on the Italian Riviera.

Die Segelaviso “S.M.S. Cherteler” war mit zwei Kanonen bewaffnet, und hatte eine Lebensgeschichte die der ihres Schwesternschiffes “S.M.S. Alessandro” sehr ähnlich war. Sie war auch im Hafen von Livorno stationiert.

XIII (30) Austro-Venetian Piroges (for which exact tonnage is not available)

A ”piroge” was a light, flat vessel designed for use in lagoons – commonly made out of one log. It was powered by both sails and 8 oars, and had one mast. It was a very common type of small vessel, and was also used on rivers. These boats were usually assigned to station and customs duties within the navy.

Eine Segelpiroge ist ein leichtes, flaches Lagunenfahrzeug mit Segel-und Riemenantrieb. Es hat einen Mast mit einem Lateinsegel und acht Riemen. Zur Zeit der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine Österreichs waren sie sehr zahlreich, und sie wurden immer wieder als Stationsfahrzeuge sowie als Zolldienstfahrzeuge nachgebaut.

1.) “S.M.S. Bradamante” was laid down in Venice in 1804, launched in 1805 and surrendered to the Italian allies of Napoleonic France on January 19, 1806.

Die Segelpiroge “S.M.S. Bradamante” wurde im Jahre 1804 in Venedig auf Kiel gelegt, und lief im 1805 vom Stapel. Am 19. Januar 1806 wurde sie von den italienischen Waffenverbündeten Frankreichs beschlagnahmt.

2.) “S.M.S. Clorinda” was the 2nd member of the “S.M.S. Bradamante” class, with identical historical dates.

Die Segelpiroge “S.M.S. Clorinda” war das zweite Mitglied der “S.M.S. Bradamante” Klaße, und hatte eine Lebensgeschichte die der ihres Schwesternfahrzeuges sehr ähnlich war.

3.) “S.M.S. Colomba” was the 3rd member of the “S.M.S. Bradamante” class, with identical historical dates.

Die Segelpiroge “S.M.S. Colomba” war das dritte Mitglied der “S.M.S. Bradamante” Klaße, und hatte eine Lebensgeschichte die der ihres Schwesternfahrzeuges sehr ähnlich war.

4.) “S.M.S. Ellena” was the 4th member of the “S.M.S. Bradamante” class, with identical historical dates.

Die Segelpiroge “S.M.S. Ellena” war das vierte Mitglied der “S.M.S. Bradamante” Klaße, und hatte eine Lebensgeschichte die der ihres Schwesternfahrzeuges sehr ähnlich war.

5.) “S.M.S. Ellizia” was the 5th member of the “S.M.S. Bradamante” class, with identical historical dates.

Die Segelpiroge “S.M.S. Ellizia” war das fünfte Mitglied der “S.M.S. Bradamante” Klaße, und hatte eine Lebensgeschichte die der ihres Schwesternfahrzeuges sehr ähnlich war.

6.) “S.M.S. Felicita” was the 6th member of the “S.M.S. Bradamante” class, with identical historical dates.

Die Segelpiroge “S.M.S. Felicita” war das sechste Mitglied der “S.M.S. Bradamante” Klaße, und hatte eine Lebensgeschichte die der ihres Schwesternfahrzeuges sehr ähnlich war.

7.) “S.M.S. Isabella” was the 7th member of the “S.M.S. Bradamante” class, with identical historical dates.

Die Segelpiroge “S.M.S. Isabella” war das siebte Mitglied der “S.M.S. Bradamante” Klaße, und hatte eine Lebensgeschichte die der ihres Schwesternfahrzeuges sehr ähnlich war.

8.) “S.M.S. Marfisa” was the 8th member of the “S.M.S. Bradamante” class, with identical historical dates.

Die Segelpiroge “S.M.S. Marfisa” war das achte Mitglied der “S.M.S. Bradamante” Klaße, und hatte eine Lebensgeschichte die der ihres Schwesternfahrzeuges sehr ähnlich war.

9.) “S.M.S. Olimpio” was the 9th member of the “S.M.S. Bradamante” class, with indentical historical dates.

Die Segelpiroge “S.M.S. Olimpio” war das neunte Mitglied der “S.M.S. Bradamante” Klaße, und hatte eine Lebensgeschichte die der ihres Schwesternfahrzeuges sehr ähnlich war.

10.) “S.M.S. Pronta” was the 10th member of the “S.M.S. Bradamante” class, with identical historical dates.

Die Segelpiroge “S.M.S. Pronta” war das zehnte Miglied der “S.M.S. Bradamante” Klaße, und hatte eine Lebensgeschichte die der ihres Schwesternfahrzeuges sehr ähnlich war.

11.) “S.M.S. Psiche” was the 11th member of the “S.M.S. Bradamante” class, with identical historical dates.

Die Segelpiroge “S.M.S. Psiche” war das elfte und letzte Mitglied der “S.M.S. Bradamante” Klaße, und hatte eine Lebensgeschichte die der ihres Schwesternfahrzeuges sehr ähnlich war.

XIII (31) Austro-Venetian Sloops (for which exact tonnage is not available)

A wooden sailing sloop (called a “Schaluppe” in German) was a cannon-armed boat known for its high quality of construction and for its longevity. Sloops were flat and low, and were originally designed by the Spaniards. Sloops had one upper deck, one mast, one fore and one aft rig. The single mast on a sloop was located farther foreward compared to that aboard a cutter.

Eine Segelschaluppe ist ein kleines, einem Segelkutter ähnelndes Segelboot mit einem Mast und wurde meist als größeres Beiboot verwendet. Der Begriff entstammt aus der französischen Sprache (”Chaloupe” ist eine Bezeichnung für das größte Beiboot eines Schiffes). Früher wurden so die größeren, einfachen Boote der Küstenschiff-Fahrt benannt. Die Bezeichnung stammt höchstwarscheinlich vom flandrischen Ausdruck für ein holländisches Schiff (”Sloep”) im Zusammenhang mit “Sluipen,” was so viel wie “gleiten,” oder auch “schlüpfen,” bedeutet.

1.) “S.M.S. Cisalpine” was armed with one cannon, and was captured from the French Navy. She became part of the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy in the port of Ancona on November 14, 1799.

Die Segelschaluppe “S.M.S. Cisalpine” war mit einer Kanone bewaffnet, und wurde von den Franzosen erobert. Ab den 14. November 1799 gehörte sie der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine. Sie war im Hafen von Ancona stationiert.

2.) “S.M.S. Bondi” was captured from the Italian allies of Napoleonic France off the Dalmatian port of Zara on December 5, 1813. She was scrapped in 1817.

Die Segelschaluppe “S.M.S. Bondi” wurde am 5. Dezember 1813 von den italienischen Waffenverbündeten Frankreichs beschlagnahmt, und im Jahre 1817 verschrottet.

3.) “S.M.S. Moro” had an identical history to her sister sloop “S.M.S. Bondi.”

Die Segelschaluppe “S.M.S. Moro” hatte eine Lebensgeschichte die der ihres Schwesternbootes “S.M.S. Bondi” sehr ähnlich war.

4.) “S.M.S. Guardacoste” was commissioned into the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy in 1813.

Die Segelschaluppe “S.M.S. Guardacoste” wurde im Jahre 1813 getauft.

5.) “S.M.S. Vigilante” was laid down in 1813, and commissioned in 1814.

Die Segelschaluppe “S.M.S. Vigilante” wurde im Jahre 1813 auf Kiel gelegt, und im Jahre 1814 getauft.

6.) “S.M.S. Aventuriere” was captured from the Italian allies of Napoleonic France in 1814, and had been originally commissioned in 1807. She was scrapped in 1820.

Die Segelschaluppe “S.M.S. Aventuriere” wurde im Jahre 1807 von den italienischen Waffenverbündeten Frankreichs getauft, und im Jahre 1814 von der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine beschlagnahmt. Sie wurde im Jahre 1820 verschrottet.

7.) “S.M.S. Balena” was commissioned in 1838.

Die Segelschaluppe “S.M.S. Balena” wurde im Jahre 1838 getauft.

8.) “S.M.S. Mathilde” was an unarmed former merchantman, purchased by the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy in 1848.

Die Segelschaluppe “S.M.S. Mathilde” war ein ehemaliges unbewaffnetes Handelsfahrzeug, das im Jahre 1848 von der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine gekauft wurde.

9.) “S.M.S. Austria” was commissioned at least by 1813, and served in the “Gardaseeflottilla” (”Flottilla of Lake Garda”) of the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy. Lake Garda is Italy’s largest lake, located about halfway between the cities of Venice and Milan in the alpine region of Northern Italy. She was sold to civilian owners in 1838.

Die Segelschaluppe “S.M.S. Austria” wurde im Jahre 1813 getauft, und diente bei der Gardaseeflottille der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine. Der Gardasee (auch “Gartsee” auf deutsch) ist der größte See Italiens. Zwischen den Alpen und der Poebene, etwa 65 Meter über Meereshöhe liegt der Gardasee im Norden der Region Trient-Südtirol, im Westen in der Lombardei, im Osten in Venetien. Die “S.M.S. Austria” wurde im Jahre 1838 als Handelsfahrzeug verkauft.

10.) “S.M.S. Italia” had the same history of service as did her sister sloop “S.M.S. Austria” on Lake Garda.

Die Segelschaluppe “S.M.S. Italia” hatte eine Lebensgeschichte die der ihres Schwesternbootes “S.M.S. Austria” sehr ähnlich war.

11.) “S.M.S. Prepotente” had the same service and historical dates as did her sister sloops “S.M.S. Austria” and “S.M.S. Italia.”

Die Segelschaluppe “S.M.S. Prepotente” hatte eine Lebensgeschichte die der ihres Schwesternbootes “S.M.S. Austria” sehr ähnlich war.

12.) “S.M.S. La Corriera” was also part of the small “S.M.S. Austria” class of wooden sailing sloops. She was built in Malcesine on Lake Garda, being laid down in 1813 and commissioned in 1814. She was sold to civilian owners in 1838.

Die Segelschaluppe “S.M.S. La Corriera” hatte eine Lebensgeschichte die der ihres Schwesternbootes “S.M.S. Austria” sehr ähnlich war. Sie wurde im Jahre 1813 im Hafen von Malcesine am Gardasee auf Kiel gelegt, und im Jahre 1814 getauft.

13.) “S.M.S. Erzherzog Friedrich” was armed with 4 cannon, and was built in Zürich, Switzerland in 1851. She was based in the port of Riva on Lake Garda, and actively served in the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy at least until 1860.

Die Segelschaluppe “S.M.S. Erzherzog Friedrich” war mit vier Kanonen bewaffnet, und wurde im Jahre 1851 in Zürich gebaut. Sie war im Hafen von Riva am Gardasee stationiert, und diente mindestens bis 1860 bei der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine Österreichs.

XIII (32) Austro-Venetian Transport Vessels (for which exact tonnage is not available)

One can think of these wooden sailing vessels as a logical continuation of the sloops listed in the section immediately before this.

Ein Transportsegelschooner ist als Hochsee-Segelbrigg oder Segelbriggschooner getakelt. Sie dienten zur Versorgung der Flottenabteilungen im Ausland, besonders in der Levante, wofür das Segeltrabakel zu klein war. Sie wurden sehr stark und seetüchtig gebaut, und waren deshalb teilweise sehr langlebig. Obwohl sie Transportfahrzeuge waren, wurden sie gegen Piraten immer kriegsmäßig ausgerüstet, mit bis zehn Kanonen. Als “Levante” (italienisch für “Sonnenaufgang,” steht allegorisch für den “Osten” und das “Morgenland”) bezeichnet man im weiteren Sinne die Länder des östlichen Mittelmeeres, folglich aller Länder, die östlich von Italien liegen, besonders die griechische Halbinsel und die griechischen Inseln, die mediterranen Küstengebiete Kleinasiens, Zypern, den Libanon, Palästina, das historische Syrien und Ägypten.

1.) “S.M.S. Sankt Anton” was built in Korneuburg (Lower Austria) in 1771, and was in the style of similar ships built on the River Rhine in Western Germany. She served on both the Danube and the Save Rivers. In 1776, she sailed from Laibach (in modern day Slovenia) to Semlin (part of the city of Belgrade).

Der Transportsegelschooner “S.M.S. Sankt Anton” wurde im Jahre 1771 in Korneuburg in Niederösterreich gebaut, und diente auf der Donau sowie auf der Save (auch “Sawe” oder “Sau” auf deutsch). Im Jahre 1776 reiste sie von Laibach in der Oberkrain bis Semlin in Belgrad (Serbien).

2.) “S.M.S. Sankt Michael” was built in Karlstadt (now known as “Karlovac” in Croatia) in 1774, and had a history of service just like her sister ship “S.M.S. Sankt Anton.”

Der Transportsegelschooner “S.M.S. Sankt Michael” wurde im Jahre 1774 in Karlstadt (heute “Karlovac” in Kroatien) gebaut, und hatte eine Lebensgeschichte die der ihres Schwesternschiffes “S.M.S. Sankt Anton” sehr ähnlich war.

3.) “S.M.S. Casale” was built in Zürich, Switzerland in 1849, and was assigned to the port of Riva on Lake Garda in Northern Italy. She was part of the “Gardaseeflottilla” of the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy at least until 1860.

Der Transportsegelschooner “S.M.S. Casale” wurde im Jahre 1849 in Zürich gebaut, und war im Hafen von Riva am Gardasee stationiert. Sie gehörte der Gardaseeflottille der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine mindestens bis 1860.

4.) “S.M.S. Novara” was built in Zürich, Switzerland in 1850, and was also part of the “Gardaseeflottilla” in the port of Riva on Lake Garda in Northern Italy.

Der Transportsegelschooner “S.M.S. Novara” wurde im Jahre 1850 in Zürich gebaut, und hatte eine Lebensgeschichte die der ihres Schwesternschiffes “S.M.S. Casale” sehr ähnlich war.

5.) “S.M.S. Mortara” had the same historical dates and service as did her sister ship “S.M.S. Casale.”

Der Transportsegelschooner “S.M.S. Mortara” hatte eine Lebensgeschichte die der ihres Schwesternschiffes “S.M.S. Casale” sehr ähnlich war.

6.) “S.M.S. Mincio” had the same historical dates and service as did her sister ship “S.M.S. Novara.”

Der Transportsegelschooner “S.M.S. Mincio” hatte eine Lebensgeschichte die der ihres Schwesternschiffes “S.M.S. Novara” sehr ähnlich war.

7.) “S.M.S. Sarca” was built in Zürich, Switzerland in 1851, and was also part of the “Gardaseeflottilla” of the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy.

Der Transportsegelschooner “S.M.S. Sarca” wurde im Jahre 1851 in Zürich gebaut, und gehörte auch zur Gardaseeflottille der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine.

XIII (33) Austro-Venetian Trabaccolos (for which exact tonnage is not available)

A “trabaccolo” (called a “Trabakel” in German) had 2 masts, and was intended for coastal use. They were of robust construction quality, and were used for transport duties. They were the most common type of wooden sailing vessel to be found along the coasts of the Adriatic Sea, and would displace anywhere from 15 to 110 tons. The navy also used them as tenders at home and abroad.

Ein Segeltrabakel (”Trabaccolo” auf italienisch) ist ein robust gebautes kleineres Segelfahrzeug für Transportzwecke, mit zwei Masten mit Lateinsegeln und zwei Klüvern, für weite Reisen zusätzlich Rahsegel am Fockmast. Die Segeltrabakeln waren die am gebräuchlichsten Segelfahrzeuge der Adria-Küstenfahrt, mit einer Einsatzverdrängung von je zwischen 15 und 110 Tonnen. Sie wurden zur Versorgung der heimischen Küstenstationen und Schiffsabteilungen im Ausland benutzt.

1.) “S.M.S. Hoche” was captured from the French, and was armed with 6 cannon. She became part of the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy in the port of Ancona on November 14, 1799.

Das Segeltrabakel “S.M.S. Hoche” war mit sechs Kanonen bewaffnet, und wurde am 14. November 1799 im Hafen von Ancona von den Franzosen beschlagnahmt.

2.) “S.M.S. Loupe” was armed with 4 cannon, and was a former merchantman captured from the French. The Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy took her as their prize in Ancona on November 18, 1799.

Das Segeltrabakel “S.M.S. Loupe” war mit vier Kanonen bewaffnet, und wurde am 18. November 1799 im Hafen von Ancona von den Franzosen beschlagnahmt.

3.) “S.M.S. Fortune” was armed with 2 cannon, and was captured from the French Navy off Ancona on November 18, 1799.

Das Segeltrabakel “S.M.S. Fortune” war mit zwei Kanonen bewaffnet, und hatte eine Lebensgeschichte die der ihres Schwesternfahrzeuges “S.M.S. Loupe” sehr ähnlich war.

4.) “S.M.S. San Antonio di Padova” (1802) was a former merchant vessel purchased by the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy, and used for transport duties.

Das Segeltrabakel “S.M.S. San Antonio di Padova” (1802) war ein ehemaliges Handelsfahrzeug, das von der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine als Transportfahrzeug gekauft wurde. Antonius von Padua (1195-1231) war ein portugiesisch-italienischer Franziskaner, Theologe und Prediger. Er ist ein Heiliger der Römisch-Katholischen Kirche.

5.) “S.M.S. Delfino” (1802) was used for tranport duties by the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy, until she was surrendered to the Italian allies of Napoleonic France on January 19, 1806.

Das Segeltrabakel “S.M.S. Delfino” (1802) wurde als Transportfahrzeug benutzt, bis sie am 19. Januar 1806 von den italienischen Waffenverbündeten Frankreichs beschlagnahmt wurde.

6.) “S.M.S. Dario” (1804) was used as a transport vessel by the Austrian Navy.

Das Segeltrabakel “S.M.S. Dario” (1804) wurde als Transportfahrzeug von der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine benutzt.

7.) “S.M.S. Anima del Purgato” (1805) was a former merchant vessel purchased by the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy. She was used for station duties.

Das Segeltrabakel “S.M.S. Anima del Purgato” (1805) war ein ehemaliges Handelsfahrzeug, das als Stationsfahrzeug von der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine gekauft wurde.

8.) “S.M.S. San Antonio” (1805) had a history of service identical to that of her sister ship “S.M.S. Anima del Purgato.”

Das Segeltrabakel “S.M.S. San Antonio” (1805) hatte eine Lebensgeschichte die der ihres Schwesternfahrzeuges “S.M.S. Anima del Purgato” sehr ähnlich war.

9.) “S.M.S. Madonna Carmelitana” (1806) was a former merchant vessel purchased by the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy, and assigned to serve off the coast of Dalmatia. She was eventually captured by the French and the Italians, where she was renamed “Fermo” by the Italians.

Das Segeltrabakel “S.M.S. Madonna Carmelitana” (1806) war ein ehemaliges Handelsfahrzeug, das von der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine gekauft wurde. Sie diente an der Küste von Dalmatien in Kroatien, und wurde eventuell von den Franzosen und den Italienern erobert. Die Italienier haben sie als die “Fermo” umbenannt.

10.) “S.M.S. Madonna del Carmine” (1806) was a former merchant vessel purchased by the Austrian Navy. She was assigned to courier duties off the coast of Southern Dalmatia, which extends to the Montenegrin border.

Das Segeltrabakel “S.M.S. Madonna del Carmine” (1806) war auch ein ehemaliges Handelsfahrzeug, das von der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine gekauft wurde. Sie diente an der Küste von Dalmatien in Kroatien.

11.) “S.M.S. Fedele” (1813) was a former merchant vessel purchased by the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy. She was used for transport duties until she was scrapped in 1830.

Das Segeltrabakel “S.M.S. Fedele” (1813) war ein ehemaliges Handelsfahrzeug, das als Transportfahrzeug von der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine gekauft wurde. Sie wurde im Jahre 1830 verschrottet.

12.) “S.M.S. Fermo” (1814) was laid down in Venice, and was launched on September 16, 1815. She was assigned to transport and station duties within the Austrian Navy, and was scrapped in 1833.

Das Segeltrabakel “S.M.S. Fermo” (1814) wurde in Venedig auf Kiel gelegt, und lief am 16. September 1815 vom Stapel. Sie diente als Transportfahrzeug sowie als Stationsfahrzeug, und wurde im Jahre 1833 verschrottet.

13.) “S.M.S. Ecclisso” (1814) was captured from the Italian allies of Napoleonic France, and was assigned to transport duties in the Austrian Navy.

Das Segeltrabakel “S.M.S. Ecclisso” (1814) wurde von den italienischen Waffenverbündeten Frankreichs beschlagnahmt, und diente danach als Transportfahrzeug bei der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine.

14.) “S.M.S. Intrepido” (1814) was also captured from the Italian allies of Napoleonic France, and was assigned to transport duties in the Austrian Navy. She was scrapped in 1829.

Das Segeltrabakel “S.M.S. Intrepido” (1814) hatte eine Lebensgeschichte die der ihres Schwesternfahrzeuges “S.M.S. Ecclisso” sehr ähnlich war. Sie wurde im Jahre 1829 verschrottet.

15.) “S.M.S. Ulisse” (1814) was captured from the Italian allies of Napoleonic France, but not kept for long by the Austrians. She was sold to civilian owners in August 1814.

Das Segeltrabakel “S.M.S. Ulisse” (1814) wurde auch von den italienischen Waffenverbündeten Frankreichs beschlagnahmt, wurde aber schon von der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine Österreichs im August 1814 verkauft.

16.) “S.M.S. Fortunato” (1814) was also captured from the Italian allies of Napoleonic France, and assigned to transport duties within the Imperial and Austrian Navy. She was scrapped in 1833.

Das Segeltrabakel “S.M.S. Fortunato” (1814) wurde von den italienischen Waffenverbündeten Frankreichs beschlagnahmt, und wurde dann als Transportfahrzeug von der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine benutzt. Sie wurde im Jahre 1833 verschrottet.

17.) “S.M.S. Camello” (1815) was built in Venice, and was launched on October 30, 1815. She was assigned to transport duties in the Austrian Navy. On February 22, 1833 she was unfortunately stranded in the Cortelazzo Canal. She was salvaged and scrapped after March 6, 1833.

Das Segeltrabakel “S.M.S. Camello” (1815) wurde in Venedig auf Kiel gelegt, und lief am 30. Oktober 1815 vom Stapel. Sie diente als Transportfahrzeug bis sie am 22. Februar 1833 im Cortelazzo-Kanal strandete. Am 6. März 1833 wurde sie geborgen und danach verschrottet.

18.) “S.M.S Giusto” (1815) was laid down in Venice, and was launched on January 30, 1816. She was assigned to transport duties in the Austrian Navy. On November 19, 1826 she was unfortunately stranded and then lost in a storm off the coast of Cattalo, Greece.

Das Segeltrabakel “S.M.S. Giusto” (1815) wurde in Venedig auf Kiel gelegt, und lief am 30. Januar 1816 vom Stapel. Sie diente als Transportfahrzeug bis sie am 19. November 1826 in einem Sturm vor Cattalo (Griechenland) strandete.

19.) “S.M.S Bravo” (1815) was armed with 4 cannon, and was built in Venice. She was launched on February 4, 1816, and was assigned to transport duties in the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy. She was scrapped in 1833.

Das Segeltrabakel “S.M.S. Bravo” (1815) war mit vier Kanonen bewaffnet, und wurde in Venedig gebaut. Sie lief am 4. Februar 1816 vom Stapel, und diente als Transportfahrzeug bis sie im Jahre 1833 verschrottet wurde.

20.) “S.M.S Primogenito” (1815) was assigned to transport duties in the Austrian Navy, and was temporarily stranded in a storm off the coast of Venice (near Lido) in December 1815. She was salvaged on December 30, 1815, repaired and served until being scrapped in 1824.

Das Segeltrabakel “S.M.S. Primogenito” (1815) diente als Transportfahrzeug. Im Dezember 1815 strandete sie in einem Sturm vor Lido in der Nähe von Venedig. Am 30. Dezember wurde sie geborgen und dann repariert. Sie wurde erst im Jahre 1824 verschrottet.

21.) “S.M.S. Prudente” (1816) was assigned to transport duties in the Austrian Navy, but was unfortunately stranded and lost in a storm off Malamocco, Venice on October 12, 1818.

Das Segeltrabakel “S.M.S. Prudente” (1816) diente auch als Transportfahrzeug. Am 12. Oktober 1818 strandete sie in einem Sturm vor Malamocco in der Nähe von Venedig.

22.) “S.M.S. Madonna della Salute” (1840) was a former merchant vessel purchased by the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy. She was assigned to transport munitions for the Austrian “Levanteskadre,” stationed off the Eastern coast of the Mediterranean (the Sinai, the Holy Land and Lebanon). An “Eskadre” was a squadron of ships within the Austrian Navy. The comparable German term is “Geschwader.”

Das Segeltrabakel “S.M.S. Madonna della Salute” (1840) war ein ehemaliges Handelsfahrzeug, das von der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine gekauft wurde. Sie diente als Transportfahrzeug bei der Levanteskadre der K.u.K. Kriegsmarine.

23.) “S.M.S. Pescatore” (1848) was captured from Italian nationalist rebels, and was assigned to station duties in the Austrian Navy. She was scrapped after 1852.

Das Segeltrabakel “S.M.S. Pescatore” (1848) wurde von den feindlichen italienischen Nationalisten erobert, und diente als Stationsfahrzeug bei der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine. Sie wurde im Jahre 1852 verschrottet.

24.) “S.M.S. Leonidas” (1848) was a former merchant vessel purchased by the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy. She was initially assigned to transport duties, and was used as a coal tender after 1862.

Das Segeltrabakel “S.M.S. Leonidas” (1848) war ein ehemaliges Handelsfahrzeug, das von der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine gekauft wurde. Zuerst wurde sie als Transportfahrzeug benutzt, und im Jahre 1862 wurde sie als Kohlenversorger umgebaut.

25.) “S.M.S. Arturo” (1849) was a former merchant vessel purchased by the Austrian Navy. No further details are known about her service within the navy.

Das Segeltrabakel “S.M.S. Arturo” (1849) war ein ehemaliges Handelsfahrzeug, das von der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine gekauft wurde. Weiteres ist uns leider nicht bekannt.

XIII (34) Austro-Venetian Prams (for which exact tonnage is not available)

A “pram” (called a “Prahm” in German) was a shallow-draught flat-bottomed boat used to approach the shore. They were known to be of very sturdy construction, using oars for propulsion and being armed as floating batteries.

Ein Segelprahm (”Prame” auf italienisch) ist ein schwer gebautes, flachgehendes Lastboot mit einem flachen Boden und mit Riemenantrieb, etwa wie eine Schwimmende Segelbatterie.

1.) “S.M.S. Ponton” was built in Venice in 1848, and was briefly captured by Italian nationalist rebels from March 1848 to August 1849, before being returned to the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy.

Der Segelprahm “S.M.S. Ponton” wurde im Jahre 1848 in Venedig gebaut, und war zwischen März 1848 und August 1849 unter feindlicher italienischer Beschlagnahme der Nationalisten.

XIII (35) Old Armored Sailing Ships of the North German “Bundesmarine” of 1867-1871

The short-lived North German “Bundesmarine” of 1867-1871 was in truth merely the Royal Prussian Navy under a new name, and with a brand new flag. This proud flag would include the colors of black, white and red – black & white from the Kingdom of Prussia, and white & red from the Hanseatic League Cities of Northern Germany. It featured Germany’s famous black “Balkan Cross,” which became known to the world during both World Wars One and Two. In the middle of the Balkan Cross was the Hohenzollern Eagle of the Royal House of Brandenburg-Prussia. In the upper left was the black, white and red tricolor, which was to become Germany’s national flag from 1871 until 1918. In the middle of this Jack was the famous German “Maltese Cross,” which has been used for military decorations (such as the “Maria-Theresia Order” of Austria-Hungary, the “Pour le Merite” or “Blue Max” of Brandenburg-Prussia and Imperial Germany and the “Iron Cross” of 1813, 1914 and 1939). The Maltese Cross is still used to this very day by both the modern Federal German Army (the “Bundesheer”) and the German Air Force (the “Luftwaffe”).

Die Marine des Norddeutschen Bundes (auch die “Norddeutsche Bundesmarine” oder die “Norddeutsche Bundesflotte” genannt) entstand im Jahre 1867 nach dem gesamtdeutschen Sieg über Dänemark im Jahre 1864 (die Abtretung Schleswig-Holsteins) und dem darauf folgenden Krieg zwischen Österreich und Preußen. Das Königreich Preußen brachte seine Marine in den neu entstandenen Norddeutschen Bund ein. Die neue “schwarz-weiß-rote” Flagge kombinierte sich aus den Farben Preußens (schwarz-weiß), welches den Oberbefehl innehatte, und aus den Farben der Hansestädte (weiß-rot). Der Flottengründungsplan von 1867 sah folgende größeren Schiffe vor: sechs Panzerschiffe, neun Segelkorvetten und acht Segelavisos. Die Aufgaben der Flotte wurden mit dem Schutz des Seehandels, der Verteidigung der norddeutschen Küsten und einer zu entwickelnden Fähigkeit zur Störung feindlichen Handels und zum Angriff auf feindliche Kriegsflotten, Küsten und Häfen beschrieben. Leiter des Marineministeriums war General von Roon, den Oberbefehl der Bundesmarine hatte Prinz Adalbert von Preußen. Im Jahre 1869 wurde Wilhelmshaven als neuer Kriegshafen eingeweiht, weiterer Bundeskriegshafen wurde Kiel. Nach nur geringer Beteiligung am Deutsch-Französischen Krieg (von 1870 bis 1871) wurde aus der Marine des Norddeutschen Bundes im Jahre 1871 die neue “Kaiserliche Marine” des preußisch-deutschen Reiches (1871-1921) gegründet.

Prussia, Italy and a number of North German States had defeated Austria, Bavaria, Württemberg, Baden, Saxony, Hanover, Nassau and a number of smaller German States in the Austro-Prussian War of 1866. The result of this tragic German Civil War (”Brüderkrieg” or “War of Brothers” in German) was to topple the old order which had endured through the Kingdom of Franconia (482-800), the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation (800-1806), the Confederation of the Rhine (1806-1815) and the Germanic Confederation (1815-1866). The Hohenzollern Dynasty of Brandenburg-Prussia thus replaced the Habsburg-Lothringen Dynasty of Austria as the most powerful force within the Greater German Empire.

1.) “S.M.S. Friedrich Carl” (1867) was an armored sailing frigate, having been built by Compagnie de Forges et Chantiers in Toulon, France. She was 94 meters long, displaced up to 5,971 tons full load, had a single expansion engine and was rigged as a barque with 2,010 square meters of sail area. She could make up to 13 knots, and her crew consisted of 33 commissioned officers and 500 enlisted men. She was sold for scrapping in the Netherlands in 1906.

Die Panzerfregatte “S.M.S. Friedrich Carl” (1867) wurde von der Compagnie de Forges et Chantiers in Toulon, Frankreich gebaut. Sie war 94 Meter lang, hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 5,971 Tonnen, war als eine Segelbark getakelt und hatte ein Segelbereich von 2,010 Quadratmeter. Ihre Höchstgeschwindigkeit war 13 Knoten, und sie hatte eine Besatzung von 33 Offiziere und 500 Matrosen. Sie wurde im Jahre 1906 in Holland verschrottet, nach einer Dienstzeit von 39 Jahren.

2.) “S.M.S. Kronprinz” (1867) was an armored sailing frigate, built by Samuda Brothers of London, England and launched on May 6, 1867. She was 90 meters long, displaced up to 5,767 tons full load, had a single expansion engine and was rigged as a barque with 1,980 square meters of sail area. Her crew also consisted of 33 commissioned officers and 500 enlisted men, and her armament was an identical 32 72-pounders. She was scrapped in Rendsburg, Kiel in 1901.

Die Panzerfregatte “S.M.S. Kronprinz” (1867) wurde von den Gebrüdern Samuda in London, England gebaut, und lief am 6. Mai 1867 vom Stapel. Sie war 90 Meter lang, hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 5,767 Tonnen, war als eine Segelbark getakelt und hatte ein Segelbereich von 1,980 Quadratmeter. Sie hatte eine Besatzung von 33 Offiziere und 500 Matrosen, und war mit 32 72-Pfundern bewaffnet. Sie wurde im Jahre 1901 in Rendsburg (Kiel) verschrottet, nach einer Dienstzeit von 34 Jahren.

3.) “S.M.S. König Wilhelm” (1868) was a very large and powerful armored sailing frigate built by Thames Iron Works in Blackwall (England), displacing a maximum of 10,591 tons. She was protected by belt armor, was 112,2 meters long, had beam of 18,3 meters and a draught of 8,2 meters. Her propulsion system was comprised of one 2-cylinder single-acting expansion engine, which produced 8,000 horsepower and gave her a top speed of 15 knots. The thickness of her armor both on the waterline and in her battery was up to 203 mm. She was armed with 18-24 cm guns in her battery deck and 5-21 cm guns (4 in bay-window type gun mounts and one on the upper deck). Her sail area was 2,600 square meters. After a major refit in 1897, she was reclassed as a large or armored cruiser. In 1904, she was converted yet again, and this time into a living and training quarters. She was finally scrapped in 1921, after 53 years of useful service.

Die Segelfregatte “S.M.S. König Wilhelm” (1868) wurde von den Thames Eisenwerken in Blackwall (England) gebaut, und hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 10,591 Tonnen. Sie war 112,2 Meter lang, hatte eine Breite von 18,3 Meter und einen Tiefgang von 8,2 Meter. Ihre Höchstgeschwindigkeit war 15 Knoten, und ihre Panzerung an der Gürtellinie sowie am Batteriedeck war bis 203 mm stark. Sie war mit 18 24-cm sowie mit fünf 21-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen bewaffnet, und sie hatte ein Segelbereich von 2,600 Quadratmeter. Im Jahre 1897 wurde sie als Panzerkreuzer umgebaut, und im Jahre 1904 wurde sie wieder als Wohnschiff sowie als Schulschiff umgebaut. Im Jahre 1921 wurde sie endlich verschrottet, nach einer langen und guten Dienstzeit von 53 Jahren.

4-5.) The sister gunboats “S.M.S. Albatross” (1870) and “S.M.S. Nautilus” (1870) each displaced 413 tons and were 57 meters long. They had 2 single expansion engines, were rigged as barques and had sail areas of 710 square meters. They could make up to 11 knots, and served as survey ships in foreign waters until 1888.

Die Schwesterkanonenboote “S.M.S. Albatroß” (1870) und “S.M.S. Nautilus” (1870) hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 413 Tonnen und waren je 57 Meter lang. Wie die Segelpanzerfregatten hatten die Kanonenboote auch Dampfantrieb und waren als Segelbarks getakelt. Sie hatten ein Segelbereich von je 710 Quadratmeter, und eine Höchstgeschwindigkeit von 11 Knoten. Sie dienten im Ausland bis 1888.

XIII (36) Old Wooden Sailing Ships of the German “Reichsmarine” of 1848-1852

In 1848, Germany (like much of Europe) experienced a failed liberal democratic revolution. The would-be liberal revolutionaries (who would be viewed as “conservatives” in North American political jargon) sought a large, inclusive “Greater German Empire” to include the successor states of the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation (800-1806), the Confederation of the Rhine (1806-1815) and the Germanic Confederation (which lasted from 1806-1866). This included the Germans, the Austrians, the Bavarians, the Saxons, the Prussians, the Sorbs, the Wends, the Silesians, the Masurians, the Frisians, the Hessians, the Czechs, the Slovaks, the Magyars, the Slovenes, the Tyrolians, the Galician Poles, the Ruthenians, the Slavonians, the Dalmatians and the Croats. The Imperial German armed forces had been known as the “Reichswehr” from 800 until 1806. The German Navy had existed as the Navy of Austria, the Navy of Brandenburg-Prussia and of the Cities of the Hanseatic League. The revolutionaries of 1848 established a national “Reichsmarine” which only endured until 1852.

Die erste sogenannte “gesamtdeutsche Marine” der deutschen Marinegeschichte wurde während der bürgerlich-demokratischen Revolution von 1848 bis 1849 am 14. Juni 1848 von der Nationalversammlung in Frankfurt am Main gegründet. Sie wurde die deutsche “Reichsflotte” sowie die “Reichsmarine” genannt. Das Großdeutsche Reich, organisiert als Staatenbund, hatte sich nach dem Wiener Kongreß von 1815 eine föderale Verteidigungsstruktur geschaffen. Die Mitgliedstaaten stellten die Streitkräfte des Deutschen Bundes (1815-1866). Bei den Streitkräften verließ man sich auf einige Bundesfürsten, die als Monarchen von Staaten außerhalb des Deutschen Bundes große Kriegsflotten besaßen. Der König von Hannover war (bis 1837) zugleich König von Großbrittanien und Irland, der Großherzog von Luxemburg war König der Vereinigten Niederlande (Holland und Belgien) und der Herzog von Holstein war der König von Dänemark. Das Königreich Preußen besaß als kontinental orientierte Landmacht eine kleine eigene Kriegsmarine im Ostseehafen Danzig, und das Kaiserreich Österreich hatte ihre “Kaiserliche und Königliche Kriegsmarine” im Adria-Hafen Triest stationiert.Während des Schleswig-Holsteinischen Krieges (1848 bis 1852) zeigte sich das Scheitern dieses Seeverteidigungskonzeptes, weil die deutschen Könige von Großbrittanien und dem Niederlande inzwischen nicht mehr deutsche Bundesfürsten waren und Dänemark zum Kriegsgegner wurde. Innerhalb weniger Tage im April 1848 brachte die Blockade der dänischen Kriegsmarine den deutschen Seehandel in Nord-und Ostsee zum Stillstand.Nachdem der Bundestag des Deutschen Bundes den Erfolg der Revolution anerkannt und sein Haushaltsrecht am 12. Juni 1848 an die seit dem 18. Mai 1848 in der Frankfurter Paulskirche tagenden Nationalversammlung abgetreten hatte, beschloß diese angesichts der Situation schon zwei Tage später am 14. Juni 1848 in einer ihrer ersten Entscheidungen, eine gesamtdeutsche Kriegsflotte aufzustellen und dafür sechs Millionen Reichsthaler bereitzustellen.

1.) “S.M.S. Deutschland” (1818) was a wooden sailing frigate, and the very first German warship to carry this great name, having been named after Germany itself. She had 3 masts, displaced up to 853 tons, was 38,5 meters long, was armed with 36 cannon and was manned by a crew of 230 commissioned officers and enlisted sailors. She was purchased by the new “Reichsmarine” in 1848, but was again sold for 9,200 Thalers in 1852. The firm of Roessingh & Mummy purchased her to carry coal from England to China. The old currency name “Thaler” came from the German word “Tal,” which means “valley” in English. The German word “Thaler” is in turn the root of the word for “Dollar,” the name of the currency for modern countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong and Rhodesia-Zimbabwe.

Die Segelfregatte “S.M.S. Deutschland” (1818) war die erste “Deutschland” der deutschen Marine. Sie hatte drei Masten, eine Einsatzverdrängung von 853 Tonnen, war 38,5 Meter lang, hatte eine Bewaffnung von 36 Kanonen und eine Besatzung von 230 Offiziere und Matrosen. Sie wurde im Jahre 1848 von der neuen Reichsmarine gekauft, wurde aber im Jahre 1852 für 9,200 Reichsthaler wieder als Handelsschiff verkauft. Auf englisch heißt Thaler “Dollar.” Der Dollar wird heute in den USA, in Kanada, Australien, Neuseeland, Taiwan, Singapur, Hongkong und Simbabwe (vormals Rhodesien) benutzt. Es gibt etwa 60,5 Millionen Deutschstämmige in Amerika, 2,8 Millionen in Kanada, 2 Millionen in Australien und 200,000 in Neuseeland.

2.) “S.M.S. Hamburg” (1841) was a wooden paddle steamer, carvel-built out of oak and rigged as a schooner-brig. She displaced 435 tons, was built by the Bernhard Wencke Shipyard in Bremen, was 53 meters long and had beam of 12 meters. She was purchased by the “Reichsmarine” on December 15, 1848 and was later sold to the General Steam Navigation Company of London, England in 1852. The English renamed her “S/S Denmark.”

Der Segelbriggschooner “S.M.S. Hamburg” (1841) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 435 Tonnen, war 53 Meter lang, hatte eine Breite von 12 Meter und wurde von der Bernhard Wencke Schiffswerft in Bremen gebaut. Sie wurde am 15. Dezember 1848 von der neuen Reichsmarine gekauft, und wurde im 1852 als Handelsschiff an die General Steam Navigation Company von London, England verkauft. Die Engländer hatten sie als die “S/S Denmark” umbenannt.

3.) “S.M.S. Bremen” (1842) was also a wooden paddle steamer, carvel-built out of oak and rigged as a schooner-brig. She displaced 450 tons, and was launched by the Johann Marbs Shipyard in Altona (Hamburg) on June 22, 1842. She was 56 meters long, had a beam of 12,7 meters and was purchased by the “Reichsmarine” on December 15, 1848. She was also later sold to the General Steam Navigation Company of London, England in 1852, which renamed her “S/S Hanover.”

Der Segelbriggschooner “S.M.S. Bremen” (1842) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 450 Tonnen, war 56 Meter lang, hatte eine Breite von 12,7 Meter und lief am 22. Juni 1842 bei der Johann Marbs Schiffswerft in Altona bei Hamburg vom Stapel. Sie wurde auch am 15. Dezember 1848 von der neuen Reichsmarine gekauft, und wurde im 1852 an die General Steam Navigation Company von London, England verkauft. Die Engländer hatten sie als die “S/S Hanover” (”Hannover” auf deutsch) umbenannt.

4.) “S.M.S. Lübeck” (1844) was another wooden paddle steamer, carvel-built out of oak and rigged as a schooner-brig. She was built by the firm of S.H. Morton and Company in Leith (the United Kingdom), displaced 435 tons, was 50 meters long and had a beam of 12,6 meters. She, “S.M.S. Hamburg” and “S.M.S. Bremen” had 2 paddle wheels 6 meters in diameter, each with 12 paddles and 2 horizontal 1-cylinder expansion engines. She was also purchased by the German “Reichsmarine” on December 15, 1848 and was sold to the General Steam Navigation Company of London, England in 1852, where she was renamed “S/S Newcastle.”

Der Segelbriggschooner “S.M.S. Lübeck” (1844) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 435 Tonnen, war 50 Meter lang, hatte eine Breite von 12,7 Meter wurde von der S.H. Morton and Company Schiffswerft in Leith, England gebaut. Sie wurde auch am 15. Dezember 1848 von der neuen Reichsmarine gekauft, und wurde im 1852 an die General Steam Navigation Company von London, England verkauft. Die Engländer hatten sie als die “S/S Newcastle” umbenannt.

5.) “S.M.S. Hansa” (1847) was a paddle-wheeled wooden sailing frigate, and had been built by the Black Ball Shipping Line of the USA. At 1,800 tons total displacement, she was the largest ship in the old “Reichsmarine” of her day. She was purchased by the Imperial German Navy in August 1849, and then sold to the Bremen shipping firm of W.A. Fritze and Company in March 1853. She was chartered to carry British troops during the Crimean War of 1854, and then was used for the Bremerhaven-New York run from 1855 until 1857. Thereafter she was chartered by the British to sail to India, and was then sold to the English Galway Shipping Line – for which she sailed between England and India from 1858 until 1862. They renamed her “S/S Indian Empire,” and she served until being gutted by fire in Deptford, England in July 1862.

Die Segelfregatte “S.M.S. Hansa” (1847) war das größte Kriegsschiff der neuen Reichsmarine, und wurde von der Black Ball Shipping Line Schiffswerft in Amerika gebaut. Sie hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,800 Tonnen. Sie wurde im August 1849 von der Reichsmarine gekauft, und wurde im März 1853 an der Reederei W.A. Fritze in Bremen verkauft. Zur Zeit des Krimkrieges im Jahre 1854 hatte sie britische Soldaten nach der Ukraine transportiert. Zwischen 1855 und 1857 diente sie auf der Seelinie zwischen Bremerhaven und Neu York. Danach wurde sie an der Galway Shipping Line aus England verkauft, und diente zwischen 1858 und 1862 auf der Seelinie zwischen England und Indien. Sie wurde von den Engländern als die “S/S Indian Empire” (das “Kaiserreich Indien” auf deutsch) umbenannt. Im Juli 1862 verbrannte sie in Deptford, England.

XIII (37) Old Wooden Sailing Ships of Brandenburg-Prussia

After Austria, Brandenburg-Prussia was the strongest naval power within the old Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation (800-1806). In 1415, the Hohenzollern Monarchy (their ancestral lands are located in modern-day Baden-Württemberg) was granted the Electorate of Brandenburg, of which the city of Berlin was the capital. In 1618, they also inherited the Duchy of Prussia, which eventually came to be known as East Prussia (of which the city of Königsberg was the capital). After the 30 Years’ War of 1618-1648 in which they betrayed the Habsburg Emperor (”Kaiser”) of Germany, they were also awarded the region of Further (i.e., Eastern) Pomerania – the capital of which was the city of Stettin. Prussia became a Kingdom in 1701.

Die “Königlich Preußische Marine” war die Seestreitkraft des Königreiches Preußen. Sie entstand im Jahre 1701 bei der Erhebung des Kurfürstentums Brandenburg zum Königreich Preußen aus der vormaligen Kurbrandenburgischen Marine und bestand mit längerer Unterbrechung bis zur Gründung des Norddeutschen Bundes im Jahre 1867, anläßlich derer die Königlich Preußische Marine in der Marine des Norddeutschen Bundes aufging.Das Kurfürstentum Brandenburg als Vorgänger des Königreichs Preußen besaß seit dem 17. Jahrhundert eigene Seestreitkräfte, die unter dem Großen Kurfürsten Friedrich Wilhelm, ab 1657 zu einer schlagkräftigen Kriegsflotte ausgebaut wurde. Offizielles Gründungsdatum der Kurfürstlichen Brandenburg-Preußischen Marine ist der 1. Oktober 1684. Der Kurfürst bezeichnete Schiff-Fahrt und Außenhandel als die vornehmsten Aufgaben eines Staates und betrieb energisch den Erwerb von Kolonien in Übersee – wie “Großfriedrichsburg” in Westafrika (heute Ghana).

During the War of the Austrian Succession from 1740-1748, Brandenburg-Prussia betrayed the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation yet again – after which she was awarded the Province of Silesia (the capital of which was the city of Breslau). In 1772, Brandenburg-Prussia took the so-called “Polish Corridor” from Poland, which became the province of West Prussia (the capital of which was the city of Danzig). In 1793, Brandenburg-Prussia took the province of South Prussia from Poland, the capital of which was the city of Posen. In 1795, Brandenburg-Prussia took the province of “New East Prussia” (”Masovia” in Polish) during the 3rd and final partition of the once great United Kingdom of Poland and Lithuania.1-2.) In 1683, the Brandenburg-Prussian wooden sailing frigates “S.M.S. Churprinz” and “S.M.S. Mohrian” went to the coast of West Africa to establish the German colony of “Großfriedrichsburg” (”Great Fredericksburg” in English), which is today the modern nation of Ghana. These great ships had 2 battery decks and 3 masts.

Im Jahre 1683 haben die zwei brandenburgisch-preußischen Schwester-Segelfregatten “S.M.S. Churprinz” und “S.M.S. Mohrian” Großfriedrichsburg in Westafrika (heute Ghana) gegründet. Die zwei Kriegsschiffe hatten je zwei Batteriedecks und drei Masten.

3.) “S.M.S. Fridericus Rex” (1710) was a great armed “State Yacht” or galley. She was 26 meters long, had a maximum beam of 7 meters, and was armed with 22 heavy bronze cannon.

Die Segelgaleere (oder Staatsyacht) “S.M.S. Fridericux Rex” (1710) war 26 Meter lang, und hatte eine Breite von 7 Meter. Sie war mit 22 schweren Bronzkanonen bewaffnet.

4.) “S.M.S. Amazone” (1843) was a wooden sailing corvette, having been launched in Grabow (near the port of Stettin in Pomerania) on June 24, 1843. She was carvel-built out of oak, was 34 meters long, and had a beam of 9 meters. She had 3 masts, and with full rigging her sails covered an area of 876 square meters. She could make up to 11 knots, and was armed with 12 Swedish-made 18-pounders. Her crew numbered 6 commissioned officers and 139 enlisted men. In 1844, she took her first overseas voyage, and all the way to the Black Sea. In 1845, she sailed via Portuguese Madeira to Genoa in Italy. In 1847, she visited New York City in the USA, and from 1852 to 1853 she undertook a voyage to South America. She was tragically lost along with 107 of her crew members in a violent storm in the Southern part of the North Sea in 1861. She is fondly and proudly remembered as the “Grandmother” of the modern “Deutsche Marine” of the Federal Republic of Germany.

Die Segelkorvette “S.M.S. Amazone” (1843) lief am 24. Juni 1843 in Grabow (bei Stettin in Hinterpommern) vom Stapel. Sie war aus Eichenholz gebaut, war 34 Meter lang und hatte eine Breite von 9 Meter. Sie hatte drei Masten und ein Segelbereich von 876 Quadratmeter. Ihre Höchstgeschwindigkeit war 9 Knoten, und sie war mit 12 schwedischen 18-Pfundern bewaffnet. Sie hatte eine Besatzung von sechs Offiziere und 139 Matrosen. Im Jahre 1844 reiste sie von Stettin nach dem Schwarzen Meer und zurück. Im Jahre 1845 reiste sie von Stettin nach Madeira und Genua und zurück. Im Jahre 1847 besuchte sie Neu York, und zwischen 1852 und 1853 reiste sie von Stettin nach Südamerika und zurück. Im Jahre 1861 ging sie in einem Sturm in der Nordsee verloren – 107 von den Besatzungsmitgliedern kamen dabei ums Leben. Sie wird heute mit Stolz als die “Großmutter” der heutigen “Deutschen Marine” der Bundesrepublik Deutschland angesehen.

5.) “S.M.S. Mercur” (1847) was a flush-decked wooden sailing corvette, having been launched by the firm of J. Klawitter in Danzig, West Prussia. Initially, she served as an East India Man of the Prussian Sea Trading Company. In March 1850, she was purchased by the Royal Prussian Navy. She was also carvel-built out of oak, and when fully rigged had a sail area of 805 square meters. She was 43 meters long, and had a beam of 8 meters. She had 3 masts, and displaced up to 650 tons full load, which made her the largest Brandenburg-Prussian ship up to that time. She could make up to 9 knots, and was armed with 6 26-pounders. Like “S.M.S. Amazone,” she was used to “show the flag” and to train officer cadets of the Royal Prussian Navy. In November 1850 she left for her first foreign voyage to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. She was scrapped in the port of Danzig in 1861.

Die Segelkorvette “S.M.S. Mercur” (1847) lief bei der J. Klawitter Schiffswerft in Danzig vom Stapel, und wurde im März 1850 von der Königlich Preußischen Marine gekauft. Sie war aus Eichenholz gebaut, und sie hatte ein Segelbereich von 805 Quadratmeter. Sie war 43 Meter lang, hatte eine Breite von 8 Meter, drei Masten, und eine Einsatzverdrängung von 650 Tonnen. Ihre Höchstgeschwindigkeit war 9 Knoten, und sie hatte eine Bewaffnung von sechs 26-Pfundern. Sie wurde als Schulschiff benutzt, und reiste im Jahre 1850 von Danzig nach Rio de Janeiro in Brasilien und zurück. Sie wurde im Jahre 1861 in Danzig verschrottet.

6.) “S.M.S. Nix” (1850) was a swift paddle-driven dispatch boat. She was designed by Prinz Adalbert of Prussia, displaced 530 tons full load, and was built by Robinson and Russell of London, England. She could make up to 13 knots.

Die Radaviso “S.M.S. Nix” (1850) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 530 Tonnen, und wurde von der Robinson and Russell Schiffswerft in London, England gebaut. Sie hatte eine Höchstgeschwindigkeit von 13 Knoten.

7.) “S.M.S. Salamander” (1850) was identical to her sister ship “S.M.S. Nix,” and had an identical history of service in the Royal Prussian Navy.

Die Radaviso “S.M.S. Salamander” (1850) hatte eine Lebensgesichte die der ihres Schwesternschiffes “S.M.S. Nix” sehr ähnlich war.

8.) “S.M.S. Danzig” (1851) was a wooden sailing paddle-corvette, launched by the Royal Shipyards in Danzig, West Prussia in November 1851. She was carvel-built out of oak, and displaced up to 1,200 tons full load. She was overlaid with copper, was 76 meters long and could make up to 11 knots. She was armed with 12 68-pounders, and became the fleet flagship. In 1863, she was sold to the English, who in turn sold her to the Japanese. She was burnt out due to an accident in Japan in 1869.

Die Segelkorvette “S.M.S. Danzig” (1851) lief im November 1851 von der Königlichen Schiffswerft in Danzig vom Stapel, und war aus Eichenholz gebaut. Sie hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,200 Tonnen, war 76 Meter lang und ihre Höchstgeschwindigkeit war 11 Knoten. Sie war mit 12-68 Pfundern bewaffnet, und diente als Flottenflaggschiff. Im Jahre 1863 wurde sie an England verkauft, und die Engländer haben das Schiff sofort an Japan verkauft. Im Jahre 1869 verbrannte sie in Japan.

9-13.) The 5 wooden sailing frigates of the “S.M.S. Arcona” (1858) class each displaced up to 1,527 tons, were 72 meters long and had a beam of 13 meters. They could make up to 12 knots, and were armed with 6 68-pounders plus 20 36-pounders. They were used largely for “showing the flag,” and for training officer cadets of the Royal Prussian Navy and thus made numerous overseas voyages. “S.M.S. Arcona” took part in the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869, with the Prussian Crown Prince Friedrich III on board. She was abroad in the Portuguese Azores when war with France broke out in 1870. She avoided capture by a numerically superior French naval force by making her way to the neutral port of Lisbon, where she remained until the end of hostilities in 1871. She was broken up in the German port of Kiel in 1877. The other members of this class were “S.M.S. Gazelle” (1859), “S.M.S. Vineta” (1863), “S.M.S. Hertha” (1864) and “S.M.S. Elisabeth” (1868).

Die fünf Segelfregatten der “S.M.S. Arcona” (1858) Klaße hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 1,527 Tonnen, waren je 72 Meter lang und hatten eine Breite von je 13 Meter. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit eines Schiffes dieser Klaße lag bei 12 Knoten, und die Bewaffnung war sechs 68-Pfunder und 20-36 Pfunder. Diese Kriegsschiffe wurden als Schulschiffe benutzt, und sie hatten viele Auslandsreisen gemacht. Die “S.M.S. Arcona” nahm bei der Eröffnung des Suez-Kanals teil, als Kronprinz Friedrich von Preußen auch dabei war. Zur Zeit des Deutsch-Französischen Krieges (1870 bis 1871) war sie in den Azoren sowie in Lissabon, Portugal. Sie wurde im Jahre 1877 in Kiel verschrottet. Die anderen Mitglieder dieser Klaße waren die “S.M.S. Gazelle” (1859), die “S.M.S. Vineta” (1863), die “S.M.S. Hertha” (1864) und die “S.M.S. Elisabeth” (1868).

14.) “S.M.S. Frauenlob” (1849) was laid down by the Lübke Shipyard in Wolgast on the Baltic Sea in 1849, and finally launched in 1856. She was built due to financial contributions from women all over Germany – hence her name “Frauenlob” (”for the praise of women” in German). She was wooden sailing schooner with 2 masts, carvel-built of oak. She displaced just 94 tons, was 32 meters long and could make up to 13 knots. Her crew consisted of 5 commissioned officers and 42 enlisted men, all of whom sadly went down with her when she fell victim to a typhoon in Japanese waters on September 2, 1860.

Der Segelschooner “S.M.S. Frauenlob” (1849) wurde bei der Lübke Schiffswerft in Wolgast auf Kiel gelegt, und lief im Jahre 1856 vom Stapel. Sie hatte zwei Masten, war aus Eichenholz gebaut, hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von nur 94 Tonnen, war 32 Meter lang und ihre Höchstgeschwindigkeit lag bei 13 Knoten. Die Besatzung des Schiffes bestand aus 5 Offiziere und 42 Matrosen. Am 2. September 1860 ging sie in einem Taifun in japanischen Gewäßern verloren, wobei alle Besatzungsmitglieder ums Leben kamen.

15.) “S.M.S. Grille” (1857) was a wooden sailing dispatch boat with 3 masts. She was built by the Norman Shipyard in Le Havre, France and launched in September of 1857. She served as the Prussian Royal Yacht, and during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871 she withstood an attack by French naval forces upon the Baltic Sea German island of Rügen. After 1892, she served as a training ship. She was scrapped in Hamburg in 1920, after 63 years of faithful service. She was carvel-built out of mahogany, and displaced 326 tons. In addition to her sails, she also had an English-built single expansion engine.

Die Segelaviso “S.M.S. Grille” (1857) wurde bei der Norman Schiffswerft in Le Havre, Frankreich gebaut, und lief im September 1857 vom Stapel. Sie diente als Königliche Yacht des Adelhauses Hohenzollern. Zur Zeit des Deutsch-Französischen Krieges verteidigte sie erfolgreich die Insel Rügen. Ab 1892 diente sie als Schulschiff. Sie wurde im Jahre 1920 in Hamburg verschrottet – nach einer langen und erfolgreichen Dienstzeit von 63 Jahren. Sie hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 326 Tonnen, drei Masten, Dampfantrieb und war aus Eichenholz gebaut.

16.) “S.M.S. Niobe” (1849) was a wooden training frigate with 3 masts, built by the Royal Dockyard in Portsmouth, England. She displaced 854 tons, could make up to 14 knots and had a sail area of 1,650 square meters. She was armed with 16 68-pounders and 4 30-pounders. Her crew consisted of 35 commissioned officers and 320 enlisted men. She was scrapped in Kiel in 1891, after 42 years of service.

Die Segelfregatte “S.M.S. Niobe” (1849) wurde von der Royal Dockyard Schiffswerft in Portsmouth, England gebaut. Sie hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 854 Tonnen, drei Masten, ein Segelbereich von 1,650 Quadratmeter und ihre Höchstgeschwindigkeit lag bei 14 Knoten. Sie war mit 16-68 Pfundern und vier 30-Pfundern bewaffnet, und sie hatte eine Besatzung von 35 Offiziere und 320 Matrosen. Sie wurde im Jahre 1891 in Kiel verschrottet, nach einer langen und erfolgreichen Dienstzeit von 42 Jahren.

17.) “S.M.S. Thetis” (1846) was another 3-masted wooden training frigate, with a sail area of 2,370 square meters and a top speed of up to 15 knots. She served as a cadet training ship, and later as a gunnery training ship. Her displacement was 1,082 tons full load. She was also manned by 35 commissioned officers and 320 enlisted sailors. She was scrapped in Kiel in 1895, after 49 years of service.

Die Segelfregatte “S.M.S. Thetis” (1846) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,082 Tonnen, drei Masten, ein Segelbereich von 2,370 Quadratmeter, und ihre Höchstgeschwindigkeit lag bei 15 Knoten. Sie diente als Schulschiff, und hatte eine Besatzung von 35 Offiziere und 320 Matrosen. Sie wurde im Jahre 1895 in Kiel verschrottet, nach einer langen und erfolgreichen Dientszeit von 49 Jahren.

18.) “S.M.S. Loreley” (1859) was a paddle-wheeled dispatch boat, having been built by the Royal Shipyards in Danzig, West Prussia. She displaced 290 tons, and was 47 meters long. She served largely on overseas voyages.

Die Segelaviso “S.M.S. Loreley” (1859) wurde von der Königlichen Schiffswerft in Danzig gebaut. Sie hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 290 Tonnen, und war 47 Meter lang. Sie hatte hauptsächlich Auslandsreisen gemacht.

19-20.) The sister ships “S.M.S. Nymphe” (1863) and “S.M.S. Medusa” (1864) were flush-decked wooden sailing corvettes which also served on numerous overseas voyages. Each ship displaced up to 728 tons full load, had a sail area of 1,500 square meters and was 65 meters long. They were equipped with single expansion engines built by J. Penn and Sons of Greenwich, England, and were armed with 10 36-pounders plus 6 12-pounders. “S.M.S. Nymphe” was launched in Danzig on April 15, 1863 and sailed often in foreign waters. During the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871, she partook in the Battle of Jasmund in 1870 and successfully prevented a French seaborne invasion of the city of Danzig in West Prussia. She was finally scrapped in Kiel in 1891. “S.M.S. Medusa” also made many overseas trips. During the Franco-Prussian War, she took refuge in the harbor of Yokohama, Japan – thus evading superior French naval forces. She was scrapped in Danzig in 1891.

Die zwei Schwestersegelkorvetten “S.M.S. Nymphe” (1863) und “S.M.S. Medusa” (1864) hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 728 Tonnen, waren je 65 Meter lang, und hatten ein Segelbereich von je 1,500 Quadratmeter sowie Dampfantrieb. Sie hatten viele Auslandsreisen gemacht. Die Bewaffnung eines Kriegsschiffes dieser Klaße lag bei zehn 36-Pfundern und sechs 12-Pfundern. Die “S.M.S. Nymphe” lief am 15. April 1863 in Danzig vom Stapel. Zur Zeit des Deutsch-Französischen Krieges (1870 bis 1871) nahm sie an der Seeschlacht von Jasmund (1870) teil, und verteidigte auch Danzig erfolgreich gegen einen französischen Landungsangriff. Zur Zeit des Krieges war die “S.M.S. Medusa” in Yokohama, Japan. Sie wurde im Jahre 1891 in Danzig verschrottet.

21-22.) The sister ships “S.M.S. Augusta” (1863) and “S.M.S. Viktoria” (1863) were also 3-masted flush-decked wooden sailing corvettes, equipped with auxiliary screw propulsion. They were built by L’Arman Freres of Bordeaux, France, and purchased by the Royal Prussian Navy for commissioning on July 3, 1864. They were carvel-built of oak, had a sail area of 1,600 square meters, and were armed with 8 24-pounders plus 6 long 12-pounders. Each vessel was 81,5 meters long, had a beam of 11,1 meters and a draught of 5,03 meters. They were equipped with 2-cylinder expansion engines built by the firm of Mazeline in Le Havre, France and could make up to 13,5 knots. They were manned by crews of 15 commissioned officers and 215 enlisted sailors. “S.M.S. Augusta” was named after the Queen of Prussia, who was the wife of King Wilhelm I “the Great,” who reigned from 1861 until his death in 1888. After 1871, he also reigned as German Emperor, or “Kaiser.” During the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871, “S.M.S. Augusta” took 3 French ships as prizes, and then took refuge in the Spanish port of Vigo until the end of the war. Sadly, she was lost with all her crew in a hurricane off the Gulf of Aden on June 2, 1885. She had been en route from Germany to Australia.

Die Schwestersegelkorvetten “S.M.S. Augusta” (1863) und “S.M.S. Viktoria” (1863) wurden von der L’Arman Freres Schiffswerft in Bordeaux, Frankreich gebaut, und wurden am 3. Juli 1864 getauft. Sie waren aus Eichenholz gebaut, hatten je drei Masten, Dampfantrieb, ein Segelbereich von je 1,600 Quadratmeter, waren je 81,5 Meter lang, hatten eine Breite von je 11,1 Meter und einen Tiefgang von je 5,03 Meter. Die Bewaffnung eines Kriegsschiffes dieser Klaße lag bei acht 24-Pfundern und sechs langen 12-Pfundern. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit lag bei 13,5 Knoten, und die Besatzung dieser Schiffe lag bei 15 Offiziere und 215 Matrosen. Die “S.M.S. Augusta” wurde nach Königin Augusta von Preußen genannt. Zur Zeit des Deutsch-Französischen Krieges (von 1870 bis 1871) hatte sie drei französische Schiffe erobert und reiste dann nach Vigo in Spanien. Am 2. Juni 1885 ging sie in einem Sturm am Golf von Aden verloren, wo alle Besatzungsmitglieder ums Leben kamen. Sie hatte es geplant von Deutschland nach Australien zu reisen.

XIII (38) Old Wooden Sailing Ships of the Hanseatic League

The League of (Germanic) Hanseatic League cities were also part of the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation (800-1806), of which the Habsburg-Lothringen Archduke of Austria was Emperor (or “Kaiser” in German). These cities (of which Hamburg, Bremen, Lübeck and Rostock are the largest), formed the 3rd greatest naval power within the old Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation, or First German Empire (”Erstes Reich” in German). To this day, they still provide Germany with a large supply of able and experienced commercial seamen. The first Hanseatic League Navies were established by the cities of Hamburg and Lübeck in 1267.

Die Hanse (auf althochdeutsch “Gruppe,” “Gefolge” oder “Schar”), auch “Deutsche Hanse,” “Dudesche Hanse” oder “Hansa Teutonica” auf lateinisch genannt, ist die Bezeichnung für die zwischen der Mitte des 12. Jahrhunderts und der Mitte des 17. Jahrhunderts bestehenden Vereinigungen niederdeutscher Kaufleute, deren Ziel die Sicherheit der Überfahrt und die Vertretung gemeinsamer wirtschaftlicher Intereßen besonders im Ausland war. Eine Entwicklung von der “Kaufmannshanse” zu einer “Städtehanse” läßt sich spätestens Mitte des 14. Jahrhunderts mit erstmaligen nahezu gesamthansischen Tagfahrten (Hansetagen) festmachen, in denen sich die Hansestädte zusammenschloßen und die Intereßen der niederdeutschen Kaufleute vertraten. Die Farben der Hanse (weiß und rot) finden sich auch heute noch in den Stadtwappen vieler Hansestädte. In den Zeiten ihrer größten Ausdehnung waren beinahe 300 See-und Binnenstädte des nördlichen Europas in der Städtehanse zusammengeschloßen. Eine wichtige Grundlage dieser Verbindungen war die Entwicklung des Transportwesens, insbesondere zur See, weshalb die Segelkoggen zum Symbol der Hanse wurde. Die Hanse war nicht nur auf wirtschaftlichem, sondern auch auf politischem und kulturellem Gebiet ein wichtiger Faktor. “Hanse” nannten sich auch andere Kaufmannsverbünde bis nach Österreich, unabhängig von der großen norddeutschen Hanse.

1.) “S.M.S. Wissemara” (1354): this single-masted wooden sailing cog is the oldest restored vessel existing in Germany today, available for public viewing. Her name is Latin for the Hanseatic City of Wismar, located on Germany’s Baltic Sea coast.

Die Segelkogge “S.M.S. Wissemara” (1354) ist vielleicht das älteste völlig restaurierte Schiff in Deutschland. Sie hat einen Mast, und man kann das alte Schiff heute in der Hansestadt Wismar besuchen.

2.) “S.M.S. Bunte Kuh” (1401): this was the fleet flagship of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, which gained great fame for defeating the pirate ship of Claus Störtebeker in a battle off the island of Helgoland in the German Bay of the North Sea. Her name means “bright cow” in English.

Das Segelflottenflaggschiff “S.M.S. Bunte Kuh” (1401) gehörte zur Freien und Hansestadt Hamburg. Die “S.M.S. Bunte Kuh” ist berühmt weil sie das Piratenschiff des Claus Störtebeker vor Helgoland besiegte.

3.) “S.M.S. Großer Adler von Lübeck” (1566): her keel was laid down by the Wallhalbinsel Shipyard of Lübeck in 1565. She was launched in March of 1566, and was commissioned in 1567. She displaced up to 3,000 tons full load, which made her the largest ship in the entire world at the time – yet another testimony to the very high level of Germany’s naval and nautical technology. She was 78,3 meters long, had a beam of 14,5 meters and a draught of 5,3 meters. Her sail area was 1,794 square meters, and her crew consisted of 1,000 commissioned officers and enlisted men (350 crew for the ship and 650 marine soldiers). She was armed with 138 cannon (52 bronze guns and 86 iron guns). Among these guns were 8-48 pounders, 6-24 pounders, 26-10 pounders, 10-6 pounders, 4-5 pounders, 8-3 pounders, 40-1,5 pounders and 36 miscellaneous guns. The height from her waterline to the top of her main mast was 62,5 meters. She was a Galleon (or Frigate) of the Hanseatic City of Lübeck, located on Germany’s Baltic Sea coast. She was the Admiral’s fleet flagship from 1566 until 1581. She was scrapped in 1588.

Die Segelfregatte “S.M.S. Großer Adler von Lübeck” (1566) wurde bei der Wallhalbinsel Schiffswerft in Lübeck auf Kiel gelegt, lief im März 1566 vom Stapel und wurde im Jahre 1567 getauft. Sie hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 3,000 Tonnen, und war zur Zeit das größte Schiff der Welt. Sie war 78,3 Meter lang, sie hatte eine Breite von 14,5 Meter und einen Tiefgang von 5,3 Meter. Ihr Segelbereich lag bei 1,794 Quadratmeter, und sie hatte eine Besatzung von 1,000 Offiziere und Matrosen (350 Besatzungsmitglieder des Kriegsschiffes und 650 Marineinfanteristen). Sie war mit 138 Kanonen bewaffnet (52 Bronzkanonen und 86 Eisenkanonen): darin waren acht 48-Pfunder, sechs 24-Pfunder, 26-10 Pfunder, zehn Sechs-Pfunder, vier Fünf-Pfunder, acht Drei-Pfunder, 40-1,5 Pfunder und 36 andere Kanonen. Von der Wasserlinie bis zur Höhe des Masts war sie 62,5 Meter hoch. Von 1566 bis 1581 diente sie als Flottenflaggschiff des Admirals, und sie wurde im Jahre 1588 verschrottet.

4.) “S.M.S. Wappen von Hamburg” (1669): this was a Heavy Frigate, which served as the first convoy vessel of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg. She served under the command of Admiral Bernd Jacobsen Karpfanger, in the duty of escorting German commerce ships and protecting them from hostile forces, be they pirates or of other nations.

Die Schwere Segelfregatte “S.M.S. Wappen von Hamburg” (1669) diente als Geleitschiff der Freien und Hansestadt Hamburg unter Admiral Bernd Jacobsen Karpfanger.

5.) The Elbe Frigate “S.M.S. Stormarn” (1703) had two main and third half (stern) battery decks. She was based at Neumühlen in Hamburg.

Die Elbe-Fregatte “S.M.S. Stormarn” (1703) hatte zwei Hauptdecks und ein Halbachterndeck. Sie war bei Neumühlen in Hamburg stationiert.

PLANNED AIRCRAFT CARRIERS

XIV. “Flugzeugträger” (Aircraft Carriers)

XIVa. “Graf Zeppelin” Class (1938)

Germany even had aircraft carriers planned before and during World War Two. The 34,000-ton “Graf Zeppelin” (launched in 1938) was 85% complete but never commissioned. She was capable of an extremely impressive 38,8 knots and was to have been armed with more than 40 aircraft, including the Messerschmitt Bf-109 fighter and the Junkers Ju-87 dive bomber. Steaming radius was 8,000 miles. She was scuttled by the Soviets in the Baltic Sea in 1947, where she remains to this very day. Her sister ship “Peter Straßer” (named for the commanding officer of Germany’s Zeppelin airship fleet during World War One) was laid down in 1939 but scrapped due to the outbreak of the war. They were to have been followed by six further sister carriers. Germany had a total of 131 lighter-than-air dirigible Zeppelin airships until the 1930s, most of them built during World War One. They were invented by Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin (1838-1917), who built them in the city of Friedrichshafen on the shore of Lake Constance (the “Bodensee” in German) in Southern Germany. They are still being built today, albeit with much more improved technology that makes them a great deal safer than before.

Der Flugzeugträger “Graf Zeppelin” (1938) war ein Schiff der deutschen Kriegsmarine, das bedauerlicherweise nicht fertiggestellt wurde. Namensgeber war der Luftschiffpionier Ferdinand Graf von Zeppelin (1838-1917). Der Bauauftrag für den “Flugzeugträger A,” die spätere “Graf Zeppelin,” wurde am 16. November 1935 an den Werftbetrieb Deutsche Werke AG in Kiel vergeben. Der Bauauftrag für das Schwesterschiff, den Flugzeugträger B (”Peter Straßer”), wurde gleichzeitig an die Friedrich Krupp Germaniawerft AG, ebenfalls in Kiel ansäßig, erteilt. Peter Straßer war der Kommandeur von Deutschlands Zeppelinflotte während des Ersten Weltkrieges. Bis Anfang des Zweiten Weltkrieges wurden 131 Zeppelin-Luftschiffe gebaut.Der Stapellauf des ersten, und bis heute einzigen, deutschen Flugzeugträgers fand am 8. Dezember 1938 statt. Getauft wurde das Schiff von Hella von Zeppelin, der Tochter des Grafen Zeppelin. Der weitere Ausbau des Schiffes wurde im Oktober 1939 zunächst gestoppt. Ende 1942 wurden jedoch noch Veränderungen am Rumpf vorgenommen und man bereitete die Turbinenanlage für ein teilweise Inbetriebnahme vor. Am 2. Februar 1943 wurde jedoch der entgültige Baustopp verfügt. Am 21. April 1943 wurde der unfertige Flugzeugträger nach Stettin in Hinterpommern geschleppt. Hier wurde er, bereits zu 85 Prozent fertiggestellt, am 25. April 1945 von Sprengkommandos versenkt, um zu verhindern, daß er in feindliche rußische Hände geriet. Im März 1947 wurde die Schleppverbindung zur “Graf Zeppelin” kurz vor einem Sturm gelöst, um ein Reißen der Schleppleinen zuvorzukommen. Das Schiff wurde anschließend mit zwei Torpedos 30 Seemeilen vor Großendorf in der Danziger Bucht versenkt, wo es heute noch liegt.Die geplante Einsatzverdrängung der “Graf Zeppelin” war 34,000 Tonnen, und die geplante Höchstgeschwindigkeit war eine sehr gute 38,8 Knoten – schnell auch für heutige Begriffe. Die geplante Bewaffnung des Schiffes war 40 Flugzeuge (das Messerschmitt Bf-109 Jagdflugzeug sowie das Junkers Ju-87 Sturzkampfbombenflugzeug), und die geplante Reichweite des Flugzeugträgers lag bei 8,000 Seemeilen. Die geplante Besatzung des Schiffes war 1,760 Offiziere und Matrosen und dazu 306 Fliegerpersonal. Zwischen 1937 und 1943 wurden mindestens 170 Flugzeuge für Deutschlands geplante Flugzeugträger gebaut. Die Kriegsmarine hatte es vor, eventuell acht Mitglieder der “Graf Zeppelin” Klaße zu bauen. Am 4. September 2004 haben zwei Deutsche (Richard Wagner und Manfred Wilske) ein 1:100 Maßtab Modell der “Graf Zeppelin” hergestellt. Die Vorbereitung, die Planung und die Konstruktion dafür dauerten fast zwei Jahrzehnte.

In between 1937 and 1943, no fewer than 170 fixed-wing aircraft were manufactured and tested for the purpose of use aboard aircraft carriers in Germany. When one includes such aircraft completed and sold to both Italy and Japan, as well as prototype helicopters, the number of aircraft exceeds 250. These included biplanes such as the Heinkel 50, the Heinkel 66, the Arado 195, the Arado 197 and the Fieseler 167. It also includes more modern monoplanes such as the Messerschmitt 109, the Messerschmitt 155, the Junkers 87, the Arado 96 and the Heinkel 118. Helicopters include the Flettner 265 and the Flettner 282.Two Germans named Richard Wagner and Manfred Wilske recently built a very large and highly detailed 1:100 scale model of the aircraft carrier “Graf Zeppelin,” which was “commissioned” on September 4, 2004. The two men put a tremendous amount of research and labor into the project, which took the better part of two decades.

XIVb. “Hilfsflugzeugträger” (Auxiliary Aircraft Carriers)

Planned civilian conversions into auxiliary aircraft carriers included the passenger liners “Europa” (56,500 tons and with 42 aircraft), the ”Potsdam” (23,500 tons and with 24 aircraft) and the “Gneisenau” (18,160 tons and with 23 aircraft). This ship is not to be confused with the entirely different battlecruiser “Gneisenau” of 38,900 tons. “Europa” was commissioned as a passenger liner in 1929, survived World War Two, and was finally scrapped in 1962. “Potsdam” was commissioned as a passenger liner in 1936, also survived the Second World War, and was scrapped in 1976. “Gneisenau” was commissioned as a passenger liner in 1936, but did not survive World War Two. She was sunk by an American submarine in the Pacific Ocean in November 1944.

Die deutsche Kriegsmarine hatte es auch vor, sogenannte “Hilfsflugzeugträger” umzubauen. Die geplanten Schiffe waren das Paßagierschiff “Europa” (eine Einsaztverdrängung von 56,500 Tonnen und 42 Flugzeuge), das Paßagierschiff “Potsdam” (eine Einsatzverdrängung von 23,500 Tonnen und 24 Flugzeuge), das Paßagierschiff “Gneisenau” (eine Einsatzverdrängung von 18,160 Tonnen und 23 Flugzeuge), der geplante Schwere Kreuzer “Seydlitz” (eine Einsatzverdrängung von 18,000 Tonnen und 18 Flugzeuge) und zuletzt der beschlagnahmte französische geplante Leichte Kreuzer “De Grasse” (eine Einsatzverdrängung von 11,400 Tonnen und 23 Flugzeuge). Nichts geschah, weil die Kriegsmarine für den Zweiten Weltkrieg zu klein war und auch total unvorbereitet war. Flugzeugträger sind doch sehr wichtig, aber Deutschlands Hochseeflotte war einfach zu klein und Deutschland brauchte immer mehr Unterseeboote um einen Handelskrieg gegen Großbrittanien und Amerika zu führen.Das Paßagierschiff “Europa” wurde im Jahre 1962 verschrottet, und das Paßagierschiff “Potsdam” wurde im Jahre 1976 verschrottet. Das Paßagierschiff “Gneisenau” wurde von einem amerikanischen Unterseeboot im November 1944 torpediert. Der geplante Schwere Kreuzer “Seydlitz” wurde im Jahre 1958 verschrottet, und der Leichte Kreuzer “De Grasse” wurde im Jahre 1956 von den Franzosen getauft und im Jahre 1976 endlich verschrottet.

Other ships to be converted into carriers included the former Heavy Cruiser “Seydlitz” (18,000 tons and with 18 aircraft). This “Seydlitz” was originally to have been a heavy cruiser of the “Admiral Hipper” class. She survived World War Two and was finally scrapped in 1958. The other planned auxiliary aircraft carrier was the captured French light cruiser “De Grasse” (11,400 tons and with 23 aircraft). She was returned to France after World War Two, commissioned into the French Navy as a light cruiser in 1956 and finally scrapped in 1976.One passenger ship to aircraft carrier conversion was even planned during World War One – the “S.M.S. Ausonia” (12,585 tons and with 29 aircraft). This conversion was not completed either, and the ship was finally scrapped in 1922.

Im Ersten Weltkrieg hatte es die Kaiserliche Marine Deutschlands vor, das Paßagierschiff “Ausonia” auch als Flugzeugträger umzubauen. Die geplante Einsatzverdrängung lag bei 12,585 Tonnen und die geplante Bewaffnung des Schiffes lag bei 29 Flugzeugen. Nichts geschah, und die “Ausonia” wurde im Jahre 1922 endlich verschrottet.

In today’s world, aircraft carriers are the largest active duty ships in any navy. The era of battleships is gone, likely never to return.

XIVc. “Großflugzeugkreuzer” (Large Aircraft Cruisers)

Perhaps among the most valuable German capital ship design studies which never came to fruition were for future aircraft carriers. In 1942, a number of so-called “Großflugzeugkreuzer” (literally “large aircraft cruisers” in English) were designed. The two larger ones were to have displaced 70,000 tons each. These were hybrid ships, part battleship in the forward half and part aircraft carrier in the rear or aft half. Primary forward armament would have consisted of either 4-11 inch guns in dual turrets or 6-11 inch guns also in dual turrets. Each ship would have had 32 aircraft as well. Maximum steaming radius would have been a most impressive 20,000 miles and top speed would have been an equally impressive 34 knots.

Als Flugdeckkreuzer wird ein Typ von Kriegsschiffen bezeichnet, der zwar primär dem Einsatz von Flugzeugen und Hubschraubern dient, aber kein durchgehendes Flugdeck hat. Im Jahre 1942 gab es einige Studien für geplante deutsche Flugdeckkreuzer. Die zwei größten ”Großflugzeugkreuzer” hatten je eine Einsatzverdrängung von 70,000 Tonnen und 32 Flugzeuge. Vorne waren sie wie Schlachtschiffe (mit großen Schnellfeuerkanonen) und achtern wie Flugzeugträger. Die geplante Bewaffnung war entweder vier 28-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen oder sechs 28-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen. Die geplante Reichweite war gute 20,000 Seemeilen und die geplante Höchstgeschwindigkeit auch gute 34 Knoten. Die zwei nächsten ”Großflugzeugkreuzer” hatten je eine geplante Einsatzverdrängung von 40,000 Tonnen und 23 oder 24 Flugzeuge. Die geplante Bewaffnung (vorne) war entweder sechs 28-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen oder vier 20,3-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen. Die geplante Reichweite eines Schiffes war 18,000 Seemeilen und die geplante Höchstgeschwindigkeit lag bei 34 Knoten. Die drei ehemaligen sowjetrußischen Flugdeckkreuzer der “Kiew” Klaße der 1970er Jahre waren ähnlich, mit einer Einsatzverdrängung von je 43,000 Tonnen und 35 Flugzeuge / Hubschrauber pro Schiff.Es gab auch zwei Vorschläge für kleinere Flugdeckkreuzer. Der erste Vorschlag hatte eine geplante Einsatzverdrängung von 19,150 Tonnen, und eine geplante Bewaffnung von 18 Flugzeuge und acht 15-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen. Die geplante Höchstgeschwindigkeit lag bei 35,5 Knoten. Der zweite Vorschlag hatte eine geplante Einsatzverdrängung von 12,750 Tonnen, und eine geplante Bewaffnung von zehn Flugzeuge und vier 15-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen. Die geplante Höchstgeschwindigkeit lag bei 34 Knoten. Sowjetrußland hatte zwei ehemalige Flugdeckkreuzer der “Moskwa” Klaße der 1960er Jahre, mit einer Einsatzverdrängung von je 19,200 Tonnen und einer Bewaffnung von 18 Hubschrauber. Man kann den Einfluß der geplanten deutschen Flugdeckkreuzer darin sehen.

There were also two design studies for 40,000 ton “Großflugzeugkreuzer.” Primary foreward armament would have been either 6-11 inch guns in dual turrets or 4-8 inch guns in a single turret. Maximum steaming radius would have been 18,000 miles and top speed an impressive 34 knots. Each vessel would have carried 23 and 24 aircraft, respectively. The post-World War Two Soviet Navy actually did commission similar ships, but armed with missiles instead of cannon. The former “Kiev” class of 3 ships displaced 43,000 tons each and were armed with 35 helicopters and V/STOL (Vertical / Short takeoff and landing) aircraft. The smaller “Moskva” class of 2 ships displaced 19,200 tons each and were armed with 18 ASW (anti-submarine warfare) helicopters. The World War Two “Kriegsmarine” of Germany also designed a 19,150 “Flugdeckkreuzer” (literally “air deck cruiser” in English) armed with 8-6 inch guns plus 18 aircraft. Top speed would have been a very impressive 35,5 knots. I have to believe the Russians were influenced by these old German plans, because both the Western Allies and the Russians raided Germany’s superior technology after the war. They took plans for diesel-electric submarines, jet aircraft, rocket engines, ballistic missiles and very large battle tanks.The smallest planned “Flugdeckkreuzer” would have displaced just 12,750 tons and was to have been armed with 4-6 inch guns plus 10 aircraft. Top speed would have been 34 knots. Germany’s smallest aircraft carrier plan was for a 6,000 ton ship. This light carrier would have been armed with 8-4 inch guns and up to 15 aircraft. The Western Allies used such ships to escort their merchant convoys, especially in between North America and the British Isles in the North Atlantic Ocean. Such small escort carriers were the single most important factor in defeating the German submarine arm during World War Two, and contributed more than any other weapon to the so-called “Black May” of 1943, when the tide in the Battle of the Atlantic turned against Germany.

Der kleinste geplante Flugzeugträger der deutschen Kriegsmarine hatte eine geplante Einsatzverdrängung von nur 6,000 Tonnen und eine geplante Bewaffnung von 15 Flugzeuge und acht 10,5 cm Schnellfeuerkanonen. Besonders die Amerikaner haben fiele von solchen “Geleitflugzeugträger” zur Zeit des Zweiten Weltkrieges gebaut, aber die amerikanische Kriegsmarine war jedoch viel größer. Geleitflugzeugträger verteidigten den Seehandel, aber zur Zeit des Zweiten Weltkrieges war Deutschlands Seehandel bedauerlicherweise schon zu gering. Heutzutage ist Deutschlands Seehandel doch sehr groß und auch wichtiger geworden. Flugzeugträger sind heute immer noch sehr wichtige Kriegsschiffe, besonders bei den größeren Seemächten wie Amerika, Großbrittanien, Rußland, Frankreich, Italien, Spanien, Brasilien, Indien und Thailand. Hoffentlich gibt es auch in Deutschlands Zukunft wieder Flugzeugträger.

In sum, an amazing 9 planned German aircraft carriers already had proposed names – 7 of which were already launched. Germany’s political leadership in World Wars One and Two failed to recognize their true value. Germany’s senior naval leaders also failed to recognize the true potential of this new weapon. The fact that 9 ships were named and that 7 were actually launched is a testament to the foresight of more middle and junior-level German naval officers.

The Largest Ships in the German Navy Today (the “Berlin” and the “Speßart” Class Naval Tenders)

1. “Berlin” Class (2001)

The largest vessels in the modern German Navy are the two sister tenders “Berlin” (commissioned in 2001) and “Frankfurt am Main” (commissioned in 2002) of 20,400 tons each. They are each armed with 4-1 inch guns, 2 Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAM) and 2 helicopters on an aft flight deck. They can make up to 20 knots with their diesel engines. They support German combat vessels when deployed far from home, but are not considered to be combat vessels.  The most recent Commander of the “Frankfurt am Main” is Fregattenkapitän Stefan Berger, whom I had the opportunity to meet in both 1988 and 1990.  In April 1988, he was a young Midshipman aboard the training vessel “Schulschiff Deutschland,” when this ship called at the port of Norfolk in Virginia.  I met his entire family in June 1988, when I was in Hamburg, Germany as part of my Summer Internship while studying for an M.B.A. at The College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia.  My parents and I met him in Virginia in April 1988, and our family visited his family in September 1990 when we visited Germany for the reunion of the Nonnenkamp family in Wennigsen am Deister near Hanover.

Die größten Schiffe der modernen “Deutschen Marine” sind die zwei Schwester-Einsatzgruppenversorger “Berlin” (2001) und “Frankfurt am Main” (2002). Sie haben je eine Einsatzverdrängung von 20,400 Tonnen, und je eine Bewaffnung von zwei Hubschrauber, zwei Flugzeugabwehrraketen (SAMs) und einer Schnellfeuerkanone. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit liegt bei 20 Knoten. Einsatzgruppenversorger (EGV) sind Versorgungsschiffe der Deutschen Marine, die der logistischen und sanitätsdienstlichen Unterstützung gemischter Einsatzgruppen dienen. Sie versorgen Kriegsschiffe mit Betriebstoffen, Verbrauchsgüter, Proviant und Munition und sind so ausgerüstet, daß sie diese Güter während der Fahrt von Schiff zu Schiff übergeben können. Die Hubschrauber dienen dem Transport von Personen und Material. Zur sanitätsdienstlichen Unterstützung führen die EGV ein Marineeinsatzrettungszentrum (MERZ) mit, dessen notfallmedizinische Kapazität etwa der eines Krankenhauses entspricht. In der Bettenstation gibt es 45 Krankenbetten, davon vier Intensivbetten. Das MERZ-System besteht aus einem Verbund von Containern, die nach Bedarf auf dem EGV aufgebaut werden. Beide Schiffe dieser Klaße wurden auf der Werft der Flensburger Schiffbau-Gesellschaft gebaut. Die Beschaffung eines dritten Schiffes wurde am 17. Dezember 2008 bewilligt. Es soll im Jahre 2012 in Dienst gestellt werden und den Namen “Bonn” tragen.

2. “Spessart” Class (1977)

The tankers “Spessart” (commissioned 1977) and “Rhön” (commissioned 1977) of 14,260 tons each do likewise. These tanker ships make merely 16 knots with their diesel engines. The first two tenders are named for large German cities, whereas the latter two tankers are named for famous German rivers. These ships are considered to be large auxiliary vessels of the navy – built to support warships, but not designed for combat themselves. These 2 ships were built by the Kröger Shipyard of Rendsburg, and are 130,2 meters long, have beams of 19,3 meters and draughts of 8,7 meters. Each vessel is powered by a MAK 12-cylinder diesel engine, which drives a single screw and produces up to 8,000 horsepower. Crews consist of just 42 commissioned officers and enlisted men each.

Die zwei Schwester-Betriebsstofftransporter “Speßart” (1977) und “Rhön” (1977) sind die zweitgrößten Schiffe der modernen “Deutschen Marine.” Sie haben eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 14,260 Tonnen, und eine Höchstgeschwindigkeit von 16 Knoten. Sie wurden bei der Kröger Schiffswerft in Rendsburg gebaut, und sind je 130,2 Meter lang, mit einer Breite von 19,3 Meter und einen Tiefgang von 8,7 Meter. Sie sind nicht bewaffnet. Die Besatzung eines Schiffes besteht aus 42 Offiziere und Matrosen.

MODERN CAPITAL SHIPS OF THE GERMAN NAVY TODAY

XV. “Fregatten und Zerstörer” (Frigates and Destroyers)

In modern navies, the largest capital surface warships are now aircraft carriers. The USA has by far largest number, with 12 carriers still on active duty. This is extremely expensive to do, and with the American economy in rapid decline it seems unlikely to continue at this level. The UK is second with merely two carriers, and a number of countries maintain single carriers (such as Russia, France, Italy, Spain, Brazil and Thailand). The only country with battlecuisers is Russia with one active ship (now armed with missiles instead of guns, since missiles replaced guns as the most important primary ship armament after World War Two). A few countries maintain light cruisers, including the USA, Russia, France and Peru. Most modern navies only build surface combat vessels up to destroyer size, and Germany is among these.

Die größten Kampfschiffe der modernen “Deutschen Marine” sind die Fregatten. Deutschlands moderne Fregatten sind die größten und auch die besten Fregatten der Welt, so groß und so gut wie die Zerstörer anderer Kriegsmarinen. Deutschland hat leider keine modernen Flugzeugträger oder Kreuzer. Nur Amerika, Rußland, Frankreich und Peru haben noch Kreuzer, die größer als Fregatten oder Zerstörer sind.

XVa. “Baden-Württemberg” Class (2009)

The modern air-defense frigates of the “Baden-Württemberg” class (6,800 tons each) will be the largest combat vessels to be commissioned into the German Navy since World War Two. In other navies, these would be called destroyers, but the German Navy has chosen a different nomenclature for political reasons (they feel “frigate” sounds less threatening than “destroyer”). The first member of this class is scheduled to join the fleet in 2014. Each of the four planned new ships will be armed with 8 Surface-to-Surface Missiles (SSM) and two anti-submarine helicopters (the flight deck and hangar / elevator are located aft). They will be able to make up to 28 knots with their diesel engines and turbines. “Baden-Württemberg” is the name of the modern German State of Baden-Wuerttemberg, located in Southwestern Germany. 4 units of this class are currently planned, but 38 “call” or “pennant” numbers are available in between this class and the “Braunschweig” class of modern corvettes.  Thus far, two names have been chosen for this new class of ships: for the “Baden-Württemberg” herself (pennant number F223) and for her first sister ship the “Nordrhein-Westfalen” (pennant number F224).  Northrhine-Westphalia is a large and populous state in Northwestern Germany.

Die “Baden-Württemberg” (2009) Klaße (auch Klaße 125 oder Fregatte 125 genannt) ist eine neue Klaße von Fregatten der Deutschen Marine, von denen derzeit die erste Einheit gebaut wird. Hersteller der Fregatten ist die ARGE F125 (Arbeitsgemeinschaft Fregatte 125), bestehend aus der ThyssenKrupp Marine Systeme AG (aus Hamburg) und der Friedrich Lürssen Werft GmbH & Company KG (aus Bremen). Die Kriegsschiffe dieser Klaße (die größten Fregatten der Welt) werden eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 6,800 Tonnen haben. Sie werden 145,6 Meter lang sein, mit einer Breite von 18,4 Meter und einen Tiefgang von 5 Meter. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit wird bei 28 Knoten liegen, und die Reichweite bei 4,000 Seemeilen. Die geplante Bewaffnung pro Schiff liegt bei acht Schiffabwehrraketen (SSM), 42 Flugzeugabwehrraketen (RAM), zehn Schnellfeuerkanonen und zwei Bordhubschrauber. Die geplante Besatzung ist 170 Offiziere und Matrosen pro Einheit.  Das zweite Mitglied dieser Klaße wird “Nordrhein-Westfalen” (F224) heißen.

XVb. “Sachsen” Class (2003)

The largest air-defense frigates now in active German naval service are the trio of the “Sachsen” (2003), the “Hamburg” (2004) and the “Hessen” (2006), which are of 5,960 tons maximum displacement each. They are the largest frigates in the world, comparable to destroyers of other navies and comparable to the light cruisers of World War Two. All four ships are named for German states. “Sachsen” is German for “Saxony,” Hamburg is one of modern Germany’s City-States and a Hanseatic City as well and “Hessen” is German for “Hesse” or “Hessia.” Each ship of this class is armed with 8 Surface-to-Surface Missiles (SSM) and one anti-submarine helicopter (the flight deck and hangar / elevator are located aft). They can make up to 28 knots with their diesel engines and turbines.

“F124? ist die marineinterne Bezeichnung für die Fregatten der zweiten “Sachsen” (2003) Klaße der Deutschen Marine. Typschiff ist die Fregatte “Sachsen” (F219), die nach intensiver Erprobung Anfang November 2004 in Dienst gestellt wurde. Die Klaße umfaßt noch die beiden Schwesterschiffe “Hamburg” (Indienstellung am 13. Dezember 2004) und “Hessen” (Indienstellung am 21. April 2006). Die “Sachsen” Klaße ersetzt die drei Zerstörer der Klaße 103B (die nachfolgende “Lütjens” Klaße von 1969), die bis 2003 außer Dienst gestellt wurden. Die drei modernen Fregatten der “Sachsen” Klaße sind als Mehrzweckfregatten konzipiert, die zum Geleitschutz und zur Gebietssicherung eingesetzt werden können sowie sehr effektiv feindliche Flugzeuge und andere Flugkörper abwehren können. Die Sensoren und Effektoren dieser Kriegssschiffe sind auf Verbandsführung und Verbandsflugzeugabwehr optimiert, welches die Hauptaufgaben dieses Fregattentyps darstellen. Die drei Einheiten der “Sachsen” Klaße haben eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 5,960 Tonnen, und sind mit acht Schiffabwehrraketen (SSM) und einen Bordhubschrauber ausgerüstet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit liegt bei 28 Knoten.

XVc. “Lütjens” Class (1969)

After the large modern frigates come the three destroyers of the “Lütjens” (1969) class (4,720 tons each), based upon the “U.S.S. Charles F. Adams” class. The “Lütjens” (named for Admiral Günter Lütjens who went down with the battleship “Bismarck” in May 1941) is now in reserve, while the “Mölders” (commissioned in 1969 and named for the great fighter ace Werner Mölders of the German Air Force or “Luftwaffe” in World War Two) is a museum ship in Germany’s main North Sea base of Wilhelmshaven. The “Rommel” (commissioned in 1970 and named for Field Marshall Erwin Rommel who commanded Germany’s “Afrika Korps” in North Africa during World War Two) was recently scrapped. Each ship is armed with 40 Surface-to-Surface Missiles (SSM), 2 Surface-to-Air Missles (SAM) and 8 Anti-Submarine Rockets (ASROC). Top speed is an impressive 36 knots with diesel engines and turbines. These vessels were built by the Bath Iron Works of Bath, Maine (USA). They are 134,4 meters long, have a beam of 14,38 meters and a draught of 6,4 meters. They are equipped with both radar and sonar, are powered by 4 boilers which drive 2 screws, and can produce up to 70,000 horsepower. They can carry up to 900 tons of fuel oil, and have a range of operations of up to 6,000 nautical miles. Their crews consist of 39 commissioned officers and 319 enlisted men each.

Die “Lütjens” (1969) der Deutschen Marine war ein Zerstörer und Typschiff der Klaße 103B (die “Lütjens” Klaße), einer Modifikation der amerikanischen “Charles F. Adams” Klaße. Das Kriegsschiff wurde nach dem deutschen Admiral Günther Lütjens benannt, der im Zweiten Weltkrieg mit dem Schlachtschiff “Bismarck” im Mai 1941 unterging. Es wurde am 18. Dezember 2003 außer Dienst gestellt. Der Zerstörer war mehr als 30 Jahre in Diensten der Deutschen Marine und nahm an zahlreichen Übungen im Rahmen der NATO teil. Das Schiff legte in 35 Jahren über 800,000 Seemeilen zurück. Heimathafen war Kiel. Seit 2006 befand sich das Schiff mit Hilfe von Schleppern im Marinestützpunkt Wilhelmshaven bei der Wehrtechnischen Dienststelle 71 für Sprengversuche. Dort soll das Schiff zum Verkauf über die bundeseigene Verwertungsgesellschaft “VEBEG” vorbereitet werden. Die zwei Schwesterschiffe der “Lütjens” (D185) sind die “Mölders” (D186) und die “Rommel” (D187). Der Zerstörer “Mölders” ist seit den 28. Mai 2003 außer Dienst gestellt und ist nun als Museum in Wilhelmshaven zu sehen. Werner Mölders (1913 bis 1941) war ein deutscher Luftwaffenoffizier und Fliegeraß im Zweiten Weltkrieg. Er war einer der beliebtesten Jagdflieger im Deutschland und einer der höchstdekorierten Helden der Luftwaffe.Der Zestörer “Rommel” wurde im Jahre 1998 außer Dienst gestellt und dann im Jahre 2004 abgewrackt. Johannes Erwin Eugen Rommel (1891 bis 1944) war deutscher Heeresoffizier, seit 1942 Generalfeldmarschall. Er ist Vater des langjährigen Stuttgarter Oberbürgermeisters Manfred Rommel (CDU).  Die drei Einheiten dieser Klaße wurden bei Bath Iron Works in Maine (USA) gebaut. Sie haben eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 4,720 Tonnen, sind je 134,4 Meter lang, haben eine Breite von je 14,38 Meter und einen Tiefgang von je 6,4 Meter. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit liegt bei 36 Knoten und die Reichweite bei 6,000 Seemeilen. Die Besatzung dieser Schiffe bestand aus je 39 Offiziere und 319 Matrosen. Die Bewaffnung einer Einheit bestand aus 40 Schiffabwehrraketen, (SSM), zwei Flugzeugabwehrraketen (RAM) und acht Unterseebootabwehrraketen (ASROC).

XVd. “Hamburg” Class (1959)

The “Hamburg” (1959) class of postwar destroyers also included the “Schleswig-Holstein” (1959), the “Bayern” (1960) and the “Hessen” (1961). They were all named after states of the Federal Republic of Germany, and displaced up to 4,700 tons full load. They were built by the H.C. Stückeln Shipyard in Hamburg (Germany’s largest seaport), and could make up to 35 knots. Each ship was 133,7 meters long, had a beam of 13,4 meters and a draught of 5,2 meters. Armament consisted of 4 “Exocet” Surface-to-Surface Missiles (SSM), 3 100-mm and 8 40-mm anti-aircraft guns. They were also equipped with 4 533-mm torpedo tubes and 2 375-mm “Bofors” Anti-Submarine Warfare Rocket Launchers (ASWRL) plus up to 80 mines. They also had radar, sonar and Electronic Countermeasures (ECM). They were powered by 4 boilers which drove 2 screws, and which produced up to 68,000 horsepower. Range of operations was up to 6,000 nautical miles, and total crew consisted of 280 commissioned officers and enlisted men. The ships had been decommissioned by 1984, and were scrapped shortly thereafter. My distant cousin Gerd Nonnenkamp served aboard the “Hamburg” for a good number of years.

Die “Hamburg” (1959) Klaße (auch Klaße 101, nach Umbau Klaße 101A) war eine Klaße von Zerstörern der Bundesmarine, die Ende der 1950er Jahre und Anfang der 1960er Jahre gebaut wurde. Die vier Einheiten der “Hamburg” Klaße waren bis Mitte der 1990er Jahre im Dienst und gehörten mit einer Verdrängung von je 4,700 Tonnen zu den größten Schiffen der damaligen Bundesmarine. Sie wurden bei der H.C. Stückeln Schiffswerft in Hamburg gebaut. Die drei anderen Mitglieder der “Hamburg” Klaße hießen “Schleswig-Holstein” (1959), “Bayern” (1960) und “Hessen” (1961). Sie waren je 133,7 Meter lang, hatten eine Breite von je 13,4 Meter, einen Tiefgang von 5,2 Meter und die Höchstgeschwindigkeit lag bei 35 Knoten. Die Bewaffnung eines Schiffes war vier “Exocet” Schiffabwehrraketen (SSM), drei 100-mm und acht 40-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK), vier 533-mm Torpedorohre, zwei 375-mm “Bofors” Unterseebootabwehrraketen (ASWRL) sowie 80 Minen. Die Reichweite eines Schiffes war 6,000 Seemeilen, und die Besatzung bestand aus 280 Offiziere und Matrosen. Im Jahre 1984 wurden die vier Einheiten dieser Klaße außer Dienst gestellt, und die Abwrackung folgte kurz danach. Mein Vetter Gerd Nonnenkamp aus Barsinghausen in Niedersachsen diente auf dem Zerstörer “Hamburg,” und leitet heute das Shantykorps der Marinekameradschaft Barsinghausen.

XVe. “Bremen” Class (1982)

The backbone of the modern German fleet are the eight smaller guided missile frigates of the “Bremen” class (3,800 tons each). They are very similar to the Dutch “Kortenaer” class frigates. They include the “Bremen” (1982), the “Niedersachsen” (1982), the “Rheinland-Pflalz” (1983), the “Emden” (1983), the “Köln” (1984), the “Karlsruhe” (1984), the “Augsburg” (1989) and the “Lübeck” (1990). Each ship is armed with 8 Surface-to-Surface Missiles (SSM), 24 Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAM) and one 76 mm anti-aircraft gun. They can make up to 30 knots and are powered with a combination of diesel engines and turbines. Each ship is 130 meters long, has a beam of 14,4 meters and a draught of 4,26 meters. They are equipped with radar, sonar and Electronic Countermeasures (ECM). They are powered by 2 General Electric turbines, plus 2 MTU diesel engines, which drive 2 5-bladed screws and which can produce up to 60,400 horsepower. Range of operations is up to 4,000 nautical miles, and crews consist of 21 commissioned officers and 160 enlisted men (plus 6 commissioned officers and 12 enlisted men for the air crew). The air crew operate 2 Lynx Mark 88 Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) helicopters.

“F122? ist die marineinterne Bezeichnung für die acht Fregatten der “Bremen” (1982) Klaße der Deutschen Marine. Typschiff ist die Fregatte “Bremen,” die am 9. Juli 1979 auf Kiel gelegt und am 7. Mai 1982 als erstes von acht Kriegsschiffen in Dienst gestellt wurde. Der Schiffsentwurf leitet sich von der niederländischen “Kortenaer” Klaße ab. Die Schiffe der “Bremen” Klaße sind heute in Wilhelmshaven stationiert und bilden das 4. Fregattengeschwader der Deutschen Marine. Die sieben anderen Mitglieder dieser Klaße sind die “Niedersachsen” (1982), die “Rheinland-Pfalz” (1983), die “Emden” (1983), die “Köln” (1984), die “Karlsruhe” (1984), die “Augsburg” (1989) und die “Lübeck” (1990). Sie haben eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 3,800 Tonnen. Die Bewaffnung dieser Schiffe besteht aus je acht Schiffabwehrraketen (SSM), 24 Flugzeugabwehrraketen (SAM), einer Flugzeugabwehrkanone (FLAK) und zwei Unterseebootabwehr-Bordhubschrauber Typ “Lynx Mark 88.” Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit liegt bei 30 Knoten und die Reichweite bei 4,000 Seemeilen. Sie sind je 130 Meter lang, haben eine Breite von je 14,4 Meter und einen Tiefgang von je 4,26 Meter. Die Besatzung eines Schiffes besteht aus 21 Offiziere und 160 Matrosen (und sechs Offiziere und 12 Matrosen Marinefliegerpersonal).

Bremen is a coastal city-state in Northern Germany and one of Germany’s Hanseatic cities. Niedersachsen (”Lower Saxony” in English) is also one of modern Germany’s states, located in Northern Germany. Lower Saxony is mostly Evangelical-Lutheran, like much of Northern Germany. It was formed out of the former Kingdom of Hanover, the Grand Duchy of Oldenburg and the Duchy of Brunswick. Rheinland-Pfalz (”Rhineland-Palatinate” in English) is a mostly Roman Catholic State in Southern Germany, and the home of former Chancellor Helmut Kohl, who held office from 1982 until 1998. “Emden” is a coastal port city on the North Sea, and part of East Frisia in Lower Saxony, a very Evangelical-Lutheran region. Köln (”Cologne” in French and English) is a very large mostly Roman Catholic city along the Rhine River, and the home of the late Chancellor Konrad Adenauer, who held national office from 1949 until 1963. Karlsruhe was the capital city of the old Grand Duchy of Baden, now part of the German State of Baden-Württemberg in mostly Roman Catholic Southern Germany. Augsburg is a city in the South German Free State of Bavaria, which is Germany’s largest Roman Catholic State. Lübeck is one of Germany’s coastal Hanseatic cities, located on the Baltic Sea in the mostly Evangelical-Lutheran State of Schleswig-Holstein. In German-speaking Europe, the Western and Southern regions are mostly Roman Catholic, whereas the Eastern and Northern areas are mostly Evangelical-Lutheran. This division has held since the turbulent time of the Protestant Reformation in 1517, and the Roman Catholic regions are also those which were ruled by the old Roman Empire in antiquity.

XVf. “Köln” Class (1958)

The “Köln” (1958) class of 6 postwar German frigates also included the “Karlsruhe” (1958), the “Emden” (1958), the “Augsburg” (1958), the “Lübeck” (1959) and the “Braunschweig” (1960). They were built by the H.C. Stückeln Shipyard of Hamburg, and each displaced up to 2,970 tons full load. They could make up to 30 knots, were 109,83 meters long, had a beam of 10,5 meters and a draught of 4,61 meters. Armament consisted of 2 100-mm and 6 40-mm guns, plus 2 375-mm “Bofors” Anti-Submarine Warfare Rocket Launchers (ASWRL). Each ship also had 4 533-mm torpedo tubes and 82 mines, plus radar and sonar. They were powered by 4 M.A.N. V-16 cylinder diesel engines, plus 2 Brown-Boveri gas turbines, which produced a total of 36,000 horsepower for 2 screws. Each ship carried up to 333 tons of fuel oil, and range of operations was up to 2,700 nautical miles. Crews consisted of 17 commissioned officers and 193 enlisted men each. One of these ships is still in the German Navy today, with the remainder having been scrapped or sold to the Turkish Navy.

“F120? bezeichnet eine ehemalige Fregattenklaße der Bundesmarine, auch benannt nach ihrem Typschiff “Köln” (1958) Klaße. Sechs dieser Schiffe wurden zwischen 1961 und 1964 in Dienst gestellt. Zusammen mit den Zerstörern der “Hamburg” (1959) Klaße waren sie die ersten Neubauten für die nachkriegs Bundesmarine. Entwickelt wurden sie bei H.C. Stückeln & Sohn in Hamburg. Als Aufgaben waren Geleitaufgaben, aber vorwiegend Unterseebootjagd vorgesehen. Die Schiffe wurden zunächst als “Geleitboot 55? bezeichnet und dem 2. Geleitgeschwader in Cuxhaven zugeordnet. Am 3. April 1968 wurde das 2. Geleitgeschwader von Cuxhaven nach Wilhelmshaven verlegt. Die “Emden” (1958) und die “Karlsruhe” (1958) schieden aus dem Geschwader aus und traten vorübergehend dem Flottendienstgeschwader in Flensburg bei, von dem die “Karlsruhe” am 1. Oktober 1973, und die “Emden” am 1. April 1974 wieder zum 2. Geleitgeschwader zurückkehrten. Zwischen 1982 und 1989 wurden die Fregatten der “Köln” Klaße außer Dienst gestellt. Die “Augsburg” (1958) wurde verschrottet, die “Köln” in der Lehrgruppe Schiffssicherung Neustadt als Übungsprojekt verwendet, die Fregatten “Emden” (1958), “Karlsruhe” (1958), “Lübeck” (1959) und “Braunschweig” (1960) wurden an die türkische Kriegsmarine verkauft. Die Kriegsschiffe dieser Klaße haben eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 2,970 Tonnen. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit liegt bei 30 Knoten und die Reichweite bei 2,700 Seemeilen. Sie sind je 109,83 Meter lang, haben eine Breite von je 10,5 Meter und einen Tiefgang von 4,61 Meter. Die Bewaffnung dieser Schiffe besteht aus je zwei 100-mm Schnellfeuerkanonen in Einzellafetten, sechs 40-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) in Doppellafetten, zwei 375-mm “Bofors” Unterseebootabwehrraketen (ASWRL), vier 533-mm Torpedorohre und 82 Minen. Eine Besatzung besteht aus 17 Offiziere und 193 Matrosen.

XVg. “Rostock” Class (1978)

The former East Germany (the so-called “German Democratic Republic” which was actually Communist) had three guided missile frigates of the “Rostock” class which displaced 1,900 tons each. The ships were based upon the Russian “Koni” class frigates, and were named “Rostock” (1978), “Halle” (1979) and “Berlin Haupstadt der DDR” (commissioned in 1979 and named “Berlin, capital city of the German Democratic Republic” in English). Each vessel was armed with 20 Surface-to-Surface Missiles (SSM), 2 depth charge-launchers plus 4-76 mm and 4-30 mm anti-aircraft guns. They could make up to 30 knots with their diesel engines. Rostock is a Hanseatic city on the Baltic Sea, Halle is an inland city and Berlin is of course the current capital of the Federal Republic of Germany (”Bundesrepublik Deutschland”) which the Western Allies established out of the American, British and French zones of occupation in 1949. The former East Germany reunified peacefully with Western Germany in 1990.

Es gab drei ehemalige Fregatten der sowjetrußischen “Koni” Klaße unter der Flagge der ehemaligen Deutschen Demokratischen Republik (DDR). Sie hießen “Rostock” (1978), “Halle” (1979) und “Berlin Hauptstadt der DDR” (1979), und hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 1,900 Tonnen. Mit der Wiedervereiningung des Deutschen Vaterlandes wurden die Schiffe mit NATO-Kennung zunächst von der Bundesmarine übernommen, wenig später jedoch außer Dienst gestellt und im Marinehafen von Peenemünde aufgelegt. Die Bewaffnung dieser Schiffe bestand aus je 20 Schiffabwehrraketen (SSM), zwei Wasserbomben-Werfer, vier 76-mm sowie vier 30-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK). Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit lag bei 30 Knoten.

XVh. “Gneisenau” Class (1958)

The postwar Navy of the former Western Germany (the “Bundesmarine”) had seven training frigates of the “Gneisenau” (1958) class, each of which displaced 1,350 tons and was armed with 6-4 inch guns and 4-1,5 inch guns. They could only make up to 27,5 knots with their diesel engines, which explains why they were only used for training. The other ships of this class were the “Scharnhorst” (1959), the “Admiral Hipper” (1959), the “Graf Spee” (1959), the “Scheer” (1959), the “Raule” (1959) and the “Brommy” (1959). The first five ships were obviously named after famous namesakes of World Wars One and Two. “Raule” was named after Benjamin Raule (1634-1707), general director of the Brandenburg Navy from 1676-1698. “Brommy” was named after German Rear Admiral Karl Rudolf Brommy (1804-1860). Brommy served in the Chilean Navy from 1822-1825, in the Brazilian Navy from 1825-1827, in the Greek Navy from 1827-1849, in the Prussian Navy from 1849-1853 and in the Austrian Navy until his death in 1860. Back then, it was not uncommon for both officers and enlisted men to serve for pay in foreign militaries as so-called “mercenaries.”

Während ihrer Aufbauphase hatte die damalige deutsche Bundesmarine ab 1958 insgesamt sieben Fregatten in Betrieb, die unter dem Oberbegriff “Schulfregatte Klaße 138? bezeichnet wurden. Sie wurden gebraucht vom England erworben (sie gehörten zur britischen “Hunt” Klaße von 1939). Benannt wurden sie in der damaligen Tradition nach ehemaligen Militärs vorgehender Armeen beziehungsweise Kriegsmarine Brandenburg-Preußens sowie Deutschlands. Die sieben Einheiten gehörten zu zwei Klaßen beziehungsweise drei Unterklaßen. Sie hießen “Gneisenau” (F212), “Scharnhorst” (F213), “Hipper” (F214), “Graf Spee” (F215), “Scheer” (F216), “Raule” (F217) und “Brommy” (F218), und wurden im Jahre 1968 außer Dienst gestellt. Sie hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 1,350 Tonnen, und waren mit je sechs 10,5-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen, vier 4-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen, zwei 20-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) sowie mit 40 Wasserbomben ausgerüstet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit lag bei 27,5 Knoten, und die Reichweite bei 3,500 Seemeilen. Sie waren je 85 Meter lang, hatten eine Breite von je 8,8 Meter und einen Tiefgang von 3,27 Meter. Die Besatzung dieser Schiffe bestand aus 146 Offiziere und Matrosen.
Benjamin Raule (1634-1707) war ein niederländischer Reeder und kurbrandenburgischer Generalmarinedirektor. Er entstammte einer hugenottischen Familie aus dem Teil Flanderns, der heute zu Frankreich gehört. Seine Familie hatte sich von Dünkirchen und dann von Zeeland aus als Freibeuter ein einträgliches Leben erwirtschaftet. Raule wandte sich 1675 nach Brandenburg, das sich zwischen 1674 und 1678 im Krieg mit Schweden befand, und bot Kurfürst Friedrich Wilhelm, dem Großen Kurfürsten, die Dienste seiner Korsaren an. Er erhielt von Friedrich Wilhelm einen Kaperbrief, der ihm die Wegnahme schwedischer und niederländischer Schiffe, die Schweden versorgten, erlaubte. Brandenburg war auf derartige Hilfe gegen die Seemacht Schweden angewiesen, da es kaum über eigene Seestreitkräfte verfügte. Nach einigen Erfolgen und Rückschlägen wurde Raule im Jahre 1676 mit dem Aufbau der kurbrandenburgischen Kriegsmarine beauftragt. Er ließ den Kaperkrieg fortsetzen und erzielte einige spektakuläre Erfolge im Kaperkrieg gegen Spanien. Zugleich engagierte er sich für den Aufbau von Handelsbeziehungen nach Übersee und gründete im Jahre 1682 die “Brandenburgisch-Afrikanische Compagnie,” die im Jahre 1684 ihren Hauptsitz mit insgesamt 30 Handels-und 10 Kriegsschiffen von Königsberg in Ostpreußen nach Emden in Ostfriesland verlegte und als Schiffe-und Geldgeber die kolonialen Bestrebungen des Großen Kurfürsten unterstützte. An der guineischen Goldküste im heutigen Ghana errichtete Otto Friedrich von der Groeben eine Kolonie und hißte dort am 1. Januar 1683 die brandenburgischen Flagge. Er gründete im gleichen Jahre “Großfriedrichsburg” beim Cape Three Points (Ghana) als Hauptniederlaßung. Weitere Stützpunkte befanden sich auf den Arguin-Inseln im heutigen Mauretanien (Nordafrika) und auf der Insel Sankt Thomas, heute zu den U.S.-Jungferninseln gehörig.Karl Rudolf Brommy (1804 in Anger bei Leipzig als “Karl Rudolf Bromme” geboren und 1860 in Sankt Magnus gestorben) war ein Marineoffizier und deutscher Admiral. Er war Befehlshaber der ersten gesamtdeutschen Reichsflotte (1848-1852).

This “Gneisenau” class was based upon the British “Hunt” class destroyer of 1939. Each ship was 85 meters long, had a beam of 8,8 meters and a draught of 3,27 meters. They were powered by 2 diesel boilers which drove 2 shafts, producing up to 19,000 horsepower. Range was up to 3,500 nautical miles, and crews consisted of 146 commissioned officers and enlisted men. Each vessel was armed with 4 4-inch guns, 4 2-pounder guns, 2 20-mm Oerlikon anti-aircraft guns and 40 anti-submarine depth charges.

XVI. “Korvetten” (Corvettes)

The smallest major surface units of the modern German Navy are the five brand new corvettes of the “Braunschweig” (2006) class (1,840 tons each and incorporating modern stealth technology much like the “Sachsen” and “Baden-Württemberg” class frigates). The four other ships of this class include the “Magdeburg” (2008), the “Erfurt” (2008), the “Oldenburg” (2008) and the “Ludwigshafen am Rhein” (2008). Each ship is armed with 4 Surface-to-Surface Missiles (SSM) and one anti-submarine helicopter (flight deck and hangar / elevator are located aft). They can make up to 26 knots with their diesel engines and turbines. All are named after large German cities, and many have namesakes from the past. Corvettes are smaller than destroyers or frigates, but larger than fast attack craft or patrol craft.

Die fünf Korvetten der zweiten “Braunschweig” (2006) Klaße (auch “Klaße 130? genannt) sind als Ergänzung für die Schnellboote der Deutschen Marine in der Beschaffung. Sie stellen eine neue Klaße zwischen großen Schnellbooten und kleinen Fregatten dar, verfügen über eine Reihe technischer Innovationen und sind somit ein für die Marine neues Waffensystem, was auch in der Klaßifizierung als Korvette zum Ausdruck kommt. Wichtigste Aufgaben werden die Seeraumüberwachung, Aufklärung und Bekämpfung von See-und Landzielen sein. Unterseebootjagt ist nicht vorgesehen, weshalb die Korvette K130 nicht mit Sonar zur Jagd von Unterseebooten ausgestattet ist. Die vier anderen Mitglieder dieser Klaße heißen “Magdeburg” (2008), “Erfurt” (2008), “Oldenburg” (2008) und “Ludwigshafen am Rhein” (2008). Sie haben eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 1,840 Tonnen, und sind mit je vier Schiffabwehrraketen (SSM) ausgerüstet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit liegt bei 26 Knoten.

XVIa. “Hans Bürkner” Class

The “Hans Bürkner” displaced 1,348 tons and was armed with anti-submarine warfare rocket launchers (ASWRL) plus one 37,5 mm anti-aircraft gun. Her top speed was just 24 knots, which illustrates her prototype nature. She was the sole ship of her class and has since been scrapped.

Die ehemalige Fregatte “Hans Bürkner” wurde als Einzelschiff und Prototyp der Bundesmarine gebaut. Sie hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,348 Tonnen und ihre Höchstgeschwindigkeit lag bei 24 Knoten. Ihre Bewaffnung bestand aus einer 37,5-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanone (FLAK) und einige Unterseebootabwehrraketen (ASWRL oder “Anti-Submarine Warfare Rocket Launchers” auf englisch).

XVIb. “Parchim” Class (1981)

The former navy of Eastern Germany had sixteen corvettes of the “Parchim” class commissioned from 1981 to 1984, each of which displaced 1,200 tons and was armed with 2-57 mm guns plus 2-30 mm guns. These vessels could make up to 25 knots with their diesel engines. These ships have since been sold to the Indonesian Navy and still serve there today. All ships were named for cities in the former East Germany, and were built by the Peenewerft Shipyard of Wolgast on the Baltic Sea coast. They include the “Gadebusch,” the “Grevesmühlen,” the “Bergen,” the “Angermünde,” the “Lübz,” the “Bad Doberan,” the “Güstrow,” the “Waren,” the “Prenzlau,” the “Ludwigslust,” the “Ribnitz-Damgarten,” the “Teterow,” the “Wismar,” the “Perleberg” and the “Bützow.” The new Federal German states in the former East Germany are now named Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (”Mecklenburg-Near Pomerania” in English), Sachsen-Anhalt (”Saxony-Anhalt” in English), Sacshen (”Saxony” in English), Thüringen (”Thuringia” in English), Brandenburg and of course the reunited German capital city of Berlin. The “Wismar” was named after a cog of the Middle Ages, commissioned in 1354 and recently raised and restored. The original ship is on public display in the coastal city of Wismar, located on the Baltic Sea. Her name was “S.M.S. Wissemara,” which is the Latin name for Wismar.

Die “Parchim” (1981) Klaße ist eine Unterseebootjagdschiff-Klaße in Korvettengröße, die ab 1981 von der Volksmarine der ehemaligen Deutschen Demokratischen Republik (”Ostdeutschland”) und der ehemaligen sowjetrußischen Kriegsmarine in Gebrauch war. Die 16 Schiffe der ehemaligen DDR wurden im Jahre 1993 an Indonesien verkauft. Die “Parchim” Klaße wurde in den 1970er Jahren auf der Peenewerft Wolgast als “Projekt 133.1? geplant und bis 1985 gebaut. Diese Kriegsschiffe sollten die veralteten Schiffe der “Hai” Klaße ersetzen. Die Planungen des ehemaligen Warschauer Pakts für einen Ernstfall im Kalten Krieg sahen für die Volksmarine der DDR ausgedehnte Anti-Unterseeboot Operationen in Küstengewäßer vor. Aus diesem Grund wurden in den 1970er Jahren diese modernen Kriegsschiffe für küstennahe Einsätze gebaut. Die Schiffe dieser Klaße haben eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 1,200 Tonnen und sind mit zwei 57-mm sowie mit zwei 30 mm Schnellfeuerkanonen bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit liegt bei 25 Knoten. Die 15 anderen Mitglieder dieser Klaße hießen zur Zeit der Volksmarine “Gadebusch,” “Grevesmühlen,” “Bergen,” “Angermünde,” “Lübz,” “Bad Doberan,” “Güstrow,” “Waren,” “Prenzlau,” “Ludwigslust,” “Ribnitz-Damgarten,” “Teterow,” “Wismar,” “Perleberg” und “Bützow.”

XVIc. “Thetis” Class (1961)

The five corvettes of the “Thetis” (1961) class displaced 658 tons each and were armed with 2-40 mm guns and one 37,5 mm anti-submarine warfare rocket launcher (ASWRL). They could make up to 23,5 knots with their diesel engines, and have since been sold to the Greek Navy. The other ships in the class were the “Hermes” (1961), the “Najade” (1962), the “Triton” (1962) and the “Theseus” (1963). Their names were taken from classical mythology. These ships were all built by the Roland Werft Shipyard, which is located in Bremen-Hemelingen. They were 69,78 meters long, had a beam of 8,2 meters and a draught of 2,65 meters. They were equipped with both radar and sonar, and were powered by 2 M.A.N. diesel engines which drove 2 screws and generated up to 6,800 horsepower. Range of operations was up to 2,760 nautical miles, and crews consisted of 5 commissioned officers and 43 enlisted men each.

Die fünf Korvetten der “Thetis” (1961) Klaße haben eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 658 Tonnen, und sind mit zwei 40-mm Schnellfeuerkanonen sowie mit einer 37,5-mm Unterseebootabwehrrakete (ASWRL) bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit liegt bei 23,5 Knoten und die Reichweite bei 2,760 Seemeilen. Ab 1992 wurden die fünf Einheiten an Griechenland verkauft. Die vier anderen Mitglieder dieser Klaße hießen bei der Deutschen Marine “Hermes” (1961), “Najade” (1962), “Triton” (1962) und “Theseus” (1963). Sie wurden bei der Rolandwerft in Bremen-Hemelingen gebaut. Sie sind je 69,78 Meter lang, haben eine Breite von je 8,2 Meter und einen Tiefgang von 2,65 Meter. Eine Besatzung besteht aus 5 Offiziere und 43 Matrosen.

XVId. “Saßnitz” Class (1990)

The old East German Navy (the “Volksmarine” or “Peoples’ Navy”) planned three corvettes of the “Saßnitz” (1990) class, each of which displaced 540 tons and was armed with eight Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAM), 1-76 mm gun and 1-30 mm gun. They can make an impressive 38 knots with their diesel engines. The other ships in this class include the “Neustrelitz” (1993) and the “Bad Düben” (1996). They are named for German cities, and were eventually completed for the Federal German Coast Guard where they still serve today.

Die drei Kriegsboote der “Saßnitz” (1990) Klaße wurden in der Deutschen Demokratischen Republik (DDR) als “Balcom-10-Klaße (Projekt 151)” entwickelt. Sie waren die ersten Verdränger-Schnellboote (oder kleine Korvetten), die nach eigenem Entwurf von der Peenewerft in Wolgast gebaut wurden. Die Volksmarine der ehemaligen DDR bezeichnete sie als “Kleine Raketenschiffe.” Sie sollten die Boote der “Osa” Klaße ablösen, und waren auch für den Export in die damalige UdSSR und andere Bündnispartner des ehemaligen Warschauer Pakts gedacht. Von diesem Korvettenboottyp wurden vier Stück von der NVA (”Nationale Volksarmee”) in Auftrag gegeben. Drei davon wurden in Dienst gestellt, das vierte befand sich noch im Bau als die DDR aufgelöst wurde. Formell gingen die Boote damit in den Bestand der Deutschen Marine über, die sie aber nicht einsetzte. Zwei Boote wurden im Jahre 1993 nach Umbau vom Bundesgrenzschutz (BSG) übernommen. Drei weitere Einheiten wurden nach der deutschen Wiedervereinigung für die polnische Marine gebaut und dort als “Orkan” Klaße in Dienst gestellt. Die zwei anderen Einheiten der BSG heißen “Neustrelitz” (1993) und “Bad Düben” (1996). Sie haben eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 540 Tonnen, und sind mit acht Flugzeugabwehrraketen (SAM oder “Surface to Air Missile” auf englisch) sowie mit einer 76-mm und einer 30-mm Schellfeuerkanone bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit liegt bei 38 Knoten und die Reichweite bei 2,200 Seemeilen. Die Besatzung dieser Klaße besteht aus 34 Offiziere und Matrosen.

XVIe. “Gadebusch” Class (1962)

The smallest modern German corvettes belonged to the “Gadebusch” (1962) class of the “Volksmarine” of the former East Germany. Each vessel displaced just 400 tons, and was armed with 4-30 mm guns plus 4 anti-submarine warfare rocket launchers (ASWRL). They could make up to 25 knots with their diesel engines, and were built by the Peenewerft Shipyard on the Baltic Sea. All of the vessels were named after cities and towns in the former East Germany. The other members of this class were named “Grevesmühlen,” “Dirna,” “Ribnitz-Damgarten,” “Bad Doberan,” “Wismar,” “Teterow,” “Sternberg,” “Ludwigslust,” “Bützow,” “Perleberg” and “Lübz.”

Die kleinsten Korvetten der ehemaligen Volksmarine der DDR waren die 12 Einheiten der “Gadebusch” (1962) Klaße. Sie hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 400 Tonnen, und waren mit vier 30-mm Schnellfeuerkanonen sowie mit vier Unterseebootabwehrraketen (ASWRL) bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit lag bei 25 Knoten, und sie wurden bei der Peenewerft in Wolgast gebaut. Die 11 anderen Mitglieder dieser Klaße hießen “Grevesmühlen,” “Dirna,” “Ribnitz-Darmgarten,” “Bad Doberan,” “Wismar,” “Teterow,” “Sternberg,” “Ludwigslust,” “Bützow,” “Perleberg” und “Lübz.”

MODERN COMBAT BOATS OF THE GERMAN NAVY TODAY

XVII. “Schnellboote” (Fast Attack Craft)

Protecting the German coast are the Fast Attack Craft (large patrol craft) of the “Albatros” (1976) class (ten boats at 393 tons each). They are each armed with 4 Surface-to-Surface Missiles (SSM), 1-76 mm anti-aircraft gun and two torpedo tubes. They can make an impressive 38 knots with their diesel engines. The other boats of this class include the “Falke” (1976), the “Geier” (1976), the “Bussard” (1976), the “Sperber” (1976), the “Greif” (1976), the “Kondor” (1976), the “Seeadler” (1977), the “Habicht” (1977) and the “Kormoran” (1977). They are all named after different types of birds, and have since either been sold to the Turkish Navy or in some cases transferred to the Federal German Coast Guard. “Falke” is German for “falcon” and “Seeadler” is German for “sea eagle.” “Habicht” is German for “hawk” and from this comes the original name of the Habsburg Dynasty of the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation (First Reich) and Austria-Hungary. “Habichtsburg” means “hawks’ castle” and this castle is located in the Canton of Aargau in modern Switzerland, where the Habsburg family used to have its ancestral home. Their surname was eventually changed to “Habsburg.”

Die “Albatros” (1976) Klaße (auch “Klaße 143? genannt) war eine Klaße von zehn Flugkörper-Schnellbooten der Deutschen Marine. Mit der folgenden “Gepard” (1982) Klaße stellten sie den Endpunkt der Entwicklung im deutschen Schnellbootbau dar. Wie ihre Vorgänger bei der Bundesmarine waren sie als hochseetaugliche Verdrängerboote mit vier leistungsstarken Dieselmotoren ausgerüstet. Am 13. Dezember 2005 wurden die letzten beiden Boote dieser Klaße außer Dienst gestellt. Sechs Boote wurden an Tunesien verkauft, vier dienen als Ersatzteilträger für die noch im Dienst befindlichen Boote der “Gepard” Klaße. Die neun anderen Mitglieder dieser Klaße heißen “Falke” (1976), “Geier” (1976), “Bussard” (1976), “Sperber” (1976), “Greif” (1976), “Kondor” (1976), “Seeadler” (1977), “Habicht” (1977) und “Kormoran” (1977). Sie haben eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 393 Tonnen, und sind mit vier Schiffabwehrraketen (SSM oder “Surface to Surface Missile” auf englisch), einer 76-mm Schnellfeuerkanone und zwei Torpedorohre bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit liegt bei 38 Knoten.

XVIIa. “Gepard” Class (1982)

The “Gepard” (1982) class of ten boats at 391 tons each are armed with 4 Surface-to-Surface Missiles (SSM), 21 Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAM) and one 76 mm anti-aircraft gun. They can make a good 32 knots with their diesel engines. The other boats of this modern class include the “Puma” (1982), the “Hermelin” (1983), the “Nerz” (1983), the “Zobel” (1983), the “Fretchen” (1983), the “Dachs” (1984), the “Ozelot” (1984), the “Wiesel” (1984) and the “Hyäne” (1984). They are all named after various animals and actively serve in the German Navy today.

Die zehn modernen Schnellboote der “Gepard” (1982) Klaße haben eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 391 Tonnen, und sind mit vier Schiffabwehrraketen (SSM), 21 Flugzeugabwehrraketen (SAM) und einer 76-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanone (FLAK) ausgerüstet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit liegt bei 32 Knoten. Die neun anderen Mitglieder dieser Klaße heißen “Puma” (1982), “Hermelin” (1983), “Nerz” (1983), “Zobel” (1983), “Fretchen” (1983), “Dachs” (1984), “Ozelot” (1984), “Wiesel” (1984) und “Hyäne” (1984).

XVIIb. “Tiger” Class (1972)

The “Tiger” (1972) class of twenty boats at 264 tons each are armed with 4 Surface-to-Surface Missiles (SSM), 1-76 mm gun and 1-40 mm gun. They can make an impressive 36 knots with their diesel engines. These boats have since been sold to other navies, including those of Greece and Turkey. The remaining boats in this class include the “Iltis” (1973), the “Luchs” (1973), the “Marder” (1973), the “Leopard” (1973), the “Fuchs” (1973), the “Jaguar” (1973), the “Löwe” (1974), the “Wolf” (1974), the “Panther” (1974), the “Häher” (1974), the “Storch” (1974), the “Pelikan” (1974), the “Elster” (1974), the “Alk” (1975), the “Dommel” (1975), the “Weihe” (1975), the “Pinguin” (1975), the “Reiher” (1975) and the “Kranich” (1975). The names are of various birds and mammals. For instance, “Fuchs” is German for “fox,” “Löwe” is German for “lion” and ”Storch” is German for “stork.

Die zwanzig Schnellboote der “Tiger” (1972) Klaße wurden an Griechenland und die Türkei verkauft. Sie haben eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 264 Tonnen, und sind mit vier Schiffabwehrraketen (SSM), einer 76-mm Schnellfeuerkanone und einer 40-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanone (FLAK) bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit liegt bei 36 Knoten. Die 19 anderen Mitglieder dieser Klaße heißen “Iltis” (1973), “Luchs” (1973), “Marder” (1973), “Leopard” (1973), “Fuchs” (1973), “Jaguar” (1973), “Löwe” (1974), “Wolf” (1974), “Panther” (1974), “Häher” (1974), “Storch” (1974), “Pelikan” (1974), “Elster” (1974), “Alk” (1975), “Dommel” (1975), “Weihe” (1975), “Pinguin” (1975), “Reiher” (1975) und “Kranich” (1975).

XVIIc. Post-World War One German Fast Attack Craft (1930-1945)

The German naval differentiation between “Torpedoboote” (torpedo boats, which were basically small destroyers) and “Schnellboote” (fast attack craft, which are basically large patrol craft) began in 1930. The first new “Schnellboote” were of 52 tons displacement, could make 34 knots with their diesel engines and were armed with one 20 mm anti-aircraft gun plus two torpedo tubes. They had a crew of 18 men. They were built in large numbers (up to S.800 which stood for “Schnellboot 800?) until 1945. The last boats had a displacement of 112 tons each. There were 100 of these boats built in 1944 and 1945. They could make a very impressive 42 knots with their diesel engines, and were armed with 6-20 mm anti-aircraft guns plus 4 torpedo tubes. Their crews consisted of 23 men each. Some boats were sold to Spain, and some were sold to Germany’s World War Two allies in Bulgaria and Romania. After the war, many of the boats were taken as war booty by the British, the Americans, the Russians and the French. Some found their way into the new navy of Western Germany, and many were simply scrapped. The Western Allies referred to them as “E-Boats.”

Die ersten deutschen “Schnellboote” wurden ab 1930 gebaut, vorher wurden sie “Torpedoboote” genannt. Die ersten Schnellboote der ehemaligen Reichsmarine (1922-1935) hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 52 Tonnen und eine Höchstgeschwindigkeit von 34 Knoten. Sie waren mit je einer 20-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanone (FLAK) und zwei Torpedorohre bewaffnet. Die Besatzung lag bei 18 Offiziere und Matrosen. Bis Mai 1945 wurden insgesamt 800 deutsche Schnellboote geplant, gebaut oder in Dienst gestellt. Die größten und die modernsten Schnellboote in 1944 und 1945 hatten eine Einsatzverdängung von je 112 Tonnen, eine Höchstgeschwindigkeit von 42 Knoten, und waren mit je sechs 20-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) und vier Torpedorohre ausgerüstet. Die Besatzung dieser 100 Kriegsboote waren je 23 Offiziere und Matrosen. Einige Schnellboote der ehemaligen Kriegsmarine (1935-1945) wurden an Spanien, Bulgarien und auch Rumänien verkauft. Nach dem Zweiten Weltkrieg wurden viele deutsche Schnellboote von den Briten, den Amerikanern, den Rußen und auch den Franzosen beschlagnahmt. Einige Schnellboote der ehemaligen Kriegsmarine dienten eventuell auch bei der nachkriegs deutschen Bundesmarine (1956-1990).

XVIId. Former Enemy Fast Attack Craft (1939-1945)

The 4 former Bulgarian boats of the “Velebit” (1939) class were taken over by the German Navy after Bulgaria switched sides to join the Soviet Union in 1944. The other boats in this class were also renamed after former Austro-Hungarian Navy vessels. They included the “Dinara” (1939), the “Triglav” (1939) and the “Rudnik” (1939). Each boat displaced up to 57 tons full load, and was armed with 1-40 mm gun, 1-15 mm gun plus 2-21 inch (53,3 cm) torpodo tubes. Top speed was an impressive 35,5 knots with diesel turbines. Range of action was up to 350 nautical miles, and the crews consisted of 14 officers and enlisted men.

Vier ehemalige bulgarische Schnellboote der “Velebit” (1939) Klaße wurden im Jahre 1944 von der deutschen Kriegsmarine beschlagnahmt. Die vier anderen Schnellboote hießen “Dinara” (1939), “Triglav” (1939) und “Rudnik” (1939). Sie hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 57 Tonnen, waren mit je einer 40-mm Schnellfeuerkanone, einer 15-mm Schnellfeuerkanone und zwei 53,3-cm Torpedorohre ausgerüstet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit war gute 35,5 Knoten und die Reichweite lag bei 350 Seemeilen. Die Besatzung dieser Klaße war je 14 Offiziere und Matrosen.

THE GERMAN SUBMARINE FORCE

XVIII. “Unterseeboote” (Submarines)

Both world wars gave rise and fame to the submarine arm of the German Navy, during which time German and Austrian submarines sank 9,536 Allied vessels. The Germans did not invent submersible boats, but they made much more efficient use of them during time of war compared to any other combatant nation on earth until the end of hostilities in May 1945. One reason was that the Germans decided to spend more time developing ocean-going boats as opposed to merely coastal boats even before the outbreak of World War One in July 1914. The next reason, and far more significant, is that Germany and her allies were hopelessly outnumbered during both world wars. Germany could never hope to defeat the enemy fleets in open battle, because the enemy had such a profound numerical advantage in capital warships. Capital warships would have included battleships, battlecruisers and all other cruisers, both large and small. German foreign policy leading up to both 1914 and 1939 was a failure of massive proportions, and the German people would pay the horrible price for this failure. German colonies and/or German trade would virtually cease to exist by the end of both world wars. Submarines proved to the “poor man’s” weapon, whereby an “underdog” could hope to compete. In any event, the submarine and the torpedo were to revolutionize naval warfare. The effects of this can still be seen today, where large battle fleets have all but disappeared in the face of the submarine menace. Virtually all navies today have proven the old German and Austrian admiralties correct merely by the strategies they employ – limited surface fleets with smaller warships and greater numbers of attack submarines. Any naval wars of the future will be wars against commerce – exactly what Germany and Austria did from 1914 until 1945. With 90 percent of all physical goods being transported by water, one can see just how vital this is.

In zwei Weltkriegen hatte Deutschlands Unterseebootwaffe 9,536 feindliche Schiffe versenkt. Deutschland hatte weniger Unterseeboote als die Gegner des Vaterlandes, aber mehr und auch bessere Hochseeunterseeboote. Die Kaiserliche Marine (1871-1921) und besonders auch die Kriegsmarine (1935-1945) waren viel kleiner als die Seestreitkräfte des Feindes. Zur Zeit des Zweiten Weltkrieges dienten 40,000 deutsche Unterseebootmänner – 30,000 davon sind für das beliebte großdeutsche Vaterland gefallen. Die 40,000 deutsche Helden haben gegen 2 Millionen Marineleute des Feindes (hauptsächlich Amerikaner und Engländer) tapfer gekämpft. Mehr als 1,100 deutsche Unterseeboote wurden in Dienst gestellt, aber 780 davon kehrten nie zurück. Das zahlreichste Unterseeboot der Kriegsmarine war der Typ VII – wie das restaurierte Unterseeboot 995 in Laboe bei Kiel. Die besten Unterseeboote des Zweiten Weltkrieges waren natürlich auch deutsch – wie der Typ XXI (wie die restaurierte “Wilhelm Bauer” in Bremerhaven). Der Bayer Wilhelm Bauer hatte Deutschlands erstes Unterseeboot (die “Seetaucher”) im Jahre 1850 gebaut. Das erste Unterseeboot der Kaiserlichen Marine (1871-1921) wurde im Jahre 1905 getauft. Die restaurierte “S.M.U.1? kann man heute in München bei dem Deutschen Museum besuchen. Die Kaiserliche und Königliche Kriegsmarine Österreich-Ungarns (1369-1918) hatte ihr erstes “S.M.U.1? (”Seine Majestät Unterseeboot”) im Jahre 1909 getauft.

During World War Two, German submariners still accomplished heroic feats in the face of being outnumbered by an astounding 50 to 1. Of 40,000 German submariners who served during World War Two, 30,000 never returned home to Germany. Over 1,100 German submarines were commissioned between 1935-1945, of which more than 780 were sunk or destroyed. The most common type of German submarine during World War Two was the Type VII, which one can see in the movie “Das Boot” and in the German Navy Memorial at Laboe near Kiel (U-995 has been restored there and is of course available for public viewing). The most modern German submarine during World War Two was the Type XXI, which was first “true” submarine in the entire world by being able to spend much more time under water and in having a much greater submerged speed. One can see such a restored boat in the German port of Bremerhaven (U-2540 christened “Wilhelm Bauer,” and thereby named after the Bavarian man who built the very first German prototype submarine in 1850 – the “Seetaucher” or “sea diver” in English). Both Germany and Austria used submarines during World War One. The first U-1 was commissioned in Germany in 1905, and today she can be viewed restored at the “Deutsches Museum” in Munich, Bavaria. The Austrian U-1 was commissioned into the Imperial and Royal Austro-Hungarian Navy in 1909.

XVIIIa. German Submarines from 1905 – 1918 (the Period of World War One)

During World War One (which lasted from the Austro-Hungarian declaration of war against Serbia on July 28, 1914 until the surrender of German troops in East Africa on November 23, 1918), German submarines sank 5,861 Allied ships for a grand total of more than 12,851,000 gross tons of shipping. Germany commissioned 376 submarines during the First World War, of which 178 were lost in action and 198 returned safely home to ports in Germany, Austria-Hungary and occupied Belgium. 5,132 German submariners gave their lives for the Fatherland during those four terrible years. These submarines ranged in size from 238 tons all the way up to 2,483 tons each. The total number of German submarines ordered by the Imperial Navy during World War One was 533, but those units beyond the 376 commissioned boats were never completed due to the end of the war. These were either scrapped incomplete after the war, or were merely on the drawing boards.

Zur Zeit des Ersten Weltkrieges (Juli 1914 bis November 1918) hatte die Unterseebootwaffe der Kaiserlichen Marine (1871-1921) 5,861 feindliche Schiffe (oder 12,851 Millionen Tonnen) versenkt. Die Kaiserliche Marine des Deutschen Reiches hatte 533 Unterseeboote in Auftrag genommen, aber nur 376 in Dienst gestellt. 178 davon gingen verloren und 198 hatten den Krieg überstanden. Die Unterseeboote der Kaiserlichen Marine hatten je eine Einsatzverdrängung zwischen 238 und 2,483 Tonnen. 5,132 Unterseebootmänner starben für Deutschland.Die Unterseebootklaße “UA” genannten Flotten-Unterseeboote der Kaiserlich Deutschen Marine setzten sich aus vielen verschiedenen Unterseebootklaßen und Einzelbooten zusammen. Diese 108 Hochsee-Zweihüllenboote wurden von 1905 bis 1918 gebaut. Unter den Petroleumbooten (kurz “Petrolboote” genannt) werden die Unterseeboote S.M.U.1 bis S.M.U.18 zusammengefaßt. Es waren Zweihüllenboote mit Petroleummotoren als Hauptantrieb. Für die Unterwasserfahrt dienten Elektromotoren als Antriebsaggregat. Alle weiteren Unterseeboote der Kaiserlichen Marine (ab S.M.U.19) wurden dieselelektrisch angetrieben. Bei Überwasserfahrt wurde das Unterseeboot von Dieselmotoren angetrieben; bei Unterwasserfahrt von Elektromotoren. Die Elektromotoren dienten auch als Generator zum Wiederaufladen der Akkumulatoren. Hierbei trieben die Dieselmotoren die Elektromotoren an, die dann elektrischen Strom erzeugten.Die Unterseebootklaße “UB” wurden für die Kaiserliche Marine zwischen 1914 und 1918 gebaut. Bei den “UB-I-Booten” handelte es sich um sehr kleine Einhüllen-Unterseeboote für den küstennahen Einsatz. Bei den “UB-II-Booten” handelte es sich ebenfalls um kleine Einhüllen-Unterseeboote für den küstennahen Einsatz. Diese Boote wurden jedock im Vergleich zu den “UB-I-Booten” stark verbessert. Der “UB-III-Typ” war ein Zweihüllen-Hochsee-Typ, der für Handelskriegsoperationen um Großbrittanien und im Mittelmeer entwickelt wurde. Der Entwurf dieses Typs leitete sich von der Unterseebootklaße “UC-II” ab. Allerdings sollte er keine Seeminen (die “UC-Booten”), sondern Torpedos aufnehmen und größere Reichweite und höhere Geschwindigkeit besitzen. Dadurch vergrößerte sich das Boot auf rund 600 Tonnen. Um eine höhere Geschwindigkeit zu erreichen, mußten stärkere Dieselmotoren eingebaut werden. Insgesamt wurden 136 “UB-Boote” und 95 “UC-Boote” in Dienst gestellt.Bei der “Unterseebootklaße UD” handelte es sich um fünf Unterseeboote, die ursprünglich für Österreich-Ungarn gebaut wurden. Nach Ausbruch des Ersten Weltkrieges im Juli 1914 wurden die Boote nach Verhandlungen mit Österreich von der deutschen Marine übernommen und fertiggestellt. Sie wurden zwischen Juli und September 1915 als S.M.U.66 bis S.M.U.70 in Dienst gestellt.Die “Unterseebootklaße UE” bestand aus den Minen-Unterseeboot-Typen “UE-I” und “UE-II” der Kaiserlichen Marine. Der “Typ UE-I” war der erste deutsche Unterseeboot-Typ mit Trockenlagerung für Minen. Die “Unterseebootklaße UE-II” war ein Minen-Unterseeboot-Typ der Kaiserlichen Marine. Er wird oft auch als “Großes Minen-Unterseeboot” statt Typ UE-II bezeichnet. Insgesamt wurden 19 “UE-Boote” in Dienst gestellt.Es gab auch vier große “Unterseebootkreuzer” (S.M.U.139 bis S.M.U.142), die in Dienst gestellt wurden. “S.M.U. Kapitänleutnant Schweiger” (S.M.U.139) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 2,483 Tonnen, eine Überwassergeschwindigkeit von 15,8 Knoten, eine Unterwassergeschwindigkeit von 7,6 Knoten, sechs Torpedorohre (vier vorne und zwei achtern), zwei 15-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen und zwei 10,5-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen. Sie wurde nach Kapitänleutnant Walther Schweiger (1885-1917) genannt. Er hatte 49 feindliche Schiffe, oder 183,883 Tonnen, versenkt.

In between 1905 and 1918, German submarine classes were denoted by capital letters ranging from A up to E. There could also be numerous boats of different displacements within a particular class. “UA” denoted fleet submarines which were intended for deployment on the high seas. 108 of the UA boats were commissioned. “UB” denoted coastal boats which were smaller in size compared to the fleet submarines. 136 of the UB boats were commissioned. “UC” denoted coastal minelaying submarines as opposed to coastal submarines which had torpedos as their primary offensive armament. 95 of the UC boats were commissioned into active duty service. “UD” denoted a small number of fleet submarines originally intended for the Imperial and Royal Austro-Hungarian Navy which Germany unfortunately decided to keep for its own use. 5 of the UD boats were commissioned. “UE” denoted large minelaying submarines, of which 19 were commissioned. Beyond those classes denoted by capital letters were the much larger “Unterseebootkreuzer” (”submarine cruisers” in English) of the U.139 class (3 boats) and of the U.142 class (one boat). U.139 was one of the few German submarines ever to be named – as “S.M.U. Kapitänleutnant Schweiger,” after one of the great submarine captains of World War One. She displaced 2,483 tons full load, could make up to 15,8 knots on the surface and up to 7,6 knots submerged. She was armed with 6-19,7 inch torpedo tubes (four bow and two stern), 2-6 inch plus 2-4 inch deck guns. “S.M.U” stands for “Seine Majestät Unterseeboot,” or “His Majesty’s Submarine.” The German naval rank of “Kapitänleutnant” is equivalent to a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy. Walther Schweiger (1885-1917) was the 6th highest scoring German submarine commander during World War One, with 49 Allied ships, or 183,883 tons of shipping to his credit.The final class of World War One German submarine was the “Deutschland” class of large commercial submarines. 7 of these boats were commissioned. They were designed to circumvent the terribly effective Allied naval blockade of Germany and her Central Powers allies, which virtually starved much of central Europe by November 1918. It was for this sad reason that so many “Ersatz” (”substitute” in English) products were designed in Germany. Many people were sadly reduced into eating food products with sawdust.

Zur Zeit des Ersten Weltkrieges hatte Deutschland sieben Handelsunterseeboote wie die “S.M.U. Deutschland” und die “S.M.U. Bremen.” Als Handelsunterseeboote werden nicht-militärische Unterseeboote bezeichnet, mit deren Hilfe Güter oder Rohstoffe trotz der feindlichen Seeblockade gegen Deutschland und den Mittelmächten (Österreich-Ungarn, Bulgarien und die Osmanische Türkei) gehandelt werden können.S.M.U. (”Seine Majestät Unterseeboote”) war auch die allgemein gebräuchliche Bezeichnung für das Unterseebootswesen in der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine Österreich-Ungarns. 120 Unterseeboote wurden in Auftrag genommen, aber nur 27 wurden in Dienst gestellt. Die feindliche Seeblockade bedeutete, daß die Mittelmächte nicht genug Rohstoffe hatten. Im Jahre 1909 lief das erste Unterseeboot der k.u.k. Kriegsmarine, S.M. Unterseeboot 1, vom Stapel. Zuvor wurden zwischen 1907 und 1910 drei Probeboote der Typen Simon Lake, Germania (aus Deutschland) und John Philip Holland (aus Amerika) gebaut. Aus diesen wurde nach gründlicher Erprobung jener Typ ausgewählt, der sich am besten bewährt hatte. Alle Boote waren als Küstenboote für den Adriaraum gedacht. Die Unterseebootstation in Polei (”Pola” auf italienisch und heute “Pula” in Kroatien) mit dem Mutterschiff “S.M.S. Pelikan” unterstand dem Hafenadmiral. Zur Zeit des Ersten Weltkrieges hatten die 27 Unterseeboote Österreich-Ungarns 132 feindliche Schiffe (oder 237,000 Tonnen) versenkt. Die erfolgreichsten Unterseebootkommandeure der k.u.k. Kriegsmarine waren Zdenko Hudecek und Georg Ritter von Trapp.

The Imperial and Royal Austro-Hungarian submarine force was born in 1909, just three years after the Imperial German submarine force. They deployed merely 27 coastal submarines, but managed to sink 132 Allied ships in the Adriatic and Eastern Mediterranean Sea for a total of 237,000 gross registered tons. 9 of the boats were lost in action and the remainder made it safely home to Austria’s Adriatic ports. Up to 120 boats were ordered by the Imperial and Royal Navy, but the rest beyond the 27 competed boats were never finished due to the lack of supplies and due to the end of the war. Many Austro-Hungarian submarines were purchased from Germany, but 18 of their boats were locally designed and manufactured coastal units. The most famous Austrian submarine commander of World War One was Korvettenkapitän Georg Ritter von Trapp, who became immortalized in Rodger and Hammerstein’s movie titled “The Sound of Music.” Von Trapp was Austria’s second highest scoring U-Boat Ace in World War One after Zdenko Hudecek.

XVIIIb. German Submarines from 1935 – 1945 (Period of World War Two)

During World War Two in Europe (September 1, 1939 until May 7, 1945), the German submarine force sank 3,675 Allied ships for a grand total 14,5 million tons of shipping. Germany lost 783 submarines to enemy action, and just 372 boats made it back home safely to Germany and to German-occupied bases in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, Italy, Yugoslavia and Greece. The 1,155 commissioned submarines tended to range in size from 258 tons to 2,177 tons in size. Up to 7,569 submarines were ordered by the navy during World War Two, but most were obviously never completed due to lack of supplies, due to heavy Allied air raids and due to the end of the war. This fantastically high number includes one and two man “midget” submarines, but most of them were to have been full-sized boats.

Zur Zeit des Zweiten Weltkrieges in Europa (September 1939 bis Mai 1945) hatte die Unterseebootwaffe der deutschen Kriegsmarine 3,675 feindliche Schiffe (oder 14,5 Millionen Tonnen) versenkt. 7,569 Unterseeboote wurden in Auftrag genommen, aber nur 1,155 wurden in Dienst gestellt. 783 davon (mit 30,000 deutschen Unterseeboothelden) gingen verloren, und 372 hatten den Krieg überstanden. Die 1,155 getauften Unterseeboote hatten je eine Einsatzverdrängung zwischen 258 und 2,177 Tonnen.

In between 1935 and 1945, German submarine classes were denoted by Roman numerals as opposed to the class system of capital letters in use from 1905 to 1918. Just 2 examples of the Type I were commissioned, an ocean-going boat of 983 tons total displacement and 43 crew members. These boats had a top surface speed of 17,75 knots and a submerged speed of up to 8,25 knots. They were armed with 2 deck cannons and 14 torpedos, and had a range of 6,700 miles on the surface and 78 miles submerged.

Von der Unterseebootklaße I, offiziell “Typ I” genannt, wurden in den Jahren 1935 bis 1936 zwei Boote bei Deschimag AG Weser in Bremen gebaut. U.25 und U.26 waren im Prinzip Versuchsboote, die aus dem für die türkische Kriegsmarine von deutschen Technikern in Spanien gebauten Unterseeboot “Gür” weiterentwickelt wurden. Diese zwei Boote hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 983 Tonnen, 43 Besatzungsmitglieder, eine Überwassergeschwindigkeit von 17,75 Knoten, eine Unterwassergeschwindigkeit von 8,25 Knoten, zwei Schnellfeuerkanonen, 14 Torpedos, eine Überwasserreichweite von 6,700 Seemeilen und eine Unterwasserreichweite von 78 Seemeilen.

The Type II was Germany’s first post-World War One coastal submarine class, of which 50 units were commissioned from 1935 until 1941. The variants within the German submarine classes built from 1935 until 1945 were denoted by capital letters after the Roman numeral. For instance, The Type II class had the Type IIA, the Type IIB, the Type IIC and finally the Type IID. The Type II boats ranged in size from 303 tons up to 364 tons each, with 25 crew members. They had a top surface speed of up to 13 knots and a maximum submerged speed of 7,25 knots. They were armed with one anti-aircraft deck gun and either 6 torpedos or 8 mines. Their maximum range was 3,500 miles on the surface and up to 56 miles submerged.

Die Unterseebootklaße II, offiziell “Typ II” genannt, war eine Klaße relativ kleiner Unterseeboote der deutschen Kriegsmarine, die hauptsächlich zur Küstenpatrouille benutzt wurden. Der Typ II wurde in den 1920er Jahren vom in Den Haag (Niederlande) ansäßigen “Ingenieuskaantor voor Scheepsbouw” (IvS) entwickelt. Zwischen 1935 und 1941 wurden insgesamt 50 Boote in Dienst gestellt. Sie hatten je eine Einsatzverdrängung zwischen 303 und 364 Tonnen, und 25 Besatzungsmitglieder. Die Überseegeschwindigkeit lag bei 13 Knoten, und die Unterseegeschwindigkeit bei 7,25 Knoten. Die Bewaffnung dieser Klaße bestand aus einer Flugzeugabwehrkanone (FLAK) und entweder sechs Torpedos oder acht Minen. Die Überseereichweite war 3,500 Seemeilen und die Unterseereichweite 56 Seemeilen.

The designs for Types III through VI were never built.

Die Unterseebootklaßen “Typ III” bis “Typ VI” sowie “Typ VIII” wurden nie gebaut.

The Type VII was Germany’s main weapon at sea from 1939 until 1945. This class was actually based upon the coastal UBIII of World War One, but enlarged by an initial 25 percent in size. 703 boats were actually completed and commissioned out of 1,452 ordered from 1935 until 1944, which also makes this the most common submarine class in the history of the entire world (and by a huge margin, too). These boats ranged in size from 745 tons (the Type VIIA) all the way up to 1,181 tons (the Type VIIF). The most common sub-type was the Type VIIC at 871 tons. Crew size ranged from 44 to more than 50 officers and men. Surface speed was a maximum 17,25 knots and submerged speed was up to 8 knots. They were armed with up to 6 deck guns (all except one were anti-aircraft guns) and either 14 torpedos or 39 mines. Maximum range was 10,000 miles on the surface and 90 miles submerged. One must always keep in mind that only diesels were used on the surface and only batteries while submerged. One had to come up for air for the human crew and to recharge the batteries. The German invention of the “Schnorchel” (”snorkel” in English) in 1943 permitted the boats to recharge their air supply and their batteries without fully surfacing, which thus increased their chance of survival somewhat. Nowadays, modern snorkels have very long “stacks” which allow boats to recharge both air supply and batteries from up to 250 feet below the surface – greatly increasing their chances for survival. Torpedos were much more expensive compared to ammunition for deck guns (deck guns are no longer used today), but firing on the surface eventually became far too dangerous for the submarines to even attempt. Deck guns were never very accurate, so the firing range had to be short. Furthermore, if the intended “target” ever hit a submarine with its own gun, the submarine was usually finished. Submarine hulls could not be armored, and once the hull was pierced the submarine was helpless. The interior pressure hull of a Type VIIB submarine was 20 mm thick, and would allow the boat to dive to a maximum 250 meters, or 812 feet. The standard German torpedoes in early World War Two were 7 meters long, 53 cm in diameter, carried a 300 kilogram (662 lbs.) explosive warhead, had electric motors, propellers, a range of 14 kilometers (8,7 miles), a top speed of at least 30 knots and displaced up to 1,5 tons each. Allied depth charges would explode at least down to 120 meters (390 feet below the surface), and would descend at the rate of 4 meters (or 13 feet) per second.

Die Unterseebootklaße Typ VII, offiziell “Typ VII” genannt, war eine Bauserie von Tauchbooten der deutschen Kriegsmarine im Zweiten Weltkrieg. Sie war die am häufigsten produzierte Unterseebootklaße aller Zeiten, mit ihr wurde auch mehr Schifftonnage versenkt als mit jedem anderen Typ. Zwischen 1935 und 1944 wurden 1,452 Boote in Auftrag genommen, aber nur 703 wurden in Dienst gestellt. Charakteristisch für Typ VII Boote sind die außenliegenden Brennstoffbunker, die sogenannten Satteltanks in den seitlichen Rumpfausbuchtungen. Im Gegensatz zu den Hochseebooten des Typ IX und den Küsten Unterseebooten des Typ II wurden sie “Atlantikboote” genannt. Sie erreichten von allen im Zweiten Weltkrieg gebauten Booten die größte Tauchtiefe, diese ging in Praxis deutlich über die Werftgarantie hinaus. Die höchstentwickelte Baureihe des Typ VII Modell C/42 hatte eine Werftgarantie von 200 Meter, die Maximaltauchtiefe ohne Schäden am Druckkörper war mit 400 Meter angegeben. Die Mitlglieder dieser am zahlreichsten Klaße hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 745 Tonnen (Typ VIIA) bis 1,181 Tonnen (Typ VIIF). Der berühmte Typ VIIC hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 871 Tonnen. Die Besatzung des Typs VII bestand von je zwischen 44 und 50 Offiziere und Matrosen. Die Überwassergeschwindigkeit lag bei 17,25 Knoten und die Unterwassergeschwindigkeit bei 8 Knoten. Die Bewaffnung dieser Boote bestand aus je sechs Kanonen (davon fünf Flugzeugabwehrkanonen und einer Schnellfeuerkanone) und entweder 14 Torpedos oder 39 Seeminen. Die Überwasserreichweite lag bei 10,000 Seemeilen und die Unterwasserreichweite bei 90 Seemeilen. Die Reichweite eines deutschen Torpedos lag bei 14 Kilometer (mit einer Höchstgeschwindigkeit von 30 Knoten und einer Einsatzverdrängung von 1,5 Tonnen).

The Type VIII was never built, so the next class was Type IX, of which 193 boats were actually completed and commissioned out of 360 ordered from 1936 until 1944. This was a larger boat, based upon the “Unterseebootkreuzer” (submarine cruisers) of World War One. They ranged in size from 1,153 tons (the Type IXA) all the way up to 1,804 tons (the Type IXD2). They could make up to 19,25 knots on the surface and up to 7,75 knots submerged. They were armed with up to 5 deck guns (mostly anti-aircraft, of course), 22 torpedos and 42 mines – a tremendous arsenal for the time. The crew ranged in size from 48 up to 57 officers and men. Maximum range of operations was an amazing 23,700 miles on the surface and 65 miles submerged. This is the reason such boats served all over the world – even in the Indian and Pacific Oceans far from Germany. The German Navy used bases in Japan, the Dutch East Indies (modern Indonesia), Malaya and Borneo (modern Malaysia).

Die Unterseebootklaße IX, offiziell “Typ IX” genannt, war eine Klaße hochseetauglicher Unterseeboote der deutschen Kriegsmarine. Die Entwicklung begann im Jahre 1935, und die ersten Boote wurden im Jahre 1938 in Dienst gestellt. In den folgenden Jahren wurden fünf verbesserte Versionen dieser Klaße entwickelt und gebaut. 360 Boote wurden in Auftrag genommen, aber nur 193 davon wurden in Dienst gestellt. Neben der Unterseebootklaße VII war der Typ IX der am meisten gebaute und erfolgreichste Typ im Zweiten Weltkrieg. Diese Boote hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von je zwischen 1,153 Tonnen (Typ IXA) und 1,804 Tonnen (Typ IXD2). Die Überwassergeschwindigkeit lag bei 19,25 Knoten und die Unterwassergeschwindigkeit bei 7,75 Knoten. Die Bewaffnung dieser Klaße bestand aus fünf Kanonen (davon vier Flugzeugabwehrkanonen und einer Schnellfeuerkanone), und entweder 22 Torpedoes oder 42 Seeminen. Die Besatzung eines Bootes bestand aus zwischen 48 und 57 Offiziere und Matrosen. Die Überwasserreichweite lag bei gute 23,700 Seemeilen und die Unterwasserreichweite bei 65 Seemeilen. Diese Unterseeboote dienten rund um den Erdball – einige davon waren in Japan, Indonesien, Malaya und Borneo stationiert.

The Type X was Germany’s first purpose-built minelayer after World War One, but merely 8 boats were actually commissioned into active duty service from 1939 until 1944. This class displaced up to 2,177 tons, could make up to 16,5 knots on the surface and up to 7 knots submerged. Radius was an impressive 14,550 miles on the surface and up to 93 miles submerged. Armament included 3 deck guns (2 of which were anti-aircraft), 15 torpedos and 66 mines – an impressive arsenal for a larger boat.

Die Unterseeboote der Klaße X, offiziell “Typ X” genannt, waren die größten Unterseeboote der deutschen Kriegsmarine. Es war eine Entwicklung des Unterseeminenkreuzer-Projektes 45 des Ersten Weltkrieges. Sie wurden als Minenleger-Unterseeboote konstruiert. Die Bewaffnung dieser Unterseeboote bestand aus Minenschächten (jeweils zwei Gruppen zu sechs Schächten an Back-und Steuerbord, und eine Gruppe mit sechs Schächten im Vorschiff). Darin konnten 66 Minen aufgenommen werden. Neben zwei Torpedorohren mit maximal 15 Torpedowaffen waren noch ein 10,5-cm Seezielgeschütz, ein 2-cm und ein 3,7-cm Flugabwehrgeschütz (FLAK) eingebaut. Später wurden die beiden gegen einen 2-cm Flakvierling ausgetauscht. Zwischen 1939 und 1944 wurden nur acht Boote in Dienst gestellt. Sie hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 2,177 Tonnen, eine Überwassergeschwindigkeit von 16,5 Knoten, eine Unterwassergeschwindigkeit von 7 Knoten, eine Überwasserreichweite von 14,550 Seemeilen und eine Unterwasserreichweite von 93 Seemeilen.

The Type XI was never built, but this would have been Germany’s largest submarine class ever had it been built – up to this very day. Specifications called for a displacement of 3,630 tons, a top suface speed of 23 knots and up to 7 knots submerged. This would have been very fast on the surface for a submarine. Armament was to have included 8 deck guns (half of them anti-aircraft), 12 torpedos and 1 aircraft. These specifications show that the class was obviously designed more for surface operations, and the navy wisely chose to shelve the project. This would have been alright during World War One, but suicidal for World War Two. There was simply too much danger from enemy aircraft. The project was cancelled in 1938, at which time 3 boats were projected but never built.

Die Unterseebootklaße “Typ XI” wurde nie gebaut, aber die geplante Einsatzverdrängung war 3,630 Tonnen (Deutschlands größter Unterseebootplan). Die geplante Überwassergeschwindigkeit war gute 23 Knoten und die Unterwassergeschwindigkeit acht Knoten. Die geplante Bewaffnung dieser Boote bestand aus acht Schnellfeuerkanonen (davon vier Flugzeugabwehrkanonen), 12 Torpedos und ein Seeflugzeug. Drei Boote wurden in Auftrag genommen, aber nie auf Kiel gelegt. Die Unterseeboottypen XII und XIII wurden auch nie gebaut.

The plan for the Type XII submarine was similar to the Type IX and the Type XIII was a coastal plan somewhat larger than the Type II. Both projects were cancelled before any such boats were ever built.The Type XIV was Germany’s first purpose-built submarine tanker, meant to refuel other submarines at sea. 10 boats were completed and commissioned out of 14 ordered from 1939 until 1943. This class displaced up to 1,932 tons, could make 14,5 knots on the surface and 6,25 knots submerged. Radius was 9,300 miles on the surface and up to 53 miles submerged. Armament included 3 anti-aircraft guns on the deck and 4 torpedos as cargo.

Die Unterseebootklaße XIV, offiziell “Typ XIV” genannt, war eine Modifikation des Typs IXD und wurde entworfen, um andere deutsche Unterseeboote während des Zweiten Weltkrieges mit Treibstoff, Lebensmitteln und Munition (mit je 4 Torpedos eines Typs XIV) zu versorgen. Der Spitzname dieser Klaße war “Milchkuh.” Zwischen 1939 und 1943 wurden 14 Boote in Auftrag genommen, aber nur 10 in Dienst gestellt. Sie hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 1,932 Tonnen, eine Überwassergeschwindigkeit von 14,5 Knoten, eine Unterwassergeschwindigkeit von 6,25 Knoten, eine Überwasserreichweite von 9,300 Seemeilen und eine Unterwasserreichweite von 53 Seemeilen. Diese Unterseeboote hatten selbst keine Offensiv-Waffen, nur drei Flugabwehrgeschütze (FLAK) zur Verteidigung gegen Luftangriffe. In der Mitte des Zweiten Weltkrieges (im Jahre 1942) spielten sie eine wichtige Rolle bei der Unterstützung kleinerer Unterseeboote vom Typ VIIC beim Angriff auf die amerikanische Küste (Unternehmen “Paukenschlag”).

The next German submarine plans of true importance involved those for “Walter” boats, so-named after their designer, Professor Hellmuth Walter (1900-1980). Up to this time in history, all submarines around the world were actually “submersibles” which spent far more time above water than below the surface. The main problem was propulsion. In the very beginning, the early boats of World War One actually used kerosene. This was not good, because kerosene left a very visible wake in the form of pollution. Diesel solved the problem of a visible wake, but the diesel engines still required a lot of air. The Walter was a “closed cycle” engine in terms of exhaust, which addressed the problem of air. The problem with the Walter system was the nature of the fuel – it was rather unstable and prone to be explosive. Early jet and rocket engines for aircraft had a similar problem.

Eine technische Revolution stellte der “Walter-Antrieb” des Professors Hellmuth Walter (1900-1980) dar, der in Form von Wasserstoffperoxyd eine Sauerstoffquelle mitführte und hohe Geschwindigkeiten auch unter Wasser erreichte, um feindlichen Unterseebootjägern zu entkommen. Einzelne Elemente des Walter-Versuchsbootes (Basis für die späteren “Elekroboot” Typen XXI und XXIII) wie zum Beispiel der Schnorchel wurden auch in konventionelle Unterseeboote übernommen. Zudem gab es die Entwicklung zielsuchender Torpedos, zum Beispiel der “Zaunkönig.” Zwischen 1942 und 1944 wurden 236 Unterseeboote des Typs “XVII” in Auftrag genommen, aber nur vier gebaut. Sie hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 368 Tonnen, eine Unterwassergeschwindigkeit von 26 Knoten (immer noch gut für heute), eine Überwassergeschwindigkeit von 9 Knoten, eine Unterwasserreichweite von 224 Seemeilen und eine Überwasserreichweite von 6,000 Seemeilen. Die Bewaffnung eines Bootes bestand aus vier Torpedos und die Besatzung aus 19 Offiziere und Matrosen.

4 of the Type XVII Walter submarines were completed and commissioned in between 1942 and 1944, largely for experimental purposes. This was out of 236 boats originally ordered; the remainder were merely scrapped incomplete or just cancelled. They were coastal units, and displaced up to 368 tons each. They could make up to 26 knots submerged (very fast for a submarine even today) and up to 9 knots on the surface. Due to high fuel consumption, the boats had a maximum surface range of just 6,000 miles on the surface and 224 miles submerged. The explosive fuel was known as aurol and perhydrol. Armament was just 4 torpedos per boat and the crew size was 19 commissioned officers and enlisted men.The Type XX was a design for a “freighter submarine,” intended to break the Allied naval blockade between Germany and Japan. This was a large design, which would have displaced up to 2,962 tons each. Planned speed was 12,5 knots surfaced and up to 5,75 knots submerged. Radius of operations was to have been 13,000 miles on the surface or up to 49 miles submerged. Armament was to have been 5 anti-aircraft guns and crew was planned at 58 commissioned officers and enlisted men. 200 boats were ordered, but never completed.

Das geplante Unterseeboot “Typ XX” war ein “Frachterunterseeboot,” das nie gebaut wurde. Der Plan war für Unterseeboothandel zwischen Deutschland und Japan. Die geplante Einsatzverdrängung war je 2,962 Tonnen, eine Überwassergeschwindigkeit von 12,5 Knoten, eine Unterwassergeschwindigkeit von 5,75 Knoten, eine Überwasserreichweite von 13,000 Seemeilen und eine Unterwasserreichweite von 49 Seemeilen. Die geplante Besatzung eines Bootes lag bei 58 Offiziere und Matrosen. 200 Boote wurden in Auftrag genommen, aber nie auf Kiel gelegt.

The next important design was the famous Type XXI submarine, the basic blueprint for all post-World War Two diesel submarines in the world. 1,500 of these impressive boats were ordered by the German Navy, but just 123 were commissioned by the end of the war. And most of these were still training their crews in the Baltic Sea – very few saw active duty against Germany’s enemies. The Type XXI displaced 2,100 tons, had a top surface speed of 15,5 knots but a top submerged speed of 17,25 knots, which was very significant. This clearly demonstrates that the Type XXI was meant to operate more often submerged than surfaced. Armament was comprised of 4 anti-aircraft guns on the deck and 20 torpedos & 18 small mines or 14 torpedos & 12 large mines. Even their torpedos were more advanced compared to before – they were guided torpedos which could be fired while deeply submerged and without ever having seen the enemy through a periscope. They would have revolutionized the Battle of the Atlantic, and turned the tide for Germany after the “Black May” of 1943, when the war at sea turned in favor of Britain and America. The Type XXI crew consisted of 58 officers and men, range was 11,850 miles on the surface and up to 285 miles submerged. Due to a much increased battery capacity, the Type XXI was often called an electric boat. They still had diesel engines of course, but were now able to spend much more time below the surface compared to their predecessors. These boats also had refrigerators for foodstuffs and more lavatory facilites for the crew, including a shower.

Die Unterseebootklaße XXI, offiziell “Typ XXI” genannt, ist eine deutsche Unterseebootklaße, die zwischen 1943 bis 1945 gebaut wurde. Diese Boote waren die weltweit modernsten ihrer Zeit und wurden wegen ihrer großen Akkumulatoranlage, mit der sie viel länger als andere zeigenößische Typen tauchen konnten, sowie den Elektromotoren, die mehr Leistung als die Dieselmotoren aufwiesen, als “Elektro-Unterseeboote” oder “Elektroboote” bezeichnet. Sie waren mit Schnorcheln ausgerüstet und dafür ausgelegt, fast ständig unter Wasser zu fahren. Dadurch waren sie die ersten echten Unterseeboote, anders als alle bisherigen, die im Grunde nur “tauchfähige” Überwassereinheiten darstellten. Sie wurden am Ende des Zweiten Weltkrieges in Sektionsbauweise am “Fließband” gebaut. Trotzdem kamen sie bedauerlicherweise nicht mehr zum Fronteinsatz. Wegen seiner revolutionären Eigenschaften leitete gerade der Typ XXI einen Paradigmenwechsel der Unterseeboot-Waffen aller nachkriegs Seemächten ein. 1,500 Einheiten wurden in Auftrag genommen, aber nur 123 davon wurden in (Lehr)-Dienst gestellt – sie kamen für Deutschland leider zu spät. Die Einsatzverdrängung eines Bootes lag bei 2,100 Tonnen. Die Überwassergeschwindigkeit lag bei 15,5 Knoten, die Unterwassergeschwindigkeit bei 17,25 Knoten, die Überwasserreichweite bei 11,850 Seemeilen und die Unterwasserreichweite bei 285 Seemeilen. Eine Besatzung bestand aus 58 Offiziere und Matrosen. Die Bewaffnung eines Bootes bestand aus vier Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK), und entweder 20 Torpedos und 18 kleine Seeminen oder 14 Torpedos und 12 große Seeminen.

One must understand that all previous submarines around the world had no means of freezing food and no shower facility within the boat! One would eat fresh food at the start of a cruise, but was reduced to canned food for the rest of the trip. Restroom facilities were limited – two toilets and sinks for more than 50 men. Not only this, but the sinks often used sea water. When one washes with sea water, it leaves a sticky feeling on the skin unlike fresh water. Men were unable to shave and unable to shower in a submerged boat before advent of the Type XXI submarine – one can just imagine how the boats smelled after patrols lasting for months. And the men came back home to port with full beards after these long patrols, some of which lasted for the better part of a year on the larger boats. During World War One (before the advent of enemy aircraft), submarine crews could shower on the deck with a portable shower and sea water – better than nothing but still not ideal by any means.The Type XXI had a coastal counterpart known as the Type XXIII submarine. The German Navy ordered 480 of these boats, but only 62 were commissioned by the end of World War Two. The situation was pretty much the same as with the Type XXI – most of these were still training their crews in the Baltic Sea by May 1945. Displacement was 258 tons, top speed was 9,75 knots surfaced and 12,5 knots submerged. Range was 1,350 miles on the surface and up to 175 miles submerged. The small crew consisted of just 14 officers and men. Armament was a mere 2 torpedos per boat. The Type XXI, Type XXIII and the Walter boats all shared “teardrop” submarine hulls. The earliest boats before World War One had such hulls, and they only came back into use some time after World War Two for the Allied countries. A teardrop hull meant a greater submerged speed due to more aerodynamic styling.

Die Unterseebootklaße XXIII, offiziell “Typ XXIII” genannt, war ein deutscher Unterseeboot Typ gegen Ende des Zweiten Weltkrieges; sie wurde als Küsten-Unterseeboot eingestuft, da das Boot sehr klein war. Nach dem Krieg wurden zwei Boote vom Typ XXIII von der Bundesmarine vom Meeresboden geborgen und als “Unterseeboot Klaße 240? wieder in Dienst gestellt. Genau wie die größere Unterseebootklaße XXI war dieser Typ ein “Elektro-Unterseeboot” und auf große Unterwasserfahrleistung ausgelegt. Im Gegensatz zum Typ XXI war die Klaße XXIII ein Boot mit nur einer Hülle. Durch die geringe Größe konnte dieses Unterseeboot zwar nur zwei Torpedos mitführen, war aber einfacher zu produzieren und gelangte noch vor Kriegsende zum Einsatz. Die Einsatzverdrängung eines Bootes lag bei 258 Tonnen, die Überwassergeschwindigkeit bei 9,75 Knoten, die Unterwassergeschwindigkeit bei 12,5 Knoten, die Überwasserreichweite bei 1,350 Seemeilen und die Unterwasserreichweite bei 175 Seemeilen. Eine Besatzung bestand aus 14 Offiziere und Matrosen. 480 Einheiten wurden in Auftrag genommen, aber nur 62 wurden in Dienst gestellt. Sechs davon gingen noch auf Feindfahrt und versenkten insgesamt fünf feindliche Schiffe. Sieben Boote des Typs XXIII gingen im Krieg verloren, jedoch alle davon auf Ausbildungsfahrten oder im Hafen. Der letzte Versenkungserfolg der deutschen Unterseebootflotte wurde am 7. Mai 1945 von einem Boot dieses Typs erzielt, als die U.2336 unter Kapitänleutnant Emil Klusmeier zwei feindliche Schiffe mit je einem Torpedo zerstörte.

In addition to this, the German Navy also ordered more than 2,350 “midget” submarines during World War Two, meant for one or two man crews. 1,200 of these midget submarines were actually completed, with the remainder scrapped incomplete or never even started building. Some nations, including both Italy and Croatia, still use some midget submarines. German examples can be seen in a number of German museums today. The largest “Seehund” class (”seal” in English) displaced 15 tons and had a maximum speed of 7,75 knots surfaced or 6 knots submerged. Range was 500 miles on the surface and up to 63 miles submerged. Armament consisted of just 2 torpedos and the boat was operated by 2 men. One can just imagine what these were like in heavier seas – no fun at all. The sea could be more than rough enough in conventional submarines and most surface vessels, with smaller boats being tossed around like toys in heavy seas.

Weitergehend wurde die Entwicklung von Kleinst-Unterseebooten vorangetrieben. Zunächst besaßen diese die Form zweier übereinander angeordneter Torpedos, wobei der untere die Waffe selbst war und der obere dem Unterseebootfahrer Platz bot (Typ “Marder” und “Neger”). Diese Modelle wurden kontinuierlich weiterentwickelt, doch erst die Modelle “Hecht” und besonders “Seehund” (Typ XXVIIA und Typ XXVIIB) konnten als echte Unterseeboote bezeichnet werden. 2,350 Kleinst-Unterseeboote wurden in Auftrag genommen, aber nur 1,200 in Dienst gestellt. Einige Nationen (wie zum Beispiel Italien und Kroatien) haben immer noch Kleinst-Unterseeboote. Der Typ “Seehund / XXVIIB” hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 15 Tonnen, eine Überwassergeschwindigkeit von 7,75 Knoten, eine Unterwassergeschwindigkeit von 6 Knoten, eine Überwasserreichweite von 500 Seemeilen und eine Unterwasserreichweite von 63 Seemeilen. Eine Besatzung bestand aus nur zwei Leute.

Submarines of World War One and World War Two could not go anywhere as deep as modern boats. Germany developed some boats before 1945 which could reach 1,000 feet – but this was extremely rare. Most could go down only a few hundred feet below the surface. In World War One, you would be lucky to get down 200 feet below the surface. The pressure of water increases with depth, and boats and humans will literally be crushed if they go too far down. Of course, one often wants to go deep down to avoid bad weather, rough seas and above all hostile enemy destroyers with depth charges and enemy aircraft with bombs and torpedos. Another big issue was ASDIC and early sonar, which would try to locate submarines under water. Even more important was Germany’s World War Two “enigma” code (named “Ultra” by the Allies). The British scored one of the war’s greatest intelligence coups when they broke the German code. This was all the more critical considering it was used by all German military branches and by Germany’s World War Two allies including Imperial Japan. Many Allied military victories have since been attributed to the enigma code – including the Battle of Britain, the Battle of the Atlantic, the Battle of Midway, the Battle of the Coral Sea and the Battle of Normandy.In addition to the very large number of German-built submarines, the World War Two German Navy took a number of classes of captured foreign submarines into German service. These included submarines from the Allied nations of Turkey (1), the United Kingdom (1), Norway (2), the Netherlands (5), France (3) and Italy after she switched sides in 1943 (25).

Zur Zeit des Zweiten Weltkrieges hatte Deutschland 36 feindliche Unterseeboote entweder beschlagnahmt oder gekapert (eins aus der Türkei, eins aus England, zwei aus Norwegen, fünf aus Holland, drei aus Frankreich und endlich ab 1943 25 aus Italien).

1.) The former Italian submarines “Bario” and “Litio” were the largest of these captured submarines, at 2,600 tons each. “Bario” was returned to Italy after World War Two, whereas “Litio” was scuttled by the Germans on May 1, 1945.

Die ehemaligen italienischen Unterseeboote “Bario” und “Litio” hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 2,600 Tonnen. Die “Litio” wurde am 1. Mai 1945 von den Deutschen selbst versenkt, aber die “Bario” wurde an Italien zurückgegeben.

2.) The former British submarine “H.M.S. Seal” (1938) displaced up to 2,157 tons full load. She was armed with 6-21 inch torpedo tubes, 1-4 inch deck gun and 50 mines. She could make up to 15 knots with her diesel engines. The Germans scuttled her in Kiel on May 3, 1945.

Das ehemalige britische Unterseeboot “H.M.S. Seal” (1938) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 2,157 Tonnen, und war mit sechs 533-mm Torpedorohre, einer 10-cm Schnellfeuerkanone und 50 Seeminen ausgerüstet. Die Überwassergeschwindigkeit lag bei 15 Knoten. Am 3. Mai 1945 wurde sie von den Deutschen bei Kiel selbst versenkt.

3.) The former Italian submarine “Giuseppe Finzi” (1935) displaced up to 2,060 tons full load. She was armed with 8-21 inch torpedo tubes, 2-4,7 inch deck guns plus 4-13 mm anti-aircraft guns. She could make up to 17 knots with her diesel engines. Her German crew scuttled her in the French port of Bordeaux on August 25, 1944.

Das ehemalige italienische Unterseeboot “Giuseppe Finzi” (1935) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 2,060 Tonnen, und war mit acht 533-mm Torpedorohre, zwei 12-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (SFK) und vier 13-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) bewaffnet. Ihre Überwassergeschwindigkeit lag bei 17 Knoten. Sie wurde am 25. August 1944 im Hafen von Bordeaux selbst versenkt.

4.) The two formerly Italian submarines “Alpino Bagnolini” (1939) and “Reginaldo Giuliani” (1939) each displaced up to 1,484 tons full load. They were armed with 1-4 inch deck gun, 4-13 mm anti-aircraft guns and 8-21 inch torpedo tubes. Top speed was up to 18 knots with diesel engines. The first boat was sunk by South African aircraft off the Cape of Good Hope on March 11, 1944 and the second boat was torpedoed by a British submarine in the Straits of Malacca on February 14, 1944. As one can see, the Germans deployed these larger boats far from Europe.

Die zwei ehemaligen italienischen Unterseeboote “Alpino Bagnolini” (1939) und “Reginaldo Giuliani” (1939) hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 1,484 Tonnen, und waren mit je einer 10-cm Schnellfeuerkanone (SFK), vier 13-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) und acht 533-mm Torpedorohre bewaffnet. Die Überwassergeschwindigkeit lag bei 18 Knoten. Die “Alpino Bagnolini” wurde am 11. März 1944 am Kap der Guten Hoffnung (Südafrika) durch Fliegerbomben versenkt. Die “Reginaldo Giuliani” wurde am 14. Februar 1944 an der Straße von Malakka (Malaysia) von einem englischen Unterseeboot torpediert. Man kann sehen, daß die deutsche Kriegsmarine diese beschlagnahmten Boote wirklich benutzte.

5.) The ex-Turkish submarine “Batiray” (1938) was actually built in Germany. She displaced up to 1,357 tons full load, and was armed with 1-4 inch deck gun, 1-20 mm anti-aircraft gun plus 6-21 inch torpedo tubes. She could make up to 20 knots with her diesel engines – a very good speed for a submarine. She survived World War Two, and was scuttled by the Germans on May 3, 1945 to prevent her from falling into enemy hands.

Das ehemalige türkische Unterseeboot “Batiray” (1938) wurde in Deutschland gebaut. Sie hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,357 Tonnen, und war mit einer 10-cm Schnellfeuerkanone (SFK), einer 20-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanone (FLAK) und sechs 533-mm Torpedorohre bewaffnet. Die Überwassergeschwindigkeit lag bei 20 Knoten. Sie wurde am 3. Mai 1945 selbst versenkt.

6.) The former Italian submarine “Comandante Cappellini” (1939) displaced up to 1,313 tons full load, and was armed with 2-4 inch deck guns, 4-13 mm anti-aircraft guns plus 8-21 inch torpedo tubes. She could make up to 17,5 knots with her diesel engines. She served with a German crew in the Pacific Ocean from 1943 to 1945, and was turned over to Japan when Germany surrendered to the Allies in May 1945. The Japanese in turn surrendered her to the Americans on September 2, 1945. The Americans scuttled her on April 15, 1946.

Das ehemalige italienische Unterseeboot “Comandante Cappellini” (1939) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,313 Tonnen, und war mit zwei 10-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (SFK), vier 13-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) und acht 533-mm Torpedorohre bewaffnet. Die Überwassergeschwindigkeit lag bei 17,5 Knoten. Ab 1943 war sie in Japan stationiert. Im Mai 1945 (der Waffenstillstand in Europa) hatte ihre deutsche Mannschaft die “Comandante Cappellini” an die japanische Kriegsmarine übergeben. Am 2. September 1945 haben die Japaner das Boot den Amerikanern übergeben. Am 15. April 1946 haben die Amerikaner das Boot selbst versenkt.

7.) The 3 former French submarines “L’Africaine” (1945), “L’Favorite” (1940) and “L’Astree” (1940) each displaced up to 1,180 tons full load. They were armed with 1-3,5 inch deck gun, 4-20 mm anti-aircraft guns plus 10-21 inch torpedo tubes. They could make up to 17,3 knots with their diesel engines. The Germans scuttled “L’Favorite” in the West Prussian port of Gdynia (”Gdingen” or “Gotenhafen” in German) in May 1945. The other two boats were returned to France after World War Two, surviving and serving into the 1960s.

Die drei ehemaligen französischen Unterseeboote “L’Africaine” (1945), “L’Favorite” (1940) und “L’Astree” (1940) hatten je eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,180 Tonnen. Die Bewaffnung dieser Boote bestand aus je einer 9-cm Schnellfeuerkanone (SFK), vier 20-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) und zehn 533-mm Torpedorohre. Die “L’Favorite” wurde im Mai 1945 in Gotenhafen (Westpreußen) selbst versenkt. Die zwei anderen Boote wurden an Frankreich zurückgegeben, und dienten bis in den 1960er Jahren bei der französischen Marine.

8.) The 6 formerly Italian submarines “Sodio” (1944), “Potassio” (1943), “Rame” (1943), “Ferro” (1943), “Piombo” (1943) and “Zinco” (1943) were all named after various types of minerals, including sodium, potassium and zinc. Each boat displaced up to 1,180 tons full load, and was armed with 1-4 inch deck gun, 4-20 mm anti-aircraft guns plus 6-21 inch torpedo tubes. They could make up to 16 knots with their diesel engines. The Germans took these boats in 1943, but none of them were ever completed. They were all scrapped shortly after the end of World War Two.

Die sechs ehemaligen italienischen Unterseeboote “Sodio” (1944), “Potassio” (1943), “Rame” (1943), “Ferro” (1943), “Piombo” (1943) und “Zinco” (1943) hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 1,180 Tonnen, und waren mit je einer 10-cm Schnellfeuerkanone (SFK), vier 20-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) und sechs 533-mm Torpedorohre bewaffnet. Die Überwassergeschwindigkeit lag bei 16 Knoten. Im Jahre 1943 hatte die deutsche Kriegsmarine diese sechs neuen Boote im unvollendeten Bauzustand gekapert, sie aber nie in Dienst gestellt. Sie wurden nach dem Krieg verschrottet.

9.) The 4 ex-Italian submarines “Sparide” (1943), “Murena” (1943), “Nautilo” (1943) and “Grongo” (1943) each displaced up to 1,070 tons full load. They were armed with 1-4 inch deck gun, 4-13 mm anti-aircraft guns and 6-21 inch torpedo tubes. They could make up to 16 knots with their diesel engines. “Sparide,” “Murena” and “Grongo” were all bombed and sunk by British aircraft in the Italian port of Genoa on September 4, 1944. “Nautilo” survived World War Two, and was handed over to Yugoslavia as reparations in 1949.

Die vier ehemaligen italienischen Unterseeboote “Sparide” (1943), “Murena” (1943), “Nautilo” (1943) und “Grongo” (1943) hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 1,070 Tonnen, und waren mit je einer 10-cm Schnellfeuerkanone (SFK), vier 13-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) und sechs 533-mm Torpedorohre bewaffnet. Am 4. September 1944 wurden die “Sparide,” die “Murena” und die “Grongo” im Hafen von Genua von englischen Fliegerbombern versenkt. Die “Nautilo” überstand den Krieg, und wurde im Jahre 1949 an Jugoslawien übergeben.

XVIIIc. Post World War Two German Submarines (since 1951)

1960 marked the official beginning of Germany’s national postwar submarine arm. To date, 36 “Unterseeboote” (German for “submarines”) have been built for the German Navy. The 6 newest units of the Type 212 Class are the most modern non-nuclear submarines in the world, being powered by hydrogen fuel cells. Their diving depth is an impressive 2,275 (official) feet – true diving ability is always much more and classified for reasons of national security. They displace 1,830 tons submerged and have an official top speed of at least 20 knots under water. Since 1951, German submarine yards have manufactured at least 199 boats, most of them being successfully exported to places such as Latin America, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Germany’s submarine customers since 1951 include Argentina, Colombia, Denmark, Ecuador, France, Greece, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Italy, Norway, Peru, South Korea, Turkey, Uruguay and Venezuela. One note: the 6 French “Narval” class boats built from 1951 until 1958 were virtual copies of the World War Two Type XXI from Germany, built before “official” post-World War Two German submarine construction commenced in earnest in 1960. The “Narval” class displaced up to 1,910 tons and was armed with 20 torpedos. Top speed was 15 knots on the surface and up to 18 knots submerged. Range was an impressive 15,000 miles on the surface and the crew consisted of 63 commissioned officers and enlisted men (7 plus 56, respectively).

Seit 1960 wurden 36 neue nachkriegs Unterseeboote in Deutschland in Dienst gestellt. Seit 1951 wurden mindestens 199 neue Unterseeboote in Deutschland entwickelt und gebaut – 36 für die Deutsche Marine und 163 als Export-Unterseeboote. Drei ehemalige Kriegs-Unterseeboote wurden auch geborgen, repariert und dann wieder neu in Dienst gestellt. Die “Hecht” und die “Hai” gehörten zur Typ XXIII-Klaße, und die “Wilhelm Bauer” gehörte zur Typ XXI-Klaße (alle “Elektroboote”). Die “Wilhelm Bauer” ist heute als Museum in Bremerhaven zu sehen.

Also, three (3) World War Two boats were raised and restored to serve the new “Bundesmarine” as early as 1958. One of these boats was a Type XXI (the “Wilhelm Bauer” mentioned earlier) and 2 were Type XXIII coastal boats, named “Hecht” and “Hai,” respectively. “Hecht” is German for “pike,” and “Haifisch” is German for “shark.”Post-World War Two German submarine classes begin with the number 201, in order to distinguish them from the boats built in between 1935 and 1945. In the beginning, the Western European Union (WEU) military alliance placed restrictions upon German submarine construction, specifying that only coastal units were allowed and that no unconventional (i.e., nuclear) powerplants were permitted. Germany’s modern submarines are all manufactured by Howaldtswerke of Kiel in Schleswig-Holstein.3 Type 201 submarines were commissioned from 1960 until 1962. This class displaced up to 450 tons, was armed with 8 torpedos, could make 10 knots on the surface, up to 17 knots submerged and was manned by a crew of 21 commissioned officers and enlisted men. The Type 202 (2 boats commissioned from 1960 to 1962) and Type 205 (14 more boats commissioned from 1960 until 1969) were virtually identical to the Type 201. Range was up to 4,200 miles on the surface and up to 228 miles submerged. All of these submarines have since been decommissioned and scrapped, with the exception of three boats preserved as museums available for public viewing in Germany. U.9 is in the city of Speyer in the state of the Rhineland-Palatinate, U.10 is at the German Naval Museum in Wilhelmshaven in Lower Saxony and U.11 is in the coastal city of Fehmarn in Schleswig-Holstein. Every single U.9 since World War one has been decorated with the Iron Cross of Kapitänleutnant (equivalent to a Lieutenant in the American Navy) Otto Eduard Weddigen, the famous submarine commander who sank three British cruisers early in the war with Germany’s very first U.9. His boat went down due to enemy action in March of 1915 off the coast of Scotland. Two more Type 205 submarines have been built for Denmark, which are essentially very similar to the Type 201.

Die Unterseeboote der “Klaße 201? waren die ersten deutschen Unterseeboote, die nach dem Zweiten Weltkrieg gebaut wurden. Ihre Aufgabe war primär der Küstenschutz in der Ostsee. Drei Unterseeboote der Klaße 201 wurden am 16. März 1959 bei den Kieler Howaldtswerken in Auftrag gegeben. Für Konstruktion und Entwicklung war das “Ingenieurkontor Lübeck” unter Ulrich Gabler verantwortlich. “U.1? wurde von der Ehefrau des berühmten Unterseeboot-Kommandanten Otto Kretschmer getauft. Das Boot ging im Jahre 1963 wieder außer Dienst. “U.2? wurde am 3. Mai 1962 von der Ehefrau des ehemaligen “U.98? Kommandanten Wilhelm Schulze getauft und erhielt auch den schwarzen Kater von “U.98? als Wappen. “U.3? wurde am 10. Juli 1962 getauft und erhielt Sankt Georgen im Schwarzwald als Patenstadt sowie das Wappen der Stadt. Ab August 1963 wurden die drei Boote abgebrochen, “U.1? und “U.2? wurden durch gleichnamige Boote der Klaße 205 ersetzt. Das bereits stillgelegte “U.4? wurde wieder abgebrochen und ebenfalls als Klaße 205 neugebaut. Die Boote wurden aus antimagnetischem Stahl gefertigt, damit magnetischen Seeminen nicht durch die Boote ausgelöst werden konnten. Doch bereits im Juli und August 1963 wurden die Boote außer Dienst gestellt, da sich Mikrofrakturen im Stahlmantel der Boote zeigten. Die drei Boote der Klaße 201 hatten je eine Einsatzverdrängung von 450 Tonnen, und waren mit je entweder acht Torpedos oder 16 Seeminen ausgerüstet. Die Überwassergeschwindigkeit lag bei 10 Knoten, die Unterwassergeschwindigkeit bei 17 Knoten, die Überwasserreichweite bei 4,200 Seemeilen und die Unterwasserreichweite bei 228 Seemeilen. Eine Besatzung bestand aus 21 Offiziere und Matrosen.Die Unterseeboote der Klaße 205 waren die ersten erfolgreichen Serien-Unterseeboote der Deutschen Marine nach dem Zweiten Weltkrieg. Sie dienten der Bekämpfung von gegnerischen Kriegsschiffen in der Ostsee. Im Kriegsfall war ihnen eine wichtige Rolle bei der Abwehr von Angriffen mit Landungsschiffen gegen das NATO-Gebiet im Bereich der Ostseezugänge (Norddeutschland, Dänemark und Norwegen) zugedacht. 11 Boote wurden für Deutschland und zwei für Dänemark gebaut, keines ist noch in Dienst. Die Boote der Klaße 205 sind die Boote der Klaße 201 sehr ähnlich, aber sie wurden ohne dem problematischen antimagnetischen Stahl gebaut. Die “U.9? ist jetzt im Technikmuseum Speyer zu sehen, und die “U.10? im Deutschen Marinemuseum Wilhelmshaven.

The Type 206 coastal submarine was built from 1973 until 1975, with 18 boats having been commissioned. Of these, 7 are still in active duty service with the German Navy and 2 have been sold to Indonesia. Displacement is 498 tons and armament consists of 8 torpedos plus 24 mines. The crew consists of 23 officers and men. Top speed is also 10 knots on the surface and up to 17 knots submerged. Range is 4,500 miles on the surface and up to 228 miles submerged. In addition to the German Type 206 boats, Israel has 3 such vessels in service.

Die Unterseeboote der Klaße 206 sind eine deutsche Unterseeboot-Klaße die für die Bundesmarine gebaut wurden. Die Boote wurden alle in den 1970er Jahren in Dienst gestellt und wurden seit 1998 außer Dienst gestellt. Ein Teil von ihnen wird durch die neue Unterseeboot-Klaße 212A abgelöst. Das letzte Boot soll im Jahre 2012 außer Dienst gestellt werden. Die Entwicklung der Klaße begann bereits im Jahre 1962. Die Boote sind in erster Linie für die Verwendung im küstennahen Raum gebaut worden und sollten Überwasserschiffe, Unterseeboote und den Nachschubverkehr bekämpfen. Zum Schutz vor Minen und Entdeckung durch MAD-Sensoren wurden die Boote aus nicht magnetischem Stahl gefertigt. 18 Boote wurden für Deutschland gebaut, und sieben davon sind immer noch im Dienst. Zwei davon wurden an Indonesien verkauft, und drei neue Boote wurden für Israel gebaut. Die Boote dieser Klaße haben eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 498 Tonnen, und sind mit je acht Torpedos und 24 Seeminen bewaffnet. Die Besatzung eines Bootes besteht aus 23 Offiziere und Matrosen. Die Überwassergeschwindigkeit liegt bei 10 Knoten, die Unterwassergeschwindigkeit bei 17 Knoten, die Überwasserreichweite bei 4,500 Seemeilen und die Unterwasserreichweite bei 228 Seemeilen.

The Type 207 coastal submarine was designed specifically for Norway. 15 boats were commissioned from 1962 until 1967. Displacement is a maximum 435 tons per boat. Armament consists of 8 torpedos, top speed is 10 knots on the surface and up to 17 knots submerged. The crew consists of 18 commissioned officers and enlisted men (5 plus 13, respectively).

Die Klaße 207 ist eine Klaße von diesel-elektrischen Unterseebooten, die in der norwegischen Marine unter dem Namen “K.N.M. Kobben-Klaße” gedient haben und in Deutschland bei den Nordseewerken in Emden gebaut wurden. Sie ist eine speziell auf die Anforderungen der norwegischen Marine abgestimmte Weiterentwicklung der deutschen Unterseeboot-Klaße 205. Der Typ 207 war der erste große nachkriegs Exportentwurf deutscher Werften, die Kiellegung der ersten Boote begann im Jahre 1961. Zu dieser Zeit gab es für die deutschen Werften noch Beschränkungen in der Verteidigung durch die WEU, weshalb deutsche Unterseeboote vergleichsweise klein, jedoch trotzdem auf dem neusten Stand der Technik, waren. Insgesamt wurden 15 Einheiten des Typs 207 gebaut, die zwischen 1962 und 1967 in Dienst gestellt wurden. Die Einsatzverdrängung dieser Klaße waren je 435 Tonnen. Sie waren mit je acht Torpedos bewaffnet, die Überwassergeschwindigkeit lag bei 10 Knoten und die Unterwassergeschwindigkeit bei 17 Knoten. Eine Besatzung bestand aus 5 Offiziere und 13 Matrosen. Fünf Boote wurden an Polen verkauft, wo sie noch im Dienst sind. Ein Boot ist jetzt als Museumsschiff in Horten (Norwegen) zu sehen, und die neun anderen Boote existieren nicht mehr.

The Type 209 ocean-going submarine was designed specifically for the export market, and therefore none of these fine boats are in German service. 80 boats have been sold and commissioned in the navies of numerous foreign countries, and construction continues to this day. Argentina owns 4 such boats. They displace 1,230 tons each, are armed with 16 torpedos, have a top surface speed of 10 knots and can make a good 22 knots submerged. The crew consists of 32 officers and men. Colombia owns 2 Type 209 submarines. Their boats displace up to 1,290 tons. Ecuador owns 2 Type 209 submarines as well, and its boats displace up to 1,356 tons each. Greece has purchased 12 Type 209 submarines from Germany, and their boats are like those owned by Colombia. The Indonesian Navy has 2 Type 209 boats. Iran purchased 6 Type 209 boats prior to the fall of the Shah. The Peruvian Navy has 6 Type 209 boats which are identical to those owned by Columbia and Greece. Turkey owns 13 Type 209 submarines identical to those of Columbia, Greece and Peru. The Uruguayan Navy has 2 Type 209 submarines, and Venezuela has 4 boats which displace 1,350 tons each. 6 similar Type 210 submarines have been built and sold for the export market as well.

Die Unterseeboote der Klaße 209 werden seit 1960 in Deutschland gefertigt und wurden ausschließlich exportiert. In den vergangenen 49 Jahren wurden sie immer wieder dem Stand der Technik angepaßt, so daß die Unterseeboote, die sich derzeitig im Bau befinden, zu den modernsten Booten gezählt werden können. Insgesamt wurden von dieser Klaße mindestens 80 Boote für mehrere Länder gebaut. Sie dienen heute in Argentinien (vier Boote), in Kolumbien (zwei Boote), in Ekuador (zwei Boote), in Griechenland (12 Boote), in Indonesien (zwei Boote), in Iran (sechs Boote), in Peru (sechs Boote), in der Türkei (13 Boote), in Uruguay (zwei Boote), in Venezuela (vier Boote), in Brasilien (sechs Boote), in Chile (zwei Boote), in Indien (vier Boote), in Portugal (zwei Boote), in Südafrika (drei Boote) und in Südkorea (zehn Boote). Es gibt auch sechs Boote des Typs 210, die dem Typ 209 ähnlich sind, die für Norwegen gebaut wurden. Die Boote dieser Klaßen (209/210) haben eine Einstazverdrängung von je 1,356 Tonnen. Die Überwassergeschwindigkeit liegt bei 10 Knoten, die Unterwassergeschwindigkeit bei 22 Knoten, die Überwasserreichweite bei 11,000 Seemeilen und die Unterwasserreichweite bei 400 Seemeilen. Die Bewaffnung dieser Klaßen besteht aus je 16 Torpedos, und eine Besatzung besteht aus 32 Offiziere und Matrosen.

The Type 211 was a planned 940 ton ocean-going submarine which never went into production. Instead, the German Navy waited for the far superior Type 212 submarine. This class has a maximum displacement of 1,830 tons, a top speed of 12 knots on the surface and up to 20 knots submerged. Range is 8,000 miles on the surface and up to 420 miles submerged. The Type 212 can remain submerged for up to 3 weeks without using a snorkel to replenish its supply of oxygen. Maximum diving depth is an amazing 2,275 feet below the surface and the powerplant is a hydrogen fuel cell plant. The crew consists of 27 commissioned officers and enlisted men. Armament consists of either 24 21-inch torpedos or 24 mines. The German Navy has ordered 6 Type 212 submarines thus far (U.31 through U.36), 4 of which are already commissioned. On top of this, the Italian Navy also has two such boats. Israel owns 5 such boats under the so-called “Dolphin” class which can be armed with nuclear missiles. The South Korean Navy has yet 7 more of these boats under the designation “Type 214? class, which is essentially similar to the Type 212 and Dolphin. Other nations ordering the Type 214 submarines include Greece (4 boats), Turkey (6 boats) and Portugal (2 boats).

Es gibt auch sechs deutschgebaute (Nordseewerke in Emden) Unterseeboote des Typs “TR 1700,” die in Argentinien dienen. Sie wurden seit 1984 ausgeliefert, und haben eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 2,265 Tonnen. Die 32 Unterseeboote der Klaße “Dolphin-212A-214? sind die modernsten und auch die besten nachkriegs deutschentwickelten und deutschgebauten Unterseeboote. Sie werden für Deutschland (sechs Boote), für Italien (zwei Boote), für Südkorea (sieben Boote), für Griechenland (vier Boote), für die Türkei (sechs Boote), für Portugal (zwei Boote) und auch für Israel (fünf Boote) gebaut. Die neuen Boote dieser Klaße (Dolphin/212A/214) haben eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 1,900 Tonnen. Die Überwassergeschwindigkeit liegt bei 12 Knoten, und die Unterwassergeschwindigkeit bei 20 Knoten. Sie sind mit je entweder 24 533-mm Torpedos oder 24 Seeminen bewaffnet. Eine Besatzung besteht aus 27 Offiziere und Matrosen. Die Tauchtiefe ist eine sehr gute 400 Meter, und die Zerstörungstauchtiefe ist mindestens 700 Meter – noch viel besser als die Atomunterseeboote aus den USA, Rußland, China, Großbrittanien oder Frankreich. Die Unterseeboote dieser deutschen Klaße sind auch weltweit die ersten, deren außenluftunabhängiger Antrieb auf Bennstoffzellen basiert sind.

In spite of all the many advances in submarine technology (and there have been very many), serving aboard a submarine is still not as comfortable compared to serving aboard most surface vessels. Even today aboard the nuclear submarines of such countries as the USA, Russia, the United Kingdom, France and China quarters are still cramped. Enlisted men and non-commissioned officers share bunks. In other words, when one half of the crew is on duty, the other half is asleep. One still gets to know one’s comrade by his “stink” – something submariners have known for over a century. At the very start of World War One, small coastal submarines did not even provide bunks for their crews – the former Austrian submarine commander Georg von Trapp talks about this fact in his memoirs. But as Grand Admiral Karl Dönitz once said, every submariner believes himself to be a fortunate king, and would never trade places with anyone else in the navy. Submariners help to make submarines the lethal weapons they are – perhaps even more lethal than aircraft carriers or any other combat surface ships in our day and age, especially considering the ballistic missile submarines of countries such as the United States of America, Russia, France, the United Kingdom, Mainland China and Israel. The Israeli boats are of course German-built boats of the Type 212 or 214 class.

XVIIId. Top-scoring German Submarine Aces

All of the highest scoring submarine aces in history are German – an identical situation exists where air force fighter pilots are concerned, as well as where air force anti-tank aces are concerned. During two world wars, Germany’s vaunted submarine fleet sank 27,350,814 tons of Allied shipping.

1.) The highest scoring submarine ace of all time is Lothar von Arnauld de la Perière (1886-1941), who sank 194 Allied ships or 453,716 tons during World War One. Prior to his untimely death in an airplane accident in German-occupied France in 1941, he had risen to the rank of Vice-Admiral in the German Navy. During World War One, he commanded the German submarines U-35 and then U-139. One will notice that his family surname is French. A good number of Germans have French surnames, because many French Protestant Huguenots emigrated to places such as Germany, the Netherlands and South Africa to escape religious persecution in France.

In zwei Weltkriegen hatte Deutschlands Unterseebootwaffe mehr als 27,3 Millionen Tonnen feindliche Schiffen versenkt. Die größten Unterseebootaße der Weltgeschichte sind natürlich alle deutsch. Vizeadmiral Lothar von Arnauld de la Periere (1886-1941) war der erfolgreichste deutsche Unterseeboot-Kommandant im Ersten Weltkrieg. Mit 194 versenkten Schiffen von zusammen 453,716 Tonnen war er zugleich erfolgreichster Unterseeboot-Kommandant der Seekriegsgeschichte.

2.) Germany’s second greatest submarine ace was Walther Forstmann (1883-1973), who sank 146 Allied ships or 384,300 tons during World War One. He served in the German Navy during both world wars, rising to the rank of Kapitän zur See (like a Captain in the US Navy) by 1942. Happily, he had a long and productive life before dying at the age of 90.

Walther Forstmann (1883-1973) war ein deutscher Unterseeboot-Kommandant im Ersten Weltkrieg und Träger des Ordens “Pour le Merite.” Er versenkte mit seinem Unterseeboot “U.39? 146 Schiffe mit 384,304 Tonnen und gehört damit zu den Kommandanten, die die meisten Schiffe versenkt haben.

3.) Max Valentiner (1883-1949) was Germany’s third greatest submarine ace, who sank 150 Allied ships or 299,300 tons during World War One. Unlike with German air force fighter pilots or anti-tank dive bomber pilots, German Navy submarine aces are ranked by total tonnage and not by the number of ships they send to the bottom. Max Valentiner served in the German submarine service during both world wars, and rose to the rank of Kapitän zur See (Captain) by 1941. He died of lung disease in 1949, due to exposure to toxic fumes aboard the old World War One submarines.

Christian August Maximilian “Max” Ahlmann Valentiner (1883-1949) war ein hochdekorierter deutscher Marineoffizier und Unterseeboot-Kommandant im Ersten Weltkrieg. Mit 150 versenkten Schiffen (299,300 Tonnen) ist er das dritterfolgreichste Unterseebootaß der Weltgeschichte.

4.) Otto Kretschmer (1912-1998) was Germany’s fourth greatest submarine ace of all time, and the highest scoring submarine commander of the Second World War with 46 Allied ships or 273,043 tons to his credit. He was a great man and a great officer, known as “Silent Otto” to his comrades. The Bavarian-born Kretschmer rarely used his radio, which in hindsight was something more German naval officers should have done as well. So many German warships were discovered by the enemy merely due to intercepted wireless messages, among them the great battleship “Bismarck” in 1941. He served in the post-World War Two German “Bundesmarine” as well, helping to re-start Germany’s new submarine force. He retired from the Navy in 1970 with a full 5 stars – a “Flottenadmiral” (like a “Fleet Admiral” in the US Navy or like a Grand Admiral in the pre-1946 German and Austro-Hungarian Navies). Sadly, he died in a boating accident at the age of 86 – while celebrating his 50th wedding anniversary.

Flottenadmiral Otto Kretschmer (1912-1998) war der erfolgreichste Unterseeboot-Kommandant im Zweiten Weltkrieg. Mit 46 versenkten Schiffen (273,043 Tonnen) ist er das vierterfolgreichste Unterseebootaß der Weltgeschichte. Flottenadmiral Kretschmer war auch Deutschlands erster Unterseeboot-Oberbefehlshaber nach dem Zweiten Weltkrieg.

5.) Otto Steinbrinck (1888-1949) was Germany’s 5th highest scoring submarine ace. He served in the Imperial German Navy from 1907 until 1919, and sunk 231,614 tons of Allied shipping. Upon leaving the Imperial Navy, Otto Steinbrinck held the rank of Kapitänleutnant (equivalent to a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy).

Kapitänleutnant Otto Steinbrinck (1888-1949) diente bei der Kaiserlichen Marine im Ersten Weltkrieg. Mit 231,614 versenkten Tonnen ist er das fünferfolgreichste Unterseebootaß der Weltgeschichte.

6.) Wolfgang Lüth (1913-1945) was Germany’s 6th highest scoring submarine ace of all time, and the second highest scoring submarine ace of World War Two. He had 46 Allied ships, or 225,204 tons of shipping, to his credit. He was the youngest German ever to reach the rank of naval captain (”Kapitän zur See” in German), and the youngest man ever to command the German Naval Academy in Mürwik, Flensburg (in the State of Schleswig-Holstein). He was born as a Baltic German in Riga, Latvia. He was a very dedicated husband and father, and was tragically shot accidentally by a German sentry shortly after the end of World War Two on May 13, 1945. The Western Allies (the British occupation force in Northern Germany) allowed the German Navy to bury Kapitän zur See Wolfgang Lüth with full naval honors.

Wolfgang Lüth (1913-1945) war ein Unterseeboot-Kommandant der Kriegsmarine im Zweiten Weltkrieg. Er und Albrecht Brandi waren die einzigen Unterseeboot-Kommandanten, die mit dem Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub, Schwertern und Brillianten ausgezeichnet wurden. Mit 46 versenkten Schiffen (225,204 Tonnen) ist er der sechserfolgreichste Unterseeboot-Kommandant der Weltgeschichte. Er war auch der jüngste Kommandant der Marineschule Mürwik.

OTHER VESSELS OF THE GERMAN NAVY – PAST & PRESENT

XIX. “Zerstörer” (Destroyers)

The term “Destroyer” has not been used in the German Navy since they were replaced by modern air-defense or guided-missile frigates. In addition to those destroyers already discussed, Germany had four destroyers of the “Hamburg” class (4,400 tons each) in the 1960s. A relative of mine named Gerd Nonnenkamp served aboard the “Hamburg” for a number of years. These four ships were eventually scrapped after a good 30 years of valuable service. Before this, Germany deployed six destroyers in 1958 (of 2,750 tons each), two years after the creation of the “Bundesmarine” in Western Germany. Five of these ships were eventually scrapped after about 30 years of service, and one was expended as a target by a German submarine.Germany built or planned up to 58 destroyers from 1935 until 1945. The first 22 ships were named after heroes in the German Navy from the First World War, while the remaining ships were merely numbered up to Z.58. These ships ranged in size from 2,632 tons up to 5,900 tons full load displacement. Their armament and armored protection was a step below that of light cruisers, but greater than that of torpedo boats. None of these destroyers were equipped with aircraft. Speed on German destroyers was very impressive – up to 40,5 knots with their diesel engines and turbines. 24 of the 58 German destroyers were lost during World War Two – but the remainder survived until the end. They saw much more active combat duty compared to larger surface ships. It seems that the smaller the vessel, the more combat they saw.

XIXa. “Diether von Roeder” Class (1938)

The “Diether von Roeder” (1938) and her 5 sister destroyers each displaced up to 3,415 tons full load and were armed with 5-5 inch guns plus 4-1,5 inch guns. They could make up to a very impressive 40,5 knots with their diesel engines and turbines. Her sister ships were named “Hans Lüdemann” (1938), “Hermann Künne” (1939), “Karl Galster” (1939), “Wilhelm Heidkamp” (1939) and “Anton Schmitt” (1939). The “Diether von Roeder” (call number of Z.17 or “Zerstörer Nummer 17? in German = “Destroyer number 17? in English) was sunk on April 13, 1940 in Narvik, during the German invasion of Norway. The “Hans Lüdemann” (Z.18), the “Hermann Künne” (Z.19), the “Wilhelm Heidkamp” (Z.21) and the “Anton Schmitt” (Z.22) all met a similar fate, when they were confronted with a much larger Royal Navy force during the successful German invasion and occupation of Norway in April of 1940. The “Karl Galster” (Z.20) survived World War Two, and was scrapped in 1956.

Der “Zerstörer 1936? war eine gegenüber dem “Zerstörer 1934? verbesserte Vorkriegsklaße von Zerstörern der deutschen Kriegsmarine. Die Bezeichnung “1936? bezieht sich auf das Jahr der Auftragsvergabe, in dem die Boote auf Kiel gelegt wurden. Insgesamt wurden sechs Einheiten auf der zur DeSchiMAG gehörenden Werft AG Weser in Bremen gebaut. Sie hießen “Diether von Roeder” (Z.17), “Hans Lüdemann” (Z.18), “Hermann Künne” (Z.19), “Karl Galster” (Z.20), “Wilhelm Heidkamp” (Z.21) und “Anton Schmitt” (Z.22). Sie hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 3,415 Tonnen, und waren mit je fünf 12,7-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen und vier 3,7-cm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Diesel-und Turbinenantrieb lag bei gute 40,5 Knoten – immer noch sehr schnell auch für heute. Die “Diether von Roeder” (Z.17) wurde am 13. April 1940 in Narvik (Norwegen) versenkt. Die “Hans Lüdemann” (Z.18), die “Hermann Künne” (Z.19), die “Wilhelm Heidkamp” (Z.21) und die “Anton Schmitt” (Z.22) gingen alle am selben Tag bei der erfolgreichen deutschen Norwegeninvasion in Narvik verloren. Die “Karl Galster” (Z.20) überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg, und wurde im Jahre 1956 verschrottet. Die Einheiten dieser Klaße wurden nach Helden der Kaiserlichen Marine genannt, die im Ersten Weltkrieg Deutschland tapfer verteidigt haben. Zwischen 1934 und 1945 wurden 58 deutsche Zerstörer auf Kiel gelegt, aber nur 22 davon haben Patennamen bekommen.Diether von Roeder war Kommandant des Torpedobootes “S.66,” das im Juli 1918 verloren ging. Hans Lüdemann war der gefallene Marineingenieur auf dem Torpedoboot “S.148,” der sein Boot und seine Kameraden von einer Explosion gerettet hatte. Hermann Künne war Matrose auf einem Torpedoboot, der im Kampf gegen britische Soldaten in Zeebrugge, Belgien fiel. Karl Galster war Kommandant des Torpedobootes “S.22,” der mit seinem Boot verloren ging. Wilhelm Heidkamp war Marineingenieur auf dem Schlachtkreuzer “S.M.S. Seydlitz,” der im Januar 1915 bei dem Seegefecht auf der Doggerbank sein Schiff und seine Kameraden von einer Explosion rettete. Anton Schmitt war Matrose auf dem Kleinen Kreuzer “S.M.S. Frauenlob,” der im Mai 1916 bei der Seeschlacht vor dem Skagerrak mit seinem Schiff verloren ging.

All ships of this class were named after heroes of the German Navy. Diether von Roeder was the commander of the torpedo boat S.66, which was sunk in July of 1918, during World War One. Hans Lüdemann was a naval engineer who gave his life to save the torpedo boat S.148, after there was an explosion in the boiler room of the boat. Hermann Künne was a crew member of a German torpedo boat during World War One, who died fighting against a force of British soldiers in Zeebrugge, Belgium. Karl Galster was the commander of the World War One torpedo boat S.22, who went down with his ship. Wilhelm Heidkamp was a naval engineer who saved the battlecruiser “S.M.S. Seydlitz” at the Battle of the Dogger Bank in 1915 – he opened valves to prevent an explosion in the ship’s magazine. Anton Schmitt was a gunner aboard the small cruiser “S.M.S. Frauenlob,” which was sunk at the Battle of Jutland in May 1916. He remained at his battle station, and kept on firing at the enemy until he went down with his ship.

XIXb. “Leberecht Maaß” Class (1937)

The “Leberecht Maaß” (1937) class of 4 destroyers each displaced up to 3,156 tons full load and were armed with 5-5 inch guns plus 4-1,5 inch guns. They could make up to 36 knots with their diesel engines and turbines. The “Leberecht Maaß” (1937) and her 3 sister destroyers “Georg Thiele” (1937), “Max Schultz” (1937) and “Richard Beitzen” (1937) were all named after World War One heroes of the Imperial German Navy. They were the first new German destroyers to be commissioned into service since the end of the First World War. The “Leberecht Maaß” (call number of Z.1) was unfortunately bombed and sunk in error by German aircraft on February 22, 1940. The “George Thiele” (Z.2) was sunk during the successful German invasion of Norway on March 13, 1940. The “Max Schultz” (Z.3) suffered the same unfortunate and tragic fate of the “Leberecht Maaß” (Z.1). The “Richard Beitzen” (Z.4) survived World War Two, and was scrapped in January of 1949.

Der “Zerstörer 1934? war eine der wichtigsten Zerstörerklaßen der deutschen Kriegsmarine im Zweiten Weltkrieg. Der Name bezieht sich auf das Jahr der Kiellegung des ersten Schiffes, des ersten deutschen Zerstörers nach dem Ersten Weltkrieg. Von 1934 bis 1937 wurden insgesamt 16 Schiffe der Typen Zerstörer 1934 und 1934A gebaut. Die ersten vier Einheiten “Leberecht Maaß” (Z.1), “Georg Thiele” (Z.2), “Max Schultz” (Z.3) und “Richard Beitzen” (Z.4) gehörten zur Klaße “Zerstörer 1934,” der Rest zur Klaße “Zerstörer 1934A.” Die erste Gruppe unterschied sich von der zweiten durch die sogenannten Schergänge am Vorschiff. Dies erinnerte an das charakteristische Aussehen der Torpedoboote des Ersten Weltkrieges. Ferner hatte der Typ 1934 anfangs eine kleinere Brücke mit halbrunder Frontseite. Diese wurde noch vor Kriegsbeginn gegen die wie beim Typ 1934A ausgetauscht. Die Einheiten des Typs 1934 hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 3,156 Tonnen, und waren mit je fünf 12,7-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (SFK) sowie mit vier 3,7-cm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) ausgerüstet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Diesel-und Turbinenantrieb lag bei gute 36 Knoten. Die “Leberecht Maaß” (Z.1) und die “Max Schultz” (Z.3) wurden am 22. Februar 1940 tragisch durch deutsche Luftwaffen-Fliegerbomben versenkt. Die “Georg Thiele” (Z.2.) ging am 13. März 1940 zur Zeit der erfolgreichen deutschen Norwegeninvasion verloren. Die “Richard Beitzen” (Z.4) überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg und wurde im Jahre 1949 verschrottet. Alle Einheiten wurden nach Helden der Kaiserlichen Marine genannt, die im Ersten Weltkrieg das deutsche Vaterland tapfer verteidigt haben.Konteradmiral Leberecht Maaß war der erste kaiserlich-deutsche Flaggenoffizier (Admiral), der im Ersten Weltkrieg gefallen ist. Er ging 1914 mit seinem Kleinen Kreuzer “S.M.S. Mainz” gegen den Engländern vor Helgoland verloren. Georg Thiele war Kommandant der VII. Torpedobootflottille, der am 17. Oktober 1914 gegen den Engländern gefallen ist. Korvettenkapitän Max Schultz war Kommandant der VI. Torpedobootflottille, der am 23. Januar 1917 auch im Einsatz gegen die englische Royal Navy gefallen ist. Richard Beitzen war der gefallene Kommandant der 14. Torpedobootflottille, der zwei andere deutsche Torpedoboote von Seeminen gerettet hatte.

Konteradmiral (equivalent to a Commodore, or to a “one-star Admiral” in the U.S. Navy) Leberecht Maaß was the very first German naval flag officer to be killed in action in World War One, during his command of the small cruiser “S.M.S. Mainz” in the Battle of the Helgoland Bight in 1914. Georg Thiele was the German naval commander of the VII. Torpedo Boat Flottilla who was killed in action against a much larger Royal Navy force on October 17, 1914. Korvettenkapitän (equivalent to a Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy) Max Schultz was the German naval commander of the VI. Torpedo Boat Flottilla who was killed in action also against a much larger Royal Navy force on January 23, 1917. Kapitänleutnant (equivalent to a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy) Richard Beitzen was the German commander of the 14. Torpedo Boat Flottilla who was killed in action during World War One, while trying to save 2 other German torpedo boats which had run into a mine field.

XIXc. “Paul Jakobi” Class (1937)

The “Paul Jakobi” (1937) Class of 12 destroyers each displaced up to 3,110 tons, and were armed with as many as 5-5 inch guns plus 14-1,5 inch guns. Top speed was as high as 38,9 knots. The 11 other destroyers in this class were named “Theodor Riedel” (1937), “Hermann Schoemann” (1937), “Bruno Heinemann” (1938), “Wolfgang Zenker” (1938), “Hans Lody” (1938), “Bernd von Arnim” (1938), “Erich Giese” (1939), “Erich Koellner” (1939), “Friedrich Ihn” (1938), “Erich Steinbrinck” (1938)” and “Friedrich Eckoldt” (1938). The “Paul Jakobi” (Z.5) and the “Theodor Riedel” (Z.6) both survived World War Two, and were scrapped in 1958. The “Hermann Schoemann” (Z.7) and the “Bruno Heinemann” (Z.8) were both lost in action during the first half of 1942. The “Wolfgang Zenker” (Z.9) was lost during the successful German invasion of Norway on April 13, 1940. The “Hans Lody” (Z.10) survived World War Two, and was scrapped in 1949. The “Bernd von Arnim” (Z.11), the “Erich Giese” (Z.12) and “Erich Koellner” (Z.13) were all lost during the German invasion of Norway on April 13, 1940. The “Friedrich Ihn” (Z.14) and the “Erich Steinbrinck” (Z.15) both survived World War Two, and were scrapped in 1952 and 1958, respectively. The “Friedrich Eckoldt” (Z.16) was lost in action in December 1942.

Wie erwähnt, waren die 12 Zerstörer der Klaße “Paul Jakobi” (Typ 1934A) den vier Einheiten der Klaße “Leberecht Maaß” (Typ 1934) sehr ähnlich. Die elf anderen Mitglieder dieser Klaße hießen “Theodor Riedl” (Z.6), “Hermann Schoemann” (Z.7), “Bruno Heinemann” (Z.8), “Wolfgang Zenker” (Z.9), “Hans Lody” (Z.10), “Bernd von Arnim” (Z.11), “Erich Giese” (Z.12), “Erich Koellner” (Z.13), “Friedrich Ihn” (Z.14), “Erich Steinbrinck” (Z.15) und “Friedrich Eckoldt” (Z.16). Die Schiffe liefen zwischen 1937 und 1939 vom Stapel, und hatten je eine Einsatzverdrängung von 3,110 Tonnen. Sie waren mit je fünf 12,7-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (SFK) sowie mit 14 3,7-cm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit war gute 38,9 Knoten – immer noch sehr schnell auch für heute. Die “Paul Jakobi” (Z.5) und die “Theodor Riedel” Z.6) überstanden den Zweiten Weltkrieg, und wurden im Jahre 1958 verschrottet. Die “Hermann Schoemann” (Z.7) und die “Bruno Heinemann” (Z.8) gingen im Jahre 1942 verloren. Die “Wolfgang Zenker” (Z.9) wurde am 13. April 1940 bei der erfolgreichen deutschen Norwegeninvasion versenkt. Die “Hans Lody” (Z.10) überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg, und wurde im Jahre 1949 verschrottet. Die “Bernd von Arnim” (Z.11), die “Erich Giese” (Z.12) und die “Erich Koellner” (Z.13) wurden am 13. April 1940 bei der Norwegeninvasion versenkt. Die “Friedrich Ihn” (Z.14) und die “Erich Steinbrinck” (Z.15) überstanden den Zweiten Weltkrieg, und wurden in den Jahren 1952 und 1958 verschrottet. Die “Friedrich Eckoldt” (Z.16) ging im Dezember 1942 verloren. Alle Einheiten dieser Klaße wurden nach Helden der Kaiserlichen Marine genannt, die im Ersten Weltkrieg Deutschland tapfer verteidigt haben.Paul Jakobi war Kommandant der 8. Torpedobootflottille, der im Jahre 1915 mit seinem Torpedoboot “V.25? mittels eines Minentreffers verloren ging. Theodor Riedel war Kommandant der 6. Torpedobootflottille, der im Mai 1916 bei der Seeschlacht vor dem Skagerrak fiel. Hermann Schoemann war Kommandant der Flandern-Torpedobootflottille, der im Kampf gegen englische Zerstörer fiel. Bruno Heinemann war Erster Offizier auf dem Linienschiff “S.M.S. König.” Er fiel im November 1918, als er die kaiserlich-deutsche Kriegsflagge gegen deutsche Meuterer verteidigte. Wolfgang Zenker war auch Marineoffizier, der mit Bruno Heinemann fiel. Hans Lody war deutscher Marineoffizier und Spion, der im November 1914 von den Engländern verhaftet und hingerichtet wurde. Bernd von Arnim war Kommandant des Torpedobootes “G.42,” der am 21. April 1917 im Einsatz vor Dover, England fiel. Erich Giese, Erich Koellner und Erich Steinbrinck waren auch alle deutsche Torpedobootkommandanten, die im Ersten Weltkrieg gefallen sind. Friedrich Ihn und Friedrich Eckoldt waren Torpedobootkommandanten, die im Mai 1916 bei der Seeschlacht vor dem Skagerrak fielen.

All of these destroyers were also named after German naval heroes of World War One. Paul Jakobi was the commander of the 8. Torpedo Boat Flottilla, who went down with his boat V.25 after it hit a mine in 1915. Theodor Riedel was the commander of the 6. Torpedo Boat Flottilla, who was killed in action when his boat was sunk at the Battle of Jutland in May 1916. Hermann Schoemann was the commander of the Flanders Torpedo Boat Flottilla, who was killed in action against British destroyers. Bruno Heinemann was first officer aboard the dreadnought battleship “S.M.S. König,” who died defending the Imperial German Battle Flag against a mutiny of some German sailors in November 1918. Leutnant zur See (equivalent to an Ensign in the U.S. Navy) Wolfgang Zenker died alongside first officer Bruno Heinemann aboard the “S.M.S. König.” Hans Lody was a German naval officer working in England as a spy, and who was caught and executed by the English in November 1914. Bernd von Arnim was the commander of the torpedo boat G.42, who died in action off the coast of Dover, England on April 21, 1917. Erich Giese, Erich Koellner and Erich Steinbrinck were also German torpedo boat commanders during World War One. Friedrich Ihn and Friedrich Eckoldt were German torpedo boat commanders who died at the Battle of Jutland in May of 1916.The World War Two German Navy captured nine (9) destroyers from enemy nations, the description of which follows. The smaller size of these foreign destroyers illustrates the fact that most nations had smaller destroyers compared to Germany. In fact, German torpedo boats would have been classified as destroyers in most other navies. German cruisers of World War Two also tended to be larger and more modern compared to those serving in the navies of other countries.

Zur Zeit des Zweiten Weltkrieges hatte die deutsche Kriegsmarine neun feindliche Zerstörer beschlagnahmt. Hier kann man klar sehen, daß ausländische Zerstörer kleiner und nicht so gut wie deutsche Zerstörer waren.

XIXd. “L’Opiniatre” Class (1939)

The two French destroyers “L’Opiniatre” (1939) and “L’Aventurier” (1939) were taken by the German Navy as war booty in June 1940. Each vessel displaced up to 2,910 tons full load, and was armed with 5-5 inch guns plus 4-1,5 inch guns. Top speed was 38 knots. They both survived World War Two, were returned to France in 1945, and scrapped thereafter.

Zwei ehemalige französische Zerstörer “L’Opiniatre” (1939) und “L’Aventurier” (1939) wurden im Juni 1940 von der siegreichen deutschen Kriegsmarine beschlagnahmt. Sie hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 2,910 Tonnen, und waren mit je fünf 12,7-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (SFK) sowie mit vier 3,7-cm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) bewaffnet. Ihre Höchstgeschwindigkeit war gute 38 Knoten. Sie überstanden den Zweiten Weltkrieg, und wurden an Frankreich zurückgegeben. Sie wurden beide kurz nach dem Ende des Krieges verschrottet.

XIXe. “Gerard Callenburgh” Class (1939)

The “Gerard Callenburgh” (1939) and her sister ship the “Tjerk Hiddes” (1939) were two destroyers captured by the Germans from the defeated Dutch Navy in 1940. Each vessel displaced up to 2,228 tons full load, and they were armed with 5-4,7 inch guns plus 4-1,5 inch guns. Top speed was up to 37,5 knots with diesel engines. They were sunk by Royal Navy destroyers off the French coast on June 9, 1944.

Zwei ehemalige niederländische Zerstörer “Gerard Callenburgh” (1939) und Tjerk Hiddes” (1939) wurden im Mai 1940 von der siegreichen deutschen Kriegsmarine beschlagnahmt. Sie hatten je eine Einsatzverdrängung von 2,228 Tonnen, und waren mit je fünf 12-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (SFK) sowie mit vier 3,7-cm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) ausgerüstet. Ihre Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Dieselantrieb war gute 37,5 Knoten. Sie wurden beide am 9. Juni 1944 von englischen Zerstörern an der französischen Küste versenkt.

XIXf. “Vasilefs Georgios” Class (1938)

The destroyer “Vasilefs Georgios” (1938) was captured from the defeated Greek Navy in 1941. She displaced up to 2,088 tons full load, and was armed with 4-5 inch guns plus 4-37 mm guns. She could make up to 32 knots with her diesel engines. Her German crew scuttled her off the French coast at La Goulette after she was bombed by Allied aircraft on May 7, 1943.

Der ehemalige griechische Zerstörer “Vasilefs Georgios” (1938) wurde im Jahre 1941 von der siegreichen deutschen Kriegsmarine beschlagnahmt. Sie hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 2,088 Tonnen, und war mit vier 12,7-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (SFK) sowie mit vier 3,7-cm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) bewaffnet. Ihre Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Dieselantrieb lag bei 32 Knoten. Am 7. Mai 1943 wurde sie nach einem Luftangriff von ihrer deutschen Besatzung an der Küste von La Goulette, Frankreich selbst versenkt.

XIXg. “Cyclone” Class (1927)

The destroyer “Cyclone” (1927) was captured from France in 1940. The retreating French forces tried to destroy the ship, and the Germans ultimately decided she was not worth repairing. She was thus scrapped in 1941. She had displaced up to 1,800 tons full load, and was armed with 4-5 inch guns plus 2-37 mm guns. She could make up to 33 knots with her diesel engines and turbines.

Der ehemalige französische Zerstörer “Cyclone” (1927) wurde im Jahre 1940 von der siegreichen deutschen Kriegsmarine beschlagnahmt. Die Franzosen haben versucht, das Schiff total zu zerstören, und die Deutschen haben sich entschieden, das Schiff nicht zu reparieren. Im Jahre 1941 wurde sie verschrottet. Sie hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,800 Tonnen, und war mit vier 12,7-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (SFK) sowie mit zwei 3,7-cm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) bewaffnet. Ihre Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Diesel-und Turbinenantrieb lag bei 33 Knoten.

XIXh. “Storre Jagare” Class (1941)

The Norwegian sister ships “Storre Jagare” (1941) and “Aelesund” (1941) were captured by the German Navy upon the invasion of Norway in the Spring of 1940. Each destroyer displaced up to 1,700 tons full load and was armed with 3-4 inch guns plus 2-37 mm guns. Top speed was up to 32 knots with diesel engines and turbines. Both ships were returned to Norway after World War Two, and were scrapped by 1950.

Zwei ehemalige norwegische Zerstörer “Storre Jagare” (1941) und “Aelesund” (1941) wurden im April 1940 von der siegreichen deutschen Kriegsmarine beschlagnahmt. Sie hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 1,700 Tonnen, und waren mit je drei 10-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (SFK) sowie mit zwei 3,7-cm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) ausgerüstet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Diesel-und Turbinenantrieb lag bei 32 Knoten. Die beiden Schiffe wurden nach dem Zweiten Weltkrieg an Norwegen zurückgegeben, und wurden im Jahre 1950 verschrottet.

XIXi. “Van Galen” Class (1929)

The Dutch destroyer “Van Galen” (1929) was captured by the German Navy upon the invasion of the Netherlands in the Spring of 1940. She displaced up to 1,650 tons full load, and was armed with 4-4,7 inch guns plus one 3 inch gun. Her top speed was up to 32 knots with diesel engines and turbines. She was damaged by bombs from German aircraft during the invasion, and it was decided to scrap her in 1941.

Der ehemalige niederländische Zerstörer “Van Galen” (1929) wurde im Mai 1940 von der siegreichen deutschen Kriegsmarine beschlagnahmt. Sie hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,650 Tonnen, und war mit vier 12-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (SFK) sowie mit einer 7,62-cm Schnellfeuerkanone (SFK) bewaffnet. Ihre Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Diesel-und Turbinenantrieb lag bei 32 Knoten. Sie wurde im Mai 1940 von deutschen Fliegerbombern beschädigt, und wurde im Jahre 1941 verschrottet.

XIXj. Austro-Hungarian Destroyers (up to 1918)

The Imperial and Royal Austro-Hungarian Navy deployed 38 so-named “torpedo ships” (”Torpedoschiffe” in German) and destroyers until 1918. They ranged in size from 390 tons to 1,730 tons, and could make from a meager 11,11 knots up to a very impressive 32,8 knots. The faster vessels saw very heavy combat duty during World War One, and actually bore the brunt of the surface naval war for the Austrians in the Adriatic Sea.

Bis November 1918 gab es 38 “Torpedoschiffe” und auch Zestörer der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine Österreich-Ungarns. Sie hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von je zwischen 390 und 1,730 Tonnen, und die Höchstgeschwindigkeit lag zwischen 11,11 und 32,8 Knoten. Die früheren Torpedofahrzeuge der kaiserlich-deutschen Marine wurden “Torpedoboote” genannt.

XIXk. “S.M.S. Lacroma” Class (1888)

The “S.M.S. Lacroma” (1888) was formerly named “S.M.S. Tiger.” Lacroma is an island in the Adriatic. She was an early “torpedo ship,” most of which proved to be too slow for practical combat use. After being renamed, she was used as an Imperial Yacht, to transport members of the Imperial and Royal family who were also in the Navy (such as Admiral Archduke Franz Ferdinand, who was assassinated along with his wife in the city of Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina in June 1914). She displaced up to 1,683 tons full load and was armed with 4-5 inch guns. She could make up to 19,3 knots with her diesel engines, which was nevertheless better than earlier torpedo ships. She survived World War One, and was scrapped after the war.

Die “S.M.S. Lacroma” (nach einer Adriainsel benannt) war ein vorzeitiges Torpedoschiff der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine Österreich-Ungarns. Aber sie war zu langsam um einsatzfähig zu sein. Als sie vom Stapel lief, hieß sie “S.M.S. Tiger.” Nachdem sie umgebaut und auch umbenannt wurde, wurde sie als Kaiserliche und Königliche Yacht, besonders von Erzherzog Franz Ferdinand, benutzt. Im Juni 1914 wurden Erzherzog Franz Ferdinand von Österreich-Este und seiner Gemahlin unglücklicherweise Opfer eines Attentats. Die “S.M.S. Lacroma” hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,683 Tonnen, und war mit vier 12,7-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (SFK) bewaffnet. Ihre Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Dieselantrieb lag bei 19,3 Knoten – besser als vorherige Torpedoschiffe, aber immer noch nicht ausreichend. Sie überstand den Ersten Weltkrieg, und wurde nach dem Ende des Krieges verschrottet.

XIXl. “S.M.S. Lussin” Class (1884)

The torpedo ship “S.M.S. Lussin” (1884) was named for an Austro-Hungarian island in the Adriatic Sea. She displaced up to 1,053 tons full load, and was armed with 2-6 inch guns plus 1-70 mm gun. She could make up to 14,9 knots.

Das frühzeitige Torpedoschiff “S.M.S. Lussin” (1884) wurde auch nach einer Adriainsel benannt. Sie hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,053 Tonnen, und war mit zwei 15-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (SFK) sowie mit einer 7-cm Schnellfeuerkanone (SFK) bewaffnet. Ihre Höchstgeschwindigkeit lag bei nur 14,9 Knoten. Sie war einfach zu langsam um einsatzfähig zu sein trotzdem sie neu war.

XIXm. “S.M.S. Tatra” Class (1913)

The “S.M.S. Tatra” (1913) class of 10 Austro-Hungarian destroyers were the fastest and best Austrian destroyers ever to be built. They also included the “S.M.S. Balaton” (1913), “S.M.S. Csepel” (1913), “S.M.S. Orjen” (1914), “S.M.S. Lika” (1914), “S.M.S. Triglav” (1914), “S.M.S. Dukla” (1917) and “S.M.S. Uzsok” (1917). Each ship displaced up to 1,050 tons full load, and was armed with 2-4 inch guns and 6-2,75 inch guns. They could make up to 32,8 knots with their diesel engines and turbines. “Tatra”is a mountain range common to both Moravia and Poland. “Balaton” (known as the “Pattensee” in German) is the name of the largest lake in Hungary. “Triglav” is the largest mountain in Slovenia.

Die “S.M.S. Tatra” (1913) Klaße von zehn Einheiten waren die besten und auch modernsten Zerstörer der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine Österreich-Ungarns. Andere Patennamen dieser Klaße waren “S.M.S. Balaton” (1913), “S.M.S. Csepel” (1913), “S.M.S. Orjen” (1914), “S.M.S. Lika” (1914), “S.M.S. Triglav” (1914), “S.M.S. Dukla” (1917) und “S.M.S. Uzsok” (1917). Die Schiffe dieser Klaße hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 1,050 Tonnen, und waren mit je zwei 10-cm sowie mit sechs 7-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (SFK) bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Diesel-und Turbinenantrieb lag bei gute 32,8 Knoten. Die Tatragebirge liegen in Mähren und Schlesien. Auf deutsch heißt Balaton “Plattensee.” Der Plattensee in Westungarn ist der größte See in West-und Mitteleuropa und ist neben dem Neusiedlersee im Burgenland der bedeutendste Steppensee Mitteleuropas. Der Triglav (”Terglou” oder “Dreikopf” auf deutsch) ist mit 2,864 Meter der höchste Gipfel der Julischen Alpen und auch von Slowenien.Die “S.M.S. Tatra” (1913) und die “S.M.S. Balaton” (1913) überstanden den Ersten Weltkrieg, und wurden nach dem Krieg an Italien übergeben. Sie wurden beide im Jahre 1923 verschrottet. Die “S.M.S. Csepel” (1913) wurde nach dem Ersten Weltkrieg von Italien beschlagnahmt. Im Jahre 1929 strandete sie in der Nähe von Amoy in China. Die “S.M.S. Orjen” (1914) wurde auch nach dem Ersten Weltkrieg von Italien beschlagnahmt, und diente bis sie im Jahre 1937 verschrottet wurde. Die “S.M.S. Lika” (1914) wurde am 29. Dezember 1915 von einem Minentreffer versenkt. Die “S.M.S. Triglav” (1914) wurde am selben Tag von einem Minentreffer beschädigt. Man versuchte das Schiff zu retten, aber ohne Erfolg – sie wurde von ihrer Besatzung selbst versenkt. Die “S.M.S. Dukla” (1917) wurde nach dem Ersten Weltkrieg von den Franzosen beschlagnahmt, und diente bis sie im Jahre 1936 verschrottet wurde. Die “S.M.S. Uzsok” (1917) überstand den Ersten Weltkrieg, und wurde im Jahre 1920 an Italien übergeben. Sie diente bis sie im Jahre 1939 verschrottet wurde. Es gab eine zweite “S.M.S. Triglav” (1917) und auch eine zweite “S.M.S. Lika” (1917). Sie überstanden den Ersten Weltkrieg, und wurden im Jahre 1920 auch an Italien übergeben – wo sie bis ihre Verschrottung im Jahre 1937 dienten.

The destroyers “Tatra” (1913) and “Balaton” (1913) were handed over to Italy as war booty in 1920, and both scrapped in 1923. The destroyer “Csepel” (1913) was also turned over to Italy in 1920, where she served until she was lost due to stranding on the shore near Amoy (China) in 1929. “Orjen” was taken over by the Italian Navy in 1920, and served until she was scrapped in 1937. “Lika” (1914) was hit and sunk by a mine on December 29, 1915. “Triglav” (1914) suffered a similar fate, but after trying to save her she was scuttled by her Austrian crew on the same day. “Dukla” (1917) was handed over to France in 1920, and served in the French Navy until she was scrapped in 1936. “Uzsok” (1917) was turned over to the Italian Navy in 1920, where she served until being scrapped in 1939.A second “S.M.S. Triglav” (1917) and a second “S.M.S. Lika” (1917) both survived World War One, and were surrendered to Italy in 1920. They both served in the Italian Navy until being scrapped in 1937.

XX. Moderne “Torpedoboote” und ältere “Kanonenboote” (Torpedo Boats and the Gunboats which came before them)

In the days immediately before modern torpedo technology and rapid torpedo boats, perhaps gunboats filled the role which torpedo boats eventually filled. They were smaller than “avisos” or small cruisers, and were generally deployed near the coastline. Some of them were not meant for use upon the high seas, largely due to their shallow draughts – while others were exceptionally capable seagoing vessels, well-suited for service abroad in Germany’s colonial possessions in Africa, East Asia and the Pacific Ocean.

Die Vorgänger der Torpedoboote waren die Kanonenboote und die Radavisos. Die ersten richtigen deutsche Torpedoboote wurden ab 1881 gebaut. Torpedoboote wurden immer größer, bis zu den sogenannten “Torpedozerstörern” des Ersten Weltkrieges. Seit 1930 wurden die kleineren Torpedoboote “Schnellboote” genannt. Großadmiral Alfred Peter Friedrich von Tirpitz (1849-1930) hatte Deutschlands erstes Prototyp-Torpedoboot im Jahre 1877 entwickelt. Die ersten drei kaiserlich-deutschen Torpedoboote von 1881 hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 34 Tonnen und eine Höchstgeschwindigkeit von nur 8 Knoten. Bis 1884 wurden 37 Versuchstorpedoboote in Deutschland entwickelt und gebaut. Die besten Boote kamen aus der Schichauwerft in Danzig in Westpreußen. Bis 1898 hatte die Schichauwerft 83 Torpedoboote für die Kaiserliche Marine gebaut. Sie hatten je eine Einsatzverdrängung von 86 bis 187 Tonnen, und eine Höchstgeschwindigkeit von je zwischen 20 und 36,7 Knoten. Damals waren die Schichautorpedoboote die schnellsten Wassereinheiten der Welt.

The history of torpedo boats in Germany blends into the history of German destroyers. From the very first German torpedo boats in 1881 until the end of World War One in 1918, they were in fact one in the same thing. A separate numbering system for destroyers, torpedo boats and fast attack craft only commenced with the launching of Germany’s first fast attack craft in 1930. Fast Attack Craft (FAC), or “Schellboote” in German, are very small and rapid vessels – much smaller and faster compared to other vessels.Grand Admiral Alfred von Tirpitz made his career in this branch of the navy, when he started experimenting with torpedos in 1877. The first three purposely-built torpedo boats in 1881 displaced just 34 tons each and could make merely 8 knots. Various German shipyards competed for contracts in the very beginning, and together they built 37 prototypes until 1884. The Schichau Yard of Danzig in West Prussia won the torpedo boat competition, and built 83 active-duty torpodo boats for the Imperial German Navy up to 1898. These boats grew in size from 86 tons to 187 tons by 1898. Their speed increased from 20 knots up to 36,7 knots by 1898. In fact, the Schichau torpedo boats held the world speed record on water when they were brand new.

XXa. “S.M.S. Wespe” Class (1875)

The “S.M.S. Wespe” (1875) class were the first purpose-built gunboats in the Imperial German Navy. “Wespe” means “wasp” in German, and all 11 boats in this class were named after different types of insects or reptiles. They were built by the A.G. Weser Company in Bremen, and were launched in between 1876 and 1881. They were named “S.M.S. Wespe,” “S.M.S. Viper,” “S.M.S. Biene,” “S.M.S. Mücke,” “S.M.S. Scorpion,” “S.M.S. Basilisk,” “S.M.S. Chamäleon,” “S.M.S. Crocodill,” “S.M.S. Salamander,” “S.M.S. Natter” and “S.M.S. Hummel.” Each boat displaced up to 1,098 tons full load, was 46 meters long, was powered by 2 double expansion engines, could make up to 11 knots and was armed with one 30,5-cm ring cannon. They were not particularly seaworthy upon the high seas, and tended to ship a good deal of water. But because they had such shallow draughts, they could easily be beached without causing any damage to themselves – and were thus used as stationary batteries. They were deployed very close to home, and were finally scrapped after 1910.

Die elf Einheiten der “S.M.S. Wespe” (1875) Klaße waren Deutschlands erste Kanonenboote. Sie wurden bei A.G. Weser in Bremen gebaut, und liefen zwischen 1876 und 1881 vom Stapel. Die zehn anderen Mitglieder dieser Klaße hießen “S.M.S. Viper,” “S.M.S. Biene,” “S.M.S. Mücke,” “S.M.S. Scorpion,” “S.M.S. Basilisk,” “S.M.S. Chamäleon,” “S.M.S. Crocodill,” “S.M.S. Salamander,” “S.M.S. Natter” und “S.M.S. Hummel.” Sie hatten je eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,098 Tonnen, waren je 46 Meter lang und waren mit je einer 30,5-cm Ringkanone bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit lag bei nur 11 Knoten, und die Mitglieder dieser Klaße waren nicht besonders seefähig. Sie wurden an der Küste benutzt, und wurden alle um 1910 verschrottet.

XXb. “S.M.S. Zieten” Class (1876)

“S.M.S. Zieten” (1876) was built by Thames Iron Works of London, England, and was powered by 2 double expansion engines. She was rigged as a schooner, and had 355 square meters of sail area. She displaced up to 1,001 tons full load, was 80 meters long and could make up to 16,3 knots – an excellent speed for her time. She was a dispatch boat, but Alfred von Tirpitz converted her into Imperial Germany’s very first torpedo ship, which he personally commanded from 1878 until 1888. She was armed with a 38 cm torpedo tube located below her waterline. She was scrapped in 1921 after 45 years of useful service.

Die “S.M.S. Zieten” (1876) war Deutschlands erstes Versuchs-Torpedoschiff, kommandiert zwischen 1878 und 1888 vom zukünftlichen Großadmiral Alfred von Tirpitz. Sie wurde als Segelschooner getakelt, und hatte ein Segelbereich von 355 Quadratmeter. Sie hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,001 Tonnen, war 80 Meter lang und ihre Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Segel und Dampfantrieb lag bei gute 16,3 Knoten – zur Zeit war das verhältnismäßig sehr schnell. Sie war mit einem 38-cm Torpedorohr unter der Wasserlinie ausgerüstet. Sie wurde im Jahre 1921 verschrottet, nach einer langen und guten Dienstzeit von 45 Jahren.

XXc. “S.M.S. Otter” Class (1877)

“S.M.S. Otter (1877) was a single gunboat of the Imperial German Navy, built by the Schichau Shipyard in Danzig, West Prussia. She was a transverse-ribbed iron gunboat, with 2 single expansion engines, and was 31 meters long. She displaced a mere 130 tons, showing how gunboats of the same era had a wide range in size. Her crew was comprised of one commissioned officer and 42 enlisted men. She was scrapped in 1926 after 49 years of service.

Das Kanonenboot “S.M.S. Otter” (1877) wurde bei der Schichauwerft in Danzig, Westpreußen gebaut. Sie hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 130 Tonnen, und war 31 Meter lang. Ihre Besatzung bestand aus einem Offizier und 42 Matrosen. Sie wurde im Jahre 1926 verschrottet, nach einer langen und guten Dienstzeit von 49 Jahren.

XXd. “S.M.S. Wolf” Class (1878)

The “S.M.S. Wolf” (1878) class of 3 Imperial German Navy gunboats were built by the Imperial Shipyard of Wilhelmshaven in the Grand Duchy of Oldenburg. The two other boats in this class were named “S.M.S. Hyäne” and “S.M.S. Iltis.” Each boat displaced up to 490 tons full load, was 47 meters long and could make up to 9 knots. They were armed with two 12,5-cm ring cannon and two more 8,7-cm ring cannon each. They had both engines and barquentine rigging, with 847 square meters of sail. They were seaworthy ocean-going vessels, and often voyaged overseas. Their crews consisted of 5 commissioned officers and 80 enlisted men each. “S.M.S. Wolf” served in East Asia from 1879 to 1884, and in West Africa from 1898 until 1905. She was scrapped in the port of Danzig, West Prussia in 1919. “S.M.S. Hyäne” served in the Pacific from 1879 to 1887, carrying out research on Easter Island (a colony of Chile) in 1882. She also helped establish the German Colony of the Bismarck Archipelago (off the coast of Papua New Guinea) in October of 1884. She then served in West Africa from 1888 until 1898, where Germany had colonies in Togo and Cameroon. She was unfortunately sunk by accident off the coast of Dieppe, France in 1924 after 46 years of service.

Die drei Kanonenboote der “S.M.S. Wolf” (1878) Klaße wurden bei der Kaiserlichen Werft in Wilhelmshaven gebaut. Die zwei anderen Mitglieder dieser Klaße hießen “S.M.S. Hyäne” (1878) und “S.M.S. Iltis” (1878). Sie hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 490 Tonnen, waren je 47 Meter lang und waren mit je zwei 12,5-cm Ringkanonen und zwei 8,7-cm Ringkanonen bewaffnet. Sie wurden als Segelbarks getakelt, und hatten ein Segelbereich von je 847 Quadratmeter. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Segel und Dampfantrieb lag bei 9 Knoten. Eine Besatzung bestand aus 5 Offiziere und 80 Matrosen. Sie waren seefähige Boote, und dienten oft im Ausland. Die “S.M.S. Wolf” diente in Ostasien von 1879 bis 1884 und in Westafrika von 1898 bis 1905. Sie wurden im Jahre 1919 in Danzig verschrottet. Die “S.M.S. Hyäne” diente im Pazifik von 1879 bis 1887, wo ihre Besatzung im Jahre 1882 wissenschaftliche Forschungen auf der Osterinsel betrieben. Im Jahre 1884 gründete die “S.M.S. Hyäne” das Bismarck-Archipel (im heutigen Papua Neuguinea). Sie diente in Westafrika (Togoland und Kamerun) von 1888 bis 1898. Sie ging im Jahre 1924 bei einem Unfall an der Küste von Dieppe (Frankreich) verloren. Die “S.M.S. Iltis” diente in Tsingtau. Am 23. Juli 1896 strandete sie in einem Sturm an der Schantung-Halbinsel, wo nur 11 Besatzungsmitglieder gerettet wurden.

“S.M.S. Iltis” (1878) served in East Asia, in Germany’s colony of Tsingtau (”Tsingtao” in English) in Shantung Province, China. On July 23, 1896 she ran into a deadly typhoon in the Yellow Sea, and was tossed upon the rocks on the Shantung Peninsula. She sank, taking most of her crew down with her. Only 11 men were saved.

XXe. “S.M.S. Habicht” Class (1879)

The “S.M.S. Habicht” (1879) class of 3 Imperial German gunboats also served as dispatch boats. “Habicht” means “hawk” in German. The 2 remaining members of this class were “S.M.S. Möwe” (German for “seagull”) and “S.M.S. Adler” (German for “eagle”). They were launched in between 1879 and 1883, displaced up to 860 tons full load per vessel, were 60 meters long, and could make up to 11,5 knots. Until 1905 and 1906 they were stationed abroad, and were then coverted into training vessels. The sole exception was “S.M.S. Adler,” which unfortunately ran ashore during a hurricane in German Samoa in 1889. The vessels were armed with one 15-cm and four 12-cm ring cannon each. They were also fully rigged as sailing vessels.

Die “S.M.S. Habicht” (1879) Klaße der drei kaiserlich-deutschen Kanonenboote hatten je eine Einsatzverdrängung von 860 Tonnen, waren je 60 Meter lang, und hatten eine Höchstgeschwindigkeit von 11,5 Knoten. Die zwei anderen Mitglieder dieser Klaße hießen “S.M.S. Möwe” und “S.M.S. Adler.” Sie liefen zwischen 1879 und 1883 vom Stapel. Zwischen 1905 und 1906 dienten sie im Ausland, und danach wurden sie als Schulfahrzeuge benutzt. Die einzige Ausnahme war die “S.M.S. Adler,” die im Jahre 1889 in einem Sturm in Deutschsamoa strandete. Die Einheiten dieser Klaße waren mit je einer 15-cm und vier 12-cm Ringkanonen bewaffnet. Sie waren auch als Segelfahrzeuge getakelt.

XXf. “S.M.S. Iltis” Class (1898)

The “S.M.S. Iltis” (1898) class of 6 Imperial German gunboats were built by the Schichau Shipyard in Danzig, by the Imperial Shipyard in Danzig and by the A.G. Vulcan Shipyard in Stettin. The 5 other members of this class were “S.M.S. Jaguar” (1898), “S.M.S. Tiger” (1899), “S.M.S. Luchs” (1899), “S.M.S. Panther” (1901) and “S.M.S. Eber” (1903). Each vessel displaced up to 977 tons, was 66 meters long, and could make up to 14 knots. The first two boats were armed with 4 8,8-cm rapid loading cannon, while the remaining 4 vessels were armed with 2 10,5-cm rapid loading cannon. Crews were comprised of 9 commissioned officers and 121 enlisted men. All except “S.M.S. Panther” (1901) and “S.M.S Eber” (1903) took part in the defense of the German Crown Colony of Tsingtau, China in 1914. They were scuttled before the colony was overrun by numerically superior Japanese and British forces in November 1914, in order to prevent them from falling into enemy hands. “S.M.S. Eber” (1903) was scuttled by her crew off Bahia, Brazil in 1917 also in order to prevent her from falling into enemy hands. “S.M.S. Panther” (1901) had a much longer and more fruitful career. She served off South America, West Africa and Morocco from 1901 until 1914. During World War One, she served in the Baltic Sea. From 1918 until 1926 she performed marine survey work, and she was only scrapped in 1931 – after 30 years of service.

Die “S.M.S. Iltis” (1898) Klaße bestand aus sechs kaiserlich-deutschen Kanonenboote wurden von der Schichauwerft in Danzig, von der Kaiserlichen Werft in Danzig und von der A.G. Vulcan Schiffswerft in Stettin gebaut. Die fünf anderen Mitglieder dieser Klaße hießen “S.M.S. Jaguar” (1898), “S.M.S. Tiger” (1899), “S.M.S. Luchs” (1899), “S.M.S. Panther” (1901) und “S.M.S. Eber” (1903). Sie hatten je eine Einsatzverdrängung von 977 Tonnen, waren je 66 Meter lang, und die Höchstgeschwindigkeit lag bei 14 Knoten. Die ersten zwei Boote waren mit je vier 8,8-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (SFK) bewaffnet und die anderen vier Boote waren mit je zwei 10,5-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (SFK) bewaffnet. Eine Besatzung bestand aus 9 Offiziere und 121 Matrosen. Alle Mitglieder dieser Klaße außer der “S.M.S. Panther” und der “S.M.S. Eber” verteidigten im Jahre 1914 die deutsche Kolonie von Tsingtau. Sie wurden im November 1914 alle selbst versenkt, bevor Tsingtau an den Japanern und den Engländern übergeben wurde. Die “S.M.S. Eber” wurde im Jahre 1917 an der Küste von Bahia, Brasilien selbst versenkt um den Allierten diese Beute zu versagen. Die “S.M.S. Panther” überstand den Ersten Weltkrieg. Von 1901 bis 1914 diente sie in Südamerika, Westafrika und Marokko. Zur Zeit des Ersten Weltkrieges diente sie in der Ostsee. Von 1918 bis 1926 diente sie zur Gewässervermessung. Sie wurde im Jahre 1931 verschrottet, nach einer Dienstzeit von 30 Jahren.

XXg. The “Schichau” Torpedo Boats from Danzig (1898-1907)

After 1898, the Schichau Yard of Danzig in West Prussia was joined by the Germania Yard of Kiel in Schleswig-Holstein in building torpedo boats for the Imperial German Navy. They completed 108 additional torpedo boats for the navy up to 1907, from 693 tons to 875 tons in displacement. The significant increase in size demonstrates the evolution from torpedo boats to eventual destroyers.

Von 1898 bis 1907 hatten die Schichauwerft in Danzig und die Germaniawerft in Kiel 108 Torpedoboote für die Kaiserliche Marine gebaut. Sie hatten je eine Einsatzverdrängung zwischen 693 und 875 Tonnen.

XXh. “Claus von Bevern” Class (1906-1913)

These 60 torpedo boats belonged to the “Großes Torpedoboot 1906? type. The type class signifies that they were large torpedo boats for their time. Each boat displaced up to 875 tons full load, and was armed with 2-4 inch guns, 6-20 mm guns plus 2-18 inch torpedo tubes. They could make up to 30,5 knots with their diesel engines, and their radius of operation was up to 1,850 miles. They had a complement of 99 commissioned officers and enlisted men. Just 5 boats were named, and these after the end of World War One – when they were taken into the new German “Reichsmarine.” The “Claus von Bevern” (1913) survived both World Wars, only to be scuttled in the Skagerrak in 1946. Her sister boat the “Blitz” (German for “lightning”) also survived both World Wars, and was handed over to Russia in 1945. The “Pfeil” (German for “arrow”) was expended by the Germans as a target vessel. The “Komet” survived both World Wars, and was handed over to the U.S. Navy in 1945 – where she was scrapped in 1949. The “Eduard Jungmann” experienced the same fate as the “Komet.”

Die 60 Mitglieder der “Claus von Bevern” Klaße gehörten zum Typ “Großes Torpedoboot 1906.” Sie hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 875 Tonnen, und waren je mit zwei 10-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen, sechs 20-mm Schnellfeuerkanonen sowie mit zwei 45,7-cm Torpedorohre bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Dieselantrieb lag bei 30,5 Knoten und die Reichweite bei 1,850 Seemeilen. Eine Besatzung bestand aus 99 Offiziere und Matrosen. Nur fünf Einheiten bekamen Patennamen, und diese nach dem Ersten Weltkrieg als sie bei der nachkriegs Reichsmarine dienten. Die “Claus von Bevern” (1913) überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg, und wurde im Jahre 1946 im Skagerrak selbst versenkt. Die “Blitz” (1913) überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg, und wurde im Jahre 1945 an Sowjetrußland übergeben. Die “Pfeil” (1913) wurde von der Kriegsmarine als Zielfahrzeug benutzt. Die “Komet” (1913) und die “Eduard Jungmann” (1913) überstanden den Zweiten Weltkrieg, und wurden im Jahre 1945 den Amerikanern übergeben. Sie wurden dann beide im Jahre 1949 verschrottet.

XXi. The “Vulkan” Torpedo Boats from Stettin (1907-1918)

After 1907, the Vulkan Yard of Stettin in Pomerania joined the other two yards in building torpedo boats for the Imperial German Navy. The three yards completed, planned or projected an additional 328 torpedo boats by the end of World War One in November 1918. Sizes ranged from 148 tons up to 2,415 tons per boat. The small boats were meant for coastal duty, whereas the large ones were intended for ocean-going duty. They hunted enemy submarines, protected the coast, raided enemy shipping near to the coast, screened or protected larger ships and attacked large enemy ships with torpedos. The “Franziska Kiemme” class of modern boats described below were among the latter boats.

Die 328 “Vulkan” Torpedoboote wurden zwischen 1907 und 1918 von der Vulcanwerft in Stettin, von der Schichauwerft in Danzig und von der Germaniawerft in Kiel gebaut. Sie hatten je eine Einsatzverdrängung zwischen 148 und 2,415 Tonnen. Die kleineren Boote waren Küstentorpedoboote, und die größeren Einheiten waren Hochseetorpedoboote.

XXj. “Warendrop” Class (1914-1915)

The “Warendrop” (1914) was the sole named example of the “Torpedoboot 1914? class of vessels built early during World War One. Each vessel displaced up to 148 tons full load, and was armed with 1-52 mm gun, 4 mines plus 2-17,7 inch (45 cm) torpedo tubes. Top speed was up to 20 knots, and range of operations was up to 440 nautical miles. The crews consisted of 28 officers and enlisted men. There were a total of 25 boats in this class, 17 of which survived their duty in the First World War. The “Warendrop” (a Flemish name) was scrapped in Bremerhaven in 1948.

Die 25 Küstentorpedoboote der “Warendrop” (1914) Klaße gehörten zum Typ “Torpedoboot 1914.” Sie wurden zwischen 1914 und 1915 gebaut, und hatten je eine Einsatzverdrängung von 148 Tonnen. Sie waren mit je einer 5,2-cm Schnellfeuerkanone (SFK), vier Seeminen und zwei 45-cm Torpedorohre bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit lag bei 20 Knoten, und die Reichweite bei 440 Seemeilen. Eine Besatzung bestand aus 28 Offiziere und Matrosen. Von den 25 Einheiten überstanden 17 davon den Ersten Weltkrieg. Die “Warendrop” war das einzige Boot mit Patenname. Sie wurde im Jahre 1948 in Bremerhaven verschrottet.

XXk. “Wölfchen” Class (1915-1917)

The “Wölfchen” (1917) was the sole named example within the “Torpedoboot 1915? class of vessels built during World War One. “Wölfchen” is German for “little wolf.” Each vessel displaced up to 252 tons full load, and was armed with 3-88 mm guns plus one 17,7 inch (45 cm) torpedo tube. Top speed was up to 25,8 knots with their diesel turbine engines. Range of operations for these small boats was up to 690 nautical miles. Their crews consisted of 29 officers and enlisted men. There were 30 vessels in this particular class. The “Wölfchen” was sunk by an explosion on February 27, 1944.

Die 30 Einheiten der “Wölfchen” (1915) Klaße gehörten zum Typ “Torpedoboot 1915.” Sie hatten je eine Einsatzverdrängung von 252 Tonnen, und waren mit je drei 8,8-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (SFK) sowie mit einem 45-cm Torpedorohr ausgerüstet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Dieselturbinenantrieb lag bei 25,8 Knoten und die Reichweite bei 690 Seemeilen. Eine Besatzung bestand aus 29 Offiziere und Matrosen. Die Boote wurden zwischen 1915 und 1917 gebaut. Die “Wölfchen” war das einzige benannte Boot, als sie bei der nachkriegs Reichsmarine diente. Am 27. Februar 1944 wurde sie durch eine Explosion versenkt.

XXl. “Franziska Kiemme” Class (1919-1921)

These torpedo boats belonged to the “1918Mob” type. Total displacement was 1,563 tons, and armament consisted of 4-6 inch guns, 4-4 inch guns and 6-20 inch torpedo tubes. Top speed was an impressive 35 knots. These were the final (and the best) German torpedo boats to come from the Imperial German Navy of World War One. Their call (or pennant) numbers ran from V.170 up to S.223 (54 vessels), with the letter indicating from which yard a boat came. Of the 54 boats, 50 were never completed and thus scrapped at the shipyard. Merely 4 boats were completed for the post-World War One German “Reichsmarine.” They were named “Franziska Kiemme,” “Georg Kimme,” “Hansdorf” and “Hoisdorf.” 3 of the boats were scrapped by 1935, with only the “Georg Kimme” being used during World War Two. She was sunk on August 21, 1944.

54 Einheiten der “Franziska Kiemme” (1919-1921) Klaße wurden in Auftrag genommen, aber nur 4 Mitglieder dieses Torpedoboottyps “1918Mob” wurden gebaut. Sie waren die letzten und auch die besten Torpedoboote der Kaiserlichen Marine. Sie hatten je eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,563 Tonnen, und waren mit je vier 15-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (SFK), vier 10-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (SFK) sowie mit sechs 50,8-cm Torpedorohre bewaffnet. Die “Franziska Kiemme,” die “Georg Kimme,” die “Hansdorf” und die “Hoisdorf” wurden nach 1919 getauft. Drei davon wurden im Jahre 1935 verschrottet, und die “Georg Kimme” wurde am 21. August 1944 versenkt.

XXm. German Torpedo Boats of World War Two (1923-1945)

From 1919 to 1945, another 84 torpedo boats were built. They ranged in size from 1,082 tons all the way up to 2,566 tons full load displacement. They were somewhat lesser in size and armament compared to destroyers, but nevertheless very useful ships which saw heavy combat duty. 45 of these 84 torpedo boats were lost during World War Two, either due to enemy action or to being scuttled by the Germans at the end of the war – to prevent them from falling into enemy hands.

Zwischen 1923 und 1945 haben die Reichsmarine und die Kriegsmarine 84 neue Torpedoboote für Deutschland gebaut, aber nur 12 davon haben Patennamen bekommen. Sie hatten je eine Einsatzverdrängung zwischen 1,082 und 2,566 Tonnen. 45 Boote gingen im Zweiten Weltkrieg verloren, und die anderen 39 Boote überstanden den Krieg. Sie waren die besten und die modernsten Torpedoboote der Welt, so gut wie die Zerstörer anderer Nationen.

XXn. Torpedo Boat “Type 1923? (commissioned in 1926)

These were the very first brand new German torpedo boats to be built after World War One. They were considered to be equivalent to smaller destroyers in the Allied navies. Each of the 6 vessels in this class displaced up to 1,290 tons full load. They were armed with 3-4 inch guns and 7-20 mm guns. They could make up to 32 knots with their diesel engines and turbines. Each vessel carried up to 340 tons of oil fuel, had a range of 3,100 nautical miles, and had a crew of 122 commissioned officers & enlisted men. They were all named after various types of birds. Their names were “Albatros,” “Falke” (German for “falcon”), “Greif,” “Kondor,” “Möwe” (German for “seagull”) and “Seeadler” (German for “sea eagle”). “Albatros” was lost due to gunfire from a Norwegian minelayer in the Oslo Fjord on April 10, 1940. “Falke” was bombed and sunk by British aircraft in the German-occupied French port of Le Havre on June 14, 1944. “Greif” was bombed and sunk by Allied aircraft in the estuary of the French river Seine on May 25, 1944. “Kondor” was scuttled in the occupied French port city of Le Havre after having been bombed by British aircraft on June 28, 1944. “Möwe” was also bombed and sunk by Allied aircraft in Le Havre on June 14, 1944. “Seeadler” was torpedoed by a British Motor Torpedo Boat (a very small and fast type of torpedo boat) North of the occupied French port of Boulogne on May 13, 1942.

Die sechs Einheiten der Torpedobootklaße “1923? waren Deutschlands erste neue Torpedoboote nach dem Ersten Weltkrieg. Sie hatten je eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,290 Tonnen, und waren mit je drei 10-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen sowie mit sieben 20-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Diesel-und Turbinenantrieb lag bei 32 Knoten, und die Reichweite bei 3,100 Seemeilen. Eine Besatzung bestand aus 122 Offiziere und Matrosen. Die Mitglieder dieser Klaße 1923 hießen “Albatros,” “Falke,” “Greif,” “Kondor,” “Möwe” und “Seeadler.” Sie wurden ab 1926 in Dienst gestellt. Die “Albatros” wurde am 10. April 1940 im Oslofjord von einem norwegischen Minenleger versenkt. Die “Falke” wurde am 14. Juni 1944 von britischen Fliegerbombern in Le Havre, Frankreich versenkt. Die “Greif” wurde am 25. Mai 1944 durch Fliegerbomben auf der Seine versenkt. Die “Kondor” wurde am 28. Juni 1944 im Hafen von Le Havre selbst versenkt. Die “Möwe” wurde am 14. Juni 1944 von Fliegerbombern in Le Havre versenkt, und die “Seeadler” wurde am 13. Mai 1942 von einem britischen Schnellboot nördlich von Boulogne, Frankreich torpediert.

XXo. Torpodo Boat “Type 1924? (commissioned in 1927 and 1928)

These 6 boats were similar to the “Type 1923? class, except that they were lengthened and widened (given greater beams) in order to improve their sea-keeping qualities. Each boat displaced up to 1,320 tons full load, and had 3 marine boilers which drove 2 shafts or screws. Their geared turbine engines produced up to 23,000 horsepower, and enabled them to make up to 33 knots. They carried up to 380 tons of oil fuel each, and range of operations was up to 3,100 nautical miles. They were armed with up to 3 5-inch guns, 2 20-mm anti-aircraft guns and 6 21-inch torpedo tubes. Crews consisted of 123 commissioned officers and enlisted men per boat. They were all built in Wilhelmshaven. They were named “Iltis” (1927), “Wolf” (1927), “Jaguar” (1928), “Leopard” (1928), “Luchs” (1928) and “Tiger” (1928). Sadly, they were all lost during the Second World War, from August 1939 until June 1944. “Tiger” (1928) was lost in an accidental collision with the German Destroyer Z.3 (”Max Schultz”) off the island of Bornholm on August 25, 1939. “Leopard” (1928) was lost in an accidental collision with the German Auxiliary Minelayer “Preußen” after the successful German invastion and occupation of Norway in the Skagerrak on April 30, 1940. “Luchs” (1928) was torpedoed by the British submarine H.M.S. Swordfish in the North Sea on July 26, 1940. “Wolf” was sunk by mines off the coast of Dunkirk, Flanders on January 8, 1941. “Iltis” (1927) was torpedoed by a British Motor Torpedo Boat off the coast of Boulogne, France on May 13, 1942. Finally, “Jaguar” (1928) was sunk by bombs from an RAF aircraft in the port of Le Havre, France on June 14, 1944 (shortly after the Allied invasion of Normandy, France).

Die sechs Einheiten der Torpedobootklaße “1924? wurden zwischen 1927 und 1928 in Dienst gestellt. Sie waren etwas länger und breiter als die Torpedoboote der Klaße “1923,” um mehr seefähig zu sein. Sie hatten je eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,320 Tonnen, und waren mit je drei 12,7-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (SFK), zwei 20-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) sowie mit sechs 533-mm Torpedorohre ausgerüstet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Turbinenantrieb lag bei 33 Knoten, und die Reichweite bei 3,100 Seemeilen. Eine Besatzung bestand aus 123 Offiziere und Matrosen. Alle sechs Boote wurden in Wilhelmshaven gebaut. Sie hießen “Iltis” (1927), “Wolf” (1927), “Jaguar” (1928), “Leopard” (1928), “Luchs” (1928) und “Tiger” (1928). Die “Tiger” ging am 25. August 1939 bei einem Unfall mit dem deutschen Zestörer “Max Schultz” (Z.3) vor Bornholm verloren. Die “Leopard” ging am 30. April 1940 bei einem Unfall mit dem deutschen Hilfsminenleger “Preußen” am Skagerrak verloren. Die “Luchs” wurde am 26. Juli 1940 von dem englischen Unterseeboot “H.M.S. Swordfish” in der Nordsee torpediert. Die “Wolf” wurde am 8. Januar 1941 von einem Minentreffer an der Küste von Dünkirchen versenkt. Die “Iltis” wurde am 13. Mai 1942 von einem britischen Schnellboot an der Küste von Boulogne torpediert, und die “Jaguar” wurde am 14. Juni 1944 von britischen Fliegerbombern in Le Havre versenkt.

XXp. Captured former Enemy Torpedo Boats in German service (1940-1945)

In addition to the 84 German-built torpedo boats, 49 captured enemy torpedo boats were taken into German service during World War Two. The largest of these was the Italian “Da Verrazano” (call number of TA.44) at 2,580 tons full load displacement. She was commissioned in 1929 (built in the former Austro-Hungarian naval yard in Fiume), bombed and sunk by Allied aircraft in Triest on February 17, 1945. The following classes of torpedo boats were the next largest former enemy torpedo boats placed into German naval service during World War Two:

Zur Zeit des Zweiten Weltkrieges hatte die deutsche Kriegsmarine insgesamt 49 feindliche Torpedoboote beschlagnahmt, und dann wieder unter deutscher Flagge in Dienst gestellt. Das größte Boot war das ehemalige italienische “Da Verrazano” (TA.44). Sie hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 2,580 Tonnen, und wurde im Jahre 1929 in Fiume getauft. Sie wurde am 17. Februar 1945 von Fliegerbombern in Triest versenkt.

2.) The formerly Italian “Corsaro” (TA.33) and “Carristo” (TA.34) displaced up to 2,460 tons full load displacement each. They were commissioned in 1942 and 1943, respectively and were armed with 5-4,7 inch guns, 20-20 mm guns and 3-21 inch torpedo tubes. Top speed was an impressive 38,5 knots. The two boats were bombed and destroyed by Allied aircraft while in home port. They were both scrapped by 1946.

Die zwei ehemaligen italienischen Torpedoboote “Corsaro” (TA.33) und “Carristo” (TA.34) hatten je eine Einsatzverdrängung von 2,460 Tonnen, und wurden in 1942 und 1943 in Dienst gestellt. Sie waren mit je fünf 12-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (SFK), 20-20 mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) sowie mit drei 533-mm Torpedorohre bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit lag bei gute 38,5 Knoten. Sie wurden beide von Fliegerbombern im Hafen zerstört, und nach dem Zweiten Weltkrieg verschrottet.

3.) The “Premuda” (TA.32) was commissioned in 1931 and displaced 2,400 tons full load. She was built in England, and purchased by Yugoslavia. She was taken from Yugoslavia by Italy, and then from Italy by Germany. She was armed with 4-5 inch guns, 2-3 inch guns, 7-40 mm guns and 2-20 mm guns. She could make up to 37 knots with her diesel engines. She was scuttled in the Italian port city of Genoa on April 25, 1945 after receiving gunfire from Royal Navy destroyers.

Das ehemalige jugoslawische Torpedoboot “Premuda” (TA.32) wurde in 1931 in Dienst gestellt, und hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 2,400 Tonnen. Sie wurde in England gebaut, und war mit vier 12,7-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (SFK), zwei 7,62-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (SFK), sieben 40-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) sowie mit zwei 20-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Dieselantrieb lag bei gute 37 Knoten. Am 25. April 1945 wurde sie im Hafen von Genua selbst versenkt.

4.) The “Impavido” (1943) and her sister ships “Intrepido” (1943) and “Artido” (1942) were all taken by Germany from Italy in 1943, after Italy switched sides from Germany’s over to the Western Allies. Each vessel displaced up to 1,709 tons full load, and was armed with 3-4 inch guns, 6-20 mm guns and 4-18 inch torpedo tubes. Top speed was 25 knots with diesel engines. All 3 vessels were destroyed or sunk in 1944 and 1945.

Die drei ehemaligen italienischen Torpedoboote “Impavido” (1943), “Intrepido” (1943) und “Artido” (1942) hatten je eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,709 Tonnen, und waren mit je drei 10-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (SFK), sechs 20-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) sowie mit vier 457-mm Torpedorohre ausgerüstet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Dieselantrieb lag bei 25 Knoten. Sie wurden alle zwischen 1944 und 1945 entweder zerstört oder versenkt.

5.) The formerly Italian torpedo boat “Dardo” (1930) displaced up to 1,450 tons full load, and was armed with 4-4,7 inch guns, 4-37 mm guns and 7-20 mm guns. She could make up to 38 knots with her diesel engines and turbines. She was scrapped after World War Two.

Das ehemalige italienische Torpedoboot “Dardo” (1930) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,450 Tonnen, und war mit vier 12-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (SFK), vier 37-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) sowie mit sieben 20-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Diesel-und Turbinenantrieb lag bei gute 38 Knoten. Sie überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg und wurde kurz danach verschrottet.

6.) The five formerly French torpedo boats “Le Fier” (1940), “L’Agile” (1940), “L’Alsacien” (1940), “Le Farouche” (1940) and “L’Entreprennant” (1941) each displaced up to 1,443 tons full load. They were armed with 3-4 inch guns, 2-37 mm guns and 9-20 mm guns. Top speed was up to 34 knots with diesel engines and turbines. 3 of these boats were scuttled by the Germans in the French port of Nantes on August 11, 1944, while two of them survived the war to be returned to the French Navy.

Die fünf ehemaligen französischen Torpedoboote “Le Fier” (1940), L’Agile” (1940), “L’Alsacien” (1940), “Le Farouche” (1940) und “L’Entreprennant” (1941) hatten je eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,443 Tonnen, und waren mit je drei 10-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (SFK), zwei 37-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) sowie mit neun 20-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) ausgerüstet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Diesel-und Turbinenantrieb lag bei gute 34 Knoten. Am 11. August 1944 wurden drei Boote im Hafen von Nantes selbst versenkt. Die zwei anderen Boote überstanden den Zweiten Weltkrieg, und wurden an Frankreich zurückgegeben.

7.) The ex-Italian torpedo boat “Turbine” (1927) displaced up to 1,355 tons full load. She was armed with 4-4,7 inch guns, 2-40 mm guns and 6-21 inch torpedo tubes. She could make up to 36 knots with her diesel engines and turbines. She was sunk by American aircraft in the Greek port city of Salamis on September 15, 1944.

Das ehemalige italienische Torpedoboot “Turbine” (1927) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,355 Tonnen, und war mit vier 12-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (SFK), zwei 40-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) sowie mit sechs 533-mm Torpedorohre bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Diesel-und Turbinenantrieb lag bei gute 36 Knoten. Sie wurde am 15. September 1944 im Hafen von Salamis, Griechenland von amerikanischen Fliegerbombern versenkt.

8.) The former Yugoslav torpedo boat “Sebenico” (1937) displaced up to 1,350 tons full load. She was armed with 4-4,7 inch guns, 7-37 mm guns and 2-20 mm guns. She could make up to 37 knots with her diesel engines and turbines. She survived World War Two, and was scuttled by the Allies on July 19, 1946.

Das ehemalige jugoslawische Torpedoboot “Sebenico” (1937) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,350 Tonnen, und war mit vier 12-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (SFK), sieben 37-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) sowie mit zwei 20-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) ausgerüstet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Diesel-und Turbinenantrieb lag bei gute 37 Knoten. Sie überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg, und wurde am 19. Juli 1946 von den Siegern versenkt.

9.) The formerly Italian torpedo boat “Francesco Crispi” (1925) displaced up to 1,260 tons full load, and was armed with 4-4,7 inch guns, 2-40 mm guns plus 4-21 inch torpedo tubes. She could make up to 35 knots with her diesel engines and turbines. She was heavily damaged by bombs from British aircraft, and eventually scuttled on October 13, 1944.

Das ehemalige italienische Torpedoboot “Francesco Crispi” (1925) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,260 Tonnen, und war mit vier 12-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (SFK), zwei 40-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) sowie mit vier 533-mm Torpedorohre bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Diesel-und Turbinenantrieb lag bei gute 35 Knoten. Am 13. Oktober 1944 wurde sie von britischen Fliegerbombern schwer beschädigt, und dann wurde sie selbst versenkt.

10.) The 2 ex-Italian torpedo boats “Castelfidardo” (1922) and “Calatafirmi” (1923) each displaced up to 1,080 tons full load. They were armed with 2-4 inch guns, 6-20 mm guns plus 4-21 inch torpedo tubes. They could make up to 32 knots with their diesel engines and turbines. The first boat was bombed and sunk by Allied aircraft on June 2, 1944. The second boat was torpedoed and sunk by a Greek submarine on August 9, 1944.

Die zwei ehemaligen italienischen Torpedoboote “Castelfidardo” (1922) und “Catalfirmi” (1923) hatten je eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,080 Tonnen, und waren mit je zwei 10-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (SFK), sechs 20-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) sowie mit vier 533-mm Torpedorohre ausgerüstet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Diesel-und Turbinenantrieb lag bei 32 Knoten. Die “Castelfidardo” wurde am 2. Juni 1944 von Fliegerbombern versenkt. Die “Catalfirmi” wurde am 9. August 1944 von einem griechischen Unterseeboot torpediert.

11.) The 2 formerly Italian torpedo boats “San Martino” and “Solferino” were commissioned in 1920. Each vessel displaced up to 1,040 tons full load, and was armed with 2-4 inch guns, 6-20 mm guns plus 4-21 inch torpedo tubes. Top speed was up to 32 knots with diesel engines and turbines. The first boat was bombed and sunk by British aircraft on October 12, 1944 and the second boat was sunk by British destroyers one week later on October 19, 1944.

Die zwei ehemaligen italienischen Torpedoboote “San Martino” und “Solferino” wurden im 1920 in Dienst gestellt, und hatten je eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,040 Tonnen. Sie waren mit je zwei 10-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (SFK), sechs 20-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen sowie mit vier 533-mm Torpedorohre bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Diesel-und Turbinenantrieb lag bei 32 Knoten. Die “San Martino” wurde am 12. Oktober 1944 von Fliegerbombern versenkt, und die “Solferino” wurde am 19. Oktober 1944 von britischen Zerstörern versenkt.

12.) The next largest class of 14 ex-Italian torpedo boats displaced up to 1,033 tons each, and were armed with 2-4 inch guns, 4-37 mm guns plus 7-20 mm guns. Their top speed was only up to 25 knots, which was not as fast as the best torpedo boats. They were named “Arturo” (1943), “Auriga” (1943), “Eridano” (1943), “Dragone” (1944), “Stella Polare” (1944), “Giado” (1943), “Spada” (1943), “Daga” (1943), “Pugnale” (1943), “Lancia” (1944), “Alabarda” (1944), “Spica” (1944), “Fionda” (1943) and “Balestra” (1937). “Arturo” was sunk by British destroyers South of Genoa on March 18, 1945. “Auriga” was bombed and sunk by American aircraft off the Island of Elba on June 9, 1944. “Eridano” met the same fate on the same day as “Arturo.” “Dragone” was torpedoed and sunk by a British motor torpedo boat (a very small and fast type of boat) West of La Spezia on June 15, 1944. “Stella Polare” was sunk by mines on September 15, 1944. “Giado” was sunk by a British destroyer off Salonika, Greece on October 7, 1944. “Spada” was scuttled after being bombed by Allied aircraft on October 13, 1944. “Daga” was sunk by a British destroyer off Salonika, Greece on October 16, 1944 (merely 9 days after “Giado” suffered a similar fate). “Pugnale” was bombed and sunk by Allied aircraft in Triest on May 4, 1945. “Lancia” was scuttled after having been bombed by Allied aircraft on May 1, 1945. “Alabarda” was bombed and sunk by Allied aircraft in Venice on March 21, 1945. “Spica” was torpedoed and sunk by British motor torpedo boats in the Aegean Sea on April 13, 1945. “Fionda” survived World War Two, and served in the Yugoslav Navy thereafter. “Balestro” also survived World War Two, and was handed over to the Yugoslav Navy after the war. As one can see, these captured Italian torpedo boats were far from idle in German service. They fought hard and paid dearly, which is always a tremendous tribute to the men who served aboard them.

Die 14 Einheiten der ehemaligen italienischen “Arturo” (1943) Klaße von Torpedobooten hatten je eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,033 Tonnen, und waren mit je zwei 10-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (SFK), vier 37-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) sowie mit sieben 20-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) ausgerüstet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit lag bei 25 Knoten. Die 13 anderen Mitglieder dieser Klaße hießen “Auriga” (1943), “Eridano” (1943), “Dragone” (1944), “Stella Polare” (1944), “Giado” (1943), “Spada” (1943), “Daga” (1943), “Pugnale” (1943), “Lancia” (1944), “Alabarda” (1944), “Spica” (1944), “Fionda” (1943) und “Balestra” (1937). Die “Arturo” und die “Eridano” wurden am 18. März 1945 von britischen Zerstörern südlich von Genua versenkt. Die “Auriga” wurde am 9. Juni 1944 von amerikanischen Fliegerbombern in der Nähe von Elba versenkt. Die “Dragone” wurde am 15. Juni 1944 von einem britischen Schnellboot westlich von La Spezia versenkt. Die “Stella Polare” wurde am 15. September 1944 von einem Minentreffer versenkt. Die “Giado” wurde am 7. Oktober 1944 von einem britischen Zerstörer an der Küste von Salonika, Griechenland versenkt. Die “Spada” wurde am 13. Oktober 1944 nach einem Luftangriff selbst versenkt. Die “Daga” wurde am 16. Oktober 1944 von einem britischen Zerstörer an der Küste von Salonika versenkt. Die “Pugnale” wurde am 4. Mai 1945 durch Fliegerbomben im Hafen von Triest versenkt. Die “Lancia” wurde am 1. Mai 1945 nach einem Luftangriff selbst versenkt. Die “Alabarda” wurde am 21. März 1945 von Fliegerbombern im Hafen von Venedig versenkt. Die “Spica” wurde am 13. April 1945 von britischen Schnellbooten im ägäischen Meer torpediert. Die “Fionda” und die “Balestro” überstanden den Zweiten Weltkrieg, und wurden nach dem Krieg an Jugoslawien übergeben.

13.) The former Italian torpedo boat “Audace” (1916) displaced up to 1,010 tons full load. She was armed with 2-4 inch guns, 6-20 mm guns and 4-21 inch torpedo tubes. She could make up to 31 knots with her diesel engines and turbines. She was sunk by two British destroyers on November 3, 1944.

Das ehemalige italienische Torpedoboot “Audace” (1916) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,010 Tonnen, und war mit zwei 10-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (SFK), sechs 20-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) sowie mit vier 533-mm Torpedorohre bewaffnet. Ihre Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Diesel-und Turbinenantrieb lag bei 31 Knoten. Sie wurde am 3. November 1944 von zwei britischen Zerstörern versenkt.

14.) The 5 former French torpedo boats “Bombarde” (1936), “La Pomone” (1935), “L’Iphigenie” (1935), “Baliste” (1937) and “La Bayonnaise” (1936) each displaced up to 970 tons full load, and were armed with 2-4 inch guns, 2-37 mm guns plus 14-20 mm guns. They could make a good 34,5 knots with their diesel engines and turbines. “Bombarde” was bombed and sunk by American aircraft in the German-occupied French port of Toulon on August 23, 1944. “La Pomone” was sunk off the German-occupied Greek island of Rhodes by a British destroyer on January 17, 1944. “L’Iphigenie” was beached and destroyed after receiving gunfire from Italian tanks on September 10, 1943 (Italy had by this time switched sides, and joined the Western Allies against Germany). “Baliste” was bombed and sunk by Allied aircraft off Rhodes, Greece on August 22, 1943. “La Bayonnaise” was scuttled by the Germans in the French port of Toulon on August 25, 1944 (to prevent her from falling into enemy hands).

Die fünf ehemaligen französischen Torpedoboote “Bombarde” (1936), “La Pomone” (1935), “L’Iphigenie” (1935), “Baliste” (1937) und “La Bayonnaise” (1936) hatten je eine Einsatzverdrängung von 970 Tonnen, und waren mit je zwei 10-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (SFK), zwei 37-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) sowie mit 14-20 mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) ausgerüstet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Diesel-und Turbinenantrieb lag bei 34,5 Knoten. Die “Bombarde” wurde am 23. August 1944 von amerikanischen Fliegerbombern im Hafen von Toulon versenkt. Die “La Pomone” wurde am 17. Januar 1944 von einem britischen Zerstörer an der Küste von Rhodos, Griechenland versenkt. Die “L’Iphigenie” strandete am 10. September 1943 und wurde von italienischen Panzerkampfwagen zerstört. Die “Baliste” wurde am 22. August 1943 durch Fliegerbomben an der Küste von Rhodos versenkt. Die “La Bayonnaise” wurde am 25. August 1944 im Hafen von Toulon selbst versenkt.

15.) The 2 ex-Italian torpedo boats “Giuseppe Missori” (1915) and “Giuseppi Dezza” (1915) each displaced up to 865 tons full load, and were armed with 2-4 inch guns, 6-20 mm guns plus 2-18 inch torpedo tubes. They could make up to 30 knots with their diesel engines and turbines. The first boat was scuttled by the Germans on May 2, 1945 and the second boat was scuttled by the Germans on the following day (to prevent them from falling into enemy hands). The second boat was later raised and scrapped.

Die zwei ehemaligen italienischen Torpedoboote “Giuseppe Missori” (1915) und “Giuseppi Dezza” (1915) hatten je eine Einsatzverdrängung von 865 Tonnen, und waren mit je zwei 10-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (SFK), sechs 20-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) sowie mit zwei 457-mm Torpedorohre bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Diesel-und Turbinenantrieb lag bei 30 Knoten. Die Boote wurden am 2. Mai und am 3. Mai 1945 selbst versenkt. Die “Giuseppi Dezza” wurde nach dem Zweiten Weltkrieg geborgen und dann verschrottet.

16.) The former Italian torpedo boat “Lira” (1937) displaced up to 799 tons full load, and was armed with 3-4 inch guns, 14-20 mm guns plus 2-18 inch torpedo tubes. She could make up to 34 knots with her diesel engines and turbines. She was bombed and sunk by British aircraft in the German-occupied Italian port of La Spezia on November 4, 1944.

Das ehemalige italienische Torpedoboot “Lira” (1937) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 799 Tonnen, und war mit drei 10-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (SFK), 14-20 mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) sowie mit zwei 457-mm Torpedorohre ausgerüstet. Ihre Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Diesel-und Turbinenantrieb lag bei 34 Knoten. Sie wurde am 4. November 1944 von britischen Fliegerbombern im Hafen von La Spezia versenkt.

17.) The 10 former Dutch torpedo recovery vessels of the “Hogen” class (1933) each displaced up to 185 tons full load, and were armed with 2-4 pounders plus 3-17,7 inch torpedo tubes. They could make up to 25 knots with their small coal boilers. Maximum range was up to 1,230 nautical miles, and the crew consisted of 24 officers and enlisted men. The 9 other members of this class were commissioned as the “Ornen” (1934), the “Glenten” (1933), the “Dragen” (1929), the “Hvalen” (1930), the “Laxen” (1930), the “Mewa” (1935), the “Rybytwa” (1935), the “Westerplatte” (1935) and the “Oxhoft” (1938). The “Hogen,” the “Ornen,” the “Glenten,” the “Hvalen” and the “Laxen” were all destroyed when the German submarine depot ship “Donau” blew up by accident in the port of Flensburg on June 14, 1945 (after the end of World War Two). The “Dragen” was also tragically sunk by mines in the German Geltinger Bight on May 14, 1945 (6 days after the end of the war). The fates of the “Mewa” and the “Rybytwa” are not known. The “Westerplatte” and the “Oxhoft” both survived the Second World War. “Westerplatte” is the name of a part of the city of Danzig (now called “Gdansk” in Poland). The Second World War commenced there on September 1, 1939 when the German pre-dreadnought battleship “Schleswig-Holstein” shelled the Polish garrison.

Die zehn ehemaligen niederländischen Torpedoboote der “Hogen” (1933) Klaße hatten je eine Einsatzverdrängung von 185 Tonnen, und waren mit je zwei Vier-Pfundern sowie mit drei 450-mm Torpedorohre bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Kohldampfantrieb lag bei 25 Knoten, und die Reichweite bei 1,230 Seemeilen. Eine Besatzung bestand aus 24 Offiziere und Matrosen. Die neun anderen Mitglieder dieser Klaße hießen “Ornen” (1934), “Glenten” (1933), “Dragen” (1929), “Hvalen” (1930), “Laxen” (1930), “Mewa” (1935), “Rybytwa” (1935), “Westerplatte” (1935) und “Oxhoft” (1938). Die “Hogen,” die “Ornen,” die “Glenten,” die “Hvalen” und die “Laxen” wurden alle am 14. Juni 1945 (nach dem Ende des Zweiten Weltkrieges in Europa) zerstört, als das Unterseebootdepotschiff “Donau” im Hafen von Flensburg bei einem Unfall explodierte. Die “Dragen” wurde am 14. Mai 1945 (eine Woche nach dem Ende des Krieges) von einen Minentreffer in der Geltinger Bucht versenkt. Es ist unbekannt was mit der “Mewa” und der “Rybytwa” geschehen ist. Die “Westerplatte” und die “Oxhoft” überstanden den Zweiten Weltkrieg. Die Westerplatte ist eine größtenteils bewaldete, sandige, langgestreckte Halbinsel ohne nennenswerte Bodenerhebungen an der Ostseeküste. Bekannt wurde sie durch den Beschuß des dortigen polnischen Munitionslagers am 1. September 1939, was als Anfang des Zweiten Weltkrieges gilt.

18.) The former Norwegian torpedo boat “Grenadier” (commissioned in 1912) displaced up to 94 tons full load. She could make up to 25 knots with her two coal boilers under full steam, and her maximum range of operations was 1,250 nautical miles. She was armed with 1-3 inch gun and 3-18 inch torpedo tubes. Her crew consisted of 21 officers and enlisted men. “Grenadier” is merely the French word for “infantryman.”

Das ehemalige norwegische Torpedoboot “Grenadier” (1896) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 94 Tonnen, und war mit einer 7,62-cm Schnellfeuerkanone (SFK) sowie mit drei 457-mm Torpedorohre ausgerüstet. Ihre Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Kohldampfantrieb lag bei 19 Knoten, und die Reichweite bei 1,250 Seemeilen. Ihre Besatzung bestand aus 21 Offiziere und Matrosen.

19.) The former Norwegian torpedo boat “Tarantel” (commissioned in 1896) displaced up to 90 tons full load. She could make up to 19 knots with her two coal boilers under full steam, and had a range of operations of up to 1,250 nautical miles. Armament consisted of 2-37 mm guns, and her crew consisted of 19 officers and enlisted men. Her fate is not known.

Das ehemalige norwegische Torpedoboot “Tarantel” (1896) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 90 Tonnen, und war mit zwei 37-mm Schnellfeuerkanonen (SFK) bewaffnet. Ihre Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Kohldampfantrieb lag bei 19 Knoten, und die Reichweite bei 1,250 Seemeilen. Ihre Besatzung bestand aus 19 Offiziere und Matrosen. Mehr ist uns leider nicht bekannt.

20.) The two formerly Norwegian torpedo boats “Schlange” (1904) and “Eidechse” (1906) each displaced up to 70 tons full load. They could make up to 23 knots with their two coal boilers under full steam, and had a maximum range of operations of 900 nautical miles. Armament consisted of 2-37 mm guns, and their crews consisted of 16 officers and enlisted men. The fate of these two boats is unknown. “Schlange” is the German word for “snake,” and “Eidechse” is German for “lizard.”

Die zwei ehemaligen norwegischen Torpedoboote “Schlange” (1904) und “Eidechse” (1906) hatten je eine Einsatzverdrängung von 70 Tonnen, und waren mit je zwei 37-mm Schnellfeuerkanonen (SFK) ausgerüstet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Kohldampfantrieb lag bei 23 Knoten, und die Reichweite bei 900 Seemeilen. Eine Besatzung bestand aus 16 Offiziere und Matrosen. Mehr ist uns leider nicht bekannt.

21.) The four formerly Norwegian torpedo boats “Schildkröte” (1900), “Seestern” (1900), “Krokodil” (1903) and “Qualle” (1903) each displaced up to 65 tons full load. They could make up to 19 knots with their two coal boilers under full steam, and had a range of operations of up to 900 miles. Armamant consisted of 2-37 mm guns, and their crews consisted of 14 officers and enlisted men. The final fate of these four boats is not known. “Schildkröte” is the German word for “tortoise,” and “Seestern” means “sea star” in English. “Krokodil” is merely German for “crocodile.”

Die vier ehemaligen norwegischen Torpedoboote “Schildkröte” (1900), “Seestern” (1900), “Krokokil” (1903) und “Qualle” (1903) hatten je eine Einsatzverdrängung von 65 Tonnen, und waren mit je zwei 37-mm Schnellfeuerkanonen (SFK) bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Kohldampfantrieb lag bei 19 Knoten, und die Reichweite bei 900 Seemeilen. Eine Besatzung bestand aus 14 Offiziere und Matrosen. Mehr ist uns leider nicht bekannt.

22.) The 3 very small formerly Norwegian torpedo boats “Kürassier” (1896), “Dragoner” (1896) and “Musketier” (1897) each displaced up to 45 tons full load. They could make up to 19 knots with their two coal boilers under full steam, and had a range of operations of up to 900 nautical miles. Armament consisted of 2-37 mm guns and 2-18 inch torpedo tubes. Their crews consisted of 14 officers and enlisted men.

Die drei ehemaligen norwegischen Torpedoboote “Kürassier” (1896), “Dragoner” (1896) und “Musketier” (1897) hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 45 Tonnen, und waren mit je zwei 37-mm Schnellfeuerkanonen (SFK) sowie mit zwei 457-mm Torpedorohre ausgerüstet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit lag bei 19 Knoten, und die Reichweite bei 900 Seemeilen. Eine Besatzung bestand aus 14 Offiziere und Matrosen. Die “Kürassiere” waren die schweren Kavallerietruppen der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Armee von Österreich, und die “Dragoner” waren die normalen Kavallerietruppen.

XXq. Torpedo Boats of the former East Germany (1949-1990)

The former “German Democratic Republic” or East Germany endured as a Communist puppet-state of the former Soviet Union from 1949 until it ceased to exist in 1990. The navy of the former East Germany was known as the “Volksmarine,” or “Peoples’ Navy” in English. From 1945-1949, the region was under the official occupation by the Soviet Army with no official sovereignty.1.) The 15 torpedo boats of the “Albert Gast” class (all commissioned in 1966) were named after Communist Party officials of East Germany. Each vessel displaced up to 185 tons full load, and was armed with 4 SSM (Surface-to-Surface Missiles for use against enemy vessels) plus 4-30 mm guns. Top speed was an impressive 35 knots with diesel engines and turbines. The other members of this class were named “Friedrich Schulze,” “Albin Köbis,” “Max Reichpietsch,” “Heinrich Dorrenbach,” “Walter Krämer,” “Karl Meseberg,” “August Lüttgens,” “Paul Eisenschneider,” “Otto Tost,” “Paul Wiekzorek,” “Rudolf Egelhofer,” “Richard Sorge,” “Fritz Gast” and “Joseph Schares.” These were decent boats, being based upon the Russian “Osa” class – and they were in fact built in Russian shipyards.

Die ehemalige “Volksmarine” der Deutschen Demokratischen Republik (DDR) hatte auch viele gute Torpedofahrzeuge. Die 15 Einheiten der “Albert Gast” Klaße wurden in Rußland gebaut, und gehörten zum Torpedoboottyp “Osa.” Sie hatten je eine Einsatzverdrängung von 185 Tonnen, und waren mit je vier Schiffabwehrraketen (SSM oder “Surface-to-Surface Missile” auf englisch) sowie mit vier 30-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Diesel-und Turbinenantrieb lag bei gute 35 Knoten. Die 14 anderen Mitglieder dieser Klaße hießen “Friedrich Schulze,” “Albin Köbis,” “Max Reichpietsch,” “Heinrich Dorrenbach,” “Walter Krämer,” “Karl Meseberg,” “August Lüttgens,” “Paul Eisenschneider,” “Otto Tost,” “Paul Wiekzorek,” “Rudolf Egelhofer,” “Richard Sorge,” “Fritz Gast” und “Joseph Schares.”

2.) The 18 torpedo boats of the “Max Hoop” class (transferred from the Soviet Navy to the former East German Navy or “Volksmarine” from 1968 to 1976) were all built in Russia, and came from the Russian “Shershen” class. Each vessel displaced up to 170 tons full load, could make up to 45 knots (a very impressive top speed), was 34,7 meters long, had a beam of 6,7 meters and a draught of 1,5 meters. Armament was comprised of 4 “Styx” Surface-to-Surface Missiles (SSM) and 4 30-mm anti-aircraft guns. They were powered by 3 diesel engines which drove 3 screws, and which produced 12,000 horsepower. Range of operations was up to 850 nautical miles. The other members of this class were likely also named after Communist Party officials of the former East Germany, and included the “Willi Bäntsch,” the “Arvid Harnack,” the “Bernhard Bästlein,” the “Fritz Behn,” the “Wilhelm Florin,” the “Erich Kuttner,” the “Artur Becker,” the “Fritz Heckert,” the “Ernst Schneller,” the “Edgar André,” the “Joseph Roemer,” the “Heinz Biemler,” the “Heinz Kapelle,” the “Adam Kuckhoff,” the “Rudolf Breitscheid,” the “Ernst Grube” and the “Bruno Kühn.”

Die 18 Torpedofahrzeuge der ostdeutschen “Max Hoop” (1968) Klaße wurden alle in Rußland gebaut, und gehörten zum Torpedoboottyp “Shershen.” Sie hatten je eine Einsatzverdrängung von 170 Tonnen, und waren mit je vier “Styx” Schiffabwehrraketen (SSM oder “Surface-to-Surface Missile” auf englisch) sowie mit vier 30-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) ausgerüstet. Sie waren je 34,7 Meter lang, hatten eine Breite von je 6,7 Meter und einen Tiefgang von 1,5 Meter. Die 17 anderen Mitglieder dieser Klaße hießen “Willi Bäntsch,” “Arvid Harnack,” “Bernhard Bästlein,” “Fritz Behn,” “Wilhelm Florin,” “Erich Kuttner,” “Artur Becker,” “Fritz Heckert,” “Ernst Schneller,” “Edgar André,” “Joseph Roemer,” “Heinz Biemler,” “Heinz Kapelle,” “Adam Kuckhoff,” “Rudolf Breitscheid,” “Erich Grube” und “Bruno Kühn.”

3.) The small torpedo boat “Bremse” (German for “gad-fly” or “horse-fly”) displaced up to 25 tons full load. She was commissioned in 1970, and could make up to 25 knots with her small diesel engines.

Das letzte genannte ostdeustche Torpedoboot war die kleine “Bremse” (1970). Sie hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 25 Tonnen, und ihre Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Dieselantrieb lag bei 25 Knoten.

XXr. Austro-Hungarian Torpedo Boats (up to 1918)

The Imperial and Royal Navy of Austria-Hungary deployed 49 coastal torpedo boats up to 1918. They ranged in size from 83 tons to 166 tons full load displacement, and could make anywhere from 21,5 knots to 28 knots with either coal or diesel engines. The Austrians had 51 “high sea torpedo boats” (”Hochseetorpedoboote” in German) as well. These larger boats ranged in size from 210 tons to 267 tons full load displacement and could make from 26,2 knots to 28 knots. The Austrians also had 17 small patrol boats from 120 tons to 133 tons in size. These boats could make 18 knots and were obviously designed for coastal or river duty. The Austrian “Donauflottille” served on the Danube River with 10 monitors ranging in size from 310 tons to 600 tons. These were of course slower boats, capable of anywhere from 8 knots to 13 knots with their coal boilers. The “Weichselflottille” served on the Vistula River with 20 even lesser monitors. Add to this 14 very small steamers of 36 tons each taken over from the Danube Steamship Company, or “Donau Dampfschiff Gesellschaft.”

Die Kaiserliche und Königliche Kriegsmarine von Österreich-Ungarn hatte 49 Küstentorpedoboote mit einer Einsatzverdrängung von je zwischen 83 und 166 Tonnen. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Kohldampfantrieb oder Dieselantrieb lag zwischen 21,5 bis 28 Knoten. Die k.u.k. Kriegsmarine hatte auch 51 Hochseetorpedoboote mit einer Einsatzverdrängung von je zwischen 210 und 267 Tonnen. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit lag zwischen 26,2 bis 28 Knoten. Die Österreicher hatten auch 17 Patrouillenboote mit einer Einsatzverdrängunb von je zwischen 120 und 133 Tonnen. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit lag bei nur 18 Knoten, weil sie als Küsteneinheiten gebaut wurden. Die berühmte österreich-ungarische “Donauflottille” hatte zehn Monitore mit einer Einsatzverdrängung von je zwischen 310 und 600 Tonnen. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Kohldampfantrieb lag zwischen 8 bis 13 Knoten. Die “Weichselflottille” der k.u.k. Kriegsmarine hatte 20 kleinere Monitore. Es gab auch 14 kleine Dampfer der Donau Dampfschiff Gesellschaft, die zur Zeit des Ersten Weltkrieges dienten. Sie hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 36 Tonnen.

XXs. “S.M.S. Uhu” Class (1888)

Included among Austria-Hungary’s numerous torpedo boats were those 14 small coastal units of the “Uhu” class. Each vessel displaced just 83 tons full load, and was armed with 2-37 mm guns plus 2 torpedo tubes. Top speed was up to 21,8 knots with diesel engines. These small coastal torpedo boats were all named after various types of animals and birds. The 13 other members of this class included the “Kibitz” (1892), the “Kukuk” (1889), the “Star” (1889), the “Krähe” (1889), the “Rabe” (1888), the “Gaukler” (1890), the “Flamingo” (1890), the “Sekräter” (1890), the “Marabu” (1890), the “Harpie” (1890), the “Würger” (1890), the “Kranach” (1889) and the “Ibis” (1894). “Kukuk” is merely the German word for “Cuckoo” bird. The famous German “Cuckoo Clocks” are made in the Black Forest, which is in the modern German State of Baden-Württemberg.

Die 14 Mitglieder der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen “S.M.S. Uhu” (1888) Klaße wurden mit Patennamen getauft. Sie hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 83 Tonnen, und waren mit je zwei 37-mm Schnellfeuerkanonen (SFK) sowie mit zwei Torpedorohre bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Dieselantrieb lag bei 21,8 Knoten. Die 13 anderen Mitglieder dieser Klaße hießen “S.M.S. Kibitz” (1892), “S.M.S. Kukuk” (1889), “S.M.S. Star” (1889), “S.M.S. Krähe” (1889), “S.M.S. Rabe” (1888), “S.M.S. Gaukler” (1890), “S.M.S. Flamingo” (1890), “S.M.S. Sekräter” (1890), “S.M.S. Marabu” (1890), “S.M.S. Harpie” (1890), “S.M.S. Würger” (1890), “S.M.S. Kranach” (1889) und “S.M.S. Ibis” (1894).

XXt. Modern Austrian River Patrol Boats (since 1958)

Modern Austria recently decommissioned and saved as museums the “Patrouillenboote” (”patrol boats” in English) ”Niederösterreich” (”Lower Austria” in English) and “Oberst Brecht” (”Colonel Brecht” in English). “Niederösterreich” (1970) displaces just 73 tons, and “Oberst Brecht” (1958) displaces 10 tons. The former boat can make up to 22 knots, and is armed with 6 small caliber guns. The second boat can make up to 14 knots and has just 2 small caliber guns.

Die moderne Republik Österreich hatte auch zwei kleine Patrouillenboote in Dienst gestellt, die nun als restaurierte Museumsboote zu sehen sind. Die “Niederösterreich” (1970) hat eine Einsatzverdrängung von 73 Tonnen, eine Höchstgeschwindigkeit von 22 Knoten und sechs Gewehre. Die “Oberst Brecht” (1958) hat eine Einsatzverdrängung von 10 Tonnen, eine Höchstgeschwindigkeit von 14 Knoten und zwei Gewehre.

XXu. Torpedo Boats of the Post-World War Two German Navy

The small torpedo boat “Süderoog” is named after one of Germany’s Frisian islands, and displaces a mere 41 tons full load. “Süderoog” means “Southern Eye” in the Low German dialect known as “Plattdeutsch.” Lower German dialects are spoken throughout the lowlands of Northern Germany, and are somewhat similar to High Dutch as spoken in the Netherlands and Flanders in Belgium.

Die Bundesmarine hatte ein kleines Torpedoboot das ”Süderoog” hieß. Es hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von nur 41 Tonnen.

XXI. “Hilfsschiffe” (Auxiliary Vessels)

Other types of vessels important to the navy include minesweepers, minelayers, landing vessels (for marine infantry and their combat equipment) and of course training vessels. Minelayers often double as slower cruisers (scouts) and as training ships.

Die genannten Hilfsschiffe der Deutschen Marine sind die Minensucher, die Minenleger, die Landungsschiffe, die Landungsboote, die Schulschiffe, die Hilfskreuzer, die Unterseebootversorger, die Torpedodepotschiffe, die Spitalschiffe, die Yachten, die Sloops, die Kriegsfischkutter und die Schlepper.

XXIa. “Schulschiffe” (Training Ships)

Training vessels include ships like the most recent vessel to carry the name “Deutschland” (of 5,684 tons, commissioned in 1963 and used to train new midshipmen or officer candidates) and the sailing ship “Gorch Fock” (of 2,005 tons and commissioned in 1958 for the same purpose).

Die “Deutschland” (A.59) war ein Schulschiff der Bundesmarine, welches von 1963 bis 1990 in Dienst war. Die “Deutschland” war, wie das Segelschulschiff “Gorch Fock,” der Marineschule Mürwik unterstellt und hatte den Auftrag, die Erziehung der Offizieranwärter zum Vorgesetzten fortzusetzen und die im vorangegangenen Ausbildungsgang erworbenen theoretischen Kenntnisse in Praxis zu vertiefen. Die Kiellegung der “Deutschland” erfolgte am 11. September 1959 bei der Werft Nobiskrug in Rendsburg. Der Stapellauf fand am 5. November 1960 statt, und am 25. Mai 1963 wurde das Schulschiff in Dienst gestellt. Mit der Taufe auf den stolzen Namen “Deutschland” setzte die Bundesmarine eine bis in die Zeit der Reichsflotte zurückgehende Tradition fort. Sie hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 5,684 Tonnen, war 138 Meter lang und hatte eine Breite von 16 Meter. Ihre Besatzung bestand aus 30 Offiziere, 120 Unteroffiziere, 180 Matrosen und 120 Offiziersanwärter. Auf ihren 35 Auslandausbildungsreisen haben zirka 3,800 Offizieranwärter der Bundesmarine unter insgesamt elf verschiedenen Kommandanten ihre Ausbildung auf diesem Schiff absolviert. Auf diesen Reisen wurden über 120 ausländische Häfen auf allen sechs Kontinenten besucht und dabei wurden über 700,000 Seemeilen zurückgelegt. Die “Deutschland” wurde im Januar 1994 in Indien verschrottet. Der Autor hat das Schiff persönlich dreimal gesehen und besucht (einmal in San Francisco, Kalifornien und zweimal in Norfolk, Virginien).Die “Gorch Fock” (1958) ist ein als Bark getakeltes Segelschulschiff der Deutschen Marine. Das 1958 gebaute Schiff ist weitgehend baugleich den 1933 gebauten Segelschulschiffen der “Gorch Fock” (1933) Klaße. Die beiden “Gorch Fock” sind nach dem Schriftsteller Gorch Fock benannt, der im Mai 1916 bei der Seeschlacht vor dem Skagerrak fiel. Die heutige “Gorch Fock” hat eine Einsatzverdrängung von 2,005 Tonnen, ist 89,4 Meter lang, hat eine Breite von 12 Meter und einen Tiefgang von 5,25 Meter. Die zwei anderen Mitglieder der ersten “Gorch Fock” (1933) Klaße sind die “Horst Wessel” (1936) und die “Albert Leo Schlageter” (1937). Alle drei Einheiten wurden nach dem Ende des Zweiten Weltkrieges beschlagnahmt. Die erste “Gorch Fock” (1933) heißt nun “Towarischtsch,” und dient als Schulschiff bei der rußischen Marine. Die “Horst Wessel” (1936) heißt jetzt “U.S.S. Eagle,” und dient als Schulschiff bei der Marineakademie der U.S. Coast Guard (”Küstenschutzdienst” auf deutsch) in Neu London, Connecticut. Die “Albert Leo Schlageter” (1937) heißt nun “Sagres,” und dient als Schulschiff bei der portugiesischen Marine. Sie haben je eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,354 Tonnen, sind je 74 Meter lang und haben je ein Segelbereich von 1,800 Quadratmeter. Mindestens 18 Kriegsmarinen der Welt haben heute Segelschulschiffe, die in Deutschland gebaut wurden. Diese Schiffe dienen in Argentinien, Belgien, Chile, Kolumbien, Frankreich, Deutschland, Indonesien, Italien, Holland, Portugal, Rumänien, Spanien, Schweden, Rußland, Amerika, Uruguay, Venezuela und Kroatien. Es ergibt sich das deutsche Qualität im Ausland geschätzt wird.

“Gorch Fock” (1958) was named for a former author and sailor who went down with the small cruiser “S.M.S. Wiesbaden” at the Battle of Jutland in May 1916. Another rather similar ailing ship of this name was built during the 1930s, but taken as war reparations after World War Two – she still serves as a training vessel in the Russian Navy today, having been renamed “Towarischtsch.” The two sister ships of the original “Gorch Fock” of 1933 (the “Horst Wessel” of 1936 and the “Albert Leo Schlageter” of 1937) do the same for the U.S. Coast Guard and for the Portuguese Navy today (the former being named “U.S.S. Eagle” and the latter now named “Sagres”). “U.S.S. Eagle” is based at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut. The 3 sailing ships of the “Gorch Fock” class of 1933 each displace up to 1,354 tons full load, are 74 meters long and have a sail area of 1,800 square meters – along with auxiliary diesel engines.At least 18 navies around the world today still use sailing ships to train officer candidates, and a good number of these ships were built in German shipyards. The countries include Argentina, Belgium, Chile, Colombia, France, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Russia, the USA, Uruguay, Venezuela and Croatia.

XXIb. “Deutschland” Class (1963)

I have seen the training ship “Deutschland” (1963) on three separate occasions. The first time was when I used to attend a weekend German-American “Schulverein” (German language school) in Northern California from 1968-1973. She was visiting the port of San Francisco. The next two times were in the late 1980s in Norfolk, Virginia, which is the largest naval base on earth and the headquarters of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet.  In April 1988, I met the then-midshipman Stefan Berger from Wolfenbüttel in Lower Saxony (in Northern Germany).  After being commissioned as an Ensign in the German Navy (“Leutnant zur See”), Stefan was based aboard a German Fast Attack Craft stationed along the French Atlantic coast – a base located near one of World War Two Germany’s former submarine bases.  He rose in rank over the years, eventually to command one of the largest warships in the modern German Navy, namely the Tender “Frankfurt am Main” (of 20,400 tons total displacement).

On another occasion, I toured a visiting German destroyer in Norfolk as well. She was paying a visit to the U.S. base along with her three sister ships, which formed a German naval battle group – these were the old 1960s destroyers of the “Hamburg” class. My relative Gerd Nonnenkamp served aboard this particular “Hamburg” during the 1960s and 1970s. Today, he heads the 19-member Shanty Choir of the “Marinekameradschaft Barsinghausen” (German naval veterans’ organization) in Lower Saxony.Other important auxiliary vessels have included auxiliary cruisers (merchantmen converted into armed cruisers, to act as secret corsairs or raiders during time of war), tenders, submarine tenders (which act to increase the range and duration of wartime submarine patrols), torpedo depot ships (”Torpedodepotschiffe” in German), hospital ships (”Spitalschiffe” in German), armed state yachts (often used to transport high ranking flag officers, i.e. admirals as well as heads of state or monarchs), sloops (these have served as civilian convoy escorts), armed fishing cutters and tugs (which tow other ships within harbors).

XXIc. “Wilhelm Pieck” Class (1976)

The former training ship “Wilhelm Pieck” (1976) belonged to the “Volksmarine” of East Germany, and was named after a prominent Communist leader who spent World War 2 in the Soviet Union, and then came to East Germany in 1945 with the Russian Army. This ship was built in the port of Danzig in West Prussia, and displaced up to 1,800 tons full load. She could make up to 17 knots, was 73 meters long, had a beam of 12 meters and a draught of 4 meters. She was armed with 4 30-mm and 4 25-mm anti-aircraft guns. She was equipped with radar, and her crew consisted of 80 commissioned officers and enlisted men. She was powered by 2 diesel engines, which drove 2 screws and which produced up to 3,600 horsepower.

Das ostdeutsche Schulschiff “Wilhelm Pieck” (1976) gehörte der ehemaligen Volksmarine der DDR. Sie wurde in Danzig in Westpreußen gebaut, und hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,800 Tonnen. Sie war 73 Meter lang, mit einer Breite von 12 Meter und einen Tiefgang von 4 Meter. Ihre Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Segel und Dieselantrieb lag bei 17 Knoten, und sie war mit vier 30-mm sowie mit vier 25-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) ausgerüstet. Ihre Besatzung bestand aus 80 Offiziere und Matrosen.

XXId. “S.M.S. Mars” Class (1879)

The artillery training ship “S.M.S. Mars” (1879) was built at the Imperial (German) Shipyard in Wilhelmshaven, in the Grand Duchy of Oldenburg. She displaced up to 3,251 tons full load, was 84 meters long, and could make up to 12 knots. She was scrapped in 1914, after 35 years of service.

Das kaiserlich-deutsche Artillerieschulschiff “S.M.S. Mars” (1879) wurde in Wilhelmshaven gebaut. Sie hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 3,251 Tonnen, war 84 Meter lang und ihre Höchstgeschwindigkeit lag bei 12 Knoten. Sie wurde im Jahre 1914 verschrottet, nach einer Dienstzeit von 35 Jahren.

XXIe. “S.M.S. Musquito” Class (1851)

The 3 Imperial German sailing ships “S.M.S. Musquito” (1851), “S.M.S. Rover” (1853) and “S.M.S. Undine” (1869) were built as training vessels. Each ship had 2 masts, and was built at the Imperial Shipyard in Danzig, West Prussia. They displaced 670 tons, were 42 meters long, were armed with 8 24-pounders and had a crew of 8 commissioned officers plus 142 enlisted men. “S.M.S. Undine” ran aground on the coast of Jutland (Denmark) in 1884 and sank. Fortunately, all hands save one were rescued.

Die drei kaiserlich-deutschen Segelschulschiffe “S.M.S. Musquito” (1851), “S.M.S. Rover” (1853) und “S.M.S. Undine” (1869) wurden bei der Kaiserlichen Werft in Danzig gebaut. Sie hatten je zwei Masten, eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 670 Tonnen, waren je 42 Meter lang, und waren mit je acht 24-Pfundern bewaffnet. Eine Besatzung bestand aus 8 Offiziere und 142 Matrosen. Im Jahre 1884 strandete die “S.M.S. Undine” an der Küste von Jütland in Dänemark. Das Segelschiff ging verloren, aber fast die ganze Besatzung (außer einem Kameraden) wurde gerettet.

XXII. “Hilfskreuzer” (Auxiliary Cruisers)

Auxiliary cruisers came into being during World War One, when Britain began arming merchant ships in order to combat German submarines. Germany followed suit, and armed some of her former merchant ships to raid the the high seas. These surface raiders eventually became Germany’s most successful surface raiders, even surpassing the Allied tonnage sunk or captured by Germany’s battleships, battlecruisers, heavy cruisers and light cruisers. The largest example was the former passenger line “S.M.S. Cap Trafalgar” (1914) which displaced 23,640 tons and was armed with 2-4 inch guns plus 6-1,5 inch guns and could make up to 17,8 knots. The British sunk her early in World War One, when she was cruising off the coast of Argentina.

“Hilfskreuzer” sind ehemalige Handelsschiffe, die als Kreuzer der Marine umgebaut und bewaffnet sind. Das Paßagierschiff “Cap Trafalgar” (1914) wurde am Anfang des Ersten Weltkrieges als Hilfskreuzer der Kaiserlichen Marine umgebaut. Sie hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 23,640 Tonnen, und war mit zwei 10-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (SFK) sowie mit sechs 3,9-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (SFK) bewaffnet. Ihre Höchstgeschwindigkeit lag bei 17,8 Knoten. Sie wurde 1914 an der Küste von Argentinien von den Engländern versenkt.

1.) The “Kormoran” (1938) was Germany’s largest auxiliary cruiser during World War Two at 19,000 tons total displacement. She was armed with 6-6 inch guns and 4-37 mm anti-aircraft guns, as well as 2 aircraft. Her top speed was 18 knots with her diesel engines. Her steaming radius was an absolutely amazing 84,500 miles (much more than any conventional combat vessel). She raided the high seas in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, and was eventually sunk off the coast of Western Australia in November 1941.

Die “Kormoran” (1938) war ein deutsches bewaffnetes und umgerüstetes Handelsschiff für den Handelskrieg gegen die Allierten im Zweiten Weltkrieg. Es wurde von der Kriegsmarine als “Schiff 41” für den Kriegseinsatz übernommen und wurde unter der Bezeichnung “Handelsstörkreuzer 8? oder “HSK 8? als Hilfskreuzer eingesetzt. Gebaut wurde das Schiff zwischen 1938 und 1939 bei der Germaniawerft in Kiel. Sie hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 19,000 Tonnen, und war mit sechs 15-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (SFK), mit vier 37-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) sowie mit zwei Seeflugzeuge bewaffnet. Ihre Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Dieselantrieb lag bei 18 Knoten und die enorme Reichweite bei 84,500 Seemeilen – auch für heutige Verhältniße beachtenswert. Sie diente im Atlantik und im Indischen Ozean, wo sie im November 1941 an der westlichen Küste Australiens von den Engländern versenkt wurde. Die “Kormoran” hatte elf feindliche Schiffe versenkt. 316 Besatzungsmitglieder überlebten und 81 starben für das beliebte großdeutsche Vaterland.

2.) The “Pinguin” (1936) was Germany’s second largest auxiliary cruiser during World War Two at 17,600 total displacement. She was armed with 6-6 inch guns, 1-75 mm anti-aircraft gun and 2 aircraft. She could make up to 16 knots, and her steaming radius was an extremely impressive 60,000 miles. She raided the high seas in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, and was eventually sunk South of the Seychelles Islands in the Indian Ocean in May 1941.

Die “Pinguin” (1936) war ein für den Handelskrieg umgerüstetes deutsches Handelsschiff im Zweiten Weltkrieg. Es wurde von der Kriegsmarine als “Schiff 33” für den Kriegseinsatz requiriert. Unter der Bezeichnung “Handelsstörkreuzer 5” oder “HSK 5” wurde es als Hilfskreuzer eingesetzt. Das Schiff wurde im Jahre 1936 bei dem Weserwerk in Bremen ursprünglich als die “Kandenfels” gebaut. Sie hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 17,600 Tonnen, und war mit sechs 15-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (SFK), einer 75-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanone (FLAK) sowie mit zwei Seeflugzeuge bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Dieselantrieb lag bei 16 Knoten, und die Reichweite bei gute 60,000 Seemeilen. Sie diente im Atlantik und im Indischen Ozean, wo sie im Mai 1941 südlich der Seychellen-Inseln versenkt wurde. Die “Pinguin” hatte 28 feindliche Schiffe entweder versenkt oder gekapert. Nur 60 Besatzungsmitglieder und 22 Gefangene überlebten – 203 Gefangene gingen verloren und 342 Seemänner starben für Deutschland.

3.) The “Atlantis” (1937) was Germany’s most successful auxiliary cruiser ever, commanded by the chivalrous and great Admiral Bernhard Rogge, who survived World War Two. Her legendary raiding cruise lasted for a record 622 days (outdoing the ships of all the other navies of the world), during which time she cruised 102,000 nautical miles and sank 16 Allied ships of 107,560 tons displacement. In addition to this, she took 6 Allied ships prisoner with a grand total of 38,137 tons. She also raided the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, but the Allies eventually caught up with her in the South Indian Ocean. She displaced 17,000 tons and was armed just like the “Pinguin.” Her steaming radius was also 60,000 miles.

Die “Atlantis” (1937) war ein bewaffnetes und umgerüstetes Handelsschiff für den Handelskrieg gegen die Allierten im Zweiten Weltkrieg. Es wurde von der Kriegsmarine als “Schiff 16” für den Kriegseinsatz übernommen und wurde unter der Bezeichnung “Handelsstörkreuzer 2” als Hilfskreuzer eingesetzt. Vor dem Krieg fuhr das Schiff unter der Flagge der Reederei DDG Hansa in Bremen unter dem Namen “Goldenfels.” Sie hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 17,000 Tonnen, und war genau wie die “Pinguin” ausgerüstet. Ihr Kommandant war der berühmte Admiral Bernhard Rogge. Sie diente im Atlantik und im Indischen Ozean, wo sie von den Engländern eventuell versenkt wurde. Sie hatte 16 feindliche Schiffe versenkt und 6 Schiffe gekapert. Die Kaperfahrt der “Atlantis” dauerte insgesamt 622 Tage, eine Strecke von 102,000 Seemeilen wurde dabei zurückgelegt – die längste ununterbrochene Fahrt eines Hilfskreuzers. 305 Besatzungsmitglieder überlebten und 8 Seemänner starben für Deutschland.

4.) The “Widder” (which means “ram” in German) was commissioned in 1929 and displaced 16,000 tons. She was armed with 6-6 inch guns, 1-75 mm anti-aircraft gun and 2 aircraft. Her top speed was 14 knots, and her steaming radius was a very good 34,000 miles. After six months at sea, she returned home to a German base at Brest in France in November 1940. She vanquished 10 Allied ships during her successful cruise.

Die “Widder” war ein bewaffnetes und umgerüstetes Handelsschiff für den Handelskrieg gegen die Alliierten im Zweiten Weltkrieg. Es wurde von der Kriegsmarine als “Schiff 21” für den Kriegseinsatz übernommen. Unter der Bezeichnung “Handelsstörkreuzer 3” oder “HSK 3” wurde es als Hilfskreuzer eingesetzt. Der Hilfskreuzer unter dem Kommando des Korvettenkapitäns Hellmuth von Ruckteschell brachte insgesamt zehn Schiffe mit 58,644 Tonnen in sechs Monaten auf, von denen neun versenkt und ein Schiff als Prise genommen wurde. Das Schiff diente nach dem Zweiten Weltkrieg von 1945 bis 1950 – unter britischer Flagge fahrend – als Werkstattschiff “H.M.S. Ulysses.” Im Oktober 1955, wieder unter deutscher Flagge als “Fechenheim” fahrend, strandete das Schiff in einem Sturm an der norwegischen Küste, brach einige Tage später auseinander und sank. Die “Widder” (im Jahre 1929 als die “Neumark” getauft) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 16,000 Tonnen, und war mit sechs 15-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (SFK), mit einer 75-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanone (FLAK) sowie mit zwei Seeflugzeuge bewaffnet. Ihre Höchstgeschwindigkeit lag bei 14 Knoten, und die Reichweite bei 34,000 Seemeilen. Ihre Besatzung bestand aus 363 Offiziere und Matrosen.

5.) The “Orion” (1930) displaced 15,000 tons and was armed just like the “Widder.” She had a successful 511 day raiding cruise throughout the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans, after which she returned safely home to Germany. Her steaming radius was 35,000 miles.

Die “Orion” war ein für den Handelskrieg umgerüstetes und bewaffnetes deutsches Handelsschiff im Zweiten Weltkrieg. Es wurde von der Kriegsmarine als “Schiff 36” für den Kriegseinsatzt requiriert. Unter der Bezeichnung “Handelsstörkreuzer 1” oder “HSK 1” wurde es als Hilfskreuzer eingesetzt. Die “Orion” (im Jahre 1931 als die “Kurmark” getauft) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 15,000 Tonnen und war genauso wie die “Widder” ausgerüstet. Nach einer Seereise von insgesamt 511 Tagen und 127,337 Seemeilen im Atlantik, im Pazifik und im Indischen Ozean hatte sie 13 feindliche Schiffe versenkt. Am 23. August 1941 kehrte die “Orion” nach Bordeaux zurück. Im Jahre 1944 wurde sie als die “Hektor” umbenannt und als Artillerieschulschiff umgebaut. Im Januar 1945 wurde sie wieder als die “Orion” umbenannt und von da an zur Beförderung von Flüchtlingen aus den deutschen Ostgebieten nach Westen eingesetzt. Dabei nahm die “Orion” unter anderem einen Teil der Besatzung des alten Linienschiffes “S.M.S. Schlesien” an Bord, das auf eine Magnetmine gelaufen war und auf der Reede von Swinemünde auf Grund gesetzt werden mußte. Auf dem Weg nach Kopenhagen wurde die “Orion” am 4. Mai 1945 bei Swinemünde in Hinterpommern von Bomben getroffen und versenkt. Von den an Bord befindlichen rund 4,000 Personen konnte der größte Teil gerettet werden. Rund 150 Menschen fanden den Tod. Das Wrack wurde im Jahre 1952 vor Ort verschrottet.

6-7.) The “Michel” (1939) displaced 11,000 tons and was named for a beloved German cartoon character. She was armed with 6-6 inch guns, 1-4 inch gun and 2 aircraft. She could make up to 16 knots with her diesel engines, and her range of action was a good 60,000 miles. She raided the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans, eventually meeting her end off the coast of Japan in October 1943. Her sister ship “Coronel” (1938) was named for Admiral Graf Spee’s victory over the Royal Navy in the Pacific Ocean at the start of World War One in 1914. Unlike the “Michel,” she returned safely home to Germany.

Die “Michel” (Handelsstörkreuzer 9), benannt nach dem “Hamburger Michel” (die evangelische Hauptkirche Sankt Michaelis, die bekannteste Kirche Hamburgs), war ein im Zweiten Weltkrieg unter der Bezeichnung “Schiff 28” für den Einsatz bei der Kriegsmarine übernommenes deutsches Handelsschiff. Die “Michel” hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 11,000 Tonnen, und war mit sechs 15-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (SFK), einer 10-cm Schnellfeuerkanone (SFK) sowie mit zwei Seeflugzeuge bewaffnet. Ihre Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Dieselantrieb lag bei 16 Knoten, und die Reichweite bei 60,000 Seemeilen. Sie diente im Atlantik, im Indischen Ozean sowie im Pazifik, wo sie im Oktober 1943 an der Küste von Japan von dem amerikanischen Unterseeboot “U.S.S. Tarpon” torpediert wurde. 263 von den 373 Bezatzungsmitglieder starben für Deutschland. Die “Michel” hatte 17 feindliche Schiffe versenkt bis sie selbst verloren ging.

Handelstörkreuzer Coronel

Ihr Schwesterschiff “Coronel” (1938) wurde als “M/S Togo” für die Reederei Woermann gebaut. Unter der Bezeichnung “Handelsstörkreuzer 10” oder “HSK 10” wurde sie als Hilfskreuzer am 14. August 1940 in Dienst gestellt. Sie überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg, und wurde von den Briten beschlagnahmt. Sie strandete am 21. November 1984 an der mexikanischen Küste, nach einer Dienstzeit von 46 Jahren.

8.) The “Thor” (1938) displaced 10,000 tons and was armed with 6-6 inch guns, one 60 mm anti-aircraft gun and 2 aircraft. She could make 18 knots with her diesel engines, and could steam up to 40,000 miles. She came to her end due to an accident in a Japanese port in November 1942, but before that she successfully raided the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans.

Die “Thor” (1938) war ein im Zweiten Weltkrieg für den Einsatz bei der Kriegsmarine übernommenes deutsches Handelsschiff. Es war ursprünglich das turbinengetriebene Kühlschiff “Santa Cruz” der Oldenburg-Portugiesischen Dampfschiff-Fahrtsgesellschaft, Oldenburg, für den Liniendienst Hamburg-Kanarische Inseln-Afrika. Unter der Bezeichnung “Handelsstörkreuzer 4” oder “HSK 4” wurde das Schiff als Hilfskreuzer eingesetzt. Den Patennamen “Thor” wählte man nach dem germanischen Donnergott. Die “Thor” hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 10,000 Tonnen, und war mit sechs 15-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (SFK), einer 60-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanone (FLAK) sowie mit zwei Seeflugzeuge ausgerüstet. Ihre Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Diesel-und Turbinenantrieb lag bei 18 Knoten, und die Reichweite bei 40,000 Seemeilen. Im November 1942 ging sie bei einem Unfall in einem japanischen Hafen verloren. Sie diente im Atlantik, im Indischen Ozean sowie im Pazifik, wo sie 11 feindliche Schiffe versenkte und eins als Prise genommen hatte.

9.) The “Hansa” (1939) displaced 9,144 tons and was armed with 8-6 inch guns, one 75 mm anti-aircraft gun and one airplane. She could also make 18 knots with her diesel engines and her range of action was 65,000 miles. She never raided the high seas, due to damage received from an RAF air raid in 1943. Instead, she was repaired and used for training purposes thereafter.

Der Hilfskreuzer “Hansa” (1939) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 9,144 Tonnen, und war mit acht 15-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (SFK), einer 75-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanone (FLAK) sowie mit einem Seeflugzeug bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Dieselantrieb lag bei 18 Knoten und die Reichweite bei 65,000 Seemeilen. Sie wurde im Jahre 1943 in einem britischen Luftangriff beschädigt, und dann repariert. Danach wurde sie als Schulschiff benutzt.
Neun Städte in Deutschland sind immer noch “Hansestädte.” Sie sind Bremen, Demmin (in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern), Greifswald (in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern), Hamburg, Lübeck, Lüneburg, Rostock, Stralsund und Wismar.

The “Hansa” was named after the old Germanic Hanseatic trading guild of European cities during the Middle Ages. Nine (9) cities within the modern Federal Republic of Germany still officially call themselves Hanseatic Cities. In alphabetical order, they are the:

9a.) “Freie Hansestadt Bremen” (”Free Hanseatic City of Bremen” in English): population of 548,477 and Germany’s 10th largest city. Also one of Germany’s two (2) “city states.”

9b.) “Hansestadt Demmin” (Hanseatic City of Demmin): population of 12,633 and located in the State of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (”Mecklenburg-Near Pomerania” in English).

9c.) “Universitäts und Hansestadt Greifswald” (University and Hanseatic City of Greifswald” in English): population of 53,434 and also located in the Northern German State of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.

9d.) “Freie und Hansestadt Hamburg” (”Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg” in English): population of 1,770,291 and Germany’s 2nd largest city. Germany’s largest “city state” and Germany’s largest seaport as well.

9e.) “Hansestadt Lübeck” (”Hanseatic City of Luebeck” in English): population of 211,213 and located in the Northern State of Schleswig-Holstein. Formerly a city-state up to 1945. Lübeck is where “Niederegger Marzipan” is produced. This is an expensive and popular candy, made of almond paste and often covered with chocolate. The almond paste is imported from North Africa where it is grown, and sometimes flavored with different types of fruit, or with coffee. “Anton Berg” in neighboring Denmark makes similar products, of equal quality but for a lesser price. Other firms in Germany make similar products at a lower cost, but mostly not equal to “Niederegger” in quality. One exception is the firm which makes “Mozartkugeln Marzipan.”

9f.) “Hansestadt Lüneburg” (”Hanseatic City of Lueneburg” in English): population of 72,163 and located in the Northwestern State of Lower Saxony, within the famous “Lüneburger Heide” (or “Luenbeburg Heath” in English). A heath is merely an area where heather plants grow. The German version of “Heather” is also a popular girl’s first name in Southern Germany, Austria and Switzerland (”Heidi” in German).

9g.) ”Hansestadt Rostock” (”Hanseatic City of Rostock” in English): population of 199,868 and located in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.

9h.) “Hansestadt Stralsund” (”Hanseatic City of Stralsund” in English): population of 58,288 and also located in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.

9i.) “Hansestadt Wismar” (”Hanseatic City of Wismar” in English): population of 45,182 and located in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern as well.

XXIII. “Versorger” (Tenders)

Naval fleet tenders are not combat vessels, but are nevertheless very important support vessels. During the two world wars, they enabled German submarines and surface raiders to greatly extend their patrols, thus remaining at sea for a much longer time and thereby inflicting more losses upon the enemy.

Die Versorger der Deutschen Marine sind keine “Kampfschiffe,” aber sie sind immer noch sehr wichtig. Zur Zeit des Ersten und des Zweiten Weltkrieges waren sie für die Unterseeboote der Kaiserlichen Marine und der Kriegsmarine von Bedeutung, um die Reichweite der Unterseeboote zu vergrößern.

XXIII (1): “Ermland” and ”Dithmarschen” Classes (1939-1940)

Germany’s largest fleet tenders ever were the “Ermland” (1940) and the “Franken” (1943), each of which displaced 22,850 tons. They were followed in size by the very similar “Dithmarschen” (1939), “Nordmark” (1939) and “Uckermark” (1939) of 20,858 tons each. Each ship was armed with 3-6 inch guns and 2-1,5 inch guns. They could make about 21 knots under diesel power. “Ermland” was named for a Roman Catholic region within Evangelical Lutheran East Prussia. “Franken” was named for “Franconia,” which is a largely Evangelical Lutheran region within the Roman Catholic State of Bavaria.

Die größten Versorger der deutschen Kriegsmarine waren die “Ermland” (1940) und die “Franken” (1943), mit je einer Einsatzverdrängung von 22,850 Tonnen. Die zweitgrößten Versorger der Kriegsmarine waren die “Dithmarschen” (1939), die “Nordmark” (1939) und die “Uckermark” (1939), mit je einer Einsatzverdrängung von 20,858 Tonnen. Die fünf Einheiten waren mit je drei 15-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (SFK) sowie mit zwei 3,8-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (SFK) ausgerüstet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeig mit Dieselantrieb lag bei 21 Knoten.

XXIII (2): “Erwin Waßner” Class (1938)

Germany had many smaller tenders during the Second World War, and operates many more today. The next largest German submarine tender was the “Erwin Waßner” (1938), at 6,080 tons full load displacement. She was armed with 4-37 mm guns plus 6-20 mm guns, and could make up to 19,5 knots. She was bombed and sunk by Allied aircraft while in her home port of Kiel, Germany on July 24, 1944.

Der Unterseebootversorger “Erwin Waßner” (1938) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 6,080 Tonnen, und war mit vier 37-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) sowie mit sechs 20-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) bewaffnet. Ihre Höchstgeschwindigkeit lag bei 19,5 Knoten. Sie wurde am 24. Juli 1944 von Fliegerbombern in Kiel versenkt.

XXIII (3): “Otto Wünsche” Class (1943)

The submarine tender (”Unterseebootversorger”) “Otto Wünsche” was commissioned in 1943 and displaced up to 5,900 tons full load. She was armed with 2-4 inch guns plus 1-1,5 inch gun, and could make up to 21,5 knots with her diesel engines. She survived World War Two, and was surrendered to Russia in 1946.

Der Unterseebootversorger “Otto Wünsche” (1943) hatte eine Einsatverdrängung von 5,900 Tonnen, und war mit zwei 10-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (SFK) sowie mit einer 3,8-cm Schnellfeuerkanone (SFK) ausgerüstet. Ihre Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Dieselantrieb lag bei 21,5 Knoten. Sie überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg, und wurde im Jahre 1946 von Sowjetrußland beschlagnahmt.

XXIII (4): “Waldemar Kophamel” Class (1940)

She was followed in size by the “Waldemar Kophamel” (1940), which displaced 5,600 tons full load. This ship was armed with 2-4 inch guns plus 1-1,5 inch gun, and could make up to 19,5 knots. She survived World War Two, and was surrendered to the Russians in 1951 as part of war reparations.

Der Unterseebootversorger “Waldemar Kophamel” (1940) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 5,600 Tonnen, und war mit zwei 10-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (SFK) sowie mit einer 3,8-cm Flugzeugabwehrkanone (FLAK) bewaffnet. Ihre Höchstgeschwindigkeit lag bei 19,5 Knoten. Sie überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg, und wurde im Jahre 1951 von Sowjetrußland beschlagnahmt.

XXIII (5): “Weichsel” Class (1923)

The submarine tender “Weichsel” (commissioned in 1923) was named for the Vistula River, which flows through parts of Eastern Germany (now belonging to Poland). She displaced up to 5,200 tons full load, was armed with 4-20 mm guns, and could make up to 12 knots with her diesel engines. The “Weichsel” survived World War Two, and was turned over to the Russians in 1947 as part of war reparations.

Der Unterseebootversorger “Weichsel” (1923) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 5,200 Tonnen, und war mit vier 20-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) ausgerüstet. Sie überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg, und wurde im Jahre 1947 von Sowjetrußland beschlagnahmt.

XXIII (6): “Isar” Class (1930)

The submarine tender “Isar” and her sister ship the “Lech” (both commissioned in 1930) were named after German rivers. Each ship displaced up to 4,560 tons full load, and was armed with 2-3,5 inch guns, 4-37 mm guns and 4-20 mm guns. Top speed was 14 knots with diesel engines. Both ships survived the Second World War, and were used as merchantmen after the war.

Die beiden Unterseebootversorger “Isar” (1930) und “Lech” (1930) hatten je eine Einsatverdrängung von 4,560 Tonnen, und waren mit je zwei 9-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (SFK), mit vier 37-mm und mit vier 20-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Dieselantrieb lag bei 14 Knoten. Sie überstanden den Zweiten Weltkrieg, und wurden danach als Handelsschiffe benutzt.

XXIII (7): “Westerwald” Class (1967)

The ammunition ships “Westerwald” (1967) and “Odenwald” (1967) are named after German forests. Each vessel displaces 4,042 tons full load and has a top speed of 17 knots with diesel engines. Both of them were built by the Orenstein & Koppel Shipyard of Lübeck. Each ship is 105,3 meters long, has a beam of 14 meters and a draught of 4,6 meters. Armamant consists of 4 40-mm anti-aircraft guns, and they are powered by 2 Maybach diesel engines which drive 2 propellers, and produce up to 5,600 horsepower. Range of operations is up to 3,500 nautical miles, and crews are comprised of 58 commissioned officers and enlisted men.

Die beiden nachkriegs Versorger “Westerwald” (1967) und “Odenwald” (1967) haben je eine Einsatverdrängung von 4,042 Tonnen, und sind mit je vier 40-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) ausgerüstet. Sie wurden von der Orenstein und Koppel Schiffswerft in Lübeck gebaut, sind je 105,3 Meter lang, haben je eine Breite von 14 Meter und einen Tiefgang von 4,6 Meter. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Dieselantrieb liegt bei 17 Knoten und die Reichweite bei 3,500 Seemeilen. Eine Besatzung besteht aus 58 Offiziere und Matrosen.

XXIII (8): “Lüneburg” Class (1966)

The fleet tender “Lüneburg” (1966) and her 7 sister ships “Nienburg” (1968), “Offenburg” (1968), “Coburg” (1968), “Saarburg” (1968), “Freiburg” (1968), “Glücksburg” (1968) and “Meersburg” (1968) each displace up to 3,900 tons full load, and have a top speed of 17 knots. They were built by the Flensburger Shipyard and by Blohm & Voss of Hamburg. Each ship is 104,15 meters long, has a beam of 13,2 meters and a draught of 4,2 meters. Armament consists of 4 40-mm anti-aircraft guns. Each vessel is powered by 2 Maybach diesel engines, which drive 2 propellers and produce up to 5,600 horsepower. Range of operation is up to 3,200 nautical miles, and crews consist of 82 commissioned officers and enlisted men. The “Offenburg” (1968) has since been removed from service and scrapped. All of the vessels within this class are named after German cities.

Die acht Flottenversorger der “Lüneburg” (1966) Klaße haben je eine Einsatzverdrängung von 3,900 Tonnen, und sind mit je vier 40-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) bewaffnet. Sie sind je 104,15 Meter lang, mit einer Breite von je 13,2 Meter und einen Tiefgang von 4,2 Meter. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Dieselantrieb liegt bei 17 Knoten, und die Reichweite bei 3,200 Seemeilen. Alle Einheiten dieser Klaße wurden bei der Flensburger Schiffswerft und bei der Blohm und Voß Schiffswerft in Hamburg gebaut. Die sieben anderen Mitglieder dieser Klaße heißen “Nienburg” (1968), “Offenburg” (1968), “Coburg” (1968), “Saarburg” (1968), “Freiburg” (1968), “Glücksburg” (1968) und “Meersburg” (1968). Die “Offenburg” wurden schon außer Dienst gestellt und verschrottet.

XXIII (9): “Odin” Class (1960)

The two sister tenders “Odin” (1960) and “Wotan” (1960) were named after pagan Norse gods, and each displace up to 3,640 tons full load. Top speed is a mere 11 knots, and neither ship is armed. The official designation of the ship type for these two ships is “Werkstattschiff” in German or ”repair shop ship” in English.

Die beiden Werkstattschiffe der “Odin” (1960) Klaße haben je eine Einsatzverdrängung von 3,640 Tonnen, und haben keine Bewaffnung. Das andere Schiff heißt “Wotan” (1960). Die Höchtsgeschwindigkeit beider Schiffe liegt bei 11 Knoten.

XXIII (10): “Adolf Lüderitz” Class (1940)

The tenders “Adolf Lüderitz” (1940) and “Carl Peters” (1940) were both named after German colonial pioneers of the former German colonies in Africa. Each ship was armed with 4-4 inch guns plus 2-88 mm guns and could make up to 23 knots – a very good speed for a noncombatant tender-type vessel. The “Adolf Lüderitz” still exists today, but the “Carl Peters” was unfortunately hit by a mine and thereby sunk shortly after the end of World War Two on May 14, 1945.

Die beiden Versorger “Adolf Lüderitz” (1940) und “Carl Peters” (1940) haben je eine Einsatzverdrängung von 3,600 Tonnen, und sind mit vier 10-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (SFK) sowie mit zwei 88-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit beider Schiffe liegt bei 23 Knoten – bemerkenswert für Hilfsschiffe. Die “Carl Peters” wurde am 14. Mai 1945 (eine Woche nach dem Ende des Zweiten Weltkrieges in Europa) von einem Minentreffer versenkt, aber die “Adolf Lüderitz” überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg und existiert heute noch – 69 Jahren nach der Indienststellung. Franz Adolf Eduard Lüderitz (1834-1886) war ein deutscher Großkaufmann und erster deutscher Landbesitzer im Deutsch-Südwestafrika (heute “Namibien” genannt). Es gibt immer noch 45,000 Leute, die heute in Namibien deutsch als Muttersprache sprechen. Zwei-viertel davon sind Reindeutsche, und die anderen sind Schwarze. Von den 2 Millionen Leute in Namibien, sind heute 50% evangelisch und 20% römisch-katholisch. Carl Peters (1856-1918) war ein deutscher Politiker, Publizist, Kolonialist und Afrikaforscher. Er gilt als der Begründer Deutsch-Ostafrika (heute Tansania, Burundi und Ruanda). Tansania ist heute 39% römisch-katholisch, Burundi 62% und Ruanda 55% – Deutschlands Einfluß in den genannten Ländern ist heute noch spürbar.

The merchant Franz Adolf Eduard Lüderitz (1834-1886) was born in Bremen, Germany and became the first German settler in German South-West Africa (”Deutsch Südwest Afrika” in German, now “Namibia” in English) in 1883. There are still 45,000 German-speaking people in Namibia today, two-thirds of them White and the remainder Black. And due to the diligent efforts of German missionaries from 1883-1918, 50% of Namibia’s population is now Evangelical-Lutheran and another 20% is Roman Catholic. 5% of Namibians adhere to the Lower Dutch Reformed Church of South Africa and another 5% belong to the Anglican Church. The remaining 10% of the Namibian population is Animist.

Carl Peters (1856-1918) was born on the River Elbe in Germany (up the river from Hamburg in Neuhaus, Lower Saxony), and founded German East Africa (”Deutsch Ostafrika” in German) in 1884. The independent nations of Tanzania (”Tansania” in German), Burundi and Rwanda (”Ruanda” in German) now comprise what used to be German East Africa. Due to the efforts of missionaries, about 39% of Tanzania (population of 36,7 million people) is now Roman Catholic. About 1% of the population of Tanzania is not Bantu (i.e., the major Black race in Central and Southern Africa) – they are Arabs, Indians, Pakistanis and Whites. 62% of Burundi (population of 8,3 million people) is Roman Catholic today. Likewise, 55% of Rwanda (population of 8,8 million people) is Roman Catholic.

XXIII (11): “Elbe” Class (1993)

The “Elbe” (1993) class of 6 modern tenders each displace up to 3,450 tons full load. The remaining 5 ships are named “Mosel” (1993), “Rhein” (1993), “Werra” (1993), “Main” (1994) and ”Donau” (1994). All ships are named after rivers in Germany and Central Europe. For instance, the Elbe River flows through Hamburg, Germany’s second largest city. The Rhine (”Rhein” in German) River flows through Cologne (”Köln” in German), Germany’s fourth largest city. The Main River flows through Frankfurt, which is Germany’s financial hub. The Danube (”Donau” in German) flows through Vienna (”Wien” in German), which is both Austria’s capital and her largest city. Each tender in the “Elbe” class carries one aircraft, and can make up to 15 knots with diesel power.

Die sechs Mitglieder der modernen “Elbe” (1993) Klaße von Versorgern haben je eine Einsatzverdrängung von 3,450 Tonnen, und sind mit je einem Flugzeug ausgerüstet. Die fünf anderen Schiffe heißen “Mosel” (1993), “Rhein” (1993), “Werra” (1993), “Main” (1994) und “Donau” (1994). Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit dieser Klaße mit Dieselantrieb liegt bei 15 Knoten.

XXIII (12): “Sachsenwald” Class

The modern naval tenders “Sachsenwald” and “Steigerwald” each displace up to 3,380 tons full load, and are named for German forests. Each vessel can make up to 17 knots, and is armed with 1,048 mines. They were built by the Blohm & Voss Shipyard of Hamburg, and are 110,7 meters long, have beams of 13,9 meters and draughts of 3,79 meters. Defensive armament consists of 4 40-mm anti-aircraft guns, and each ship is powered by 2 Maybach diesel engines, which in turn drive 2 propellers and produce up to 5,600 horsepower. Range of operations is up to 3,500 nautical miles, and crews are comprised of 65 commissioned officers and enlisted men.

Die beiden Versorger “Sachsenwald” und “Steigerwald” haben je eine Einsatzverdrängung von 3,380 Tonnen, und sind mit je 1,048 Minen ausgerüstet. Sie wurden bei der Blohm und Voß Schiffswerft in Hamburg gebaut, sind je 110,7 Meter lang, haben je eine Breite von 13,9 Meter und einen Tiefgang von 3,79 Meter. Die Bewaffnung dieser Klaße bestand aus vier 40-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK). Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit liegt bei 17 Knoten und die Reichweite bei 3,500 Seemeilen. Eine Besatzung besteht aus 65 Offiziere und Matrosen.

XXIII (13): “Saar” Class (1934)

The submarine tender “Saar” (1934) displaced up to 3,250 tons full load and was armed with 3-4 inch guns plus 24-20 mm guns. She could make up to 18 knots with her diesel engines. She survived World War Two to be surrendered to France in 1947. She was named for the German State of the Saarland. The Saarland was surrendered to France in 1919 and again in 1945. Both times she eventually voted to return to Germany (and overwhelmingly so): in 1935 and again in 1955, with well over 90% of the popular vote. The Saarland is known as a very active and productive coal-mining region. “Saar” is also the name of a German river (see immediately below).

Der Unterseebootversorger “Saar” (1934) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 3,250 Tonnen, und war mit drei 10-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (SFK) sowie mit 24-20 mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) bewaffnet. Sie überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg und wurde im Jahre 1947 von den Franzosen beschlagnahmt.

XXIII (14): “Rhein” Class (1959)

The modern tender “Rhein” (1959) and her 9 sister ships the “Elbe” (1962), the “Main” (1963), the “Neckar” (1963), the “Werra” (1964), the “Donau” (1964), the “Saar” (1963), the “Mosel” (1963), the “Lahn” (1964) and the “Lech” (1964) are all named after German rivers. They each displace up to 3,000 tons full load, and are armed with 2-4 inch guns plus 4-40 mm guns. They were built by various German shipyards, including by Schlieker (Hamburg), Lindenauwerft (Kiel), Lürssen (Vegesack), Schlichting (Travemünde), Norderwerft (Hamburg) and by Flenderwerke (Lübeck). Each ship is 98,2 meters long, has a beam of 11,83 meters and a draught of 5,2 meters. Each vessel is also equipped with radar, is powered by 6 either Maybach or Mercedes-Benz diesel engines which in turn drive 2 propellers and produce up to 11,400 horsepower. They carry 334 tons of fuel oil and their range of operations is up to 2,500 nautical miles. Crews consist of 98 commissioned officers and enlisted men, plus up to 210 additional troops.

Die zehn Versorger der “Rhein” (1959) Klaße hatten je eine Einsatverdrängung von 3,000 Tonnen, und waren mit je zwei 10-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (SFK) sowie mit vier 40-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) ausgerüstet. Sie wurden von der Schliekerwerft in Hamburg, von der Lindenauwerft in Kiel, von der Lürssenwerft in Vegesack, von der Schlichtingwerft in Travemünde, von der Norderwerft in Hamburg und von der Flenderwerke-Werft in Lübeck gebaut. Die neun anderen Mitglieder dieser Klaße hießen “Elbe” (1962), “Main” (1963), “Neckar” (1963), “Werra” (1964), “Donau” (1964), “Saar” (1963), “Mosel” (1963), “Lahn” (1964) und “Lech” (1964). Sie waren je 98,2 Meter lang, hatten eine Breite von je 11,83 Meter und einen Tiefgang von 5,2 Meter. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Dieselantrieb lag bei gute 22 Knoten und die Reichweite bei 2,500 Seemeilen. Eine Besatzung bestand aus 98 Offiziere und Matrosen, und weitere 210 Marine-Infanteristen.

Due to their good speed (22 knots) and armament, they can also serve as lightly armed escort destroyers. The Western Allies used such ships to escort civilian convoys during World Wars One and Two.

XXIII (15): “Usedom” Class

The modern tender “Usedom” displaces up to 2,940 tons full load. She is armed with just 4-25 mm guns and can make only 13,2 knots with her diesel engines. She is named after a German island in the Baltic Sea, and was originally transferred from the Soviet Russian Navy to the “Volksmarine” of the former East Germany. She was built in Russia, is 83,6 meters long, has a beam of 12 meters and a draught of 4,6 meters. She is equipped with radar, is powered by one diesel engine, driving one propeller and producing up to 2,000 horsepower. She can hold up to 124 tons of fuel oil, and has a range of operations of up to 5,000 nautical miles. Her crew consists of 30 commissioned officers and enlisted men.

Der Versorger “Usedom” hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 2,940 Tonnen, und war mit vier 25-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) bewaffnet. Sie wurde in Rußland gebaut, und gehörte der Volksmarine der DDR. Sie war 83,6 Meter lang, mit einer Breite von 12 Meter und einen Tiefgang von 4,6 Meter. Ihre Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Dieselantrieb lag bei 13,2 Knoten, und die Reichweite bei 5,000 Seemeilen. Ihre Besatzung bestand aus 30 Offiziere und Matrosen.

XXIII (16): “Hela” Class (1940)

The tender “Hela” displaced up to 2,520 tons full load, and was armed with 2-4 inch guns plus 2-1,5 inch guns. She could make up to 22 knots with her diesel engines. She survived World War Two, and still exists today. She was named after a small town on a peninsula in the Bay of Danzig, which now belongs to Poland.

Der Versorger “Hela” (1940) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 2,520 Tonnen, und war mit zwei 10-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (SFK) sowie mit zwei 3,8-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (SFK) ausgerüstet. Sie überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg, und existiert heute noch – 69 Jahren nach der Indienststellung.

XXIII (17): “Tsingtau” Class (1934)

The tender “Tsingtau” (1934) displaced up to 2,490 tons full load, and was armed with 2-88 mm plus 8-20 mm guns. She could make up to 17,5 knots with her diesel engines. She was of course named after the former Imperial German colony of Tsingtau (”Tsingtao” in English), in the province of Schantung (”Shantung” in English) in China. Germany took possession of the city of Tsingtau in 1897, won a concession to build a railway line through Schantung Province in that same year, and signed a 99-year lease for Tsingtau and neighboring Kiatschau (”Kiaochow” in English) in 1898. Japan agreed to enter World War One on the side of the Western Allies in return for German colonial possessions in Asia, including Tsingtau, Kiatschau, Schantung, the Palau Islands, the Marshall Islands, the Northern Mariana Islands and Micronesia. Britain took possession of the German crown colonies of Nauru, German New Guinea and German Samoa. All of the German Pacific colonies were conquered by Allied troops by the end of 1914. German New Guinea surrendered to the Australians on September 14, 1914. The island garrisons mentioned above surrendered to the British and the Japanese during September and October of 1914. The German and Austro-Hungarian garrison in Tsingtau surrendered to the same on November 7, 1914. The fleet tender “Tsingtau” survived World War Two, and was scrapped in February of 1950.

Der Versorger “Tsingtau” (1934) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 2,490 Tonnen, und war mit zwei 88-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) sowie mit acht 20-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) bewaffnet. Ihre Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Dieselantrieb lag bei 17,5 Knoten. Sie überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg, und wurde im Februar 1950 verschrottet.

XXIII (18): “Alster” Class (1989)

The modern tender “Alster” (1989) and her two sister tenders the “Oste” (1988) and “Oker” (1988) each displace up to 2,375 tons full load. These ships are unarmed, and can make up to 18 knots with their diesel engines. They also serve as reconnaisance vessels. These ships are named after German rivers. For instance, the Alster River flows through the city of Hamburg, which is the second largest city in Germany and Germany’s largest seaport. The largest river flowing through Hamburg is of course the Elbe River.

Die beiden Versorger “Alster” (1989) und “Oste” (1988) haben eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 2,375 Tonnen und haben keine Bewaffnung. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Dieselantrieb liegt bei 18 Knoten.

XXIII (19): “Walchensee” Class (1966)

The “Walchensee” (1966) class of four modern tenders each displace up to 2,191 tons full load. They are unarmed oil tankers and can make up to 12,5 knots with their diesel engines. The three other ships in the class are named “Ammersee” (1967), “Tegernsee” (1967) and “Westensee” (1967). Each ship is named after a German lake, and was built by the Lindenauwerft Shipyard of Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein. Each vessel is 71,9 meters long, has a beam of 11,2 meters and a draught of 4,28 meters. They are powered by 2 MWM 12-cylinder diesel engines, which in turn drive a single propeller and produce up to 1,200 horsepower. Range of operations is up to 3,250 nautical miles, and crews are comprised of 21 commissioned officers and enlisted men.

Die vier Versorger der “Walchensee” (1966) Klaße haben eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 2,191 Tonnen, und sind unbewaffnete Öltanker. Die drei anderen Mitglieder dieser Klaße heißen “Ammersee” (1967), “Tegernsee” (1967) und “Westensee” (1967). Sie wurden von der Lindenauwerft in Kiel gebaut, sind je 71,9 Meter lang, haben eine Breite von je 11,2 Meter und einen Tiefgang von 4,28 Meter. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit liegt bei 12,5 Knoten und die Reichweite bei 3,250 Seemeilen. Eine Besatzung besteht aus 21 Offiziere und Matrosen.

XXIII (20): “Drache” Class (1930)

The tender “Drache” (1930) displaced up to 1,870 tons full load, and was armed with 2-88 mm guns plus 5-37 mm guns. She could make up to 15 knots with her diesel engines. Her name means “dragon” in English. She was also used as a minelayer, and was bombed and sunk by Allied aircraft off the coast of Greece on September 22, 1944.

Der Versorger “Drache” (1930) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,870 Tonnen, und war mit zwei 88-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) sowie mit fünf 37-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Dieselantrieb lag bei 15 Knoten. Sie wurde auch als Minenleger benutzt. Am 22. September 1944 wurde sie von Fliegerbombern an der Küste von Griechenland versenkt.

XXIII (21): “Wittensee” Class (1958)

The modern tender “Wittensee” displaces up to 1,854 tons full load and is unarmed. She was built by the Lindenauwerft Shipyard in Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein, and can make up to 12 knots. She is 67,45 meters long, has a beam of 9,84 meters and a draught of 4,25 meters. She is powered by one MAK 6-cylinder diesel engine, which produces up to 1,250 horsepower. Range of operations is up to 6,240 nautical miles, and her crew consists of 21 commissioned officers and enlisted men.

Der Versorger “Wittensee” (1958) hat eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,854 Tonnen, und hat keine Bewaffnung. Sie wurde von der Lindenauwerft in Kiel gebaut, ist 67,45 Meter lang, hat eine Breite von 9,84 Meter und einen Tiefgang von 4,25 Meter. Ihre Höchstgeschwindigkeit liegt bei 12 Knoten, und die Reichweite bei 6,240 Seemeilen. Ihre Besatzung besteht aus 21 Offiziere und Matrosen.

XXIII (22): “Helgoland” Class (1966)

The modern tenders “Helgoland” (1966) and “Fehmarn” (1967) are named after German islands. Each vessel displaces up to 1,558 tons and is armed with 2-40 mm guns. Top speed is 16,6 knots with diesel engines.

Die beiden Versorger “Helgoland” (1966) und “Fehmarn” (1967) haben je eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,558 Tonnen, und sind mit je zwei 40-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Dieselantrieb liegt bei 16,6 Knoten. Die Kaiserliche Marine hatte ein Linienschiff, das “S.M.S. Helgoland” hieß. Die Kaiserliche und Königliche Kriegsmarine Österreich-Ungarns hatte einen Rapidkreuzer, der “S.M.S. Helgoland” hieß, und davor eine Schraubenkorvette, die auch “S.M.S. Helgoland” hieß.

XXIII (23): “Hiddensee” Class (1960)

The three modern sister oil tankers “Hiddensee” (1960), “Pöl” (1960) and “Riems” (1961) each displace up to 1,450 tons full load, and are unarmed. They can make up to 12 knots with their diesel engines. They used to belong to the “Volksmarine” of the former East Germany, and were all built by the Peenewerft Shipyard of Wolgast on Germany’s Baltic Sea coast. Each ship is 53,7 meters long, has a beam of 9 meters and a draught of 4,5 meters. They are equipped with radar, and their dual diesel engines can produce up to 1,400 horsepower. Their crews consist of 26 commissioned officers and enlisted men per ship.

Die drei Öltanker “Hiddensee” (1960), “Pöl” (1960) und “Riems” (1961) hatten je eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,450 Tonnen, und wurden von der Peenewerft in Wolgast gebaut. Sie gehörten der Volksmarine der ehemaligen DDR. Sie waren je 53,7 Meter lang, hatten eine Breite von je 9 Meter und einen Tiefgang von 4,5 Meter. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Dieselantrieb lag bei 12 Knoten.

XXIII (24): “Wangerooge” Class (1968)

The three modern tenders “Wangerooge” (1968), “Spiekerooge” (1968) and “Norderney” (1970) are all named for islands in Frisia. North and East Frisia belong to Germany, whereas West Frisia belongs to the Netherlands. Each vessel displaces up to 1,039 tons full load and is armed with one 40 mm gun. Top speed is up to 13,6 knots with diesel engines. The German and Dutch word for Frisia is “Friesland.”

Die drei Versorger “Wangerooge” (1968), “Spiekerooge” (1968) und “Norderney” (1970) haben je eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,039 Tonnen, und sind mit je einer 40-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanone (FLAK) ausgerüstet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Dieselantrieb liegt bei 13,6 Knoten.

XXIII (25): “Thale” Class (1964)

The modern tug-tender “Thale” (1964) displaces up to 700 tons full load, and is armed with 2 25-mm anti-aircraft guns. She can make up to 12,8 knots with her small diesel engines. She used to belong to the “Volksmarine” of the former East Germany. She is 44,7 meters long, has a beam of 10,7 meters and a draught of 3,9 meters. She was built by the Peenewerft Shipyard in Wolgast, which is located on Germany’s Baltic Sea coast. She is equipped with radar, and has a range of operations of up to 4,000 nautical miles. Her 2 diesel engines drive 2 propellers, and can produce up to 1,680 horsepower. Her crew consists of 6 commissioned officers and 33 enlisted men.

Der Schlepper “Thale” (1964) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 700 Tonnen, und wurde von der Peenewerft in Wolgast gebaut. Sie gehörte der Volksmarine der ehemaligen DDR. Sie war 44,7 Meter lang, hatte eine Breite von 10,7 Meter und einen Tiefgang von 3,9 Meter. Ihre Bewaffnung bestand aus zwei 25-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK). Ihre Höchstgeschwindigkeit lag bei 12,8 Knoten und die Reichweite bei 4,000 Seemeilen. Die Besatzung des Bootes bestand aus 6 Offiziere und 33 Matrosen.

XXIII (26): “Eisvogel” Class (1961)

The two modern tenders “Eisvogel” and “Eisbär” were both commissioned in 1961. Each vessel displaces up to 641 tons full load, and they can make up to 13 knots with their small diesel engines. “Eisvogel” is German for “ice bird” and “Eisbär” is German for “polar bear.” These vessels are basically unarmed ice-breakers.

Die beiden unbewaffneten Eisbrecher “Eisvogel” (1961) und “Eisbär” haben je eine Einsatzverdrängung von 641 Tonnen. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Dieselantrieb liegt bei 13 Knoten.

XXIII (27): “Ruden” Class (1955)

The two post-World War Two boats of the “Ruden” class each displace up to 585 tons full load, and are not armed. They are named the “Ruden” (1955) and the “Vilm” (1957), and used to belong to the “Volksmarine” of the former East Germany. They were both built by the Matthias Thiesen Werft Shipyard in Wismar, which is located on Germany’s Baltic Sea coast. Each vessel is 36 meters long, has a beam of 7,3 meters and a draught of 2,7 meters. They are equipped with radar, and with single diesel engines which drive single propellers. They can produce up to 300 horsepower each, and can make up to 9 knots.

Die zwei kleinen Versorger der “Ruden” (1955) Klaße hatten je eine Einsatzverdrängung von 585 Tonnen, und wurden bei der Matthias-Thiesen Werft in Wismar gebaut. Sie gehörten der Volksmarine der ehemaligen DDR. Das andere Boot hieß “Vilm” (1957). Sie waren je 36 Meter lang, mit einer Breite von 7,3 Meter und einen Tiefgang von 2,7 Meter. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit dieser Klaße lag bei 9 Knoten.

XXXIII (28): “Peene” Class

The five small tenders of the “Peene” class are all named after German rivers. They are commissioned as the “Peene,” the “Spree,” the “Belt,” the “Havel” and the “Oder.” Each boat displaces up to 270 tons full load. The city of Peenemünde (”Mouth of the River Peene” in English) is famous for being the World War Two rocket and missile research facility for Germany. Dr. Werner von Braun worked on the V-1 flying bomb (a pilotless jet plane) and the V-2 ballistic missile here. The “Belt” is the river basically separating Germany from Denmark in North Schleswig. The “Oder” is the river now separating Germany from Poland (since the end of World War Two). Before 1945, the River Oder was not in Poland at all.

Die fünf kleinen Versorger der “Peene” Klaße haben je eine Einsatzverdrängung von 270 Tonnen. Die vier anderen Boote heißen “Spree,” “Belt,” “Havel” und “Oder.”

XXXIII (29): “Wilhelm Pullwer” Class

The very small modern tender “Wilhelm Pullwer” displaces a mere 160 tons full load, and is thus the smallest German naval tender.

Deutschlands kleinster Versorger “Wilhelm Pullwer” hat eine Einsatzverdrängung von nur 160 Tonnen.

XXIV. “Aufklärungsschiffe” (Reconnaissance Ships)

“Reconnaissance ship” is a fancy word for “spy ship.” The old Soviet Navy liked to used converted and large fishing trawlers for this sort of duty. The German Navy had four specially-built such ships during World War Two.

Zur Zeit des “Kalten Krieges” (von 1945 bis 1991) wurden Aufklärungsschiffe auch als Spionschiffe benutzt, besonders von der ehemaligen UdSSR. Forschungsschiffe übernehmen vielfältige Forschungsthemen auf den Meeren. Sie stellen wissenschaftliche Labore auf dem Meer dar und übernehmen Aufgaben in den verschiedenen Disziplinen: Arktis-, Antarktis-, Eis-und Polarforschung, Geologie, Meeresströmungen, Meteorologie, Schiffbau, Fischfang, Meeresbiologie und Unterwasserarchäologie.

1.) The largest such ship in the modern German Navy and Coast Guard is the “Polarstern” at 15,000 tons. She was launched by the Howaldtswerke of Kiel in 1982 and commissioned in the same year. She is unarmed, and does most of her duty in Antarctic waters, serving the German Antarctic research base. The Antarctic region of “Neuschwabenland” (”New Swabia” in English) was named by Germany in 1938. She can make up to 15,5 knots with her 4 Deutz diesel engines, which produce 21,120 horsepower. She is 117,55 meters long, has a beam of 25 meters and a draught of 10,5 meters. Her crew consists of 106 commissioned officers and enlisted men, 40 of whom are usually Antarctic scientists from the Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar Research in Bremerhaven. She can carry 1,500 tons of liquid cargo, plus stores for Germany’s Antarctic Research Station. She is also equipped with a helicopter deck and hangar. She can break up to 2 meters of ice with her shell plating of 43,5 mm at the waterline.

Die “Polarstern” (1982) ist ein als Eisbrecher ausgelegtes Forschungs-und Versorgungsschiff und eines der leistungsfähigsten Polarforschungsschiffe der Welt. Sie setzt damit die über 100-jährige Tradition der deutschen Antarktisforschung fort, die mit der ersten Südpolarexpedition der Gauß von 1901 bis 1903 eingeleitet wurde. Die “Polarstern” hat eine Einsatzverdrängung von 15,000 Tonnen, ist 117,55 Meter lang, hat eine Breite von 25 Meter und einen Tiefgang von 10,5 Meter. Ihre Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Dieselantrieb liegt bei 15,5 Knoten und ihre Besatzung besteht aus 106 Offiziere und Matrosen. Sie ist mit einem Hubschrauber ausgerüstet. Sie wurde bei der Howaldtswerke in Kiel gebaut, und ihr Heimathafen ist Bremerhaven (vormals “Wesermünde” genannt). Die “Polarstern” wird vom Alfred-Wegener-Institut für Polar-und Meeresforschung (AWI) in Bremerhaven betrieben. Neben der Erforschung der Polarmeere dient sie auch der Versorgung der permanent besetzten deutschen Forschungseinrichtungen in der Arktis (”Koldewey-Station”) und der Antarktis (”Neumayer-Station II”). Im Jahre 1938 hatte Deutschland “Neuschwabenland” in der Antarktis benannt. Neuschwabenland ist ein zirka 600,000 Quadratkilometer großes Territorium, und wurde im antarktischen Sommerhalbjahr 1938/1939 durch Bodenexpeditionen zu Fuß abgesteckt, aber auch durch Erkundungs-und Markierungsflüge der vom Mutterschiff “Schwabenland” mitgeführten beiden Flugboote vom Typ Dornier-Wal namens “Boreas” und “Passat” für das Deutsche Reich in Besitz genommen.

2.) Another modern German ship is the “Planet” (2005) of 3,500 tons. She is also unarmed, and has a top speed of 15 knots.

Das Wehrforschungsschiff “Planet” (2005) ist ein hochseetaugliches Doppelrumpfschiff in “SWATH” Bauweise (”Small Waterplane Area Twin Hull” auf englisch). Sie hat eine Einsatzverdrängung von 3,500 Tonnen, keine Bewaffnung, und ihre Höchstgeschwindigkeit liegt bei 15 Knoten. Sie wurde von den Nordseewerken in Emden gebaut. Die “Planet” steht sowohl der Wehrtechnischen Dienststelle für Schiffe und Marinewaffen (WTD 71) in Eckernförde als auch der Forschungsanstalt der Bundeswehr für Wasserschall und Geophysik (FWG) in Kiel für marineorientierte Technologie-und Forschungsaktivitäten der Bundeswehr zur Verfügung. Die “Planet” gehört zu den leisesten motorgetriebenen Schiffen der Welt.

3.) An earlier German ship named “Planet” (1964) displaced up to 1,943 tons full load, and was built by the Norderwerft Shipyard in Hamburg. She could make up to 13,9 knots, was 80,43 meters long, had a beam of 12,6 meters and a draught of 3,97 meters. She was powered by 4 12-cylinder diesel engines which drove one propeller and produced up to 1,390 horsepower. Her range of operations was up to 9,300 nautical miles, and her crew consisted of 39 naval personnel plus 22 civilian scientists.

Ein früheres Aufklärungsschiff “Planet” (1964) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,943 Tonnen, und wurde von der Norderwerft in Hamburg gebaut. Sie war 80,43 Meter lang, hatte eine Breite von 12,6 Meter und einen Tiefgang von 3,97 Meter. Ihre Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Dieselantrieb lag bei 13,9 Knoten und die Reichweite bei 9,300 Seemeilen. Ihre Besatzung bestand aus 39 Marinepersonal und 22 zivile Wissenschaftler.

4.) Yet another one is the 1,813-ton “Karl Friedrich Gauß” (1978) of the “Volksmarine” in the former East Germany. She is also unarmed and can make up to 13,5 knots.

Das Aufklärungsschiff “Karl Friedrich Gauß” (1978) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,813 Tonnen, und gehörte der Volksmarine der ehemaligen DDR. Ihre Höchstgeschwindigkeit lag bei 13,5 Knoten. Johann Carl Friedrich Gauß (1777-1855) war ein deutscher Mathematiker, Astronom, Geodät und Physiker mit einem breit gefächerten Feld an Interessen. Er wurde in Braunschweig geboren und starb in Göttingen.

5.) The unarmed “Valdivia” (1961) displaced 1,317 tons and could make up to 13 knots.

Das Aufklärungsschiff “Valdivia” (1961) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,317 Tonnen, und ihre Höchstgeschwindigkeit lag bei 13 Knoten.

6.) The “Dornbusch” displaces 1,200 tons and can also cruise at up to 13 knots. She used to belong to the “Volksmarine” in the former East Germany, is 61,3 meters long, has a beam of 11,8 meters and a draught of 3,27 meters. She is equipped with radar, is powered by 2 diesel engines which drive 2 propellers, and can produce up to 1,920 horsepower. Her range of operations is up to 3,000 nautical miles, and her crew consists of 5 commissioned officers and 23 enlisted men.

Das Aufklärungsschiff “Dornbusch” hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,200 Tonnen, war 61,3 Meter lang, hatte eine Breite von 11,8 Meter und einen Tiefgang von 3,27 Meter. Ihre Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Dieselantrieb lag bei 13 Knoten, und die Reichweite bei 3,000 Seemeilen. Ihre Besatzung bestand aus 5 Offiziere und 23 Matrosen, und sie gehörte der Volksmarine der ehemaligen DDR.

7.) The “S.M.S. Meteor” (1915) displaces 1,200 tons full load and still exists today. She is armed with 1-3,5 inch gun and 2-20 mm guns. She can make up to 14,5 knots with her coal boilers, and is equipped with rigging and sails as well.

Das Aufklärungssegelschiff “S.M.S. Meteor” (1915) hat eine Einsatverdrängung von 1,200 Tonnen, und ist mit einer 9-cm Schnellfeuerkanone (SFK) sowie mit zwei 20-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) bewaffnet. Ihre Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Segel sowie mit Kohldampfantrieb liegt bei 14,5 Knoten. Sie existiert heute noch – 94 Jahre nach der Indienststellung.

8.) The “Hydrograph” displaces 1,050 tons and can make up to 11 knots. She used to belong to the “Volksmarine” of the former East Germany. She is 54,2 meters long, has a beam of 9,3 meters and a draught of 3,6 meters. She is powered by one diesel engine, which produces up to 800 horsepower. Her range of operations is up to 9,400 nautical miles, and she is manned by a crew of 32 commissioned officers and enlisted personnel.

Das Aufklärungsschiff “Hydrograph” hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,050 Tonnen, ist 54,2 Meter lang, hat eine Breite von 9,3 Meter und einen Tiefgang von 3,6 Meter. Sie gehörte der Volksmarine der ehemaligen DDR. Ihre Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Dieselantrieb lag bei 11 Knoten und die Reichweite bei 9,400 Seemeilen. Ihre Besatzung bestand aus 32 Offiziere und Matrosen.

9.) The “Buk” displaces up to 703 tons full load and can make up to 13,7 knots with her small diesel engines. The vessel is unarmed, and used to belong to the “Volksmarine” of the former East Germany. She is 53,5 meters long, has a beam of 9,1 meters and a draught of 2,6 meters. She is powered by 2 diesel engines, which drive 2 propellers and can produce up to 1,765 horsepower. Her range of operations is up to 4,000 nautical miles. She was built in the port city of Stettin in Pomerania, which lies on the Baltic Sea coast.

Das Aufklärungsboot “Buk” hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 703 Tonnen, war 53,5 Meter lang, hatte eine Breite von 9,1 Meter und einen Tiefgang von 2,6 Meter. Sie wurde in Stettin gebaut, und gehörte der Volksmarine der ehemaligen DDR. Ihre Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Dieselantrieb lag bei 13,7 Knoten und die Reichweite bei 4,000 Seemeilen. Sie hatte keine Bewaffnung.

10.) The “Rügen” displaces up to 700 tons full load and can make up to 10 knots with her small diesel engine, which can produce up to 540 horsepower. She is named after a German island in the Baltic Sea. The vessel is unarmed, and used to belong to the “Volksmarine” of the former East Germany. She is 50,8 meters long, has a beam of 3,8 meters and a draught of 3,4 meters. Her range of operations is up to 7,900 nautical miles, and she is manned by a crew of 30 commissioned officers and enlisted sailors. She is equipped with radar, and can operate as a fishing boat. The original name of the “Rügen” used to be “Meteor.”

Das Aufklärungsboot “Rügen” hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 700 Tonnen, war 50,8 Meter lang, hatte eine Breite von 3,8 Meter und einen Tiefgang von 3,4 Meter. Sie hatte keine Bewaffnung, und gehörte der Volksmarine der ehemaligen DDR. Ihre Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Dieselantrieb lag bei 10 Knoten und die Reichweite bei 7,900 Seemeilen. Ihre Besatzung bestand aus 30 Offiziere und Matrosen, und sie wurde auch als Fischereiboot benutzt.

11.) The modern “Victor Hensen” (1975) displaces up to 423 tons full load and can make up to 12 knots with her small diesel engines. She is unarmed.

Das Aufklärungsboot “Victor Hensen” (1975) hat eine Einsatzverdrängung von 423 Tonnen, und keine Bewaffnung. Ihre Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Dieselantrieb liegt bei 12 Knoten.

12-19.) The former East German buoy tenders of the “Breitling” class were commissioned by the “Volksmarine” in between 1971 and 1972. Each vessel in this class displaced up to 320 tons, and could make up to 11,5 knots with a single diesel engine, driving one propeller and producing up to 580 horsepower. They were 29,6 meters long, had a beam of 6,2 meters and a draught of 1,9 meters. They were all named after German towns, with the remaining members of the class including the “Esper Ort,” the “Golwitz,” the “Grass Ort,” the “Landtieff,” the “Palmer Ort,” the “Ramzow” and the “Rosen Ort.”

Die acht kleinen Versorger und Aufklärungsboote der “Breitling” Klaße wurden zwischen 1971 und 1972 von der Volksmarine der ehemaligen DDR in Dienst gestellt. Die sieben anderen Mitglieder dieser Klaße hießen “Esper Ort,” “Golwitz,” “Grass Ort,” “Landtieff,” “Palmer Ort,” “Ramzow” und “Rosen Ort.” Sie hatten je eine Einsatzverdrängung von 320 Tonnen, waren je 29,6 Meter lang, hatten eine Breite von je 6,2 Meter und einen Tiefgang von 1,9 Meter. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit dieser Klaße mit Dieselantrieb lag bei 11,5 Knoten.

20.) The modern “Holnis” displaces just 180 tons full load, and is not armed.

Das Aufklärungsboot “Holnis” hat eine Einsatzverdrängung von 180 Tonnen, und keine Bewaffnung.

21-23.) The 3 modern boats “Arkona,” “Darßer Ort” and “Stubbenkammer” each displace up to 55 tons full load, and are not armed. They used to belong to the “Volksmarine” of the former East Germany, and were commissioned in between 1965 and 1970.

Die drei Aufklärungsboote “Arkona,” “Darßer Ort” und “Stubbenkammer” hatten je eine Einsatzverdrängung von 55 Tonnen, und keine Bewaffnung. Sie gehörten der Volksmarine der ehemaligen DDR, und wurden zwischen 1965 und 1970 in Dienst gestellt.

XXV. “Torpedodepotschiffe” (Torpedo Depot Ships)

The largest Austrian torpedo depot ship was “S.M.S. Gäa” (launched in 1890 and commissioned in 1891) at 13,000 tons. She was actually the converted German passenger ship “S/S Fürst Bismarck” (1891) under a new name. “S/S” simply means “Steam ship.” She could make a good 19 knots and was armed with 4-5 inch guns and 4-3 inch guns. She had been purchased by the Imperial and Royal Austro-Hungarian Navy from the HAPAG shipping line of Hamburg, Germany. She had an indentical sister ship named “S/S Normannia” (1890), also commissioned by the HAPAG shipping line of Hamburg. I believe it is so sad to see such a beautiful passenger ship converted to such tragic wartime duty. ”S.M.S. Gäa” was used to store torpedoes and survived World War One to be scrapped shortly thereafter.

Das Torpedodepotschiff “S.M.S. Gäa” (1891) war das einzige Torpedodepotschiff der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine Österreich-Ungarns. Die “S.M.S. Gäa” wurde im Jahre 1891 ursprünglich als Paßagierschiff “S/S Fürst Bismarck” getauft. Nach dem Umbau des Schiffes wurde es mit vier 12,7-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (SFK) sowie mit vier 7,62-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (SFK) ausgerüstet. Die “S/S Fürst Bismarck” (1891) war das Schwesterschiff der “S/S Normannia” (1890). Die beiden Paßagierschiffe gehörten der HAPAG Linie aus Hamburg.

XXVI. “Spitalschiffe” (Hospital Ships)

Hospital ships were also converted passenger liners. The largest Austrian hospital ship was “S.M.S. Helouan” (1911) at 7,367 tons. She belonged to the Austrian Lloyd shipping line before World War One, and was surrendered to Brazil as reparations after the war, where she resumed her prewar career as a passenger liner.

Die Spitalschiffe der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine waren auch umgebaute Paßagierschiffe. Das größte Spitalschiff war die “S.M.S. Helouan” (1911), mit einer Einsatzverdrängung von 7,367 Tonnen. Vor dem Ersten Weltkrieg gehörte sie dem Österreichischen Lloyd. Nach dem Krieg wurde sie von Brasilien beschlagnahmt, wo sie wieder als Paßagierschiff diente.
Das zweitgrößte Spitalschiff der k.u.k. Kriegsmarine war das ehemalige Paßagierschiff “S.M.S. Argentina” (1904). Sie hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 5,526 Tonnen, und gehörte ursprünglich der Austro-Americana Linie. Die k.u.k. Spitalschiffe “S.M.S. Oceania” (im Jahre 1908 getauft und mit einer Einsatzverdrängung von 5,497 Tonnen) und “S.M.S. Sofia Hohenberg” (im Jahre 1905 getauft und mit einer Einsatzverdrängung von 5,491 Tonnen) gehörten auch ursprünglich der Austro-Americana Linie aus Triest. Die k.u.k. Spitalschiffe “S.M.S. Africa” (im Jahre 1903 getauft und mit einer Einsatzverdrängung von 4,720 Tonnen), “S.M.S. Elektra” (im Jahre 1884 getauft und mit einer Einsatzverdrängung von 3,193 Tonnen), “S.M.S. Baron Call” (im Jahre 1904 getauft und mit einer Einsatzverdrängung von 3,104 Tonnen), “S.M.S. Tirol” (im Jahre 1901 getauft und mit einer Einsatzverdrängung von 2,923 Tonnen) und “S.M.S. Metcovich” (im Jahre 1893 getauft und mit einer Einsatzverdrängung von 879 Tonnen) gehörten alle ursprünglich dem Österreichischen Lloyd (auch mit Sitz in Triest).

The next largest Austro-Hungarian hospital ship was “S.M.S. Argentina” (1904), at 5,526 tons full load displacement. She was formerly of the Austro-Americana Line. Also from the Austro-Americana shipping Line were “S.M.S. Oceania” (1908) at 5,497 tons, and “S.M.S. Sofia Hohenberg” (1905) at 5,491 tons full load displacement. Formerly of the Austrian Lloyd were the “S.M.S. Africa” (1903) at 4,720 tons, the “S.M.S. Elektra” (1884) at 3,193 tons and the “S.M.S. Baron Call” (1904) at 3,104 tons full load displacement. Next in size came the “S.M.S. Tirol” (1901) at 2,923 tons and the “S.M.S. Metcovich” (1893) at 879 tons full load displacement, also of the Austrian Lloyd.

XXVII. “Minenleger” (Minelayers)

Minelayers were deployed by both sides during the two world wars. It seems like such a cruel way to fight a naval war, and often times the casualties are on one’s own side due to error. These ships frequently doubled duty as slower small and light cruisers, and/or as training ships.

Die größten Minenleger der Deutschen Marine waren die Hilfsminenleger des Zweiten Weltkrieges. Hilfsminenleger waren umgebaute Handelsschiffe, die von der Kriegsmarine übernommen wurden. Der größte Minenleger der Kriegsmarine war das umgebaute Handelsschiff “Passat” (1926). Die “Passat” hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 8,998 Tonnen. Sie überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg, und wurde im Jahre 1948 verschrottet. Ein “Passat” (vom portugiesischen “Passar,” auf deutsch “vorbeilaufen”) ist ein mäßig starker und sehr beständiger Wind, der in tropischen Seegebieten rund um den Erdball auftritt. Der Volkswagen “Passat” ist die Bezeichnung für das Mittelklaßenmodell des VW-Konzerns. Die Urversion wurde 1973 vom Audi 80 abgeleitet und als Fließheckmodell vorgestellt.

1.) The largest German auxiliary minelayer during World War Two was the converted merchantman “Passat” (commissioned in 1926). She displaced 8,998 tons. Her name refers to the name of a wind, and is today used in the name of the mid-sized Volkswagen Passat Sedan and Station Wagon. Many modern Volkswagen models are named after winds, such as “Golf” and “Scirocco.” “Golf” is simply German for “gulf wind.” The minelayer “Passat” survived World War Two, and was scrapped in 1948. Other merchantmen converted into auxiliary minelayers during the Second World War include the:

2.) ”Marienburg” (commissioned in 1939): 6,200 tons full load displacement and armed with 300 mines. Her name literally means “Maria’s Castle.” The “Marienburg” survived World War Two, and returned to civilian use after the war.

Der Hilfsminenleger “Marienburg” (1939) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 6,200 Tonnen, und wurde mit 300 Seeminen ausgerüstet. Sie überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg, und wurde danach wieder als Handelsschiff benutzt. Marienburg ist eine Stadt in Westpreußen, und gehört seit 1945 Polen.

3.) “Tannenberg” (commissioned in 1939): 5,504 tons full load displacement and armed with 3-6 inch guns plus 4-1,5 inch guns. She was named for the German victory over the Imperial Russian Army in East Prussia in 1914, and could make up to 20 knots. She was sunk by mines on July 9, 1941.

Der Hilfsminenleger “Tannenberg” (1939) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 5,504 Tonnen, und war mit drei 15-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (SFK) sowie mit vier 3,8-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (SFK) bewaffnet. Ihre Höchstgeschwindigkeit lag bei 20 Knoten. Sie wurde am 9. Juli 1941 durch einen Minentreffer versenkt. Die Schlacht bei Tannenberg, eine Stadt in Ostpreußen, war eine Schlacht des Ersten Weltkrieges und fand in der Gegend südlich von Allenstein in Ostpreußen vom 26. August bis 30. August 1914 zwischen deutschen und rußischen Armeen statt. Die deutsche Seite stellte hierbei 153,000 Mann, die rußische Seite 191,000 Soldaten ins Feld. Die Schlacht endete mit einem Sieg der deutschen Truppen und der Zerschlagung des nach Ostpreußen eingedrungenen rußischen Feldzuges.

4.) ”Doggerbank” (commissioned in 1926): 5,154 tons full load displacement. She was named after the spot in the North Sea where British and German battlecruisers dueled each other in 1915, and where the German armored, or large cruiser “S.M.S. Blücher” met her tragic end. The “Doggerbank” was armed with 1-4 inch gun, 2-20 mm guns and 280 mines. She was tragically torpedoed in error by a German submarine in the North Atlantic on March 4, 1943.

Der Hilfsminenleger “Doggerbank” (1926) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 5,154 Tonnen, und war mit einer 10-cm Schnellfeuerkanone, mit zwei 20-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) sowie mit 280 Seeminen ausgerüstet. Sie wurde am 4. März 1943 tragisch von einem deutschen Unterseeboot im Nordatlantik torpediert. Am 14. Januar 1915 fand in der Nordsee das Gefecht an der Doggerbank zwischen deutschen und britischen Schlachtkreuzern statt, wo der deutsche Panzerkreuzer “S.M.S. Blücher” verloren ging.

5-7.) “Galeb” class (all commissioned in 1938): 3,667 tons full load displacement each. Sister ships were the “Kiebitz” and the “Kuckuck.” All ships were named after birds, ”Galeb” being the Croatian word for “seegull.” All three ships survived World War Two, to serve in the postwar Yugoslavian Navy. Armament consisted of 3-3,5 inch guns, 26-20 mm guns and 250 mines.

Die drei Hilfsminenleger der “Galeb” (1938) Klaße hatten je eine Einsatzverdrängung von 3,667 Tonnen, und waren mit je drei 9-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (SFK), 26-20 mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) sowie mit 250 Seeminen ausgerüstet. Die zwei anderen Mitglieder dieser Klaße hießen “Kiebitz” und “Kuckuck.” “Galeb” ist serbokroatisch für “Seemöwe.” Die drei Einheiten überstanden den Zweiten Weltkrieg, und wurden von Jugoslawien übernommen.

8.) “Linz” class (commissioned in 1940): 3,374 tons full load displacement. She was armed with 2-4 inch guns, 2-37 mm guns, 14-20 mm guns and 340 mines. She survived World War Two to return to civilian use after the war. Linz is the third largest city in Austria, and the capital city of the State of Upper Austria (”Oberösterreich” in German). During the time of the Habsburg-Lothringen monarchy, Upper Austria was known as the Archduchy of Austria above the River Enns (”Erzherzogtum Österreich ob der Enns” in German).

Der Hilfsminenleger “Linz” (1940) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 3,374 Tonnen, und war mit zwei 10-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (SFK), zwei 37-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK), 14-20 mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) sowie mit 340 Seeminen ausgerüstet. Sie überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg, und wurde danach wieder als Handelsschiff in Dienst gestellt.

9.) “San Giorgio” class (commissioned in 1904): 3,152 tons full load displacement. She was armed with 4-20 mm guns and 18 mines. She survived World War Two, and was scrapped in 1947.

Der Hilfsminenleger “San Giorgio” (1904) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 3,152 Tonnen, und war mit vier 20-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) sowie mit 18 Seeminen ausgerüstet. Sie überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg, und wurde im Jahre 1947 verschrottet.

10.) “Ulm” class (commissioned in 1938): 3,071 tons full load displacement. She was armed with 200 mines, and was sunk by 3 British destroyers on August 29, 1942. She was named after the city of Ulm in Baden-Württemberg, which was also the home town of Field Marshall Erwin Rommel, the famed “Desert Fox” of the German “Afrika Korps.” His son Manfred Rommel was eventually elected as the Mayor of Ulm after World War Two.

Der Hilfsminenleger “Ulm” (1938) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 3,071 Tonnen. Sie war mit 200 Seeminen ausgerüstet, und wurde am 29. August 1942 von zwei britischen Zerstörern versenkt.

11-12.) “Elsaß” class (commissioned in 1930): 3,047 tons full load displacement. The “Elsaß” was armed with 2-3,5 inch guns, 10-20 mm guns and 280 mines. She was sunk by mines on January 3, 1945. She was named after the Alsace, which is now a German-speaking province in France. France annexed the Alsace from Germany in stages after wars of aggression in 1648, 1659, 1688 and 1697. The Alsace returned to Germany between 1871-1918 and again between 1940-1945. Her sister ship “Ostmark” was commissioned in 1932, and was bombed and sunk by Allied aircraft on April 21, 1945.

Der Hilfsminenleger “Elsaß” (1930) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 3,047 Tonnen, und war mit zwei 9-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (SFK), zehn 20-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) sowie mit 280 Seeminen ausgerüstet. Sie wurde am 3. Januar 1945 von einem Minentreffer versenkt. Vor 1648 (der Dreißigjährige Krieg) war das Elsaß deutsch, auf keinen Fall französisch. Die Franzosen haben Elsaß teilweise in den Jahren 1648, 1659, 1688 und endlich 1697 erobert. Elsaß wurde wieder zwischen 1871-1918 und 1940-1945 deutsch. Die Bevölkerung im Elsaß ist immer noch deutschsprachig.

13.) “Pommern” class (commissioned in 1939): 2,956 tons full load displacement. The “Pommern” was armed with 2-4 inch guns, 12-20 mm guns and 260 mines. She was sunk by mines on October 5, 1943. She was named after the German province of Pomerania, most of which is now in Poland. Polish Further Pomerania has a population of 6 million people today, 22% of whom speak German.

Der Hilfsminenleger “Pommern” (1939) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 2,956 Tonnen, und war mit zwei 10-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (SFK), 12-20 mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) sowie mit 260 Seeminen ausgerüstet. Sie wurde am 5. Oktober 1943 von einem Minentreffer versenkt. Seit 1945 ist Hinterpommern polnisch. Pommern hat heute 6 Millionen Einwohner, wovon 22% immer noch deutsch als Zweitsprache sprechen.

14.) “Westmark” class (commissioned in 1930): 2,835 tons full load displacement and armed with 200 mines. She was scuttled by the Germans in the occupied French port of Marseilles on August 22, 1944, to prevent her from falling into enemy hands.

Der Hilfsminenleger “Westmark” (1930) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 2,835 Tonnen, und war mit 200 Seeminen ausgerüstet. Sie wurde am 22. August 1944 im Hafen von Marseilles selbst versenkt.

15.) “Preußen” class (commissioned in 1926): 2,529 tons full load displacement and armed with 2-3,5 inch guns plus 400 mines. She was sunk by mines on July 9, 1941. She was named after the German province of Prussia, which is now divided between Russia and Poland.

Der Hilfsminenleger “Preußen” (1926) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 2,529 Tonnen, und war mit zwei 9-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (SFK) sowie mit 400 Seeminen ausgerüstet. Sie wurde am 9. Juli 1941 von einem Minentreffer versenkt. Seit 1945 gehört Preußen zu Polen, Rußland und Litauen. Westpreußen, die Stadt Danzig und Südostpreußen (Masuren und das Ermland) gehören auch zu Polen. Nordostpreußen mit Königsberg gehören zu Rußland und das Memelland gehört zu Litauen.

16.) “Roland” class (commissioned in 1927): 2,436 tons full load displacement and armed with 2-3,5 inch guns, 1-37 mm gun, 2-20 mm guns and 460 mines. She was sunk by mines on April 21, 1944.

Der Hilfsminenleger “Roland” (1927) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 2,436 Tonnen, und war mit zwei 9-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (SFK), einer 37-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanone (FLAK), zwei 20-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) sowie mit 460 Seeminen ausgerüstet. Sie wurde am 21. April 1944 von einem Minentreffer versenkt.

17.) “Barbara” class (commissioned in 1908): 2,435 tons full load displacement. She transferred to use as an accommodation ship in 1945, survived World War Two and was scrapped in 1949.

Der Hilfsminenleger “Barbara” (1908) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 2,435 Tonnen, und wurde zur Zeit des Zweiten Weltkrieges hauptsächlich als Wohnschiff benutzt. Sie überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg, und wurde im Jahre 1949 verschrottet.

18.) “Lothringen” class (commissioned in 1941): 2,434 tons full load displacement. She was armed with 2-3,5 inch guns and 240 mines. She survived World War Two and returned to civilian use after the war. She was named after the province of the Lorraine, which is now part of France. The Lorraine was taken from the German Empire by France in wars of aggression in 1648 and 1678. Germany won the Lorraine back in 1697, but France took it yet again in 1735 and 1766. The Lorraine returned to Germany between 1871-1918 and again from 1940-1945. The province of the Lorraine is the ancestral home of the male line of the current Habsburg-Lothringen Dynasty, which reigned over the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation until 1806, and over Austria-Hungary until 1918.

Der Hilfsminenleger “Lothringen” (1941) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 2,434 Tonnen, und war mit zwei 9-cm Schnellfeuerkanone (SFK) sowie mit 240 Seeminen ausgerüstet. Sie überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg, und wurde danach wieder als Handelsschiff benutzt. Vor 1648 war Lothringen immer deutsch. Frankreich hatte Lothringen teilweise in den Jahren 1648 und 1678 erobert. Lothringen war wieder deutsch zwischen 1697-1735, zwischen 1871-1918 und wieder zwischen 1940-1945. Das Adelhaus Habsburg-Lothringen kommt aus der Schweiz (Kanton Aargau) und auch Lothringen. Das Adelhaus Habsburg beherrschte das Deutsche Reich bis 1806 und das Kaiserreich Österreich-Ungarn bis 1918.

19.) “Hansestadt Danzig” (commissioned in 1926): 2,430 tons full load displacement. She was armed with 2-3,5 inch guns, 4-37 mm guns, 6-20 mm guns and 360 mines. She was sunk by mines on July 9, 1941. She was of course named after the Hanseatic City of Danzig in West Prussia, which has been known as “Gdansk” in Poland since 1945.

Der Hilfsminenleger “Hansestadt Danzig” (1926) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 2,430 Tonnen, und war mit zwei 9-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (SFK), vier 37-Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK), sechs 20-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) sowie mit 360 Seeminen ausgerüstet. Sie wurde am 9. Juli 1941 von einem Minentreffer versenkt. Die Stadt Danzig wurde am 13. November 1308 vom Deutschen Orden übergenommen, und blieb deutschsprachig bis zur Tragischen Vertreibung im Jahre 1945.

20.) “Cyrnos” (commissioned in 1929): 2,406 tons full load displacement and armed with 220 mines. She survived World War Two, and returned to civilian use thereafter.

Der Hilfsminenleger “Cyrnos” (1929) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 2,406 Tonnen und wurde mit 220 Seeminen ausgerüstet. Sie überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg und wurde danach wieder als Handelsschiff in Dienst gestellt.

21.) “Königin Luise” (commissioned in 1934): 2,399 tons full load displacement. She was sunk by mines off the coast of Helsinki, Finland on September 25, 1941. She was named after Luise of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, who became the Queen of Prussia upon her marriage to the Prussian King Friedrich Wilhelm III, who reigned from 1797 until his death in 1840.

Der Hilfsminenleger “Königin Luise” (1934) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 2,399 Tonnen und wurde am 25. September 1941 von einem Minentreffer an der Küste von Helsinki, Finnland versenkt. Die Herzogin Luise Auguste Wilhelmine Amalie zu Mecklenburg, Prinzeßin von Mecklenburg-Strelitz (1776-1810) war als Gemahlin König Friedrich Wilhelms III die Königin von Preußen. Er regierte von 1797 bis 1840 als König von Preußen.

22.) “Versailles” (commissioned in 1919): 2,156 tons full load displacement and armed with 200 mines. She survived World War Two, and returned to civilian use thereafter.

Der Hilfsminenleger “Versailles” (1919) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 2,156 Tonnen, und war mit 200 Seeminen ausgerüstet. Sie überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg, und wurde danach wieder als Handelsschiff benutzt.

23.) “Cobra” (commissioned in 1926): 2,131 tons full load displacement and armed with 2-3,5 inch guns, 1-37 mm gun plus 180 mines. She was bombed and sunk by Allied aircraft in the Dutch port of Schiedam on August 27, 1943.

Der Hilfsminenleger “Cobra” (1926) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 2,131 Tonnen, und war mit zwei 9-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (SFK), einer 37-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanone (FLAK) sowie mit 180 Seeminen ausgerüstet. Sie wurde am 27. August 1943 von Fliegerbombern im Hafen von Schiedam, Holland versenkt.

24.) “Wullenwever” (commissioned in 1911): 1,882 tons full load displacement and armed with 200 mines. This ship survived World War Two, and was scrapped in 1946.

Der Hilfsminenleger “Wullenwever” (1911) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,882 Tonnen, und war mit 200 Seeminen ausgerüstet. Sie überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg, und wurde im Jahre 1946 verschrottet.

25.) “Peter Wessel” (commissioned in 1937): 1,415 tons full load displacement and armed with 2-37 mm guns plus 180 mines. Fate unknown.

Der Hilfsminenleger “Peter Wessel” (1937) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,415 Tonnen, und war mit zwei 37-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) sowie mit 180 Seeminen ausgerüstet. Ihr Verbleib ist uns lieder nicht bekannt.

26.) “Richthofen” (commissioned in 1943): 1,375 tons full load displacement and armed with 1-30 mm gun plus 2-20 mm guns. She could make up to 21,5 knots with her diesel engines. This ship was named after the famous World War One German fighter pilot Baron Manfred von Richthofen (the “Red Baron”), who was the top scoring fighter ace of the entire First World War (with 80 kills to his credit). The ship survived World War Two, and was taken by Soviet Russia as war reparations in 1946.

Der Hilfsminenleger “Richthofen” (1943) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,375 Tonnen, und war mit einer 30-mm sowie mit zwei 20-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) ausgerüstet. Ihre Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Dieselantrieb lag bei 21,5 Knoten. Sie überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg, und wurde im Jahre 1946 von Sowjetrußland beschlagnahmt. Freiherr Manfred Albrecht von Richthofen (1892-1918) war ein deutscher Jagdflieger und Fliegeraß im Ersten Weltkrieg. Er erzielte die Höchste Zahl von Luftsiegen, die im Ersten Weltkrieg von einem einzelnen Piloten erreicht wurden – er hatte 80 feindliche Flugzeuge zerstört. Den berühmten Beinamen “Der Rote Baron” erhielt von Richthofen, der einen Großteil seiner Einsätze in mehr oder weniger rot gestrichenen Flugzeugen flog, erst nach dem Krieg.

27.) “Skagerrak” (commissioned in 1939): 1,281 tons full load displacement. She was armed with 4-20 mm guns and 180 mines. She was either torpedoed by a British submarine or sunk by Allied aircraft on January 20, 1944. “Skagerrak” is the name of the Danish strait heading from the North Sea into the Baltic Sea.

Der Hilfsminenleger “Skagerrak” (1939) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,281 Tonnen, und war mit vier 20-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) sowie mit 180 Seeminen ausgerüstet. Sie wurde am 20. Januar 1944 entweder von einem britischen Unterseeboot torpediert oder durch Fliegerbomben versenkt.

28.) “Bulgaria” (commissioned in 1894): 1,108 tons full load displacement. She was torpedoed and sunk by a British submarine on October 8, 1943. She was named after the Slavic nation of Bulgaria, which was an ally of Germany in both World Wars One and Two. The Royal House of Bulgaria is that of Wettin, the noble family which ruled the German lands of Saxony.

Der Hilfsminenleger “Bulgaria” (1894) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,108 Tonnen, und wurde am 8. Oktober 1943 von einem britischen Unterseeboot torpediert. Das Königreich von Bulgarien wurde von der Dynastie Sachsen-Coburg-Gotha der Wettiner beherrscht. Großbrittanien, Belgien und Schweden werden immer noch von dem Hause Sachsen-Coburg-Gotha beherrscht. Portugal wurde bis 1910 von dem Hause Sachsen-Coburg-Gotha beherrscht.

29.) “Dietrich von Bern” (commissioned in 1934): 984 tons full load displacement. She was armed with 120 mines. She was bombed and sunk by British aircraft in the German-occupied Italian port city of Genoa on August 12, 1944.

Der Hilfsminenleger “Dietrich von Bern” (1934) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 984 Tonnen, und war mit 120 Seeminen ausgerüstet. Sie wurde am 12. August 1944 von britischen Fliegerbombern im Hafen von Genua versenkt.

30.) “Lossen” (commissioned in 1943): 640 tons full load displacement. She was armed with 2-3 inch guns and 2-8 mm anti-aircraft guns. She carried 175 mines. This vessel was taken over from the defeated Danes by the Germans in 1940. She survived World War Two, and was converted to civilian use after the war. She was coal-powered and could make up to 12 knots. Her crew consisted of 61 officers and men.

Der Hilfsminenleger “Lossen” (1943) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 640 Tonnen, und war mit zwei 9-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (SFK), mit zwei 8-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) sowie mit 175 Seeminen ausgerüstet. Sie war ursprünglich dänisch, wurde von der deutschen Kriegsmarine beschlagnahmt, umgebaut und dann in Dienst gestellt. Sie überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg, und wurde danach als Handelsfahrzeug benutzt. Ihre Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Kohldampfantrieb lag bei 12 Knoten, und sie hatte eine Besatzung von 61 Offiziere und Matrosen.

31.) “Kehrwieder” (commissioned in 1943): 539 tons full load displacement. She was armed with 2-4 inch guns, and could make up to 14 knots with her small diesel engines. Fate unknown.

Der Hilfsminenleger “Kehrwieder” (1943) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 539 Tonnen, und war mit zwei 10-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (SFK) bewaffnet. Ihre Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Dieselantrieb lag bei 14 Knoten. Ihr Verbleib ist uns leider nicht bekannt.

32.) “Fasana” (commissioned in 1926): 531 tons full load displacement. She was armed with 1-3 inch gun and 54 mines. She could make up to 10 knots with her small diesel engines, and was named after a Croatian town on the Adriatic Sea coast (with 3,500 inhabitants as of the 2001 census). She was burnt out in an Italian port on May 2, 1944, but was later salvaged.

Der Hilfsminenleger “Fasana” (1926) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 531 Tonnen, und war mit einer 7,62-cm Schnellfeuerkanone (SFK) sowie mit 54 Seeminen ausgerüstet. Ihre Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Dieselantrieb lag bei 10 Knoten. Sie leidete Brandschaden am 2. Mai 1944 in Italien, wurde aber später repariert und wieder in Dienst gestellt. Fasana (heute “Fazana” auf kroatisch oder “Wazan” auf deutsch) ist eine Ortschaft an der Küste Kroatiens im Bezirk Istrien (”Küstenland” auf deutsch). Fasana liegt zwischen Vodnjan und Pula (”Pola” auf italienisch und “Polei” auf deutsch) und hat einen kleinen Hafen mit einer schönen Strandpromenade. Von Fasana ist eine Überfahrt auf den Nationalpark “Brijuni” möglich. Nach einer Volkszählung von 2001 hatte Fasana zu der Zeit 3,500 Einwohner.

33.) “Juminda” (commissioned in 1894): 475 tons full load displacement. She was armed with 2-20 mm guns and 80 mines. Fate unknown.

Der Hilfsminenleger “Juminda” (1894) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 475 Tonnen, und war mit zwei 20-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) sowie mit 80 Seeminen ausgerüstet. Ihr Verbleib ist uns lieder nicht bekannt.

34-35.) “Togo” and “Kamerun” (both commissioned in 1940): each vessel displaced up to 370 tons full load. They were armed with 2-76 mm guns plus 2-20 mm guns, and could make up to 12 knots with their small diesel engines. They were named after Germany’s former African colonies of Togo and Cameroon. Germany’s other African colonies included German East Africa (modern Tanzania, Burundi and Rwanda), German South-West Africa (modern Namibia) and Grossfriedrichsburg (”Great Fredericksburg” in English, which is modern-day Ghana). In addition to this, 40% of the white Afrikaner population of South Africa is of German ancestry. Both vessels survived World War Two, to return to active service after the war.

Die zwei Hilfsminenleger “Togo” (1940) und “Kamerun” (1940) hatten je eine Einsatzverdrängung von 370 Tonnen, und waren mit je zwei 76-mm Schnellfeuerkanonen (SFK) sowie mit zwei 20-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit dieser Klaße mit Dieselantrieb lag bei 12 Knoten. Die zwei Seefahrzeuge wurden nach Deutschlands ehemaligen Kolonien in Westafrika benannt. Sie überstanden den Zweiten Weltkrieg, und wurden nach dem Krieg wieder in Dienst gestellt.

36.) “Romania” (commissioned in 1914): 364 tons full load displacement. She was armed with 4-20 mm guns and 80 mines. She was of course named after the country of Romania, which was ruled by a dynasty of the noble German House of Hohenzollern, which ruled Brandenburg-Prussia in addition to its ancestral land of Hohenzollern (located in the Southern German region of Württemberg). 150,000 ethnic Germans live in Romania today, mostly in the western region of Transylvania (”Siebenbürgen” in German or “7 fortified cities” of the Middle Ages in English). This vessel was bombed and sunk by Allied aircraft in the Romanian port city of Constanta on May 12, 1944.

Der Hilfsminenleger “Romania” (1914) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 364 Tonnen, und war mit vier 20-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) sowie mit 80 Seeminen ausgerüstet. Sie wurde am 12. Mai 1944 von Fliegerbombern im Hafen von Constanta versenkt. Das Königreich Rumänien wurde von 1881 bis 1947 vom Adelhaus Hohenzollern beherrscht. Das Adelhaus Hohenzollern beherrschte auch Preußen (von 1525 bis 1918), Brandenburg (von 1412 bis 1918) und Hohenzollern in Schwaben (von 1061 bis 1918).

37.) “Adjutant” (commissioned in 1937): 354 tons full load displacement. She was armed with 1-60 mm gun, 2-20 mm guns and 20 mines. She was sunk by gunfire on July 1, 1941.

Der Hilfsminenleger “Adjutant” (1937) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 354 Tonnen, und war mit einer 60-mm Schnellfeuerkanone (SFK), zwei 20-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) sowie mit 20 Seeminen ausgerüstet. Sie wurde am 1. Juli 1941 durch Kanonenfeuer versenkt.

38-39.) “Glommen” and “Laugen” (both commissioned by the Norwegian Navy in 1917, and confiscated by Germany in 1940): each vessel displaced up to 335 tons full load. They were armed with 2-76 mm guns and 50 mines. “Glommen” was lost in action off the Norwegian coast in 1944, whereas “Laugen” survived World War Two (to be returned to the Norwegian Navy in 1945).

Die beiden Hilfsminenleger “Glommen” (1917) und “Laugen” (1917) gehörten ursprünglich Norwegen und wurden im Jahre 1940 von der deutschen Kriegsmarine beschlagnahmt. Sie hatten je eine Einsatzverdrängung von 335 Tonnen, und waren mit je zwei 76-mm Schnellfeuerkanonen (SFK) sowie mit 50 Seeminen ausgerüstet. Die “Glommen” wurde im Jahre 1944 an der Küste von Norwegen versenkt, aber die “Laugen” überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg und wurde an Norwegen zurückgegeben.

40.) “Alexandra” (commissioned in 1890): 90 tons full load displacement. This small boat survived World War Two to become a mercantile vessel in 1948. She served in this capacity and was finally scrapped in 1964.

Der Hilfsminenleger “Alexandra” (1890) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 90 Tonnen. Sie überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg, und wurde danach wieder als Handelsfahrzeug benutzt. Sie wurde endlich im Jahre 1964 verschrottet – nach einer Dienstzeit von 74 Jahren.

XXVIIa. “Brummer” Class (1935)

The light mine-laying cruiser “Brummer” (1935) was built by the Deschimag Shipyard in Bremen. She displaced up to 3,010 tons full load, was 113 meters long, and was also used as a training vessel. She was unfortunately sunk during the successful German invasion and occupation of Norway on April 14, 1940.

Der Leichte Minenleger “Brummer” (1935) wurde von der Deschimagwerft in Bremen gebaut. Sie hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 3,010 Tonnen, war 113 Meter lang, und wurde auch als Schulschiff benutzt. Am 14. April 1940 ging sie bei der erfolgreichen deutschen Norwegeninvasion verloren.

XXVIIb. “Bremse” Class (1931)

The light mine-laying cruiser “Bremse” (1931) was built by the Naval Yard in Wilhelmshaven, and was also used partly as a training vessel. She displaced up to 1,435 tons full load, and was 104 meters long. She was unfortunately sunk in a battle with British Royal Navy cruisers off the coast of Norway in September of 1941.

Der Leichte Minenleger “Bremse” (1931) wurde von der Marinewerft in Wilhelmshaven gebaut. Sie hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,435 Tonnen, war 104 Meter lang, und wurde auch als Schulschiff benutzt. Im September 1941 wurde sie von britischen Kreuzern an der norwegischen Küste versenkt.

XXVIIc. “S.M.S. Nautilus” Class (1907)

The single Imperial German minelaying cruiser “S.M.S. Nautilus” (1907) was built by the A.G. Weser Shipyard of Bremen (Germany’s second largest seaport), displaced up to 1,975 tons full load and was 100 meters long.

Der Leichte Minenleger “S.M.S. Nautilus” (1907) wurde bei der A.G. Weser Schiffswerft in Bremen gebaut. Sie hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,975 Tonnen, und war 100 Meter lang.

XXVIII. “Minensucher / Sperrbrecher” (Minesweepers)

Minesweeping ships and boats have always seen very high combat duty, albeit not “glamorized.” The Imperial German Navy built 598 such vessels, many of which survived World War One to serve in the postwar “Reichsmarine.” The World War Two “Kriegsmarine” built 2,053 such craft, many of which also survived the war to serve in the new “Bundesmarine” and in other navies as well – taken as war reparations after the end of the war. Since 1956, Germany has built an additional 1,099 minesweepers, many for export. Most purpose-built minesweepers tend to be rather small, or under 900 tons full load displacement.

Die Minensucher der Deutschen Marine waren zur Zeit der zwei Weltkriege sehr aktiv. Die Kaiserliche Marine (1871-1921) hatte 598 Minensucher in Dienst gestellt. Viele davon dienten bei der nachkriegs Reichsmarine (1922-1935). In den Jahren von 1935 bis 1945 wurden 2,053 Minensucher für die deutsche Kriegsmarine gebaut. Viele davon dienten bei der nachkriegs Bundesmarine (1956-1990) und viele davon wurden auch von den Siegermächten beschlagnahmt. Seit 1956 wurden insgesamt 1,099 neue Minenfahrzeuge in Deutschland gebaut, und die große Mehrheit davon wurden exportiert. Minensucher sind nicht Schiffe, sondern Boote – hauptsächlich mit einer Einsatzverdrängung von je weniger als 900 Tonnen.

XXVIIIa. Minesweeper Type 1935 (M.1 – M.260)

As said earlier, most vessels (especially smaller ones) were never “named” in the German Navy. They merely received “call” or “pennant” numbers. In the “Minesweeper Type 1935? class of 260 boats, merely four (4) boats received names, and these after World War Two – in the service of the new Federal German Navy (the modern “Bundesmarine”). The “Hummel” (1940), “Brummer” (1941), “Biene” (1941) and “Wespe” (1940) each displaced up to 878 tons full load (as did the rest of their unnamed sister vessels). Armament consisted of 2-4 inch guns and 2-37 mm anti-aircraft guns. Top speed was up to 18,25 knots with diesel engines, and radius was up to 5,000 miles. Each boat had a complement of 104 commissioned officers and enlisted men. As with all smaller vessel classes, such boats saw a tremendous amount of combat duty during World War Two – much more than the large capital ships. These 260 boats were built in various German shipyards such as those in Hamburg, Stettin, Lübeck, Königsberg, Bremen, Emden, Bremerhaven and Rostock. “Hummel” is German for “bumble-bee,” “Brummer” is German for “bluebottle / dung-beetle,” “Biene” is German for “queen bee” and “Wespe” is German for “wasp.”

Die meisten kleineren Seefahrzeuge (wie Minensucher) hatten keine Patennamen. Es gab 260 Mitglieder der Klaße “Minensucher Typ 1935? (M.1 bis M.260). Davon hatten nur vier Einheiten Patennamen, und nur nach dem Ende des Zweiten Weltkrieges, als sie bei der nachkriegs Bundesmarine dienten. Diese vier Boote hießen “Hummel” (1940), “Brummer” (1941), “Biene” (1941) und “Wespe” (1940). Sie hatten je eine Einsatzverdrängung von 878 Tonnen, und waren mit je zwei 10-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (SFK) sowie mit zwei 37-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit dieser Klaße mit Dieselantrieb lag bei 18,25 Knoten, und die Reichweite bei 5,000 Seemeilen. Eine Besatzung bestand aus 104 Offiziere und Matrosen. Die 260 Einheiten dieser Klaße wurden in Hamburg, Stettin, Lübeck, Königsberg, Bremen, Emden, Bremerhaven und Rostock gebaut.

XXVIIIb. “Walther von Ledebur” (1966)

The modern minesweeper “Walther von Ledebur” displaces up to 825 tons full load, and can make up to 19 knots with her diesel engines. She was built by the Burmester Shipyard in Bremen, and is 63,2 meters long, has a beam of 10,6 meters and a draught of 3 meters. She is powered by 2 Maybach diesel engines, which drive 2 propellers and produce up to 5,200 horsepower. Her crew includes 19 commissioned officers and enlisted men, plus some technicians.

Der moderne Minensucher “Walther von Ledebur” (1966) hat eine Einsatzverdrängung von 825 Tonnen, und wurde bei der Burmester Schiffswerft in Bremen gebaut. Sie ist 63,2 Meter lang, mit einer Breite von 10,6 Meter und einen Tiefgang von 3 Meter. Ihre Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Dieselantrieb liegt bei 19 Knoten, und ihre Motoren haben eine Gesamtleistung von 5,200 PS. Die Besatzung des Bootes besteht aus 19 Offiziere und Matrosen, und auch einige Techniker.

XXVIIIc. “Minesweeper Type 1943” (M.601 – M.886 and M.1001 – M.1050)

These 336 boats were the final and the most modern purpose-built minesweepers of the World War Two German Navy. Each vessel displaced up to 821 tons full load, and was armed with 2-4 inch guns, 2-37 mm guns plus 8-20 mm anti-aircraft guns. They could make up to 16,5 knots with their coal boilers under full steam (it was decided to revert to coal power due to its abundance in Germany compared with crude oil). Maximum range of operations was 3,600 miles, and complement was 107 commissioned officers and enlisted men. Just two boats were named by the Germans, and these after World War Two (when they were taken into the modern German “Bundesmarine”). They were the “Seeschlange” (sea snake) and the “Wangerooge” (one of Germany’s Frisian Islands in the North Sea).

Die 336 Einheiten der Klaße “Minensucher Typ 1943” (M.601 bis M.886 und M.1001 bis M.1050) hatten je eine Einsatzverdrängung von 821 Tonnen, und waren mit je zwei 10-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (SFK), zwei 37-mm und acht 20-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit dieser Klaße mit Kohldampfantrieb lag bei 16,5 Knoten, und die Reichweite bei 3,600 Seemeilen. Eine Besatzung bestand aus 107 Offiziere und Matrosen. Zwei Boote dienten bei der nachkriegs Bundesmarine – die “Seeschlange” und die “Wangerooge.”

XXVIIId. “Minesweeper Type 1940” (M.261 – M.501)

This type of 241 minesweepers each displaced up to 775 tons full load. They were armed with 1-4 inch gun, 6-20 mm anti-aircraft guns and 2-21 inch torpedo tubes. They could make up to 16,75 knots with their coal boilers under full steam, and had a radius of operations of 4,000 nautical miles. Only 5 of the 241 boats were named by the German Navy, and these only after World War Two (when they were absorbed into the modern German “Bundesmarine”). These were the “Seestern” (1944), the “Seepferd” (1944), the “Seehund” (1944), the “Seelöwe” (1942) and the “Seeigel” (1942). “Seestern” means “sea star” in English, and “Seepferd” means “sea horse.” “Seehund” is German for “seal.” “Seelöwe” means “sea-lion” in English. “Seeigel” is German for “sea hedgehog.”

Die 241 Einheiten der Klaße “Minensucher Typ 1940” (M.261 bis M.501) hatten je eine Einsatzverdrängung von 775 Tonnen, und waren mit je einer 10-cm Schnellfeuerkanone (SFK), sechs 20-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) sowie mit zwei 533-mm Torpedorohre bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit dieser Klaße mit Kohldampfantrieb lag bei 16,75 Knoten und die Reichweite bei 4,000 Seemeilen. Fünf Boote dienten bei der nachkriegs Bundesmarine – die “Seestern” (1944), die “Seepferd” (1944), die “Seehund” (1944), die “Seelöwe” (1942) und die “Seeigel” (1942).

XXVIIIe. “Minesweeper Type 1915 and 1916” (M.28 – M.598)

This class of 571 minesweepers dates back to the time of the First World War. Many of these vessels survived the war to be surrendered to the Allies, to be scrapped, to be converted to civilian use or to be absorbed into the new German “Reichsmarine.” Each vessel displaced up to 690 tons full load. They were armed with 1-4 inch gun and 3-20 mm anti-aircraft guns. They could make up to 14 knots under either coal or diesel power, and their range of operations was up to 3,500 nautical miles. Their crews consisted of 51 commissioned officers and enlisted men.

Die 571 Einheiten der Klaße “Minensucher Typ 1915 und 1916” (M.28 bis M.598) wurden von 1915 bis 1919 gebaut. Sie hatten je eine Einsatzverdrängung von 690 Tonnen, und waren mit je einer 10-cm Schnellfeuerkanone (SFK) sowie mit drei 20-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit dieser Klaße mit entweder Kohldampfantrieb oder Dieselantrieb lag bei 14 Knoten und die Reichweite bei 3,500 Seemeilen. Eine Besatzung bestand aus 51 Offiziere und Matrosen. Nur 26 Boote, die bei der nachkriegs Reichsmarine dienten, hatten Patennamen. Sie waren die “Pelikan” (1916), die “Brommy” (1916), die “Hecht” (1917), die “Hille” (1917), die “Störtebeker” (1917), die “Nautilus” (1919), die “Jagd” (1919), die “Von der Groben” (1919), die “Delphin” (1919), die “Johann Wittenborg” (1919), die “Sundewall” (1919), die “Acheron” (1919), die “Arkona” (1919), die “Alders” (1919), die “Otto Braun” (1919), die “Fuchs” (1919), die “Wacht” (1919), die “Raule” (1919), die “Frauenlob” (1919), die “Jungingden” (1919), die “Gazelle” (1919), die “Havel” (1919), die “Nettelbeck” (1919) die “Zieten” (1919) die “Von der Lippe” (1918) und die “Taku” (1918). Die “Pelikan” überstand den Ersten sowie den Zweiten Weltkrieg, und wurde im Jahre 1945 von den Amerikanern beschlagnahmt. Die “Brommy” wurde am 15. Juni 1944 von den Engländern im Ärmelkanal torpediert. Die “Hecht” überstand den Ersten sowie den Zweiten Weltkrieg, und wurde im Jahre 1945 von den Sowjetrußen beschlagnahmt. Die “Störtebeker” überstand den Ersten sowie den Zweiten Weltkrieg, und wurde im Jahre 1945 von den Amerikanern übernommen. Die “Nautilus” überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg, und wurde im Jahre 1945 von den Amerikanern beschlagnahmt. Die “Jagd” überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg, und wurde im Jahre 1948 verschrottet. Die “Von der Groben” wurde am 15. Juni 1944 von Fliegerbombern im Hafen von Boulogne versenkt. Die “Delphin” überstand den Ersten sowie den Zweiten Weltkrieg, und wurde im Jahre 1945 von Sowjetrußland übernommen. Die “Johann Wittenborg” und die “Sundewall” überstanden den Ersten sowie den Zweiten Weltkrieg, und wurden im Jahre 1945 von den Amerikanern beschlagnahmt. Die “Arkona” wurde am 21. Mai 1944 westlich von Fehmarn von einem Minentreffer versenkt. Die “Alders” überstand den Ersten sowie den Zweiten Weltkrieg, und wurde im Jahre 1945 von den Amerikanern übernommen. Die “Otto Braun” wurde im September 1941 von einem Minentreffer an der Küste von Kolberg versenkt. Die “Fuchs” überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg, und wurde danach von Sowjetrußland beschlagnahmt. Die “Wacht” und die “Raule” gingen am 9. Mai 1942 bei einem Unfall an der Küste von Dünkirchen verloren. Die “Frauenlob” die “Jungingden” überstanden den Zweiten Weltkrieg, und wurde danach von den Amerikanern übernommen. Die “Gazelle” überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg, und wurde danach von Sowjetrußland beschlagnahmt. Die “Havel” wurde am 26. Juli 1940 von einem Minentreffer an der Küste von Holland versenkt. Die “Nettelbeck” und die “Zieten” wurden im Dezember 1944 im Hafen von Königsberg nach einem rußischen Luftangriff selbst versenkt. Die “Von der Lippe” und die “Taku” wurden am 7. Juni 1944 von Fliegerbombern im Hafen von Boulogne versenkt.

These vessels were initially without names, but those taken into the “Reichsmarine” after November 1918 were given names. They included the “Pelikan” (1916), the “Brommy” (1916), the “Hecht” (1917), the “Hille” (1917), the “Störtebeker” (1917), the “Nautilus” (1919), the “Jagd” (1919), the “Von der Groben” (1919), the “Delphin” (1918), the “Johann Wittenborg” (1918), the “Sundewall” (1918), the “Acheron” (1919), the “Arkona” (1918), the “Alders” (1918), the “Otto Braun” (1919), the “Fuchs” (1919), the “Wacht” (1919), the “Raule” (1919), the “Frauenlob” (1919), the “Jungingden” (1919), the “Gazelle” (1919), the “Havel” (1919), the “Nettelbeck” (1919), the “Zieten” (1919), the “Von der Lippe” (1918) and the “Taku” (1918).

The “Pelikan” survived both World Wars, and was surrendered to the American Navy after World War Two. The “Brommy” was named after a German Admiral from the 1840s. She was torpedoed and sunk by British naval forces in the English Channel on June 15, 1944. The “Hecht” survived both World Wars, and was taken over by Soviet Russia as part of war reparations in 1945. The “Störtebeker” was named after an infamous German pirate of the 15th century, who was defeated and hung by the Hanseatic German Navy of Hamburg in 1401. The vessel bearing his name survived both World Wars, and was taken over by the U.S. Navy in 1945. The “Nautilus” was of course named after the famous submarine in Jules Vernes’ popular science fiction book titled “20,000 Leagues under the Sea.” The vessel survived both World Wars, and was taken over by the American Navy in 1945. The “Jagd” was named for the German word for “hunt.” She survived both World Wars, and was finally scrapped in 1948. The “Von der Groben” was bombed and sunk by Allied aircraft in the German-occupied French port of Boulogne on June 15, 1944. The “Delphin” was named for the German word for “dolphin.” The vessel survived both World Wars, and was taken over by the Soviet Navy in 1945. The “Sundewall” and the “Johann Wittenborg” both survived until 1945, and were taken over by the U.S. Navy as war booty. The “Arkona” was named for a cape on a German island in the Baltic Sea. She was sunk by mines West of the German island of Fehmarn on May 22, 1944. The “Alders” survived both World Wars, and was taken over by the Americans as war booty in 1945. The “Otto Braun” was sunk by mines off the German Pomeranian city of Kolberg in the Baltic Sea in September of 1941. The “Fuchs” was named after the German word for “fox.” She survived both World Wars, and was taken over by Soviet Russia in 1945. The “Wacht” and the “Raule” were lost in a collision off the German-occupied French port of Dunkirk on May 9, 1942. The “Frauenlob” and the “Jungingden” survived both World Wars, and were taken over by the U.S. Navy in 1945. The “Gazelle” survived both World Wars as well, and was taken over by the Russians in 1945. The “Havel” was sunk by mines off the German-occupied coast of the Netherlands on July 26, 1940. The “Nettelbeck” and the “Zieten” were scuttled in the German East Prussian port of Königsberg after having been bombed by Russian aircraft in very late 1944. The “Von der Lippe” and the “Taku” were bombed and sunk by Allied aircraft in the German-occupied French port of Boulogne on June 7, 1944.

XXVIIIf. “Peter Florisz” Class (1937)

This small class of 3 former Royal Netherlands minesweepers were taken over by the victorious German Navy in 1940, upon the surrender of the Netherlands to Germany. Each vessel displaced up to 585 tons full load, and was armed with 1-3 inch gun plus 4-20 mm anti-aircraft guns. They could make up to 15,5 knots with their small diesel engines, and had a radius of operations of 2,350 nautical miles. Their crews consisted of 59 commissioned officers and enlisted men. All 3 vessels survived World War Two, and were returned to the Netherlands upon the German surrender in 1945. Their Dutch names were “Peter Florisz” (1937), “Abraham van der Hulst” (1937) and “Willem van Ewijk” (1940).

Die drei niederländischen Minensucher der “Peter Florisz” (1937) Klaße wurden im Mai 1940 von der deutschen Kriegsmarine beschlagnahmt. Sie hatten je eine Einsatzverdrängung von 585 Tonnen, und waren mit je einer 7,62-cm Schnellfeuerkanone (SFK) sowie mit vier 20-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit dieser Klaße mit Dieselantrieb lag bei 15,5 Knoten, und die Reichweite bei 2,350 Seemeilen. Eine Besatzung bestand aus 59 Offiziere und Matrosen. Die zwei anderen Mitglieder dieser Klaße hießen “Abraham van der Hulst” (1937) und “Willem van Ewijk” (1940). Die drei Boote überstanden den Zweiten Weltkrieg, und wurden danach an Holland zurückgegeben.

XXVIIIg. “Schleswig” Class (1957)

The 6 Type 351 drone minesweeper control ships of the “Schleswig” (1957) class were all built by the Burmester Shipyard in Bremen, and displaced up to 488 tons full load each. The other members of this class included the “Paderborn” (1958), the “Düren” (1959), the “Konstanz” (1959), the “Wolfsburg” (1959) and the “Ulm” (1959). Each vessel could make up to 16,5 knots, was 47,5 meters long, had a beam of 8,5 meters and a draught of 2,75 meters. Armament included just one 40-mm anti-aircraft gun. They were equipped with both radar and sonar, had 2 diesel engines which drove 2 propellers, produced up to 3,300 horsepower and had a range of operations of up to 2,200 miles. Crews consisted of 44 commissioned officers and enlisted men each.

Die sechs nachkriegs Minensucher der “Schleswig” (1957) Klaße hatten je eine Einsatzverdrängung von 488 Tonnen, waren je 47,5 Lang, hatten eine Breite von je 8,5 Meter und einen Tiefgang von 2,75 Meter. Die Bewaffnung eines Bootes bestand aus einer 40-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanone (FLAK). Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit dieser Klaße mit Dieselantrieb lag bei 16,5 Knoten, und die Reichweite bei 2,200 Seemeilen. Eine Besatzung bestand aus 44 Offiziere und Matrosen. Die fünf anderen Mitglieder dieser Klaße hießen “Paderborn” (1958), “Düren” (1959), “Konstanz” (1959), “Wolfsburg” (1959) und “Ulm” (1959).

XXVIIIh. “Lindau” Class (1958)

The “Lindau” (1958) class of 12 post-World War Two minesweepers each displaced up to 402 tons full load, and were armed with 1-40 mm gun. They could make up to 17 knots with their small diesel engines. They were all built by the Burmester Shipyard in Bremen, were 47,45 meters long, had a beam of 8,5 meters and a draught of 3,68 meters. They were equipped with both radar and sonar, and each vessel had 2 Maybach diesel engines which drove 2 propellers, producing up to 3,340 horsepower. Range of operations was up to 3,950 nautical miles, and crews consisted of 46 commissioned officers and enlisted men each.

Die 12 Minensucher der “Lindau” (1958) Klaße haben je eine Einsatzverdrängung von 402 Tonnen, und sie sind mit je einer 40-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanone (FLAK) bewaffnet. Sie wurden von der Burmesterwerft in Bremen gebaut, sind je 47,45 Meter lang, haben eine Breite von je 8,5 Meter und einen Tiefgang von 3,68 Meter. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit dieser Klaße mit Dieselantrieb liegt bei 17 Knoten und die Reichweite bei 3,950 Seemeilen. Eine Besatzung besteht aus 46 Offiziere und Matrosen. Die elf anderen Mitglieder dieser Klaße heißen “Göttingen” (1958), “Koblenz” (1958), “Tübingen” (1958), “Wetzlar” (1958), “Weilheim” (1959), “Cuxhaven” (1959), “Marburg” (1959), “Flensburg” (1959), “Minden” (1960), “Fulda” (1960) und “Völkingen” (1960). Die “Lindau” und die “Cuxhaven” wurden an Estland verkauft. Die “Göttingen” wurde an Lettland verkauft. Die “Koblenz” und die “Marburg” wurden an Litauen verkauft. Die “Wetzlar” und die “Fulda” wurden an Dänemark verkauft. Die “Tübingen” wurde an Italien verkauft. Die “Weilheim” wurde restauriert, und ist jetzt bei dem Marinemuseum Wilhelmshaven zu sehen. Die “Flensburg” wurde auch restauriert, und wird nun als Jugendheim in Duisburg benutzt. Die “Völkingen” wurde restauriert, und ist jetzt bei dem Marinemuseum der Marinekameradschaft Völkingen zu sehen. Die “Minden” wurde an Georgien verkauft.

Each vessel was named after a particular German city. The other members of this class were the “Göttingen” (1958), the “Koblenz” (1958), the “Tübingen” (1958), the “Wetzlar” (1958), “Weilheim” (1959), the “Cuxhaven” (1959), the “Marburg” (1959), “Flensburg” (1959), the “Minden” (1960), the “Fulda” (1960) and the “Völkingen” (1960). Most of these vessels have since been decommissioned and sold to foreign navies, coast guards or to private owners. “Lindau” and “Cuxhaven” now serve in the Estonian Coast Guard. “Göttingen” is now in the Coast Guard of Latvia. “Koblenz” and “Marburg” now belong to the Coast Guard of Lithuania. “Wetzlar” and “Fulda” were sold to the Danish Navy, whereas “Tübingen” now serves in the Italian Navy. “Weilheim” has been restored, and is on display at the German Naval Museum in Wilhelmshaven. “Flensburg” has also been restored, and is now in use as home for youth in the German city of Duisburg. “Völkingen” has been restored as well, and is on display as a museum (owned by the German Naval Veterans’ Organization) in the city of Völkingen. “Minden” now serves in the Coast Guard of Georgia, which has a coastline on the Black Sea.

XXVIIIi. “Altenburg” Class (1971)

This class of 27 minesweepers was built for the former Navy of Eastern Germany, known as the “Volksmarine” (”Peoples’ Navy” in English) from 1956 until German reunification 1990. Each vessel was named after a German city or town located in the former East Germany. They displaced up to 310 tons full load, and were armed with 6-25 mm guns. They could make up to 17 knots with their small diesel engines, and were all built by the Peenwerft Shipyard in Wolgast on Germany’s Baltic Sea coast. The boats of this class included the “Altenburg,” the “Genthin,” the “Zerbst,” the “Bitterfeld,” the “Rosslau,” the “Dessau,” the “Kyritz,” the “Strasburg,” the “Timendorf,” the “Röbel,” the “Klütz,” the “Neuruppin,” the “Rathenau,” the “Torgau,” the “Meiningen,” the “Pößnick,” the “Greitz,” the “Freiberg,” the “Eilensburg,” the “Boltenhagen,” the “Bernau,” the “Tangerhütte”, the “Reisea”, the “Guben,” the “Schönebeck,” the “Wittstock” and the “Pritzwark.” Major branches of the noble Saxon German House of Wettin come from the cities of Altenburg, Dessau and Meiningen. In fact, the wife of Archduke Otto von Habsburg-Lothringen is Regina of Sachsen-Meiningen. If they were to be restored to their rightful titles, they would be the Emperor and Empress (”Kaiser” and “Kaiserin” in German) of both the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation and of Austria-Hungary.

Die 27 Minensucher der “Altenburg” (1971) Klaße gehörten der Volksmarine der ehemaligen DDR, und wurden bei der Peenewerft in Wolgast gebaut. Sie hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 310 Tonnen, und waren mit je sechs 25-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit dieser Klaße mit Dieselantrieb lag bei 17 Knoten. Die 26 anderen Mitglieder dieser Klaße hießen “Genthin,” “Zerbst,” “Bitterfeld,” “Rosslau,” “Dessau,” “Kyritz,” “Strasburg,” “Timendorf,” “Röbel,” “Klütz,” “Neuruppin,” “Rathenau,” “Torgau,” “Meiningen,” “Pößnick,” “Greitz,” “Freiberg,” “Eilensburg,” “Boltenhagen,” “Bernau,” “Tangerhütte,” “Reisea,” “Guben,” “Schönebeck,” “Wittstock” und “Pritzwark.”

XXVIIIj. “Castor” Class (1939)

This class of 20 minesweepers were commissioned in 1939. They survived the Second World War, to be taken into the modern German “Bundesmarine” in 1956. Each vessel displaced up to 280 tons full load, was armed with 1-40 mm gun, and could make up to 24,6 knots with their small diesel engines. Each boat was 47,44 meters long, had a beam of 7,2 meters and a draught of 2,4 meters. They were equipped with radar, were powered by either Maybach or Mercedes-Benz diesel engines, driving 2 Escher-Wyss propellers, and could produce up to 4,200 horsepower. Each boat had up to 22 tons of fuel oil, and a range of operations of up to 1,000 nautical miles. Crews consisted of 39 commissioned officers and enlisted men.

Die 20 Minensucher der “Castor” (1939) Klaße wurden alle im Jahre 1939 in Dienst gestellt. Sie überstanden den Zweiten Weltkrieg, und dienten auch bei der nachkriegs Bundesmarine. Sie hatten je eine Einsatzverdrängung von 280 Tonnen, und waren mit je einer 40-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanone (FLAK) bewaffnet. Sie waren je 47,44 Meter lang, mit einer Breite von je 7,2 Meter und einen Tiefgang von 2,4 Meter. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit dieser Klaße mit Dieselantrieb lag bei 24,6 Knoten, und die Reichweite bei 1,000 Seemeilen. Eine Besatzung bestand aus 39 Offiziere und Matrosen. Die 19 anderen Mitglieder dieser Klaße hießen “Mars,” “Pollux,” “Regulus,” “Rigel,” “Sirius,” “Spika,” “Deneb,” “Jupiter,” “Skorpion,” “Wega,” “Schütze,” “Waage,” “Perseus,” “Pluto,” “Neptun,” “Widder,” “Herkules,” “Fische” und “Gemma.”

All these boats were named only after 1955, and all were named after famous planets, constellations and stars in the heavens. They included the “Castor” (1939), the “Mars” (1939), “Pollux” (1939), “Regulus” (1939), the “Rigel” (1939), the “Sirius” (1939), the “Spika” (1939), the “Deneb” (1939), the “Jupiter” (1939), the “Skorpion” (1939), the “Wega” (1939), the “Schütze” (1939), the “Waage” (1939), the “Perseus” (1939), the “Pluto” (1939), the “Neptun” (1939), the “Widder” (1939), the “Herkules” (1939), the “Fische” (1939) and the “Gemma” (1939).

XXVIIIk. “Stendal” Class (1968)

This class of 19 minesweepers were commissioned into the former East German Navy (called the “Volksmarine” in German, or “Peoples’ Navy” in English). Each vessel displaced up to 275 tons full load, was armed with 2-25 mm guns, and could make up to 17 knots with their small diesel engines. They were all built by the Peenewerft Shipyard in Wolgast, which is located on Germany’s Baltic Sea coast. Each boat was 52 meters long, had a beam of 7 meters and a draught of 2,4 meters. They were equipped with radar, and were powered by 2 Type 40D diesel engines, driving 2 propellers and producing up to 5,000 horsepower. Crews consisted of 30 commissioned officers and enlisted men each.

Die 19 Minensucher der “Stendal” (1968) Klaße gehörten der Volksmarine der ehemaligen DDR, und wurden bei der Peenewerft in Wolgast gebaut. Sie hatten je eine Einsatzverdrängung von 275 Tonnen, und waren mit je zwei 25-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit dieser Klaße mit Dieselantrieb lag bei 17 Knoten. Sie waren je 52 Meter lang, mit einer Breite von 7 Meter und einen Tiefgang von 2,4 Meter. Eine Besatzung bestand aus 30 Offiziere und Matrosen. Die 18 anderen Mitglieder dieser Klaße hießen “Bergen,” “Greifswald,” “Pasewalk,” ”Prenzlau,” “Meißen,” “Ahrenskoop,” “Zwickau,” “Prerow,” “Graal-Müritz,” “Zingst,” “Witte,” “Anklam,” “Ückermünde,” “Rerik,” “Weißwasser,” “Demmin,” “Kuhlungsborn” und “Wolgast.”

They were all named after German cities. They included the “Stendal,” the “Bergen,” the “Greifswald,” the “Pasewalk,” the “Prenzlau,” the “Meißen,” the “Ahrenskoop,” the “Zwickau,” the “Prerow,” the “Graal-Müritz,” the “Zingst,” the “Witte,” the “Anklam,” the “Ückermünde,” the “Rerik,” the “Weißwasser,” the “Demmin,” the “Kuhlungsborn” and the “Wolfgast.”

XXVIIIl. “Ariadne” Class (1960)

The 8 modern ”Ariadne” class minesweepers each displace up to 252 tons full load. They are armed with 1-40 mm gun and can make up to 14,3 knots with their small diesel engines. Each boat is 38,01 meters long, has a beam of 8,03 meters and a draught of 1,99 meters. They are equipped with radar, are powered by 2 Mercedes-Benz diesel engines, driving 2 propellers and producing up to 2,000 horsepower. Each boat carries up to 30 tons of fuel oil, with a range of operations of up to 830 nautical miles. Crews consist of 4 commissioned officers and 20 enlisted men each.

Die acht Minensucher der “Ariadne” (1960) Klaße haben je eine Einsatzverdrängung von 252 Tonnen, und sind mit je einer 40-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanone (FLAK) bewaffnet. Sie sind je 38,01 Meter lang, mit einer Breite von 8,03 Meter und einen Tiefgang von 1,99 Meter. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit dieser Klaße mit Dieselantrieb liegt bei 14,3 Knoten, und die Reichweite bei 830 Seemeilen. Eine Besatzung besteht aus 4 Offiziere und 20 Matrosen. Die sieben anderen Mitglieder dieser Klaße heißen “Freya,” “Vineta,” “Herta,” “Nymphe,” “Nixe,” “Amazone” und “Gazelle.”

They are all named after famous German sailing vessels from the past, and after the earliest large and small cruisers of the old Imperial German Navy. The 7 other members of this new class are called “Freya,” “Vineta,” “Herta,” “Nymphe,” “Nixe,” “Amazone” and “Gazelle.”

XXVIIIm. “Frauenlob” Class (1965)

The modern class of nine “Frauenlob” minesweepers each displace up to 246 tons full load. They are armed with 1-40 mm gun and can make up to 14 knots with their small diesel engines. They were all built by the Krögerwerft Shipyard in Rendsburg, and each boat is 38,01 meters long, has a beam of 8,03 meters and a draught of 2,1 meters. They are equipped with radar, and are powered by 2 Mercedes-Benz diesel engines, driving 2 propellers and producing up to 2,000 horsepower. Each boat carries up to 30 tons of fuel oil, giving it a range of operations of up to 770 nautical miles. Crews consist of 4 commissioned officers and 20 enlisted men per boat.

Die neun Minensucher der “Frauenlob” (1965) Klaße haben je eine Einsatzverdrängung von 246 Tonnen, und sind mit je einer 40-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanone bewaffnet. Sie wurden alle bei der Krögerwerft in Rendsburg gebaut, sind je 38,01 Meter lang, mit einer Breite von 8,03 Meter und einen Tiefgang von 2,1 Meter. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit dieser Klaße mit Dieselantrieb liegt bei 14 Knoten, und die Reichweite bei 770 Seemeilen. Eine Besatzung besteht aus 4 Offiziere und 20 Matrosen. Die acht anderen Mitglieder dieser Klaße heißen “Nautilus,” “Gefion,” “Medusa,” “Undine,” “Minerva,” “Diana,” “Loreley” und “Atlantis.”

They are also named after famous German sailing vessels from the past, and after the earliest German small cruisers of the old Imperial Navy. The eight remaining members of this class include the “Nautilus,” the “Gefion,” the “Medusa,” the “Undine,” the “Minerva,” the “Diana,” the “Loreley” and the “Atlantis.”

XXVIIIn. “Hansa” Class (1958)

The single minesweeper “Hansa” was commissioned in 1958, and displaced just 175 tons full load. She was not armed, and could make up to 14 knots with her small diesel engines. She was of course named after the old Germanic Hanseatic trading league of cities.

Der nachkriegs Minensucher “Hansa” (1958) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 175 Tonnen, und hatte keine Bewaffnung. Ihre Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Dieselantrieb lag bei 14 Knoten.

XXVIIIo. Former Enemy Minesweepers (of World War II)

The 6 formerly Danish minesweepers of the “Sölöven” Class (1938) were taken over by the German Navy in 1940. Each vessel displaced up to 305 tons full load, and was armed with 2-76 mm guns, 4-20 mm guns plus 4-8 mm guns. Top speed was up to 19 knots with diesel engines. All 6 boats survived World War Two, 4 of them being returned to Denmark in 1945 (the remaining 2 units were scrapped due to damage received during the war). The other members of this class were named “Söbjörnen” (1939), “Söulven” (1939), “Söridderen” (1942), “Söhesten” (1942) and “Söhunden” (1942).

Die sechs dänischen Minensucher der “Sölölven” (1938) Klaße wurden im April 1940 von der deutschen Kriegsmarine beschlagnahmt. Sie hatten je eine Einsatzverdrängung von 305 Tonnen, und waren mit je zwei 76-mm Schnellfeuerkanonen (SFK), vier 20-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) und vier 8-mm Maschinengewehre bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit dieser Klaße mit Dieselantrieb lag bei 19 Knoten. Die Boote überstanden alle den Zweiten Weltkrieg, und wurden an Dänemark zurückgegeben. Zwei Boote wurden von den Dänen verschrottet, und die vier anderen wurden wieder in Dienst gestellt.

XXVIIIp. “Sperrbrecher” (breakers of the Allied blockade on Germany)

The largest German minesweepers deployed during World War Two were called “Sperrbrecher” or “blockade breakers” in Germany. In truth, they were auxiliary minesweepers, or former merchantment converted to military use.

Die “Sperrbrecher” der deutschen Kriegsmarine waren ehemalige Handelsschiffe, die übernommen und als Hilfsminenleger umgebaut wurden. Der größte Sperrbrecher der Kriegsmarine war die “Bahia Camarones” (1918). Sie hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 8,551 Tonnen, und wurde am 12. Januar 1945 von britischen Kreuzern versenkt.

1.) The largest one was “Bahia Camarones” (commissioned in 1918), a converted German merchantman. She displaced up to 8,551 tons. She was sunk by Royal Navy cruisers on January 12, 1945. Other large merchantmen which were converted into “Sperrbrecher,” or auxiliary minesweepers by the World War Two German Navy included the following list of ships:

2.) “Stolzenfels” (commissioned in 1915): 7,512 tons full load displacement, and sunk by mines off the East Frisian Islands of Germany on August 1, 1940.

Der Sperrbrecher “Stolzenfels” (1915) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 7,512 Tonnen, und wurde am 1. August 1940 durch einem Minentreffer an der Küste von Ostfriesland versenkt.

3.) ”Vigo” (commissioned in 1922): 7,358 tons full load displacement, named after the city in Spain and sunk by mines off the coast of Danish coast of Jutland on March 7, 1944.

Der Sperrbrecher “Vigo” (1922) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 7,358 Tonnen, und wurde am 7. März 1944 durch einem Minentreffer an der Küste von Jütland versenkt.

4.) “Algol” (commissioned in 1940): 7,228 tons full load displacement, named after a major star in the heavens and survived the war to return to civilian use.

Der Sperrbrecher “Algol” (1940) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 7,228 Tonnen, und überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg. Danach wurde sie wieder als Handelsschiff in Dienst gestellt.

5.) “Sauerland” (commissioned in 1928); 7,087 tons full load displacement and torpedoed by the Royal Navy cruiser “H.M.S. Diadem” off the coast of France on August 12, 1944.

Der Sperrbrecher “Sauerland” (1928) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 7,087 Tonnen, und wurde am 12. August 1944 von dem britischen Kreuzer “H.M.S. Diadem” an der französischen Küste torpediert.

6.) “Brockenheim” (commissioned in 1929): 7,019 tons full load displacement and scuttled by the Germans off the coast of France in the estuary of the Gironde River on August 25, 1944.

Der Sperrbrecher “Brockenheim” (1929) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 7,019 Tonnen, und wurde am 25. August 1944 an der Girondemündung selbst versenkt.

7.) “Taronga” (commissioned in 1934): 7,003 tons full load displacement and survived the war to return to civilian use.

Der Sperrbrecher “Taronga” (1934) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 7,003 Tonnen, und überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg. Danach wurde sie wieder als Handelsschiff in Dienst gestellt.

8.) “Oakland” (commissioned in 1929): 6,757 tons full load displacement and survived the war to return to civilian use.

Der Sperrbrecher “Oakland” (1929) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 6,757 Tonnen, und überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg. Danach wurde sie wieder als Handelsschiff in Dienst gestellt.

9.) ”Templar” (commissioned in 1929): 6,728 tons full load displacement, named after the Christian Knights of King Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem and survived the war to return to civilian use.

Der Sperrbrecher “Templar” (1929) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 6,728 Tonnen, und überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg. Danach wurde sie wieder als Handelsschiff in Dienst gestellt.

10.) “Robert Bornhofen” (commissioned in 1919): 6,643 tons full load displacement and sunk by mines off the North Cape of Norway on September 12, 1942.

Der Sperrbrecher “Robert Bornhofen” (1919) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 6,643 Tonnen, und wurde am 12. September 1942 durch einen Minentreffer am Nordkap (Norwegen) versenkt.

11.) ”Belgrano” (commissioned in 1936): 6,095 tons full load displacement, named after a famous Argentine military leader and survived the war to be scrapped in 1948.

Der Sperrbrecher “Belgrano” (1936) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 6,095 Tonnen, und überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg. Im Jahre 1948 wurde sie verschrottet.

12.) ”Karl Leonhardt” (commissioned in 1913): 6,042 tons full load displacement and survived the war to be scuttled off the coast of Denmark on March 16, 1946.

Der Sperrbrecher “Karl Leonhardt” (1913) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 6,042 Tonnen, und überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg. Am 16. März 1946 wurde sie an der dänischen Küste selbst versenkt.

13.) ”Lünenburg” (commissioned in 1914): 5,828 tons full load displacement and survived the war to be scrapped in 1948.

Der Sperrbrecher “Lünenburg” (1914) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 5,828 Tonnen, und überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg. Im Jahre 1948 wurde sie verschrottet.

14.) ”Tulane” (commissioned in 1940): 5,487 tons full load displacement and survived the war to return to civilian use.

Der Sperrbrecher “Tulane” (1940) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 5,487 Tonnen, und überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg. Danach wurde sie wieder als Handelsschiff in Dienst gestellt.

15.) ”Tamo” (commissioned in 1941): 5,340 tons full load displacement and survived World War Two to return to civilian use thereafter.

Der Sperrbrecher “Tamo” (1941) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 5,340 Tonnen, und überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg. Danach wurde sie wieder als Handelsschiff in Dienst gestellt.

16.) “Schwanheim” (commissioned in 1935): 5,339 tons full load displacement, and was bombed and sunk by Allied aircraft in France on August 13, 1944.

Der Sperrbrecher “Schwanheim” (1935) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 5,339 Tonnen, und wurde am 13. August 1944 von Fliegerbombern in Frankreich versenkt.

17.) ”Santa Rita” (commissioned in 1908): 5,191 tons full load displacement and was scuttled off the coast of Constanta, Romania on August 25, 1944.

Der Sperrbrecher “Santa Rita” (1908) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 5,191 Tonnen, und wurde am 25. August 1944 an der Küste von Constanta, Rumänien selbst versenkt.

18.) ”Petropolis” (commissioned in 1911): 4,845 tons full load displacement and survived World War Two to be scrapped in 1946.

Der Sperrbrecher “Petropolis” (1911) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 4,845 Tonnen, und überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg. Sie wurde im Jahre 1946 selbst versenkt.

19.) “Capo Lena” (commissioned in 1921): 4,820 tons full load displacement and scuttled by the Germans in St. Nazaire, France on August 18, 1944. Raised by the French and scrapped shortly thereafter.

Der Sperrbrecher “Capo Lena” (1921) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 4,820 Tonnen, und wurde am 18. August 1944 im Hafen von Sankt Nazaire, Frankreich selbst versenkt. Danach wurde sie geborgen und dann verschrottet.

20.) “Athen” (commissioned in 1936): 4,450 tons full load displacement. She was named after the Greek city of Athens (the German spelling is “Athen”). She survived World War Two and resumed her life as a merchantman after the war.

Der Sperrbrecher “Athen” (1936) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 4,450 Tonnen, und überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg. Danach wurde sie wieder als Handelsschiff in Dienst gestellt.

21.) “Belgrad” (commissioned in 1937): 4,418 tons full load displacement. She was named after the Serbian city of Belgrade (the German spelling is “Belgrad”). She survived World War Two and returned to civilian use after the war.

Der Sperrbrecher “Belgrad” (1937) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 4,418 Tonnen, und überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg. Danach wurde sie wieder als Handelsschiff in Dienst gestellt.

22.) “Reyniersz” (commissioned in 1942): 4,399 tons full load displacement and mined by accident in Kiel Bay right after the end of World War Two on May 18, 1945. Raised and scrapped in October of 1952.

Der Sperrbrecher “Reyniersz” (1942) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 4,399 Tonnen, und wurde am 18. Mai 1945 (nach dem Ende des Zweiten Weltkrieges in Europa) durch einen Minentrefferunfall in der Kieler Bucht versenkt. Im Oktober 1952 wurde sie geborgen und dann verschrottet.

23.) “H.C. Horn” (commissioned in 1932): 4,132 tons full load displacement and survived World War Two, to be scuttled in the Skagerrak on May 26, 1945.

Der Sperrbrecher “H.C. Horn” (1932) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 4,132 Tonnen, und wurde am 26. Mai 1945 (nach dem Ende des Zweiten Weltkrieges in Europa) im Skagerrak selbst versenkt.

24.) “Kongsfjord” (commissioned in 1937): 4,103 tons full load displacement and sunk by the Royal Navy battleship “H.M.S. Nelson” and auxiliary cruiser “H.M.S. Esperance Bay” in the North Atlantic on June 4, 1941.

Der Sperrbrecher “Kongsfjord” (1937) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 4,103 Tonnen, und wurde am 4. Juni 1941 durch Kanonenfeuer vom englischen Schlachtschiff “H.M.S. Nelson” und vom englischen Hilfskreuzer “H.M.S. Esperance Bay” im Nordatlantik versenkt.

25.) “Ingrid Horn” (commissioned in 1927): 4,006 tons full load displacement and bombed by Allied aircraft in Kiel on July 24, 1944. Salved and scrapped shortly thereafter.

Der Sperrbrecher “Ingrid Horn” (1927) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 4,006 Tonnen, und wurde am 24. Juli 1944 von Fliegerbombern in Kiel versenkt. Kurz danach wurde sie geborgen und dann verschrottet.

26.) “Waltraudt Horn” (commissioned in 1928): 3,995 tons full load displacement and survived World War Two, to be turned over to Soviet Russia as part of war reparations in 1946.

Der Sperrbrecher “Waltraudt Horn” (1928) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 3,995 Tonnen, und überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg. Im Jahre 1946 wurde sie von Sowjetrußland beschlagnahmt.

27.) “Kolente” (commissioned in 1933): 3,723 tons full load displacement and survived World War Two to return to civilian use thereafter. Eventually scrapped in Hong Kong in December of 1963.

Der Sperrbrecher “Kolente” (1933) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 3,723 Tonnen, und überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg. Danach wurde sie wieder als Handelsschiff in Dienst gestellt. Sie wurde im Dezember 1963 in Hongkong verschrottet, nach einer Dienstzeit von 30 Jahren.

28.) “Mur” (commissioned in 1939): 3,290 tons full load displacement and survived World War Two to be turned over to France as part of war reparations after the war.

Der Sperrbrecher “Mur” (1939) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 3,290 Tonnen, und überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg. Nach dem Krieg wurde sie von Frankreich beschlagnahmt.

29.) “Eider” (commissioned in 1937): 3,288 tons full load displacement and survived World War Two only to be scuttled in the North Sea on October 15, 1946. She was named for a region within the old Duchy of Schleswig in Northern Germany. This region is inhabited by a Danish-speaking minority.

Der Sperrbrecher “Eider” (1937) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 3,288 Tonnen, und überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg. Sie wurde am 15. Oktober 1946 in der Nordsee selbst versenkt. Die Eider ist mit 188 Kilometern der längste Fluß Schleswig-Holsteins. Die “Eiderdänen” (die dänische Minderheit in Deutschland) sind eine ethnische Volksgruppe in Schleswig-Holstein, im Landteil Schleswig (im Sprachgebrauch der Minderheit “Südschleswig” bezeichnet) und umfaßt je nach Definition und Quelle etwa 8,000 bis 50,000 Angehörige. Wie die Friesen, Sorben (oder auch “Wenden”), Sinti und Roma (Zigeuner) genießen die Eiderdänen als Nationale Minderheit gemäß dem 1997 von Deutschland ratifizierten “Rahmenübereinkommen des Europarates zum Schutz nationaler Minderheiten” einen besonderen Minderheitenschutz. Bereits in den “Bonn-Kopenhagener Erklärungen” von 1955 verpflichtete sich die deutsche Regierung, die dänische Minderheit zu schützen; die dänische Regierung garantiert ähnliche Minderheitenrechte für die deutsche Minderheit in Nordschleswig. Die Fünf-Prozent-Hurde wurde für die politische Vertretung der dänischen Minderheit aufgehoben (der “Südschleswiger Wahlverband” oder “SSW” der Eiderdänen und der Nordfriesen). Es gibt auch Zuschüße für die dänischsprachigen Schulen, und die Pflege der religiösen, kulturellen und fachlichen Beziehungen zu Dänemark wird garantiert.

30.) “Drau” (commissioned in 1943): 3,200 tons full load displacement and survived World War Two to return to civilian use after the war. She was actually renamed “Cebu” in 1951, after the second largest city in the Philippines, and the home of my mother’s extended family: the Borromeo family. “Borromeo” is an Italian surname (from Northern Italy near the city of Milan), and the first Borromeo settled in Cebu City, the Philippines back in 1794. “Drau” is the name of a river which flows through Italy, Austria, Slovenia, Croatia and Hungary. The source of the river is in the Alps of the South Tyrol, a German-speaking region now part of Italy.

Der Sperrbrecher “Drau” (1943) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 3,200 Tonnen, und überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg. Danach wurde sie wieder als Handelsschiff in Dienst gestellt. Im Jahre 1951 wurde sie als die “Cebu” umbenannt. Cebu ist die zweitgrößte Stadt der Philippinen, mit einer Bevölkerungszahl von 3,8 Millionen Einwohnern. Die Familie des Autors (mütterlicherseits) stammt aus Cebu. Die Familie “Borromeo” (eine italienische Familie aus Mailand in Norditalien) siedelte sich im Jahre 1794 in Cebu an.

31.) “Eilbek” (commissioned in 1942): 3,013 tons full load displacement and was bombed and destroyed by Allied aircraft in Hamburg on November 4, 1944.

Der Sperrbrecher “Eilbek” (1942) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 3,013 Tonnen, und wurde am 4. November 1942 von Fliegerbombern in Hamburg versenkt.

32.) “Zeus” (commissioned in 1939): 2,500 tons full load displacement. She survived World War Two, and returned to civilian use thereafter. She was named after a pagan god of ancient Greek mythology.

Der Sperrbrecher “Zeus” (1939) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 2,500 Tonnen, und überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg. Danach wurde sie wieder als Handelsschiff in Dienst gestellt.

33.) “Schürbeck” (commissioned in 1930): 2,448 tons full load displacement. She survived World War Two, and was scrapped in 1948.

Der Sperrbrecher “Schürbeck” (1930) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 2,448 Tonnen, und überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg. Sie wurde im Jahre 1948 verschrottet.

34-35.) “Nestor” (commissioned in 1939) and her sister ship “Saturn” (commissioned in 1945) each displaced up to 2,446 tons full load. The “Nestor” was sunk by mines in the estuary of the French River Gironde on June 14, 1943, but the “Saturn” survived World War Two and returned to civilian use thereafter.

Die beiden Sperrbrecher “Nestor” (1939) und “Saturn” (1945) hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 2,446 Tonnen. Die “Nestor” wurde am 14. Juni 1943 von einem Minentreffer an der Girondemündung versenkt, aber die “Saturn” überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg und wurde danach wieder als Handelsschiff in Dienst gestellt.

36.) “Cap Sim” (commissioned in 1929): 1,906 tons full load displacement. She survived World War Two, and returned to civilian use after the war.

Der Sperrbrecher “Cap Sim” (1929) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,906 Tonnen, und überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg. Danach wurde sie wieder als Handelsschiff in Dienst gestellt.

37.) “Almeria” (commissioned in 1943): 1,812 tons full load displacement. She survived World War Two, and returned to civilian use thereafter. She was still active as of 1964.

Der Sperrbrecher “Almeria” (1943) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,812 Tonnen, und überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg. Im Jahre 1964 war sie immer noch als Handelsschiff tätig.

38-39.) “Midas” (commissioned in 1941) and her sister ship “Atlas” (commissioned in 1942): 1,747 tons full load displacement. Both ships survived World War Two, and returned to civilian use after the war.

Die beiden Sperrbrecher “Midas” (1941) und “Atlas” (1942) hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 1,747 Tonnen, und überstanden den Zweiten Weltkrieg. Danach wurden sie wieder als Handelsschiffe in Dienst gestellt.

40.) “Cap Hadid” (commissioned in 1938): 1,733 tons full load displacement. She survived World War Two, and returned to civilian use thereafter.

Der Sperrbrecher “Cap Hadid” (1938) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,733 Tonnen, und überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg. Danach wurde sie wieder als Handelsschiff in Dienst gestellt.

41.) “Sparta” (commissioned in 1927): 1,724 tons full load displacement. She survived World War Two, and returned to civilian use after the war. She was still active as of 1959. Sparta was of course the ancient Greek military state, often compared to the German State of Brandenburg-Prussia in the modern age.

Der Sperrbrecher “Sparta” (1927) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,724 Tonnen, und überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg. Danach wurde sie wieder als Handelsschiff in Dienst gestellt. Der militärische Staat Sparta in Griechenland war dem militärischen Staat Brandenburg-Preußen in Deutschland ähnlich.

42.) “Kirsten” (commissioned in 1940): 1,700 tons full load displacement. She was lost due to an unknown cause while she was being towed by another German vessel in the North Sea in August of 1944.

Der Sperrbrecher “Kirsten” (1940) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,700 Tonnen, und ging im August 1944 in der Nordsee verloren, als sie von einem anderen deutschen Schiff abgeschleppt wurde.

43.) “Bacchus” (commissioned in 1944): 1,625 tons full load displacement. She survived World War Two to return to civilian use thereafter. She was still active in 1955.

Der Sperrbrecher “Bacchus” (1944) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,625 Tonnen, und überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg. Im Jahre 1955 war sie noch als Handelsschiff tätig.

44-45.) “Konsul A. Satori” (commissioned in 1943): 1,606 tons full load displacement. She also survived World War Two, to return to civilian life after the war. She was still active in 1962. Her identical sister ship “Andromeda” (commissioned in 1943) survived the war as well, and was still active in 1957.

Die beiden Sperrbrecher “Konsul A. Satori” (1943) und “Andromeda” (1943) hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 1,606 Tonnen, und überstanden den Zweiten Weltkrieg. Im Jahre 1962 war die “Konsul A. Satori” immer noch als Handelsschiff tätig, und im Jahre 1957 war die “Andromeda” auch immer noch als Handelsschiff tätig.

46.) “Maria S. Müller” (commissioned in 1936): 1,598 tons full load displacement. She was mined and sunk off the coast of Ostend, Belgium on August 7, 1942.

Der Sperrbrecher “Maria S. Müller” (1936) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,598 Tonnen, und wurde am 7. August 1942 durch einen Minentreffer an der Küste von Oostende, Belgien versenkt.

47.) “Schirmek” (commissioned in 1905): 1,592 tons full load displacement. She was destroyed by sabotage in Copenhagen, Denmark on November 15, 1944 and then scrapped.

Der Sperrbrecher “Schirmek” (1905) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,592 Tonnen, und wurde am 15. November 1944 von dänischen Partisanen in Kopenhagen zerstört. Danach wurde sie verschrottet.

48.) “Tantalus” (commissioned in 1940): 1,543 tons full load displacement. She survived World War Two and was turned over to Soviet Russia in 1946.

Der Sperrbrecher “Tantalus” (1940) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,543 Tonnen, und überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg. Im Jahre 1946 wurde sie von Sowjetrußland beschlagnahmt.

49.) “Prins Willem IV” (commissioned in 1940): 1,535 tons full load displacement. She survived World War Two, and resumed her civilian career after the war.

Der Sperrbrecher “Prins Willem IV” (1940) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,535 Tonnen, und überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg. Danach wurde sie wieder als Handelsschiff in Dienst gestellt.

50.) “Roes” (commissioned in 1928): 1,530 tons full load displacement. She was captured by the Russian Navy in 1943 and served the Soviets thereafter.

Der Sperrbrecher “Roes” (1928) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,530 Tonnen, und wurde im Jahre 1943 von der sowjetrußischen Kriegsmarine gekapert. Danach wurde sie von den Rußen in Dienst gestellt.

51.) “Prins Willem V” (commissioned in 1943): 1,525 tons full load displacement. She survived World War Two to return to civilian use after the war.

Der Sperrbrecher “Prins Willem V” (1943) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,525 Tonnen, und überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg. Danach wurde sie wieder als Handelsschiff in Dienst gestellt.

52.) “Malmedy” (commissioned in 1901): 1,506 tons full load displacement. She was lost to mines in the North Sea during January of 1945. She was named after the largest city in the former German part of Belgium.

Der Sperrbrecher “Malmedy” (1901) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,506 Tonnen, und ging im Januar 1945 in der Nordsee durch einen Minentreffer verloren. Die Stadt Malmedy wurde im Jahre 648 gegründet, und gehörte zum Heiligen Römischen Reich der Deutschen Nation (das Erste Deutsche Reich). Von 1815 bis 1920 gehörte Malmedy zu Preußen, kam dann im Jahre 1920 zusammen mit Eupen und Sankt Vith zu Belgien. Die Stadt Eupen ist heute der Regierungsbesitz der Deutschsprachigen Gemeinschaft in Ostbelgien und auch Verwaltungssitz der Euroregion Maas-Rhein. Die Stadt Eupen liegt 16 Kilometer von Aachen und 45 Kilometer von Lüttich und Maastricht entfernt. Ihre Einwohner sind zu 90 Prozent deutschsprachig.

53.) “Tanger” (commissioned in 1942): 1,497 tons full load displacement. She survived World War Two, to return to civilian use thereafter. She was still active in 1956.

Der Sperrbrecher “Tanger” (1942) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,497 Tonnen, und überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg. Im Jahre 1956 war sie immer noch als Handelsschiff tätig.

54.) “Tellus” (commissioned in 1940): 1,495 tons full load displacement. She was bombed and destroyed by Allied aircraft in the occupied French port of Brest on August 15, 1944.

Der Sperrbrecher “Tellus” (1940) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,495 Tonnen, und wurde am 15. August 1944 von Fliegerbombern im Hafen von Brest versenkt.

55.) “Gebweiler” (commissioned in 1908): 1,481 tons full load displacement. She was lost to mines on July 7, 1943.

Der Sperrbrecher “Gebweiler” (1908) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,481 Tonnen, und wurde am 7. Juli 1943 durch einen Minentreffer versenkt. Gebweiler ist eine Stadt im Elsaß, und liegt am Fluß Lauch.

56.) “Valeria” (commissioned in 1937): 1,450 tons full load displacement. She was either bombed by Allied aircraft or lost to mines South of the German island of Helgoland on August 29, 1944.

Der Sperrbrecher “Valeria” (1937) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,450 Tonnen, und wurde am 29. August 1944 südlich von Helgoland entweder von Fliegerbombern oder von einem Minentreffer versenkt.

57.) “Ophelia” (commissioned in 1935): 1,446 tons full load displacement. She survived World War Two, and retured to civilian use after the war.

Der Sperrbrecher “Ophelia” (1935) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,446 Tonnen, und überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg. Danach wurde sie wieder als Handelsschiff in Dienst gestellt.

58.) “Hansburg” (commissioned in 1942): 1,424 tons full load displacement. She survived World War Two, and returned to civilian use thereafter. She was still active in 1965.

Der Sperrbrecher “Hansburg” (1942) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,424 Tonnen, und überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg. Im Jahre 1965 war sie immer noch als Handelsschiff tätig.

59.) “Baden” (commissioned in 1937): 1,392 tons full load displacement. She survived World War Two, and returned to civilian life thereafter.

Der Sperrbrecher “Baden” (1937) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,392 Tonnen, und überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg. Danach wurde sie wieder als Handelsschiff in Dienst gestellt.

60.) “Aar” (commissioned in 1943): 1,350 tons full load displacement. She survived World War Two, and returned to civilian use after the war. Unfortunately, she was wrecked due to an accident in Casablanca, Morocco on November 13, 1948.

Der Sperrbrecher “Aar” (1943) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,350 Tonnen, und überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg. Danach wurde sie wieder als Handelsschiff in Dienst gestellt. Am 13. November 1948 ging sie bei einem Unfall in Casablanca, Marokko verloren.

61.) “Tindenfjell” (commissioned in 1936): 1,337 tons full load displacement. She was either mined or bombed and sunk by Allied aircraft in the occupied French port of Dunkirk on August 25, 1942. Dunkirk is in Flanders, where Flemish (a Dutch dialect) is the native language. The name of the city in German is “Dünkirchen.”

Der Sperrbrecher “Tindenfjell” (1936) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,337 Tonnen, und wurde am 25. August 1942 entweder von einem Minentreffer oder von Fliegerbombern im Hafen von Dünkirchen versenkt.

62.) “Schwan” (commissioned in 1938): 1,311 tons full load displacement. She survived World War Two, and returned to civilian use after the war. She was still active in 1957. The name “Schwan” is German for “swan.”

Der Sperrbrecher “Schwan” (1938) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,311 Tonnen, und überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg. Im Jahre 1957 war sie immer noch als Handelsschiff tätig.

63.) “Delia” (commissioned in 1929): 1,297 tons full load displacement. She was bombed and sunk by Allied aircraft in the occupied French port of Brest on August 25, 1944. She was later raised and scrapped by the French.

Der Sperrbrecher “Delia” (1929) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,297 Tonnen, und wurde am 25. August 1944 von Fliegerbombern im Hafen von Brest versenkt. Danach wurde sie von den Franzosen geborgen und dann verschrottet.

64.) “Friedrich Harl” (commissioned in 1938): 1,262 tons full load displacement. She was lost to mines off the coast of the Frisian Island of Schiermonnikoog on December 23, 1942.

Der Sperrbrecher “Friedrich Harl” (1938) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,262 Tonnen, und wurde am 23. Dezember 1942 durch einen Minentreffer an der Küste von Schiermonnikoog versenkt.

65.) “Westland” (commissioned in 1926): 1,258 tons full load displacement. She was sunk by mines on May 25, 1943.

Der Sperrbrecher “Westland” (1926) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,258 Tonnen, und wurde am 25. Mai 1943 von einem Minentreffer versenkt.

66-67.) “Flora” (commissioned in 1939) and “Fauna” (commissioned in 1940): each displaced up to 1,248 tons full load. Both ships survived World War Two, and returned to civilian commercial use after the war. “Flora” was unfortunately lost in a collision on February 11, 1963. “Fauna” was still active in 1962.

Die beiden Sperrbrecher “Flora” (1939) und “Fauna” (1940) hatten je eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,248 Tonnen, und überstanden den Zweiten Weltkrieg. Die “Flora” ging am 11. Februar 1963 bei einem Unfall verloren, aber die “Fauna” war im Jahre 1962 immer noch als Handelsschiff tätig.

68-69.) “Kepler” and “Gauß” (both commissioned in 1925): each displaced up to 1,236 tons full load. “Gauß” was sunk by British destroyers off the German-occupied French port of Dieppe on December 12, 1942. “Kepler” survived World War Two, and returned to civilian use after the war. She was still active in 1958.

Die beiden Sperrbrecher “Kepler” (1925) und “Gauß” (1925) hatten je eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,236 Tonnen. Die “Kepler” überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg, und war im Jahre 1958 immer noch als Handelsschiff tätig. Die “Gauß” wurde am 12. Dezember 1942 von britischen Zerstörern im Hafen von Dieppe versenkt.

70.) “Bitsch” (commissioned in 1913): 1,172 tons full load displacement. She was sunk by mines off the Frisian Island of Schiermonnikoog on September 2, 1942.

Der Sperrbrecher “Bitsch” (1913) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,172 Tonnen, und wurde am 2. September 1942 durch einen Minentreffer an der Küste von Schiermonnikoog versenkt. Bitsch ist eine Stadt in Lothringen nahe der Grenze mit Rheinland-Pfalz. Die umliegende waldreiche Region, das “Bitscher Land,” ist nach ihr benannt. Die Stadt wird von einer monumentalen Zitadelle aus Sandstein überragt. Sie liegt unweit der Maginot-Linie, in die sie beim Bau dieser Kette von Festungen als Stützpunkt integriert wurde. Der Ort entstand aus der Burg “Bithis” und den drei zu ihren Füßen liegenden Dörfern Vorgeburg, Rohrhausen und Kaltenhausen. Durch Umbau und Neugestaltung der Burg durch Vauban entstand das heutige Bitsch. Ostlothringen (heute in Frankreich) ist immer noch deutschsprachig.

71.) “Elster” (commissioned in 1941): 1,136 tons full load displacement. She was lost to mines off the Dutch coast on August 16, 1942.

Der Sperrbrecher “Elster” (1941) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,136 Tonnen, und wurde am 16. August 1942 von einem Minentreffer an der niederländischen Küste versenkt.

72.) “Kilwa” (commissioned in 1942): 1,110 tons full load displacement. She survived World War Two, and returned to civilian use after the war. She was still active in 1955.

Der Sperrbrecher “Kilwa” (1942) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,110 Tonnen, und überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg. Im Jahre 1955 war sie immer noch als Handelsschiff tätig.

73.) “Titan” (commissioned in 1943): 1,106 tons full load displacement. She survived World War Two, and returned to civilian use thereafter. She was still active in 1961.

Der Sperrbrecher “Titan” (1943) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,106 Tonnen, und überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg. Im Jahre 1961 war sie immer noch als Handelsschiff tätig.

74-75.) “Iris” (commissioned in 1935) and “Ceres” (commissioned in 1936): each displaced up to 1,078 tons full load. “Iris” was sunk by mines off the Frisian Island of Schiermonnikoog on July 4, 1942. “Ceres” was sunk by mines in the Baltic Sea on November 19, 1942.

Die beiden Sperrbrecher “Iris” (1935) und “Ceres” (1936) hatten je eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,078 Tonnen. Die “Iris” wurde am 2. Juli 1942 durch einen Minentreffer an der Küste von Schiermonnikoog versenkt, und die “Ceres” wurde am 19. November 1942 von einem Minentreffer in der Ostsee versenkt.

76.) “Silvia” (commissioned in 1938): 1,049 tons full load displacement. No details, but something must have happened to the ship. She was paid off and srapped in 1941.

Der Sperrbrecher “Silva” (1938) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,049 Tonnen. Sie wurde im Jahre 1941 verschrottet.

77.) “Cressida” (commissioned in 1939): 1,046 tons full load displacement. She survived World War Two to return to civilian use after the war. She lasted until 1963, when she foundered upon a reef and was lost on December 23rd of that year.

Der Sperrbrecher “Cressida” (1939) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,046 Tonnen, und überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg. Am 23. Dezember 1963 strandete sie und ging verloren.

78.) “Friesland” (commissioned in 1904): 1,029 tons full load displacement. She was sunk by mines in the North Sea on March 20, 1944. She was named for the region of Frisia, which is located in the Northern Netherlands, Northwestern Germany and Western Denmark.

Der Sperrbrecher “Friesland” (1904) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,029 Tonnen, und wurde am 20. März 1944 durch einen Minentreffer in der Nordsee versenkt.

79.) “Jason” (commissioned in 1935): 1,025 tons full load displacement. She was sunk by mines Northwest of the German-occupied French port of Calais on February 20, 1942.

Der Sperrbrecher “Jason” (1935) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,025 Tonnen, und wurde am 20. Februar 1942 von einem Minentreffer nordwestlich von Calais versenkt.

80.) “Eilenau” (commissioned in 1943): 1,011 tons full load displacement. She survived World War Two, and returned to civilian use after the war. She was still active in 1962.

Der Sperrbrecher “Eilenau” (1943) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,011 Tonnen, und überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg. Im Jahre 1962 war sie immer noch als Handelsschiff tätig.

81.) “Botilla Russ” (commissioned in 1922): 996 tons full load displacement. She was sunk by mines off the German-occupied French port of St. Nazaire on January 28, 1944.

Der Sperrbrecher “Botilla Russ” (1922) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 996 Tonnen, und wurde am 28. Januar 1944 durch einen Minentreffer an der Küste von Sankt Nazaire versenkt.

82.) “Adolf Kirsten” (commissioned in 1940): 995 tons full load displacement. She was bombed and sunk by Allied aircraft in the German-occupied French port of Brest on August 25, 1944, and then raised and scrapped thereafter.

Der Sperrbrecher “Adolf Kirsten” (1940) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 995 Tonnen, und wurde am 25. August 1944 von Fliegerbombern im Hafen von Brest versenkt. Danach wurde sie geborgen und dann verschrottet.

83.) “Motor” (commissioned in 1941): 986 tons full load displacement. She was sunk by mines on July 1, 1942.

Der Sperrbrecher “Motor” (1941) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 986 Tonnen, und wurde am 1. Juli 1942 von einem Minentreffer versenkt.

84.) “Condor” (commissioned in 1922): 889 tons full load displacement. She was torpedoed and sunk by a British submarine on April 20, 1944.

Der Sperrbrecher “Condor” (1922) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 889 Tonnen, und wurde am 20. April 1944 von einem britischen Unterseeboot torpediert.

85.) “Potemkin” (commissioned in 1943): 800 tons full load displacement. She was sunk by enemy gunfire on August 24, 1944. This ship was named after Grigori Aleksandrovich Potemkin, a statesman and lover of Russian Empress Catherine the Great.

Der Sperrbrecher “Potemkin” (1943) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 800 Tonnen, und wurde am 24. August 1944 durch Kanonenfeuer versenkt. Grigori Alexandrowitsch Potjomkin, Fürst von Taurien (1739-1791) war ein rußischer Feldmarschall, Vertrauter und Günstling der rußischen Zarin Kathrina der Großen (1729-1762). Katharina II “die Große” war Zarin des Rußischen Reiches und außerdem Herzogin von Schleswig-Holstein-Gottorf (sie wurde in Stettin geboren und ist in Sankt Petersburg gestorben).

86.) “Porjus” (commissioned in 1937): 764 tons full load displacement. She survived World War Two, and returned to civilian use after the war.

Der Sperrbrecher “Porjus” (1937) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 764 Tonnen, und überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg. Danach wurde sie wieder als Handelsfahrzeug in Dienst gestellt.

87.) “Viriato” (commissioned in 1940): 750 tons full load displacement. She was bombed and sunk by Allied aircraft on May 29, 1942.

Der Sperrbrecher “Viriato” (1940) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 750 Tonnen, und wurde am 29. Mai 1942 von Fliegerbombern versenkt.

88.) “Albrecht Dürer” (commissioned in 1925): 570 tons full load displacement. She was bombed and sunk by Allied aircraft on April 10, 1944. Albrecht Dürer (1471-1528) was a famous German painter.

Der Sperrbrecher “Albrecht Dürer” (1925) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 570 Tonnen, und wurde am 10. April 1944 durch Fliegerbomben versenkt. Albrecht Dürer der Jüngere (1471-1528) war ein deutscher Maler, Grafiker, Mathematiker und Kunsttheoretiker von europäischem Rang. Er war ein bedeutender Künstler zur Zeit des Humanismus und der Reformation.

89-90.) “Quack” and “Berniße” (commissioned in 1940 and 1941, respectively): each vessel displaced up to 560 tons full load. “Quack” survived World War Two, and returned to civilian use thereafter; she was still active in 1958. “Berniße” was bombed and destroyed (burnt out) by Allied aircraft in the German-occupied French port of Nantes on September 16, 1943.

Die beiden Sperrbrecher “Quack” (1940) und “Berniße” (1941) hatten je eine Einsatzverdrängung von 560 Tonnen. Die “Quack” überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg, und wurde danach wieder als Handelsfahrzeug in Dienst gestellt. Im Jahre 1958 war sie immer noch als Handelsfahrzeug in Betrieb. Die “Berniße” wurde am 16. September 1943 von Fliegerbombern im Hafen von Nantes zerstört und ausgebrannt.

91.) “Martha” (commissioned in 1920): 546 tons full load displacement. She survived World War Two, and was taken by Soviet Russia as part of war reparations 1945.

Der Sperrbrecher “Martha” (1920) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 546 Tonnen. Sie überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg, und wurde im Jahre 1945 von Sowjetrußland beschlagnahmt.

92-93.) “Groote” and “Strijpe” (commissioned in 1940 and 1941, respectively): each vessel displaced up to 544 tons full load. “Groote” was sunk by mines Southeast of Den Helder, the Netherlands on December 28, 1942. “Strijpe” survived World War Two, and returned to civilian life after the war. She was still active in 1962.

Die beiden Sperrbrecher “Groote” (1940) und “Strijpe” (1941) hatten je eine Einsatzverdrängung von 544 Tonnen. Die “Groote” wurde am 28. Dezember 1942 von einem Minentreffer südostlich von Den Helder versenkt, aber die “Strijpe” überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg und war im Jahre 1962 immer noch als Handelsfahrzeug in Betrieb.

94.) “Westerbroek” (commissioned in 1941): 499 tons full load displacement. She was sunk by mines off the German-occupied Belgian port of Ostend on September 15, 1942.

Der Sperrbrecher “Westerbroek” (1941) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 499 Tonnen, und wurde am 15. September 1942 durch einen Minentreffer an der Küste von Ostend in Belgien versenkt.

95.) “Lola” (commissioned in 1941): 498 tons full load displacement. She was sunk by mines off Nieuport on October 9, 1942.

Der Sperrbrecher “Lola” (1941) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 498 Tonnen, und wurde am 9. Oktober 1942 von einem Minentreffer an der Küste von Nieuwpoort, Belgien versenkt.

96.) “Raket” (commissioned in 1936): 482 tons full load displacement. She was mined off the German-occupied Hook of Holland on May 27, 1942. “Raket” is the German word for “rocket.” The German scientist Werner von Braun was a famous inventor of rockets, and eventually developed a fully ballistic missile for the German Army. The German propaganda people christened this the “V-2” rocket. “V” stood for the German word “Vergeltung,” which means “revenge” in English. In 1944 and 1945, the V-2 rockets were fired at targets in both the United Kingdom and Western Europe. After World War Two, von Braun became well-known for his efforts in the U.S. space program and with N.A.S.A., the American “National Aeronautical and Space Administration.” He was most instrumental in fulfilling U.S. President John F. Kennedy’s goal to land a man on the moon and bring him safely back to the earth – a goal which was successfully achieved in 1968.

Der Sperrbrecher “Raket” (1936) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 482 Tonnen, und wurde am 27. Mai 1942 durch einen Minentreffer am Hoek van Holland (wörtlich “Ecke von Holland”) versenkt. “Hoek van Holland” ist heute ein Stadtteil von Rotterdam, hat sich aber den Charakter eines kleinen Küstenstädtchens und Badeorts bewahrt.

97.) “Havik” (commissioned in 1938): 479 tons full load displacement. She survived World War Two, and was used again in civilian life thereafter. She was still active in 1952.

Der Sperrbrecher “Havik” (1938) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 479 Tonnen, und überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg. Sie war im Jahre 1952 als Handelsfahrzeug immer noch tätig.

98.) “Lies” (commissioned in 1940): 465 tons full load displacement. She was sunk by mines off the German-occupied Belgian port of Ostend on March 31, 1944.

Der Sperrbrecher “Lies” (1940) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 465 Tonnen, und wurde am 31. März 1944 von einem Minentreffer an der Küste von Oostende versenkt.

99.) “Import” (commissioned in 1939): 395 tons full load displacement. Fate unknown.

Der Sperrbrecher “Import” (1939) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 395 Tonnen. Ihr Verbleib ist uns leider unbekannt.

100.) “Beijerland” (commissioned in 1939): 387 tons full load displacement. She was sunk by mines off the German-occupied French port of Dieppe on December 12, 1942.

Der Sperrbrecher “Beijerland” (1939) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 387 Tonnen, und wurde am 12. Dezember 1942 an der Küste von Dieppe versenkt. “Oud-Beijerland” ist eine Gemeinde und ein Ort in den Niederlanden, in der Provinz Südholland.

101.) “Zeeland” (commissioned in 1903): 200 tons full load displacement. “Zeeland” is of course the name of a province in the Netherlands, meaning “land of the sea” in English. This was the same name given by a Dutch explorer to the modern country of New Zealand in the Southern Pacific Ocean. This boat survived World War Two, and was still active in 1954.

Der Sperrbrecher “Zeeland” (1903) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 200 Tonnen, und überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg. Im Jahre 1954 war sie immer noch als Handelsfahrzeug tätig.

XXIX. “Yachten” (Yachts)

Naval yachts have served to transport high ranking V.I.P.s (”very important people”) in style. In the Imperial and Royal Austro-Hungarian Navy, such ships as “S.M.S. Dalmat” (which still exists in Croatia today) and “S.M.S. Lacroma” (1888) served such monarchs as Archduke Francis Ferdinand, who was also a full Admiral (with four stars). In the Imperial German Navy, such ships as “S.M.S. Kaiseradler” and “S.M.S. Hohenzollern” (1892) served Kaiser Wilhelm II and his younger brother Prinz Heinrich. Such vessels have also included the “S.M.S. Meteor” (commissioned in 1915, and which still exists today – 93 years later), the “Hela” and the “Grille.” The ships ranged in size from 1,200 tons up to 4,280 tons and were equipped with more luxurious accommodations for V.I.P.s. They were armed with anti-aircraft guns and cannon up to 4 inches in caliber and had full naval crews with commissioned officers and enlisted men just like any other warship in the navy.

Die Staatsyachten der Deutschen Marine sowie der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine Österreich-Ungarns wurden hauptsächlich gebaut, um höhere Monarchen und Politiker zu transportieren. Die k.u.k. Yacht “S.M.S. Dalmat” existiert noch heute in Kroatien. Die k.u.k. Yacht “S.M.S. Lacroma” (1888) wurde als k.u.k. Yacht Erzherzogs Franz Ferdinand benutzt. Die kaiserlich-deutsche Yachten “S.M.S. Kaiseradler” und “S.M.S. Hohenzollern” wurden benutzt, um Leute wie Kaiser Wilhelm II und seinen Bruder Prinz Heinrich von Preußen zu transportieren. Die kaiserlich-deutsche Yacht “S.M.S. Meteor” (1915) existiert noch heute. Die Staatsyachten der deutschen Kriegsmarine waren die “Hela” und die “Grille.” Die Yachten der Deutschen und der Österreich-Ungarischen Marinen hatten je eine Einsatzverdrängung zwischen 1,200 und 4,280 Tonnen, waren mit Schnellfeuerkanonen (SFK) bis zu einer Größe von 10,5-cm sowie mit Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) bewaffnet, und hatten Besatzungen wie andere Kriegsschiffe.

“S.M.S. Hohenzollern” (1892) was built by the A.G. Vulcan Shipyard in Stettin, Pomerania. She displaced 4,280 tons full load, was 122 meters long, and was powered by 2 triple expansion engines which gave her a very good top speed for her time of 21,5 knots. She was scrapped in 1923, after 31 years of service.

Die Kaiserliche Yacht “S.M.S. Hohenzollern” (1892) wurde bei der A.G. Vulcan Werft in Stettin gebaut, hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 4,280 Tonnen, war 122 Meter lang und ihre Höchstgeschwindigkeit lag bei gute 21,5 Knoten. Sie wurde im Jahre 1923 verschrottet, nach einer Dienstzeit von 31 Jahren.

“S.M.S. Kaiseradler” (1876) was originally built as a dispatch boat by the German Shipbuilding Company in Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein. She displaced up to 1,707 tons full load, was 90 meters long, was rigged as a schooner, had a sail area of 356 square meters, had a single expansion engine which drove her paddle wheels and could make up to 16 knots – a very good speed for her time. Her crew numbered 9 commissioned officers and 136 enlisted men, and she was armed with 2 12,5-cm ring cannon. She became an Imperial German Yacht in 1880, and was scrapped in 1912.

Die Kaiserliche Yacht “S.M.S. Kaiseradler” (1876) wurde bei der Deutschen Werft in Kiel gebaut, hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,707 Tonnen, war 90 Meter lang, war als Segelschooner getakelt, hatte ein Segelbereich von 356 Quadratmeter und ihre Höchstgeschwindigkeit lag bei gute 16 Knoten. Ihre Besatzung bestand aus 9 Offiziere und 136 Matrosen, und sie war mit zwei 12,5-cm Ringkanonen bewaffnet. Sie wurde zwischen 1880 und 1892 als Kaiserliche Yacht benutzt, und wurde im Jahre 1912 verschrottet – nach einer Dienstzeit von 36 Jahren.

XXX. “Geleitboote” (Escort Boats or “Sloops”)

Escort boats or sloops can be described as lesser corvettes – combat vessels only good for relatively slower civilian convoy duty. Germany deployed 102 such vessels up to 1945 and has built 856 since 1956, many for export. During World War Two, the boats displaced anywhere from 318 tons up to 1,739 tons each. They could make from 14 knots to 28 knots with their diesel engines and were armed with anti-aircraft guns and cannon up to 4 inches in caliber. The largest boats even had one combat aircraft. The Western Allies used similar boats to guard their convoys against German submarines, along with auxiliary aircraft carriers which were often converted merchant vessels. The Germans had similar plans (please see the section under “Aircraft Carriers”) but once again Hitler’s inept foreign policy and ignorance of naval warfare prevented them from ever coming to fruition.

Bis 1945 wurden 102 Geleitboote (auch “Sloops” oder “Schaluppen” genannt) für die deutsche Kriegsmarine gebaut. Seit 1956 wurden 856 Geleitboote in Deutschland gebaut, hauptsächlich für Export. Zur Zeit des Zweiten Weltkrieges hatten deutsche Geleitboote eine Einsatzverdrängung von je zwischen 318 und 1,739 Tonnen, eine Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Dieselantreib von je zwischen 14 und 28 Knoten, Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK), Schnellfeuerkanonen (SFK) bis zu einer Größe von 10,5-cm, und die größten Geleitboote wurden mit je einem Seeflugzeug ausgerüstet. Man kann Geleitboote auch als langsame Zerstörer oder Torpedoboote beschreiben.

XXXa. German Fleet Sloops

Germany commissioned ten fleet sloops in 1935, three of which were named as “Jagd” (German for “hunt”), “Hai” (German for “shark”) and “Königin Luise” (German for “Queen Louise”). Each vessel displaced up to 1,028 tons full load, and was armed with 2-4 inch guns, 4-37 mm guns plus 4-20 mm guns. Top speed was up to 28 knots with diesel engines. F.1 (”Jagd”), F.2, F.3 (”Hai”), F.4, F.7, F.8 and F.10 all survived World War Two, and were turned over to the Allies after the war. F.5 was sunk by mines in the Baltic Sea on January 29, 1945. F.6 (”Königin Luise”) was bombed and sunk by American aircraft in Wilhelmshaven on March 30, 1945. F.9 was torpedoed and sunk off of Helgoland by the British submarine “H.M.S. Ursula” on December 14, 1939.

Im Jahre 1935 hatte die deutsche Kriegsmarine zehn Geleitboote, oder “Flottensloops,” in Dienst gestellt. Nur drei Boote davon hatten Patennamen bekommen; sie waren die “Jagd,” die “Hai” und die “Königin Luise” (sie waren die einzigen Geleitboote der Kriegsmarine, die Patennamen bekommen haben). Die zehn Mitglieder dieser Klaße hatten je eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,028 Tonnen, und waren mit je zwei 10-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (SFK), vier 37-mm und vier 20-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit dieser Klaße mit Dieselantrieb lag bei 28 Knoten. Die F.1 (”Jagd”), die F.2, die F.3 (”Hai”), die F.4, die F.7, die F.8 und die F.10 überstanden den Zweiten Weltkrieg, und wurden danach von den Siegermächten beschlagnahmt. Die F.5 wurde am 29. Januar 1945 bei einem Minentreffer in der Ostsee versenkt. Die F.6 (”Königin Luise”) wurde am 30. März 1945 von amerikanischen Fliegerbombern in Wilhelmshaven versenkt, und die F.9 wurde am 14. Dezember 1939 vom britischen Unterseeboot “H.M.S. Ursula” torpediert.

XXXb. Former Enemy Sloops

As with virtually all classes of warships, the World War Two German Navy obtained sloops from conquered nations. These included 25 Italian vessels, 13 French vessels, 4 Belgian vessels, 3 Danish vessels and one Dutch vessel. The largest of these were the four brand new Belgian “Artevelde” (1940) class sloops, which displaced up to 2,270 tons each. They were armed with 3-4 inch guns, 4-37 mm guns and 10-20 mm guns. They could make up to 28,5 knots with their diesel engines, which demonstrates that they were very useful ships – comparable to German torpedo boats or average destroyers from the Western Allied nations. What follows are descriptions of the largest “named” former enemy sloops taken into German naval service during World War Two:

Zur Zeit des Zweiten Weltkrieges hatte die deutsche Kriegsmarine 25 benannte Geleitboote aus Italien, 13 aus Frankreich, vier aus Belgien, drei aus Dänemark und eins aus den Niederlanden beschlagnahmt. Die größten davon waren die vier neuen Mitglieder der belgischen “Artevelde” (1940) Klaße. Sie hatten je eine Einsatzverdrängung von 2,270 Tonnen, waren mit je drei 10-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (SFK), vier 37-mm und zehn 20-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit dieser Klaße mit Dieselantrieb lag bei gute 28,5 Knoten.

1.) The former Dutch sloop “Van Speijk” (1940) displaced up to 1,420 tons full load, and was armed with 4-4,7 inch guns, 4-37 mm guns plus 12-20 mm guns. She could make up to 18 knots with her diesel engines. She survived World War Two, and was returned to the Dutch Navy thereafter.

Das ehemalige niederländische Geleitboot “Van Speijk” (1940) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,420 Tonnen, und war mit vier 12-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (SFK), vier 37-mm und zwölf 20-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) bewaffnet. Ihre Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Dieselantrieb lag bei 18 Knoten. Sie überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg, und wurde danach an Holland zurückgegeben.

2.) The 4 formerly French sloops “Arquebuse” (1940), “Hallebarde” (1940), “Sabre” (1940) and “Poignard” (1940) each displaced up to 930 tons full load, and were armed with 1-4 inch gun, 4-37 mm guns plus 4-20 mm guns. They could make up to 16 knots with their diesel engines. “Arquebuse” was bombed and sunk by British aircraft in the German-occupied French port of Le Havre in June of 1944. “Hallebarde” was lost in the English Channel on June 15, 1944. “Sabre” suffered the same fate on the same day as did “Arquebuse.” “Poignard” was scuttled by the Germans to block the harbor in the French port of Nantes on August 25, 1944 (many French ports remained in German hands months after the Normandy invasion of June 1944).

Die vier ehemaligen französischen Geleitboote “Arquebuse” (1940), “Hallebarde” (1940), “Sabre” (1940) und “Poignard” (1940) hatten je eine Einsatzverdrängung von 930 Tonnen, und waren mit je einer 10-cm Schnellfeuerkanone (SFK), vier 37-mm und vier 20-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Dieselantrieb lag bei 16 Knoten. Die “Arquebuse” und die “Sabre” wurden im Juni 1944 von britischen Fliegerbombern im Hafen von Le Havre versenkt. Die “Hallebarde” ging am 15. Juni 1944 im Ärmelkanal verloren. Die “Poignard” wurde am 25. August 1944 im Hafen von Nantes selbst versenkt.

3.) The 9 ex-French sloops “Matelot Leblanc” (1942), “Rageot de la Touche” (1942), “Admiral Sénés” (1942), “Enseigne Balande” (1942), “Elan” (1938), “Chamois” (1938), “Commandant Riviere” (1939), “La Batailleuse” (1939) and “La Curieuse” (1939) each displaced up to 930 tons full load. They were armed with 2-4 inch guns, 2-37 mm guns plus 6-20 mm guns. They could make up to 20 knots with their diesel engines. ”Matelot Leblanc” was bombed and sunk by Allied aircraft on August 28, 1944. ”Rageot de la Touche” and ”Admiral Sénés” were scuttled by the Germans in 1944-45, to prevent them from falling into enemy hands at the war’s end. The fourth and fifth boats survived World War Two, and were returned to the French Navy. “Chamois” was bombed and sunk by Allied aircraft in the port of Toulon on August 15, 1944. “Commandant Riviere” was bombed and sunk by Allied aircraft on May 28, 1943. The eighth boat was scuttled by the Germans in the Italian port of Genoa on April 23, 1945. The ninth boat survived the war and was returned to France in 1945.

Die neun ehemaligen französischen Geleitboote “Matelot Leblanc” (1942), “Rageot de la Touche” (1942), “Admiral Sénés” (1942), “Enseigne Balande” (1942), “Elan” (1938), “Chamois” (1938), “Commandant Riviere” (1939), “La Batailleuse” (1939) und “La Curieuse” (1939) hatten eine Einsatzverdrängung von je 930 Tonnen, und waren mit je zwei 10-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (SFK), zwei 37-mm und sechs 20-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit dieser Klaße mit Dieselantrieb lag bei 20 Knoten. Die “Matelot Leblanc” wurde am 28. August 1944 von Fliegerbombern versenkt. Die “Rageot de la Touche” und die “Admiral Sénés” wurden zwischen 1944 und 1945 selbst versenkt. Die “Enseigne Balande” und die “Elan” überstanden den Zweiten Weltkrieg, und wurde danach an Frankreich zurückgegeben. Die “Chamois” wurde am 15. August 1944 durch Fliegerbomben im Hafen von Toulon versenkt. Die “Commandant Riviere” wurde am 28. Mai 1943 von Fliegerbombern versenkt. Die “La Batailleuse” wurde am 23. April 1945 im Hafen von Genua selbst versenkt. Die “La Curieuse” überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg, und wurde danach an Frankreich zurückgegeben.

4.) The 25 former Italian Corvette-Sloops of the “Egeria” (1943) class each displaced up to 738 tons full load. They were armed with 1-4 inch gun and 7-20 mm anti-aircraft guns. They could make up to 19 knots with their diesel engines. They had a maximum operational range of 3,000 nautical miles, and had a complement of 100 commissioned officers and enlisted men.

Die 25 ehemaligen italienischen Geleitboote der “Egeria” (1943) Klaße hatten je eine Einsatzverdrängung von 738 Tonnen, und waren mit je einer 10-cm Schnellfeuerkanone (SFK) sowie mit sieben 20-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit dieser Klaße mit Dieselantrieb lag bei 19 Knoten, und die Reichweite bei 3,000 Seemeilen. Eine Besatzung bestand aus 100 Offiziere und Matrosen. Die “Egeria” (1943) wurde am 29. Februar 1944 von Fliegerbombern versenkt. Die “Melpomone” (1943) wurde am 1. November 1944 von britischen Zerstörern versenkt. Die “Tersicore” (1943) und die “Euridice” (1944) wurden durch Fliegerbomben im Trockendock zerstört. Die “Columbrina” (1942) wurde am 27. März 1944 von Fliegerbombern an der Küste von Venedig versenkt. Die “Bombarda” (1944) wurde am Ende des Zweiten Weltkrieges selbst versenkt, und kurz danach wurde sie geborgen. Die “Carabina” (1943) wurde im Februar 1944 durch Fliegerbomben im Trockendock zerstört. Die “Spingarda” (1943) wurde am 1. November 1944 von britischen Zerstörern an der Küste von Zara versenkt. Die “Scure” (1945) wurde am 25. April 1945 von Fliegerbombern im Trockendock zerstört. Die “Vespa” (1942) und die “Tuffeto” (1943) wurden am 24. April 1945 im Hafen von Genua selbst versenkt. Die “Maragone” (1943) wurde am 16. August 1944 durch Fliegerbomben im Hafen von Genua versenkt. Die “Strolaga” (1945), die “Ardea” (1945), die “Artemide” (1942), die “Persefone” (1942), die “Euterpe” (1942), die “Capriolo” (1942), die “Alce” (1942) und die “Cervo” (1945) wurden am 24. April 1945 im Hafen von Genua selbst versenkt, um die Hafeneinfahrt zu blockieren. Die “Antilope” (1942) und die “Camoscio” (1942) wurden am 16. und am 17. August 1944 durch britisches Kanonenfeuer südlich von Toulon versenkt. Die “Renna” (1942) wurde am 4. September 1944 von Fliegerbombern im Hafen von Genua versenkt. Die “Daino” (1945) und die “Stambercco” (1945) wurden am Ende des Zweiten Weltkrieges durch Fliegerbomben im Trockendock zerstört.

The “Egeria” (1943) was bombed and sunk by Allied aircraft on February 29, 1944. The “Melpomene” (1943) was sunk by British destroyers on November 1, 1944. The “Tersicore” (1943) was bombed and destroyed by Allied aircraft while still in the dock on April 20, 1944. The “Euridice” (1944) suffered the same fate as the “Tersicore.” The “Columbrina” (1942) was bombed and sunk by Allied aircraft off the coast of Venice, Italy on March 27, 1944. The “Bombarda” (1944) was scuttled by the Germans at the end of the war, and later raised. The “Carabina” (1943) was bombed and destroyed by Allied aircraft while still in the dock in February of 1944. The “Spingarda” (1943) was sunk by British destroyers off the Croatian city of Zara on November 1, 1944. The “Scure” (1945) was bombed and destroyed by Allied aircraft while still in the dock on April 25, 1945. The “Vespa” (1942) was scuttled by the Germans in the port of Genoa on April 24, 1945. The “Tuffeto” (1943) suffered a similar fate to “Vespa.” The “Maragone” (1943) was bombed and sunk by Allied aircraft in Genoa on August 16, 1944. The “Strolaga” (1945) was scuttled by the Germans to block the harbor in Genoa on April 24, 1945. The “Ardea” (1945) suffered the same fate as the “Strolaga.” The “Artemide” (1942) also suffered a similar fate to “Strolaga.” The “Persefone” (1942) joined the “Strolaga” and a number of her sisters. The “Euterpe” (1942) suffered a fate similar to “Strolaga” as well. The “Camoscio” (1942) was sunk by British surface vessels South of the German-occupied French port of Toulon on August 17, 1944. The “Antilope” (1942) was sunk by British surface forces one day before “Camoscio.” The “Capriolo” (1942) was scuttled by the Germans in the port of Genoa on April 24, 1945. The “Alce” (1942) was scuttled in Genoa on the same day as the “Capriolo.” The “Renna” (1942) was bombed and sunk by Allied aircraft in Genoa on September 4, 1944. The “Cervo” (1945) was scuttled by the Germans in Genoa on April 24, 1945. The “Daino” (1945) and the “Stambercco” (1945) were bombed and destroyed by Allied aircraft while still in the dock at the end of the war.

5.) The former Royal Danish sloop “Nerger” (1935) displaced up to 705 tons full load. She was armed with 2-3 inch guns, 2-40 mm and 2-8 mm anti-aircraft guns. She could make up to 13 knots with her small diesel engines. Her range of operations was 4,000 nautical miles and she had a crew of 40 commissioned officers and enlisted men. She survived World War Two, and was returned to the Danish Navy in 1945.

Das ehemalige dänische Geleitboot “Nerger” (1935) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 705 Tonnen, und war mit zwei 7,62-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (SFK), zwei 40-mm und zwei 8-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) bewaffnet. Ihre Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Dieselantrieb lag bei 13 Knoten und die Reichweite bei 4,000 Seemeilen. Ihre Besatzung bestand aus 40 Offiziere und Matrosen. Sie überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg, und wurde danach an Dänemark zurückgegeben.

6.) The ex-Danish sloop “Lindormen” (1940) displaced up to 614 tons full load. She was armed with 2-3 inch guns and 3-20 mm anti-aircraft guns. She could make up to 14 knots with her small diesel engines. She could also carry up to 150 mines, and had a crew of 58 commissioned officers and enlisted men. She survived World War Two, and was returned to Denmark in 1945.

Das ehemalige dänische Geleitboot “Lindormen” (1940) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 614 Tonnen, und war mit zwei 7,62-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (SFK), mit drei 20-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) sowie mit 150 Seeminen ausgerüstet. Ihre Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Dieselantrieb lag bei 14 Knoten, und ihre Besatzung bestand aus 58 Offiziere und Matrosen. Sie überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg, und wurde danach an Dänemark zurückgegeben.

7.) The formerly Royal Danish sloop “Südpol” (1938) displaced 322 tons full load, and was armed with 2-3 inch guns plus 2-20 mm anti-aircraft guns. She could make up to 10,5 knots with her small diesel engines and was manned by a crew of 40 commissioned officers and enlisted personnel. She survived World War Two, and was returned to Denmark in 1945. Her name means “South Pole” in English.

Das ehemalige dänische Geleitboot “Südpol” (1938) hatte eine Einsatzverdrängung von 322 Tonnen, und war mit zwei 7,62-cm Schnellfeuerkanonen (SFK) sowie mit zwei 20-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) bewaffnet. Ihre Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Dieselantrieb lag bei 10,5 Knoten und ihre Besatzung bestand aus 40 Offiziere und Matrosen. Sie überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg, und wurde danach an Dänemark zurückgegeben.

XXXI. “Kriegsfischkutter” (Motor Fishing Vessels)

In time of total war, everything a country has is unfortunately drawn into the conflict. During the Second World War, the German Navy deployed up to 1,000 armed motor fishing vessels (called “Kriegsfischkutter” in German) for various duties such as patrol, anti-submarine warfare, minesweeping and coastal escort work. These small boats displaced 110 tons each and were armed with 1-37 mm and 4-20 mm anti-aircraft guns. They could only make up to 9 knots – but then one must always remember they were designed for commercial fishing and not for warfare. 4 of these small boats were taken into the new Federal German Navy (the “Bundesmarine”) after World War Two, and given names. They were the “Altair” (1943), the “Vega” (1943), the “Südfall” (1944) and the “Uthorn” (1944).

Zur Zeit des Zweiten Weltkrieges hatte die deutsche Kriegsmarine 1,000 Kriegsfischkutter in Dienst gestellt. Sie waren als Patrouillenboote, Unterseebootjagdboote, Minensuchboote sowie als Küstengeleitboote benutzt. Sie hatten je eine Einsatzverdrängung von 110 Tonnen, und waren mit je einer 37-mm und vier 20-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit dieser Klaße lag bei 9 Knoten. Vier Einheiten davon dienten bei der nachkriegs Bundesmarine, und haben Patennamen bekommen. Sie waren die “Altair” (1943), die “Vega” (1943), die “Südfall” (1944) und die “Uthorn” (1944).

The Imperial and Royal Austro-Hungarian Navy deployed 24,000 such boats during World War One – a truly massive number.

Zur Zeit des Ersten Weltkrieges hatte die Kaiserliche und Königliche Kriegsmarine Österreich-Ungarns 24,000 Kriegsfischkutter in Dienst gestellt, die hauptsächlich ehemalige Zivilfischboote waren.

XXXIa. “Frithjof” Class (1967)

The “Fischereischutzboot” (”fishery protection vessel” in English) “Frithjof” was commissioned in 1967 and displaces up to 2,140 tons. She is unarmed and can make up to 15 knots with her diesel engines. She is named after a character from Norse mythology.

Das Fischereischutzboot “Frithjof” (1967) hat eine Einsatzverdrängung von 2,140 Tonnen, und ihre Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Dieselantrieb liegt bei 15 Knoten.

XXXIb. “Anton Dohrn” Class (1963)

The fishery protection vessel “Anton Dohrn” (1963) displaces up to 1,986 tons full load and is unarmed. She can make up to 15 knots with her diesel engines.

Das Fischereischutzboot “Anton Dohrn” (1963) hat eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,986 Tonnen, und keine Bewaffnung. Ihre Höchstgeschwindigkeit mit Dieselantrieb liegt bei 15 Knoten.

XXXII. “Landungsschiffe / Landungsboote” (Landing Ships / Landing Boats)

Germany also deployed marine infantry during both world wars. 2,177 landing craft were built from 1919 until 1945, and a further 799 have been built since 1956, many for export. In between 1919 and 1945, such craft displaced anywhere from 143 tons to 700 tons. Armament consisted entirely of various caliber anti-aircraft guns and crews (troop capacity) varied from 13 to 65 men. Speed was anywhere from 7,5 to 14,5 knots with diesel engines.

Die Reichsmarine (1922-1935) und die Kriegsmarine (1935-1945) haben 2,177 Landungsfahrzeuge in Dienst gestellt. Seit 1956 wurden 799 Landungsschiffe und Landungsboote in Deutschland gebaut, hauptsächlich für Export. Die Fahrzeuge der Reichsmarine und der Kriegsmarine hatten je eine Einsatzverdrängung zwischen 143 und 700 Tonnen, und waren mit Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) ausgerüstet. Die Besatzung eines Fahrzeuges bestand aus zwischen 13 bis 65 Marinepersonal und Infanteristen. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit dieser Fahrzeugen mit Dieselantrieb lag zwischen 7,5 und 14,5 Knoten.

XXXIIa. “Nordperd” Class (1974)

The two modern landing ships of the “Nordperd” (1974) class each displace up to 2,000 tons full load. The “Nordperd” (1974) and her sister ship “Südperd” (1974) are armed with 2-57 mm guns plus 2-30 mm guns. They can make up to 18 knots with their diesel engines.

Die beiden Landungsschiffe “Nordperd” (1974) und “Südperd” (1974) haben je eine Einsatzverdrängung von 2,000 Tonnen, und sind mit je zwei 57-mm und zwei 30-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) bewaffnet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit dieser Klaße mit Dieselantrieb liegt bei 18 Knoten.

XXXIIb. “Cottbus” Class (1974)

The second largest German landing ships commissioned since World War Two are the ten ships of the “Cottbus” (1974) class, named for German cities and each displacing 1,900 tons. They are also armed with anti-aircraft guns and can make up to 16 knots. The nine other ships in this class are named “Eberswalde-Finow” (1974), “Eisenhüttenstadt” (1974), “Frankfurt an der Oder” (1974), “Grimmen” (1974), “Hoyerswerda” (1974), “Lübben” (1974), “Neubrandenburg” (1974), “Schwerin” (1974) and “Siegen” (1974).

Die zehn Landungsschiffe der “Cottbus” (1974) Klaße hatten je eine Einsatzverdrängung von 1,900 Tonnen, und gehörten der Volksmarine der ehemaligen DDR. Sie waren auch mit Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) ausgerüstet. Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit dieser Klaße mit Dieselantrieb lag bei 16 Knoten. Die neun anderen Mitglieder dieser Klaße hießen “Eberswalde-Finow” (1974), “Eisenhüttenstadt” (1974), “Frankfurt an der Oder” (1974), “Grimmen” (1974), “Hoyerswerda” (1974), “Lübben” (1974), “Neubrandenburg” (1974), “Schwerin” (1974) und “Siegen” (1974).

XXXIIc. “Barbe” Class (1964)

The third largest class of landing craft commissioned into the German Navy since the end of World War Two are the 22 units of the small “Barbe” (1964) class of landing boats. Each vessel displaces up to 403 tons full load, is 40,04 meters long, has a beam of 8,8 meters and an average draught of 1,6 meters. They are armed with 2-20 mm guns and can make up to 11 knots with diesel engines. They were all built by the Howaldtswerke Shipyard of Hamburg. Each boat is equipped with radar, is powered by 2 12-cylinder diesel engines which drive 2 propellers and can produce up to 1,200 horsepower. Crews (non counting marine infantry troops) consist of 17 commissioned officers and enlisted men. Their design is based upon that of the American LCU 1646 class.

Die 22 Landungsboote der “Barbe” (1964) Klaße haben je eine Einsatzverdrängung von 403 Tonnen, sind je 40,04 Meter lang, mit je einer Breite von 8,8 Meter und einen Tiefgang von 1,6 Meter. Sie sind mit je zwei 2e 0-mm Flugzeugabwehrkanonen (FLAK) bewaffnet, und die Höchstgeschwindigkeit dieser Klaße mit Dieselantrieb liegt bei 11 Knoten. Sie wurden alle bei den Howaldtswerken in Hamburg gebaut. Eine Besatzung ohne Infanteristen besteht aus 17 Offiziere und Matrosen. Die 21 anderen Mitglieder dieser Klaße heißen “Flunder” (1964), “Karpfen” (1964), “Lachs” (1964), “Plötze” (1964), “Rochen” (1964), “Schlei” (1964), “Stör” (1964), “Tümmler” (1964), “Wels” (1964), “Zander” (1964), “Butt” (1964), “Braße” (1964), “Delphin” (1964), “Dorsch” (1964), “Felchen” (1964), “Forelle” (1964), “Inger” (1964), “Makrele” (1964), “Müräne” (1964), “Renke” (1964) und “Salm” (1964).

The other boats within this class are named “Flunder” (1964), “Karpfen” (1964), “Lachs” (1964), “Plötze” (1964), “Rochen” (1964), “Schlei” (1964), “Stör” (1964), “Tümmler” (1964), “Wels” (1964), “Zander” (1964), “Butt” (1964), “Braße” (1964), “Delphin” (1964), “Dorsch” (1964), “Felchen” (1964), “Forelle” (1964), “Inger” (1964), “Makrele” (1964), “Müräne” (1964), “Renke” (1964) and “Salm” (1964). Each boat is named after a type of marine animal or fish. For instance, “Flunder” means “flounder” in English. “Karpfen” means “carp” in English, and “Lachs” means “salmon” in English. “Tümmler” means “porpoise” in English, and “Delphin” means “dolphin.” “Dorsch” is the German word for “codfish,” and “Forelle” is German for “trout.” And then “Makrele” is the German word for “mackerel.”

Zur Zeit des Zweiten Weltkrieges wurden sehr viele Landungsfahrzeugen gebaut, weil Deutschland es vorhatte, Großbrittanien anzugreifen. Das Unternehmen “Seelöwe” war der im Zweiten Weltkrieg von der deutschen Wehrmacht erarbeitete, aber nie eingesetzte Plan für eine Invasion Englands unter dem Oberbefehl von Generalfeldmarschall Gerd von Rundstedt. Die Planungen für das Unternehmen Seelöwe wurden Adolf Hitler nach der abgeschloßenen Besetzung Frankreichs im Juli 1940 von Strategen der deutschen Kriegsmarine vorgelegt. Das Wehrmacht-Heer und die Kriegsmarine waren sich über Ort, Zeitpunkt der Invasion und andere Zuständigkeiten nicht einig. Die Aufgabe der Luftwaffe und Voraussetzung für die Invasion war in jedem Fall die Erringung der Luftherrschaft über dem Invasionsraum sowie die operative Unterstützung von Heer und Kriegsmarine. Das deutsche Heer wollte an möglichst vielen Stellen landen und Großbrittanien auf breiter Front angreifen. Die Kriegsmarine wollte hingegen nur auf einem schmalen Korridor in der Straße von Dover landen, da die Marine zu klein war, mehrere Landungsoperationen gegen die überlegende Royal Navy zu schützen, selbst bei totaler Luftüberlegenheit. Nach Plänen der Kriegsmarine sollte der Korridor links und rechts von Minensperren und von vorgeschobenen Unterseebooten geschützt werden. Dafür würden 168 Frachter, 1,910 Kähne, 419 Schlepper und 1,600 Motorboote benötigt.
Der Versuch, wie geplant die Luftherrschaft zu erringen, führte zur Luftschlacht um England, die von der deutschen Luftwaffe verloren wurde. Die Luftwaffe verzettelte sich über der Insel aufgrund einer uneinheitlichen Strategie. Statt nur die britische Luftwaffe über Südengland anzugreifen, entschied sich Adolf Hitler und Hermann Göring (der sogenannte “Reichsmarschall” der deutschen Luftwaffe) über ganz Großbrittanien einen Bombenkrieg gegen die Städte zu führen. Es war ein Fehler den Krieg so zu führen. Zur Zeit des Zweiten Weltkrieges wurden 65,000 Leute in Großbrittanien aber 600,000 Leute im Großdeutschen Reich Opfer des Bombenkrieges. Bis Juni 1940 war Deutschland siegreich. Das Saarland (1935), das Rheinland (1936), Österreich (1938), das Sudetenland (1938), Böhmen (1939), Mähren (1939), die Slowakei (1939), das Memelland (1939), die Hansestadt Danzig (1939), Polen (1939), Dänemark (1940), Norwegen (1940), die Niederlande (1940), Belgien (1940), Luxemburg (1940) und Frankreich (1940) kamen alle ins Großdeutsche Reich. Es war Adolf Hitlers Entscheidung, das Unternehmen Seelöwe nicht durchzuführen, und stattdessen die Sowjetunion im Juni 1941 anzugreifen. Großdeutschland war einfach zu klein, so viele Gegner zu haben. Besonders nach der verlorenen Schlacht von Stalingrad (heute “Volgograd”) im Februar 1943 gab es für das deutsche Vaterland nur schlechte Nachrichten und immer mehr Verlußte.

The reason so many landing craft were made during World War Two was primarily for the aborted but well-planned German invasion of Great Britain in 1940 and 1941 – Operation “Sea Lion” or “Seelöwe” in German. This was yet another massive blunder on the part of Adolf Hitler and Hermann Goering, the latter being a Hitler crony who unfortunately commanded the German Air Force or “Luftwaffe” from 1935 to 1945. Instead of dealing with Britain militarily, these two foolish men diverted Germany’s limited air power to a strategic bombing campaign against British cities. In the process, they killed 65,000 British civilians and opened the way for an even worse bombing campaign against German cities by the British and the Americans – which killed more than 600,000 German civilians by the end of the Second World War in Europe in May 1945.

Giving up on the United Kingdom after the Battle of Britain in 1940-1941, Hitler then opened a brand new land front against Soviet Russia in June 1941 – which turned out to be the bloodiest front in the bloodiest war in human history. This horrible front cost the lives of 27 million people from the former Soviet Union and another 5 million from the German Empire. The massive front ranged from Finland to the Black Sea, and from Poland to the Caucasus Mountains. At first, German troops were welcomed into Soviet territory as liberators by a civilian population tired of Communist tyranny. The intelligence chief of the German Army, General Reinhard Gehlen (who survived the Second World War to head the new intelligence arm of Western Germany) warned Adolf Hitler to treat the civilian population well – but Hitler of course did not heed this advice. As it was, one million Russians would volunteer to help the German cause as full members of the Wehrmacht. The Russian volunteers comprised half of all foreigners (non-Germans) within the Wehrmacht.

“Fall Seelöwe” (Operation Sea Lion)

Operation “Sea Lion” planned to land 150,000 German troops on English soil right across the narrowest part of the English Channel. This number was to include 22,000 paratroopers (”Fallschirmjäger” in German) of the German Air Force and 28,000 Army troops ferried in by air transport. The remaining 100,000 men were to come in by sea (with the landing craft described above). Germany’s top paratrooper was Luftwaffe General Kurt Student, who also survived World War Two. He gained fame by leading German paratroopers to victory in the early World War Two campaigns in Norway, the Netherlands, Belgium and Greece in 1940 and 1941. As late as September 1944, German paratroopers helped to defeat the Western Allied thrust into the Netherlands, known as Operation Market-Garden. Allied forces under the command of British Field Marshall Bernard Montgomery took the Dutch cities of Einhoven and Nijmegen (called “Nimwegen” in German) from Germany, but failed to take the all-important objective of Arnhem (”Arnheim” in German), with its critical bridges over the Rhine River. German Army troops (General von Zangen’s 15th Army), General Kurt Student’s 1st Parachute Army and especially 2 Waffen-SS armored divisions defeated the Americans and the British, and set back Allied plans to defeat Germany by a full 7 months. The II. SS Panzer Corps of General Bittrich consisted of the 9th SS Panzer Division (”Hohenstaufen”) and the 10th SS Panzer Divison (”Frundsberg”). They did this at a time when German infantry was outnumbered by 2 to 1 and German armor by an astounding 20 to 1 on the Western Front. The German air force was outnumbered in the West by a horrific 45 to 1 in 1944. On the Russian front, German forces were outnumbered by 3 to 1 by the end of 1944. The situation on the Italian front was also dismal for Germany, and 50,000 German troops were on occupation duty in Norway in the far North.

The planned German invasion of England in the summer and fall of 1940 was to have transported an initial 100,000 army troops in four groups to the Southeastern coast of England by sea.  The eventual number of German soldiers to be deployed on English soil was to have surpassed one million men.  The vessels needed for Sea Lion were initially gathered in Hamburg, and were to have made their way down the coasts of Germany, the Netherlands, Flanders and France.  Transport group “B” under Vice Admiral Hermann von Fischel was based in Dunkirk, Ostend and Rotterdam.  They were to depart from Calais and land in Dover and Folkestone.  The transport vessels in group “B” included the 3rd, 4th and 16th Minesweeping Flotillas plus 100 tugboats, 58 steamers and 15 motorboats.  Transport group “C” under Captain Gustav Kleinkamp was to have departed from Calais and Antwerp and land in between Folkestone and Eastbourne.  Their vessels included the 1st, 15th and 32nd Minesweeping Flotillas plus 100 tugboats, 60 steamers and 14 motorboats.  Transport group “D” under Captain Werner Lindau was based in the French port of Boulogne and was to land near Eastbourne.  Their force included the 2nd and 18th Minesweeping Flotillas plus 160 tugboats.  Transport group “E” under Captain Ernst Scheurlen was based in Le Havre and was to land in between Eastbourne, Brighton and just east of Portsmouth.  Their vessels included the 12th Minesweeping Flotilla plus 25 tugboats, 50 steamers, 200 motorboats and 100 yachts.  Many other transport vessels were to have been deployed, and all of the vessels listed above were to have been escorted by numerous motor torpedo boats (fast attack craft), torpedo boats (equivalent to small destroyers in the Allied navies), destroyers, cruisers and battleships.  Above them was to have been deployed a protective air umbrella.  The Luftwaffe had many single engine fighters such as the Messerschmitt Bf-109 and Focke-Wulf Fw-190, dual engine fighters such as the Messerschmitt Bf-110 and medium bombers such as the Heinkel He-111, the Junkers Ju-88 and the Dornier Do-17.  Dive bombers such as the Junkers Ju-87 “Sturzkampfbomber” or “Stuka” for short would have been useful in a strictly tactical role supporting the invasion along the coast.  Most of the transport planes to be used for the 25,000 paratroopers were the Junkers Ju-52 “Tante Ju” plus gliders such as those manufactured by Gotha and DFS (“Deutsches Forschungsinstitut für Segelflug,” or “German Development Institute for Gliders”).  1,500 units of the DFS-230 were manufactured from 1937 until 1940.

One aircraft which could have been much more useful to the German Navy was the Dornier Do-217 medium bomber – a more advanced development of the Dornier Do-17.  It had a longer range, higher speed and could carry a heavier load.  1,887 examples of the Dornier Do-217 were built in between 1938 and 1943.  Air-dropped magnetic mines were already quite advanced, but not enough were manufactured.  The German development of air-dropped torpedoes was not advanced enough, but the Japanese were very advanced in this field – they were an ally of Germany and could have been a source for such valuable technology.  As it was, Germany manufactured 276 examples of the Focke-Wulf Fw-200 naval bomber from 1938 until 1944.  This plane was converted from a civil airliner, and was thus not purpose built to a military task.  In spite of this, it proved very useful against allied shipping.  But there were simply not enough such aircraft built by Germany.

Hitler was never very enthusiastic about the prospect of Operation Sea Lion.  He was under the false impression that the United Kingdom could be persuaded into accepting a negotiated peace with the German Empire.  Furthermore, he had something of a “love-hate” relationship with the UK for the simple reason that the English people were kindred Germanic folk to the German people – his reasoning was thus based upon his own individual racial prejudices.  Hitler and Hermann Göring were the ones who decided upon a bombing campaign against British civilian targets, a failed campaign which became known as the “Blitz” in the English-speaking countries.  Early tactical forays over the British Isles on the part of the Luftwaffe resulted in some mistaken civilian casualties – these were not the goal during the early part of the air war over Britain.  In retaliation, the Royal Air Force launched two small bomber raids over the German capital city of Berlin.  The German response was that of the so-called “Blitz.”  The failed “Blitz” was thus the substitute for Operation Sea Lion.

The Wehrmacht-Heer (German Army) was initially very enthusiastic about the prospect of Operation Sea Lion, but the Kriegsmarine and the Luftwaffe were not.  The Army wanted to finish the job left incomplete after the fall of France – they wanted to defeat the United Kingdom.  The Luftwaffe leadership (i.e., Hermann Göring) was under the false impression that a bombing campaign alone could defeat Britain.  The Kriegsmarine was apprehensive about Operation Sea Lion for the simple fact that the German Navy was so small compared to the Royal Navy.  Furthermore, the barges and other small craft required to launch the invasion would have taken these vessels away from Germany’s civilian economy where they were very much needed.

The leadership of the Kriegsmarine under Erich Raeder much preferred a Mediterranean strategy – something that was within both Germany’s tactical reach and which would have negatively impacted the United Kingdom over a longer period of time.  It was practical, and the human and material cost would have been much less to Germany compared with 1) a risky invasion of the British Isles and 2) the disastrous invasion of the Soviet Union which was Hitler’s brainchild in June 1941.  The Mediterranean strategy of the Kriegsmarine (and no German invasion of Soviet Russia) would likely have led to a negotiated peace with the United Kingdom and German hegemony over Europe, the Mediterranean, the Middle East, North Africa, the Horn of Africa and West Africa.  Russia would have maintained hegemony over Eurasia (Soviet Europe, Siberia and Central Asia) plus the Persian Gulf and the Indian Subcontinent.  Japan would have maintained hegemony over East Asia, Southeast Asia and the Pacific – with the exception of U.S. possessions such as the Philippines, Guam, Samoa, Alaska and Hawaii.

Early Luck of Hitler and his National Socialists (die frühen Erfolge von Adolf Hitler und die NSDAP)

Up until June 1941, Adolf Hitler had been amazingly fortunate and lucky to say the least.  His National Socialist German Workers’ Party (“Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiterpartei,” or abbreviated to “Nazi” in German) was the merely the 10th largest party in Germany until 1931.  The global stock market crash which resulted in massive bankruptcies and unemployment catapulted his party into second place and finally first place during 1932 and 1933.  In spite of this, the Nazi Party received only 44 percent of the popular vote in Germany in March 1933, which was the last free election on German soil until 1946.  The old style German Nationalists (the German National Peoples’ Party, or “Deutschnationale Volkspartei”) formed a coalition government with the Nazis in January 1933, thus enabling Adolf Hitler to become the Chancellor, or Prime Minister of Germany.  When President Paul von Hindenburg died in August 1934, Hitler assumed the additional title of President of Germany (which he changed to “Führer,” or “Leader”).  Hindenburg had represented a wide democratic coalition of Christian Democrats, Catholics, Social Democrats, Free Democrats, Liberals, Conservatives and Nationalists until 1932.  The opposition to the democratic center was represented by the Nazis on the extreme right and by the Communists on the extreme left.

Hitler repudiated the detested Treaty of Versailles of 1919 in 1935, reintroducing conscription and replacing the 100,000 man voluntary “Reichswehr” with the new 500,000 man conscript “Wehrmacht” (armed forces).  The German General Staff made the mistake of accepting a personal armed forces oath of loyalty to Hitler instead of to the German constitution as they had always done in the past.  They also made the fatal error of accepting the National Socialist insignia of the swastika or “hooked cross” on the German national flag, armed forces battle flag on the uniforms of the armed forces.

The first territorial change or addition to German territory came in 1935, when the Saarland chose to rejoin Germany in a free and democratic election.  France had annexed the Saarland in 1919. The second change came in 1936, when German troops remilitarized the Rhineland, or West bank of the Rhine River.  France had wanted this territory to be demilitarized since the end of World War One in November 1918.  Although this act violated the Treaty of Versailles, both France and the United Kingdom chose to accept it because they realized how unfair and how unpopular the Treaty of Versailles was in Germany.  The Saarland and the Rhineland were and remain pure German territory.

The third change came in 1938 when Germany annexed German Austria.  Austria (the states of Lower Austria, Upper Austria, Vienna, Burgenland, Styria, Salzburg, Carinthia, Vorarlberg and the Tyrol) was what was left over when the great Austro-Hungarian Empire was involuntarily dismembered in 1918.  German Austria had wanted to unite politically with Germany in November 1918, but the Western Allies did not allow this wish of the German and the Austrian people to be realized.  In addition to this, the German-speaking peoples of the South Tyrol and the Sudetenland (the German-speaking border region of Bohemia and Moravia in the brand new Republic of Czechoslovakia) also wanted to unite politically with Germany in November 1918.  Once again, the Western Allies of France and the United Kingdom chose not to oppose Germany uniting with Austria in early 1938.  They felt remorse for the harsh Treaty of Versailles of 1919, and certainly did not want war with Germany again.

The fourth change came in the fall of 1938, when France, the United Kingdom, Italy and Germany met at Munich to give the German-speaking Sudetenland region to Germany.  Czechoslovakia was initially not consulted about this move, but all parties involved agreed to do this because it represented the wishes of the peoples of Germany, Austria and the Sudetenland since November 1918.

The fifth change came in early 1939, when German troops occupied central Bohemia and Moravia in violation of the 1938 Munich agreement.  Central Bohemia and central Moravia were and remain overwhelmingly Czech and Moravian in character, with a small German-speaking minority.  Hungary and Poland partook in this armed partition of Czechoslovakia, and Slovakia itself used the opportunity to declare political independence from Prague.  Germany also demanded and received the Memelland region from Lithuania – a German-speaking territory which Lithuania had annexed from Germany at the end of World War One in 1919.

The difference this time was that the United Kingdom and France finally and belatedly awoke to the fact that Hitler had territorial ambitions that went far beyond ethnic German lands.  But Hitler’s amazing fortune and luck did not yet stop.  When Germany invaded Poland in September 1939, she did so with the active help of Slovakia and most important of all with the agreement and help of the Soviet Union.  The Free City of Danzig and Upper Silesia were still very German in population, while a significant German minority inhabited West Prussia, Posen and South Prussia.  Poland also had large numbers of Lithuanians, White Russians and Catholic Ukrainians in Eastern Poland as well as the largest Jewish community in the world.  The European Jews of 1939 were overwhelmingly German in language, culture and outlook.  Most European Jews of the time spoke, read and wrote in Yiddish or “Jewish German.”  This was yet another large reservoir of potential goodwill which Hitler and his Nazi ideology destroyed.  The German occupation of Poland from 1939 to 1945 was particularly brutal in nature.

In April 1940 the German Navy played a critical role in the conquest of both Denmark and Norway.  Losses to the Navy were high in both Cruisers and Destroyers, but the strategic value of both Scandinavian countries would prove to be immense for the remainder of the Second World War.  Cruisers lost included the Heavy Cruiser “Blücher” plus the Light Cruisers “Königsberg” and “Karlsruhe.”  May and June of 1940 witnessed the German conquest of the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg and France.  French bases on the Atlantic also proved to be utterly valuable to the German Navy for the remainder of the war.  After Italy’s failed invasion of Greece in the fall of 1941, Germany came to Italy’s aid and overran Slovenia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia and Greece.  Hungary, Croatia, Romania and Bulgaria all became military allies of Germany and Italy.

Italy entered yet another conflict where her failures required immediate German help – this time involving an invasion of British Egypt from the Italian colony of Libya.  The German answer was to send the highly successful and innovative Panzer General Erwin Rommel to North Africa with up to 50,000 German armored troops – eventually to be christened as the famous “Afrika Korps.”  Erwin Rommel was among the trio of Germany’s greatest and most innovative army leaders, the other men being Heinz Guderian and Erich von Manstein.  These men formulated and put into action a new brand of armored and mechanized warfare which the world knows to this day.  Allied media and German propagandists called it “Blitzkrieg” which literally translates to “lightning warfare” in German.  The British had introduced armored warfare to the world on the Western Front in 1917 and France had the largest and likely best armored force in the world up to 1940.  But it was this trio of famous German generals who revolutionized armored warfare.  Instead of spreading armored and mechanized forces thin, they insisted on creating entire divisions of armored troops (“Panzer” divisions) and mechanized troops (“Panzergrenadier” divisions).  These highly armed, highly mobile and elite formations would act with a large degree of independence, striking well ahead of the infantry and the cavalry – and disregarding traditional military obsession with flanks.  They would strike deep into enemy territory, creating confusion.  They would engage in large pincer movements, encircling huge numbers of enemy infantry, cavalry and artillery.  They would perfect the Prussian-German General Staff concept of “Kesselschlacht” (battles of encirclement) which was undertaken by the cavalry during the Austro-Prussian War of 1866 and the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871.

By the fall of 1942 the recently promoted Field Marshall Erwin Rommel would advance his combined German and Italian forces of at least 250,000 men to the Egyptian town of El Alamein, not far from the Egyptian capital city of Cairo.  200,000 men of Army Africa were Italians and 50,000 were Germans.

The world now remembers El Alamein as Germany’s first major World War Two defeat, a turning point in the war which would eventually lead to Germany’s defeat in May 1945.  But if the German General Staff and German naval leadership had directed the war, things would have been very different.  There would have been no massive invasion of the Western Soviet Union, and the Afrika Korps would have been a much larger force of at least twice the size (500,000 or more soldiers).  The Afrika Korps of the German Army under Field Marshall Erwin Rommel was to have worked in unison with the German Navy’s planned Mediterranean strategy under the leadership of Grand Admiral Erich Raeder.

The British Royal Navy, the Vichy French and the Italian Navies (die britische Marine, die Marine von Vichy Frankreich und Italien)

In September 1939 the French Navy had 7 battleships and battlecruisers, 2 aircraft carriers and 19 cruisers (heavy and light cruisers included).  After the German defeat of France in 1940, two of the French battlecruisers and both aircraft carriers were either far abroad and/or made it to a British port.

The British Royal Navy was still very large and powerful in 1939 – but much less so compared to its strength at the start of World War One in 1914.  In September 1939 the Royal Navy had 15 battleships and battlecruisers, 6 aircraft carriers and 59 cruisers.  Most of these vessels were older and slower compared to their continental European counterparts.

The French Navy was based in the Mediterranean port of Toulon, and included the modern battleships “Strasbourg” and “Dunkerque” of 35,500 tons each.  Strasbourg is the German-speaking capital of German-speaking Alsace, known as Strassburg in German.  Dunkirk (English spelling) is the Flemish-speaking capital of French Flanders (German spelling of “Dünkirchen”).  Flemish is closely related to Dutch.  High Dutch is closely related to both Afrikaans (the Cape Dutch of Southern Africa) and to the Lower German “Plattdeutsch” dialects of Lower Saxony, Bremen, Hamburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Pomerania, Prussia and Courland.  Other large French warships sought by Grand Admiral Erich Raeder for the Kriegsmarine included the battleships “Provence” (28,500 tons), “Jean Bart” (26,000 tons) and “Concorcet” (19,450 tons).  Beyond this were many cruisers, destroyers, torpedo boats, fast attack craft, submarines and non-combat support vessels.  The Vichy French fleet would have enlarged the German Navy by 71 percent, but the British Royal Navy still would have enjoyed a three-to-one numerical advantage in capital ships.

The “Dunkerque” and the “Strasbourg” were modern ships, having been commissioned in 1937 and 1938, respectively.  They were armed with eight 13-inch guns mounted in two forward turrets and had a top speed of 31.06 knots.  “Jean Bart” and “Provence” were dreadnought battleships which were commissioned in 1913 and 1915, respectively.  “Concorcet” was a pre-dreadnought battleship which was commissioned in 1911.  The two modern battleships would have been useful on the high seas, whereas the older ships could only be deployed much closer to the coast.  They were much slower, with “Jean Bart” being the best of the three with a top speed of just 22.6 knots.  The French Navy was based in the port of Toulon on France’s Southern coast.

In addition to this was the Italian Navy.  The Italians had a bad track record of performance during the Austro-Prussian War (1866), World War One (1915-1918) and World War Two (1940-1945).  But their lack of good performance was primarily due to bad leadership.  For instance, officers and enlisted men did not eat together and were even provided with different food – much better for the officers and much worse for the enlisted ranks.  This lowered the morale and performance of ordinary soldiers.  Italian troops performed significantly better under German and Austrian leadership – Austrian leadership during World War One (ethnic Italians from places such as Trient and Triest) and German leadership during World War Two (Italian soldiers and officers under Field Marshall Erwin Rommel in the famed “Afrika Korps.”).

The Italian Navy had high-quality battleships such as the “Vittorio Veneto,” the “Italia,” the “Roma” and the “Imperio” (46,215 tons each).  Beyond this were the “Ciao Duilio” and the “Andrea Dorea” (29,391 tons each) plus the “Conti de Cavour” and the “Giulio Cesare” (29,100 tons each).  Main German Naval bases in the Mediterranean and the Adriatic Seas included Genoa, Livorno, Naples, Palermo, Venice, Tunis, Tripoli, Benghazi and Tobruk.  Secondary bases (all on Greek soil) included Salonica, Volos, Salamis and Crete.  The main German Naval base on the Black Sea was Nikolayev in the Ukraine (just west of the Crimean Peninsula).  The combined units of the Vichy French and the Italian Navies would have enlarged the entire German Navy by an impressive 186 percent.  This would have made things far more difficult for the Royal Navy of the United Kingdom.

The “Vittorio Veneto” (1940), the “Italia” (1940), the “Roma” (1942) and the “Imperio” (launched in 1939 but never commissioned into active service) were all very modern battleships armed with nine 15-inch guns.  Top speed was a good 31.42 knots, and they would have been very useful to the German Navy.  The other battleships in the Italian Navy were all dreadnought battleships from World War One, but they had decent primary armament (12 inch guns) and acceptable performance (27 to 28.25 knots top speed) – considerably better than the dreadnought era battleships of other navies.  In fact, they would have been much like the battlecruisers of World War One, which were faster and more useful compared to their dreadnought battleship counterparts.

Adding the Italian Navy’s strength to that of the Kriegsmarine and the Navy of Vichy France would have evened the playing field somewhat more.  The British Royal Navy’s numerical advantage in capital ships over the Axis powers in Europe would have fallen from about three-to-one to about 70 percent.

Benito Mussolini’s Italy entered the land war against France late, and accomplished little.  Mussolini demonstrated some strategic foresight by asking Hitler for Italian territorial concessions in Corsica, Tunisia and Algeria – but because Mussolini had nothing with which to bargain Hitler gave him nothing.  Grand Admiral Erich Raeder wanted some French ships, but did not consider outright confiscation of the French Navy.  He considered the latter alternative to be far too humiliating for any country.  Hitler promised French Admiral Jean Francois Darlan that Germany would make no demands upon any French Navy ships either upon the armistice between Germany and France or in the future.  For his part, Darlan said that no other country would ever get any Vichy French ships, and that the Vichy French fleet was to remain neutral.  This agreement between Hitler and Darlan made the German Naval usage of skilled French dockworkers much easier to obtain.  The fall of France greatly improved the strategic position of both the German and the Italian Navies vis-à-vis the British Royal Navy, but the French Atlantic ports were always within easy striking distance of the Royal Air Force.  This was yet one more reason why the Mediterranean strategy of the Kriegsmarine became the German Navy’s second major strategic plan under the leadership of Erich Raeder.  The first plan under his leadership was the famous “Z-Plan” for German Naval ship construction prior to the outbreak of World War Two.

Both major centers of British Naval power in the Mediterranean were seen as vulnerable to German and axis attack.  These were Gibraltar in the West and the Suez Canal in the East.  If the German Navy were able to capture these two key British bases, Germany would have been able to force the British Royal Navy out of the Mediterranean Sea, free the considerable Italian Navy for deployment in both the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, and hasten an eventual German victory over Britain by making possible the maximum deployment of German force against British oceanic communications.

The capture of both Gibraltar and the Suez Canal would have necessitated German troop movements through regions such as France, Spain, French North Africa and French West Africa.  Once this was achieved, bases in Spain and French West Africa as far South as Dakar would have become available for use by both the German and the Italian Navies.  Such a situation would have seriously threatened British South Atlantic and Indian Ocean commerce.  Furthermore, these new bases would have been out of the reach of the British Royal Air Force.  This advantage would have been particularly important to surface ships which were most vulnerable to enemy air attack while in port.  And the acquisition of additional repair yards would have enabled domestic shipyards in Germany to finally concentrate on the construction of new shipping – especially submarines.  Another goal of the German Navy was to establish bases in the Canary Islands, which belong to Spain.

The German Naval plans for the Eastern Mediterranean involved the capture of the Suez Canal from the British.  This would have necessitated a much larger Afrika Korps, which would have been extremely feasible with no invasion of the Soviet Union.  As it was, German and Italian troops already occupied much of Algeria, Tunisia, Libya and Western Egypt.  After the Suez Canal was under the control of German troops, the next goals were Palestine (modern Israel) and Syria.  At the time, Palestine was a British Mandate and Syria belonged to the French.  These important strategic moves would have placed Turkey and the Balkans beyond the reach of the British Empire.  Turkey was still neutral and the Balkans were already under German control.  The communications to Italian East Africa (modern day Ethiopia, Eritrea and Somalia) would have been preserved and the region would have been saved for Germany and her Italian allies.  This would have been yet another position from which to threaten trade with British India and the all-important oil supplies in the Middle East and the Persian Gulf region.

One can clearly see how all of these plans were extremely doable with no German invasion of the Soviet Union – with no major Eastern Front for the German Empire.  With a passive, neutral and even somewhat friendly Soviet Union, it would have been nearly impossible for Vichy France and Spain to refuse German pressure to allow access to Gibraltar via French and Spanish territory.  The only major land powers in the world of 1940 were Germany, Russia (the Soviet Union), China, Japan and the United States.  China and Japan were occupied in a land war with each other, the United States was still technically neutral, Russia was neutral to somewhat friendly to Germany and Germany was at the peak of her geopolitical might.  Germany would have had access to new military bases in places such as Gibraltar, Spanish Morocco and the Canary Islands.  Other very likely possibilities would have existed in French North Africa, French West Africa and in the eventual capture of British Malta.

The overwhelming power of the German Army and Luftwaffe would have made it very difficult if not impossible for Spain and Vichy France to resist German pressure in the Mediterranean.  This would have made the Mediterranean strategy of the Kriegsmarine come true.  Turkey was to have been pressured into becoming a German ally, just as she had been during the First World War.  The leadership of the German Navy considered the Soviet Union (i.e., Russia) to be a “timid giant,” – which was very accurate.  Soviet Russia was to have been offered very generous geopolitical concessions in Iran, Afghanistan and British India.  Even today, modern Russia maintains a tremendous interest in these nations – proof that the World War Two German Navy interpreted Russian political aspirations correctly.  The German-Russian nonaggression pact of 1939 had already given Soviet Russia control over the Baltic States (Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia), Eastern Poland to the Curzon Line (not much different from Poland’s current Eastern border with Belarus and the Ukraine) and Russia had annexed some territory from Finland by force of arms – territory which the Russian Federation still has today.

With no German invasion of the Soviet Union and with the implementation of the Mediterranean strategy of the German Navy, the course of the Second World War would have been very different.  The Mediterranean Sea would have become an Axis “lake,” controlled by Germany, Italy and their likely new allies in Vichy France and Fascist Spain.  Even Portugal and Turkey would have found it very hard to resist from being drawn into the axis orbit.  French North Africa and West Africa would have become an additional base for the axis Army Africa (the “Afrika Korps”) and for the German and the Italian Navies – both surface and submarine units included.  The lower North Atlantic Ocean would have become a very dangerous place for the British Royal Navy.  With Soviet Russia neutral and eventually in control of Afghanistan (then under British influence), India (then a British Crown colony) and Iran (a neutral nation friendly to Germany until the Americans supported a coup d’etat which established the Pahlevi Dynasty), the likelihood of a negotiated peace between the German Empire and the United Kingdom would have increased tremendously – especially if German demands would have been reasonable.  With no more war in Europe, the “America First” policy of isolationism would have been given a fresh breath of life in the United States.

Britain would have been left with the British Isles (Britain and Ireland but not the Channel Islands, which were taken by Germany in 1940), Iceland (a Danish Crown colony which the British occupied in 1940), Eastern Africa, Southern Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Belize, the British Caribbean, Guyana and the Falkland Islands.

The Naval war in the Mediterranean was very active from the start.  The British Royal Navy succeeded in sinking the old Vichy French battleship “Bretagne” with the loss of 977 French lives.  The new battleship “Dunkerque” was crippled by hits from 15-inch British shells, and the old battleship “Provence” had to be beached by her French crew to prevent her from sinking.  The incomplete Vichy French battleship “Richelieu” was torpedoed by British carrier aircraft while in the port of Dakar.  On November 11, 1940 twenty aircraft were launched from the British carrier “H.M.S. Illustrious” to attack the Italian Naval base at Taranto.  The effects of this small raid were immense.  The old battleship “Cavour” was sunk in shallow water, putting her out of active duty permanently.  The old battleship “Duilio” was damaged by a torpedo and took six months to repair.  The new battleship “Littorio” survived three hits and took three months to repair.  The remaining ships were withdrawn to the port of Naples, thus resulting in a strategic victory for the Royal Navy.

Nevertheless, other and larger opportunities existed for the Axis powers.  If Soviet Russia had not been invaded by Germany, the potential for these opportunities were very significant.  Germany signed a ten year defensive alliance with Imperial Japan in June 1940.  Soviet Russia signed a non-aggression pact with Imperial Japan in April 1941.  The Germans wanted the Japanese to attack British colonies in Southeast Asia such as Singapore, Malaya, Brunei and Hong Kong – which they did.  The Germans also wanted the Japanese to overtake the Dutch East Indies (modern day Indonesia) and French Indochina (modern day Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia) – all of which the Japanese did as well.  But the German Naval leadership wanted the Japanese to bypass the American colonies of the Philippines, Guam and Hawaii.  The Kriegsmarine did not want the United States in the war, and instead wanted the Japanese to put pressure on British India – which did commence with the Japanese conquest of Burma.

The spring of 1941 witnessed the Balkan campaign in Europe due to Italy’s failed invasion of Greece from Italian-occupied Albania.  Slovakia had been an ally of Germany since 1939, but now Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria all joined the Germans.  Yugoslavia split into independent parts.  Slovenia was occupied by the German Empire and became the Province of Carniola, which it had been in Austria-Hungary until November 1918.  Croatia became a German ally and occupied Bosnia-Herzegovina (which had been part of Austria-Hungary from 1878 until 1918).  Serbia and Montenegro were occupied by German forces, and Macedonia was occupied by Bulgaria.  Greece was overrun by the German Army and the island of Crete was taken by German paratroopers.  5,000 of the 22,000 German paratroopers were either killed or wounded during the conquest of Crete.  The Italian Navy launched a sortie against the British Royal Navy off the coast of Crete, but this was yet another disaster for the Italians.  The new battleship “Vittorio Veneto” was badly damaged and had to be escorted back to her base.  The Italians lost the cruisers “Pola,” “Zara” and “Fiume” to a force of British battleships and destroyers.

But the British were not without their own problems.  The Afrika Korps was advancing into Eastern Libya and Western Egypt.  Furthermore, German submarines were now operating in the Mediterranean Sea.  U-81 under Korvettenkapitän (Lieutenant Commander) Friedrich Guggenberger torpedoed and sunk the British carrier “H.M.S. Ark Royal” on November 13, 1941.  U-331 under Kapitänleutnant (Lieutenant) Hans Dietrich Freiherr von Tiesenhausen torpedoed and sunk the dreadnought battleship “H.M.S. Barham” on November 25, 1941.  Three weeks later the British lost the light cruiser “H.M.S. Galatea” to torpedoes from U-557.  Italian midget submarines damaged but did not sink the British battleships “H.M.S. Valiant” and “H.M.S. Queen Elizabeth.”  Although the ships were not lost, they did have to withdraw from the Mediterranean to undergo repairs.  Meanwhile, the Royal Navy lost the battleship “H.M.S. Prince of Wales” and the battlecruiser “H.M.S. Repulse” to a Japanese land-based air assault in Malayan waters in January 1942.  The new carrier “H.M.S. Indomitable” had been accidentally grounded during a training cruise in the Caribbean Sea in November 1941.

The Z-Plan (der Z-Plan der Deutschen Reichsmarine und Kriegsmarine)

The “Z-Plan” was the first major strategic plan of the interwar German Navy (the “Reichsmarine”) and the German Navy of the Third Reich (the “Kriegsmarine”).  The Z-Plan was the plan for a balanced fleet of both surface and submarine combat vessels.  The core of the expanded German fleet were the new battleships “Scharnhorst” (38,900 tons and armed with nine 11-inch guns in three triple turrets), “Gneisenau” (a sister ship of “Scharnhorst”), “Bismarck” (50,900 tons and armed with eight 15-inch guns mounted in four dual turrets) and “Tirpitz” (52,600 tons full displacement and a sister ship of “Bismarck”).  These four battleships were to have been complemented by the six super-battleships of the “H-39” or “Hindenburg” class.  The first two units of this class (the “Hindenburg” and the “Friedrich der Große / Friedrich der Grosse” were laid down in 1939 but scrapped in 1940 due to the outbreak of World War Two).  The remaining four ships of this class were to have been named “Moltke,” “Ludendorff,” “Großdeutschland / Grossdeutschland” and “Führer.”  Displacement was planned at 68,000 tons and primary armament at eight 16-inch guns mounted in four dual turrets.  In essence, the ships of the “Hindenburg” class were merely enhanced versions of the “Bismarck,” – somewhat longer, wider, heavier, with thicker armor plating, with larger guns and with superior steaming radius.  From 1940 until 1944, studies for even larger battleships were undertaken.  They were basically larger, heavier, more heavily armored and more heavily armed versions of the “Hindenburg” class.

Twelve small battleships of the “Kreuzer-P” (or “Cruiser-P”) class were planned as corsairs to raid enemy merchant shipping.  The plan called for a displacement of 25,689 tons each, primary armament of six 11-inch guns mounted in two triple turrets (one fore and one aft), four aircraft and a very impressive speed of 33 knots.  The plan for twelve such ships was eventually replaced with a plan for three new battlecruisers of 38,200 tons each, armed with six 15-inch guns mounted in three dual turrets (two fore and one aft), four aircraft and an even more impressive speed of 35 knots.  “Schniedheim” and “Wallenstein” were two planned names for these “O-Class” battlecruisers which were never laid down due to the onset of World War Two.

Four aircraft carriers of the “Graf Zeppelin” class were also planned.  “Graf Zeppelin” was 85 percent complete by the start of World War Two, but she was never completed.  Her sister ship “Peter Straßer / Peter Strasser” was laid down but she was later scrapped due to the start of the war.  Each carrier was to have displaced 34,000 tons full load, and was to have been armed with fifteen six-inch guns and 40 aircraft.  Top speed was a very impressive 35 knots or more.  The requirement for such aircraft carriers was eventually raised from four to eight units.  During the course of the Second World War, plans were made (but never enacted) to convert suitable passenger liners into auxiliary aircraft carriers.

The three so-called “pocket battleships” of the “Deutschland” class were complete and in service by 1936.  The “Deutschland” displaced 15,900 tons full load, whereas her sister ships “Admiral Scheer” and “Admiral Graf Spee” displaced 16,200 tons each.  Armament was comprised of six 11-inch guns mounted in two triple turrets (one fore and one aft) and two aircraft.  Top speed was a very respectable 28 knots or more.

Three of the five new heavy cruisers of the “Admiral Hipper” class were completed whereas the two remaining units were already launched.  “Admiral Hipper” and “Blücher” displaced 18,200 tons each, “Prinz Eugen” displaced 18,400 tons and “Lützow” was planned at 19,800 tons.  “Seydlitz” was to be converted into a light aircraft carrier at 18,000 and armed with 18 aircraft – work on the flight deck had already commenced before the end of the war.  “Lützow” was sold to the Soviet Russian Navy prior to the German invasion of the Soviet Union.  Heavy cruiser primary armament was comprised of eight 8-inch guns mounted in four dual turrets (two fore and two aft) and three aircraft, and top speed was a very impressive 32 to 33 knots or more.

Six new light cruisers were already in service by 1935.  These were the “Emden,” “Königsberg,” “Karlsruhe,” “Köln,” “Leipzig” and “Nürnberg.”  The “Emden” was based upon the last small cruiser of the Imperial Navy in World War One – the “Dresden.”  The five newest units were armed with nine 6-inch guns mounted in three triple turrets (one fore and two aft).  All turrets were mounted in line in the two newest ships, whereas the two aft turrets were “staggered” in the three “K-Class” cruisers to provide a wider arc of fire.  The Z-Plan called for a grand total of 44 German light cruisers by 1948.  The newest design for 24 of the largest units (the “M-Class”) had a planned displacement of 10,400 tons, primary armament of eight 6-inch guns mounted in four dual turrets (two fore and two aft) and two aircraft, plus a top speed of 35.5 knots.  The 14 remaining units were planned as smaller scout cruisers of either 5,900 or 7,500 tons each.  Primary armament was to have consisted of six 6-inch guns mounted in three triple turrets (one fore and two aft) and one aircraft, plus a very good top speed of 36.2 knots.

The Z-Plan also called for 68 destroyers, 90 torpedo boats and 249 submarines (later adjusted upward to 300 submarines).  The new German ships were among the most modern, most advanced, fastest and largest of their kind in the world.  Large German destroyers were the equivalent of enemy light cruisers, whereas large German torpedo boats could match enemy destroyers.  Diverse types of support vessels were all planned in addition to the combat vessels mentioned above.  These included tenders, auxiliary cruisers, auxiliary aircraft carriers, depot ships, minelayers, minesweepers, yachts, fishery protection vessels, landing ships, landing boats, sloops (escorts), survey ships, training ships, motor torpedo boats, fast attack craft, patrol boats and tugboats.

The German Navy in June 1941 (die Deutsche Kriegsmarine im Juni 1941 – vor der Rußlandinvasion)

The great German battleship “Bismarck” had been sunk by a numerically superior force of 34 Royal Navy warships in May 1941, and her sister battleship “Tirpitz” was the most powerful remaining surface unit of any navy at 52,600 tons.  After her came the battleships “Scharnhorst” and “Gneisenau” at 38,900 tons each.  Modern heavy cruisers included the “Prinz Eugen” (18,400 tons) and the “Admiral Hipper” (18,200 tons).  The two remaining so-called “pocket battleships” inherited from the interwar “Reichsmarine” had been reclassified as heavy cruisers in 1940.  These included the “Admiral Scheer” (16,200 tons) and the “Lützow” (15,900 tons).  The latter ship had been launched as the “Deutschland” in 1931, but was renamed in 1940.  Pre-dreadnought battleships inherited from the Imperial Navy included the obsolete “Schlesien” and “Schleswig-Holstein” at 14,900 tons each.  These two vessels were relegated to training and other duties in the Baltic Sea.  Other obsolete pre-dreadnought battleships included the “Hessen” (14,218 tons) and the “Zähringen” (12,798 tons).

The aircraft carrier “Graf Zeppelin” (34,000 tons) was 85 percent complete.  Planned aircraft carrier conversions from civilian passenger liners included the “Europa” (56,500 tons) and the “Potsdam” (23,500 tons).  The “Seydlitz” (18,000 tons) was a planned heavy cruiser which was now to be completed as a light aircraft carrier.  The captured French cruiser “De Grasse” (11,400 tons) was yet another planned light aircraft carrier conversion project.

Large submarine tenders included the “Franken” and the “Ermland” at 22,850 tons each.  They were followed by the trio of “Dithmarschen,” “Nordmark” and “Uckermark” at 20,858 tons each.

Auxiliary cruisers included the “Pinguin” (17,600 tons), the “Atlantis” (17,000 tons), the “Widder” (16,000 tons), the “Orion” (15,000 tons), “Michel” and “Coronel” (11,000 tons each) and the “Hansa” (9,144 tons).

Light cruisers included the not yet launched captured Dutch cruisers “De Zeven Provincien” and “Eendracht” (12,165 tons each), the “Nürnberg” (9,040 tons), the “Leipzig” (8,382 tons), the “Köln” (8,130 tons) and the “Emden” (6,990 tons).

Destroyers, torpedo boats (equivalent to small destroyers in allied navies), motor torpedo boats (fast attack craft) and submarines were operating from ports in occupied Norway and France to attack shipping headed to and from the British Isles.  The Luftwaffe was still active in bombing British targets, as well as in defending German cities from the Royal Air Force and in supporting the German Navy in the Atlantic Ocean.  The invasion of Russia in June 1941 would divert German air strength from the British Isles, from the defense of German cities and from the Atlantic Ocean to the vast expanse of European Russia.  German air attacks over the British Isles would virtually cease until the advent of the V-1 flying jet and the V-2 rocket attacks of 1944 and 1945.  German flights over the Atlantic Ocean would also virtually cease, thus leaving German submarines at the mercy of the Allied air forces and naval air units.  The defense of German cities would also become much weaker, thus opening the future to the increasingly devastating raids over civilian targets from 1942 until 1945.  The terrible fire bombing of Hamburg in 1942 (40,000 dead) would be an omen of even worse air attacks to come.  The German bombing campaign over Great Britain cost 65,000 lives whereas the Allied bombing campaign over Germany cost up to 644,000 lives.  German and Austrian cities with the largest number of civilians killed included Dresden (250,000), Breslau (170,000), Berlin (50,000), Hamburg (50,000), Vienna (30,000), Wesel (23,000), Pforzheim (17,000), Darmstadt (12,000), Kassel (10,000), Heilbronn (6,000), Nürnberg (6,000), Wuppertal (6,000) and Frankfurt (5,000).  The worst casualties were the result of incendiary fire bombing, which easily destroyed many very old structures in the center of large German cities.  Many historical areas were completely obliterated, never to be rebuilt in the original style.  Most of the civilians who perished were not protected by specially built modern bomb bunkers with their own ventilation systems.  They usually suffocated to death in cellars located beneath large buildings.  Certain large cities did have well-built bunkers which kept civilian casualties much lower.  The cities themselves were still flattened in air raids, but at least more lives were saved.

The only British strongholds in and around the Mediterranean Sea included the port of Gibraltar, the island of Malta, the island of Cyprus, Eastern Egypt and Palestine.  Everything else was under German, Italian or Vichy French control.

The Imperial Japanese forces in Asia would eventually conquer Burma, which was in effect the easternmost part of British India.  British India included modern Burma, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.  British influence extended to Afghanistan.  Central Asia belonged to the Soviet Union.  Both Iran and Iraq were neutral countries with a friendly attitude towards Germany.  The rest of the Persian Gulf region had been under strong British influence since the end of World War One in 1919, and Turkey (left over from the former Ottoman Empire) was still neutral.

Grand Admiral Erich Raeder and especially Field Marshall Erwin Rommel wished to advance German forces in the direction of British India, with the eventual goal of meeting Japanese forces.  This ambitious goal would have been very attainable simply based on manpower (the strength of the German Army versus the strength of the British Army) and the only obstacle would have been that of supply lines.  In June 1941, the Luftwaffe and the Kriegsmarine were both able enough to meet this task.  The main obstacle for the Luftwaffe was the British base on Malta, which was bombed by the German air force on a very regular basis.  The Kriegsmarine had light forces in the Adriatic Sea, which was the former home of the Imperial and Royal Austro-Hungarian Navy until November 1918.  The main German surface and submarine units would have to come from Germany and from German bases in Norway and France through the Strait of Gibraltar and into the Mediterranean Sea.  This was no small task, but with Russia and America not in the war it would have been very doable – certainly for the German submarine fleet if not for the surface fleet.  Russia did not want to go war against Germany, whereas America wanted to do so very much on behalf of the United Kingdom.  Hitler and Mussolini waged war against Russia in June 1941 and both dictators obliged Imperial Japan by declaring war on the United States on December 11, 1941.  These were major foreign policy and strategic blunders which were to destroy Germany, Italy, Japan and all of the Axis nations by September 1945.

The relatively small (compared to the Royal Navy) surface forces of the German Navy were extremely active worldwide from September 1939 until the battleship “Bismarck” was lost in late May 1941.  They need not have confined themselves to the frozen seas thereafter – this was the result of yet more poor “leadership” on the part of Hitler.  Furthermore, the naval leadership of Grand Admiral Erich Raeder was too “rigid.”  It did not allow other flag officers (i.e., German Admirals) to exercise enough independent decisions.  Two such great Admirals were General Admiral Hermann Boehm (1884-1972) and General Admiral Wilhelm Marschall (1886-1976).  Both men were temporarily relieved of their duties due to not following orders to the letter.  In the case of General Admiral Marschall, his exercise of independent leadership led to success against the Royal Navy and to the preservation of the lives of the men serving under his leadership – exactly what a good officer should be doing.  Admiral Günther Lütjens (commander of the battleship “Bismarck”) followed Grand Admiral Raeder’s orders to the letter – which likely led to the loss of the ship and the loss of 2,200 German sailors.

European and Global Power Politics (Weltpolitik in Europa)

Some people say that Soviet Russia had “secret” plans of attacking Europe in 1941 or 1942, but I believe that this is nothing more than a false conspiracy theory.  Nothing in Russia’s past (Communist going back to 1917 or Tsarist before that) or in the Cold War history of the former Soviet Union would support such a theory.

I would generally say the same thing where German history is concerned.  What transpired from 1939 to 1945 was primarily due to Hitler’s uniquely reckless personality.  War was by no means popular in Germany in September 1939, and the German General Staff did not want to risk war in either 1938 (Czechoslovakia) or 1939 (Poland).  Hitler would continually accuse his generals and admirals of being timid, but in truth most people were “timid” compared to Hitler.  He was a genius, but he was an evil person with a reckless personality.

What happened in 1914 during the tragic chain of events leading to up to World War One was a different and unique case again.  The leaders of Europe did not value peace enough and did not fear the consequences of modern war – perhaps because virtually none of them had experienced war in person.  Austria-Hungary was looking for an excuse to wage a so-called preventive war against Serbia much like the United States wished to do in Iraq in 2002.  Austria also had territorial ambitions in the Balkans (Serbia, Montenegro, Albania and Romania).  Germany wanted to solve the problem of her encirclement by a hostile France and Tsarist Russia, in addition to gaining more colonial territory in Central Africa.  Italy had territorial ambitions against Austria in the Tyrol and the against the Austrian South Slav regions of Slovenia, Croatia, Dalmatia and Montenegro.  France had territorial ambitions against Germany in the Alsace, Lorraine, the Saarland and the Rhineland.  Russia had territorial ambitions against Austria-Hungary in the Balkans and against Ottoman Turkey around the Black Sea and the Mediterranean Sea.  Ottoman Turkey had territorial ambitions in Greece, North Africa and the Persian Gulf.  Bulgaria had territorial ambitions in Greece and Serbia.  The United Kingdom wanted to eliminate the maritime and commercial threat represented by Germany.  Germany wanted to replace the United Kingdom as the world’s greatest maritime and commercial nation.  The United States wanted to expand its influence in Latin America.  Mexico wanted to regain the American Southwest, once held by Mexico and Spain.  Japan wanted to expand its sphere of influence in virtually all of Asia.  One massive problem with all these so-called political ambitions is that they paid no attention to the wishes of the human populations in these territories.  Majority population groups should be able to determine their own national allegiance, and minority population groups in the said areas should retain the right to their own language, culture, religion, media and schools.

Whereas Hitler launched World War Two in Germany’s name, the First World War was by no means Germany’s sole responsibility.  The political personality of the Hohenzollern Monarchy of Brandenburg-Prussia made German policy very inept, but they were not evil per se.  The lack of tact which they displayed internationally was not different from how they had treated other German states going back to the time of the Thirty Years’ War (1618-1648).

The maintenance of the global balance of power was much better served during the long period of rule which ended with the Habsburg-Lothringen Monarchy in Germany and Central Europe.  Their forefathers gained the throne of the Frankish Kingdom in the fifth century after Christ, which matured into the First German Empire (the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation) by the ninth century after Christ.  This endured until the Austrian Empire and her German allies (the Kingdom of Bavaria, the Kingdom of Saxony, the Kingdom of Württemberg, the Kingdom of Hanover, the Grand Duchy of Baden, the Grand Duchy of Hesse, the Duchy of Saxe-Meiningen and many smaller German states) were defeated by the Kingdom of Prussia and the Kingdom of Italy during the Austro-Prussian War of 1866.

It is tragic that Austria and her German allies were not able to modernize their states to the degree reached by Brandenburg-Prussia.  If they had done this, world history may have turned out very differently.

The Twilight of Austria-Hungary (das Ende der Donaumonarchie im November 1918)

The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand Habsburg-Este and his wife the Duchess of Hohenberg in June 1914 was tragic for many reasons.  Generals such as Conrad von Hotzendorf persuaded Kaiser Franz Josef I of Habsburg-Lothringen to wage a “preventive” war against the Kingdom of Serbia, which did not want war with Austria-Hungary.  Germany chose to back Austria-Hungary and Russia chose to back Serbia, virtually with so-called blank checks.  Germany opted for a “preventive” strike against France through neutral territory in Belgium and Luxembourg, and the United Kingdom decided to use violated Belgian neutrality as an excuse to declare war on Germany and thereby eliminate the “threat” posed by the German naval and merchant fleets to British economic supremacy.  Italy was looking for some flimsy excuse to violate her alliance with Austria, because she wanted so much Austrian territory for herself.  Too many politicians and so-called military leaders were looking for cheap excuses to wage war and thereby obtain spoils.  The cost was to be the lives of tens of millions of young men in the trenches and mud of Europe, the destruction of the world’s greatest Christian monarchies and elimination of worldwide socioeconomic stability and political peace.

Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his successor who became the last Emperor of Austria in 1916 (Karl of Habsburg-Lothringen) wanted to expand political rights to include the Slavic peoples of the empire.  The Hungarians had achieved political autonomy in 1867, but the Slavs had yet to achieve it.  This was to have included the Czechs, Moravians, Slovaks, Ruthenes (Catholic Ukrainians), Poles, Slovenes, Croats, Bosnian Muslims, Serbs and Montenegrins.  This broad move would have defused the political tension represented by extremist nationalist terrorist groups such as the “Black Hand” of Serbia, which claimed responsibility for the dual assassination of the heir to the throne of Austria-Hungary and his spouse.

Unlike monarchs in Russia (who were murdered by the Bolshevik Communists) and in Germany (who abdicated and many of whom went into exile in neutral countries), the Habsburg-Lothringen monarchs never formally abdicated or renounced their noble titles.  Kaiser Karl and his wife Kaiserin Zita attempted to regain the throne of Hungary in between 1919 and 1921.  Their attempts were thwarted by the fascist dictator Admiral Horthy, who was the self-proclaimed regent of Hungary.  Kaiser Karl died of influenza on the Portuguese island of Madeira in 1922.  He was succeeded by his ten year old son Otto, who is now retired in Bavaria.  Otto’s eldest son Karl von Habsburg-Lothringen (born in 1961) lives in Austria and Otto’s second son Georg von Habsburg-Lothringen (born in 1964) resides in Hungary today.  Otto von Habsburg-Lothringen is a citizen of Germany, Austria, Hungary and Croatia.

The Austro-Hungarian Empire of 1914 sought to expand its sphere of influence into Serbia, Montenegro, Romania, Albania and the Greek islands of the Mediterranean.  The Imperial and Royal Austro-Hungarian Navy (“Kaiserliche und Königliche Kriegsmarine” in German) had its headquarters at Pola (now named “Pula” in modern Croatia) with other large bases in Triest, Ragusa (“Dubrovnik” in Croatia), Zara, Fiume (“Rikeja” in Croatia) and Cattaro (“Kotor” in modern Montenegro).  The German names for these ports included Polei (Pola) and Sankt Veit am Pflaumb (Fiume).  Fiume was the home of the Imperial and Royal Naval Academy and the official port of the Kingdom of Hungary.  The Austro-Hungarian Navy had a history of deployment on the coasts of Morocco, Greece and Lebanon in addition to colonial activity in the Indian Ocean and China.

The German Kriegsmarine of the Second World War was looking at very much the same parts of the world prior to the failed invasion of the Soviet Union in late June 1941.  These regions would have secured even more vital energy reserves and would have countered the maritime position of the United Kingdom.  

XXXIII. “Schlepper” (Tugboats)

Perhaps this is among the least “glamorous” job of all in any navy – towing other ships when they enter narrow harbors. These boats tend to be very small and unarmed. They include the likes of the current “Neuende” class of 319 tons, named after small German coastal communities.

XXXIIIa. “Neuende” Class

This class of three modern tugboats includes the “Neuende,” the “Heppens” and the “Ellerbeck.” Each vessel displaces an identical 319 tons full load. They are named after German cities.

Die größten Schlepper der Deutschen Marine sind die drei Einheiten der “Neuende” Klaße. Sie haben je eine Einsatzverdrängung von 319 Tonnen. Die zwei anderen Mitglieder dieser Klaße heißen “Heppens” und “Ellerbeck.”

XXXIIIb. “Sylt” Class

This next-largest class of modern tugboats includes the 4 boats “Sylt,” “Fohr,” “Amrum” and “Neuwerk.” Each vessel displaces up to 282 tons full load, and they are all named after German islands.

Die vier Schlepper der “Sylt” Klaße haben je eine Einsatzverdrängung von 282 Tonnen. Die drei anderen Mitglieder dieser Klaße heißen “Fohr,” “Amrum” und “Neuwerk.”

XXXIIIc. “Lütje Horn” Class

The modern tugboat class of “Lütje Horn” each displace up to 58 tons full load, and are not armed. The other members of the class are named “Mellum,” “Knechtsand,” “Scharhörn,” “Vogelsand,” “Nordstrand,” “Trischen” and “Langeneß.” They are named for German islands.

Die acht kleinen Schlepper der “Lütje Horn” Klaße haben je eine Einsatzverdrängung von 58 Tonnen. Die sieben anderen Mitglieder dieser Klaße heißen “Mellum,” “Knechtsand,” “Scharhörn,” “Vogelsand,” “Nordstrand,” “Trischen” und “Langeneß.”

“Moderne Marinemuseen in Deutschland und Mitteleuropa” (Modern Maritime Museums in Germany and the former Austria-Hungary)

Today, there are a total of 27 restored submarines throughout Germany – all available for public viewing. These include the German Naval Memorial in Laboe, near Kiel on the Baltic Sea coast. Additionally, there are at least 39 restored surface vessels in at least five museums. Bremerhaven (on the North Sea coast) has 11 restored ships, while Regensburg (in Bavaria) has 2, and Berlin (the German capital city) has 4 restored surface vessels on display. Duisburg (in the Ruhr region) has 2 restored surface vessels and Flensburg (on the Baltic Sea coast) has the most – 20 restored surface vessels from Germany’s past. And the German Navy (”Deutsche Marine” in German) is not the only branch of the military with museums in Germany today.

In Deutschland gibt es heute 27 restaurierte Unterseeboote in verschiedenen Marinemuseen. Die “U.995? des Unterseeboottyps VIIC kann man in Laboe bei Kiel besuchen. Es gibt auch mindestens 39 restaurierte Überseeschiffe in verschiedenen deutschen Marine-und Maritimmuseen außer Wilhelmshaven. Davon sind 11 restaurierte Schiffe in Bremerhaven zu sehen, zwei in Regensburg, vier in Berlin, zwei in Duisburg und 20 in Flensburg. Im Donauschifffahrtsmuseum in Regensburg kann man das Dampfschiff “Ruthof” (1923) und auch den Schlepper “Freudenau” (1943) besuchen.

The “Donau Schifffahrts Museum” (”Danube Shipping Museum” in English) in Regensburg, Bavaria, features the restored paddle steamer “Ruthof” (1923) and the restored tugboat “Freudenau” (1943).

Außer den Marinemuseen in Deutschland kann man auch das Deutsche Panzermuseum in Münster besuchen, wo 80 restaurierte Panzerkampfwagen zu sehen sind. Der älteste Panzerkampfwagen in Münster ist der “A7V” (1918) aus dem Ersten Weltkrieg. Das Luftwaffenmuseum der Bundeswehr kann man in Berlin besuchen. Da gibt es 155 restaurierte Kampfflugzeuge aus Deutschlands Vergangenheit.

The Federal German Army (or “Bundesheer” in German) has the “Deutsches Panzermuseum” (”German Armored Musuem” in English) in the city of Münster, with 80 restored tanks on public display. They start with one 1918 “Sturmpanzer Kraftwagen” A7V from World War One, and go on to include both vehicles from World War Two and the postwar era.

The German Air Force (”Luftwaffe” in German) owns the “Luftwaffenmuseum der Bundeswehr” (”Air Force Museum of the Federal Armed Forces” in English) in the German capital city of Berlin, which has 155 restored aircraft from Germany’s past on public display.

Modern Austria also has museums dedicated to the memory of those who served in the past. The patrol boats “Oberösterreich” and “Oberst Brecht” have been restored, and are on public display. A nice scale model of the dreadnought battleship “S.M.S. Viribus Unitis” (1912) exists in the Austrian Army Arsenal History Museum (”Heeresgeschichtliches Museum im Arsenal” in German), as well as the actual tower of the Austro-Hungarian submarine “S.M.U. 20” (1917). The wreck of the dreadnought battleship “S.M.S. Szent Istvan” (1915) is a protected national historical naval monument on the coast of Croatia, much like the “U.S.S. Arizona” in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Croatia has a very nice and new official museum (opened in 2005) dedicated to the Imperial and Royal Austro-Hungarian Navy. It is located in the City of Novigrad (”Neue Burg” in German or “Cittànova d’Istria” in Italian).

Im ehemaligen Kaiserreich und Königreich des Adelhauses Habsburg-Lothringen gibt es auch Marinemuseen. Die restaurierten Patrouillenboote “Niederösterreich” und “Oberst Brecht” kann man in Österreich sehen. Im Heeresgeschichtlichen Museum Österreichs gibt es ein schönes Modell des Linienschiffs “S.M.S. Viribus Unitis” (1912), sowie den Turm vom “S.M. Unterseeboot 20” (1917). Das Wrack des Linienschiffs “S.M.S. Szent Istvan” (1915) ist an der Küste von Kroatien zu besuchen. Seit 2005 gibt es ein Museum der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine in Novigrad (”Neue Stadt” oder “Neustadt”) auf deutsch oder “Cittanova d’Istria” auf italienisch) in Kroatien. Im Technischen Museum Zagreb (”Agram” auf deutsch) gibt es ein schönes Modell des Linienschiffs “S.M.S. Radetzky” (1911). Im Marinegeschichtlichen Museum Venedig kann man das Achterschiff des Linienschiffs “S.M.S. Wien” (1897) sehen. In Budapest (”Ofen” auf deutsch; Budapest = zwei Städte, “Buda” und “Pest,” die durch einen Fluß getrennt sind, die aber jetzt als eine Stadt mit dem Namen Budapest vereinigt sind) kann man den Donaumonitor “S.M.S. Leitha” (1872) besuchen. Restaurierte Flugzeuge des Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Seeflugwesens kann man im österreichischen Heeresmuseum sowie im Luftwaffenmuseum in Rom sehen. Marinefriedhöfe der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine darf man in Österreich (zwei in Wien, je einen in Graz und in Wiener Neustadt), in Kroatien (in Pula und auf Lissa), in Tschechien (in Brünn), in Italien (in Venedig), in Neu York (auf Long Island) und sogar im Südpazifik (auf Guadalcanal) besuchen.

A nice scale model of the Austro-Hungarian pre-dreadnought battleship “S.M.S. Radetzky” (1911) exists in the Technical Museum of Zagreb (”Agram” in German), Croatia. The restored stern of the pre-dreadnought battleship “S.M.S. Wien” (1897) can be seen today in the Naval Historical Museum in Venice (”Venedig” in German), Italy. Likewise, the entire original Danube Monitor “S.M.S. Leitha” can be seen in Budapest, Hungary today.

One can also see restored aircraft from Austria-Hungary’s Imperial and Royal Naval Air Force (”Kaiserliche und Königliche Seeflugwesens” in German). These exist in Austria itself (at the Austrian Army Arsenal History Museum) and at the Aeronautical Military and History Museum in Rome, Italy.

There are ten Austrian Naval Cemeteries in the world today. 4 of them are in the Republic of Austria (2 in Vienna, plus one each in Graz and Wiener Neustadt), 2 in Croatia (Pola and Lissa), 1 in the Czech Republic (Brünn), 1 in Italy (Venice), 1 in New York (on Long Island) and 1 in the South Pacific (Guadalcanal).

“VATERLAND UND MONARCHIE” (THE FATHERLAND and THE MONARCHY)

What follows in this section is my own summary and assessment of German and Central European history, and of how they fit into global history. I also discuss the historical importance of monarchies in Germany, and of how this does (or could) fit into our current time period. I express my own personal opinions and points of view concerning modern socioeconomic problems, and how I believe some answers to these problems might be found in the past.

A German Admiralty has existed since the year 983. Germany became an empire in the year 800, proclaimed into being from a kingdom that was born in 482, the Frankish or Franconian Kingdom. The Franks were one of many Germanic tribes; they had formed a federation in 358 and had been considered a distinct Germanic tribe since the year 260. Historians talk about the Germanic people existing 2,000 years before Christ. The Germanic people (the Germans, the Austrians, the Swiss Germans, the Liechtensteiners, the Tyrolians, the Letzeburgers, the Dutch, the Flemings, the Normans, the Frisians, the Danes, the Norwegians, the Swedes, the Icelanders, the English, the Afrikaners, the Amish, the Hutterites, the Brethren and other Mennonite groups) in turn came from the Indo-Aryan people. The Indo-Aryan people go back 2,600 years before Christ. They include the Germanic people, the Persians (now called Iranians) and most of the people of modern India. About three-quarters of the people of India are Indo-Aryan whereas the remaining quarter are Indo-Dravidian, which is a Negroid race. The Indo-Aryan people in turn emerged from the Caucasian people around 3,500 years before Christ. Caucasians include all people on earth who are not either Mongoloid (Asian) or Negroid (Black). Asians make up 61% of modern humanity, while Blacks comprise 14% of the human race. Caucasians are thus the remaining 25% of mankind. The history of the Caucasian/Indo-Aryan/Germanic people can be traced to the start of recorded history, 4,000 years before the birth of Jesus Christ. The Germans descend from Noah (after the Great Flood of Noah’s Ark), Japheth, Gomer and Ashkenaz, respectively. It is specifically for this reason that until today, Jews from the German-speaking world (Yiddish or European Jews) are referred to as “Ashkenazi Jews.”

Die Admiralität des Deutschen Reiches wurde im Jahre 983 gegründet, zur Zeit des Heiligen Römischen Reiches der Deutschen Nation. Der politische Ursprung des deutschen Vaterlandes (sowie von Österreich, Ungarn, Liechtenstein, der Schweiz, Italien, San Marino, dem Vatikan, den Niederlanden, Belgien, Luxemburg, Monako und Frankreich) ist das Königreich der Franken, und dessen Nachfolgerstaat das Erste Deutsche Reich – das Heilige Römische Reich der Deutschen Nation. Der fränkische Stamm wurde um 260 gegründet, und der Fränkische Bund im Jahre 358. Das Königreich der Franken wurde im Jahre 482 gegründet, und das Erste Deutsche Reich im Jahre 800 durch Karl den Großen. Das germanische Volk existiert seit 2,000 Jahren vor Jesus Christus. Das germanische Volk (die Deutschen, die Österreicher, die Schweizerdeutschen, die Liechtensteiner, die Südtiroler, die Luxemburger, die Niederländer, die Flämen, die Normannen, die Friesen, die Dänen, die Norweger, die Schweden, die Isländer, die Engländer, die Afrikaaner, die Amischen, die Mennoniten, die Hutterer und die Brethren oder “deutsche Baptisten”) stammen von den Indo-Ariern ab (oder auch von Persern). Das indo-arische Volk existiert seit 2,600 Jahren vor Jesus Christus, und stammt von den Kaukasiern ab, die selbst seit 3,500 Jahren vor Jesus Christus existieren. Auf der Erde gibt es drei Hauptraßen – die Asiaten (61% der Weltbevölkerung), die Kaukasier (25% der Weltbevölkerung) und die Schwarzen (14% der Weltbevölkerung). Nach der Bibel stammt das deutsche Volk direkt von Noah (nach der großen Sintflut), und Jafet, Gomer und auch Aschkenas (der Enkel des Noah) ab. Seit dem Frühmittelalter galt Aschkenas den Juden als biblischer Urahn des Deutschen Volkes. “Aschkenasen” ist auch die Selbsbestimmung der West-und Ostjuden, die eine gemeinsame religiöse Tradition und Kultur verbindet. Es gibt weltweit immer noch 3 Millionen Aschkenasen, die Jiddisch (”jüdisches Deutsch”) sprechen und schreiben. Vor 1941 gab es mindestens 9 Millionen Aschkenasen, die hauptsächlich deutsch in Sprache und Kultur waren.

The Germanic tribes conquered the Western Roman Empire in A.D. 476, eventually giving birth to all the modern nations of Europe. Most noble families in Europe are of German ancestry, and most countries in Europe enjoyed a dynastic union with Germany from the earliest of times through the entire duration of the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation (800 to 1806) and the later Germanic Confederation (1815 to 1866). For all intents and purposes, the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation (or First Reich) was the “United Nations” of the Middle Ages and the early modern era. The noble family of Habsburg-Lothringen is the heir to this great tradition, and they remained on the throne of Austria and Austria-Hungary until November 1918. The head of the family has been Prince Otto von Habsburg-Lothringen since 1922, and the heir to the throne is Archduke Karl, born in 1961. Prince Otto and his wife Princess Regina von Sachsen-Meiningen are retired in Bavaria, while Archduke Karl and his wife Archduchess Francesca von Thyssen reside in Austria. Their young son Ferdinand Zvonimir was born in 1997. The younger brother of Archduke Karl (Archduke Georg) resides in Hungary with his wife and their two young sons Archduke Ildiko (born in 2000) and Archduke Karl Konstantin (born in 2001). Prince Otto and Princess Regina have 5 daughters, all of them older than Archduke Karl and Archduke Georg. The extended Habsburg-Lothringen family consists of almost 700 living members around the world today.

Die Germanen haben das Westliche Römische Reich im Jahre 476 nach Jesus Christus erobert, und dadurch die modernen Länder Europas gegründet. Deswegen sind alle europäischen Adelhäuser deutscher Abstammung, und deswegen war das Erste Deutsche Reich (das Heilige Römische Reich der Deutschen Nation von 800 bis 1806) die “Vereinten Nationen” des Mittelalters. Die rechtmäßigen Erben des Ersten Deutschen Reiches sind die Mitglieder des Adelhauses Habsburg-Lothringen. Sie wurden im Jahre 1806 durch Napoleon Bonaparte ungerechtlich entmachtet. Das Adelhaus Habsburg-Lothringen herrschte noch von 1815 bis 1866 im Deutschen Bund und bis November 1918 im Kaiserreich Österreich sowie im Königreich Ungarn (die “Donaumonarchie”). Das Oberhaupt des Adelhauses Habsburg-Lothringen ist seine Kaiserliche und Königliche Hoheit, Kaiserlicher Prinz, Erzherzog von Österreich und Königlicher Prinz von Ungarn Otto von Habsburg-Lothringen (am 20. November 1912 in der Villa Wartholz bei Reichenau an der Rax in Niederösterreich geboren). Er ist heute Staatsburger von Österreich, Ungarn, Deutschland und Kroatien. Im Jahre 1951 heiratete Otto in Nanzig (Frankreich) Regina, Prinzeßin von Sachsen-Meiningen (im Jahre 1925 geboren). Mit ihr hat Otto sieben Kinder – Andrea (1953), Monika (1954), Michaela (1954), Gabriela (1956), Walburga (1958), Karl (1961) und Georg (1964) und 22 Enkelkinder. Im Jahre 2007 übernahm Ottos und Reginas ältester Sohn Karl die Rolle des Oberhauptes des Adelhauses Habsburg-Lothringen, weil sein Vater Otto schon 94 Jahre alt war. Kronprinz Erzherzog Karl von Österreich (am 11. Januar 1961 in Sternberg in Bayern geboren) ist seit seiner Geburt Ritter des Ordens vom Goldenen Vlies, deßen Souverän und Großmeister er seit dem 30. November 2000 ist. Er ist Träger des Großkreuzes des Souveränen Malteser-Ritterordens und Ehrenritter des Deutschen Ordens. Er ist auch Präsident der Paneuropa-Union in Österreich seit 1986 und außerdem Gründer und Vorsitzender des Paneuropakreises Alpen-Adria. Seit 2002 ist er Generaldirektor der Organisation der nicht-repräsentierten Nationen und Völker (UNPO). Kronprinz Erzherzog Karl schrieb sich im Jahre 1981 im Fachbereich Rechtswissenschaften an der Paris-London-Universität Salzburg ein. Seit 2005 studiert er an der ehemaligen Privatuniversität IMADEC in Wien, um den Magistergrad MBA zu erhalten. Er ist mit Francesca Thyssen-Bornemisza de Kaszon verheiratet. Das Ehepaar hat drei Kinder: Eleonore, Ferdinand Zvonimir und Gloria. Prinz Ferdinand Zvonimir (geboren am 21. Juni 1997 in Salzburg) steht damit an erster Stelle der Nachfolge seines Vaters. Die ausgebreitete Familie Habsburg-Lothrigen hat mehr als 700 Mitglieder über die ganze Welt.

Under the old Holy Roman and German law, only male heirs were recognized. The Austrian “Pragmatic Sanction” of 1740 changed this to allow for a female heir in the absence of a male heir, which lead to the War of the Austrian Succession when the Kingdom of Prussia failed to recognize the Pragmatic Sanction. Most modern monarchies (including the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland) have dynastic succession laws like the Pragmatic Sanction. Other surviving monarchies in modern Europe include the Kingdom of Spain, the Principality of Andorra, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Kingdom of Belgium, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, the Kingdom of Denmark, the Kingdom of Norway, the Kingdom of Sweden, the Principality of Monaco, the Principality of Liechtenstein and of course the Holy See of Vatican City.

Der Österreichische Erbfolgekrieg (1740-1748) brach nach der Thronbesteigung Kaiserin und Königin Maria Theresias aus, da mehrere deutsche und europäische Fürsten die “Pragmatische Sanktion” nicht anerkannten, in der Maria Theresias Vater, der heilig-römisch-deutsche Kaiser Karl VI, die Thronfolge in weiblicher Linie festgelegt hatte. Friedrich II “der Große” von Preußen nutzte diese Gelegenheit und verlangte für seine Anerkennung der Pragmatischen Sanktion das Herzogtum Schlesien und besetzte dieses am 16. Dezember 1740 (Schlesische Kriege). Mit dieser Invasion löste Friedrich den österreichischen Erbfolgekrieg aus. Eine Mehrheit der Monarchieen erkennen solch eine Pragmatische Sanktion an (zum Beispiel das Königreich der Niederlande sowie das Vereinigte Königreich Großbrittanien und Nordirland). Andere Monarchieen in Europa sind das Königreich Spanien, das Fürstentum Andorra, das Königreich Belgien, das Großherzogtum Luxemburg, das Königreich Dänemark, das Königreich Norwegen, das Königreich Schweden, das Fürstentum Monako, das Fürstentum Liechtenstein und sogar der Staat der Vatikanstadt.

Today, the “Schwarz-Gelbe Allianz” (or the “Black-Yellow Alliance,” which is a political grouping named after the official colors of the Habsburg-Lothringen Dynasty) seeks to restore the monarchy to Austria, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia and beyond. The colors of the Habsburg monarchy are one Black band above one Yellow band (horizontal). This flag has been in continual use by the Habsburg family since 973, and was used by Austria-Hungary until 1918.

Der österreichische Monarchismus lehnt sich sehr stark an die Politik der Paneuropa-Union an, erstrebt auf dem Konzept der Donauföderation einen Vielvölkerstaat, bei dem der Habsburgermonarchie eine identifikationsstiftende Funktion zukommt. Die “Schwarz-Gelbe Allianz” (Schwarz und Gelb sind Flaggenfarben der Habsburger) arbeitet am Aufbau einer politischen Partei (”Die Monarchisten”), die für die Einführung der parlamentarischen Monarchie auf Verfaßungsebene eintreten soll: http://sga.monarchisten.org/. In Tschechien strebt die Partei “Koruna Ceská” (auf deutsch “Böhmische Krone”) die Bildung einer EU-Partei an. Auch gibt es seit 2007 ein Übereinkommen, in dem Schwarz-Gelbe Allianz und Koruna Ceská ihre Zusammenarbeit bekunden. Dieses Übereinkommen wurde der Öffentlichkeit bei einer großen Pressekonferenz am 12. November 2007 vorgestellt. Die Flaggenfarben von Niederösterreich (Österreich unter der Enns) und Oberösterreich (Österreich ob der Enns) sind seit dem Jahre 960 Rot-Weiß-Rot. Zwischen 1786 und 1918 waren die Kriegsflagge der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine und die Handelsflagge der Donaumonrachie auch Rot-Weiß-Rot. Die Flaggenfarben des Deutschen Reiches waren nur von 1867 bis 1945 Schwarz-Weiß-Rot (Schwarz-Weiß kommt von Preußen, und Weiß-Rot von den Hansestädten). Die modernen bundesdeutschen Flaggenfarben Schwarz-Rot-Gold stammen vom Heiligen Römischen Reich der Deutschen Nation ab. Von 1401 bis 1806 war die Flagge des Ersten Deutschen Reiches ein schwarzer Habsburger “Doppeladler” mit roten Schnabel und Klauen auf einem gelben (oder goldnen) Hintergrund. Die Farben Schwarz-Rot-Gold (oder Gelb) wurden im Jahre 1152 bei der Kaiserkrönung Kaiser Friedrich Barbaroßas zum ersten Mal benutzt. Zur Zeit der napoleonischen Kriege (1792-1815) und der Bürgerrevolutionen (1848-1849) sagten die Patrioten des großdeutschen Vaterlandes “Schwarz war unsere Vergangenheit, Rot ist unsere Gegenwart und Gold ist die Zukunft.”

The colors of the Archduchies of Upper and Lower Austria is the Red, White and Red tricolor (horizontal bands). This flag has been used by Upper and Lower Austria since 960, and the same colors are in use by the modern Republic of Austria today – although in a slightly different design which does not include the Imperial and Royal Habsburg-Lothringen Eagle. It was the official battle flag of the Imperial and Royal Austrian Navy from 1786 until 1918, and was used as the official merchant flag at sea from 1786 to 1869.

The colors of Germany from 1867 until 1945 were Black, White and Red. Black and White horizontal bands were the colors of East and West Prussia. White and Red in various designs are the colors of Germany’s Hanseatic League Cities of Hamburg, Bremen and Lübeck. Germany’s current flag is the Black, Red and Gold tricolor in horizontal bands. These colors have been used since 1949 and were also used by the Weimar Republic from 1919 until 1933. They come from the Imperial Banner of the Holy Roman and German Emperor which was in use from 1401 until 1806 – a Black “Double-Eagle” (or “Doppeladler” in German, which is the two-headed eagle of the Imperial and Royal House of Habsburg) which feature Red Talons and a Red Beak upon a Gold Field. These colors were actually used for the very first time upon the occasion of the official coronation of Kaiser Friedrich Barbaroßa (or “Emperor Frederick the Red Beard” in English) in the year 1152.

During the Napoleonic Wars from 1792-1815 and the Revolutions of 1848-1849, German patriots said “Black is our past, Red is our present and Gold is our future.” The German National Anthem (”Deutschland, Deutschland über alles” – “Germany, Germany above all else”) was composed by Haydn in 1797, and has been called the “Deutschlandlied” (”Song of Germany”) since 1841. It remains the official anthem of the modern Federal Republic of Germany, and was used in both Germany and Austria-Hungary going back as far as 1797.

42% of Austrian voters in a very recent poll stated a wish to return to the monarchy, and among Austrians under age 28 the figure is an impressive 61%. How can one compare more than 3,900 years of Germanic stability inherited from the Habsburg-Lothringen Dynasty to the massive geopolitical and socioeconomic mess which the entire world faces today? Quite frankly, I believe that one cannot.

Brandenburg-Prussia was the only old German state with the ability to challenge Austria for political supremacy within Central Europe, which she finally took away from Austria in 1866. The modern Federal Republic of Germany is certainly a successor state to the old Kingdom of Prussia and to the Prussian-German Empires of 1871-1945. Other German states attempted to usurp control of the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation from Austria, but were unsuccessful in doing so. Luxembourg was the last to try from 1411-1438. Today, Luxembourg is merely a small Grand Duchy in Western Europe, German in culture & language and French in politics.

Bavaria sought supremacy within the old German Empire from 1314-1346 and again from 1400-1411. After 1806, Bavaria became a Kingdom – which she remained until 1918. Even today, she staunchly protects her special autonomy by calling herself the “Free State of Bavaria” (or “Freistaat Bayern” in German).

The Kingdom of Bohemia tried to become the most powerful German state from 1378-1400. Today, Bohemia is the most populous and politically important region within the modern Czech Republic. 24% of the population of Bohemia can still speak German. Most of the ethnic Germans within Bohemia have traditionally been concentrated in the border region with Germany and Austria, which is also known as the “Sudetenland,” named after the Sudeten Mountains. The famous Pilsner beer comes from the natural springs near the Sudeten city of Pilsen. “Budweiser” originally comes from the Sudeten city of Budweis. The city of Carlsbad in New Mexico is named after Carlsbad in Bohemia.

Hesse-Nassau tried to gain supremacy within Germany from 1292-1298. Eventually, Hesse-Nassau became a Duchy with a Dynastic Union to the Kingdom of France, the Kingdom of Spain, the Principality Andorra, the Kingdom of the Netherlands and to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. The House (family) of Nassau-Orange-Bourbon is thus Roman Catholic in France, Spain, Andorra and Luxembourg, Calvinist Reformed Protestant in the Netherlands and Evangelical-Lutheran in Germany.

The Roman Catholic part of the English Royal family have a Dynastic Union with Bavaria and the Palatinate, while the current House of Windsor (i.e., Saxe-Coburg-Gotha) has a Dynastic Union with Hanover (a former Kingdom of the Guelph family, who are also related to the Este family of Italy) and with the Principality Saxe-Coburg-Gotha in Thuringia. The Guelph-Wettin-Este noble family is thus Anglican in the United Kingdom, Evangelical-Lutheran in Germany and Roman Catholic in Italy, Portugal, Poland and Lithuania. They continue to rule now (as in the case of the United Kingdom) or have ruled all of these countries in the past. The Roman Catholic line of the English monarchy has since passed to the House of Wittelsbach (i.e., Bavaria and the Palatinate in Germany).

None of the above-mentioned families, no political entity and no political party or political movement has a claim as strong to Central Europe’s leadership as does the family of Habsburg-Lothringen (”Hapsburg-Lorraine” in English). They inherited the throne of the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation in 1273, and eventually won its hereditary right in 1438 – after the usurpers described in the previous paragraph were subdued politically. Napoleon Bonaparte of France brought the old German Empire to an official end in 1806, but the House of Habsburg-Lothringen continued to be the most influential Royal House in Central Europe until they were defeated by the Hohenzollern Dynasty of Prussia in the Austro-Prussian War of 1866. They continued to rule the vast lands of Austria-Hungary until 1918. Emperor Charles attempted to regain the Hungarian Crown before his premature death in 1922, but the Hungarian dictator Miklos Horthy prevented this from happening – threatening his former Emperor’s very life. I find this very tragic and even treasonous, for Miklos Horthy was a former Admiral of the Austro-Hungarian Imperial and Royal Navy and a hero of the Battle of the Otranto Strait in 1917. Miklos Horthy became an ally of Adolf Hitler from 1941 until 1945.

Prime Minister Winston Churchill of the United Kingdom was Germany’s foe during both World Wars One and Two, but he was not an enemy of the German people or of the German Nation. Before the end of World War Two, he disagreed with both Franklin Delano Roosevelt of the United States and with Joseph Stalin of the Soviet Union over the terms of Germany’s surrender to the Allies. Churchill did not want to take away Germany’s ancestral Eastern Provinces of Eastern Pomerania, Eastern Brandenburg, Silesia and East Prussia. Furthermore, he favored the re-establishment of a Habsburg-Lothringen Monarchy in Central Europe, to include much of modern Austria, Hungary, Transylvania (the ethnically Hungarian and German portion of modern Romania), the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Ruthenia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, plus the German States of Bavaria, Baden and Württemberg. Winston Churchill clearly realized just how much strength and stability was lost with the destruction of Austria-Hungary in 1918. Unfortunately, the stronger Allies of the USA and the USSR were not interested in true peace and stability.

Unlike the flimsy secular structure of the modern United Nations (UN), the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation had both a strong cultural and moral foundation, grounded in Western culture and in the Judeo-Christian tradition of the Roman Catholic Church in Vatican City. The United Nations (an oximoron if there ever was one) was founded in 1945. The UN was an outgrowth of the former League of Nations, another sorry excuse for diplomacy founded in 1919. The League of Nations (LN) was itself an outgrowth of the so-called first Geneva Convention of 1864. The foundation and real source of power of this modern secular political mess can be found in the global central banking system, a system of actual credit inflation which began with the Bank of England in 1694, was continued with the Federal Reserve System of the United States in 1913 and can be seen growing yet again in the European Central Bank of 1992. In reality, the fortunes (or misfortunes) of the world are being directed by the Board of Directors of a private corporation (the central banking system), answerable to nothing and nobody but themselves. Nothing could be farther from true democracy. We are living in the “fruition” of this mess today, where we now stand upon the advent of the greatest socio-economic crash in the history of the human race. The collapse rapidly coming our way will make the Great Depression of 1929-1941 look “small” by comparison. Simply put, “credit inflation” is inflation caused due to the extreme expansion of credit, or bank lending. In 300 years, the real value of the world’s money has declined by a horrific 97%. Add to this fact that most countries no longer use the gold standard, back when paper money used to be backed with a country’s solid gold reserves – i.e., the market value of their gold reserves.

Germany and Austria have 91 million people today, and in this world there are still 270 million ethnic Germans and/or German-speaking people to be found in all corners of the globe. After two disasterous world wars, the German people and culture endure – thank God for that.

“Die Deutsche Spache” (The German Language Today)

The German language is currently spoken by 5% of the people in the world as a first or alternate language, or up to 338 million souls. German is an official language in Austria, Belgium, the South Tyrol of Italy, Germany, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Switzerland and the European Union (EU). It is also a secondary official language in parts of Slovakia (the Zips region), Namibia, Poland (in parts of Silesia, Posen, Pomerania and East Prussia) and Vatican City. It is a recognized official language of the ethnic German minorities in the Czech Republic (in the Sudetenland, plus parts of Bohemia and Moravia), Denmark (in North Schleswig), Hungary (in the Banat region) and Romania (in Transylvania, or “Siebenbürgen” in German).

Die Gesamtbevölkerung von Deutschland und Österreich ist heute 91 Millionen. Weltweit gibt es 270 Millionen Leute, die deutsch, österreichisch, oder rein-und teils deutscher Abstammung sind. Vielleicht fünf Prozent der Weltbevölkerung (338 Millionen Leute) spricht deutsch entweder als Muttersprache, als zweite Sprache oder als Fremdsprache. Deutsch ist eine Amtsprache in Deutschland, Österreich, die Schweiz, Liechtenstein, Südtirol, Luxemburg, Belgien und die Europäische Union (EU). Deutsch ist eine zweite Amtsprache in Teilen von Schlesien, Posen, Hinterpommern, Südostpreußen (Masuren und Ermland) und im Vatikanstaat. Deutsch ist eine Amtsminderheitsprache in Teilen vom Sudetenland, in Böhmen, Mähren, Nordschleswig, Banat (in Ungarn) und in Siebenbürgen (in Rumänien).

“DAS DEUTSCHE REICH: VERGANGENHEIT UND ZUKUNFT” (THE GERMAN EMPIRE: PAST AND FUTURE)

From the start of recorded history 4,000 years before the birth of Jesus Christ, the first, the original and the only authentic Holy Roman, German and yes, global empire demonstrated an amazing amount of stability and continuity until the “abolition” of monarchies from the soil of Central Europe in that tragic month of November 1918. Since that time, the world has known ever more deadly and destructive war, and ever more lethal genocide – now also in the form of mass abortion and infanticide that has both taken the lives of well over 1 billion human beings and brought much of Europe, North America and Asia to the brink of socioeconomic ruin. There is no moral excuse for this genocide as well as no economic excuse – it is for this single reason that the social insurance and the pension systems of our globe are faced with imminent bankruptcy. Quite frankly, we now have too few productive working and tax-paying people supporting too many retired or supposedly disabled people.

For this one can “thank” the New World Order of the United Nations (UN), all its secular “supranational” organizations such as the European Union (EU), the North American Free Trade Association (NAFTA), the General Agreement on Trade and Tariffs (GATT), the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the European Central Bank, the Federal Reserve System of the United States and the Bank of England. All of these institutions were cut from the same corrupt mold, and they are in the process of “successfully leading” the world to destruction and socioeconomic ruin, bankruptcy, poverty and starvation.

But our world was not always this bad. Centuries ago, the entire social welfare of education, health care and retirement were all paid for with no taxation. This is 100% serious. Prior to the modern era, the one great Mother Church provided for all of this through donations and alms. And she did this on a grand scale – one only need look at a map of European universities founded by the Church and her clergy. In fact, all original European universities were founded by the Church, without exception. Furthermore, the annual “work year” through the 17th century comprised no more than 150 days. Inflation simply did not exist for at least 400 years. The central banking system has since created infation through credit. Step by step, the old order of faith, charity and benevolent leadership was replaced with the disaster we know all too well today.

“KAISERLICH UND KÖNIGLICH” (IMPERIAL AND ROYAL)

At its peak, the old dynasty of the Habsburg-Lothringen Monarchy was both “Imperial and Royal.” Both of these terms come from the Latin, “Imperial” coming from “Empire,” and “Royal” coming from “Kingdom.” The head of the Habsburg-Lothringen family was Emperor (”Kaiser” in German) of both Germany and Austria. He (or she in the case of Empress Maria Theresia) was crowned as such by the Pope, who is Head of the Church of Rome and the Head of State of the Holy and Apostolic See of Vatican City.

Das Adelhaus Habsburg-Lothringen (und nicht das Adelhaus Hohenzollern) ist die rechmäßige Monarchie des großdeutschen Vaterlandes. Bis 1806 war das Oberhaupt des Adelhauses Habsburg-Lothringen Heilig-Römisch-Deutscher Kaiser und bis 1866 Präsident des Deutschen Bundes. Das Adelhaus Habsburg-Lothringen ist Erbe einer langen und herrlichen Tradition des Deutschen Reiches, vom Königreich der Franken und von den Germanen. Bis November 1918 war das Oberhaupt des Adelhauses Habsburg-Lothringen auch Kaiser von Österreich, König von Ungarn, Böhmen, Dalmatien, Kroatien, Slavonien, Galizien, Lodomerien, Ilyrien und sogar Jerusalem. Er war Erzherzog von Niederösterreich (Österreich unter der Enns), Oberösterreich (Österreich ob der Enns), Toskana und Krakau. Er war Herzog von Lothringen, Salzburg, Steiermark, Kärnten, Krain, Bukowina (”Buchenland” auf deutsch), Oberschlesien, Niederschlesien, Modena, Parma, Piacenza, Guastalla, Auschwitz, Zator, Teschen, Friaul, Ragusa und Zara. Er war auch der Prinz von Siebenbürgen und der Graf von Mähren, Oberlausitz, Niederlausitz, Istrien (”Küstenland” auf deutsch), Hohenembs, Feldkirch, Bregenz, Sonnenberg, Habsburg im Aargau (vormals “Habichtsburg im Aargau”), Tirol, Kyburg, Görz, Gradiska, Trient und Brixen.

The head of the House of Habsburg-Lothringen was also a King of Hungary (”Ungarn” in German), Bohemia (”Böhmen” in German), Dalmatia (”Dalmatien” in German), Croatia (”Kroatien” in German), Slavonia (”Slavonien” in German), Galicia (”Galizien” in German), Lodomeria (”Lodomerien” in German), Illyria (”Illyrien” in German) and Jerusalem. He was an Archduke of both Lower and Upper Austria (”Niederösterreich” and “Oberösterreich” in German). He was a Grand Duke of Tuscany and Cracow (”Krakau” in German). He was a Duke of Lorraine (”Lothringen” in German), Salzburg, Styria (”Steiermark” in German), Carinthia (”Kärnten” in German), Carniola (”Krain” in German), Bukovina (”Bukowina” in German), Upper Silesia (”Oberschlesien” in German), Lower Silesia (”Niederschlesien” in German), Modena, Parma, Piacenza, Guastalla, Auschwitz, Zator, Teschen, Friaul, Ragusa and Zara. He was an Arch Prince of Transylvania (known as “Siebenbürgen” in German). He was a Count of Moravia (”Mähren” in German), Upper Lusatia (”Oberlausitz” in German), Lower Lusatia (”Niederlausitz” in German), Istria (known as “Küstenland” in German), Hohenembs, Feldkirch, Bregenz, Sonnenberg, Habsburg (in the Aargau in Switzerland), the Tyrol (”Tirol” in German), Kyburg, Gorizia (”Görz” in German) and Gradiska. He was a Prince of Trent and Brixen. Finally, he was a Lord of Triest, Catarro and Vojvodina (known as the “Banat” in German).

The undisputed political capital of the Habsburg-Lothringen dominions was the Imperial city of Vienna (”Wien” in German). The central palace was located in the Hofburg, while the suburban palace was at Schönbrunn. This was the executive branch of government. The judicial branch of government was the “Reichskammergericht,” also in Vienna. In English, this means “Imperial Chamber Court.” The legislative branch of government was the German Imperial “Reichstag.” Prior to 1867, this was located in Frankfurt (1806-1867), in Regensburg (1663-1806) and in Nuremberg (1356-1663). After 1867, a new constitution established a “Reichsrat” in Vienna, which endured until 1918. Since then, modern Austria has had a “Nationalrat.” The Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation was proclaimed as such in 800, and had a constitution since 1356, proclaimed by Emperor Charles IV of Luxembourg in the Reichstag at Nuremberg (called “Nürnberg” in German). This was known as the “Golden Bull,” or ecclesiastical proclamation.

Die Hauptstadt des Adelhauses Habsburg-Lothringens ist Wien. Das Schloß Schönbrunn ist eines der bedeutendsten Kulturgüter Österreichs und eine der meistbesuchten Sehenswürdigkeiten Wiens. Der Name Schönbrunn geht auf einen Kaiser Matthias (1557-1619) zugeschriebenen Ausspruch zurück, der hier auf der Jagd einen artesischen Brunnen entdeckt und ausgerufen haben soll. Im Jahre 1687 gab Kaiser Leopold I (1640-1705) für seinen Thronfolger Kaiser Joseph I (1678-1711) einen repräsentativen Neubau in Auftrag. Der damals zugewanderte Johann Bernhard Fischer, der spätere Fischer von Erlach, schlug im Jahre 1688 eine Anlage vor, die Schloß Versailles übertroffen hätte, aber nicht finanzierbar gewesen wäre. Stattdessen wurde der Architekt im Jahre 1693 mit einer weitaus kleineren Anlage beauftragt, die zwischen 1696 und 1701 errichtet und ab 1700 bewohnt wurde. Kaiser Karl VI (1685-1740) war selbst an Schönbrunn wenig intereßiert, schenkte es jedoch seiner Tochter Kaiserin Maria Theresia (1717-1780), die das Anwesen zum kaiserlichen Sommersitz erkor, der es bis 1918 blieb.Die Hofburg zu Wien war von 1438 bis 1583 und von 1612 bis 1806 Residenz der Kaiser und Könige des Heiligen Römischen Reiches der Deutschen Nation, anschließend die Residenz der Kaiser von Österreich bis 1918. Heute ist sie der Amtssitz des österreichischen Bundespräsidenten.

Das Reichskammergericht

Das Reichskammergericht war seit seiner Gründung im Jahre 1495 unter Kaiser Maximilian I (1459-1519) bis zu seiner Auflösung im Jahre 1806 neben dem Reichshofrat das oberste Gericht des Heiligen Römischen Reiches der Deutschen Nation. Es hatte die Aufgabe, ein geregeltes Streitverfahren an Stelle von Fehden, Gewalt und Krieg zu setzen. Nach seiner Gründung am 31. Oktober 1495 hatte das Gericht seinen Sitz in Frankfurt am Main. Nach Zwischenstationen in Worms, Augsburg, Nürnberg, Regensburg, Speyer und Eßlingen am Neckar war es ab 1527 in Speyer und nach deßen Zerstörung von 1689 bis 1806 in Wetzlar ansäßig.

Der Deutsche Reichstag (in Regensburg in Bayern)

Der Begriff “Reichstag” bezeichnet ursprünglich die Versammlung der Reichsstände des Heiligen Römischen Reiches der Deutschen Nation. Die neben dem Kaiser und König stehende Körperschaft entwickelte sich seit dem 12. Jahrhundert aus den Hoftagen und wurde im Jahre 1495 mittels eines Vertrages zwischen dem deutschen Kaiser und den Ständen zu einer festen Intitution der Reichsverfaßung. Der deutsche Reichstag wurde bis zum 16. Jahrhundert in Abständen jeweils in eine Bischofs-oder Reichsstadt einberufen und war das maßgebliche Gegengewicht der Stände gegenüber der kaiserlichen Zentralgewalt. Seit 1663 tagte der deutsche Reichstag als ständiger Gesandtkongreß in Regensburg.

Die Goldene Bulle von 1356 – Grundgesetz des Heiligen Römischen Reiches

Die “Goldene Bulle” von 1356 war eines der wichtigsten Grundgesetze des Heiligen Römischen Reiches der Deutschen Nation (800-1806) und regelte die Modalitäten der Wahl und Krönung der heilig-römisch-deutschen Kaiser und Könige durch die Kurfürsten bis zum Ende des Ersten Reiches im Jahre 1806. Der Name ist eine Übertragung der Bezeichnung des goldenen Siegels der Urkunde. Deiser Name kam allerdings erst im 15. Jahrhundert auf. Kaiser Karl IV (1316-1378) in dessen Herrschaftszeit das in lateinsicher Sprache abgefaßte Gesetzeswerk verkündet wurde, nannte sie “unser kaiserliches Rechtbuch.” Die ersten 23 Kapitel wurden in Nürnberg erarbeitet und am 10. Januar 1356 auf dem Nürnberger Hoftag verkündet, die Kapitel 24 bis 31 am 25. Dezember 1356 in Metz in Lothringen. Die Goldene Bulle ist das wichtigste Verfaßungsdokument des Ersten Deutschen Reiches.

Die Großdeutsche Lösung von 1848

Als “Großdeutsche Lösung” der Deutschen Frage wurde das in der Frankfurter Nationalversammlung von 1848 diskutierte, aber verworfene Modell eines deutschen Nationalstaats unter Einschluß und Führung des habsburgischen Kaisertums Österreich bezeichnet. Sie stand im Gegensatz zur Schließung verabschiedeten “Kleindeutschen Lösung,” die aller Mitglieder des Deutschen Bundes (1815-1866) außer Österreich unter preußischer Vorherrschaft vorsah. Im 20. Jahrhundert wurde der ursprünglich von Nationalliberalen und Demokraten aufgebrachte Begriff “Großdeutsch” bedauerlicherweise in Deutschland und in Österreich zu einem Kampfbegriff der extremen Rechten wie den Nationalsozialisten Adolf Hitlers. Das großdeutsche Reich der Habsburger wäre ein Vielvölkerstaat gewesen mit den Deutschen, Österreichern, Ungarn, Tschechen, Slowaken, Slowenern, Kroaten, Siebenbürgern, Galiziern, Lodomeriern, Buchenländern, Banatern, Luxemburgern, Südtirolern und den Norditalieniern (aus Venedig, der Lombardei, Lucca, Modena und Parma); verschiedene Völker mehreren Glaubens (Katholiken, Protestanten, Juden und Mohammedaner) im freien großdeutschen Reich – Viribus Unitis (”mit vereinten Kräften”).

Der Reichsrat des Kaiserreiches von Österreich

Der “Reichsrat” war von 1867 bis 1918 das Parlament der österreichischen Reichshälfte (”Cisleithanien”) der Donaumonarchie Österreich-Ungarn. Er bestand aus zwei Kammern, dem “Herrenhaus” und dem “Abgeordnetenhaus.” Einberufung, Vertagung und Schließung betrafen immer beide Häuser des Parlaments. Gesetze wurden erst wirksam, wenn ihnen beide Häuser zugestimmt hatten.

Die Kaiserliche und Königliche Wehrmacht von Österreich-Ungarn

Die Kaiserliche und Königliche (K.u.K.) Wehrmacht des habsburgischen Reiches bestand aus der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Armee (das Heer), aus den Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Sturmtruppen (die Elitetruppen der Monarchie), aus den Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Luftfahrtruppen (die Luftwaffe) und auch der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine.

The military serving under Habsburg-Lothringen leadership fought under the motto “Viribus Unitis,” or Latin for “with united forces.” It was culturally German at its core, but included many other peoples as virtual equals. These brethren included the Magyars (the Hungarians), the Czechs, the Slovaks, the Slovenes, the Croats, the Bosnian Muslims, the Poles, the Ruthenians (the Ukrainians), the Romanians, the Serbs, the Montenegrins, the Italians, the Moravians, the Silesians, the Sorbs and the Wends. They were of all faiths as well, including majority Roman Catholics plus Evangelical Lutherans, Calvinist Protestants, Muslims, Eastern Orthodox and Jews. The “Kaiserliche und Königliche Wehrmacht” (Imperial and Royal Armed Forces) included the “Kaiserliche und Königliche Armee” (Imperial and Royal Army), the “Kaiserliche und Königliche Kriegsmarine” (Imperial and Royal Navy) and the “Kaiserliche und Königliche Luftfahrtruppen” (Imperial and Royal Air Force). Elite troops within the army were the “Kaiserliche und Königliche Sturmtruppen” or “Imperial and Royal Storm Troopers.” These were the forerunners to modern armored troops, mechanized infantry, air cavalry, mountain troops and paratroopers. The Naval Air Arm was the “Kaiserliche und Königliche Seeflugwesens.” They piloted aircraft, flying boats and balloons (airships) for the navy. They are the forerunners of modern aircraft carrier pilots.

“Junior” monarchies of other important noble families existed throughout the rest of Germany and Europe. Many of these monarchies still have “pretenders” to their respective thrones, as well. Below the level of the Empire are the Kingdoms, which included Prussia (the House of Hohenzollern), Bavaria (the House of Wittelsbach), Hanover (the House of Guelph), Saxony (the House of Wettin) and Württemberg (the House of Württemberg). Next in line were the Grand Duchies, including Baden (the House of Zähringen), Hesse (the House of Hesse), Mecklenburg-Strelitz (the House of Mecklenburg) and Oldenburg (the House of Holstein-Gottorp). After the Grand Duchies came the Duchies of Sachsen-Coburg-Gotha (the House of Wettin), of Anhalt (the House of Ascania) and of Nassau (the House of Bourbon). After the Grand Duchies came the Principalities of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen (the House of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen, which is the Roman Catholic branch of the Hohenzollern Monarchy), Lippe (the House of Lippe), Reuss (the House of Reuss), Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt (the House of Solms), Schwarzburg-Sondershausen (the House of Stolberg) and finally Waldeck and Pyrmont (the House of Waldeck).

Much of the modern world was tied to Germany by dynastic union, or in other words, through ruling families. The Royal House of England ruled the vast British Commonwealth or Empire, which included much of North America, the Caribbean, Guyana, Australia, Oceania, the Indian subcontinent, Burma, Malaya, Borneo, Singapore, Hong Kong, the Middle East plus a good deal of Africa. The House of Windsor is in reality the House of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, a small German duchy in Thuringia ruled by the House of Wettin (of the Saxon dynasty). The family is Anglican in Britain, Evangelical-Lutheran in Germany and Roman Catholic in Poland, Lithuania and Portugal. The family of Braganza-Wettin ruled Portugal, which in turn ruled Brazil, Angola, Mozambique and Macao. This is all one single, extended family.

The Royal Houses of both France and Spain belong to the Bourbon Dynasty, which comes from the German Duchy of Nassau in Hesse. The House of Orange from the Netherlands also comes from Nassau. This family is Roman Catholic in France and Spain, but Calvinist Protestant in the Netherlands. These Kingdoms ruled most of Latin America, the Western United States, the Louisiana Territory, Quebec, Florida, Cuba, the Philippines, Indonesia, Suriname, Indo-China, a good part of West Africa and Madagascar.

The Royal Houses of Russia, Greece Denmark and Norway come from the Grand Duchy of Oldenburg. The Russian Empire ruled much of Eastern Europe, Finland, Siberia, Alaska and Central Asia. Denmark still owns Greenland, and used to own Iceland as well. The House (or noble family) of Oldenburg is thus Russian Orthodox in Russia, Greek Orthodox in Greece and Evangelical-Lutheran in Germany, Denmark and Norway.

The Habsburg-Lothringen Dynasty used to rule over much of modern Italy as well. The only Italian provinces outside of the Habsburg sphere of influence as late as 1859 were Sardinia and Piedmont. Modern Italian overseas possessions used to include Libya, Somalia, Eritrea, Ethiopia and Albania.

Very few political entities on earth were never directly or indirectly ruled by noble German families. Even most of China was under either European or Japanese rule. The European nations with geographic spheres of influence in China in 1912 were Russia (Manchuria, Mongolia and Sinkiang provinces), Britain (Tibet, Tsitsang, Szechwan, Hunan, Honan and Hong Kong), Germany (the City of Tsingtao and Shantung Province), Portugal (Macao) and France (Yunnan, Kwangsi and Hainan provinces). Japan held Korea, Taiwan and Fukien Province on Mainland China. The Qing Dynasty ruled China until 1912. The Nationalist Party ruled Mainland China from 1912 until 1949, and still rules Taiwan today.

The vast Muslim Ottoman Empire (of the Osman Dynasty) was a successor to the great empire of Mohammed, which used to rule much of North Africa, the Middle East, Asia Minor, Central Asia, the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia (including modern Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei and the Southern Philippine Island of Mindanao). In 1914, even they became an ally of Germany and Austria-Hungary.

The Empire of Japan is still ruled from the Chrysanthemum Throne. Japan fought Germany and Austria-Hungary in World War One, largely to annex the German colonies of Tsingtao, Shantung, Micronesia, Palau, the Marianas and the Marshall Islands. Britain took the German Pacific possessions of Nauru, New Guinea and Samoa. Japan was of course an ally of Germany during World War Two. German Navy auxiliary cruisers and large Type IX submarine cruisers operated from Japan and Japanese-occupied Indonesia, Malaya and Borneo. German surface ships in the Pacific theater during World War Two included the “Spreewald,” the “Elbe,” the “Regensburg,” the “Odenwald,” the “Havelland,” the “Anneliese Essberger,” the “Elsa Essberger,” the “Ermland,” the “Winnetou,” the “Münsterland,” the “Kulmerland,” the “R.C. Rickmers,” the “Burgenland,” the “Ramses” and the “Komet.”

The only remaining political jurisdiction on earth never ruled by a German noble family and never allied to Germany is Sweden, which is nevertheless inhabited by a Germanic people. Furthermore, there are 2,520,000 people in Sweden who speak German, and Sweden supplied German industry with very necessary iron ore during both world wars. Without these supplies, there would have been no German ships, tanks, planes, artillery and guns. The Royal House of Sweden is that of Bernadotte, a family from France. Jean-Baptiste Jules Bernadotte (1763-1844) was a former French Field Marshall under Napoleon Bonaparte, who was elected King of Sweden by the Swedish parliament in 1810. This was obviously something of a political surrender to France. The Bonaparte family of Corsica and the Beauharnais family of France briefly held a dynastic union with the House (family) of Württemberg in the short-lived “Kingdom of Westphalia” and in the also short-lived “Grand Duchy of Frankfurt.” These short-lived monarchies were created by Napoleon Bonaparte.

Das habsburgische Erste Deutsche Reich (oder das Heilige Römische Reich der Deutschen Nation, von 800 bis 1806) und der Deutsche Bund (von 1815 bis 1866) waren die “Vereinten Nationen” von gestern. Für Deutschland, Mitteleuropa und die Welt war es besser; es war eine Welt ohne Weltkriege, ohne Völkervertreibung, ohne Glaubensbekenntnisverfolgung und stand wirtschaftlich auf soliden Fuß. Wie vorher erwähnt, waren fast alle internationalen Adelhäuser deutscher Abstammung, weil die Germanen das alte römische Reich (753 Jahren vor Jesus Christus bis 476 Jahren nach Jesus Christus) eroberten, und die modernen Länder Europas gründeten. Die Adelhäuser außerhalb Deutschland wurden durch eine “Personalunion” mit dem deutschen Vaterland verbunden. Die Adelhäuser der Welfen (das Königreich Hannover) und besonders der Wettiner (das Königreich Sachsen und das Herzogtum Sachsen-Coburg-Gotha) hatten eine Personalunion mit dem Vereinten Königreich von Großbrittanien und Irland, mit dem “British Commonwealth of Nations” (Nordamerika, Guyana, Südafrika, Ostafrika, Nigerien, Indien, Pakistan, Bangladesch, Australien, Neuseeland, Malaysien, usw.), mit dem Vereinten Königreich von Polen und Litauen (einschließlich der Ukraine und Weißrußland), mit dem Königreich Portugal (einschließlich Brasilien, Angola, Mosambik und Makau) und mit dem Königreich Belgien (einschließlich der Kolonie “Belgisch-Kongo”).Das Adelhaus Nassau (Das Herzogtum Nassau) ist verbunden mit den Adelhäusern Orange (das Königreich der Niederlande, einschließlich Indonesien und Surinam) und Bourbon (das Königreich Frankreich, einschließlich Westafrika und Indochina, das Königreich Spanien, einschließlich Lateinamerika und den Philippinen, und das Königreich beider Sizilien in Süditalien).Das Adelhaus Holstein-Gottorp (das Großherzogtum Oldenburg) ist verbunden mit den Adelhäusern Romanov (das Kaiserreich Rußland, einschließlich Finnland, Mittelasien und Sibirien) und Oldenburg (das Königreich Dänemark, einschließlich Grönland, das Königreich Norwegen, und das Königreich Griechenland).Die größten Länder außerhalb des Deutschen Reiches (ohne Personalunion mit Deutschland) waren das Kaiserreich China (das Adelhaus Qing), das Kaiserreich Japan, (das Adelhaus des Chrysanthementhron), das Osmanische Reich der Türkei (einschließlich Nordafrika und Arabien) und das Königreich Schweden (das Adelhaus Bernadotte aus Frankreich).

Why the Overwhelming Dynastic Unions with Germany?

The reason for the overwhelming number of international dynastic unions with monarchies in the old Holy Roman and German Empire is simple. The original Roman Empire of antiquity endured from about 1,000 years before Christ until about 500 years after Christ. While it lasted, the Roman Empire ruled much of the “known” world. This old Roman Empire was overrun and conquered by Germanic tribes. As we have seen, modern Germany, France, Monaco, Andorra, Italy, Vatican City, San Marino, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Hungary, Slovenia and Hungary, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia grew out of Charlemagne’s empire and its Holy Roman and German successors. Charlemagne was the King of the Franks, a Germanic tribe.

Likewise, other Germanic tribes established many of the other modern European countries we know today. The “Suevi” tribe established modern Portugal. The “Visigoth” tribe established modern Spain and Greece. The “Ostrogoth” tribe established the remaining states in Southern Italy. The “Gepid” tribe established modern Romania. The “Vandal” tribe established modern Algeria, Tunisia and Libya. The three tribes of Angles, Saxons and Jutes established modern England, which was conquered by yet another Germanic tribe (the Normans) under “William the Conqueror” in 1066. The “Jute” tribe also established modern Denmark and Norway. The “Gothic” tribe established the modern Ukraine, which evolved into the Russian Empire.

So in fact, all of modern Europe has a Germanic racial, cultural and political heritage. Modern Europe in turn colonized almost all of the earth, thus explaining the overwhelming reach of the bloodlines of the German dynasties to this very day.

“Schwarz-Gelbe Allianz” (”Black-Yellow Alliance”)

The “Schwarz-Gelbe Allianz” is a modern political group based in Austria, with branches, members and sympathizers in Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Germany, Poland, Belgium, Italy, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Canada, the United States, Australia, South Africa and Namibia. More than 1,1 million Habsburg sympathizers seek to restore the cherished Holy Roman, German and Austro-Hungarian Empire, the jewel of Central Europe and of the pre-modern world. 42% of voters in modern Austria seek a return to the Hapsburg-Lorraine monarchy. For those young voters under the age of 28, the figure is an even more impressive 61%. Young people finally realize that the modern so-called “New World Order” is more “disorder” which offers no good future whatsoever.

The “Schwarz-Gelbe Allianz” proposes a voluntary and peaceful reunification of modern Austria, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia and Croatia, with membership in the new Habsburg-Lothringen Monarchy open to even more nation-states. When one thinks of the old Austro-Hungarian Monarchy up to November 1918, other possible candidates who shared sovereignty therein are Bosnia-Herzegovina and Liechtenstein. When one goes back to the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation (established by Charlemagne or “Charles the Great” in A.D. 800), modern nation states under the same common umbrella include Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Italy, San Marino, Vatican City and Monaco. Nevertheless, these are entirely voluntary suggestions – entirely up to the free peoples of the countries interested in joining. Cultural, linguistic and religious freedoms of all groups will be respected, just as they were in the old Habsburg-Lothringen dominions.

Die Schwarz-Gelbe Allianz (SGA) von Österreich arbeitet am Aufbau einer Partei (”die Monarchisten”), die für die Einführung der parlamentarischen Monarchie auf Verfaßungsebene eintreten soll. Die gesetzgebende Grundlage der habsburgischen Donaumonarchie bildeten die drei folgenden Gesetze, die Gültigkeit hatten: 1) die Pragmatische Sanktion Kaiser Karls VI vom 19. April 1713, 2) das Verfaßungsgesetz (damals “Delegationsgesetz” genannt), für Cisleithanien (Österreich, Böhmen, Schlesien, Galizien, Lodomerien, Buchenland, Südtirol, Krain, Küstenland, Dalmatien, Bosnien und Herzegowina) als Teil der Dezemberverfaßung vom 21. Dezember 1867, in Transleithanien (Ungarn, Kroatien, Slavonien, Slowakei und Siebenbürgen) zuvor bereits mit Gesetz XII/1867 kundgemacht, und 3) das Zoll-und Handelsbündnis vom 27. Juni 1878. Die anderen Länder Mitteleuropas (zum Beispiel das Königreich Preußen, das Königreich Bayern, das Königreich Hannover, das Königreich Sachsen, das Königreich Württemberg, das Großherzogtum Baden, das Großherzogtum Mecklenburg-Strelitz, das Großherzogtum Oldenburg, das Großherzogtum Luxemburg, das Herzogtum Sachsen-Coburg-Gotha, das Herzogtum Anhalt, das Herzogtum Nassau, das Fürstentum Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen, das Fürstentum Lippe, das Fürstentum Reuß, das Fürstentum Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt, das Fürstentum Schwarzburg-Sondershausen, das Fürstentum Waldeck und Pyrmon, das Fürstentum Liechtenstein, die Freie Stadt Frankfurt, die Hansestadt Lübeck, die Freie Hansestadt Bremen und sogar die Freie und Hansestadt Hamburg) hätten auch eine Vertretung im Deutschen Reichstag. Die verschiedenen Länder und die verschiedenen Völker des großdeutschen Vaterlandes sowie die Völker der Welt würden in einem “Herrenhaus” des Deutschen Reiches repräsentiert, wie zum Beispiel beim ehemaligen Deutschen Bund (1815-1866).

“Die Verfaßung von 1867” (the Constitution of 1867)

The Black-Yellow Alliance proposes a return to the Consitution of 1867. The Habsburg-Lothringen Monarchy was governed by the Emperor of Austria, and heir to the Throne of the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation. Assuming an unbroken line of inheritance since A.D. 800, that man would now be His Imperial and Royal Highness Emperor Otto V, entitled to the Throne since his father Charles VII died in 1922. In January 2007, all Imperial and Royal functions were in effect turned over to Otto’s eldest son and heir, His Imperial and Royal Highness Crown Prince Archduke Charles (born in 1961). The Constitution (”Verfaßung” in German) of 1867 allowed for universal suffrage since 1907, with voters electing deputies from 516 national electoral districts. In between 1867 and 1907, voters elected deputies from their respective “estates” (or social classes). Each crown land, or province (comparable to a “State” in the USA) had its own assembly (or “legislature”) as well. The 516-member House of Deputies (”Abgeordnetenhaus” in German) was a lower house of parliament, comparable to the House of Representatives in the United States or to the House of Commons in the United Kingdom.

“Herrenhaus” (House of Lords)

The upper house of parliament was the House of Lords (”Herrenhaus” in German), comparable to the Senate in the USA or to the House of Lords in the United Kingdom. It is within such an upper house where the peoples of the entire world were once reprensented within the Holy Roman and German political structure. This was the case within the old Germanic Confederation from 1806 until 1867, and it was also the case within the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation from 800 until 1806. This was, in effect, the one, the true and the original “United Nations.” From 800 until 1867, this was known as the “Reichstag” of Imperial Rome and Germany. After 1867, Austria had her “Reichsrat” (which I have just discussed) and Prussia-Germany has had a “German only” Reichstag in Berlin. In these days, there were two major geopolitical factions within German-speaking Central Europe. One was lead by the Kingdom of Prussia, and was called “Kleindeutsch,” or “small German” in English. This faction sought to detach and lead a smaller German political state, lead by the Kingdom of Prussia, mostly German in culture and language and majority Evangelical-Lutheran in faith. The other faction was lead by the Austrian Empire, and was called “Großdeutsch” or “greater German” in English. This faction sought to maintain Germany’s political and cultural ties to non-German speaking peoples, such as the Magyars (the Hungarians), the Czechs, the Slovaks, the Slovenes, the Croats and many other peoples.

In modern times, the National Socialists (i.e., Nazis) hijacked and corrupted the term “Großdeutsch” for their own racially exclusive purposes, which were totally opposed to the inclusive goals of the old Habsburg-Lothringen Austrian Empire.

The so-called “Geneva Convention” of the infamous “New World Order” convened in Geneva, Switzerland in 1864. They “succeeded” in giving us a “League of Nations” in 1919, and a “United Nations” in 1945 – hence the global disorder we see today.

The noble Crown Lands of Holy Rome and Germany, and thus of all the peoples of the world, were once represented in the Holy Roman and German House of Lords. Throughout those many centuries, there was no world war, no abortion, no infanticide, no policy of genocide, no high taxation, no bankrupt government, no bankrupt welfare state, no bankrupt pension system, no public “mis-education,” no fascism, so communism and no socialism. Compared to what the world faces now, it was really very good and extremely stable. Today, such a new House of Lords (”Herrenhaus”) would consist of 47 members (i.e., noble lands, provinces and Hanseatic Cities, the noble lands having a dynastic union with many nations of the world). This assumes the six “member” states mentioned within the Manifesto of the “Schwarz-Gelbe Allianz” (i.e., Austria, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia and Croatia) plus modern Germany, within a re-established Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation (or “First German Empire”). The Empire itself would have a population of about 123 million souls, and would reach from the Rhine River in the West to the Oder River in the East, and from the Belt of Denmark in the North to the coast of Dalmatia in the South. About 82% of this population speaks German. The German-Austrian Navy would have bases on the North Sea (the German Bay), on the Western Baltic Sea and on the Eastern Adriatic Sea.

The United Kingdom, and thereby the Commonwealth of Nations, would be in dynastic union with Germany through the Duchy of Sachsen-Coburg-Gotha (ruled by the House of Wettin). The Kingdoms of Belgium (the House of Wettin), the Netherlands (the House of Orange-Nassau-Bourbon), Denmark (the House of Oldenburg) and Norway (the House of Oldenburg) would be in dynastic union with the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation. Finally, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg (the House of Nassau) would also be in union with the German Empire. The 47 Holy Roman and German States plus these 58 nation-states have a population of 2,081 million souls, or 31% of the world’s population. If monarchies were restored to their rightful position in the rest of the world as well, the percentage of peoples represented in a new “Herrenhaus” (”House of Lords” in English) of the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation could be 100%.

THE SPIRIT OF THE NAVY

In two horrible world wars from 1914 to 1945 (the Thirty Years’ War of the 20th Century?), Germany lost 10 million souls and the Allied Nations lost 132 million souls. Enough is enough – I know of no people on this earth who are more antiwar than the German people. They saw their cities reduced to rubble, they saw ancestral German provinces torn away from Germany and they have seen their great country reduced to the status of a political dwarf. Of Germany’s 10 million World War One and World War Two dead, perhaps 7 million were military and 3 million were civilian. What a horrific loss of human potential – the best and brightest that a great nation had to offer.

In the Memorial Hall of the German Naval League in Laboe (Kiel), Germany, every single warship Germany lost during the two world wars but most especially the men lost are remembered – 35,000 German sailors from World War One and 120,000 German sailors from World War Two. Ships can be replaced, but human beings cannot.

Among the many memorials at Laboe is one of the propellers from the heavy cruiser “Prinz Eugen” (1940) brought home to Germany from the Bikini Atoll in the Pacific Ocean, where the ship was sunk in 1946 – returned by the United States Navy to the German Navy in 1978. When she served from 1940 to 1945, her men would always alter her battle flags – one German, and one Austrian. This was to commemorate her namesake, the World War One dreadnought battleship “S.M.S. Prinz Eugen” (1912) from the Imperial and Royal Austro-Hungarian Navy. The elder ship still exists as well, resting on the bottom of the sea off the Southern coast of France. Both ships were expended by the victorious Western Allies in postwar weapons tests, the elder ship by the French, and the newer ship by the Americans.

A new “M/S Prinz Eugen” was commissioned by the Danube Steamship Company of Austria in 1987, where she carries passengers and people on holiday along the rivers of the landlocked Republic of Austria.

There is a movement among naval veterans in Germany and Austria to bring the heavy cruiser “Prinz Eugen” (1940) back home to Germany and to restore her as a museum ship and as a Naval memorial. She lies in very shallow water, capsized and with her keel clearly visible above the water. In my humble opinion, she and these veterans represent the spirit of a united ethnic German people and a united German and Austrian Navy with 1,026 years of rich maritime heritage.

In zwei schrecklichen Weltkriegen von 1914 bis 1945 hat die Bevölkerung des großdeutschen Reiches (die Deutschen sowie die Österreicher) zehn Millionen Leute verloren – bei dem Gegner des Reiches waren es 132 Millionen Menschen. Von den zehn Millionen Deutschen waren vielleicht 7 Millionen davon Soldaten und Seemänner, und 3 Millionen aus der Zivilbevölkerung. Im Mai 1945 war jedes zweite Gebäude in Deutschland zerstört; urdeutsches Land wie Pommern, Ostbrandenburg, Schlesien, Preußen, das Sudetenland, Zips, Banat, Siebenbürgen, Südtirol, Elsaß, Lothringen und Nordschleswig waren nicht mehr unter deutscher Herrschaft, und Millionen Deutsche wurden entweder ermordet oder vertrieben. Mehr als andere Leute sagt das Deutsche Volk “nie wieder Krieg.”Fast 65 Jahren nach dem Ende des Zweiten Weltkrieges ist es endlich Zeit, eine rechtmäßige Lösung für Deutschland, Mitteleuropa und die ganze Welt zu finden. Die Antwort liegt teils in einer Vergangenheit, die die meisten Leute leider vergessen haben – nämlich in der Tradition der Franken (260-800), des Ersten Deutschen Reiches (800-1806), des Deutschen Bundes (1815-1866) sowie der Donaumonarchie der Habsburger (1804-1918). Und um den Frieden sowie den Wohlstand zu sichern, braucht man eine große Handelsmarine sowie eine große und eine fähige Kriegsmarine.

Marineehrenmal Laboe

Den Geist der Deutschen Marine kann mann im Marineehrenmal Laboe bei Kiel erleben. Die Marine ehrt die 35,000 Gefallenen Seehelden des Ersten Weltkrieges (1914-1918) sowie die 120,000 Gefallenen Seehelden des Zweiten Weltkrieges (1939-1945). Aber die herrliche Tradition der Deutschen Marine geht viel weiter in die Vergangenheit zurück. Die erste berufliche Kriegsmarine des großdeutschen Vaterlandes war die Kaiserliche und Königliche (K.u.K.) Kriegsmarine von Österreich, die im Jahre 1369 gegründet wurde. Bei der heutigen Deutschen Marine kann man die Ähnlichkeit der letzten Uniformen der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine Österreich-Ungarns (1907-1918), besonders bei den Marinekappen der Offiziere sowie der Matrosen, gut erkennen. Bei der Kaiserlichen und Königlichen Kriegsmarine gab es drei Schiffe, die “S.M.S. Prinz Eugen” hießen. Zuerst eine Panzerfregatte (1863), dann ein Kasemattschiff (1880) und zuletzt ein Linienschiff (1912). Bei der deutschen Kriegsmarine (1935-1945) gab es einen Schweren Kreuzer, der auch “Prinz Eugen” (1940) hieß. Das Linienschiff überstand den Ersten Weltkrieg, und wurde nach dem Krieg an Frankreich übergeben. Die Franzosen haben das Schiff an der südlichen Küste ihres Landes versenkt – und sie liegt immer noch da. Der Schwere Kreuzer überstand den Zweiten Weltkrieg, und wurde danach von den Amerikanern beschlagnahmt. Sie wurde im Jahre 1946 im Bikini-Atoll versenkt, und liegt auch immer noch da. Im Jahre 1978 hatte die amerikanische Marine eine Schraube der “Prinz Eugen” dem Deutschen Marinebund zurückgegeben – seitdem ist sie in Laboe bei Kiel zu sehen. Die Donau-Dampfschiff-Gesellschaft (DDSG) aus Österreich hat heute ein Paßagierschiff, die “M/S Prinz Eugen” (1987) heißt. Hier kann mann den stolzen Geist einer immer noch lebendigen und unbesiegten Deutschen Marine erkennen – eine herrliche Tradition von 1,026 Jahren, nach einer Deutschen Admiralität die im Jahre 983 gegründet wurde.

Some Interesting Web Links:

1.) The Ships List (specifically their page for the Austrian Lloyd Shipping Line): http://www.theshipslist.com/ships/lines/lloydaust.htm

2.) Historical Maps of Europe: http://www.euratlas.com/time2.htm

3.) Major Surface Warships of the Austro-Hungarian Navy: http://www.hicon.pl/~pothkan/hhwn/AH-Maj.html

4.) Home Page for “S.M.S. Novara,” the first Austrian or German Warship to circumvent the Globe: http://www.uow.edu.au/~morgan/novara.htm

5.) Home Page for the Imperial and Royal Austro-Hungarian Navy: http://www.kuk-kriegsmarine.at/

6.) Home Page for the Hungarian-Croatian (Dalmatian) Ship Register: http://www.papernet.hu/?l=sdetails&i=1076&lang=eng

7.) Home Page of the Austrian Naval League: http://www.marineverband.at/

8.) Another Page on the Austro-Hungarian Navy (more than 34,000 visits to date): http://freenet-homepage.de/kriegsmarine/

9.) Home Page of the Imperial and Royal Austro-Hungarian Armed Forces: http://www.doppeladler.com/kuk/index.htm

10.) Historical Flags of Germany and the German States: http://www.fahnenversand.de/fotw/flags/de_his.html

11.) A nice site about modern Navies of the entire world, accurate as of 2003: http://www.hazegray.org/worldnav/

12.) The home site of Archduke Dr. Otto von Habsburg, who has been the Head of the Noble House of Habsburg-Lothringen since the death of his father, Kaiser Karl, in 1922. Otto would thus be the Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation, the Emperor of Austria, the King of Hungary, the King of Bohemia (the modern Czech Republic), the King of Dalmatia, the King of Croatia, the King of Slavonia, the King of Galicia (in modern Poland), the King of Lodomeria (in the modern Ukraine), the King Illyria, the King of Jerusalem (in modern Israel) and the Archduke of both Upper and Lower Austria upon a complete restoration of the Habsburg-Lothringen Monarchy (more than 1,3 million visits to date): http://otto.twschwarzer.de/

13.) Home site of the Austro-Venetian Navy (a history dating to A.D. 421): http://www.ahoy.tk-jk.net/macslog/TheGenesisoftheAustrianNa.html

14.) A site on the history of the German Navy from 1871 to 1945: http://www.german-navy.de/

15.) A site on links for the Imperial & Royal Austro-Hungarian Armed Forces, including modern “Reenactment” Clubs: http://www.austro-hungarian-army.co.uk/links.htm

16.) The home site of “Uboat.net,” a very informative source for German and Austro-Hungarian submarines from 1914 to 1945: http://uboat.net/index.html

17.) A nice German site on the history of the Imperial German Navy (1871-1919), and good links on German states, on Austria-Hungary, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and the former German Colonies in Africa, Asia and the Pacific Ocean (more than 30,6 million visits to date): http://www.kaiserliche-marine.de/

Reference and Reading List on related subjects (note that this does not necessarily mean I agree with everything I read in these books):

1.) The World Almanac and Book of Facts (1985 to 2003, inclusive)

2.) Das Boot (a novel by Lothar-Günther Buchheim, who served as a German submarine Naval Correspondent in World War Two aboard U-Boat 96): I highly recommend both this book and the movie upon which it is based.

3.) Der Fischer Weltalmanach (a German-language Almanac)

4.) U-Boat 977 (by her Commander, Heinz Schäffer): I highly recommend this book, and have a very high opinion of its author.

5.) The Roman Empire and Its Germanic Peoples (by Herwig Wolfram, and translated by Thomas Dunlap)

6.) Crash Profits: Make Money when Stocks Sink and Soar (by Martin D. Weiss, P.h.D.)

7.) Conquer the Crash: You Can Survive and Prosper in a Deflationary Depression (by Robert R. Prechter, Jr., Founder and Chairman of Elliott Wave International): I highly recommend this book, and especially the services and subscriptions on Bob Prechter’s site: www.elliottwave.com.

8.) Combat Fleets of the World: Their Ships, Aircraft, and Armament (Edited by Jean Labayle Couhat; English language edition prepared by A.D. Baker III)

9.) Greenhill Military Manuals: Military Transport, Trucks & Transporters (by T.J. O’Malley, and Illustrated by Ray Hutchins)

10.) U-122: The Diary of a U-Boat Commander (by Commander Karl von Schenk)

11.) Flying Aces of World War I (by Gene Gurney)

12.) The Fantastic Tools of the Nazi War Machine – German Secret Weapons: Blueprint for Mars (by Brian Ford)

13.) Waffen-SS: the Asphalt Soldiers (by John Keegan)

14.) The Last Cruise of the “Emden”: the Amazing True World War I Story of a German Light Cruiser and Her Courageous Crew (by Edwin P. Hoyt): I highly recommend this book, written by an American and very sympathetic to the German sailors of the “S.M.S. Emden.”

15.) The German Army 1933-1945 (by Matthew Cooper): an excellent book of almost 600 pages, detailing how the General Staff of the German Army allowed itself to be ruined by Adolf Hitler. Furthermore, merely a few senior German military officers were the true proponents of a new form of mobile armored warfare (such as Heinz Guderian, Erwin Rommel and Erich von Manstein).

16.) Entering Germany 1944-1949 (by Tony Vaccaro)

17.) Conversations with Nostradamus, Volumes One through Three (by Dolores Cannon): I highly recommend these books as the best I have read on the subject of Michele de Nostradame.

18.) The Prophecies of Nostradamus (by Erika Cheetham)

19.) The Further Prophecies of Nostradamus (by Erika Cheetham)

20.) The Final Prophecies of Nostradamus (by Erika Cheetham)

21.) Die Erfindung der Deutschen: Wie wir wurden, was wir sind (by Klaus Wiegrefe and Dietmar Pieper)

22.) Illustrierte Weltgeschichte in Farbe (by Christian Zentner)

23.) Warships: from the Galley to the Present Day (by Angus Konstam, Leo Marriott and George Grant)

24.) Blitzkrieg: the Unpublished Photographs 1939-1942 – Poland, Low Countries, France and North Africa (by Ian Baxter)

25.) The Windjammers (by Oliver E. Allen)

26.) An Encyclopedia of Naval History (by Anthony Bruce and William Cogar)

27.) Two Hundred Years of German-American Relations (General Editor Thomas Piltz)

28.) On War (by General Carl von Clausewitz): edited by Anatol Rapoport

29.) German Warships of the Second World War (by H.T. Lenton): I highly recommend this very thorough book on the vessels of the “Reichsmarine” and the “Kriegsmarine” (1918 to 1945).

30.) Battleships and Battlecruisers 1905-1970 (by Siegfried Breyer): I highly recommend this book on the great capital ships of the greatest Navies.

31.) The Federal Republic of Germany (by Peter von Zahn)

32.) Historic Maritime Maps (by Donald Wigal)

33.) The Brotherhood: the Secret World of Freemasons (by Stephen Knight)

34.) Österreichs Kriegsmarine 1440-1848 (by Karl Gogg): I highly recommend this very thorough book on the vessels of the early Austrian Navy.

35.) The Austro-Prussian War: Austria’s War with Prussia and Italy in 1866 (by Geoffrey Wawro): I highly recommend this book on the sad war betweeen Austria & most of the German States on one side and Prussia & Italy on the other side – my own sympathies are with the Austrian Empire and the Kingdom of Hanover.

36.) The Rise and Fall of the Holy Roman Empire from Charlemagne to Napoleon (by David Criswell): I highly recommend this comprehensive book, although it is filled with spelling mistakes, and although its author is too biased in favor of the Protestant point of view – he should have been more even-handed. His viewpoint is also too “Anglo-Saxon,” which makes it more narrow than it should have been.

37.) Shooting the War: the Memoir and Photographs of a U-Boat Officer in World War II (by Otto Giese and James E. Wise, Jr.): I highly recommend this book, written by a German submarine officer. His service took him all over the world, ending World War 2 in Indonesia (a number of German Navy vessels were stationed there, and served in the Pacific Theater).

38.) Rot-Weiß-Rot auf gelbem Meer: Tsingtau 1914 (by Dr. Lothar Baumgartner, Erwin Sieche, Linienschiffsleutnant Viktor Klobucar Rukavina von Bunic and Valentin Perkonig): I highly recommend this book, especially the tragic story of Valentin Perkonig, who served aboard the cruiser “S.M.S. Kaiserin Elisabeth,” and who experienced terrible cruelty in an Australian POW camp.

39.) Ein unbekannter Krieg 1914-1916: das k.u.k. Gesandtschaftsdetachement Teheran von Persien bis nach Wien (by Dr. Peter Jung and Kasper Blond): I highly recommend this book, especially the tragic story of Dr. Kasper Blond, who escaped from a Russian POW camp and made it back home to Austria via Persia and the Ottoman Empire.

40.) Die k.u.k. Sturmtruppen 1916-1918: Elitesoldaten der Monarchie (by M. Christian Ortner)

41.) Uncrowned Emperor: The Life and Times of Otto von Habsburg (by Gordon Brook-Shepherd): I highly recommend this book, which is about the life of Otto von Habsburg-Lothringen, who should be Holy Roman and German Emperor in my own opinion.

42.) Fortunes of War – Phantom Raider: Nazi Germany’s Most Successful Surface Raider (by Ulrich Mohr and A.V. Sellwood): I highly recommend this book, which is about the amazing voyage of the German Auxiliary Cruiser “Atlantis” during World War 2.

43.) Inside the Brotherhood – the Further Secrets of the Freemasons: the Explosive Sequel to Stephen Knight’s “The Brotherhood” (by Martin Short)

44.) Born in Blood – the Lost Secrets of Freemasonry (by John J. Robinson)

45.) The World 100 Years Ago – Berlin (by Burton Holmes, and Introductory Essay by Irving Wallace)

46.) The Great Reckoning – How the World Will Change in the Depression of the 1990’s (by James Dale Davidson and Lord William Rees-Mogg, the authors of “Blood in the Streets”): I highly recommend this book – these predictions are coming true later than the authors forecast (in our own times right now).

47.) Vanished Empire – Vienna, Budapest, Prague – the Three Capital Cities of the Habsburg Empire as Seen Today (by Stephen Brook)

48.) The Habsburgs (by Andrew Wheatcroft)

49.) Sea Battles in close-up: World War 2 (by Martin Stephen and Edited by Eric Grove)

50.) The Austro-Hungarian Forces in World War 1 (2) 1916-1918 (by Peter Jung and Illustrated by Darko Pavlovic)

51.) Osprey Aircraft of the Aces: Austro-Hungarian Aces of World War 1 (by Christopher Chant)

52.) German Light Cruisers 1939-1945 (by Gordon Williamson and Illustrated by Ian Palmer)

53.) Dreadnought: Britain, Germany and the Coming of the Great War (by Robert K. Massie): this very thorough book has more than 1,000 pages.  It chronicles the tragic arms race which resulted in the First World War.  More importantly, it describes the declining effectiveness of Imperial Germany’s foreign policy and her increasing international isolation especially after Kaiser Wilhelm II of Prussia retired Prince Otto von Bismarck, who had served as German Chancellor from 1862 until 1890.  In between 1890 and 1914, Europe gradually transformed into a situation where the former Napoleonic France was isolated into the predicament where Imperial Hohenzollern Germany became politically and militarily isolated.  The commercial necessity of Germany’s growing fleet, a natural outcome of her increasing population and economic power, sadly contributed to her geopolitical isolation due to the policies of Kaiser Wilhelm II, his new Chancellors, Foreign Ministers and Grand Admiral Tirpitz of the Imperial German Navy.  In my opinion, this need not have been so.  Grand Admiral Tirpitz made the error of expecting armed conflict with the United Kingdom from the start – which eventually and not surprisingly became a self-fulfilling prophecy.  In addition to this, Kaiser Wilhelm II failed to renew Bismarck’s useful “Three Emperors’ League” between Germany, Austria-Hungary and most importantly Russia.  The result was the needless and destructive rivalry between Habsburg Austria and Romanov Russia in the Balkan region of Eastern Europe, which matured into global armed conflict by 1914.

54.) The Blitzkrieg Legend: The 1940 Campaign in the West (by Colonel Karl-Heinz Frieser). This excellent book, written by an officer of the post-World War 2 German “Bundeswehr,” seeks to dispell the many myths of “Blitzkrieg” (a concept misused by both German and Allied propagandists). This book demonstrates just how reckless and often clueless Hitler and the members of his inner circle (such as Hermann Göring) were. It also shows how the Western Allies (France, the United Kingdom, the British Commonwealth, Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands) lost the 1940 campaign – in spite of having more troops, more armored fighting vehicles (and better tanks) and more combat aircraft than Germany. It studies the fatal “halt order” of Adolf Hitler, Hermann Göring and Gerd von Rundstedt before the Allied evacuation of 370,000 troops in Dunkirk. The unplanned German victory in the West was the result of new thinking and daring by commanders such as Erich von Manstein, Heinz Guderian and Erwin Rommel.

55.) Panzerschiff Deutschland – Schwerer Kreuzer Lützow (by Hans Georg Prager): this fine book was written (and published in German in 1981) by a former crew member who served aboard her from 1937 until 1945 (my paternal grandfather Wilhelm Johannes Nonnenkamp served aboard this warship from her commissioning in 1933 until he left the Navy in 1936).  The narrative demonstrates how the Second World War was not a “happy” time for those who served – from the invasion of Norway in 1940 (where the ship was severely damaged by British torpedoes), to service in Northern waters thereafter and finally to the defense of the Baltic Sea in 1944 and 1945.  Nevertheless, most crewmen survived the war due to the fact that their ship endured until they scuttled her in May 1945.

56.) Lexikon der griechischen und römischen Mythologie (by Michael Stapleton and Elizabeth Servan-Schreiber)

57.) Fighting Elite: U-Boat Crews 1914-1945 (by Gordon Williamson and Darko Pavlovic): This book has some very nice color plates of World War 1 and World War 2 U-Boat personnel uniforms.

58.) German Light Cruisers of World War II (by Gerhard Koop and Klaus-Peter Schmolke)

59.) Heavy Cruisers of the Admiral Hipper Class (by Gerhard Koop and Klaus-Peter Schmolke)

60.) Der Österreichischer Lloyd: 1836 bis heute (by Dieter Winkler and Georg Pawlik): this book is a wonderful resource on the Austrian Lloyd shipping line from 1836 to the present.

61.) Germany: A Picture Book to Remember Her By (Designed by David Gibbon and Produced by Ted Smart)

62.) Kreuzer und Kreuzerprojekte der k.u.k. Kriegsmarine 1889-1918 (by Erwin Sieche): this book is an excellent resource on the Cruisers of the Austro-Hungarian Navy, up to and including planned Battlecruisers which were never built.

63.) Afrikakorps – an Illustrated History (by Peter Stahl)

64.) Adolf Hitler 1931-1935: Pictures from the Life of the Führer (Forward by Hermann Göring): this book is a new 1978 reproduction of a propaganda book published in Germany in September 1935. It shows us how we must beware (even today) of any secular political leader labeled as a “Savior” or “Messiah.” A photo aboard “Panzerschiff Deutschland” is shown on page 107 of this book (in which Hitler is seen with many enlisted men, including my paternal grandfather Wilhelm Johannes Nonnenkamp).

65.) Friesland (by Erdmann Wingert and Helga Wingert)

66.) Vom Original zum Modell: die großen Walter-Uboote Typ XVIII und Typ XXVI (by Eberhard Rößler): this is a good but very technical resource on the very advanced Walter submarines produced in Germany toward the end of World War 2. They were amazing boats which would have turned the tide in the Battle of the Atlantic, with top speeds as high as 31 knots.

67.) Flugzeugträger Graf Zeppelin (by Richard Wagner and Manfred Wilske): this is a very good but also highly technical resource on Germany’s first purpose-built aircraft carrier. Up to 8 of these ships were foreseen in the “Z-Plan” before World War 2, a plan which would have come to fruition by 1945 in time of peace. The “Graf Zeppelin” was launched in 1938, never commissioned and scuttled in the Baltic Sea in 1947 (where she lies to this day).

68.) The German Aircraft Carrier Graf Zeppelin (by Siegried Breyer): another nice book on Germany’s sole purpose-built aircraft carrier, which already had one planned named sister ship (the “Peter Straßer,” to be named after the commander of the German Zeppelin airship fleet in World War 1). Additional section on planned German Auxiliary Aircraft Carriers, including the passenger liner “Europa,” the passenger liner “Potsdam,” the passenger liner “Gneisenau,” (not to be confused with the battleship / battlecruiser “Gneiseinau”), and the captured French cruiser “De Grasse.”

69.) Die Torpedoschiffe und Zerstörer der k.u.k. Kriegsmarine 1867-1918 (by Franz F. Bilzer): a wonderful and technical resource on the early “Torpedo Ships” and later “Destroyers” of the Austro-Hungarian Navy. During World War 1, both Austrian Destroyers and Submarines saw a great deal of activity (unlike the larger capital ships).

70.) Austro-Hungarian Warships in Photographs 1848-1895 (by Lothar Baumgartner and Erwin Sieche): a very nice book with good narrative as well, covering the Sailing Ships, Cannon-Boats, early Armored Ships, Cruisers, Torpedo Vessels, Auxiliary Ships and Uniforms of the old Austrian Navy. Very nice photos of the final sailing vessels in the Habsburg Navy.

71.) Austro-Hungarian Warships in Photographs 1896-1918 (by Lothar Baumgartner and Erwin Sieche): another very nice book with good narrative, covering the Battleships, Armored Cruisers, Small Cruisers, Rapid Cruisers, Destroyers, Torpedo Boats, Submarines, Auxiliary Ships, Patrol Vessels, Danube Monitors and Uniforms of the old Austro-Hungarian Navy.

72.) Flottenrock und Kaiseradler: Uniformierung im Spiegel der Geschichte der k.u.k. Kriegsmarine von 1815-1918 (by Lothar Baumgartner and Dieter Winkler): a very nice and thorough book on uniforms in the Austro-Venetian, Austrian and Austro-Hungarian Navy of the Habsburg Monarchy.

73.) The Imperial and Royal Austro-Hungarian Navy (by Anthony Sokol): a nice book written by a former junior officer of the Habsburg Navy, who emigrated to the USA after World War 1, eventually to teach at Stanford University in California.

74.) Rapidkreuzer Helgoland – Im Einsatz für Österreich-Ungarn und Italien (by Nikolaus A. Sifferlinger): a nice book on the history of the rapid cruiser (small or light cruiser) “S.M.S. Helgoland,” which served in both the Austro-Hungarian and the Italian Navies until she was scrapped in 1937.

75.) Georg von Trapp: To the Last Salute – Memories of an Austrian U-Boat Commander (Translated and with an Introduction by Elizabeth M. Campbell): a very nice autobiography by the former Korvettenkapitän Georg von Trapp, Austria-Hungary’s 2nd highest scoring U-Boat Ace during World War 1. He and his family eventually became immortalized in the Broadway play and movie by Rodgers & Hammerstein known as “The Sound of Music.” His part in the film was played by Christopher Plummer. Elizabeth Campbell is one of his granddaughters, who resides near Boston.

76.) U-Boat Ace: The Story of Wolfgang Lüth (by Jordan Vause): a nice book about one of Germany’s great World War 2 U-Boat Aces.

77.) The Anchor Atlas of World History, Volumes I and II (by Hermann Kinder and Werner Hilgemann): a very nice, compact and surprisingly thorough set of atlases with wonderful maps of world history going all the way from the Stone Age to the American Bicentennial in 1976. A great way to learn about the history of the entire world rather quickly.

78.) Nostradamus (by Eberhard Fuchs): an interesting book about Michele de Nostradame, written in German. A gift from my friend and former coworker Frank Müller, of the former Vereins-und Westbank in Hamburg, Germany. The bank has since been merged into the much larger Bavarian Union Bank (”Bayerische Vereinsbank”) and finally into Unicredit of Milan, Italy.

79.) Tanks at War 1939-1945 (Edited by Andrew Kershaw): a nice way to learn about the major tanks of World War 2 rather quickly.

80.) Seekadett Sturmvogel und andere Marineanekdoten (by Dieter Winkler): a nice book with amusing short stories (all true) from the Austro-Hungarian Navy.

81.) Victory at Stalingrad (by Geoffrey Roberts): a very well-written book about the Eastern Front of World War 2, by a British author. I was so glad to see someone in the English-speaking world finally admitting that the Russian Front of World War 2 was indeed the largest, the bloodiest and the most important front of that war. Roberts also admits that Germany could have “won” this war if they had no murderous Nazi racial policy, because the peoples of the former Soviet Union initially welcomed German troops as liberators. The book is also a tribute to the fighting skill and courage of the Russian soldier.

82.) Dresden – Tuesday, February 13, 1945 (by Frederick Taylor): a very well-written book about the Allied bombing campaign over Germany during World War 2. More than 600,000 people in German-occupied Europe lost their lives due to this campaign during this tragic time. The Saxon capital city of Dresden had been largely spared until February 1945, but met a terrible fate just 3 months before the end of World War 2 in Europe.

83.) Iron Coffins – A Personal Account of the German U-Boat Battles of World War II (by Commander Herbert A. Werner and with a Foreward by Captain Edward L. Beach): an excellent book of the U-Boat War from 1941 to 1945. Werner was only 25 years old upon the end of the war in May 1945, but he was one of Germany’s best-experienced submarine commanders in an era when young German men were forced to grow up too fast. His parents and sister were killed in a British air raid over the city of Darmstadt, and his girlfriend and her family were killed in an air raid over Berlin.

84.) Jackboot – A History of the German Soldier 1713-1945 (by John Laffin): a very well-written book by an Australian veteran of the North African campaign during World War 2, but I must strongly disagree with his opinion that Germans as people are warlike, and that Germany will once again “march.” This view of history is far too “narrow,” and one must realize that the 31-period from 1914 to 1945 do not make the history of a nation.

85.) A Sailor of Austria – In which, without really intending to, Otto Prohaska becomes Official War Hero Number 27 of the Habsburg Empire (by John Biggins): a very well-written novel about a fictional character, sometimes humorous but more often realistic and tragic. Most sad of all when Prohaska loses his beloved new wife to influenza after World War 1.

86.) The Emperor’s Coloured Coat – In which Otto Prohaska, future hero of the Habsburg Empire, has an unexpectedly interesting time while not quite managing to avert the First World War (by John Biggins): an also very well-written novel, but I must disagree with the author’s negative opinion about Archduke Franz Ferdinand, who would have come to the throne of Austria-Hungary in 1916.

87.) The Two-Headed Eagle – In which Otto Prohaska takes a break as the Habsburg Empire’s leading U-Boat ace and does something even more thanklessly dangerous (by John Biggins): the 3rd well-written novel in this series, also humorous at times but more often realistic and tragically sad. Especially so when the Magyar Zugführer (Sergeant) Toth is killed in an Alpine flying accident.

88.) Tomorrow the World – In which Cadet Otto Prohaska carries the Habsburg Empire’s civilizing mission to the entirely unreceptive peoples of Africa and Oceania (by John Biggins): the 4th and final novel of this series, also very well-written and entertaining. Too bad the world never knew the wonderful colony of Austro-Hungarian West Africa!

89.) Battleships and Carriers (by Steve Crawford): a compact and nicely illustrated book covering many centuries of famous naval vessels. The smallest one in the book is Sir Francis Drake’s “H.M.S Golden Hind,” which circumnavigated the globe for England from 1577-1580. Can one imagine undertaking such a voyage in a ship of a mere 102 tons today?

90.) The Insiders: Architects of the New World Order (by John F. McManus): a shocking look at the “hidden” forces directing the secular economic and political destiny of our world to this very day.

91.) The Illustrated Encyclopedia of the World’s Modern Military Aircraft: A Technical Directory of Today’s Major Warplanes (by Bill Gunston)

92.) The World’s Armies: An Illustrated Encyclopedia of the Ground Forces of Every Nation with Full Specifications of Their Equipment and Details of Their Strength and Organisation (by General Editor Chris Chant)

93.) The World’s Air Forces: An Illustrated Encyclopedia of the Air Forces of Every Nation with Full Specifications of Their Equipment and Details of Their Strength and Organisation (by General Editor Chris Chant)

94.) The World’s Navies: An Illustrated Encyclopedia of the Naval Forces of Every Nation with Full Specifications of their Equipment and Details of Their Strength and Organisation (by General Editor Chris Chant)

95.) U-Boats (by Antony Preston): a good history of German submarines from before World War 1 to the modern post-World War 2 “Bundesmarine” of Western Germany.

96.) The Ships of the German Fleets 1848-1945 (by Hans Jürgen Hansen): a beautiful book detailing the history of the German, Austrian and Brandenburg-Prussian Navies going from 1683 (the founding of the colony “Großfriedrichsburg” by Brandenburg-Prussia in modern Ghana) to the end of World War 2 in 1945.

97.) Warships of World War I (Edited by Bernard Fitzsimons): a very decent book from the UK with contributions from veterans of both the Allies and the Central Powers.

98.) Wenn alle Brüder schweigen: Großer Bildband über die Waffen-SS (Published by the Association of Soldiers of the Former Waffen-SS): a very nice book published by veterans of the former Waffen-SS, Germany’s elite World War 2 branch of the Wehrmacht. These were combat soldiers, who were largely not involved with the far more dangerous civilian SS. Foreward written by SS-Oberstgruppenführer and Generaloberst der Waffen-SS (4-Star General) Paul Hausser.

99.) Militärischer Führernachwuchs der Waffen-SS: die Junkerschulen (by Richard Schulze-Kossens): a very nice book about the officer training schools of the former Waffen-SS, which included volunteers from all over Europe.

100.) The Encyclopedia of German Military Aircraft (by Bryan Philpott): a very nicely illustrated book about German Military Aircraft from before World War 1 to the modern “Luftwaffe” of Western Germany.

101.) Das Buch der deutschen Kriegsmarine 1935-1945: Geschichte, Organisation, Schiffe, Daten, Dienstgrade, Uniformen, Abzeichen, Auszeichnungen, Biographien, Hauptmerkmale der Atlantik U-Boote und Zeittafeln (by Jak P. Mallmann-Showell): an excellent book about the history of the “Reichsmarine” and the “Kriegsmarine” from November 1918 until May 1945. The author’s father served in the German Navy, and went down with U-377 in the North Atlantic in January 1944.

102.) Wolfpacks at War: the U-Boat Experience in World War II (by Jak P. Mallmann-Showell). The author’s father was Diesel Obermaschinist Jak Mallmann, who was lost at sea on his 13th operational tour of duty with U-377 in the North Atlantic in January of 1944. This book contains many moving stories and emotional tributes to those German U-Boat servicemen lost during World War II.

103.) The Hunters and the Hunted: German U-Boats, 1939-1945 (by Jochen Brennecke): a collection of unique and true short stories from numerous veterans of the World War Two German submarine service.

104.) Teddy Suhren: Ace of Aces – Memoirs of a U-Boat Rebel (by Fregattenkapitän Reinhard “Teddy” Suhren, edited by Fritz Brustat-Naval and translated by Frank James). Postscript by Helmut Herzig, President of the “Teddy Suhren Marinekameradschaft Zweibrücken” (in the State of Rhineland-Palatinate).

105.) Fips: Legendary U-Boat Commander (by Kapitän zur See Werner Fürbringer, translated and edited by Geoffrey Brooks). Note: “Fips” was merely the nickname of Werner Fürbringer, who lived from 1888 until 1982. He served in the German Navy during both World Wars, and originally published this book under the title of “Alarm! Tauchen! – U-Boot im Kampf und Sturm” in 1933. In World War One, he served aboard the ocean-going submarine U.20, he commanded the coastal submarines UB.2, UB.39, UB.58 & UB.110 and the minelaying submarines UC.17 & UC.70. British Royal Navy officers and men massacred 21 surviving German officers and men from UB.110 on July 19, 1918. Although Allied governments never prosecuted such cases, I was glad to see that the English translators of this book both acknowledged and condemned the crime. I was also glad to see their admission that the conduct of the German Navy was much better.

106.) Circumnavigation of the Globe by the Austrian Frigate Novara: Volumes 1-3 (Reprint “der Originalausgabe von 1861 bis 1863” by Karl von Scherzer). This comprehensive account of the first global circumnavigation undertaken by a German warship spans 1,660 pages.

107.) The Cruise of the “Sea Eagle” – The Amazing True Story of Imperial Germany’s Gentleman Pirate (by Blaine Pardoe). The story of Kapitänleutnant Felix von Luckner, who commanded the German Auxiliary Sailing Ship “S.M.S. Seeadler” during World War One, whose daring crew raided enemy shipping in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans from December 1916 until December 1917. The vessel was disguised as a Norwegian merchantman, and sank 17 Allied ships before she herself was rendered useless and/or her crew members were all taken prisoner by Allied and neutral powers.

108.) Operation Albion: The German Conquest of the Baltic Islands (by Michael B. Barrett). The true story of a highly successful amphibious operation coordinated between the German Navy and Army in October 1917. 363 German Navy vessels faced 151 vessels from the Imperial Russian Navy (making this larger than the Battle of Jutland in terms of unit numbers, although most of the vessels in Operation Albion were much smaller units – such as minesweepers). 25,000 German Army troops, 6 Airships (Zeppelins) and 80 German Aircraft secured 3 Baltic Islands (Dago, Ösel and Moon) and captured 20,000 Russian Prisoners-of-War.

109.) U-Boat Commander: A Periscope View of the Battle of the Atlantic (by Peter Cremer).  Peter Cremer was born in the Lorraine (“Lothringen” in German) of a German father and a French mother.  He began his career in the German Navy in 1932, when he attended the German Naval Academy in Mürwik.  Upon graduation, he served in the surface fleet, but transferred to the German submarine force in 1940.  During World War 2, he commanded three submarines: U-152, U-333 and finally U-2519.  At the end of the war, Cremer and his men formed the body guard of Grand Admiral Karl Dönitz.  After the war, he pursued a successful career in the import-export business and eventually became a manager with Sperry Electronic Systems.

110.)  Sharks and Little Fish: A Novel of German Submarine Warfare (by Wolfgang Ott).  This novel was written by an enlisted man who served in both the German Minesweeping and Submarine arms during World War Two, and shows the brutality of the war from an a very young enlisted man’s point of view.

111.)  Steel Boat, Iron Hearts: A U-Boat Crewman’s Life Aboard U-505 (by Hans Goebeler with John Vanzo).  This is a real-life story written by a non-commissioned officer who served aboard U-505 during World War Two.  The boat served with success until she was boarded and taken as a prize by the U.S. Navy off the coast of West Africa in June 1944.  She has since been fully restored and is now the sole surviving example of a Type IXC submarine, on display in Chicago, Illinois (USA).

112.)  A History of the Habsburg Empire: 1526-1918 (by Robert A. Kann).  This very detailed book was first published by the University of California Press in 1974.  The author’s point of view is very biased in favor of the traditional Anglo-American view towards (or against) many continental European monarchies in general and the Habsburg-Lothringen Dynasty in particular.

113.)  The Holy Roman Empire: 1495-1806 (by Peter H. Wilson).  This excellent book was written by a Reader in Early Modern History at the University of Sunderland.  It successfully refutes the impression held by many that the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation (800-1806) was a failure.  Quite to the contrary, this First German Empire was a multinational and non-aggressive state which had rich traditions and a developed political structure which allowed for provincial and local rights.  In many ways, the modern Weimar Republic (1919-1933) and Federal Republic of Germany (1949-Present) look back to this first Empire in the form of their own legislative and judicial institutions.  The Holy Roman-German Emperors were by no means absolute monarchs, but had their executive power held in check by the national legislature (the “Reichstag”), the courts, the provinces and by the Imperial Cities.

114.)  The Habsburg Monarchy: 1809-1918 (by A.J.P. Taylor).  This book is very good in that it studies in detail the legislative history of Austria and Austria-Hungary, but its “slant” (having been published in the United Kingdom in 1948, barely three years after the end of the Second World War) is still decidedly anti-German.  Ethnic cleansing is always wrong, regardless of who does it.  The author seems to have believed that the many different peoples of Central and Eastern Europe were doomed to never get along with each other and to live together in peace and prosperity.  Such a negative outlook will only lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy.  Positive democratic progress has been made since the end of World War Two.  Examples include the German-speaking Community of Belgium (capital of Eupen), the South Tyrol of Italy (capital of Bozen), Oppeln in Upper Silesia (modern Poland), Tondern & Apenrade in North Schleswig (modern Denmark), Blaufuß in Slovakia, plus the many German-Romanian communities of Transylvania (such as Temeschburg, Hermannstadt, Sathmar, Schäßburg, Kronstadt, Fienen, Petrifeld, Schinal and Weidenthal).

115.)  The Austrians: a 1,000-Year Odyssey (by Gordon Brook-Shepherd).  This 483-page book offers a detailed history of Austria which one cannot find in most other literary sources.  It was written by a British Army officer who served in Austria during and after World War Two, and who has many personal contacts in Austria – including friendships in the former ruling Habsburg-Lothringen imperial and royal family.  The book seeks to prove an Austrian national identity separate from Germany, and offers good insight into Austrian political and legislative history from the time of the late Holy Roman Empire to the 1990s.  The author errs in that he chooses to ignore the long political and cultural bond which exists for the peoples of Central Europe (Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Italy, Poland, Romania and the Ukraine) due to the original Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation, Confederation of the Rhine and Germanic Confederation (800 to 1866).

116.) The U-Boat War: 1914-1918 (by Edwyn A. Gray).  This book by an English author (first published in 1972) has much information and interesting narrative concerning the top-scoring aces of the Imperial German Navy during World War One.  In many cases he has positive things to say about them, but in other cases he regresses to a supposed moral judgement concerning the so-called “evils” of submarine warfare and alleged atrocities committed by German Naval officers.  He overlooks the fact that servicemen of the Allied nations transgressed as well, and that the Allied naval blockade of the Central Powers (Germany, Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria and the Ottoman Turkish Empire) starved literally millions of non-combatant citizens of those nations.

117.) Germany and the Approach of War in 1914 (by Dr. V.R. Berghahn).  This book was published in 1973 and written by a German-born professor who taught at the University of East Anglia in the U.K.  It is very well-written, and shows the fatal flaws within the Prussian-German Hohenzollern monarchy which ruled Germany from 1866 until 1918.  The failure to accept social reform at home (in Germany) contributed to making world war a reality by 1914.  German naval policy from 1899 to 1912 ruined relations with England, while German continental policy from 1912-1914 led to “encirclement” by both France and Tsarist Russia.  Germany’s continental policy of 1933-1945 was something of a continuation of the failed strategy of 1912-1914.  In both cases, Germany’s geopolitical ambitions were failed by her lack of economic strength relative especially to the Western powers.  Post-World War 2 Germany has emerged (in the words of late German Chancellor Willy Brandt) as “an economic giant but a political dwarf.”  The former West Germany alone already matched the economic output of 1939 Greater Germany as early as 1952 – a mere 7 years after the disastrous end of the Second World War.  By 2009, the reunited Federal Republic of Germany had an export economy four times as large as that of France, its next-largest European competitor.  The German export economy ranked number 2 worldwide after that of Mainland China.  Furthermore, the modern European Union (EU) and the “Euro” currency are in effect an extension of the vibrant German economy and the former German “Mark,” or “Deutsche Mark” currency.  The economy of the EU is larger than that of the USA, with the former having 27 nation-states and a population of 500 million souls.  The German-speaking population worldwide in 2009 was 185 million people, and when one includes ethnic Germans the number increases to between 272 million and 334 million souls.

118.) Guilt at Versailles – Lloyd George and the Pre-History of Appeasement (by A. Lentin).  This book was first published in the U.K. in 1984, and illustrates how the post-World War One “peace” treaty at Versailles, France in 1919 was doomed to failure due to British Prime Minister Lloyd George (who gave in to immediate post-war political clamors for “revenge” against Germany), to French Premier Georges Clemenceau (the most anti-German of the Allied leaders) and to U.S. President Woodrow Wilson (who had lofty ideals in an abstract sense, but who never held true to those ideals in reality).  Both the political leadership and the electorate in the Western countries soon realized that they had been unjust to Germany, but the damage had already been done.  When political appeasement began in earnest, the benefactor was unfortunately the National Socialist regime led by Adolf Hitler.  The finale of this book admits that Germany, “as the leading continental power, had been denied the influence over Mittleuropa (“Central Europe”) to which her position and strength entitled her.”  This has been Germany’s “natural” position in the world since she was established as an Empire in A.D. 800 – and remains so to this day.

Here is the link to the latest press release for my German and Austrian Navy books: http://www.prnewschannel.com/2012/01/24/complete-listing-of-every-german-naval-vessel-to-ever-sail-also-explores-importance-of-sea-born-trade-to-european-world-history/.  All of my published books on the history of the Borromeo family of Cebu City, the Philippines & beyond, on the history of the Volkswagen Group, on scale-model collectible cars and on the history of the German-speaking navies (Germany, Austria-Hungary, Venice, Brandenburg-Prussia and the Hanseatic League) may be purchased on the global Amazon.com network which sells retail items in the USA, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands, Gibraltar, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Liechtenstein, Poland, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Monaco, Spain, the Canary Islands, Portugal, the Azores, the Madeira Islands, Italy, San Marino, Sweden, Finland, Turkey, the Arab world (27 countries & territories), Australia, India, China and Japan.  My books may also be special-ordered at various “brick and mortar” retail book stores such as Barnes & Noble.

]]> https://theborromeofamily.com/named-vessels-of-the-german-and-the-austro-hungarian-navies-part-2/feed/ 1 Spielwarensammlerautos / Scale Model Toy Cars https://theborromeofamily.com/scale-model-collectibles/ Thu, 04 Jun 2026 11:22:00 +0000 http://www.theborromeofamily.com/?p=900 Welcome to my Bookstore:

The Borromeo Family of Cebu BUY FROM AMAZON.COM
Volkswagen: a Car for the People – a Success Story – 2nd Edition BUY FROM AMAZON.COM
Scale Model Collectible Cars – with Official Corgi Toys Catalogue Illustrations BUY FROM AMAZON.COM
The German and the Austrian Navies – Volume 2: Second Edition: BUY FROM AMAZON.COM
The German and the Austrian Navies: Second Edition BUY FROM AMAZON.COM

Scale Model Collectible Car brands from around the world

Note: this Article now has its own gallery of illustrations which is also on this site.  It has received 2,478,735 of page visits since November 2006 – many thanks for your interest and for your visits.  It has been published as a book by CreateSpace of Santa Cruz, California (an Amazon company) and has been endorsed by Hornby Hobbies of the United Kingdom – the owner of the Corgi, Lledo, Jouef, Scalextric, Airfix, Humbrol, Slot-it, Mettoy Playcraft, Meccano, Nikko, Dublo, Bayko, Tri-Ang, Dunbee, Combex, Marx, Lima, Rivarossi, Skaledale and Lyddle End toy brands.  My toy book (ISBN 978-1460915028) may be purchased through Amazon.com in the USA (MSRP = $19.99), Canada, the UK, Ireland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Liechtenstein, Poland, Sweden, Finland, France, Belgium, Italy, Spain, Andorra, Portugal, the Netherlands, Mexico, Brazil, Australia, China, India, the Arab world (27 countries), Turkey and Japan.  The Amazon Kindle edition (ASIN B004WSXFLM) retails for just $9.99 and was professionally made by CreateSpace – a Barnes & Noble NOOKBook e-book edition also retails for just $9.99.  Major international press release to 28,908 media contacts in 41 countries around the world (July 16, 2012): http://www.mmdnewswire.com/marc-nonnenkamp-scale-model-collectible-cars-114466.html.  “Scale Model Collectible Cars” is described as a “must have” for collectors and enthusiasts in the November 2012 issue of “Jaguar World Monthly” magazine from England – thanks to editor Jim Patten.

This book is featured in the February 2013 issue of  “Hemmings Sports & Exotics” Magazine as well – thanks to Editor Jeff D. Koch from Phoenix, Arizona: http://mydigimag.rrd.com/publication/index.php?i=&m=16622&l=1&p=64&pre=&ver=flex.  “Scale Model Collectible Cars” was also used as a reference in a wikipedia.org article about Franklin Mint Precision Models: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franklin_Mint_Precision_Models#p-search.

This press release has received 146 responses – a phenomenal performance where 15 replies is considered to be very good.  Thanks so much for your support and for your interest!  My toy page on ebay.com has 6,096 positive reviews to date – once again many thanks.

“Toy and Hobby Retailer” of Australia is the leading toy industry magazine and website from the land “down under.”  Their latest monthy issue and website feature my article on “Scale Model Collectible Cars” as their lead article in conjunction with the 75th anniversary of their magazine.  Thanks very much to Editor Fiona Cameron: http://www.toyhobbyretailer.com.au/news/history-of-scale-model-cars.

Part of being an automobile enthusiast is not merely being interested in the “real thing” but also in scale-model collectible diecast cars and trucks.  Our collection consists of 19,590 items – die-cast scale models (5,627), figurines & plates  (970), plush toys  (533), die-cast catalogues, automotive brochures (659), leaflets, flyers, illustrations (1,675), paintings (307), furniture pieces (142), books (2,379), magazines, audios (390) and videos (750).  Among real-world brand names our collection includes the following items: Volkswagen (1,931), all other automotive brand names combined (2,202), collectible items other than automobiles (1,446), named vessels of the German, Austro-Hungarian, Prussian & Hanseatic League navies (1,096), named vessels of the Hamburg-America Line, the North German Lloyd, the Austrian Lloyd and the Austro-Americana Line (423), armored vehicles of the German Wehrmacht and Bundeswehr (177), aircraft of the German Luftwaffe (169), aircraft and airships of the German Lufthansa (319), books in our reference library (2,379), Hummel figurines and Delft plates (970), our audio and video reference library (750), Steiff plush toys (533), our music library (390), our collection of paintings (307), and our furniture collection (142 pieces).

Of the 5,627 wheeled vehicles, 1,150 are Dinky-Meccano-Dan Toys, 1,805 are Lesney Matchbox, 684 are Corgi-Mettoy Playcraft, 285 are Schuco, 239 are Minichamps-Paul’s Model Art, 190 are Maisto, 135 are Lledo, 124 are Tomica-Tomy, 94 are IXO, 78 are Hongwell Cararama, 71 are Solido, 64 are CI Jouef, 58 are Vitesse, 53 are Budgie-Oxford, 48 are CIJ, 43 are Norev, 38 are Rio, 34 are Brumm, 24 are Wiking, 30 are Yat-Ming, 21 are Eichhorn, 26 are IST, 17 are Brekina, 19 are Signature Models, 17 are Welly, 23 are Polistil, 21 are Schabak, 17 are Gama, 10 are Kinsmart, 11 are Tonka, 8 are Ertl, 13 are Castline M2-Greenlight, 8 are Simba-Dickie, 6 are Premium Classixxs, 6 are Atlas, 11 are Faller, 4 are National Museum Motor Mint, 3 are Igra, 3 are Franklin Mint, 6 are New Ray, 1 is Wells Fargo (made for the bank as a promotional item), 3 are Nacoral Zaragoza, and one each are NEO Scale Models, Action Models, Model Power, Marx, Cursor, BMW (made by the car company as promotional items), Sun Star, Saico, Boley, Revell, Global Van Lines (made by the moving company as promotional items), Dunkin Donuts (made by the company as promotional items), Exxon Esso (made by the oil company as promotional items) and Mercedes-Benz (made by the auto company as promotional items).

Lesney Matchbox

Matchbox and Dinky (both English brands) have been favorites of mine for many years. Dinky was a pioneer in the English market, and began in the United Kingdom in the early 1930s.  They were the most instrumental company in making 1:43 scale models the most popular scale among collectors and hobbyists to this day.  Dinky Toys went bankrupt and was purchased by Matchbox in the mid 1980s.  Matchbox was started by Lesney Corporation in 1947; by two former English servicemen named Leslie Smith and Rodney Smith (no blood relation) who wanted to go into business for themselves after World War Two.  The name “Lesney” was a combination of the first half of Leslie Smith’s first name and the last half of Rodney Smith’s first name.

They began by performing diecast work for other businesses, and entered the toy business almost by accident.  Once per year, English businesses would virtually shut down for inventory purposes.  To generate business during this time of year before the Christmas Season, Lesney began making toys for discount chains such as Woolworth.  Many merchants and even parents considered such toys to be “Cracker Jack” trash, but children loved the toys.  They eventually became so popular that Lesney discontinued its former industrial diecast business in order to devote itself entirely to the toy business.  The famous “1-75 Series” of Matchbox toy cars got its formal start in 1953, with the “MOKO Lesney” vehicles.  They were named Matchbox because the small boxes in which the toy cars were packaged resembled boxes for match sticks.  They varied in size, but tended to hover around the 1:64-scale.  Eventually, Lesney expanded into more lines of diecast vehicles.  The first new line was the so-called “Major Packs” of a larger scale, which eventually came to be known as “King Size.”  These were closer to 1:43 scale, but not necessarily uniform in scale – a situation similar to that of the 1-75 Series.  After the King Size models the “Models of Yesteryear” series were introduced, which were around the same scale as the King Size cars and trucks.  The Models of Yesteryear concentrated on classic and antique car models, going anywhere from the 1890s to the 1950s.  Due to high and rising labor costs in England (a familiar problem in the industrialized countries) Lesney fell on hard times and declared bankruptcy in June 1982.  Another factor was competition from “Mattel” and its line of “Hot Wheels” (they used ultra thin axles to give their diecast cars very high speeds) cars by 1968.  Lesney went into receivership and was purchased by Universal Toys, a firm in Macao owned by David Yeh.  The new company was named “Matchbox International, Limted” with David Yeh as Chairman and Jack Forcelledo as President.  In May 1992 Matchbox International was purchased by Tyco Toys, and then in 1997 Tyco Toys was purchased by Mattel which owns the Matchbox and Dinky brand names today.  Mattel is the largest toy company in the world, and derives about 80% of its profit from the “Barbie” and “Ken” range of dolls.  Mattel also owns the famous “Fisher-Price” range of baby toys.  They are based in Southern California, but do most of their manufacturing in East Asia.  By some measures, Lego of Denmark may be larger than Mattel – measures such as stock market capitalization or net worth.  The third largest toy company in the world is Hasbro of the USA.

Most Matchbox products and most toy brands worldwide are now manufactured in Mainland China, and to some extent in Thailand and Malaysia.  Certain Matchbox items long since discontinued but still very much prized by collectors and hobbyists include “Superfast” track sets, “Matchbox City” play cases, themed gift sets (such as auto racing, farming and construction) and accessories such as large and authentic “BP” (British Petroleum) service stations and fire stations.  Matchbox also used to make diverse products such as model kits (cars, trucks, ships and planes), a line of King Size models known as “Battle Kings” (military tanks and trucks which has now been revived in a much less expensive way), a line of navy ships known as “Sea Kings,” motorized roadway tracks, puzzles with miniature vehicles featured in authentic dioramas and action figures for children (pirates, dolls, cartoon characters and the like).  A really good site for Matchbox enthusiasts is www.bamca.org (the San Francisco, Bay Area, California site of Matchbox collectors).  They have many good photographs of models over the many years.

A good North American retail source for NOS (new old stock) Matchbox Models of Yesteryear and Dinky-Matchbox diecast vehicles is “Model Empire, Inc.” of Wisconsin.  Look for their “Amazon.com” storefront, or e-mail them at info@modelempireusa.com.  Their phone number is (414) 453-4610.  The packaging is from the 1980s and 1990s, but many of the model castings go back to the 1960s and 1970s.  Some of the packaging is unique to the UK market.  The vehicles are made in England, Macao and China.  You shouldn’t be disappointed – the prices are reasonable, the inventory is good and the service is great.

1948-1952 Matchbox Model Years: the Early Lesney Toys

From 1948 until 1952, the Lesney Corporation made some early toys as a sideline to their industrial diecasting business.  These toys were of larger scale than the future 1-75 Series toys which came to be known as Matchbox toys due to the small boxes in which they were marketed.  In 1948, there were four such early Lesney toy models.  In 1949, this grew to 7.  In 1950, they had 10 such toys and in 1951 they had 11 models.  By 1952, this grew to 12 early Lesney toys.  In 1953, what was to eventually become the Matchbox 1-75 Series was born.

1953 Matchbox Model Year: the future “1-75 Series” is born

In 1953, Lesney stopped making industrial die-cast equipment and machinery to concentrate entirely on manufacturing die-cast toys.  Their toy business had become this profitable and important.  In 1953, Lesney Toys of England featured 13 various die-cast toys plus the first 3 models of what would eventually become the Matchbox 1-75 Series. The early Lesney toys (13 of them, and larger in die-cast scale compared to the 1-75 Series) included an Aveling Barford Road Roller, a Cement Mixer, a Caterpillar Tractor, a Caterpillar Bulldozer, a Horse-Drawn Milk Float, a Rag and Bone Cart, a Soap Box Racer, “Jumbo the Elephant,” a Prime Mover with Trailer and Bulldozer, a Ruston Bucyrus Shovel, “Muffin the Mule,” a Large Coronation Coach and a Small Coronation Coach.  The two coaches of course commemorated the start of the reign of Queen Elizabeth II of the Royal House of Windsor (actually Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, as the name “Windsor” was merely adopted in 1917 due to anti-German World War One sentiment in the United Kingdom).  The first 3 members of the future 1-75 Series were the 1) Diesel Road Roller, the 2) Dumper and the 3) Cement Mixer.

1954 Matchbox Model Year

In 1954, the early Lesney toys were scaled back to merely two models, and more effort was directed toward the growing and extremely popular smaller toys which would eventually become the Matchbox 1-75 Series.  The only early Lesney toys were now a large Massey Harris Tractor and a Bread Bait Press.  The future 1-75 Series now had 7 models, as follows: the 1) Diesel Road Roller, the 2) Dumper (1 5/8 inches in length), the 3) Cement Mixer, the 4) Massey Harris Tractor (a smaller version of the one just referenced), the 5) London Bus, the 6) Quarry Truck (2 1/8 inches in length) and the 7) Horse-Drawn Milk Float. I would estimate that the scales used for the 1-75 Series vehicles were somewhere between 1:54 and 1:74, with an average of 1:64.

1955 Matchbox Model Year: the final early Lesney Toys

In 1955, there were still two early Lesney toys in the product lineup; one was the large Massey Harris Tractor from last year, and the second was a Covered Wagon (like one might have found in the Western United States, transporting pioneers during the first half of the 19th century).  The future 1-75 Series had now grown to 11 models, including the 1) Road Roller (2 1/4 inches long), the 2) Dumper (1 5/8 inches long), the 3) Cement Mixer, the 4) Massey Harris Tractor (a smaller version of the large early Lesney Toy version), the 5) London Bus, the 6) Quarry Truck (2 1/8 inches long), the 7) Horse-Drawn Milk Float, the 8) Caterpillar Tractor (1 1/16 inchest long), the 9) Dennis Fire Escape (2 1/4 inches long), the 10) Mechanical Horse Trailer (2 3/8 inches long) and the 11) Road Tanker (2 inches long).  This was the first model year when Lesney would change models within the future 1-75 Series.  For instance, this year’s Road Roller (# 1) was somewhat larger and had a new look.  And these toys had nice realism for their time. The Caterpillar Tractor (# 11) featured rubber tracks which would roll, much like tank tracks on real tractors.  Over time and play, the rubber would usually become brittle and break.

1956 Matchbox Model Year: the first “Models of Yesteryear”

The early Lesney toys were no longer available by 1956.  This was a good marketing decision by Lesney Products.  Larger scale toys were immediately available, in the brand new “Models of Yesteryear” line.  For the consumer and the collector market, it is much smarter for toy companies to market their products in distinctive and unique product lines such as this.  The future 1-75 Series had now grown to 30 models, including the 1) Road Roller (2 1/4 inches long), the 2) Dumper (1 5/8 inches long), the 3) Cement Mixer, the 4) Massey Harris Tractor, the 5) London Bus (2 inches long), the 6) Quarry Truck (2 1/8 inches long), the 7) Horse-Drawn Milk Float, the 8) Caterpillar Tractor (1 1/16 inches long), the 9) Dennis Fire Escape (2 1/4 inches long), the 10) Mechanical Horse Trailer (2 3/8 inches long), the 11) Road Tanker (2 inches long), the 12) Land Rover (1 3/4 inches long), the 13) Bedford Wreck Truck (2 inches long), the 14) Daimler Ambulance (1 7/8 inches long), the 15) Prime Mover, the 16) Atlantic Trailer (with 6 wheels), the 17) Bedford Removal Van, the 18) Caterpillar Bulldozer (1 7/8 inches long), the 19) MG Sports Car, the 20) ERF Lorry Stake Truck, the 21) Bedford Long Distance Coach, the 22) Vauxhall Cresta, the 23) Berkeley Cavalier Trailer, the 24) Weatherhill Hydraulic Excavator, the 25) Bedford “Dunlop” Van, the 26) ERF Concrete Truck, the 27) Bedford Lowloader (3 1/8 inches long), the 28) Bedford Compressor Truck, the 29) Bedford Milk Delivery Van and the 30) Ford Perfekt.

One will notice that many more name brand vehicles corresponding to real-life vehicles were now in the Matchbox model lineup.  This was also a very good marketing decision. Children want cars like their parents own and like they see on the roads, and collectors appreciate the added realism as well.  “Caterpillar” is a well known American manufacturer of heavy earth-moving and construction equipment.  “Land Rover” is a well known English brand of off-road vehicles, now owned by Tata Motors of India. “Daimler” in the UK started out as a subsidiary Daimler, A.G. of Germany before World War One.  During World War One, they were forced to go independent of the German parent company due to anti-German feelings in the United Kingdom.  They then became a subsidiary of Jaguar, which is also now part of Tata Motors of India.  “Bedford” is a former English truck brand owned by General Motors Corporation of the United States. “MG” stands for “Morris Garages,” and is an English carmaker based in Longbridge, England.  MG is now owned by Nanjing Automotive of Mainland China.  Nanjing has been bought by SAIC (“Shanghai Automotive Industrial Corporation”) also of China.  SAIC-Nanjing is a major joint venture partner of Volkswagen and General Motors Corporation.  “ERF” is an English truck manufacturer, now owned by MAN of Germany which is in turn part of the vast Volkswagen Group of Germany.  “Vauxhall” is an English car brand owned by General Motors of the United States.  Most modern Vauxhall cars are cloned Opel cars, Adam Opel G.m.b.H. being the German subsidiary of General Motors Corporation.

The brand new Matchbox Models of Yesteryear line for 1956 included 4 models.  These were the Y-1) 1925 Allchin Traction Engine, the Y-2) 1911 “B” Type Bus, the Y-3) 1907 London “E” Class Tram Car and the Y-4) Sentinel Steam Wagon.  These fine diecast models of cars and trucks from the past were of larger scale than the future 1-75 Series, and tended to range in scale from 1:43 to about 1:50.

1957 Matchbox Model Year: the first Color Catalogue, Accessories, Major Packs and Presentation (Gift) Sets

1957 was another banner year for Lesney and Matchbox.  For the first time a full color catalogue was issued, which was another good marketing move.  The cover of the 1957 Matchbox color catalogue featured the cover of the box for model number 1, or the Road Roller, with the logo “Matchbox Series” on the top and the additional logo of “A Moko Lesney” on the bottom.  “Moko” stood for the name of Moses Kohnstam, a German-Jew who migrated to England in 1900.  He was very instrumental in developing the English toy industry, because he specialized in packaging, storing, distributing and financially backing many small toy manufacturers.  The name of his company was “Moko,” or a combination of this first and last name.  In 1953, “Moko” entered into an agreement with Lesney Products, whereby Moko would become their sole worldwide distributor. The relationship lasted until 1958, when Lesney Products bought out Moko’s interest in “Matchbox.” Lesney wanted to expand into markets such as Japan, whereas Moko did not – hence the going of separate ways.

New product lines of official “Accessories” and “Major Packs” were also introduced. Major Packs were of a larger scale compared to the future 1-75 Series, and were much more smartly marketed compared to the early Lesney toys. 3 “Presentation Sets” (Gift Sets) were also introduced, and the Models of Yesteryear line was expanded to a total of 7 models.

The future 1-75 Series grew to 42 models in 1957.  These included the 1) Road Roller (2 1/4 inches long), the 2) Dumper (1 7/8 inches long – upgraded from 1956), the 3) Cement Mixer, the 4) Massey Harris Tractor, the 5) London Bus (2 1/4 inches long – upgraded from last year and now with more realistic side decals), the 6) Quarry Truck (2 1/2 inches long – upgraded from 1956, and now in yellow), the 7) Horse-Drawn Milk Float, the 8) Caterpillar Tractor (1 1/16 inches long), the 9) Dennis Fire Escape (2 3/8 inches long), the 10) Mechanical Horse Trailer (2 3/8 inches long), the 11) Road Tanker (2 inches long), the 12) Land Rover (1 3/4 inches long), the 13) Bedford Wreck Truck (2 inches long), the 14) Daimler Ambulance (1 7/8 inches long), the 15) Prime Mover, the 16) Atlantic Trailer (upgraded to 8 wheels), the 17) Bedford Removal Van, the 18) Caterpillar Bulldozer (1 7/8 inches long), the 19) MG Sports Car, the 20) ERF Lorry Stake Truck, the 21) Bedford Long Distance Coach, the 22) Vauxhall Cresta, the 23) Berkeley Cavalier Trailer, the 24) Weatherhill Hydraulic Excavator, the 25) Bedford “Dunlop” Van, the 26) ERF Concrete Truck, the 27) Bedford Lowloader (3 1/8 inches long), the 28) Bedford Compressor Truck, the 29) Bedford Milk Delivery Van, the 30) Ford Perfekt, the 31) Ford Customline Station Wagon, the 32) Jaguar XK140 Coupé, the 33) Ford Zodiac MKII Sedan, the 34) Volkswagen Microbus, the 35) Marshall Horse Box, the 36) Austin A50, the 37) Coca Cola Lorry, the 38) Karrier Refuse Collector, the 39) Ford Zodiac Convertible, the 40) Bedford 7-Ton Tipper, the 41) “D” Type Jaguar and the 42) Bedford Evening News Van.

The brand new Accessories line included the A-1) Esso Petrol Pumps and Sign and the A-2) Bedford Car Transporter.  These accessories added to play value and collector value as well.  The Car Transporter was nice in that it could carry about 5 small cars.  “Esso” is the European marque for Exxon gasoline.

The brand new Major Packs included the M-1) Caterpillar Earth Scraper and the M-2) Bedford Ice Cream Truck.  The Earth Scraper (”Earth Mover” in American English) was nice in that these vehicles were (and are) much larger than passenger cars in real life, thus adding realism to the toys.  The Bedford Ice Cream Truck was realistic for the same reason, being a large commercial truck.

The Presentation Sets included the PS-1) Private Owner Set, the PS-2) Transporter with 4 Cars Set and the PS-3) Transporter with 6 Cars Set.

The Models of Yesteryear line now included the Y-1) 1925 Allchin Traction Engine, the Y-2) 1911 “B” Type Bus, the Y-3) 1907 London “E” Class Tram Car, the Y-4) Sentinel Steam Wagon, the Y-5) 1929 LeMans Bentley, the Y-6) 1916 A.E.C. “Y” Type Lorry and the Y-7) 1914 One Ton Leyland Van.  Bentley is now a fully-owned subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group of Germany, selling more than 9,000 new cars per year – much more than when it was part of Rolls-Royce of England.

1958 Matchbox Model Year

In 1958, Matchbox expanded the future 1-75 Series to 60 models.  The Accessories line and the Major Packs line remained at 2 models each.  The line of Presentation or gift Sets doubled from 3 to 6 Sets.  The Models of Yesteryear line grew to 10 models.  The cover of the 1958 color catalogue featured a picture of model number 44 (the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud) driving out of its box.  The logo of “Matchbox Series” was on the top, and the logo of “Illustrated Range of Models – A Moko Lesney” was on the bottom.

The future 1-75 Series now included the 1) Road Roller (an upgraded model at 2 3/8 inches long), the 2) Dumper (1 7/8 inches long), the 3) Cement Mixer, the 4) Massey Harris Tractor, the 5) London Bus (2 1/4 inches long), the 6) Quarry Truck (2 1/2 inches long), the 7) Horse-Drawn Milk Float, the 8) Caterpillar Tractor (1 1/16 inches long), the 9) Dennis Fire Escape (2 3/8 inches long), the 10) Mechanical Horse Trailer (an upgraded model at 2 7/8 inches long), the 11) Road Tanker (an upgraded model now in red at 2 1/2 inches long), the 12) Land Rover (1 3/4 inches long), the 13) Bedford Wreck Truck (2 1/8 inches long), the 14) Daimler Ambulance (an upgraded model now in white at 2 5/8 inches long), the 15) Prime Mover, the 16) Atlantic Trailer (with 8 wheels), the 17) Bedford Removal Van (slightly upgraded), the 18) Caterpillar Bulldozer (upgraded to 2 inches long), the 19) MGA Sports Car (upgraded and now in white), the 20) ERF Lorry Stake Truck, the 21) Bedford Duple Luxury Coach (another upgraded model), the 22) 1958 Vauxhall Cresta (the newest version of the real-life car), the 23) Berkeley Cavalier Trailer (also enlarged and improved), the 24) Weatherhill Hydraulic Excavator, the 25) Bedford “Dunlop” Van, the 26) ERF Concrete Truck, the 27) Bedford Lowloader (3 1/8 inches long), the 28) Bedford Compressor Truck, the 29) Bedford Milk Delivery Van, the 30) Ford Perfekt, the 31) Ford Customline Station Wagon, the 32) Jaguar XK140 Coupé, 33) Ford Zodiac MKII Sedan, the 34) Volkswagen Microvan (now a Panel Van with a “Matchbox International Express” logo instead of a Kombi Van), the 35) the Marshall Horse Box, the 36) Austin A50, the 37) Coca Cola Lorry, the 38) Karrier Refuse Truck, the 39) Ford Zodiac Convertible, the 40) Bedford 7-Ton Tipper, the 41) “D” Type Jaguar (2 3/16 inches long), the 42) Bedford Evening News Van, the 43) Hillman Minx, the 44) Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud, the 45) Vauxhall Victor, the 46) Morris Minor 1000, the 47) 1-Ton Trojan Van, the 48) Meteor Sports Boat and Trailer, the 49) M3 Personnel Carrier, the 50) Commer Pickup Truck, the 51) Albion Chieftain Truck, the 52) Maserati 4CLT Race Car, the 53) Aston Martin, the 54) Saracen Personnel Carrier, the 55) D.U.K.W., the 56) London Trolley Bus, the 57) Wolseley 1500 Sedan, the 58) BAE Coach, the 59) Ford Thames Van and the 60) Morris J2 Pickup Truck.

One must consider the differences between English and American English.  For instance “Coach” in English translates to “Passenger Bus” in American.  “Lorry” in English translates to “Heavy Truck” in American.  “Saloon” in English translates to “Sedan” in American.  “Bonnet” in English translates to “Hood” in American, and “Boot” in English translates to “Trunk” in American.

A few more notes.  The D.U.K.W. was an amphibious landing craft and personnel carrier of the American Army during World War Two.  Maserati is an Italian subsidiary of Fiat, the major automotive group from Italy.  Rolls-Royce is now a subsidiary of B.M.W. of Munich, Bavaria (Germany).  Aston-Martin (once part of the Ford Motor Company) is now independently owned by former Ford executives such as Jack Nasser.  Hillman is a dormant brand of the former English Rootes Group car manufacturer.

The Accessories line and the Major Packs line remained the same as they were in 1957. There were now 6 Presentation Sets (gift sets) in 1958, as compared to just 3 in 1957.

The Presentation Sets included the PS-1) Private Owner Set, the PS-2) Transporter with 4 Cars Set, the PS-3) Transporter with 6 Cars Set, the PS-4) Commercial Vehicle Set and the PS-5) Army Transport Set.

The Models of Yesteryear line now included the Y-1) 1925 Allchin Traction Engine, the Y-2) 1911 “B” Type Bus, the Y-3) 1907 London “E” Class Tram Car, the Y-4) Sentinel Steam Wagon, the Y-5) 1929 LeMans Bentley, the Y-6) 1916 A.E.C. “Y” Type Lorry, the Y-7) 1914 1-Ton Leyland Van, the Y-8) 1926 Morris Cowley “Bullnoze” Coupé, the Y-9) 1924 Fowler Showman’s Engine and the Y-10) 1908 Grand Prix Mercedes.

1959 Matchbox Model Year

The future 1-75 Series became virtually complete in 1959, with 74 out of 75 eventual models.  The Accessories line still had 2 models, but the Major Packs doubled from just 2 to 4 models.  A brand new addition to the Matchbox product line was a Gas Station, or MG-1.  This wonderful addition featured an “Esso” sign and 3 pumps, complete with a gas station attendant.  The building had a “Matchbox Garage” logo, and the plastic yellow court had one outside ramp for a car.  An accessory such as this is a virtual diorama, which added tremendously to both realism and play value.  The Presentation Set line of gift sets grew from 6 to 8 sets in 1959.  Finally, the Models of Yesteryear line grew from 10 to 14 models.  This would eventually peak at 16 models, and hold at the number 16 for many years to come.  The 1-75 Series would likewise peak at 75 models and hold at that level for very many years.  But there would come a time in the distant future when both lines would actually exceed these levels.

The cover of the 1959 color catalogue featured 3 models – the A-2) Bedford Car Transporter, the 43) Hillman Minx Sedan and the Y-9) 1924 Fowler Showman’s Engine. It featured the logo “Range of Models by Lesney.”

The Matchbox 1-75 Series of 1959 included the 1) Diesel Road Roller (2 3/8 inches long), the 2) Dumper (1 7/8 inches long), the 3) Cement Mixer, the 4) Massey Harris Tractor, the 5) London Bus (2 1/4 inches long), the 6) Quarry Truck (2 1/2 inches long), the 7) Horse-Drawn Milk Float, the 8) Caterpillar Tractor (a new model upgraded to 1 5/8 inches long), the 9) Merriweather Marquis Fire Engine (a new and better fire engine), the 10) Mechanical Horse Trailer (2 7/8 inches long), the 11) Road Tanker (2 1/2 inches long), the 12) Land Rover (a new model upgraded to 2 1/4 inches long), the 13) Bedford Wreck Truck (2 1/8 inches long), the 14) Daimler Ambulance (2 5/8 inches long), the 15) Atlantic Prime Mover (a new and improved model), the 16) Atlantic Trailer (with 8 wheels), the 17) Bedford Removal Van, the 18) Caterpillar Bulldozer (2 inches long), the 19) MGA Sports Car, the 20) ERF 686 Truck (a new model), the 21) Bedford Duple Luxury Coach, the 22) 1958 Vauxhall Cresta, the 23) Berkeley Cavalier Trailer, the 24) Hydraulic Excavator (a new and improved model), the 25) Bedford “Dunlop” Van, the 26) ERF Concrete Truck, the 27) Bedford Lowloader (a new and upgraded model at 3 3/4 inches long), the 28) Thames Compressor Truck (a new model), the 29) Bedford Milk Delivery Van, the 30) Ford Perfekt, the 31) Ford Customline Station Wagon, the 32) Jaguar XK140 Coupé, the 33) Ford Zodiac MKII Sedan, the 34) Volkswagen Microvan, the 35) Marshall Horse Box, the 36) Austin A50, the 37) Coca Cola Lorry, the 38) Karrier Refuse Collector, the 39) Ford Zodiac Convertible, the 40) Bedford 7-Ton Tipper, the 41) “D” Type Jaguar, the 42) Bedford Evening News Van, the 43) Hillman Minx Sedan, the 44) Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud, the 45) Vauxhall Victor, the 46) Morris Minor 1000, the 47) 1-Ton Trojan Van, the 48) Meteor Sports Boat & Trailer, the 49) M3 Personnel Carrier, the 50) Commer Pickup, the 51) Albion Chieftain Truck, the 52) Maserati 4CLT Race Car, the 53) Aston Martin, the 54) Saracen Personnel Carrier, the 55) D.U.K.W., the 56) London Trolley Bus, the 57) Wolseley 1500 Sedan, the 58) BAE Coach, the 59) Ford Thames Van, the 60) Morris J2 Pickup Truck, the 61) Ferret Scout Car, the 62) General Service Lorry, the 63) Ford Service Ambulance, the 64) Scammell Breakdown Truck, the 65) Jaguar 3.4 Liter Saloon (2 1/2 inches long), the 66) Citroen DS19 Sedan, the 67) Saladin Armoured Car, the 68) Austin MKII Radio Truck, the 69) Commer 30 CWT Van, the 70) Ford Thames Estate Car (a van), the 71) Austin 200 Gallon Water Truck, the 72) Fordson Tractor, the 73) 10-Ton Pressure Refueller Truck and the 74) Mobile Refreshment Canteen.

Accessories were still limited to the A-1) Esso Petrol Pumps and Sign and the A-2) Bedford Car Transporter.

The Major Packs doubled from 2 to 4 models. These included the M-1) Caterpillar Earth Scraper, the M-2) Bedford Ice Cream Truck, the M-3) Thornycraft Antar & Centurion Tank and the M-4) Ruston Bucyrus Power Shovel.

The all new Gas Station was the MG-1) Matchbox One Story Garage, complete with an “Esso” sign, 3 pumps, an attendant, a building and an exterior ramp for one vehicle.

The number of Presentation Sets (or themed gift sets) grew from 6 to 8 in 1959. These included the PS-1) Private Owner Set, the PS-2) Transporter with 4 Cars Set, the PS-3) Transporter with 6 Cars Set, the PS-4) Commercial Vehicle Set and the PS-5) Army Transport Set.

The Models of Yesteryear line grew from 10 to 14 models in 1959, including the Y-1) 1925 Allchin Traction Engine, the Y-2) 1911 “B” Type Bus, the Y-3) 1907 London “E” Class Tram Car, the Y-4) Sentinel Steam Wagon, the Y-5) 1929 LeMans Bentley, the Y-6) 1916 A.E.C. “Y” Type Lorry, the Y-7) 1914 Ton Leyland Van, the Y-8) 1926 Morris Cowley “Bullnoze” Coupé, the Y-9) 1924 Fowler Showman’s Engine, the Y-10) 1908 Grand Prix Mercedes, the Y-11) 1920 Aveling & Porter Steam Roller, the Y-12) 1899 London Horse-Drawn Bus, the Y-13) 1862 Santa Fé Locomotive and the Y-14) 1903 Duke of Connaught Locomotive.

1960 Matchbox Model Year: the “1-75 Series” is complete

In 1960, the Matchbox 1-75 Series finally became compete with 75 models, and thereby official.  The Accessories line grew fifty percent from 2 to 3 models.  The Major Packs line doubled from 4 to 8 models.  The brand new “King Size” line was born, with 4 models – they would eventually replace the Major Packs line completely.  The “MG-1″ Gas Station was back in 1960 as well.  Presentation Sets remained at the level of 8 sets, but the brand new “Gift Sets” line was born, with 6 all-new sets.  As with the King Size and Major Packs relationship, the Gift Sets would eventually replace the Presentation Sets.  Another great product was introduced in 1960, being the “R-1? Matchbox Roadway Series.  This was a cardboard layout for streets, complete with intersections and divider lines.  Such products served to increase both realism and play value.  The Models of Yesteryear line grew from 14 to 15 models.

The cover of the 1960 color catalogue featured 27 of the models from the “1-75 Series” in a semi-circle, with each model on top of its box.  It also featured the logo “All the Matchbox Pocket Money Toys by Lesney” in the center of the picture.

The newly complete “1-75 Series” now included the 1) Road Roller (2 3/8 inches long), the 2) Dumper (1 7/8 inches long), the 3) Cement Mixer, the 4) Massey Harris Tractor, the 5) London Bus (2 1/4 inches long), the 6) Quarry Truck (2 1/2 inches long), the 7) Horse-Drawn Milk Float, the 8) Caterpillar Tractor (1 5/8 inches long), the 9) Merryweather Marquis Fire Engine, the 10) Mechanical Horse Trailer (2 7/8 inches long), the 11) Road Tanker (2 1/2 inches long), the 12) Land Rover (2 1/4 inches long), the 13) Bedford Wreck Truck (2 1/8 inches long), the 14) Daimler Ambulance (2 5/8 inches long), the 15) Atlantic Prime Mover, the 16) Atlantic Trailer (with 8 wheels), the 17) Austin Taxi Cab (a new model), the 18) Caterpillar Bulldozer (2 inches long), the 19) MGA Sports Car, the 20) ERF 686 Truck, the 21) Bedford Duple Luxury Coach, the 22) 1958 Vauxhall Cresta Sedan, the 23) Bluebird Dauphine Trailer (a new model), the 24) Hydraulic Excavator, the 25) Volkswagen Beetle 1200 Sedan (a new model), the 26) ERF Concrete Truck, the 27) Cadillac Sixty Special (a new model), the 28) Thames Compressor Truck, the 29) Bedford Milk Delivery Van, the 30) Ford Perfekt Sedan, the 31) Ford Fairlane Station Wagon (a new model), the 32) Jaguar XK140 Coupé, the 33) Ford Zodiac MKII Sedan, the 34) Volkswagen Microvan, the 35) Marshall Horse Box, the 36) Austin A50 Sedan, the 37) Coca Cola Lorry (a new model), the 38) Karrier Refuse Collector Truck, the 39) Ford Zodiac Convertible, the 40) Bedford 7-Ton Tipper, the 41) “D” Type Jaguar (2 7/16 inches long), the 42) Bedford Evening News Van, the 43) Hillman Minx Sedan, the 44) Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud, the 45) Vauxhall Victor Sedan, the 46) Pickfords Removal Van (a new model), the 47) 1-Ton Trojan Van, the 48) Meteor Sports Boat and Trailer, the 49) M3 Personnel Carrier, the 50) Commer Pickup Truck, the 51) Albion Chieftain Truck, the 52) Maserati 4CLT Race Car, the 53) Aston Martin, the 54) Saracen Personnel Carrier, the 55) D.U.K.W., the 56) London Trolley Bus, the 57) Wolseley 1500 Sedan, the 58) BAE Coach, the 59) Ford Thames Van, the 60) Morris J2 Pickup Truck, the 61) Ferret Scout Car, the 62) General Service Lorry, the 63) Ford Service Ambulance, the 64) Scammell Breakdown Truck, the 65) Jaguar 3.4 Liter Saloon (2 1/2 inches long), the 66) Citroen DS19 Sedan, the 67) Saladin Armoured Car, the 68) Austin MKII Radio Truck, the 69) Commer 30 CWT Van, the 70) Ford Thames Estate Car (a van), the 71) Austin 200 Gallon Water Truck, the 72) Fordson Tractor, the 73) 10-Ton Pressure Refueller Truck, the 74) Mobile Refreshment Canteen and the 75) Ford Thunderbird (a new model).

The Accessories line for 1960 included the A-1) Esso Petrol Pumps and Sign, the A-2) Bedford Car Transporter and the A-3) Road Signs (a new set).

The Major Packs line for 1960 included the M-1) Caterpillar Earth Scraper, the M-2) Bedford Ice Cream Truck, the M-3) Thornycraft Antar and Centurion Tank, the M-4) Ruston Bucyrus Power Shovel, the M-5) Massey Ferguson Combine Harvester, the M-6) Pickfords 200-Ton Transporter, the M-7) Jennings Cattle Truck and the M-8) Mobilgas Petrol Tanker.

The Presentation Sets included the PS-1) Private Owner Set, the PS-2) Transporter with 4 Cars Set, the PS-3) Transporter with 6 Cars Set, the PS-4) Commercial Vehicle Set and the PS-5) Army Transport Set.

The King Size line for 1960 included the K-1) Weatherhill Hydraulic Shovel, the K-2) Muir Hill Dumper, the K-3) Caterpillar Bulldozer and the K-4) International Tractor.

The “MG-1? Matchbox One Story Garage was back in 1960. The number of Presentation Sets remained constant at 8 sets, while the brand new Gift Sets included the G-1) Commercial Motor Set, the G-2) Car Transporter Set, the G-3) Building Constructors’ Set, the G-4) Farm Set, the G-5) Military Vehicles Set and the G-6) Models of Yesteryear Gift Set.

The “R-1? Roadway layout was brand new for 1960, featuring a cardboard layout of streets with intersections and divider lines.

The Models of Yesteryear line for 1960 included the Y-1) 1925 Allchin Traction Engine, the Y-2) 1911 “B” Type Bus, the Y-3) 1907 London “E” Class Tram Car, the Y-4) Shand Mason Horse-Drawn Fire Engine (a new model), the Y-5) 1929 LeMans Bentley, the Y-6) 1916 A.E.C. “Y” Type Lorry, the Y-7) 1914 Ton Leyland Van, the Y-8) 1926 Morris Cowley “Bullnoze” Coupé, the Y-9) 1924 Fowler Showman’s Engine, the Y-10) 1908 Grand Prix Mercedes, the Y-11) 1920 Aveling & Porter Steam Roller, the Y-12) 1899 London Horse-Drawn Bus, the Y-13) 1862 Santa Fé Locomotive, the Y-14) 1903 Duke of Connaught Locomotive and the Y-15) 1907 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost (a new model).

1961 Matchbox Model Year

The cover of the 1961 color catalogue featured model number 5, the London Bus, being held by two fingers of a man’s hand.  The logo on the top read “Matchbox Series International Pocket Catalogue” and the logo on the bottom read “Pocket Money Toys by Lesney” with the year 1961.  This was the first time when the model year was featured on the cover of the catalogue, which was another good marketing idea.

The Accessories line grew from 3 to 5 models.  The Major Packs line remained constant at 8 models, but the King Size line grew from 4 to 7 models.  The “MG-1? Gas Station was upgraded to a larger and much more realistic two story garage, complete with the “BP” (British Petroleum) logo and 3 pumps.  There was an exterior service ramp, an open garage downstairs plus the customer service and waiting area.  Behind the building, there was a ramp for cars to reach the second story service bays.

The “1-75 Series” for 1961 included the 1) Road Roller (2 3/8 inches long), the 2) Muir Hill Dumper (a new model), the 3) Bedford Tipper Truck (a new model), the 4) Triumph Motorcycle and Sidecar (a new model), the 5) London Bus (2 1/4 inches long), the 6) Quarry Truck (2 1/2 inches long), the 7) Ford Anglia Sedan (a new model), the 8) Caterpillar Tractor (1 7/8 inches long and a new model), the 9) Merriweather Marquis Fire Engine, the 10) Sugar Container Truck (a new model), the 11) Road Tanker (2 1/2 inches long), the 12) Land Rover (2 1/4 inches long), the 13) Thames Wreck Truck (a new model), the 14) Daimler Ambulance (2 5/8 inches long), the 15) Atlantic Prime Mover, the 16) Atlantic Trailer (with 8 wheels), the 17) Austin Taxi Cab, the 18) Caterpillar Bulldozer (2 1/4 inches long and a new model), the 19) Aston-Martin Racing Car (a new model), the 20) ERF 686 Truck, the 21) Commer Milk Truck (a new model), the 22) 1958 Vauxhall Cresta Sedan, the 23) Bluebird Dauphine Trailer, the 24) Hydraulic Excavator, the 25) Volkswagen 1200 Sedan, the 26) Foden Concrete Truck (a new model), the 27) Cadillac Sixty Special, the 28) Thames Compressor Truck, the 29) Austin A55 Cambridge Sedan (a new model), the 30) Magirus Deutz Crane (with 6 wheels and a new model), the 31) Ford Fairlane Station Wagon, the 32) Jaguar XK140 Coupé, the 33) Ford Zodiac MKII Sedan, the 34) Volkswagen Microvan, the 35) Marshall Horse Box, the 36) Lambretta Scooter and Sidecar (a new model), the 37) Coca Cola Lorry, the 38) Karrier Refuse Collector, the 39) Ford Zodiac Convertible, the 40) Leyland Royal Tiger Coach, the 41) “D” Type Jaguar (2 7/16 inches long), the 42) Bedford Evening News Van, the 43) Hillman Minx Sedan, the 44) Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud, the 45) Vauxhall Victor Sedan, the 46) Pickfords Removal Van, the 47) 1-Ton Trojan Van, the 48) Sports Boat and Trailer (a new model), the 49) M3 Personnel Carrier, the 50) Commer Pickup Truck, the 51) Albion Chieftain Truck, the 52) Maserati 4CLT Race Car, the 53) Aston-Martin, the 54) Saracen Personnel Carrier, the 55) D.U.K.W., the 56) London Trolley Bus, the 57) Chevrolet Impala (a new model), the 58) BAE Coach, the 59) Ford Thames Van, the 60) Morris J2 Pickup Truck, the 61) Ferret Scout Car, the 62) General Service Lorry, the 63) Ford Service Ambulance, the 64) Scammell Breakdown Truck, the 65) Jaguar 3.4 Litre Saloon (2 1/2 inches long), the 66) Citroen DS19, the 67) Saladin Armoured Car, the 68) Austin MII Radio Truck, the 69) Commer 30 CWT Van, the 70) Ford Thames Estate Car (a van), the 71) Austin 200 Gallon Water Truck, the 72) Fordson Tractor, the 73) 10-Ton Pressure Refueler Truck, the 74) Mobile Refreshment Canteen and the 75) Ford Thunderbird.

The Accessories line for 1961 included the A-1) “Esso” Petrol Pumps and Sign, the A-2) Bedford Car Transporter, the A-3) Road Signs and the A-4) Home Store (a new model). The “Home Store” was something like a small general “Mom and Pop” store.

The Major Packs line for 1961 included the M-1) “BP” Autotanker (a new model), the M-2) Bedford Truck and York Trailer (a new model), the M-3) Thornycraft Antar and Centurion Tank, the M-4) Ruston Bucyrus Power Shovel, the M-5) Massey Ferguson Combine Harvester, the M-6) Pickfords 200-Ton Transporter, the M-7) Jennings Cattle Truck and the M-8) “Mobilgas” Petrol Tanker.

The King Size line for 1961 included the K-1) Weatherhill Hydraulic Shovel, the K-2) Muir Hill Dumper, the K-3) Caterpillar Bulldozer, the K-4) International Tractor, the K-5) Foden Tipper Truck (a new model), the K-6) Allis-Chalmers Earth Scraper (a new model) and the K-7) Curtis-Wright Rear Dumper (a new model).

The “MG-1? Gas Station was new and improved for 1961, now being a Matchbox Two Story Garage.  It had three “BP” gasoline fuel pumps, an exterior service ramp, a covered garage with no front door for two cars at street level, and the downstairs customer service and waiting area.  A ramp was placed in the rear, for cars to drive up and be serviced in the second story service bays.

The Presentation Sets for 1961 included the PS-1) Private Owner Set, the PS-2) Transporter with 4 Cars Set, the PS-3) Transporter with 6 Cars Set, the PS-4) Commercial Vehicle Set and the PS-5) Army Transport Set.

The Gift Sets for 1961 included the G-1) Commercial Motor Set, the G-2) Car Transporter Set, the G-3) Building Constructors Set, the G-4) Farm Set, the G-5) Military Vehicles Set, the G-6) Models of Yesteryear Set and the G-7) Second Models of Yesteryear Set.

The Roadways line for 1961 included the R-1) Roadway Layout, the R-2) “Heart of London” Roadway Layout, the R-3) “Royal London” Roadway Layout and the R-4) Racetrack Speedway.  As one can see, the expanded product line allowed for ever more realism and increased play value.

The Models of Yesteryear line for 1961 included the Y-1) 1925 Allchin Traction Engine, the Y-2) 1911 “B” Type Bus, the Y-3) 1907 London “E” Class Tram Car, the Y-4) Shand Mason Horse-Drawn Fire Engine, the Y-5) 1929 LeMans Bentley, the Y-6) 1926 Type 35 Bugatti (a new model), the Y-7) 1913 Mercer Raceabout (a new model), the Y-8) 1926 Morris Cowley “Bullnoze” Coupé, the Y-9) 1924 Fowler Showman’s Engine, the Y-10) 1908 Grand Prix Mercedes, the Y-11) 1920 Aveling & Porter Steam Roller, the Y-12) 1899 London Horse-Drawn Bus, the Y-13) 1862 Santa Fé Locomotive, the Y-14) 1903 Duke of Connaught Locomotive, the Y-15) 1907 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost and the Y-16) 1904 Spyker (a new model).  “Spyker” is a brand from the Netherlands which has been revived to make luxury sports cars.

1962 Matchbox Model Year: No more Presentation Sets

The cover of the 1962 “Matchbox” Series International Pocket Catalogue featured a color picture of Model # 65, a red Jaguar 3.8 Liter Saloon (”Sedan” in American English), being held within the thumb and the forefinger of a man’s hand.  The Major Packs line grew from 8 to 10 models in 1962, and the King Size line grew from 7 to 9 models. Presentation Sets disappeared entirely, but the line of Gift Sets grew from 7 to 10 sets in 1962.  This made better marketing sense, because there was too much overlap between the Presentation and Gift Set lines.

The 1-75 Series for 1962 included the 1) Aveling-Barford Road Roller (a new and improved model), the 2) Muir Hill Dumper, the 3) Bedford Tipper, the 4) Triumph Motorcycle & Sidecar, the 5) London Bus (2 1/4 inches long), the 6) Quarry Truck (2 1/2 inches long), the 7) Ford Anglia Sedan, the 8) Caterpillar Tractor (1 7/8 inches long), the 9) Merryweather Marquis Fire Engine, the 10) Sugar Container Truck, the 11) Road Tanker (2 1/2 inches long), the 12) Land Rover (2 1/4 inches long), the 13) Thames Wreck Truck, the 14) Bedford Ambulance (a new model), the 15) Atlantic Prime Mover, the 16) Atlantic Trailer (with 8 wheels), the 17) Austin Taxi Cab, the 18) Caterpillar Bulldozer (2 1/4 inches long), the 19) Aston-Martin Racing Car, the 20) ERF 686 Truck, the 21) Commer Milk Truck, the 22) 1958 Vauxhall Cresta Sedan, the 23) Bluebird Dauphine Trailer, the 24) Hydraulic Excavator, the 25) Volkswagen 1200 Sedan, the 26) Foden Concrete Truck, the 27) Cadillac Sixty Special, the 28) Thames Compressor Truck, the 29) Austin A55 Cambridge Sedan, the 30) Magirus-Deutz Crane (with 6 wheels), the 31) Ford Fairlane Station Wagon, the 32) “E” Type Jaguar Coupé (a new model), the 33) Ford Zodiac MKII Sedan, the 34) Volkswagen Camper (a new model), the 35) Marshall Horse Box, the 36) Lambretta Scooter & Sidecar, the 37) Coca Cola Lorry, the 38) Karrier Refuse Truck, the 39) Pontiac Convertible (a new model), the 40) Leyland Royal Tiger Coach, the 41) “D” Type Jaguar (2 7/16 inches long), the 42) Bedford Evening News Van, the 43) Aveling-Barford Tractor Shovel, the 44) Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud, the 45) Vauxhall Victor Sedan, the 46) Pickfords Removal Van, the 47) 1-Ton Trojan Van, the 48) Sports Boat & Trailer, the 49) M3 Personnel Carrier, the 50) Commer Pickup Truck, the 51) Albion Chieftain Truck, the 52) Maserati 4CLT Race Car, the 53) Aston-Martin, the 54) Saracen Personnel Carrier, the 55) D.U.K.W., the 56) London Trolley Bus, the 57) Chevrolet Impala, the 58) Drott Excavator (a new model), the 59) Ford Thames Van, the 60) Morris J2 Pickup Truck, the 61) Ferret Scout Car, the 62) General Service Lorry, the 63) Ford Service Ambulance, the 64) Scammell Breakdown Truck, the 65) Jaguar 3.8 Litre Saloon (2 5/8 inches long), the 66) Harley-Davidson Motorcycle and Sidecar (a new model), the 67) Saladin Armoured Car, the 68) Austin MKII Radio Truck, the 69) Commer 30 CWT Van, the 70) Ford Thames Estate Car (a van), the 71) Austin 200 Gallon Water Truck, the 72) Fordson Tractor, the 73) Ferrari F1 Racing Car (a new model), the 74) Mobile Refreshment Canteen and the 75) Ford Thunderbird.

The Accessories line for 1962 included the A-1) “Esso” Petrol Pumps and Sign, the A-2) Bedford Car Transporter, the A-3) Road Signs and the A-4) Home Store.

The Major Packs line for 1962 included the M-1) “BP” Autotanker, the M-2) Bedford Truck and York Trailer, the M-3) Thornycraft Antar and Centurion Tank, the M-4) Ruston Bucyrus Power Shovel, the M-5) Massey-Ferguson Combine Harvester, the M-6) Pickfords 200-Ton Transporter, the M-7) Jennings Cattle Truck, the M-8) “Mobilgas” Petrol Tanker, the M-9) Interstate Double Freighter (a new model) and the M-10) Dinkum Dumper (a new model).

The King Size line for 1962 included the K-1) Weatherhill Hydraulic Shovel, the K-2) Muir Hill Dumper, the K-3) Caterpillar Bulldozer, the K-4) International Tractor, the K-5) Foden Tipper Truck, the K-6) Allis-Chalmers Earth Scraper, the K-7) Curtiss-Wright Rear Dumper, the K-8) Prime Mover and Caterpillar Tractor (a new model) and the K-9) Diesel Road Roller.

The “MG-1? Matchbox Two Story Garage was once again featured in the 1962 catalogue, as it had been in the previous model year.

The Presentation Sets were no more in 1962, but the Gift Sets line included the G-1) Commercial Motor Set, the G-2) Car Transporter Set, the G-3) Building Constructors Set, the G-4) Farm Set, the G-5) Military Vehicles Set, the G-6) Models of Yesteryear Set, the G-7) Second Models of Yesteryear Set, the G-8) Construction Set (a new set), the G-9) Major Pack Set (a new set) and G-10) Garage Set.

The Roadway Series for 1962 included the R-1) Roadway (new and improved, with an “overpass”), the R-2) Roadway Layout “Heart of London,” the R-3) Roadway Layout “Royal London” and the R-4) Racetrack Speedway.

The Models of Yesteryear line for 1962 included the Y-1) 1925 Allchin Taction Engine, the Y-2) 1911 “B” Type Bus, the Y-3) 1907 London “E” Class Tram Car, the Y-4) Shand Mason Horse-Drawn Fire Engine, the Y-5) 1929 4 1/2 Litre Bentley (a new model), the Y-6) 1926 Type 35 Bugatti, the Y-7) 1913 Mercer Raceabout, the Y-8) 1914 Sunbeam Motorcycle and Sidecar (a new model), the Y-9) 1924 Fowler Showman’s Engine, the Y-10) 1908 Grand Prix Mercedes, the Y-11) 1920 Aveling & Porter Steam Roller, the Y-12) 1899 London Horse-Drawn Bus, the Y-13) 1862 Santa Fé Locomotive, the Y-14) 1903 Duke of Connaught Locomotive, the Y-15) 1907 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost and the Y-16) 1904 Spyker.

1963 Matchbox Model Year

In 1963, there was not too much change compared to 1962.  The 1963 Matchbox Series International Pocket Catalogue featured the brand new model #53 (a Mercedes-Benz 220 SE subtle “fintail” coupé in dark red) being held between the index finger and thumb of a man’s right hand. Below the car in the picture was the box for the car, and the logos on the bottom of the catalogue cover read “1963 Edition” and “Pocket Money Toys by Lesney.”

The Matchbox 1-75 Series for 1963 included the 1) Aveling-Barford Road Roller, the 2) Muir Hill Dumper, the 3) Bedford Tipper, the 4) Triumph Motorcycle and Sidecar, the 5) London Bus (2 1/4 inches long), the 6) Quarry Truck (2 1/2 inches long), the 7) Ford Anglia, the 8) Caterpillar Tractor (1 7/8 inches long), the 9) Merryweather Marquis Fire Engine, the 10) Sugar Container Truck, the 11) Road Tanker (2 1/2 inches long), the 12) Land Rover (2 1/4 inches long), the 13) Thames Wreck Truck, the 14) Bedford Ambulance, the 15) Refuse Truck (a new model), the 16) Atlantic Trailer (with 8 wheels), the 17) Hoveringham Tipper Truck (a new model), the 18) Caterpillar Bulldozer (2 1/4 inches long), the 19) Aston-Martin Racing Car, the 20) ERF 686 Truck, the 21) Commer Milk Truck, the 22) 1958 Vauxhall Cresta Sedan, the 23) Bluebird Dauphine Trailer, the 24) Hydraulic Excavator, the 25) Volkswagen 1200 Sedan, the 26) Foden Concrete Truck, the 27) Cadillac Sixty Special, the 28) Thames Compressor Truck, the 29) Austin A55 Cambridge Sedan, the 30) Magirus-Deutz Crane (with 6 wheels), the 31) Ford Fairlane Station Wagon, the 32) “E” Type Jaguar Coupé, the 33) Ford Zephyr 6 MKII (a new model), the 34) Volkswagen Camper, the 35) Marshall Horse Box, the 36) Lambretta Scooter and Sidecar, the 37) Coca Cola Lorry, the 38) Vauxhall Victor Estate Car (a new model), the 39) Pontiac Convertible, the 40) Leyland Royal Tiger Coach, the 41) “D” Type Jaguar (2 7/16 inches long), the 42) Bedford Evening News Van, the 43) Aveling-Barford Tractor Shovel, the 44) Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud, the 45) Vauxhall Victor Sedan, the 46) Pickfords Removal Van, the 47) Commer Ice Cream Canteen Truck (a new model), the 48) Sports Boat and Trailer, the 49) M3 Personnel Carrier, the 50) Commer Pickup Truck, the 51) Albion Chieftain Truck, the 52) Maserati 4CLT Race Car, the 53) Mercedes-Benz 220 SE Coupé (a new model), the 54) Saracen Personnel Carrier, the 55) Ford Fairlane Police Car (a new model), the 56) London Trolley Bus, the 57) Chevrolet Impala, the 58) Drott Excavator, the 59) Ford Fairlane Fire Chief Car (a new model), the 60) Morris J2 Pickup Truck, the 61) Ferret Scout Car, the 62) TV Service Van (a new model), the 63) Ford Service Ambulance, the 64) Scammell Breakdown Truck, the 65) Jaguar 3.8 Litre Saloon (2 5/8 inches long), the 66) Harley-Davidson Motorcycle and Sidecar, the 67) Saladin Armoured Car, the 68) Austin MKII Radio Truck, the 69) Commer 30 CWT Van, the 70) Ford Thames Estate Car (a van), the 71) Austin 200-Gallon Water Truck, the 72) Fordson Tractor, the 73) Ferrari F1 Racing Car, the 74) Mobile Refreshment Canteen and the 75) Ford Thunderbird.

The Accessories line for 1963 included the A-1) “BP” Petrol Pumps and Sign (a new and improved model), the A-2) Bedford Car Transporter, the A-3) Road Signs and the A-4) Home Store.

The Major Packs line for 1963 included the M-1) “BP” Autotanker, the M-2) Bedford Truck and York Trailer, the M-3) Thornycraft Antar and Centurion Tank, the M-4) Ruston Bucyrus Power Shovel, the M-5) Massey Ferguson Combine Harvester, the M-6) Pickfords 200-Ton Transporter, the M-7) Jennings Cattle Truck, the M-8) “Mobilgas” Petrol Tanker, the M-9) Interstate Double Freighter and the M-10) Dinkum Dumper.

The King Size line for 1963 included the K-1) Weatherhill Hydraulic Shovel, the K-2) Muir Hill Dumper, the K-3) Caterpillar Bulldozer, the K-4) International Tractor, the K-5) Foden Tipper Truck, the K-6) Allis-Chalmers Earth Scraper, the K-7) Curtis-Wright Rear Dumper, the K-8) Prime Mover and Caterpillar Tractor, the K-9) Diesel Road Roller, the K-10) Aveling-Barford Tractor Shovel (a new model), the K-11) Fordson Tractor and Farm Trailer (a new model), the K-12) Heavy Breakdown Truck (a new model), the K-13) Readymix Concrete Truck and the K-14) Taylor Jumbo Crane (a new model).

A very nice new addition to the Matchbox product line in 1963 was the “MF-1? Matchbox Fire Station.  It was a highly detailed building with a double-opening garage door in the front.  It featured a driveway, two opening garage doors, a great deal of interior space, a pitched red roof, side windows, and open rear and a front door (which did not open).  It complemented the “MG-1? Matchbox Two-Story Garage very nicely.

Gift Sets for 1963 included the G-1) Commercial Motor Set, the G-2) Car Transporter Set, the G-3) Farm and Agricultural Set (a new set), the G-4) Farm Set, the G-5) Military Vehicles Set, the G-6) Models of Yesteryear Set, the G-7) Second Models of Yesteryear Set, the G-8) Construction Set, the G-9) Major Pack Set and the G-10) Garage Set.

Roadways for 1963 included the R-1) Roadway, the R-2) Roadway Layout “Heart of London,” the R-3) Roadway Layout “Royal London” and the R-4) Racetrack Speedway.

The Models of Yesteryear line for 1963 included the Y-1) 1925 Allchin Traction Engine, the Y-2) 1911 Renault Two Seater (a new model), the Y-3) 1907 London “E” Class Tram Car, the Y-4) Shand Mason Horse-Drawn Fire Engine, the Y-5) 1929 4 1/2 Litre Bentley, the Y-6) 1926 Type 35 Bugatti, the Y-7) 1913 Mercer Raceabout, the Y-8) 1914 Sunbeam Motorcycle and Sidecar, the Y-9) 1924 Fowler Showman’s Engine, the Y-10) 1928 Mercedes-Benz 36/220 (a new model), the Y-11) 1920 Aveling & Porter Steam Roller, the Y-12) 1899 London Horse-Drawn Bus, the Y-13) 1862 Santa Fé Locomotive, the Y-14) 1903 Duke of Connaught Locomotive, the Y-15) 1907 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost and the Y-16) 1904 Spyker.

1964 Matchbox Model Year: First Catalogue with a “Realistic” Cover

In 1964, the Matchbox Collector’s Catalogue featured a realistic cover for the very first time: cars within the Matchbox lineup depicted in a painting as real-life cars on a superhighway – another good marketing idea.  The most prominent models were the three brand new # 28 (a Mark 10 Jaguar Sedan), # 44 (a Rolls-Royce Phantom V Sedan) and # 71 (a Jeep Gladiator Pickup Truck).

The Matchbox 1-75 Series for 1964 included the 1) Aveling-Barford Road Roller, the 2) Muir Hill Dumper, the 3) Bedford Tipper, the 4) Triumph Motorcyle and Sidecar, the 5) London Bus (a new and improved version at 2 9/16 inches long), the 6) Euclid Quarry Truck (also a new and improved version), the 7) Ford Anglia Sedan, the 8) Caterpillar Tractor (a new model and 2 inches long), the 9) Merryweather Marquis Fire Engine, the 10) Sugar Container Truck, the 11) Road Tanker (2 1/2 inches long), the 12) Land Rover (2 1/4 inches long), the 13) Thames Wreck Truck, the 14) Bedford Ambulance, the 15) Refuse Truck, the 16) Scammell Mountaineer Snowplow (a new model), the 17) Hoveringham Tipper Truck, the 18) Caterpillar Bulldozer (a new model and 2 3/8 inches long), the 19) Aston-Martin Racing Car, the 20) ERF 686 Truck, the 21) Commer Milk Truck, the 22) Pontiac Grand Prix Sports Coupé (a new model), the 23) Bluebird Dauphine Trailer, the 24) Hydraulic Excavator, the 25) Bedford Petrol Tanker (a new model with the “BP” logo), the 26) Foden Concrete Truck, the 27) Cadillac Sixty Special, the 28) Mark 10 Jaguar Sedan (a new model), the 29) Austin A55 Cambridge Sedan, the 30) Magirus-Deutz Crane (with 6 wheels), the 31) Lincoln Continental Sedan, the 32) “E” Type Jaguar Coupé, the 33) Ford Zephyr 6 MKIII, the 34) Volkswagen Camper, the 35) “Snow Trac” Tractor (a new model), the 36) Lambretta Scooter and Sidecar, the 37) Coca Cola Lorry, the 38) Vauxhall Victor Estate Car (a station wagon), the 39) Pontiac Convertible, the 40) Leyland Royal Tiger Coach, the 41) “D” Type Jaguar Racecar (2 7/16 inches long), the 42) Bedford Evening News Van, the 43) Aveling-Barford Tractor Shovel, the 44) Rolls-Royce Phantom V Sedan (a new model), the 45) Vauxhall Victor Sedan, the 46) Pickfords Removal Van, the 47) Commer Ice Cream Canteen, the 48) Sports Boat and Trailer, the 49) M3 Personnel Carrier, the 50) John Deere Tractor (a new model), the 51) John Deere Trailer (a new model), the 52) Maserati 4CLT Racer, the 53) Mercedes-Benz 220 SE Coupé, the 54) Saracen Personnel Carrier, the 55) Ford Fairlane Police Car, the 56) London Trolley Bus, the 57) Chevrolet Impala, the 58) Drott Excavator, the 59) Ford Fairlane Fire Chief Car, the 60) Morris J2 Pickup Truck, the 61) Ferret Scout Car, the 62) TV Service Van, the 63) “Foamite” Airport Crash Tender (a new model), the 64) Scammell Breakdown Truck, the 65) Jaguar 3.8 Litre Saloon (2 5/8 inches long), the 66) Harley-Davidson Motorcycle and Sidecar, the 67) Saladin Armoured Car, the 68) Austin MKII Radio Truck, the 69) Commer 30 CWT Van, the 70) Ford Thames Estate Car (a van), the 71) Jeep Gladiator Pickup Truck (a new model), the 72) Fordson Tractor, the 73) Ferrari F1 Racing Car, the 74) Mobile Refreshment Canteen and the 75) Ford Thunderbird.

The Accessories line for 1964 included the A-1) “BP” Petrol Pumps and Sign, the A-2) Bedford Car Transporter, the A-3) Road Signs and the A-4) Home Store.

The Major Packs line for 1964 included the M-1 ) “BP” Autotanker, the M-2) Bedford Truck and York Trailer, the M-3) Thornycraft Antar and Centurion Tank, the M-4) GMC Tractor and Freuhof Hopper Train (a new model), the M-5) Massey Ferguson Combine Harvester, the M-6) Pickfords 200-Ton Transporter, the M-7) Jennings Cattle Truck, the M-8) Guy Warrior Car Transporter (a new model), the M-9) Interstate Double Freighter and the M-10) Dinkum Dumper.

The King Size line for 1964 included the K-1) Hoveringham Tipper Truck (a new model), the K-2) K.W. Dump Truck (a new model), the K-3) Caterpillar Bulldozer, the K-4) International Tractor, the K-5) Foden Tipper Truck, the K-6) Allis-Chalmers Earth Scraper, the K-7) Curtiss-Wright Rear Dumper, the K-8) Prime Mover and Caterpillar Tractor, the K-9) Diesel Road Roller, the K-10) Aveling-Barford Tractor Shovel, the K-11) Fordson Tractor and Farm Trailer, the K-12) Heavy Breakdown Wreck Truck, the K-13) Readymix Concrete Truck, the K-14) Taylor Jumbo Crane and the K-15) Merryweather Fire Engine.

The “MF-1? Matchbox Fire Station and the “MG-1? Matchbox Two Story Garage returned in 1964.

The Gift Sets line for 1964 included the G-1) Motorway Set (a new set), the G-2) Car Transporter Set, the G-3) Farm and Agricultural Set, the G-4) Farm Set, the G-5) Grand Prix Racetrack Set (a new set), the G-6) Military Vehicles Set, the G-7) Models of Yesteryear Set, the G-8) Commercial Truck Set (a new set), the G-9) Second Models of Yesteryear Set, the G-10) Construction Set, the G-11) Service Station Set, the G-12) Garage Set and the G-13) Fire Station Set.

The Roadways line for 1964 included the R-1) Roadway (a new layout), the R-2) Roadway Layout “Heart of London,” the R-3) Roadway Layout “Royal London” and the R-4) Grand Prix Race Track (a new layout).

The Models of Yesteryear Line for 1964 included the Y-1) 1911 Ford Model T (a new model), the Y-2) 1911 Renault 2-Seater, the Y-3) 1907 London “E” Class Tram Car, the Y-4) Shand Mason Horse-Drawn Fire Engine, the Y-5) 1929 4 1/2 Litre Bentley, the Y-6) 1926 Type 35 Bugatti, the Y-7) 1913 Mercer Raceabout, the Y-8) 1914 Sunbeam Motorcycle and Sidecar, the Y-9) 1924 Fowler Showman’s Engine, the Y-10) 1928 Mercedes-Benz 36/220, the Y-11) 1912 Packard Landaulet (a new model), the Y-12) 1899 London Horse-Drawn Bus, the Y-13) 1862 Santa Fé Locomotive, the Y-14) 1903 Duke of Connaught Locomotive, the Y-15) 1907 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow and the Y-16) 1904 Spyker.

1965 Matchbox Model Year: Expanded Product Line and Improved Marketing

In 1965, Matchbox continued to expand their product line and improve their global marketing.  The color cover of the 1965 Edition Matchbox Collector’s Catalogue featured another “real life” painted scene with racing cars and other Matchbox models at a race track similar to the “Roadways” line # R-4 “Grand Prix Race Track.”  The names of the models themselves now used more American English as opposed to merely British English.  This reflected the continued decline in the international status of the United Kingdom, the growing clout of North America and the globalization of the usage of the American English language as a so-called Lingua Franca.  The sizes of the models were listed in both inches and metric measurement, which meant much more sense due to the international nature of the Matchbox market.  Future model releases were also revealed, thus creating more consumer demand.  Finally, retail prices were also listed based upon the target country.  The 1-75 Series sold for US $0.49 each.  This compares to US $0.97 each for new blister packs today or US $2.95 each for the “Best of British” or “Lesney Edition” lines complete with boxes and blister packs (much more preferable to collectors and enthusiasts).  Major Packs retailed anywhere from US $0.75 to US $4.00, and King Size retailed anywhere from US $0.75 to US $3.50, depending upon the model. Today, one can find newer “Super Kings” (all models of American “muscle cars” of the past) for about US $10 each.  In 1965, “Models of Yesteryear” retailed anywhere from US $0.75 to US $ 1.50 each.  Today, brand new “Dinky” and “Models of Yesteryear” Mattel deluxe diecast retail for about $20 each.  Certain rare NOS (New Old Stock) from the past or old models in pristine condition can sell for much more.  Other less sought after models can sell for less – some for less than ten Dollars.

The 1-75 Series for 1965 included the 1) Diesel Road Roller (67 mm long), the 2) Dumper (54 mm long), the 3) Bedford Tipper Truck (64 mm long), the 4) Triumph Motorcycle and Sidecar (58 mm long), the 5) London Bus (67 mm long), the 6) 10-Wheel Quarry Truck (70 mm long), the 7) Ford Anglia Sedan (67 mm long), the 8) Caterpillar Crawler Tractor (51 mm long), the 9) Fire Truck (67 mm long), the 10) Sugar Container Truck (67 mm long), the 11) Jumbo Crane (76 mm long), the 12) Land Rover (61 mm long), the 13) Wreck Truck (76 mm long), the 14) Ambulance (67 mm long), the 15) Refuse Truck (64 mm long), the 16) “Mountaineer” Dump Truck with Snowplough (76 mm long), the 17) 8-Wheel Tipper Truck (76 mm long), the 18) Caterpillar “Crawler” Bulldozer (61 mm long), the 19) Lotus Racing Car (70 mm long), the 20) Taxi Cab (76 mm long), the 21) Milk Delivery Truck (57 mm long), the 22) Pontiac Grand Prix (76 mm long), the 23) Trailer Caravan (76 mm long), the 24) Hydraulic Excavator (67 mm long), the 25) “B.P.” Tanker (76 mm long), the 26) Ready-Mix Cement Truck (64 mm long), the 27) Cadillac Sedan (70 mm long), the 28) Mark Ten Jaguar Sedan (70 mm long), the 29) Austin Cambridge Sedan (70 mm long), the 30) 6-Wheel Crane Truck (67 mm long), the 31) Lincoln Continental Sedan (76 mm long), the 32) “E” Type Jaguar Coupé (67 mm long), the 33) Ford Zephyr Sedan (64 mm long), the 34) Volkswagen Camper (64 mm long), the 35) “Snowtrac” Tractor (56 mm long), the 36) Lambretta Scooter and Sidecar (49 mm long), the 37) Coca-Cola Truck (61 mm long), the 38) Vauxhall Victor Estate Car (64 mm long), the 39) Pontiac Convertible (70 mm long), the 40) Long Distance Bus (76 mm long), the 41) Jaguar Racing Car (64 mm long), 42) the Studebaker Station Wagon (76 mm long), the 43) Aveling-Barford Tractor Shovel (67 mm long), the 44) Rolls-Royce (72 mm long), the 45) Ford Corsair Sedan with Boat (67 mm long), the 46) Long-Distance Removal Truck (67 mm long), the 47) Lyons-Maid Ice Cream Mobile Shop (64 mm long), the 48) Sports Boat and Trailer (79 mm long), the 49) Military Personnel Carrier (64 mm long), the 50) Tractor (54 mm long), the 51) Trailer for #50 (67 mm long), the 52) Maserati Racing Car (64 mm long), the 53) Mercedes-Benz 220S Coupé (70 mm long), the 54) “Saracen” Troop Carrier (57 mm long), the 55) Police Car (67 mm long), the 56) London Trolley Bus (67 mm long), the 57) Chevrolet Impala (70 mm long), the 58) Drott Excavator (67 mm long), the 59) Fire Chief Car (67 mm long), the 60) Morris Pickup Truck (57 mm long), the 61) Military Scout Car (57 mm long), the 62) T.V. Service Van (64 mm long), the 63) Fire Fighting Crash Tender (61 mm long), the 64) 6-Wheel Military Crane Truck (67 mm long), the 65) Jaguar 3.8 Litre Sedan (67 mm long), the 66) Harley-Davidson Motorcycle and Sidecar (67 mm long), the 67) “Saladin” Armoured Car (57 mm long), the 68) Military Radio Truck (64 mm long), the 69) Hatra Tractor Shovel (80 mm long), the 70) Ford Estate Car (54 mm long), the 71) Jeep Pickup Truck (67 mm long), the 72) Fordson Tractor (49 mm long), the 73) Ferrari Racing Car (67 mm long), the 74) Mobile Refreshment Bar (67 mm long) and the 75) Ferrari Berlinetta Coupé (73 mm long).  The 5 new models without their future numbers revealed included a Fiat 1500 Sedan with Luggage Rack, a B.R.M. Racing Car, a Mercedes-Benz Coach (passenger bus), a Ford G.T. Racing Car and a Cadillac Ambulance.  As one can see, Lesney was more concerned about the toys fitting into standard-sized “match” boxes – thus the difference in scales.  In the future, more upscale diecast toy manufacturers would become far more concerned with maintaining a uniform scale in their product lines.

The Gift Sets line for 1965 included the G-1) Motorway Set, the G-2) Transporter Set, the G-6) Commercial Truck Set (no sets 3-5), the G-7) Veteran and Vintage Set (Models of Yesteryear), the G-8) Construction Set, the G-9) Service Station Set and the G-10) Fire Station Set.  The most expensive item in the 1965 Matchbox catalogue was the G-8 set at US $8.00.  This shows us just how much our money has fallen in value since 1965.  Similar products cost much more today in terms of nominal value.

The Major Packs line for 1965 included the M-1) “B.P.” Autotanker (102 mm long), the M-2) Articulated Box Truck (117 mm long), the M-3) 10-Wheel Transporter with Centurion Tank (155 mm long), the M-4) GMC Tractor Trailer with Hopper Train (286 mm long), the M-5) Combine Harvester (117 mm long), the M-6) Dodge Tractor Trailer with Tipper Train (302 mm long), the M-7) Racing Car Transporter (127 mm long), the M-8) Car Transporter (209 mm long), the M-9) Interstate Double Freighter (288 mm long) and the M-10) “Dinkum” Rear Dumper (108 mm long).

The King Size line for 1965 included the K-1) 8-Wheel Tipper Truck (108 mm long), the K-2) K-W Dump Truck (143 mm long), the K-3) Hatra Tractor Shovel (150 mm long), the K-4) International Tractor (72 mm long), the K-5) Foden Tipper Truck (108 mm long), the K-6) Allis-Chalmers Earth Scraper (149 mm long), the K-7) Curtiss-Wright Rear Dumper (145 mm long), the K-8) Prime Mover and Transporter with Caterpillar “Crawler” Tractor (318 mm long), the K-9) Diesel Road Roller (95 mm long), the K-10) Aveling-Barford Tractor Shovel (105 mm long), the K-11) Fordson Tractor and Farm Trailer (158 mm long), the K-12) Heavy Breakdown / Wreck Truck (121 mm long), the K-13) Ready-Mix Concrete Truck (114 mm long), the K-14) Jumbo Crane (125 mm long) and the K-15) Merryweather Fire Engine (154 mm long).

The Models of Yesteryear line for 1965 included the Y-1) 1911 Model “T” Ford (76 mm long, the Y-2) 1911 Renault 2-Seater (76 mm long), the Y-3) 1907 London “E” Class Tramcar (79 mm long), the Y-4) 1905 Shand-Mason Horse-Drawn Fire Engine (89 mm long), the Y-5) 1929 4.5 Litre Bentley (89 mm long), the Y-6) 1923 Type 35 Bugatti Racing Car (79 mm long), the Y-7) 1913 Mercer Raceabout Sports Car (83 mm long), the Y-8) 1914 Sunbeam Motorcycle with Milford Sidecar (67 mm long), the Y-9) 1924 Fowler “Big Lion” Showman’s Engine (83 mm long), the Y-10) 1928 Mercedes-Benz 36/220 Convertible (96 mm long), the Y-11) 1912 Packard Landaulet (82 mm long), the Y-12) 1899 London Horse-Drawn Bus (83 mm long), the Y-13) 1862 “General” Locomotive (84 mm long), the Y-14) 1903 “Duke of Connaught” Locomotive (76 mm long), the Y-15) 1907 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost and the Y-16) 1904 Spyker Veteran Automobile. A brand new model revealed was the 1911 Maxwell Roadster (no number listed).

The Matchbox Fire Station MF-1 (235 mm wide) and the Matchbox Service Station MG-1 (235 mm wide) were back in 1965, but the Accessories line was reduced to merely the A-1) “B.P.” Garage Pumps and Forecourt Sign (meant for the MG-1 garage).

The Roadways line for 1965 included the R-1) Roadway (34 inches wide), the R-2) “Heart of London” Roadway (43 inches wide) and the R-4) “International Motor Racing” Roadway (35 inches wide). There was no R-3 set.

1966 Matchbox Model Year

The color cover of the 1966 “Matchbox Collector’s Guide” featured a realistic painted street scene from downtown London, England – complete with “Big Ben.”  Matchbox models such as the Ferrari Berlinetta Coupé, the Ford Fire Chief Sedan, the Mercedes-Benz Coach (a passenger bus), the Double Decker Bus and the Land-Rover Fire Chief were featured.  The same street scene continued on the back cover of the color catalogue. Matchbox models such as the Mark Ten Jaguar Sedan, the Fiat 1500 Sedan (with roof rack and luggage), the “E” Type Jaguar Coupé, the “B.P.” Tanker Truck, the Land-Rover (with roof rack and luggage), the Double Decker Bus and the Lyons-Maid Ice Cream Truck were featured.

For the first time, the catalogue discussed the history of Lesney, and how Matchbox models were made – another good marketing idea.  In between 1953 and 1966, more than 500 million Matchbox toys had been sold all over the world.  Automobile companies and automobile museums cooperated with Lesney to produce miniature models of their vehicles.  Lesney employed 3,600 people, and 104 million Matchbox toys were being sold worldwide per annum.  By comparison, there are more than 669 million real vehicles in the world today.  The catalogue also featured many realistic painted scenes featuring Matchbox models as they would appear in real life.  Retail price of the 1-75 Series was now US $0.55 per model.

The 1-75 Series for 1966 included the 1) Diesel Road Roller (67 mm long), the 2) Dumper (53 mm long), the 3) Bedford Tipper Truck (64 mm long), the 4) Triumph Motorcycle and Sidecar (55 mm long), the 5) London Bus (71 mm long), the 6) 10-Wheel Quarry Truck (67 mm long), the 7) Ford Anglia Sedan (67 mm long), the 8) Caterpillar “Crawler” Tractor (51 mm long), the 9) Fire Truck (67 mm long), the 10) Sugar Container Truck (67 mm long), the 11) Jumbo Crane (76 mm long), the 12) Safari Land Rover (70 mm long), the 13) Wreck Truck (76 mm long), the 14) Ambulance (67 mm long), the 15) Refuse Truck (64 mm long), the 16) “Mountaineer” Dump Truck with Snowplough (76 mm long), the 17) 8-Wheel Tipper Truck (76 mm long), the 18) Caterpillar “Crawler” Bulldozer (61 mm long), the 19) Lotus Racing Car (70 mm long), the 20) Taxi-cab (76 mm long), the 21) Milk Delivery Truck (57 mm long), the 22) Pontiac Grand Prix (76 mm long), the 23) Trailer Caravan (76 mm long), the 24) Hydraulic Excavator (67 mm long), the 25) “B.P. Tanker” Truck (76 mm long), the 26) Ready-mix Concrete Truck (64 mm long), the 27) Mercedes-Benz 230SL Convertible (71 mm long), the 28) Mark Ten Jaguar (70 mm long), the 29) Fire Pumper Truck (76 mm long), 30) 8-Wheel Crane Truck (76 mm long), the 31) Lincoln Continental Sedan (76 mm long), the 32) “E” Type Jaguar Coupé, the 33) Ford Zephyr Sedan (64 mm long), the 34) Volkswagen Camper (65 mm long), the 35) “Snowtrac” Tractor (56 mm long), the 36) Opel Diplomat Sedan (70 mm long), the 37) Coca-Cola Truck (61 mm long), the 38) Vauxhall Victor Estate Car (64 mm long), the 39) Pontiac Convertible (70 mm long), the 40) Long Distance Bus (76 mm long), the 41) Ford G.T. Racing Car (67 mm long), the 42) Studebaker Station Wagon (76 mm long), the 43) Aveling-Barford Tractor Shovel (67 mm long), the 44) Rolls-Royce Sedan (72 mm long), the 45) Ford Corsair with Boat (67 mm long), the 46) Long Distance Removal Van (67 mm long), the 47) Lyons-Maid Ice-Cream Mobile Shop (64 mm long), the 48) Sports-Boat and Trailer (79 mm long), the 49) Military Personnel Carrier (64 mm long), the 50) Tractor (54 mm long), the 51) Trailer for #50 Tractor (67 mm long), the 52) B.R.M. Racing Car (70 mm long), the 53) Mercedes-Benz 220S Coupé (70 mm long), the 54) Cadillac Ambulance (73 mm long), the 55) Police Car (73 mm long), the 56) Fiat 1500 Sedan (67 mm long), the 57) Land-Rover Fire Truck (64 mm long), the 58) Drott Excavator (67 mm long), the 59) Fire Chief Car (73 mm long), the 60) Morris Pickup Truck (57 mm long), the 61) Military Scout Car (57 mm long), the 62) T.V. Service Van (64 mm long), the 63) Fire Fighting Crash Tender (61 mm long), the 64) M.G. 1100 Sedan (66 mm long), the 65) Jaguar 3.8 Litre Sedan (67 mm long), the 66) Harley-Davidson Motorcycle and Sidecar (67 mm long), the 67) “Saladin” Armoured Car (57 mm long), the 68) Mercedes-Benz Coach (73 mm long), the 69) Hatra Tractor Shovel (80 mm long), the 70) Grit-Spreader Truck (67 mm long), the 71) Jeep Pickup Truck (67 mm long), the 72) Fordson Tractor (49 mm long), the 73) Ferrari Racing Car (67 mm long), the 74) Mobile Refreshment Bar (67 mm long) and the 75) Ferrari Berlinetta Coupé (73 mm long). Future releases revealed without numbers were the Cattle Truck (65 mm long), the Daimler Bus (76 mm long) and the Truck with Site Office (65 mm long).

The Gift Sets line for 1966 included the G-1) Service Station Set (complete the MG-1 Service Station, 3 cars and the “B.P.” Gas Pumps and Forecourt Sign Accessory Set), the G-2) Car Transporter Set (compete with a car transporter and 4 cars), the G-3) Vacation Set (complete with 8 cars), the G-4) Racetrack Set (complete with a Racing Car Transporter and 9 cars), the G-5) Fire Staton Set (compete with the MF-1 Fire Station and 3 cars), the G-6) Commercial Truck Set (complete with 8 truck models), the G-7) Matchbox Models of Yesteryear Set (complete with 4 Models of Yesteryear) and the G-8) King Size Set (complete with 4 King Size models).

The Major Packs line for 1966 included the M-1) “B.P.” Autotanker (102 mm long), the M-2) Articulated Box Truck (117 mm long), the M-3) 10-Wheel Transporter with Centurion Tank (155 mm long), the M-4) GMC Tractor Trailer with Hopper Train (286 mm long), the M-5) Combine Harvester (117 mm long), the M-6) Racing Car Transporter (127 mm long), the M-8) Car Transporter (209 mm long), the M-9) Interstate Double Freighter (288 mm long) and the M-10) “Dinkum” Rear Dumper (108 mm long). There was no M-7 model.

The King Size line for 1966 included the K-1) 8-Wheel Tipper Truck (108 mm long), the K-2) KW Dump Truck (143 mm long), the K-3) Hatra Tractor Shovel (150 mm long), the K-4) International Tractor (72 mm long), the K-5) Foden Tipper Truck (108 mm long), the K-6) Allis-Chalmers Earth Scraper (149 mm long), the K-7) Curtiss-Wright Rear Dumper (145 mm long), the K-8) Prime Mover and Transporter with Caterpillar “Crawler” Tractor (318 mm long), the K-9) Diesel Road Roller (95 mm long), the K-10) Aveling-Barford Tractor Shovel (105 mm long), the K-11) Fordson Tractor and Farm Trailer (158 mm long), the K-12) Heavy Breakdown / Wreck Truck (121 mm long), the K-13) Ready-Mix Concrete Truck (114 mm long), the K-14) Jumbo Crane (125 mm long), the K-15) Merryweather Fire Engine (154 mm long) and the K-16) Dodge Tractor Trailer with Twin Tippers (302 mm long). New “King Size” revealed with no model numbers included the Articulated Horse Box (166 mm long) and the Ford Tractor Trailer with Dyson Low-Loader and Case Bulldozer (242 mm long).

The Models of Yesteryear line for 1966 included the Y-1) 1911 Model “T” Ford (76 mm long), the Y-2) 1911 Renault 2-Seater (76 mm long), the Y-3) 1910 Benz Limousine (83 mm long), the Y-4) 1905 Shand-Mason Horse-Drawn Fire Engine (89 mm long), the Y-5) 1929 4.5 (S) Litre Bentley (89 mm long), the Y-6) 1923 Type 35 Bugatti (79 mm long), the Y-7) 1913 Mercer Raceabout Sports Car (83 mm long), the Y-8) 1914 Sunbeam Motorcycle with Milford Sidecar (67 mm long), the Y-9) 1924 Fowler “Big Lion” Showman’s Engine (83 mm long), the Y-10) 1928 Mercedes-Benz 36/220 Convertible (96 mm long), the Y-11) 1912 Packard Landaulet (82 mm long), the Y-12) 1899 London Horse-Bus (83 mm long), the Y-13) 1911 Daimler Convertible (85 mm long), the Y-14) 1911 Maxwell Roadster (82 mm long), the Y-15) 1907 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost and the Y-16) 1904 Spyker Open Car (83 mm long). A new model revealed with no model number was the 1909 Opel “Doctor’s” Coupé (79 mm long).

The Matchbox MF-1 Fire Station (246 mm long) and the Matchbox MG-1 Service Station (235 mm long) were back in 1966.  The only Matchbox Accessory was the A-1) “B.P.” Garage Pumps and Forecourt Sign, specifically meant for the MG-1 Service Station.

The Roadways line for 1966 included the R-1) Roadway and the R-4) International Motor Racing Roadway – no R-2 or R-3 sets were advertised.

The exclusive U.S.A. Distributor for Lesney Products was Fred Bronner Corporation of New York City, located on East 23rd Street in Manhattan. Lesney Products was headquartered at Lee Conservancy Road in London (England), and the catalogue was printed by Hazells Offset, Limited of Slough in Buckinghamshire.

1967 Matchbox Model Year: an Experiment with Working Steering

The 1967 “Matchbox Collector’s Catalogue” featured a checkered design with 16 Matchbox models and the flags of 16 the most important Lesney customer nations from around the world.  Nations represented included the United Kingdom, the United States, Germany, Italy, France, Australia, Sweden, Venezuela, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Japan, Norway, Kenya, Belgium, Denmark, Canada, South Africa and Nigeria.

A new product improvement was introduced in 1967 – that of working steering (called “auto steer” by Lesney) for the brand new model #8 (a white Ford Mustang Fastback with red seats).  The idea was good, but unfortunately it failed to catch on in terms of popularity in the marketplace.

The 1-75 Series for 1967 included the 1) Diesel Road Roller (67 mm long), the 2) Dumper (53 mm long), the 3) Bedford Tipper Truck (64 mm long), the 4) Dodge Stake Truck (74 mm long), the 5) London Bus (71 mm long), the 6) 10-Wheel Quarry Truck (67 mm long), the 7) Ford Refuse Truck (76 mm long), the 8) Ford Mustang Fastback (74 mm long), the 9) Boat and Trailer (89 mm long), the 10) Leyland Pipe Truck (75 mm long), the 11) Jumbo Crane (76 mm long), the 12) Safari Land-Rover (70 mm long), the 13) Wreck Truck (76 mm long), the 14) Ambulance (67 mm long), the 15) Dennis Refuse Truck (64 mm long), the 16) “Mountaineer” Dump Truck with Snowplough (76 mm long), the 17) 8-Wheel Tipper Truck (76 mm long), the 18) Caterpillar “Crawler” Bulldozer (61 mm long), the 19) Lotus Racing Car (70 mm long), the 20) Taxi-cab (76 mm long), the 21) Milk Delivery Truck (57 mm long), the 22) Pontiac Grand Prix (76 mm long), the 23) Trailer Caravan (76 mm long), the 24) Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow Sedan (76 mm long), the 25) “B.P.” Tanker Truck (76 mm long), the 26) Ready-Mix Concrete Truck, the 27) Mercedes-Benz 230 SL Convertible (71 mm long), the 28) Mark Ten Jaguar (70 mm long), the 29) Fire Pumper Truck (76 mm long), the 30) 8-Wheel Crane (76 mm long), the 31) Lincoln-Continental Sedan (76 mm long), the 32) “E” Type Jaguar Coupé, the 33) Ford Zephyr Sedan, the 34) Volkswagen Camper (65 mm long; an improved model, now in silver and with a partially raised roof), the 35) “Snow-Trac” Tractor, the 36) Opel Diplomat Sedan (70 mm long), the 37) Dodge Cattle Truck (65 mm and with 2 cows), the 38) Vauxhall Victor Estate Car (64 mm long), the 39) Pontiac Convertible (70 mm long), the 40) Long-Distance Bus (76 mm long), the 41) Ford G.T. Racing Car (67 mm long), the 42) Studebaker Station Wagon (76 mm long), the 43) Aveling-Barford Tractor Shovel (67 mm long), the 44) Rolls-Royce Phantom V Sedan (72 mm long), the 45) Ford Corsair Sedan with Boat (67 mm long), the 46) Long-Distance Removal Truck (67 mm long), the 47) Ice-Cream Mobile Shop (64 mm long), the 48) Dumper Truck (76 mm long), the 49) Mercedes-Benz Unimog Truck (62 mm long), the 50) John Deere-Lanz Tractor (54 mm long), the 51) Tipping Trailer for # 50 (67 mm long), the 52) B.R.M. Racing Car (70 mm long), the 53) Mercedes-Benz 220S Coupé (70 mm long), the 54) Cadillac Ambulance (73 mm long), the 55) Police Car (73 mm long), the 56) Fiat 1500 Sedan (67 mm long), the 57) Land Rover Fire Truck (64 mm long), the 58) Drott Excavator (67 mm long), the 59) Fire Chief Car (73 mm long), the 60) Leyland Truck with Site Office (65 mm long), the 61) Alvis Stalwart Amphibious Truck (66 mm long), the 62) TV Service Van (64 mm long), the 63) Fire-Fighting Crash Tender (61 mm long), the 64) M.G. 1100 Sedan (66 mm long), the 65) Jaguar 3.8 Litre Sedan (67 mm long), the 66) Greyhound Bus (76 mm long), the 67) “Saladin” Armoured Car (57 mm long), the 68) Mercedes-Benz Coach (73 mm long), the 69) Hatra Tractor Shovel (80 mm long), the 70) Grit-Spreader Truck (67 mm long), the 71) Jeep Pickup Truck (67 mm long), the 72) Standard Jeep (61 mm long), the 73) Ferrari Racing Car (67 mm long), the 74) Daimler Bus (76 mm long) and the 75) Ferrari Berlinetta Coupé (73 mm long).  Three new models revealed without numbers included the Refrigerator Truck (76 mm long), the Ford Tractor (54 mm long) and the Hay Trailer for the Ford Tractor (86 mm long).

The Roadways line for 1967 included the R-1) Roadway and the R-4) International Motor Racing Roadway sets.  No R-2 or R-3 sets were advertised.

The Gift Sets line for 1967 included the G-1) Service Station Set (with 3 cars, the MG-1 Service Station and the A-1 Accessory Set), the G-2) Car Transporter Set (with a car transporter and 4 cars), the G-3) Vacation Set (with 8 cars), the G-4) Racetrack Set (with a racing transporter and 9 cars), the G-5) Fire Station Set (with the MF-1 Fire Station and 3 cars), the G-6) Commercial Truck Set (with 8 trucks), the G-7) Models of Yesteryear Set (with 4 Models of Yesteryear) and the G-8) King Size Set (with 4 King Size models).

The King Size line for 1967 included the K-1) Foden Tipper Truck (108 mm long), the K-2) KW Dump Truck (143 mm long), the K-3) Hatra Tractor Shovel (150 mm long), the K-4) GMC Tractor Trailer with Hopper Train (286 mm long), the K-5) Racing Car Transporter (127 mm long), the K-6) Allis-Chalmers Earth Scraper (149 mm long), the K-7) SD Refuse Truck (117 mm long), the K-8) Car Transporter (209 mm long), the K-9) Combine Harvester (140 mm long), the K-10) Pipe Truck with 6 Interlocking Pipes (203 mm long), the K-11) Fordson Tractor with Farm Trailer (158 mm long), the K-12) Heavy Breakdown / Wreck Truck (121 mm long), the K-13) Ready-Mix Concrete Truck (114 mm long), the K-14) Jumbo Crane (125 mm long), the K-15) Merryweather Fire Engine (154 mm long), the K-16) Dodge Tractor Trailer with Twin Tippers (302 mm long), the K-17) Low-Loader with Bulldozer (242 mm long), the K-18) Articulated Horse Box (167 mm long) and the K-19) Scammell Tipper Truck (121 mm long). A brand new “King Size” model revealed with no number was the Mercedes-Benz “Binz” Ambulance (105 mm long), complete with a patient on a stretcher. It featured working suspension, opening doors and an opening tail gate.  This was with the famous Mercedes-Benz “fintail” body. The German word for fintail is “Heckfloße / Heckflosse.”

The Major Packs line was almost gone in 1967, with merely one model offered: the M-9) Inter-State Double Freighter (288 mm long).

The Models of Yesteryear line for 1967 included the Y-1) 1911 Model “T” Ford (76 mm long), the Y-2) 1911 Renault 2-Seater (76 mm long), the Y-3) 1910 Benz Limousine (83 mm long), the Y-4) 1909 Opel “Doctor’s” Coupé (79 mm long), the Y-5) 1929 Bentley 4.5 (S) Litre (89 mm long), the Y-6) 1926 Type 35 Bugatti (79 mm long), the Y-7) 1913 Mercer Raceabout (83 mm long), the Y-8) 1914 Sunbeam Motorcycle with Milford Sidecar (67 mm long), the Y-9) 1924 Fowler “Big Lion” Showman’s Engine (83 mm long), the Y-10) 1928 Mercedes-Benz 36/220 Convertible (96 mm long), the Y-11) 1912 Packard Landaulet (82 mm long), the Y-12) 1899 London Horse-Bus (83 mm long), the Y-13) 1911 Daimler Convertible (85 mm long), the Y-14) 1911 Maxwell Roadster (82 mm long), the Y-15) 1907 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost (83 mm long) and the Y-16) 1904 Spyker Convertible (83 mm long).  A brand new model revealed but not yet numbered was the 1909 Thomas Flyabout (102 mm long).  This new model was copied from the original on display at the famous “Harrah’s Automobile Collection” in Sparks, Nevada (USA).  The great collection still exists, albeit with far fewer antique and classic vehicles on display now compared to its heyday in the 1970s and 1980s.  At one time, the late William “Bill” Harrah had 1,500 vehicles in his private collection.

Another new product line was launched in 1967, and clearly targeted at adults. Unfortunately, it failed to catch on in terms of popularity in the marketplace.  The “Lesney Veteran Car Gifts” featured seven Models of Yesteryear done in either silver or gold finish.  The cars were fixed on top of various items made in real wood.  These included a double pen stand, a large cigarette box, an ash tray, a single pen stand, a small cigarette box and a pipe tray.  The cars used were the 1911 Model T Ford, the 1911 Renault 2-Seater, the 1929 Bentley, the 1928 Mercedes-Benz, the 1911 Daimler, the 1911 Maxwell Roadster and the 1907 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost.

The Matchbox MF-1 Fire Station (246 mm wide) and the Matchbox MG-1 Service Station (235 mm wide) returned in 1967.  The sole Accessory was once again the A-1) “B.P.” Pumps and Forecourt Sign specifically designed for the MG-1 Service Station.

1968 Matchbox Model Year: The first advertised Carrying Cases

The color cover of the 1968 “Matchbox Collector’s Catalogue” featured “1968? in a large, see-through format, with many of the 1-75 Series models to be seen in a photo behind “1968.”  The rear cover was pretty much identical to the front, only with the “Fred Bronner Corporation” information on the U.S.A. Edition.  They were the exclusive American distributors for Lesney Products and Company, Limited of England, located on 120 East 23rd Street in Manhattan (New York City, U.S.A.).

The inside of the front cover featured brand new “Matchbox” Collector’s Cases, one for 18 cars and another good for 48 cars of the “1-75 Series.”  The one for 18 cars was able to hold cars complete with boxes, while the one for 48 cars could hold just the cars without boxes.  This is an extremely important issue, especially for enthusiasts and collectors.  Pristine diecast models with boxes are worth more than double what such models without the boxes are worth.  Needless to say, any pristine model is worth much more than a worn or beaten model.  I believe that “Matchbox” should have been more pro-active and much more consistent in offering their own exclusive carrying cases, and they should have manufactured more and larger cases suitable for models in original packaging (i.e., boxes).

The 1-75 Series for 1968 included the brand new 1) Mercedes-Benz Truck (76 mm long), the brand new 2) Mercedes-Benz Trailer for # 1 (90 mm long, and able to tow more such trailers behind it), the brand new 3) Mercedes-Benz “Binz” Ambulance (74 mm long, and with the famous “fintail” body style), the 4) Dodge Stake Truck (74 mm long), the 5) London Bus (71 mm long), the 6) 10-Wheel Quarry Truck (67 mm long), the 7) Ford Refuse Truck (76 mm long), the 8) Ford Mustang Fastback (74 mm long, and with a towing hook), the 9) Boat and Trailer (89 mm long, and made to be towed by the # 8 Mustang), the 10) Leyland Pipe Truck (75 mm long), the 11) Jumbo Crane (76 mm long), the 12) Safari Land-Rover (70 mm long), the 13) Wreck Truck (76 mm long), the 14) Iso Grifo Coupé (76 mm long), the 15) Dennis Refuse Truck (64 mm long), the 16) “Mountaineer” Dump Truck with Snowplough (76 mm long), the 17) 8-Wheel Tipper Truck (76 mm long), the 18) Caterpillar “Crawler” Bulldozer (61 mm long), the 19) Lotus Racing Car (70 mm long), the 20) Taxi-Cab (76 mm long), the 21) Milk Delivery Truck, the 22) Pontiac Grand Prix (76 mm long), the 23) Trailer Caravan (76 mm long), the 24) Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow Sedan (76 mm long), the 25) Ford Cortina G.T. Sedan (67 mm long), the 26) GMC Tipper Truck (67 mm long), the 27) Mercedes-Benz 230SL Convertible (71 mm long), the 28) Mark Ten Jaguar Sedan (70 mm long), the 29) Fire Pumper Truck (76 mm long), the 30) 8-Wheel Crane Truck (76 mm long), the 31) Lincoln Continental Sedan (76 mm long), the 32) Leyland Petrol Tanker (76 mm long), the 33) Ford Zephyr Sedan (64 mm long), the 34) Volkswagen Camper (65 mm long), the 35) “Snow Trac” Tractor (56 mm long), the 36) Opel Diplomat Sedan (70 mm long), the 37) Dodge Cattle Truck (65 mm long), the 38) Honda Motorcycle with Trailer (76 mm long), the 39) Ford Tractor (54 mm long), the 40) Hay Trailer for # 39 (86 mm long), the 41) Ford G.T. Racing Car (67 mm long), the 42) Studebaker Station Wagon (76 mm long), the 43) Pony Trailer (67 mm long), the 44) Refrigerator Truck (76 mm long), the 45) Ford Corsair Sedan with Boat (67 mm long), the 46) Mercedes-Benz 300 SE Coupé, the 47) Ice-Cream Mobile Shop (64 mm long), the 48) Dumper Truck (76 mm long), the 49) Mercedes-Benz Unimog Truck (62 mm long), the 50) John Deere-Lanz Tractor (54 mm long), the 51) Tipping Trailer for # 51 (67 mm long), the 52) B.R.M. Racing Car (70 mm long), the 53) Ford Zodiac Mark IV Sedan (70 mm long), the 54) Cadillac Ambulance (73 mm long), the 55) Police Car (73 mm long), the 56) Fiat 1500 Sedan (67 mm long), the 57) Land-Rover Fire Truck (64 mm long), the 58) DAF Girder Truck (76 mm long), the 59) Fire Chief Car (73 mm long), the 60) Leyland Truck with Site Office (65 mm long), the 61) Alvis Stewart Amphibious Truck (66 mm long), the 62) TV Service Van (64 mm long), the 63) Fire-Fighting Crash Tender (61 mm long), the 64) M.G. 1100 Sedan (66 mm long), the 65) Combine Harvester (76 mm long), the 66) Greyhound Bus (76 mm long), the 67) Volkswagen Type 3 1600TL Fastback Sedan (68 mm long), the 68) Mercedes-Benz Coach (73 mm long), the 69) Hatra Tractor Shovel (80 mm long), the 70) Grit Spreader Truck (67 mm long), the 71) Jeep Pickup Truck (67 mm long), the 72) Standard Jeep (61 mm long), the 73) Ferrari Racing Car (67 mm long), the 74) Daimler Bus (76 mm long) and the 75) Ferrari Berlinetta Coupé (73 mm long). Two brand new models revealed without numbers were the Foden Concrete Truck (76 mm long) and the DAF Tipper Container Truck (76 mm long).  DAF is a Dutch brand name, now owned by Paccar Corporation of the United States.  Paccar also manufactures the Kenworth and the Peterbilt commercial truck brands.  DAF used to make small passenger cars in the past in addition to their large commercial trucks.

The Roadways line for 1968 was modernized, and with three sets.  These included the R-1) Roadway, the R-2) Construction Site and the R-3) Farmyard.  I doubt many of these still exist (especially in pristine condition), because they were made out of cardboard.

The MG-1 Service Station was also modernized for 1968.  It was now a one story building, with a much more modern and realistic forecourt and two pumps.

A new product line for 1968 was the “Build A Road” series of three pastic road-building sets.  These included the B-1) Build-A-Road (with 50 pieces), the B-2) Super Build-A-Road (with 90 pieces) and the B-3) De Luxe Build-A-Road (with 130 pieces).

The Major Packs were no more in 1968, but the King Size line had grown to 21 models. This was a good and overdue marketing decision by Lesney Products.  The King Size line for 1968 included the K-1) Foden Tipper Truck (108 mm long), the K-2) KW Dump Truck (143 mm long), the K-3) Hatra Tactor Shovel (150 mm long), the K-4) GMC Tractor Trailer with Hopper Train (286 mm long), the K-5) Racing Car Transporter (127 mm long), the K-6) Mercedes-Benz “Binz” Ambulance (105 mm long), the K-7) SD Refuse Truck (117 mm long), the K-8) Combine Harvester (140 mm long), the K-9) Car Transporter (209 mm long), the K-10) Pipe Truck with 6 Interlocking Pipes (203 mm long), the K-11) Fordson Tractor and Farm Trailer (158 mm long), the K-12) Heavy Breakdown / Wreck Truck (121 mm long), the K-13) Ready-Mix Concrete Truck (114 mm long), the K-14) Jumbo Crane (125 mm long), the K-15) Merryweather Fire Engine (154 mm long), the K-16) Dodge Tractor Trailer with Twin Tippers (302 mm long), the K-17) Low-Loader with Bulldozer (242 mm long), the K-18) Articulated Horse Box (167 mm long), the K-19) Scammell Tipper Truck (121 mm long), the K-20) Tractor Transporter with 3 Detailed Tractors (228 mm long) and the K-21) Mercury Cougar Coupé (105 mm long).  The Mercury Cougar featured working steering and suspension, and was a true competitor to the main product line from Corgi, which featured models in between 1:32 and 1:50-scale.  It was long overdue for Lesney to enter this lucrative market segment.

The Models of Yesteryear line for 1968 included the Y-1) 1911 Model “T” Ford (76 mm long), the Y-2) 1911 Renault 2-Seater (76 mm long), the Y-3) 1910 Benz Limousine (83 mm long), the Y-4) 1909 Opel “Doctor’s” Coupé (79 mm long), the Y-5) 1929 4.5 (S) Litre Bentley (89 mm long), the Y-6) 1913 Cadillac (87 mm long), the Y-7) 1912 Rolls-Royce Landaulet (96 mm long), the Y-8) 1914 Sunbeam Motorcycle with Milford Sidecar (67 mm long), the Y-9) 1912 Simplex (96 mm long), the Y-10) 1928 Mercedes-Benz 36/220 Convertible (96 mm long), the Y-11) 1912 Packard Landaulet (82 mm long), the Y-12) 1909 Thomas Flyabout (102 mm long), the Y-13) 1911 Daimler Convertible (85 mm long), the Y-14) 1911 Maxwell Roadster (82 mm long), the Y-15) 1907 Rolls Royce Silver Ghost (83 mm long) and the Y-16) 1904 Spyker (83 mm long). Simplex is a former luxury automobile manufacturer which was based on Long Island, New York.

The Gift Sets line for 1968 included the G-1) Service Station Set (compete with the new “MG-1 Service Station” and 3 cars), the G-2) Transporter Set (compete with the “King Size” Car Transporter and 4 cars), the G-3) Farm Set (compete with 8 vehicles), the G-4) Race ‘n Rally Set (compete with 10 vehicles), the G-5) Famous Cars of Yesteryear Set (compete with 4 “Models of Yesteryear”) and the G-6) Truck Set (complete with 8 trucks).

The 1968 color catalogue then had an interesting segment on the manufacturing and production process for Matchbox models.  From a zinc mine in Canada (for the raw materials), to the diecasting process (to make the small vehicles), to making plastics from unrefined crude oil, to painting (the pigment is mined in Australia and Africa), to paper for the boxes (from pine forests in Scandinavia) – the whole process was described with pictures and text.  This was good public relations and a good marketing idea.

Finally, the 1968 “Lesney Veteran Car Gifts” line returned with a large box, a pipe tray and a single pen stand (and a choice of 3 “Models of Yesteryear” finished in either silver or gold, and fastened to the box, tray or stand).

1969 Matchbox Model Year: a New Product Line to meet a New Challenge

One to two years before 1969 Lesney Products received the greatest challenge ever to its Matchbox product line.  This came from Mattel Toys, which launched the “Hot Wheels” product line.  Eventually (many years into the future), Mattel would win out, and purchase Matchbox itself.  Today, Mattel owns both the Matchbox and Dinky brand names.

The “Hot Wheels” product line from Mattel Toys in 1967 and 1968 featured very thin axles, which made for very high speed.  They also introduced a line of orange-colored plastic track sets, on which “Hot Wheels” cars could be run.  These particular track sets included accessories such as loops, curves, jumps, power-boosters and race-track finish lines.  The Hot Wheels vehicles featured “mag,” “chrome” or “sport” type wheels, wild and metallic paint designs and an extreme amount of customizing.  What did this mean? “Hot Wheels” vehicles were often much more like “hot rods” and a lot less like vehicles one would see on the streets of the world in every-day traffic.  Furthermore, the “Hot Wheels” toys were manufactured in Hong Kong, which had much lower labor costs than affluent England, and no wage and benefit problems with organized labor unions.

In 1969, Lesney actually released two versions of the “Matchbox Collector’s Catalogue,” one early in the year and one much later in the year.  Why was this done for the first time ever?  Quite frankly, because Lesney Products had to respond quickly to the Hot Wheels challenge with its own “Superfast” line of new cars and (yellow-colored) plastic track sets.  The “Superfast” cars still came from England, but at least for North America, many of the new track sets were manufactured in Canada.

The color cover of the 1969 “Matchbox Collector’s Catalogue” featured 1-75 Series models depicted on a superhighway, or freeway.  These roads are called “Autobahnen” in German-speaking Europe, “Superhighways” in the United Kingdom, “Freeways” in the Western United States, “Interstates” in the Southern United States and “Parkways” in the Northeastern USA.  The picture on the front cover of the Matchbox catalogue was somewhat peculiar.  It featured cars with the steering wheel on the left (as in most of the modern world), but vehicles driving on the left-hand side of the road (as in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and India).  The “view” of the superhighway was as seen from within a car being driven, looking out through the windshield.  The rear view mirror, the dashboard, the steering wheel and the driver’s hands were all visible.  Matchbox vehicles seen on the cover (i.e., through the windshield) included the Fiat 1500 Sedan, the Iso Grifo Coupé, the GMC Tipper Truck, the Mercedes-Benz Coach (a passenger bus), the Safari Land-Rover and the Ford Pickup Truck.  It was as if the reader was driving the car!  The back cover of the catalogue featured the same picture as the front.  On the US version, it also had the contact information for Fred Bronner Corporation, the exclusive US distributor for Lesney Products and Company, Limited of England.

Inside the front cover, Matchbox carrying cases were the first products to be featured. They were for 24, 48 or 72 of the 1-75 Series models.  Unfortunately, none of these cases were able to hold models complete with their boxes.  A brand new 1969 product also featured was the “Matchbox Home Display” case.  These were intended for wall display, and were a great way to display a collection as well as to fight off the persistent adversary of house dust.  A company on Long Island, New York (USA), known as “Neil’s Wheels, Inc.” eventually patented their very own product called the “Magic Box.”  The Magic Box was similar to, but even better than the Matchbox Home Display case.  The owner, Neil Waldmann, has since passed away.  But his widow Irene still sold the inter-locking “Magic Box” for many years thereafter.

Another nice new 1969 product from Lesney was the “Matchbox Traffic Game.”  This was a board game set up like a road intersection, and made for anywhere from two to four players.  Still another new exciting product from Lesney was the “Matchbox Motorway.” This allowed the 1-75 Series models to be adapted for use upon a motorized (i.e., electric) plastic race track.  Set number MW-12 had 14 feet of track, and there was a brand new “Extension Set” with 6 more feet of track.

The 1-75 Series in 1969 included the 1) Mercedes-Benz Truck (76 mm long), the 2) Mercedes-Benz Trailer for # 1 (90 mm long), the 3) Mercedes-Benz “Binz” Ambulance (74 mm long), the 4) Dodge Stake Truck (74 mm long), the 5) London Bus (71 mm long), the 6) Ford Pickup Truck (a new model with the “auto steer” feature and 71 mm long), the 7) Ford Refuse Truck (76 mm long), the 8) Ford Mustang Fastback (74 mm long), the 9) Boat and Trailer (90 mm long), the 10) Leyland Pipe Truck (75 mm long), the 11) Jumbo Crane (76 mm long), the 12) Safari Land-Rover (70 mm long), the 13) Wreck Truck (76 mm long), the 14) Iso Grifo Coupé (76 mm long), the 15) Volkswagen Beetle 1500 Sedan (a new model with the “auto steer” feature and 74 mm long), the 16) Case Bulldozer (65 mm long), the 17) Leyland Horse Box Truck (74 mm long), the 18) Field Car (a new model with the “auto steer” feature and 67 mm long), the 19) Lotus Racing Car (70 mm long), the 20) Taxi-cab (76 mm long), the 21) Foden Concrete Truck (76 mm long), the 22) Pontiac Grand Prix (76 mm long), the 23) Trailer Caravan (76 mm long), the 24) Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow Sedan (76 mm long), the 25) Ford Cortina G.T. Sedan (67 mm long), the 26) GMC Tipper Truck (67 mm long), the 27) Mercedes-Benz 230 SL Convertible (71 mm long), the 28) Mack Dump Truck (67 mm long), the 29) Fire Pumper Truck (76 mm long), the 30) 8-Wheel Crane (76 mm long), the 31) Lincoln-Continental Sedan (76 mm long), the 32) Leyland Petrol Tanker (76 mm long), the 33) Lamborghini Miura Coupé (a new model with the “auto steer” feature and 70 mm long), the 34) Volkswagen Camper (65 mm long), the 35) “Snow-Trac” Tractor (56 mm long), the 36) Opel Diplomat Sedan (70 mm long), the 37) Dodge Cattle Truck (65 mm long), the 38) Honda Motorcycle with Trailer (76 mm long), the 39) Ford Tractor (54 mm long), the 40) Hay Trailer for # 39 (86 mm long), the 41) Ford G.T. Racing Car (67 mm long), the 42) Studebaker Station Wagon (76 mm long), the 43) Pony Trailer (67 mm long), the 44) Refrigeration Truck (76 mm long), the 45) Ford Corsair Sedan with Boat (67 mm long), the 46) Mercedes-Benz 300 SE Coupé (73 mm long), the 47) DAF Tipper Container Truck (76 mm long), the 48) Dumper Truck (76 mm long), the 49) Mercedes-Benz Unimog Truck (62 mm long), the 50) Ford Kennel Truck (a new model with the “auto steer” feature and 70 mm long), the 51) Leyland 8-Wheel Tipper Truck (76 mm long), the 52) BRM Racing Car (70 mm long), the 53) Ford Zodiac Mark IV Sedan (70 mm long), the 54) Cadillac Ambulance (73 mm long), the 55) Mercury Police Car (a new model with the “auto steer” feature and 73 mm long), the 56) Fiat 1500 Sedan (67 mm long), the 57) Land-Rover Fire Truck (64 mm long), the 58) DAF Girder Truck (76 mm long), the 59) Fire Chief Car (73 mm long), the 60) Leyland Truck with Site Office (65 mm long), the 61) Alvis Stewart Amphibious Truck (66 mm long), the 62) Mercury Cougar Coupé (a new model with the “auto steer” feature and 76 mm long), the 63) Dodge Crane Truck (76 mm long), the 64) M.G. 1100 Sedan (66 mm long), the 65) Combine Harvester (76 mm long), the 66) Greyhound Bus (76 mm long), the 67) Volkswagen Type 3 1600 TL Fastback Sedan (68 mm long), the 68) Mercedes-Benz Coach (73 mm long), the 69) Hatra Tractor Shovel (80 mm long), the 70) Grit Spreader Truck (67 mm long), the 71) Ford Heavy Wreck Truck (76 mm long), the 72) Standard Jeep (61 mm long), the 73) Mercury Commuter Station Wagon (a new model with the “auto steer” feature and 67 mm long), the 74) Daimler Bus (76 mm long) and the 75) Ferrari Berlinetta Coupé (73 mm long).  No new future releases were shown in 1969.

The “Matchbox Build A Road” line for 1969 included the BR-1) Build-A-Road (with 50 pieces), the BR-2) Super Build-A-Road (with 90 pieces) and the BR-3) DeLuxe Build-A-Road (with 130 pieces).  These were made of interlocking-plastic pieces.  Brand new accessory packs for these sets included the BR-11) 6 pieces of 6-inch straight track, the BR-12) 2 complete 4-way intersections, the BR-13) 10 pieces of 45 degree curved track and the BR-14) bridge supports and railings.

The “Matchbox Pop-up Roadways” line for 1969 included the R-1) Roadway, the R-2) Construction Site and the R-3) Farmyard.

The improved “Matchbox MG-1 Service Station” returned in 1969.

Another brand new product line for 1969 was the “Matchbox Picture Puzzles,” which featured “Matchbox” models seen in highly-realistic diorama settings. Photos turned into puzzles included the Ford Tractor and Trailer in a farmyard diorama, 2 Greyhound buses on a winding mountain road and the Standard Jeep.

The King Size line for 1969 included the K-1) Foden Tipper Truck (108 mm long), the K-2) Scammel Heavy Wreck Truck (110 mm long), the K-3) Hatra Tractor Shovel (150 mm long), the K-4) GMC Tractor Trailer with Hopper Train (286 mm long), the K-5) Racing Car Transporter (127 mm long), the K-6) Mercedes-Benz “Binz” Ambulance (105 mm long and with “True Guide Steering”), the K-7) SD Refuse Truck (117 mm long), the K-8) Car Transporter (209 mm long), the K-9) Combine Harvester (140 mm long), the K-10) Pipe Truck (203 mm long), the K-11) Fordson Tractor and Farm Trailer (158 mm long), the K-12) Heavy Wreck / Breakdown Truck (121 mm long), the K-13) Ready-Mix Concrete Truck (114 mm long), the K-14) Jumbo Crane (125 mm long), the K-15) Merryweather Fire Engine (154 mm long), the K-16) Dodge Tractor Trailer with Twin Tippers (302 mm long), the K-17) Low-Loader with Bulldozer (242 mm long), the K-18) Articulated Horse Box (167 mm long), the K-19) Scammel Tipper Truck (121 mm long), the K-20) Tractor Transporter with 3 Tractors (228 mm long), the K-21) Mercury Cougar Coupé (105 mm long and with “True Guide Steering”), the K-22) Dodge Charger Fastback (115 mm long and with “True Guide Steering”), the K-23) Mercury Station Wagon Police Car (111 mm long and with “True Guide Steering”) and the K-24) Lamborghini Miura Coupé (102 mm long and with “True Guide Steering”).  “True Guide Steering” was the King Size version of the “Auto Steer” feature introduced to the 1-75 Series’ Ford Mustang Fastback Coupé in 1968.

The Models of Yesteryear line for 1969 included the Y-1) 1911 Model “T” Ford (76 mm long), the Y-2) 1911 Renault 2-Seater (76 mm long), the Y-3) 1910 Benz
Limousine (83 mm long), the Y-4) 1909 Opel “Doctor’s” Coupé (79 mm long), the Y-5) 1907 Peugeot (89 mm long), the Y-6) 1913 Cadillac (87 mm long), the Y-7) 1912 Rolls-Royce Landaulet (96 mm long), the Y-8) 1914 Sunbeam Motorcycle with Milford Sidecar (67 mm long), the Y-9) 1912 Simplex (96 mm long), the Y-10) 1928 Mercedes-Benz 36/220 Convertible (96 mm long), the Y-11) 1912 Packard Landaulet (82 mm long), the Y-12) 1909 Thomas Flyabout (102 mm long), the Y-13) 1911 Daimler (85 mm long), the Y-14) 1911 Maxwell Roadster (82 mm long), the Y-15) 1906 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost (83 mm long) and the Y-16) 1904 Spyker (83 mm long).

The Gift Sets line for 1969 included the G-1) Service Station Set (compete with the MG-1 Service Station and 3 vehicles), the G-2) Transporter Set (complete with the “King Size” Car Transporter and 4 cars), the G-3) Farm Set (complete with 8 vehicles), the G-4) Race ‘n Rally Set (complete with 10 vehicles), the G-5) Famous Cars of Yesteryear Set (complete with 4 “Models of Yesteryear”) and the G-6) Truck Set (complete with 8 trucks).

A very interesting section followed in the 1969 color catalogue which described the history of the wheel.  It started with the Stone Age, continued with an Egyptian Chariot and a Roman Ox-cart from 1,400 years B.C., a stage coach from 1825, the first petrol (gasoline in American English)-driven car in 1855, the first pneumatic tire in 1888, the 1912 Rolls-Royce (one of the “Models of Yesteryear”) and concluded with the modern wheels of 1969.

The Lesney Veteran Car Gifts line for adults in 1969 returned with a Stainless Steel Tray, a Utility Box and a Pipe Tray. “Models of Yesteryear” which could be fixed to these items and finished in either silver or gold included the 1911 Maxwell Roadster or the 1906 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost.

1969 Special Edition

As previously mentioned, 1969 featured a second “special edition” of the Matchbox Collector’s Catalogue.  This was released later in 1969, and had the words “SECOND EDITION” typed in red letters within a yellow circle located in the lower right hand corner of the front cover.  The main purpose for this was of course to introduce the “Superfast” product line to compete with the very serious challenge launched by Mattel Toys’ “Hot Wheels.”  17 new models were introduced, including nine “Superfast” cars designed for use upon the new track sets.

The first plastic yellow track sets (made in both England and Canada for the North American market) were the SF-1) Speed Set, the SF-3) Curve and Space Leap Set and the SF-4) Double Loop Race Set.

New or changed 1-75 Series models included the 5) Lotus Europa Coupé (73 mm long and with “Superfast” wheels), the 11) Mercedes-Benz Scaffolding Truck (67 mm long), the 14) Iso Grifo Coupé (76 mm long and with “Superfast” wheels), the 15) Volkswagen 1500 Beetle Sedan (74 mm long and now with “Superfast” wheels – no more “Auto Steer”), the 20) Lamborghini Marzal Sedan with Gullwing Doors (70 mm long and with “Superfast” wheels), the 33) Lamborghini Miura Coupé (70 mm long and with “Superfast” wheels), the 41) Ford G.T. Racing Car (67 mm long and with “Superfast” wheels), the Fairy Iron Crane (76 mm long), the 56) BMC Pininfarina Sedan (70 mm long and with “Superfast” wheels), the 62) Mercury Cougar Coupé (76 mm long and with “Superfast” wheels), the 67) Volkswagen Type 3 1600TL Fastback Sedan (68 mm long and with “Superfast” wheels), the 74) Daimler Bus (76 mm long and now in Red instead of Green exterior paint).  Needless to say, no “Superfast” model could have the “Auto Steer” function.

Changes to the King Size line included the K-12) Crane Truck (121 mm long) and the K-24) Lamborhini Miura Coupé (now in Red instead of Yellow exterior paint, and with an opening rear engine compartment instead of opening passenger doors).

Changes to the Models of Yesteryear line included the Y-5) 1907 Peugeot (89 mm long and now in Yellow instead of Blue exterior paint), the Y-8) 1914 Stutz Type 4E Roadster (86 mm long) and finally the Y-10) 1906 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost (94 mm long and thus a long-wheelbase model compared to the similar but shorter Y-15).

1970 Matchbox Model Year: the Full “Superfast” Line

In 1970, most models within the 1-75 Series finally featured the new “Superfast” wheels. This was something Lesney had to do in order to stay financially afloat against the Hot Wheels challenge by Mattel.  It would buy some valuable time for Lesney Products, at least for a little over one decade.  I believe that it was the higher English labor costs that would finally do Lesney in as a company.

Product lines such as “Matchbox Motorway,” complete with the “Matchbox Extension Set,” returned in 1970.  The same held true for the three sets within the “Matchbox Build A Road” line.  The front and rear covers of the 1970 color catalogue featured the identical painted collage of various Matchbox models.  The exclusive American importer “Fred Bronner Corporation” was now known as Lesney Products Corporation of the USA.

A brand new product line for 1970 were the “Matchbox Magnetic Action Centers,” which featured realistic play dioramas in the way of the 1) “Matchbox Action Repair Center,” the 2) “Matchbox Action Farm Center” and the 3) “Matchbox Action Freight Center.” Tiny magnet-operated people would move around and service “Matchbox” vehicles.

An even more exciting brand new product for 1970 was the “Matchbox U.S.A. Play and Game Case” for the North American market.  This was a washable vinyl suitcase which would unfold into a miniature “city” diorama for “Matchbox” vehicles.  It featured roads, buildings, ramps, a heliport and an elevator.

The Matchbox Collector’s Cases for 24, 48 and 72 of the 1-75 Series vehicles returned as well in 1970.  Unfortunately, these could not hold the boxes – just the cars themselves. The “Matchbox Traffic Game” was also back in 1970, as well as the “Steer-n-go” sets (the Village Roadway, the Dune Buggy Roadway and the Grand Prix Roadway).  These three sets featured a simulated wood steering wheel, a gear lever, an ignition switch, a hand brake, a lap counter and a timing device.  A new product for 1970 which I never would have made was the “Matchbox Crash Game.”  Children will crash and ruin their toys without such encouragement!  It is for this reason that so few old models continue to exist in pristine condition.

Perhaps the most exciting new toys launched by Lesney Products in 1970 were the “Matchbox Superfast” track sets.  There were seven sets in all, with each successive set being larger and having more track and features.  From this point on, I will merely denote those 1-75 Series models not fitted with “Superfast” wheels, since they have been in the small minority since the 1970 model year.  Suggested retail price for the 1-75 Series increased to US $0.69 each in the American market.  Here are a few observations.  The Superfast number 12 (Safari Land-Rover) in light blue is so rare, that I have seen it worth up to US $1,800 a few years ago.  Look at the following Matchbox enthusiast website for this and other information: www.shabbir.com/matchbox/mbmenu.html.  The Chinese toy maker “Maisto” makes a modern version of the # 34 Matchbox VW Camper.  The Matchbox toy was silver, but the new Maisto toy is white.

The 1-75 Series for 1970 included the 1) Mercedes-Benz Truck (76 mm long), the 2) Mercedes-Benz Trailer (90 mm long), the 3) Mercedes-Benz “Binz” Ambulance (74 mm long), the 4) Dodge Stake Truck (74 mm long), the 5) Lotus Europa Coupé (73 mm long), the 6) Ford Pickup Truck (71 mm long), the 7) Ford Refuse Truck (76 mm long), the 8) Ford Mustang Fastback (74 mm long), the 9) Boat and Trailer (90 mm long), the 10) Leyland Pipe Truck (75 mm long), the 11) Mercedes-Benz Scaffold Truck (67 mm long), the 12) Safari Land-Rover (70 mm long), the 13) Dodge Wreck Truck (76 mm long), the 14) Iso Grifo Coupé (76 mm long), the 15) Volkswagen 1500 Beetle Sedan (72 mm long), the 16) Case Bulldozer (64 mm long and a non-Superfast model), the 17) Leyland Horse Box (72 mm long and a non-Superfast model), the 18) Field Car (68 mm long), the 19) Lotus Racing Car (70 mm long), the 20) Lamborghini Marzal Gullwing Sedan (70 mm long), the 21) Foden Concrete Truck (75 mm long and a non-Superfast model), the 22) Pontiac Grand Prix (76 mm long), the 23) Volkswagen Bay Window “Dormobile” Camper (67 mm long), the 24) Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow Sedan (76 mm long), the 25) Ford Cortina GT (67 mm long), the 26) GMC Tipper Truck (67 mm long), the 27) Mercedes-Benz 230SL Convertible (71 mm long), the 28) Mack Dump Truck (67 mm long), the 29) Fire Pumper Truck (76 mm long), the 30) 8-Wheel Crane Truck (76 mm long), the 31) Lincoln Continental Sedan (76 mm long), the 32) Leyland Petrol Tanker Truck (76 mm long), the 33) Lamborghini Miura Coupé (71 mm long), the 34) Volkswagen Microbus Camper (65 mm long and a non-Superfast model), the 35) Merryweather Marquis Fire Engine Truck (76 mm long), the 36) Opel Diplomat Sedan (70 mm long), the 37) Dodge Cattle Truck (65 mm long), the 38) Honda Motor-cyle with Trailer (76 mm long), the 39) Ford Tractor (54 mm long and a non-Superfast model), the 40) Hay Trailer for # 39 (86 mm long and a non-Superfast model), the 41) Ford GT Racing Car (67 mm long), the 42) Iron Fairy Crane (76 mm long and a non-Superfast model), the 43) Pony Trailer (67 mm long), the 44) Refrigerator Truck (76 mm long), the 45) Ford Group Six Racing Car (76 mm long), the 46) Mercedes-Benz 300SE Coupé (73 mm long), the 47) DAF Tipper Container Truck (76 mm long), the 48) Dodge Dumper Truck (76 mm long), the 49) Mercedes-Benz Unimog Truck (62 mm long), the 50) Ford Kennel Truck (71 mm long and a non-Superfast model), the 51) Leyland 8-Wheel Tipper Truck (76 mm long and a non-Superfast model), the 52) Dodge Charger Mark III (76 mm long), the 53) Ford Zodiac Mark IV Sedan (70 mm long), the 54) Cadillac Ambulance (73 mm long), the 55) Mercury Police Car (78 mm long), the 56) BMC 1800 Pininfarina Sedan (70 mm long), the 57) Eccles Caravan (77 mm long), the 58) DAF Girder Truck (76 mm long), the 59) Ford Fire Chief Car (73 mm long), the 60) Leyland Truck with Site Office (65 mm long), the 61) Alvis Stalwart Amphibious Truck (66 mm long and a non-Superfast model), the 62) Mercury Cougar Coupé (76 mm long), the 63) Dodge Crane Truck (76 mm long), the 64) MG 1100 Sedan (66 mm long), the 65) Combine Harvester (76 mm long and a non-Superfast model), the 66) Greyhound Bus (76 mm long and a non-Superfast model), the 67) Volkswagen Type 3 1600 TL Fastback Sedan (68 mm long), the 68) Porsche 910 Racing Car (76 mm long), the 69) Rolls-Royce Convertible (77 mm long), the 70) Grit Spreader Truck (67 mm long and a non-Superfast model), the 71) Ford Heavy Wreck Truck (76 mm long), the 72) Standard Jeep (61 mm long), the 73) Mercury Commuter Station Wagon (78 mm long), the 74) Daimler Bus (76 mm long) and the 75) Ferrari Berlinetta Coupé (73 mm long).

The King Size line for 1970 still used all regular wheels – no Superfast yet.  These included the K-1) O&K Excavator (124 mm long), the K-2) Scammell Heavy Wreck Truck (110 mm long), the K-3) Massey Ferguson Tractor and Trailer (203 mm long), the K-4) Leyland Tipper Truck (114 mm long), the K-5) Racing Car Transporter (127 mm long), the K-6) Mercedes-Benz “Binz” Ambulance (105 mm long), the K-7) Caterpillar Traxcavator (106 mm long), the K-8) S.D. Refuse Truck (117 mm long), the K-9) Class Combine Harvester (140 mm long), the K-10) Scammell Pipe Truck (203 mm long), the K-11) DAF Car Transporter (228 mm long), the K-12) Scammell Crane Truck (152 mm long), the K-13) Ready Mix Concrete Truck (114 mm long), the K-14) Jumbo Crane (125 mm long), the K-15) Merryweather Fire Engine (154 mm long), the K-16) Dodge Tractor Trailer with Twin Tippers (302 mm long), the K-17) Ford Low Loader with Bulldozer (242 mm long), the K-18) Articulated Horse Transporter (167 mm long), the K-19) Scammell Tipper Truck (121 mm long), the K-20) Ford Tractor Transporter (228 mm long), the K-21) Mercury Cougar (105 mm long), the K-22) Dodge Charger Fastback (115 mm long), the K-23) Mercury Station Wagon Police Car (111 mm long) and the K-24) Lamborghini Miura Coupé (100 mm long).

The line of Gift Sets were renamed “Supersets” in 1970.  The five new sets were the G-1) Service Station Set (with three vehicles), the G-2) Transporter Set (with one “King Size” Transporter and five cars), the G-3) Superfast Racing Specials Set (with six cars), the G-4) Truck Set (with eight trucks) and the G-5) “Models of Yesteryear” Set (with four cars).

An improved and upgraded “Matchbox Service Station” made its debut in 1970.  This “BP” station featured a forecourt, two gasoline pumps, a sign, parking spaces and outdoor service spaces for two cars.  One of the spaces featured a plasic hoist with the “Castrol” motor oil logo.

A new product for 1970 was a book titled “Mike and the Model Makers.”  This “Matchbox Book” described and illustrated the processes in making Matchbox toy cars – another good marketing idea.

The Models of Yesteryear line for 1970 included the Y-1) 1911 Model T Ford (76 mm long), the Y-2) 1911 Renault 2-Seater (76 mm long), the Y-3) 1910 Benz Limousine (83 mm long), the Y-4) 1909 Opel “Doctor’s” Coupé (79 mm long), the Y-5) 1907 Peugeot (89 mm long), the Y-6) 1913 Cadillac (87 mm long), the Y-7) 1912 Rolls-Royce Landaulet (96 mm long), the Y-8) 1914 Stutz Roadster (86 mm long), the Y-9) 1912 Simplex (96 mm long), the Y-10) 1906 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost (94 mm long), the Y-11) 1912 Packard Landaulet (82 mm long), the Y-12) 1909 Thomas Flyabout (102 mm long), the Y-13) 1911 Daimler (85 mm long), the Y-14) 1911 Maxwell Roadster (82 mm long), the Y-15) 1930 Packard Victoria (107 mm long) and the Y-16) 1904 Spyker (83 mm long).

The Veteran Car Gifts line for 1970 included a line of attractive ashtrays, boxes, penstands and bookends with Models of Yesteryear cars finished in either gold or silver.  Models included the 1912 Rolls-Royce Landaulet, the 1913 Cadillac, the 1909 Thomas Flyabout, the 1909 Opel “Doctor’s” Coupé, the 1911 Maxwell Roadster, the 1911 Model T Ford, the 1911 Daimler and the 1928 Mercedes-Benz.  Note: the 1928 Mercedes-Benz was available here, although it had already been discontinued from the Models of Yesteryear line.

The 1970 Color Catalogue ended with a feature article on “The Future.”  What did people of 1970 see in their crystal ball?  Much more futuristic and aerodynamic car bodies than we know today, motorways equipped with electric wires beneath the surface (to “instruct” cars), programmed journey cassettes, cars riding on air cushions instead of wheels, Wankel rotary engines, turbine engines and finally atomic-powered cars.  Very little of this has actually transpired in the last 40 years.  The ironic thing is that modern nuclear power is literally the most environmentally friendly thing we human beings could do today.  It is safe, inexpensive and no longer produces radioactive waste (”waste” can now be recycled into new nuclear energy, thus creating an inexhaustible supply of energy).  We would no longer require fossil fuels, we would no longer emit carbon dioxide into the earth’s atmosphere, we would no longer squander our food resources on ethanol and we would save a tremendous amount of capital for more productive uses.  Ethanol requires corn, sugar cane or palm leaves, takes up farmland otherwise available to grow food for human consumption and requires a tremendous amount of water for irrigation and chemical fertilizers.  The chemicals can pollute ground water sources but more importantly rivers, lakes and the oceans – the main source of food on the earth.

1971 Matchbox Model Year: the First “Hot Rods”

In 1971, Lesney Products “modernized” their product line to include brand new, customized versions of older models, and some all-new “hot rods” as well.  This was of course done to meet the very serious challenge presented by Mattel Toys’ line of Hot Wheels cars.  Although I have never been a fan of such customized cars, I wish Lesney had been far more consistent in marketing products such as their line of “Superfast” track sets and things like the “Matchbox U.S.A. Play and Game Case.”  The track sets could be found in American toy stores of the time period such as “King Norman’s” in both 1969 and 1970, but by 1971 they were almost impossible to locate.  Furthermore, the quality of the plastic track made in Canada left much to be desired.  They would break at the ends, meaning they could no longer be joined.  The plastic track from England was far superior in quality, but unfortunately much less common in American retail outlets.

The new “customized” car models were no longer confined just to the 1-75 Series in 1971.  King Size cars would be fitted with “Superfast” wheels and be customized henceforth as well.

The front and rear covers of the 1971 “Matchbox Collector’s Catalogue” featured two racing cars.  The inside front cover featured a massive painted mountain test track, complete with Superfast track, a loop and a power booster.  The track sets themselves were not featured in the 1971 catalgoue, and they became ever more difficult to find in retail outlets.  This was something Lesney should have addressed, but did not.  As usual from 1970 onward, I will only denote “non-Superfast” 1-75 Series cars, as they became an ever smaller minority within the product line.

The 1-75 Series for 1971 included the 1) Mercedes-Benz Truck (76 mm long), the 2) Mercedes-Benz Trailer (90 mm long), the 3) Mercedes-Benz “Binz” Ambulance (74 mm long), the 4) Dodge Stake Truck (74 mm long), the 5) Lotus Europa Coupé (73 mm long), the 6) Ford Pickup Truck (71 mm long), the 7) Ford Refuse Truck (76 mm long), the 8) Ford Mustang Wildcat Dragster (74 mm long), the 9) Boat and Trailer (90 mm long), the 10) Leyland Pipe Truck (75 mm long), the 11) Mercedes-Benz Scaffold Truck (67 mm long), the 12) Setra Coach (75 mm long), the 13) Dodge Wreck Truck (76 mm long), the 14) Iso Grifo Coupé (76 mm long), the 15) Volkswagen 1500 Beetle Sedan (72 mm long), the 16) Case Bulldozer (64 mm long and a non-Superfast model), the 17) Leyland Horse Box Truck (72 mm long), the 18) Field Car (68 mm long), the 19) Road Dragster (75 mm long), the 20) Lamborghini Marzal Gullwing Sedan (70 mm long), the 21) Foden Concrete Truck (75 mm long), the 22) Freeman Inter-City Commuter Van (75 mm long), the 23) Volkswagen Bay Window Dormobile Camper (67 mm long), the 24) Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow Sedan (76 mm long), the 25) Ford Cortina GT Sedan (67 mm long), the 26) GMC Tipper Truck (67 mm long), the 27) Mercedes-Benz 230SL Convertible (71 mm long), the 28) Mack Dump Truck (67 mm long), the 29) Racing Mini Cooper (57 mm long), the 30) Volkswagen Beach Buggy (65 mm long), the 31) Lincoln Continental Sedan (76 mm long), the 32) Leyland Petrol Tanker Truck (76 mm long), the 33) Lamborghini Miura Coupé (71 mm long), the 34) Formula 1 Racing Car (73 mm long), the 35) Merryweather Marquis Fire Engine (76 mm long), the 36) Hot Rod “Draguar” Jaguar (73 mm long), the 37) Dodge Cattle Truck (65 mm long), the 38) Honda Motor-cycle with Trailer (76 mm long), the 39) Ford Tractor (54 mm long and a non-Superfast model), the 40) Hay Trailer for # 39 (86 mm long and a non-Superfast model), the 41) Ford GT Racing Car, the 42) Iron Fairy Crane, the 43) Pony Trailer (67 mm long), the 44) Refrigerator Truck (76 mm long), the 45) Ford Group Six Racing Car (76 mm long), the 46) Mercedes-Benz 300SE Coupé (73 mm long), the 47) DAF Tipper Container Truck (76 mm long), the 48) Dumper Truck (76 mm long), the 49) Mercedes-Benz Unimog Truck (62 mm long), the 50) Ford Kennel Truck (71 mm long), the 51) Leyland 8-Wheel Tipper Truck (76 mm long), the 52) Dodge Charger Mark III (76 mm long), the 53) Ford Zodiac Mark IV (70 mm long), the 54) Ford Capri Coupé (73 mm long), the 55) Mercury Station Wagon Police Car (78 mm long), the 56) BMC 1800 Pininfarina Sedan (70 mm long), the 57) Eccles Caravan (77 mm long), the 58) DAF Girder Truck (76 mm long), the 59) Mercury Fire Chief Car (73 mm long), the 60) Leyland Truck with Site Office (65 mm long), the 61) Alvis Stalwart Amphibious Truck (66 mm long and a non-Superfast model), the 62) Mercury Cougar “Rat Rod” Dragster (76 mm long), the 63) Dodge Crane Truck (76 mm long), the 64) MG 1100 Sedan (66 mm long), the 65) Combine Harvester (76 mm long and a non-Superfast model), the 66) Greyhound Bus (76 mm long), the 67) Volkswagen Type 3 1600TL Fastback Sedan (68 mm long), the 68) Porsche 910 Racing Car (76 mm long), the 69) Rolls-Royce Convertible (77 mm long), the 70) Grit Spreader Truck (67 mm long), the 71) Ford Heavy Wreck Truck (76 mm long), the 72) Standard Jeep (61 mm long), the 73) Mercury Commuter Station Wagon (78 mm long), the 74) Daimler Bus (76 mm long) and the 75) Alfa-Romeo Carabo Gullwing Sports Car (76 mm long).  Future releases such as a hot rod Volkswagen dune buggy were shown with no model numbers.

A new product for 1971 (which would not last long) was the “Matchbox Autopark” rotating garage.  This was meant to connect to “Superfast” track sets.  Cars would come up to the garage ramp, and then eventually fill ten parking spaces.  The three Matchbox Collectors’ Cases would return in 1971, for 24, 48 and 72 “1-75 Series” cars.  Over the course of many years, different pictures would be featured on the case fronts.  The “Matchbox Pop-up” Roadways also returned in 1971.  These included the R-1) Roadway, the R-2) Construction Site and the R-3) Farmyard.  The “Matchbox Motorway” also returned in 1971, albeit with no extension set.  The “Matchbox Magnetic Action Centers” were also back in 1971.  These included the Action Repair Center, the Action Freight Center and the Action Farm Center.

The “Matchbox Steer-n-go” toy was also back in 1971.  The sets included a Village Roadway (with 6 buildings), a Dune Buggy Roadway (with 10 course marking flags) and a Grand Prix Roadway (with a grandstand and a finishing gate).

The King Size line was renamed “Super Kings” in 1971, alluding to new “Superfast” wheels.  Henceforth, I will merely denote models without “Superfast” wheels.  The Super Kings line for 1971 included the K-1) Scammel Heavy Wreck Truck (120 mm long), the K-2) O&K Excavator (124 mm long and a non-Superfast model), the K-3) Massey Ferguson Tractor and Trailer (203 mm long and a non-Superfast model), the K-4) Leyland Tipper Truck (114 mm long), the K-5) Racing Car Transporter (127 mm long and a non-Superfast model), the K-6) Cement Mixer Truck (147 mm long), the K-7) S.D. Refuse Truck (117 mm long), the K-8) Caterpillar Traxcavator (106 mm long and a non-Superfast model), the K-9) Claas Combine Harvester (140 mm long and a non-Superfast model), the K-10) Scammell Pipe Truck (203 mm long), the K-11) DAF Car Transporter (228 mm long and a non-Superfast model), the K-12) Scammell Crane Truck (152 mm long), the K-13) DAF Building Transporter Truck (147 mm long), the K-14) Scammell Freight Truck (139 mm long), the K-15) Merryweather Fire Engine (154 mm long), the K-16) Dodge Tractor Trailer with Twin Tippers (302 mm long and a non-Superfast model), the K-17) Ford Low Loader with Bulldozer (242 mm long), the K-18) Dodge Articulated Horse Transporter (167 mm long), the K-19) Scammell Tipper Truck (121 mm long), the K-20) Ford Tractor Transporter (228 mm long), the K-21) Mercury Cougar Dragster (105 mm long), the K-22) Dodge Dragster (115 mm long), the K-23) Mercury Station Wagon Police Car (111 mm long), the K-24) Lamborghini Miura Coupé (100 mm long), the K-25) Seaburst Power Boat and Trailer (152 mm long), the K-26) Mercedes-Benz “Binz” Ambulance (105 mm long), the K-27) Camping Cruiser (111 mm long), the K-28) Drag Pack with Mercury Station Wagon towing Mercury Cougar Dragster on Trailer (252 mm long) and the K-29) Miura Seaburst Set with Lamborghini Miura towing Seaburst Boat on Trailer (252 mm long).  As one can see, the King Size product line was growing rapidly – important if Lesney was to compete with the likes of Corgi Toys.

The line of gift sets in 1971 was renamed “Supersets.”  These incuded the G-1) Service Station Set (with three vehicles), the G-2) Transporter Set (with a “King Size” car transporter and five cars), the G-3) Superfast Racing Specials Set (complete with six cars and unique decals), the G-4) Truck Set (with eight trucks) and the G-5) “Models of Yesteryear” Set (complete with four vintage vehicles).

A brand new product for 1971 (which would not last long) was the “Matchbox Auto Sales” car dealership.  It featured a small building and a larger lot upon which to park “1-75 Series” cars and trucks.  The much more successful “Matchbox Service Station” returned in 1971, along with the “Matchbox Service Ramp” accessory for the same station.  The latter two items of course were part of the G-1 “Superset.”  The book “Mike and the Model Makers” also returned in 1971.  This was a nice product, because it explained how Matchbox models were made and brought to the market.

The Models of Yesteryear line for 1971 included the Y-1) 1911 Model T Ford (76 mm long), the Y-2) 1914 Prince Henry Vauxhall (89 mm long), the Y-3) 1910 Benz Limousine (83 mm long), the Y-4) 1909 Opel “Doctor’s” Coupé (79 mm long), the Y-5) 1907 Peugeot (89 mm long), the Y-6) 1913 Cadillac (87 mm long), the Y-7) 1912 Rolls-Royce Landaulet (96 mm long), the Y-8) 1914 Stutz (86 mm long), the Y-9) 1912 Simplex (96 mm long), the Y-10) 1906 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost (94 mm long), the Y-11) 1912 Packard Landaulet (82 mm long), the Y-12) 1909 Thomas Flyabout (102 mm long), the Y-13) 1911 Daimler, the Y-14) 1911 Maxwell Roadster, the Y-15) 1930 Packard Victoria (107 mm long) and the Y-16) 1904 Spyker (83 mm long).

The “Matchbox Collectors’ Club” continued to be advertised.  The company should have given this more time and effort, to make the club more responsive than it was.

The Veteran Car Gifts line by Lesney for 1971 included ash trays, boxes, penstands and bookends with Models of Yesteryear cars finished in either gold or silver.  A pack of three such cars not attached to these items was now available as well – an attempt to appeal to adult collectors of Matchbox cars.  The models featured included the 1911 Daimler, the 1928 Mercedes-Benz (since discontinued from the main product line, but still available here), the 1912 Rolls-Royce Landaulet, the 1911 Maxwell Roadster and the 1909 Thomas Flyabout.

1972 Matchbox Model Year: An expanding product line

In 1972, Lesney would build upon a trend to increase their product line of toys into areas not yet touched.  The idea is not necessarily bad, especially if the company has the necessary capital to do so.  The problem was that Lesney would try to do too much too soon, and not commit itself to many of the new product lines.  Furthermore, all the new product lines would carry the Matchbox trademark.  Perhaps Lesney should have created new brand names, because the new customer base they were targeting was so different.  The front and rear cover of the 1972 “Matchbox Collector’s Catalogue” featured a collage of models with a reddish background.  Models included the Hovercraft ferry, two racing cars, a dragster, a sports car, a dune buggy, a customized Volkswagen Beetle and some heavy construction equipment.

The first new product launch for 1972 was the “Matchbox Big MX” line of battery-operated “King Size” models in action sets.  These included the BM-1) Mechanised Incinerator and Refuse Truck (the S.D. Refuse Truck which will unload garbage into an incinerator), the BM-2) Mechanised Tractor Plant and Winch Transporter (the Ford Tractor Transporter and 3 small Ford tractors to be loaded from the plant), the BM-3) Mechanised Crane Truck and Building Site (the Scammell Crane Truck which will build a hardware store and a bank branch), the BM-4) Mechanised Coal Delivery Hopper and Tipper Truck (the Leyland Tipper Truck which will unload coal on the power conveyor belt), the BM-5) Mechanised Quarry Site and “Traxcavator” (the Caterpillar “Traxcavator” which will unload at the Quarry Site) and the BM-6) Fire Rescue Scene with Mechanical Fire Engine (the Merryweather Fire Engine which will raise its ladder to rescue people from a burning building).

The next new product for 1972 was aimed at very small children.  The “Live-n-Learn” line featured five sets with small plastic figures, including the LL-100) Busy Jump Rope (with 3 figures), the LL-200) Busy Marble Mover (with one figure), the LL-300 Busy Budies (with one figure and a dog), the LL-400) Busy Ball Set (with 5 figures and one dog) and the LL-600) Busy Playground (with 5 figures).  This product would not last long.

Another new product for 1972 was the “Matchbox Carpow!”  This would not endure long either.  It featured a short track, upon which a 1-75 Series model would run and try to hit a moving plastic object (supposed to be another car).

Yet another new product line for 1972 was the “Plug Props” and the “Plug Buggies.”  These silly toys were shaped like various vegetables (cucumbers and carrots) and one would “build” airplanes and cars by plugging parts into them (such as wings, wheels, rudders, people and engines).  These would not last long either.

A better product launch in 1972 was the “Matchbox Station Maker.”  One could build a large service station and center with fuel pumps, various levels, ramps, parking spaces and service bays for oil changes, lube jobs, car washes, brake work and a body shop.  The sets included the SM-1) Station Maker (with 54 pieces), the SM-2) Super Station Maker (with 92 pieces) and the SM-3) Giant Station Maker (with 140 pieces).

The 1-75 Series for 1972 featured many more “customized” cars and hot rods, although this would never become as “wild” as the competing line of toys from Hot Wheels.  They included the 1) Mod Rod (73 mm long), the 2) Hot Rod Jeep (59 mm long), the 3) Mercedes-Benz “Binz” Ambulance (74 mm long), the 4) Gruesome Twosome (73 mm long), the 5) Lotus Europa Coupé (73 mm long), the 6) Ford Pickup Truck (71 mm long), the 7) Ford Refuse Truck (76 mm long), the 8) Ford Mustang Wildcat Dragster (74 mm long), the 9) AMC Javelin Coupé (78 mm long), the 10) Leyland Pipe Truck (75 mm long), the 11) Mercedes-Benz Scaffold Truck (67 mm long), the 12) Setra Coach (75 mm long), the 13) Volkswagen Baja Buggy (67 mm long), the 14) Iso Grifo Coupé (76 mm long), the 15) Volkswagen 1500 Beetle Sedan (72 mm long), the 16) Case Bulldozer (64 mm long and a non-Superfast model), the 17) Leyland Horse Box Truck (72 mm long), the 18) Field Car (68 mm long), the 19) Road Dragster (75 mm long), the 20) Lamborghini Marzal Gullwing Sedan (70 mm long), the 21) Foden Concrete Truck (75 mm long), the 22) Freeman Inter-City Commuter Van (75 mm long), the 23) Volkswagen Bay Window Dormobile Camper (67 mm long), the 24) Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow Sedan (76 mm long), the 25) Ford Cortina GT (67 mm long), the 26) GMC Tipper Truck (67 mm long), the 27) Mercedes-Benz 230SL Convertible (71 mm long) the 28) Mack Dump Truck (67 mm long), the 29) Racing Mini Cooper (57 mm long), the 30) Volkswagen Beach Buggy (65 mm long), the 31) Volkswagen “Volks-Dragon” (67 mm long), the 32) Leyland Petrol Tanker Truck (76 mm long), the 33) Lamborghini Miura Coupé (71 mm long), the 34) Formula 1 Racing Car (73 mm long), the 35) Merryweather Marquis Fire Engine (76 mm long), the 36) Hot Rod “Draguar” Jaguar (73 mm long), the 37) Dodge Cattle Truck (65 mm long), the 38) Honda Motor Cycle with Trailer (76 mm long) the 39) Ford Tractor (54 mm long and a non-Superfast model), the 40) Guildsman Coupé (76 mm long), the 41) Ford GT Racing Car (67 mm long), the 42) Iron Fairy Crane (76 mm long), the 43) Pony Trailer (67 mm long), the 44) Refrigerator Truck (76 mm long), the 45) Ford Group Six Racing Car (76 mm long), the 46) Mercedes-Benz 300SE Coupé (73 mm long), the 47) DAF Tipper Container Truck (76 mm long), the 48) Dumper Truck (76 mm long), the 49) Mercedes-Benz Unimog Truck (62 mm long), the 50) Ford Kennel Truck (71 mm long), the 51) Leyland 8-Wheel Tipper Truck (76 mm long), the 52) Dodge Charger Mark III (76 mm long), the 53) Ford Zodiac Mark IV Sedan (70 mm long), the 54) Ford Capri (73 mm long), the 55) Mercury Police Car (78 mm long), the 56) BMC Pininfarina Sedan (70 mm long), the 57) Eccles Caravan (77 mm long), the 58) DAF Girder Truck (76 mm long), the 59) Ford Fire Chief Car (73 mm long), the 60) Lotus Super Seven Roadster (73 mm long), the 61) Blue Shark Racing Car (76 mm long), the 62) Mercury Couger “Rat Rod” Dragster, the 63) Dodge Crane Truck (76 mm long), the 64) Slingshot Dragster (76 mm long), the 65) Combine Harvester (76 mm long and a non-Superfast model), the 66) Mazda RX 500 Sports Car (73 mm long), the 67) Volkswagen Type 3 1600TL Fastback Sedan (68 mm long), the 68) Porsche 910 Racing Car (76 mm long), the 69) Rolls-Royce Convertible (77 mm long), the 70) Dodge Dragster (77 mm long), the 71) Ford Heavy Wreck Truck (76 mm long), the 72) Hovercraft SRN 6 Boat (76 mm long), the 73) Mercury Station Wagon Commuter (78 mm long), the 74) Daimler Bus (76 mm long) and the 75) Alfa-Romeo Carabo Gullwing Sports Car (76 mm long).

The Super Kings line for 1972 included the K-1) O&K Excavator (124 mm long), the K-2) Scammell Heavy Wreck Truck (120 mm long), the K-3) Massey Ferguson Tractor and Trailer (203 mm long and a non-Superfast model), the K-4) Leyland Tipper Truck (114 mm long), the K-5) Muir-Hill Tractor and Trailer (241 mm long and a non-Superfast model), the K-6) Cement Mixer Truck (147 mm long), the K-7) S.D. Refuse Truck (117 mm long), the K-8) Caterpillar “Traxcavator” (106 mm long and a non-Superfast model), the K-9) Claas Combine Harvester (140 mm long and a non-Superfast model), the K-10) Scammell Pipe Truck (203 mm long), the K-11) DAF Car Transporter (228 mm long), the K-12) Scammell Crane Truck (152 mm long), the K-13) DAF Building Transporter (147 mm long), the K-14) Scammell Freight Truck (139 mm long), the K-15) Merryweather Fire Engine (154 mm long), the K-16) Dodge Tractor Trailer with Twin Tippers (302 mm long), the K-17) Ford Low Loader with Bulldozer (242 mm long), the K-18) Articulated Horse Box Transporter (167 mm long), the K-19) Scammell Tipper Truck (121 mm long) and the K-20) Ford Tractor Transporter (228 mm long).

The remaining King Size models were now called “Speed Kings.”  These included the K-21) Mercury Cougar Dragster (105 mm long), the K-22) Dodge Dragster (115 mm long), the K-23) Mercury Station Wagon Police Car (111 mm long), the K-24) Lamborghini Miura Coupé (100 mm long), the K-25) “Seaburst” Power Boat and Trailer (152 mm long), the K-26) Mercedes-Benz “Binz” Ambulance (105 mm long), the K-27) Camping Cruiser (111 mm long), the K-28) Mercury Station Wagon towing Mercury Cougar on Trailer “Drag Pack” (252 mm long), the K-29) Lamborghini Miura towing “Seaburst” Boat on Trailer Set (252 mm long), the K-30) Mercedes-Benz C111 Gullwing Sports Car (102 mm long), the K-31) Bertone Runabout (102 mm long), the K-32) Shovel Nose Sports Car (102 mm long), the K-33) Bandolero Sports Car (114 mm long), the K-34) Citroen SM Coupé (114 mm long), the K-35) Lightning Racing Car (108 mm long) and the K-36) Thunderclap Racing Car (108 mm long).  3 new models named the “Sand Cat,” the “Gus’s Gulper” and the “Milligan’s Mill” were featured but not yet numbered.  As one can see, the range of King Size cars and trucks was growing rapidly – a good marketing decision on the part of Lesney to compete with companies such as Corgi Toys.

The “Matchbox Steer-n-go” sets were back in 1972, with the Village Roadway (with 6 buildings), the Dune Buggy Roadway (with 10 course marking flags) and the Grand Prix Roadway (with a Grand Stand and Finishing Gate).

The “Matchbox Crash Game” returned in 1972, as did the “Matchbox Collectors’ Cases” for 24 and 48 of the 1-75 Series models.

The Matchbox Supersets for 1972 included the G-1) Service Station Set (with a Service Station and three vehicles), the G-2) Transporter Set (with a King Size Transporter and five cars), the G-3) Superfast Racing Specials Set (with six cars), the G-4) Truck Set (with eight trucks), the G-5) “Models of Yesteryear” Set (with four vintage vehicles), the G-6) Drag Race Set (with a launch booster and six cars) and the G-7 Ferry Boat Set (with a nice large Ferry Boat and four vehicles).

The Models of Yesteryear line for 1972 included the Y-1) 1911 Model T Ford (76 mm long), the Y-2) 1914 Prince Henry Vauxhall (89 mm long), the Y-3) 1910 Benz Limousine (83 mm long), the Y-4) 1909 Opel “Doctor’s” Coupé (79 mm long), the Y-5) 1907 Peugeot (89 mm long), the Y-6) 1913 Cadillac (87 mm long), the Y-7) 1912 Rolls-Royce Landaulet (98 mm long), the Y-8) 1914 Stutz (86 mm long), the Y-9) 1912 Simplex (96 mm long), the Y-10) 1906 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost (94 mm long), the Y-11) 1912 Packard Landaulet (82 mm long), the Y-12) 1909 Thomas Flyabout (102 mm long), the Y-13) 1911 Daimler (85 mm long), the Y-14) 1911 Maxwell Roadster (82 mm long), the Y-15) 1930 Packard Victoria and the Y-16) 1928 Mercedes-Benz SS (108 mm long).

The “Matchbox Collector’s Club” was back in 1972 (based in Woodridge, New Jersey, USA), but the Veteran Car Gifts line for adults was no more.  Annual membership dues for the club were a mere US $1.00 in the USA and US $1.25 for overseas members.  Lesney Products Corporation in the USA (formerly the “Fred Bronner Corporation”) was also based in Northern New Jersey, in the city of Moonachie.

1973 Matchbox Model Year: the first line of Scale-Model Aircraft Kits

The color front cover of the 1973 “Matchbox Collectors Catalogue” featured drawings of a flying military biplane (interwar American), a racing hot rod, a hovercraft boat upon the water (they crossed the English Channel to France), a Stutz “boattail” roadster and a real race car with the “Matchbox” logo.  This demonstrated the ever-growing product line of Lesney.  The inside front cover had a real story about “Matchbox” being an official sponsor of “Team Surtees 1972 European Formula 2? racing.  This raised the visibility of the “Matchbox” brand name with first place finishes in both Mantorp Park (Sweden) and Salzburgring (Austria).  The “Superfast” series of toy cars came with ever more features, such as the new “Rola-matics.”  These cars featured moving parts when they rolled.

The 1-75 Series for 1973 included the 1) “Mod Rod” Sports Car (73 mm long with red wheels), the 2) Hot Rod Jeep (59 mm long), the 3) Mercedes-Benz “Binz” Ambulance (74 mm long), the 4) “Gruesome Twosome” Sports Car (73 mm long), the 5) Lotus Europa Coupé (73 mm long), the 6) Ford Pickup Truck (71 mm long), the 7) “Hairy Hustler” Racing Car (71 mm long), the 8) Ford Mustang “Wildcat” Dragster (74 mm long), the 9) AMC Javelin Coupé (78 mm long), the 10) “Piston Popper” Coupé (75 mm long and a “Rola-matic”), the 11) Volkswagen “Flying Bug” (74 mm long), the 12) Setra Coach (75 mm long), the 13) Volkswagen “Baja Buggy” (67 mm long), the 14) Iso Grifo Coupé( 76 mm long), the 15) Fork Lift Truck (70 mm long), the 16) Case Bulldozer (64 mm long and a non-Superfast model), the 17) “The Londonder” Double-Decker Bus (75 mm long), the 18) Field Car (68 mm long), the 19) Road Dragster (75 mm long), the 20) Lamborghini Marzal Gullwing Sedan (70 mm long), the 21) “Rod Roller” Road Roller (64 mm long), the 22) Freeman Inter-City Commuter Van (75 mm long), the 23) Volkswagen Bay Window Dormobile Camper (67 mm long), the 24) Team “Matchbox” Racing Car (75 mm long), the 25) Mod Tractor (58 mm long), the 26) “Big Banger” Sedan (76 mm long), the 27) Mercedes-Benz 230SL Convertible (71 mm long), the 28) Mack Dump Truck (67 mm long), the 29) Racing Mini Cooper (57 mm long), the 30) Volkswagen Beach Buggy (65 mm long), the 31) Volkswagen “Volks-Dragon” (67 mm long), the 32) Maserati Bora Coupé (75 mm long), the 33) Datsun 126X Sports Car (76 mm long), the 34) Formula 1 Racing Car (73 mm long), the 35) Merryweather Marquis Fire Engine (76 mm long), the 36) Hot Rod “Draguar” Jaguar (73 mm long), the 37) “Scoopa Coopa” Coupé (74 mm long), the 38) “Stingeroo” Motorcycle (78 mm long), the 39) Clipper Sports Car (77 mm long and a “Rola-matic”), the 40) Guildsman (76 mm long), the 41) “Siva Spider” Sports Car (77 mm long), the 42) “Tyre Fryer” Hot Rod (77 mm long), the 43) “Dragon Wheels” Volkswagen Beetle (72 mm long), the 44) Boss Mustang Coupé (76 mm long), the 45) Ford Group Six Racing Car (76 mm long), the 46) “Stretcha Fetcha” Ambulance (70 mm long), the 47) DAF Tipper Container Truck (76 mm long), the 48) Pi-Eyed Piper Hot Rod (75 mm long), the 49) “Chop Suey” Chopper Motorcycle (72 mm long), the 50) Ford Kennel Truck (71 mm long), the 51) Citroen SM Coupé (73 mm long), the 52) Dodge Charger Mark III (76 mm long), the 53) “Tanzara” Sports Car (76 mm long), the 54) Ford Capri Coupé (73 mm long), the 55) Mercury Station Wagon Police Car (78 mm long), the 56) BMC 1800 Pininfarina Sedan (70 mm long), the 57) Eccles Caravan (77 mm long), the 58) “Woosh-n-Push” Sports Car (76 mm long), the 59) Ford Fire Chief Car (73 mm long), the 60) Lotus Super Seven Roadster (73 mm long), the 61) “Blue Shark” Racing Car (76 mm long), the 62) Mercury Cougar “Rat Rod” Dragster,” the 63) Freeway Gas Tanker Truck (78 mm long), the 64) “Sling Shot” Dragster (76 mm long), the 65) Saab Sonnet Sports Car (73 mm long), the 66) Mazda RX500 Sports Car (73 mm long), the 67) Volkswagen Type 3 1600TL Fastback Sedan (68 mm long), the 68) Porsche 910 Racing Car, the 69) Rolls-Royce Convertible (77 mm long), the 70) Dodge Dragster (77 mm long), the 71) “Jumbo Jet” Chopper Motorcycle (69 mm long), the 72) Hovercraft SRN6 Boat (76 mm long), the 73) Mercury Station Wagon Commuter (78 mm long), the 74) “Toe Joe” Wreck Truck (76 mm long) and the 75) Alfa-Romeo Carabo Gullwing Sports Car (76 mm long).

A new product for 1973 was the “Rev’n Roar” simulated gear-shift column, which would make engine noises, and then release about four of the 1-75 Series models from a small attached track.  Another new product for 1973 was “Matchbox Cascade,” a family game that had nothing to do with diecast vehicles.  It featured a bouncing ball, and needless to say did not last long in the market.

A new product release for 1973 which has endured until today is the “Skybusters” line of diecast aircraft.  In 1973, these included the SP1) Lear Jet (with German markings), the SP2) Corsair A7D (with US Air Force markings), the SP3) Airbus A300B (with “Air France” markings), the SP4) Mirage F1 Jet (with French markings), the SP5) Starfighter F104 Jet (with Canadian markings), the SP6) MiG-21 Fighter Jet (with Soviet markings), the SP7) Junkers Ju-87B Dive Bomber (with German markings), the SP8) Supermarine Spitfire Fighter (with RAF markings), the SP9) Cessna 402, the SP10) Boeing 747 Jumbo Jet (with “BOAC” markings), the SP11) Dornier Alpha Jet (with German markings), the SP12) Skyhawk A4F Jet (with US Air Force markings), the SP13) McDonnell-Douglas DC10 (with “Swissair” markings), the SP14) Cessna 210, the SP15) Phantom F4E Fighter Jet (with French markings) and the SP16) Corsair F4U-4 (with US Air Force markings).

The Super Kings line for 1973 included the K-1) O&K Excavator (124 mm long), the K-2) Scammell Heavy Wreck Truck (120 mm long), the K-3) Massey Ferguson Tractor and Trailer (203 mm long and a non-Superfast model), the K-4) Leyland Tipper Truck (114 mm long), the K-5) Muir-Hill Tractor and Trailer (241 mm long and a non-Superfast model), the K-6) GMC Cement Mixer Truck (147 mm long), the K-7) Racing Car Transporter (156 mm long), the K-8) Caterpillar “Traxcavator” (106 mm long and a non-Superfast model), the K-9) Fire Tender Truck (156 mm long), the K-10) Pipe Truck (203 mm long), the K-11) DAF Car Transporter (228 mm long), the K-12) Scammell Crane Truck (152 mm long), the K-13) DAF Building Transporter (147 mm long), the K-14) Scammell Freight Truck (139 mm long), the K-15) “The Londoner” Double-Decker Bus (120 mm long), the K-16) Dodge Tractor Trailer with Twin Tippers (302 mm long), the K-17) Ford Low Loader with Bulldozer (242 mm long), the K-18) Articulated Horse Box Truck (167 mm long), the K-19) Scammell Tipper Truck (121 mm long) and the K-20) DAF Cargo Hauler Truck (190 mm long).

The Speed Kings line for 1973 followed the “Super Kings” with the K-21) Mercury Cougar Dragster (106 mm long), the K-22) Dodge Dragster (115 mm long), the K-23) Mercury Station Wagon Police Car (111 mm long), the K-24) Lamborghini Miura Coupé (100 mm long), the K-25) “Seaburst” Power Boat and Trailer (152 mm long), the K-26) Mercedes-Benz “Binz” Ambulance (105 mm long), the K-27) Camping Cruiser (111 mm long), the K-28) “Drag Pack” with Mercury Station Wagon pulling Mercury Cougar Dragster on Trailer (252 mm long), the K-29) Lamborghini Miura pulling “Seaburst” Power Boat on Trailer Set (252 mm long), the K-30) Mercedes-Benz C111 Gullwing Sports Car (102 mm long), the K-31) Bertone Runabout (102 mm long), the K-32) “Shovel Nose” Sports Car (102 mm long), the K-33) Citroen SM Coupé (114 mm long), the K-34) “Thunderclap” Racing Car (108 mm long), the K-35) “Lightning” Racing Car (108 mm long), the K-36) “Bandolero” Sports Car (114 mm long), the K-37) Volkswagen “Sand Cat” Dune Buggy (86 mm long), the K-38) “Gus’s Gulper” Ford Mustang Dragster (108 mm long), the K-39) “Milligan’s Mill” Ford Maverick Dragster (108 mm long), the K-40) “Blaze Trailer” Fire Chief Car (102 mm long), the K-41) “Fuzz Buggy” Police Car (114 mm long), the K-42) Nissan 270X Sports Car (102 mm long), the K-43) “Cambuster” Dragster (112 mm long), the K-44) “Bazooka” Dragster (112 mm long), the K-45) “Marauder” Racing Car (105 mm long), the K-46) Racing Car Pack with Mercury Station Wagon pulling “Thunderclap” Racing Car on Trailer (260 mm long), the K-47) “Easy Rider” Chopper Motorcycle with Rider (120 mm long), the K-48) Mercedes-Benz 350SLC Coupé (106 mm long), the K-49) Ambulance (112 mm long), the K-50) “Street Rod” Hot Rod (100 mm long) and the K-51) “Barracuda” Racing Car (108 mm long).  The King Size line was rapidly growing to include as many models as the venerable “1-75 Series” line of diecast cars.

In 1973, Lesney introduced a line of 1:72-Scale plastic model kits.  Perhaps they should have launched them with a brand name separate from Matchbox, in order to gain wider consumer acceptance and popularity (which they deserve).  These included the PK-1) Hawker Fury (with RAF markings), the PK-2) Supermarine Spitfire Mark IX Fighter (with RAF markings), the PK-3) Boeing P12E Biplane (with US Army Air Corps markings), the PK-4) Mitsubishi Zero Sen Fighter (with Japanese markings), the PK-5) Dornier Alpha Jet (with German markings), the PK-6) Focke-Wulf Fw-190 Fighter (with German markings), the PK-7) Westland Lysander (with RAF markings), the PK-8) Gloster Gladiator Biplane (with RAF markings), the PK-9) Huey Cobra Helicopter (with US Army markings) and the PK-10) Strikemaster Jet (with Royal New Zealand Air Force markings).

The “Matchbox Steer-n-go” product returned in 1973, albeit with just one basic set.

The Matchbox Models of Yesteryear line for 1973 included the Y-1) 1911 Model T Ford (76 mm long), the Y-2) 1914 Prince Henry Vauxhall (89 mm long), the Y-3) 1934 Riley MPH Roadster (94 mm long), the Y-4) 1909 Opel “Doctor’s” Coupé (79 mm long), the Y-5) 1907 Peugeot (89 mm long), the Y-6) 1913 Cadillac (87 mm long), the Y-7) 1912 Rolls-Royce Landaulet (96 mm long), the Y-8) 1914 Stutz (86 mm long), the Y-9) 1912 Simplex (96 mm long), the Y-10) 1906 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost (94 mm long), the Y-11) 1938 Lagonda Drophead Coupé (110 mm long), the Y-12) 1909 Thomas Flyabout (102 mm long), the Y-13) 1918 Crosley RAF Tender (99 mm long), the Y-14) 1931 Stutz Bearcat Boattail Roadster (110 mm long), the Y-15) 1930 Packard Victoria (107 mm long), the Y-16) 1928 Mercedes-Benz SS (108 mm long) and the Y-17) 1938 Hispano-Suiza (114 mm long).

A new product for 1973 (which did not endure for very long) was the “Matchbox Chopper Chase.”  This set featured four chopper motorcycles which would race against each other along a plastic track.  The “Matchbox Plug Toys” were back in 1973, and with more models including the 1) Plug Props Biplane (a Cucumber), the 2) Plug Chops Chopper Motorcycle (a Banana), the 3) Plug Chuffs (a Banana), the 4) Plug Buggy (a Cucumber), the 5) Plug Buggy (as a Carrot) and the 6) Plug Props Biplane (as a Carrot).

Another new product line for 1973 (which also failed to endure) was the “Matchbox Super Stock Road-E-O.”  This featured four models which would be launched from a plastic ramp.  They were the 1) Buck ‘n Bronc Buggy, the 2) Bullet Nose Car, the 3) Rubber Burner Dragster and the 4) Chop Hopper Chopper Motorcycle.

The line of Supersets for 1973 included the G-1) Service Station Set (with three vehicles), the G-2) Big Mover Transporter Set (with a King Size Transporter and five cars), the G-3) “Wild Ones” Set (with five dragsters), the G-4) Team “Matchbox” Set (with a King Size Racing Car Transporter and four racing cars), the G-5) “Models of Yesteryear” Set (with four vintage vehicles), the G-6) Drag Race Set (with a launch and six cars) and the G-7) Ferry Boat Set (with a ferry boat and four vehicles).

The Matchbox Collector’s Carrying Cases for 24, 48 and 75 cars were back in 1973 as well.

The “Matchbox Live-n-Learn” series for small children returned in 1973, although with an altered product line.  These included the A) Billy Brick Stacker, the B) “Matchbox” Family Camper (with 4 figures), the C) Pull Along Dog, the D) “Matchbox” Family (5 figures), the E) Super Mart (a supermarket checkout stand with a shopping cart), the F) “Matchbox” Family Ferry Boat (a boat with 4 figures) and the G) “Matchbox” Clock (a large plastic clock).  These toys were in the same market segment as Fisher Price.

The “Matchbox Big MX” line for 1973 included the BM-1) Mechanised Incinerator Site and Super King S.D. Refuse Truck, the BM-2) Mechanised Tractor Plant and Super King Ford Winch Transporter, the BM-3) Mechanised Super King Scammell Crane Truck and Building Site, the BM-4) Mechanised Coal Delivery Hopper and Super King Leyland Tipper Truck, the BM-5) Mechanised Quarry Site and Super King “Traxcavator” and the BM-6) Fire Rescue Scene with Mechanised Super King Fire Engine.  All sets included a BM-A) Power Activator.  This looked something like a power drill.  One would press the button, and insert the power needle into the “Super King” model to make it work.

The “Matchbox Collectors Club” was still based in Woodbridge, New Jersey (USA).  Annual dues for US members were US $1.00 and US $1.25 for members in the rest of the world.  One would receive a membership button, handbook and four newsletters per year.  Lesney Products was based in London, England (UK) and its United States office was still at 141 West Commercial Avenue in Moonachie, New Jersey.  My own collection of diecast vehicles was up to 247 units in 1973, 154 of these being Matchbox models.

1974 Matchbox Model Year: the first “Battle Kings”

In 1974, the Matchbox product line continued to grow.  The front cover of the color “Matchbox Collectors Catalogue” featured photos of a Focke-Wulf Fw-190 fighter plane, the “Bazooka” and the “Cambuster” Speed Kings, a King Size tank from the new “Battle Kings” line of vehicles and two of the “1-75 Series” cars, including the “Hairy Hustler.”

The inside of the front cover featured a new article on “Matchbox Team Surtees” professional auto racing.  First-place finishes were made in Kinekulle (Sweden) and in Hockenheim (Germany).

The line of 1:72-Scale “Matchbox Aircraft Kits” grew from 10 to 26 models in 1974.  These included the PK-1) Hawker Fury Biplane (with RAF markings), the PK-2) Supermarine Spitfire Fighter (with RAF markings), the PK-3) Boeing P-12E Biplane (with US Army Air Corps markings), the PK-4) Mitsubishi Zero Sen Fighter (with Japanese markings), the PK-5) Dornier Alpha Jet (with German markings), the PK-6) Focke-Wulf Fw-190 Fighter (with German markings), the PK-7) Westland Lysander (with RAF markings), the PK-8) Gloster Gladiator Biplane (with RAF markings), the PK-9) Huey Cobra Helicopter (with US Marine Corps markings), the PK-10) Strikemaster Jet, the PK-11) Hawker Hurricane Fighter (with RAF markings), the PK-12) Northrop F5-A Jet, the PK-13) Mustang P51-D Fighter (with RAF markings), the PK-14) Corsair F4U-4 (with US Army Air Corps markings), the PK-15) Hawker Siddeley Gnat Jet (with RAF markings), the PK-16) Hawker Harrier VTOL Jet (with RAF markings), the PK-17) Messerschmitt Bf-109E Fighter (with German markings), the PK-18) Grumman Hellcat (with US Army Air Corps markings), the PK-19) Mikoyan MiG-21 Fighter Jet (with Soviet markings), the PK-20) Dassault Mirage IIIC Jet, the PK-21) Messerschmitt Me-262 Jet Fighter (with German markings), the PK-22) Thunderbolt P-47 (with US Army Air Corps markings), the PK-23) Hawker Tempest (with RAF markings), the PK-24) Brewster Buffalo (with US Army Air Corps markings), the PK-25) Armstrong Whitworth Siskin Biplane (with RAF markings) and the PK-26) Henschel 126 Monoplane (with German markings).

Lesney introduced a brand new line of 1:76-Scale “Matchbox Military Kits,” featuring tanks and other armored fighting vehicles complete with their own dioramas.  There were 10 kits, starting with the PK-71) Sherman Firefly VC Tank, the PK-72) Comet Mark 1 Tank (with British markings), the PK-73) Panzerkampfwagen V “Panther” Ausführung f.G. Heavy Tank (with German markings), the PK-74) Panzerkampfwagen III Ausführung f.L. Medium Tank (with German markings), the PK-75) Humber Armoured Car Mark II (with British markings), the PK-76) Puma Armoured Car (with German markings), the PK-77) Wespe Self-Propelled Gun (with German markings), the PK-78) M.16 Half-Track (with American markings), the PK-79) Chaffee Tank M.24 (with American markings) and the PK-80) Jagdpanther Tank Destroyer (with German markings).

There was now an additional line of larger 1:72-Scale model aircraft kits for 1974.  These included the PK-101) Corsair A7D (with US Air Force markings), the PK-102) Sepecat Jaguar (with RAF markings), the PK-103) Bristol Beaufighter (with RAF markings), the PK-104) Curtiss Helldiver (with US Army Air Corps markings), the PK-105) Super Marine Walrus Flying Boat, the PK-106) Buccaneer Jet (with RAF markings), the PK-107) Dornier Sky Servant (with ”Marineflieger” markings of the German Navy), the PK-108) Lynx Helicopter (with British Army markings), the PK-109) Junkers Ju-188 Bomber (with German markings) and the PK-110) Hawker Siddeley 125/600 Jet.  There were thus a grand total 46 Matchbox plastic assembly kits for 1974.

The 1-75 Series for 1974 included the 1) “Mod Rod” Sports Car (73 mm long), the 2) “Hot Rod” Jeep (59 mm long), the 3) Monteverdi Hai Sports Car (75 mm long), the 4) “Gruesome Twosome” Sports Car (73 mm long), the 5) Lotus Europa Sports Car (73 mm long), the 6) Mercedes-Benz 350SL Tourer (76 mm long), the 7) “Hairy Hustler” Racing Car (71 mm long), the 8) Ford Mustang “Wildcat” Dragster (74 mm long), the 9) AMC AMX Javelin Coupé (78 mm long), the 10) “Piston Popper” Coupé (75 mm long and a “Rola-matic”), the 11) Volkswagen “Flying Bug” (74 mm long), the 12) Setra Coach (75 mm long), the 13) Volkswagen “Baja Buggy” (67 mm long), the 14) Iso Grifo Coupé (76 mm long), the 15) Fork Lift Truck (70 mm long), the 16) “Badger” Truck (70 mm long and a “Rola-matic”), the 17) “The Londoner” Double-Decker Bus (75 mm long), the 18) Field Car (68 mm long), the 19) Road Dragster (75 mm long), the 20) Lamborghini Marzal Gullwing Sedan (70 mm long), the 21) “Rod Roller” Road Roller (64 mm long), the 22) Freeman Inter-City Commuter Van (75 mm long), the 23) Volkswagen Bay Window Dormobile Camper (67 mm long), the 24) Team “Matchbox” Racing Car (75 mm long), the 25) “Mod” Tractor (58 mm long), the 26) “Big Banger” Dragster (76 mm long), the 27) Lamborghini Countach Sports Car (76 mm long), the 28) “Stoat” Armored Fighting Vehicle (68 mm long and a “Rola-matic”), the 29) Racing Mini Cooper (57 mm long), the 30) Volkswagen Beach Buggy (65 mm long), the 31) Volkswagen “Volks-Dragon” (67 mm long), the 32) Maserati Bora Sports Car (75 mm long), the 33) Datsun 126X Sports Car (76 mm long), the 34) Formula 1 Racing Car (73 mm long), the 35) Merryweather Fire Engine (76 mm long), the 36) Hot Rod “Draguar” Jaguar (73 mm long), the 37) “Scoopa Coopa” Coupé (74 mm long), the 38) “Stingeroo” Chopper Motorcycle (78 mm long), the 39) “Clipper” Sports Car (77 mm long), the 40) Guildsman (76 mm long), the 41) “Siva Spider” Sports Car (76 mm long), the 42) “Tyre Fryer” Sports Car (77 mm long), the 43) Volkswagen “Dragon Wheels” Dragster, the 44) Ford Boss Mustang Coupé (76 mm long), the 45) Ford Group Racing Car (76 mm long), the 46) “Sretcha Fetcha” Ambulance (70 mm long), the 47) Volkswagen “Beach Hopper” Dune Buggy (73 mm long and a “Rola-matic”), the 48) “Pie Eyed Piper” Dragster (75 mm long), the 49) “Chop-Suey” Chopper Motorcycle (72 mm long), the 50) Articulated Truck (76 mm long), the 51) Citroen SM Coupé (73 mm long), the 52) Dodge Charger Mark III (76 mm long), the 53) “Tanzara” Sports Car (76 mm long), the 54) Ford Capri Coupé (73 mm long), the 55) Mercury Station Wagon Police Car (78 mm long), the 56) BMC 1800 Pininfarina Sedan (70 mm long), the 57) Ford Wild Life Truck (73 mm long and a “Rola-matic”), the 58) “Woosh-n-Push” Sports Car (76 mm long), the 59) Mercury Fire Chief Car (73 mm long), the 60) Lotus Super Seven Roadster (73 mm long), the 61) “Blue Shark” Racing Car (76 mm long), the 62) Renault 17TL Coupé (76 mm long), the 63) Freeway Gas Tanker Truck (78 mm long), the 64) Sling Shot Dragster (76 mm long), the 65) Saab Sonnet (73 mm long), the 66) Mazda RX 500 Sports Car (73 mm long), the 67) “Hot Rocker” Ford Capri Coupé (76 mm long and a “Rola-matic”), the 68) Porsche 910 Racing Car (76 mm long), the 69) “Turbo Fury” Racing Car (76 mm long and a “Rola-matic”), the 70) Dodge Dragster (77 mm long), the 71) “Jumbo Jet” Chopper Motorcycle (69 mm long), the 72) Hovercraft SRN6 Boat (76 mm long), the 73) “Weasel” Armored Fighting Vehicle (73 mm long and a “Rola-matic”), the 74) “Toe Joe” Wreck Truck (76 mm long) and the 75) Alfa-Romeo Carabo Gullwing Sports Car (76 mm long).

The Super Kings line for 1974 included the K-1) O&K Excavator (124 mm long), the K-2) Scammell Heavy Wreck Truck 120 mm long), the K-3) Mod Tractor and Trailer (197 mm long), the K-4) Big Tipper Truck (118 mm long), the K-5) Muir-Hill Tractor and Trailer (241 mm long and a non-Superfast model), the K-6) GMC Cement Mixer Truck (147 mm long), the K-7) Racing Car Transporter (156 mm long), the K-8) Caterpillar “Traxcavator” (106 mm long and a non-Superfast model), the K-9) Fire Tender Truck (156 mm long), the K-10) Scammell Pipe Truck (203 mm long), the K-11) DAF Car Transporter (228 mm long), the K-12) Scammell Crane Truck (152 mm long), the K-13) DAF Building Transporter Truck (147 mm long), the K-14) Scammell Freight Truck (139 mm long), the K-15) “Londoner” Double-Decker Bus (120 mm long), the K-16) Ford “Texaco” Petrol Tanker (229 mm long), the K-17) Articulated Container Truck (251 mm long), the K-18) Ford Articulated Tipper Truck (203 mm long), the K-19) Scammell Tipper Truck (121 mm long) and the K-20) DAF Cargo Hauler and Pallet Loader Truck (190 mm long).  Some brand new releases were featured as well, albeit without model numbers.  These included the Hovercraft Boat (127 mm long), the Tractor Transporter Truck (162 mm long) and the Low Loader Truck with Bulldozer (251 mm long).  The “Hovercraft” Boats rode on air above the waterline, and moved passengers across the English Channel.  Since there were no longer any models numbered K-21 through K-23, one could assume that the three new releases would take these numbers.

The Speed Kings line for 1974 continued the King Size lineup with the K-24) Lamborghini Miura Coupé (100 mm long), the K-25) “Seaburst” Power Boat and Trailer (152 mm long), the K-26) Mercedes-Benz “Binz” Ambulance (105 mm long), the K-27) Camping Cruiser (111 mm long), the K-28) “Drag Pack” with Mercury Station Wagon pulling Mercury Cougar Dragster on Trailer (252 mm long), the K-29) “Seaburst Set” with Lamborghini Miura pulling “Seaburst” Power Boat on Trailer (252 mm long), the K-30) Mercedes-Benz C111 Gullwing Sports Car (102 mm long), the K-31) Bertone Runabout (102 mm long), the K-32) “Shovel Nose” Sports Car (102 mm long), the K-33) Citroen SM Coupé (114 mm long), the K-34) “Thunderclap” Racing Car (108 mm long), the K-35) “Lightning” Racing Car (108 mm long), the K-36) “Bandolero” Sports Car (114 mm long), the K-37) Volkswagen “Sand Cat” Dune Buggy (86 mm long), the K-38) Ford Boss Mustang “Gus’s Gulper” Dragster (108 mm long), the K-39) Ford Maverick “Milligan’s Mill” Dragster (108 mm long), the K-40) “Blaze Trailer” Fire Chief Car (109 mm long), the K-41) “Fuzz Buggy” Police Car (114 mm long), the K-42) Nissan 270X Sports Car (102 mm long), the K-43) “Cambuster” Dragster (112 mm long), the K-44) “Bazooka” Dragster (112 mm long), the K-45) “Marauder” Racing Car (105 mm long), the K-46) “Racing Car Drag Pack” with Mercury Station Wagon pulling “Thunderclap” Racing Car on Trailer (260 mm long), the K-47) “Easy Rider” Chopper Motorcycle (120 mm long), the K-48) Mercedes-Benz 350SLC Coupé (106 mm long), the K-49) Ambulance (112 mm long), the K-50) “Street Rod” Hot Rod (100 mm long), the K-51) “Barracuda” Racing Car (108 mm long) and the K-52) Datsun Rally Car (105 mm long).

The growing Lesney King Size offering continued with the brand new “Battle Kings” line in 1974.  This product name still endures today, albeit now within the 1-75 Series scale.  In 1974, they included the K-101) Sherman Tank (94 mm long and with US Army markings), the K-102) M.48-AZ Tank (114 mm long), the K-103) Chieftan Tank (121 mm long), the K-104) Panzerkampfwagen VIb “King Tiger Tank” (115 mm long and with German markings), the K-105) “Hover-Raider” Hovercraft Boat (125 mm long), the K-106) Tank Transporter Truck with M.48-AZ Tank (266 mm long), the K-107) 155mm Self-Propelled Howitzer (108 mm long and with US Army markings) and the K-108) M3A1 Half Track Armored Personnel Carrier (98 mm long and with US Army markings).  In sum, the King Size offering now included 60 models – not much smaller compared to the venerable “1-75 Series.”

The Models of Yesteryear line for 1974 included the Y-1) 1911 Model T Ford (76 mm long), the Y-2) 1914 Prince Henry Vauxhall (89 mm long), the Y-3) 1934 Riley MPH Roadster (98 mm long), the Y-4) 1909 Opel “Doctor’s” Coupé (79 mm long), the Y-5) 1907 Peugeot (89 mm long), the Y-6) 1913 Cadillac (87 mm long), the Y-7) 1912 Rolls-Royce Landaulet (96 mm long), the Y-8) 1914 Stutz (86 mm long), the Y-9) 1912 Simplex (96 mm long), the Y-10) 1906 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost (94 mm long), the Y-11) 1938 Lagonda Drophead Coupé (112 mm long), the Y-12) 1909 Thomas Flyabout (102 mm long), the Y-13) 1918 Crosley RAF Tender Truck (98 mm long), the Y-14) 1931 Stutz Bearcat Boattail Speedster (112 mm long), the Y-15) 1930 Packard Victoria (107 mm long) and the Y-16) 1928 Mercedes-Benz SS (108 mm long).

The Matchbox Skybusters line for 1974 included the diecast models SP-1) Lear Jet (with German markings), the SP-2) Corsair A7D (with American markings), the SP-3) Airbus A300B (with “Air France” markings), the SP-4) Dassault-Briguet Mirage F1 Jet (with French markings), the SP-5) Lockheed Starfighter F104 Jet (with Canadian markings), the SP-6) Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-21 Fighter Jet (with Soviet markings), the SP-7) Junkers Ju-87B Dive Bomber (with German markings), the SP-8) Supermarine Spitfire Fighter (with RAF markings), the SP-9) Cessna 402, the SP-10) Boeing 747 Jumbo Jet (with “BOAC” markings), the SP-11) Dornier Alpha Jet (with German markings), the SP-12) Skyhawk A4F Jet (with American markings), the SP-13) McDonnell-Douglas DC-10 Jet (with “Swissair” markings), the SP-14) Cessna 210, the SP-15) Phantom F4E Jet (with RAF markings) and the SP-16) Corsair F4U-4 (with US Army Air Corps markings).

A brand new product line for 1974 (which did not last long) was the “Matchbox Fighting Furies” action figures.  They included A) The Captain Blood Adventure, the B) The One-Eyed Sailor Adventure, the C) The Hooded Falcon Adventure, the D) The Spanish Main Adventure, the E) The Redcoat Adventure and the F) The Kung-Fu Warrior Adventure.

Another brand new product line for 1974 (which did not last long either) was the “Matchbox Mobile Action Command” series.  It was a rescue and adventure toy, with each of the 6 different sets coming with a detailed rescue vehicle, fully movable figures and an accessory pack.  They featured items such as off-road vehicles, small boats and helicopters.

Yet another brand new product line (which also did not endure long) was the “Matchbox Cyclone Cycles.”  There were four stunt bikes with chopper styling, detailed chrome engines, tailpipes, working chrome springer forks, wide rear slicks and super skinny front wheels.  Models included the 1) Python, the 2) Bushmaster, the 3) Copper Head and the 4) Diamond Back.

The Matchbox Supersets line of gift sets no longer had set number 1 (the old service station).  They only had the G-2) Big Mover Transporter Set (with a DAF Super Kings Transporter and five cars), the G-3) “Wild Ones” Set (with five Dragsters), the G-4) Team “Matchbox” Set (with a Super Kings Racing Car Transporter and four Racing Cars), the G-5) “Models of Yesteryear” Set (with four vintage vehicles) and the G-6) Drag Race Set (with a launcher and six vehicles).

The Matchbox Collectors Cases for 1974 included those for 24 and 48 of the 1-75 Series cars.  The “Matchbox Big MX” series of 6 sets, the “Chopper Chase” racing set, the “Cascade” family game and the “Rev’n Roar” launcher with gearshift lever were all back in 1974.  So was the Official Collector’s Club in Woodridge, New Jersey (USA).  Annual membership dues were up to US $1.50 in the USA and US $2.00 for the rest of the world.  My own personal collection remained the same size in 1974 – an indication of supposedly “outgrowing” diecast cars.  Of course, this particular phenomenon would not last very long!

1975 Matchbox Model Year: the first “Superfast Streakers” and “Streak Sets”

The color cover of the 1975 “Matchbox Collectors Catalogue” featured a photo of “1975? spelled out with the brand new “Streaker” plastic track.  In comparison to the Superfast track sets introduced in late 1969, the “Streaker” track was red, white and blue (as opposed to the old yellow plastic).  Two of the 1-75 Series cars were in the photo (the Lotus Super Seven and the “Woosh-n-Push,” as were a “Super Kings” Crane Truck, a model airplane and one of the action figures (a peg-legged sailor).  The background color was dark purple.

The 1-75 Series for 1975 included the 1) “Mod Rod” Sports Car (73 mm long), the 2) “Hot Rod” Jeep (59 mm long), the 3) Monteverdi Hai Sports Car (75 mm long), the 4) “Gruesome Twosome” Sports Car (73 mm long), the 5) Lotus Europa Sports Car (73 mm long), the 6) Mercedes-Benz 350SL Tourer (76 mm long), the 7) “Hairy Hustler” Racing Car (71 mm long), the 8) De Tomaso Pantera Sports Car (75 mm long), the 9) AMC AMX Javelin Coupé (78 mm long), the 10) “Piston Popper” Coupé (75 mm long and a “Rola-matic”), the 11) Volkswagen “Flying Bug” (74 mm long), the 12) “Big Bull” Tractor (64 mm long and a non-Superfast model), the 13) Volkswagen “Baja Buggy” Beach Buggy (67 mm long), the 14) Iso Grifo Sports Car (76 mm long), the 15) Fork Lift Truck (70 mm long), the 16) Badger Truck (70 mm long and a “Rola-matic”), the 17) “Londoner” Double-Decker Bus (75 mm long), the 18) Hondarora Motorcycle (64 mm long and a non-Superfast model), the 19) Road Dragster (75 mm long), the 20) Police Patrol Truck (74 mm long and a “Rola-matic”), the 21) “Rod Roller” Road Roller (64 mm long), the 22) Freeman Inter-City Commuter Van (75 mm long), the 23) Volkswagen Bay Window Dormobile Camper (67 mm long), the 24) Team “Matchbox” Racing Car (75 mm long), the 25) “Mod” Tractor (58 mm long), the 26) “Big Banger” Dragster (76 mm long), the 27) Lamborghini Countach Sports Car (76 mm long), the 28) “Stoat” Armored Fighting Vehicle (68 mm long and a “Rola-matic”), the 29) Racing Mini Cooper (57 mm long), the 30) Volkswagen Beach Buggy (65 mm long), the 31) Volkswagen Beetle “Volks-Dragon” Dragster (67 mm long), the 32) Maserati Bora Sports Car (75 mm long), the 33) Datsun 126X Sports Car (76 mm long), the 34) Formula 1 Racing Car (73 mm long), the 35) “Fandango” Sports Car (75 mm long and a “Rola-matic”), the 36) Hot Rod “Draguar” Jaguar (73 mm long), the 37) “Scoopa Coopa” Sports Car (74 mm long), the 38) “Stingeroo” Chopper Motorcycle (78 mm long), the 39) “Clipper” Sports Car (77 mm long and a “Rola-matic”), the 40) Guildsman (76 mm long), the 41) “Siva Spider” Sports Car (76 mm long), the 42) “Tyre Fryer” Sports Car (77 mm long), the 43) Volkswagen Beetle “Dragon Wheels” Dragster (72 mm long), the 44) Ford Boss Mustang Coupé (76 mm long), the 45) Ford Group Six Racing Car (76 mm long), the 46) “Stretcha Fetcha” Ambulance (70 mm long), the 47) Volkswagen “Beach Hopper” Dune Buggy (73 mm long and a “Rola-matic”), the 48) “Pie Eyed Piper” Dragster (75 mm long), the 49) “Chop Suey” Chopper Motorcycle (72 mm long), the 50) Articulated Truck (76 mm long), the 51) Citroen SM Coupé (73 mm long), the 52) Dodge Charger Mark III Sports Car (76 mm long), the 53) “Tanzara” Sports Car (76 mm long), the 54) Ford Capri Coupé (73 mm long), the 55) Mercury Station Wagon Police Car (78 mm long), the 56) “Hi Tailer” Racing Car (74 mm long), the 57) Ford Wild Life Truck (73 mm long and a “Rola-matic”), the 58) “Woosh-N-Push” Sports Car (76 mm long), the 59) Mercury Fire Chief Car (73 mm long), the 60) Lotus Super Seven Roadster (73 mm long), the 61) “Blue Shark” Racing Car (76 mm long), the 62) Renault 17TL Coupé (76 mm long), the 63) Freeway Gas Tanker Truck (78 mm long), the 64) Sling Shot Dragster (76 mm long), the 65) Saab Sonnet Sports Car (73 mm long), the 66) Mazda RX500 Sports Car (73 mm long), the 67) Ford Capri “Hot Rocker” Hot Rod (76 mm long), the 68) Porsche 910 Racing Car (76 mm long), the 69) “Turbo Fury” Racing Car (76 mm long and a “Rola-matic”), the 70) Dodge Dragster (77 mm long), the 71) “Jumbo Jet” Chopper Motorcycle (69 mm long), the 72) Hovercraft SRN6 Boat (76 mm long), the 73) “Weasel” Armored Fighting Vehicle (73 mm long), the 74) “Toe Joe” Wreck Truck (76 mm long) and the 75) Alfa-Romeo Carabo Gullwing Sports Car (76 mm long).  New additions to the 1-75 Series were toy cars known as “Streakers.”  These were “1-75 Series” cars with more colorful decals and paint schemes.  They have still been with us recently in the more current Matchbox product range.

A new product for 1975 which is unfortunately no longer with us was the “Matchbox Streak Sets” of plastic track.  They included the S-200) Streak Loop Set, the S-300) Streak Drag Set, the S-400) Streak Racing Set, the S-500) Streak Circuit Set and the S-900) Streak-Around Set.  Back in 1975, I was never able to find these sets in retail stores.  The failure to secure good product distribution was very bad for Lesney and did not bod well for their financial future.

The Matchbox Skybusters line of diecast aircraft for 1975 included the SB-1) Lear Jet (with German markings), the SB-2) Corsair A7D (with American markings), the SB-3) Airbus A300B (with “Air France” markings), the SB-4) Dassault-Briguet Mirage F1 Jet (with French markings), the SB-5) Lockheed Starfighter F104 Jet (with Canadian markings), the SB-6) Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 Fighter Jet (with Soviet markings), the SB-7) Junkers Ju-87 “Stuka” Dive Bomber (with German markings), the SB-8) Supermarine Spitfire Fighter (with RAF markings), the SB-9) Cessna 402, the SB-10) Boeing 747 Jumbo Jet (with “British Airways” markings), the SB-11) Dornier Alpha Jet (with German markings), the SB-12) Skyhawk A4F Jet (with American markings), the SB-13) McDonnell-Douglas DC-10 Jet (with “Swissair” markings), the SB-14) Cessna 210, the SB-15) McDonnell-Douglas Phantom F4E Jet (with RAF markings) and the SB-16) Corsair F4U-4 (with American markings).

The Super Kings line for 1975 included the K-1) O&K Excavator (124 mm long), the K-2) Scammell Heavy Wreck Truck (120 mm long), the K-3) “Mod” Tractor and Trailer (197 mm long), the K-4) Big Tipper Truck (118 mm long), the K-5) Muir-Hill Tractor and Trailer (241 mm long and a non-Superfast model), the K-6) GMC Cement Mixer Truck (147 mm long), the K-7) Racing Car Transporter (156 mm long), the K-8) Caterpillar “Traxcavator” (106 mm long and a non-Superfast model), the K-9) Fire Tender Truck (156 mm long), the K-10) Scammell Pipe Truck (203 mm long), the K-11) DAF Car Transporter Truck (228 mm long), the K-12) Hercules Mobile Crane Truck (156 mm long), the K-13) DAF Building Transporter Truck (147 mm long), the K-14) Scammell Freight Truck (139 mm long), the K-15) “Londoner” Double-Decker Bus (120 mm long), the K-16) Ford Petrol Tanker Truck (229 mm long), the K-17) Articulated Container Truck (251 mm long), the K-18) Ford Articulated Tipper Truck (203 mm long), the K-19) Scammell Tipper Truck (121 mm long), the K-20) DAF Cargo Hauler and Pallet Loader Truck (190 mm long), the K-21) Tractor Transporter Truck (162 mm long) and the K-22) Hovercraft Boat (127 mm long).  There was no K-23 model in 1975.

The Speed Kings continuation of the King Size line for 1975 included the K-24) Lamborghini Miura Sports Car (102 mm long), the K-25) “Seaburst” Power Boat and Trailer (152 mm long), the K-26) Mercedes-Benz “Binz” Ambulance (105 mm long), the K-27) Camping Cruiser (111 mm long), the K-28) “Drag Pack” with Mercury Station Wagon towing a Mercury Cougar Dragster on a trailer (252 mm long), the K-29) “Seaburst Set” with Lamborghini Miura towing a “Seaburst” Power Boat on a trailer (252 mm long), the K-30) Mercedes-Benz C111 Gullwing Sports Car (102 mm long), the K-31) Bertone Runabout (102 mm long), the K-32) “Shovel Nose” Sports Car (102 mm long), the K-33) Citroen SM Coupé (114 mm long), the K-34) “Thunderclap” Racing Car (108 mm long), the K-35) “Lightning” Racing Car (108 mm long), the K-36) “Bandolero” Sports Car (114 mm long), the K-37) Volkswagen “Sandcat” Dune Buggy (86 mm long), the K-38) “Gus’s Gulper” Ford Boss Mustang Dragster (108 mm long), the K-39) “Milligan’s Mill” Ford Maverick Dragster (108 mm long), the K-40) “Blaze Trailer” Fire Chief Car (109 mm long), the K-41) “Fuzz Buggy” Police Car (114 mm long), the K-42) Nissan 270X Sports Car (102 mm long), the K-43) “Cambuster” Dragster (112 mm long), the K-44) “Bazooka” Dragster (112 mm long), the K-45) “Marauder” Racing Car (105 mm long), the K-46) Racing Car Pack with Mercury Station Wagon towing “Thunderclap” Racing Car on Trailer (260 mm long), the K-47) “Easy Rider” Chopper Motorcycle (120 mm long), the K-48) Mercedes-Benz 350SLC Coupé (106 mm long), the K-49) Ambulance (112 mm long), the K-50) “Street Rod” Hot Rod (100 mm long), the K-51) “Barracuda” Racing Car (108 mm long) and the K-52) Datsun Rally Car (105 mm long).

The Battle Kings line for 1975 included the K-101) Sherman Tank (94 mm long and with American markings), the K-102) M.48-AZ Tank (114 mm long and with American markings), the K-103) Chieftan Tank (121 mm long), the K-104) Panzerkampfwagen VIb King Tiger Tank (115 mm long and with German markings), the K-105) “Hover-Raider” Hovercraft Boat (125 mm long), the K-106) Tank Transporter Truck with M.48 Tank (266 mm long), the K-107) 155mm Self-Propelled Howitzer (108 mm long) and the K-108) M3A1 Half Track Armored Personnel Carrier (98 mm long with American markings).  There were thus 59 King Size models in 1975 – one model less than in 1974.

The Models of Yesteryear line for 1975 included the Y-1) 1911 Model T Ford (76 mm long), the Y-2) 1914 Prince Henry Vauxhall (89 mm long), the Y-3) 1934 Riley MPH Roadster (98 mm long), the Y-4) 1909 Opel “Doctor’s” Coupé (79 mm long), the Y-5) 1907 Peugeot (89 mm long), the Y-6) 1913 Cadillac (87 mm long), the Y-7) 1912 Rolls-Royce Landaulet (96 mm long), the Y-8) 1914 Stutz (86 mm long), the Y-9) 1912 Simplex (96 mm long), the Y-10) 1906 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost (94 mm long), the Y-11) 1938 Lagonda Drophead Coupé (112 mm long), the Y-12) 1909 Thomas Flyabout (102 mm long), the Y-13) 1918 Crossley RAF Tender Truck (98 mm long), the Y-14) 1931 Stutz Bearcat Boattail Speedster (112 mm long), the Y-15) 1930 Packard Victoria (107 mm long), the Y-16) 1928 Mercedes-Benz SS (108 mm long) and the Y-17) Hispano-Suiza (115 mm long).

The “Matchbox Fighting Furies” action figures for 1975 included the 01) Captain Blood Adventure, the 02) One-Eyed Sailor Adventure, the 03) Hooded Falcon Adventure, the 04) Spanish Main Adventure, the 05) Redcoat Adventure, the 06) Kung Fu Warrior Adventure plus the Captain Hook Adventure and the Captain Peg-Leg Adventure.  These were never very popular.

The Matchbox Aircraft Kits in 1:72-Scale for 1975 included the PK-1) Hawker Fury Biplane (with RAF markings), the PK-2) Supermarine Spitfire Mark IX Fighter (with RAF markings), the PK-3) Boeing P-12 E Biplane (with US Army Air Corps markings), the PK-4) Mitsubishi Zero Sen Fighter (with Japanese markings), the PK-5) Dornier Alpha Jet (with German markings), the PK-6) Focke-Wulf Fw-190 Fighter (with German markings), the PK-7) Westland Lysander Monoplane (with RAF markings), the PK-8) Gloster Gladiator Biplane, the PK-9) Huey Cobra Helicopter (with US Marine Corps markings), the PK-10) Strikemaster Jet (with RAF markings), the PK-11) Hawker Hurricane Fighter (with RAF markings), the PK-12) Northrop F5-A Jet, the PK-13) Mustang P51-D Fighter (with American markings), the PK-14) Corsair F4U-4 (with American markings), the PK-15) Hawker-Siddeley Gnat Jet (with RAF markings), the PK-16) Hawker Harrier VTOL Jet (with American markings), the PK-17) Messerschmitt Bf-109E Fighter (with German markings), the PK-18) Grumman Hellcat (with American markings), the PK-19) Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 Jet Fighter (with Czechoslovakian markings), the PK-20) Dassault-Briguet Mirage 111C Jet, the PK-21) Messerschmitt Me-262 Jet Fighter (with German markings), the PK-22) Thunderbolt P-47 (with American markings), the PK-23) Hawker Tempest (with RAF markings), the PK-24) Brewster Buffalo (with RAF markings), the PK-25) Armstrong Whitworth Siskin, the PK-26) Henschel 126 (with German markings), the PK-27) Hawker Siddeley Hawk and the PK-28) Lockheed Starfighter Jet.  The number of these smaller 1:72-Scale kits was now up from 26 in 1974 to 28 in 1975.

The range of 1:76-Scale Matchbox Military Kits for 1975 included the PK-71) Sherman Firefly Tank, the PK-72) Comet Mark 1 Tank, the PK-73) Panzerkampfwagen V Ausführung G Heavy Tank (with German markings), the PK-74) Panzerkampfwagen III Ausführung L Tank (with German markings), the PK-75) Humber Armoured Car Mark II, the PK-76) Puma Armored Car (with German markings), the PK-77) Wespe Self-Propelled Gun (with German markings), the PK-78) M.16 Half-Track Truck (with American markings), the PK-79) Chaffee Tank M.24 (with American markings), the PK-80) Jagdpanther Tank Destroyer (with German markings), the PK-81) Panzerkampfwagen II Tank (with German markings), the PK-82) T.34 Russian Tank, the PK-83) Hanomag Sonderkraftfahrzeug 251/1 Half-Track Truck (with German markings), the PK-84) British Infantry Figures Set, the PK-85) American Infantry Figures Set and the PK-86) German Infantry Figures Set.  The 1:76-Scale military kits were now up from 10 in 1974 to a total of 16 in 1975.

The “orange” range of larger 1:72-Scale aircraft kits increased to 13 in 1975.  These included the PK-101) Corsair A7D Jet, the PK-102) Sepecat Jaguar Jet (with RAF markings), the PK-103) Bristol Beaufighter (with RAF markings), the PK-104) Curtiss Helldiver (with American markings), the PK-105) Supermarine Walrus Flying Boat (with RAF markings), the PK-106) Buccaneer Jet (with RAF markings), the PK-107) Dornier Sky Servant (with ”Marineflieger” markings of the German Navy), the PK-108) Lynx Helicopter (with Royal Navy markings), the PK-109) Junkers Ju-188 Bomber (with German markings), the PK-110) Hawker Siddeley 125/600 Jet (with RAF markings), the PK-111) Junkers Ju-87 “Stuka” Dive Bomber (with German markings), the PK-112) Fairy Swordfish and the PK-113) Messerschmitt Me-410 Heavy Fighter (with German markings).

A brand new range of “Matchbox Automobile Kits” in 1:32-Scale were introduced in 1975.  To start off, there were just two models: the PK-182) Bugatti Type 59 and the PK-183) Can-Am Porsche Racing Car.  There were thus 59 “Matchbox” plastic kits in 1975, making the range of plastic model kits just as large as the range of King Size vehicles.  This was up from 46 plastic kits in 1974.

Products such as the “Cascade” family game, the “Chopper Chase” racing set and the “Matchbox Collectors Cases” (for 24 and 48 of the “1-75 Series” cars) were back in 1975.  The back of the 1975 color catalogue featured an article about Matchbox Team Surtees professional auto racing.  Lesney thus sponsored racing cars in Europe, South Africa, Canada, the United States and South America.  The collectors’ club was not advertised in 1975 – interest was likely declining due to inefficient management.  Lesney was still headquartered in London (worldwide) and in Moonachie, New Jersey for the United States.

1976 Matchbox Model Year: the first “Sea Kings” and “Suky” Dolls for Girls

In 1976, Lesney would continue to expand into more product lines which failed to succeed.  This included the first Matchbox line of toy dolls for little girls.  The results were obvious.  The company assumed ever more debt, which they would find ever more difficult to repay with their cash flow.  Furthermore, production was still based in England, which had high wages, generous benefits and labor unions.  The color cover of the 1976 “Matchbox Catalogue” featured photos of a “Suky” doll for girls, a “Speed Kings” Hot Rod, a French Air Force jet (an assembled model kit) and a “Super Kings” Fire Truck all visible within the numbers “1976.”  The “Streakers” name was now assigned to particular 1-75 Series models – these cars had colorful decals and paint jobs.

The 1-75 Series for 1976 included the 1) Dodge Challenger Hardtop (74 mm long), the 2) “Hot Rod” Jeep (78 mm long), the 3) Monteverdi Hai Sports Car (74 mm long), the 4) Pontiac Firebird (74 mm long), the 5) “Seafire” Speed Boat (75 mm long), the 6) Mercedes-Benz 350SL Tourer (75 mm long), the 7) “Hairy Hustler” Racing Car (72 mm long and a “Streaker”), the 8) De Tomaso Pantera Sports Car (77 mm long), the 9) AMC AMX Javelin (77 mm long), the 10) “Piston Popper” Dragster (75 mm long and a “Rola-matic”), the 11) Volkswagen “Flying Bug” Dragster (74 mm long), the 12) “Big Bull” Bulldozer (63 mm long and a non-Superfast model), the 13) Volkswagen “Baja Buggy” (66 mm long), the 14) Mini Cooper “Ha-Ha” Dragster (60 mm long), the 15) Fork Lift Truck (70 mm long), the 16) “Badger” Truck (68 mm long and a “Rola-matic”), the 17) “Londoner” Double-Decker Bus, the 18) “Hondarora” Motorcycle (63 mm long), the 19) Road Dragster (75 mm long), the 20) Police Patrol Truck (73 mm long and a “Rola-matic”), the 21) “Rod Roller” Road Roller (70 mm long), the 22) “Blaze Buster” Fire Truck (77 mm long), the 23) Atlas Dump Truck (71 mm long), the 24) Team “Matchbox” Racing Car (75 mm long), the 25) “Mod” Tractor (57 mm long), the 26) “Big Banger” Dragster (76 mm long), the 27) Lamborghini Countach (74 mm long and a “Streaker”), the 28) “Stoat” Armored Fighting Vehicle (67 mm long and a “Rola-matic”), the 29) Racing Mini Cooper (57 mm long), the 30) Volkswagen Beach Buggy (65 mm long), the 31) Volkswagen “Volks-Dragon” Dragster (66 mm long), the 32) Maserati Bora Sports Car (76 mm long), the 33) Datsun 126X Sports Car (76 mm long and a “Streaker”), the 34) “Vantastic” Dragster (74 mm long), the 35) “Fandango” Sports Car (75 mm long and a “Rola-matic”), the 36) Formula 5000 Racing Car (74 mm long), the 37) “Scoopa Coopa” Sports Car (74 mm long), the 38) “Stingeroo” Chopper Motorcycle (78 mm long), the 39) “Clipper” Sports Car (77 mm long and a “Rola-matic”), the 40) Vauxhall Guildsman (76 mm long and a “Streaker”), the 41) “Siva Spider” Sports Car (77 mm long and a “Streaker”), the 42) “Tyre Fryer” Sports Car (76 mm long), the 43) Volkswagen Beetle “Dragon Wheels” Dragster (72 mm long), the 44) Ford Boss Mustang Coupé (75 mm long), the 45) BMW 3.0 CSL Coupé (74 mm long), the 46) “Stretcha Fetcha” Ambulance (70 mm long), the 47) Volkswagen “Beach Hopper” Dune Buggy (66 mm long and a “Rola-matic”), the 48) “Pie-Eyed Piper” Dragster (75 mm long), the 49) “Chop Suey” Chopper Motorcycle (72 mm long), the 50) Articulated Truck (79 mm long), the 51) Citroen SM Coupé (78 mm long and a “Streaker”), the 52) Dodge Charger Mark III (75 mm long), the 53) “Tanzara” Sports Car (76 mm long and a “Streaker”), the 54) Ford Capri Coupé (77 mm long), the 55) “Hellraiser” Sports Car (75 mm long), the 56) “Hi-Tailer” Racing Car (75 mm long), the 57) Ford Wild Life Truck (71 mm long and a “Rola-matic”), the 58) “Woosh-n-Push” Sports Car (77 mm long), the 59) Planet Scout (70 mm long), the 60) Lotus Super Seven Roadster (74 mm long and a “Streaker”), the 61) “Blue Shark” Racing Car (77 mm long), the 62) Renault 17TL Coupé (75 mm long), the 63) Freeway Gas Tanker Truck (78 mm long), the 64) Fire Chief Car (77 mm long), the 65) Saab Sonnet Sports Car (73 mm long), the 66) Mazda RX500 Sports Car (74 mm long and a “Streaker”), the 67) Ford Capri “Hot Rocker” Dragster (77 mm long and a “Rola-matic”), the 68) “Cosmobile” Planet Scout Car (73 mm long), the 69) “Turbo Fury” Racing Car (77 mm long and a “Rola-matic”), the 70) Dodge Dragster (78 mm long), the 71) “Jumbo Jet” Chopper Motorcycle (69 mm long), the 72) Hovercraft SRN6 Boat (77 mm long), the 73) “Weasel” Armored Fighting Vehicle (72 mm long and a “Rola-matic”), the 74) “Toe Joe” Wreck Truck (74 mm long) and the 75) Alfa-Romeo Carabo Gullwing Sports Car (76 mm long and a “Streaker”).

A great new idea and product line for 1976 were the “Matchbox Two Packs.”  There were 8 blister packs, which featured many models since discontinued from the normal 1-75 Series line of cars and trucks.  These included the TP-1) Mercedes-Benz Truck and Trailer, the TP-2) Farm Tractor and Trailer, the TP-3) AMC AMX Javelin Coupé and Pony Trailer, the TP-4) Holiday Set with Ford Capri Coupé towing Eccles Caravan, the TP-5) Weekender Set with Vauxhall Guildsman towing Boat on Trailer, the TP-6) Breakdown Truck and Trailer Set with “Toe Joe” and Racing Mini, the TP-7) Emergency Set with Mercury Fire Chief Car and “Stretcha Fetcha” Ambulance and the TP-8) Transport Set with “Londoner” Double-Decker Bus and Hovercraft SRN6 Boat.

The revamped and expanded “Matchbox Giftsets!” line for 1976 included 14 sets (there was no G-8 Set).  These were the G-1) Twin Launcher Set, the G-2) Big Mover Set, the G-3) “Wild Ones” Set, the G-4) Superfast Champions Set, the G-5) “Models of Yesteryear” Set (with 4 vintage vehicles), the G-6) Drag Race Set, the G-7) Car Ferry Set (with a nice Ferry Boat and 4 vehicles), the G-9) Commando Task Force Set, the G-10) Thunder Jets Set (with 4 “Skybusters”), the G-11) Strike Force Set, the G-12) Rescue Set (with 6 vehicles), the G-13) Construction Set (with 5 vehicles and a dirt loader), the G-14) Grand Prix Set (with a “Super Kings” Racing Car Transporter and 4 vehicles) and the G-15) Car Transporter Set.

The “Matchbox Streak Sets” tracks were back in 1976.  These included the S-200) Streak Loop Set, the S-300) Streak Drag Set, the S-400) Streak Double-Loop Racing Set, the S-500) Streak Circuit Set and the S-900) Streak Around Set.  Available accessories included a Rattlesnake Bend, a Pacemaker, a Skyjack, Track Joiners, a Streak Loop, a Slipstream Curve, a “G” clamp and a Track Pack.

The “Matchbox Steer-n-Go” toy made a comeback in 1976.  “Matchbox” Collectors Carry Cases for 24 and 48 of the “1-75 Series” cars were back as well.  The “Matchbox Cascade” family game with a bouncing ball was also back.

The Matchbox Skybusters line for 1976 included the SB-1) Lear Jet (81 mm long), the SB-2) Corsair A7D (84 mm long and with American markings), the SB-3) Airbus A300B (90 mm long and with “Air France” markings), the SB-4) Dassault-Briguet Mirage F1 Jet (54 mm long and with French markings), the SB-5) Lockheed Starfighter Jet (52 mm long and with Canadian markings), the SB-6) Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG 21 Fighter Jet (57 mm long and with Soviet markings), the SB-7) Junkers Ju-87 “Stuka” Dive Bomber (99 mm long and with German markings), the SB-8) Supermarine Spitfire (102 mm long and with RAF markings), the SB-9) Cessna 402 (103 mm long), the SB-10) Boeing 747 Jumbo Jet (94 mm long and with “British Airways” markings), the SB-11) Dornier Alpha Jet (88 mm long and with German markings), the SB-12) Skyhawk A4F Jet (71 mm long and with American markings), the SB-13) McDonnell-Douglas DC10 (93 mm long and with “Swissair” markings), the SB-14) Cessna 210 (101 mm long), the SB-15) McDonnell-Douglas Phantom F4E Jet (73 mm long and with RAF markings), the SB-16) Corsair F4U-4 (100 mm long and with American markings), the SB-17) “Ram Rod” Custom Monoplane (99 mm long) and the SB-18) “Wild Wind” Custom Monoplane (99 mm long).  Note: the length for “Matchbox Skybusters” refers to the length of the wingspan (i.e., width).

The Matchbox Super Kings line for 1976 included the K-1) O&K Excavator (124 mm long), the K-2) Scammell Heavy Wreck Truck (120 mm long), the K-3) Mod Tractor and Trailer (197 mm long), the K-4) Big Tipper Truck (118 mm long), the K-5) Muir-Hill Tractor and Trailer (241 mm long and a non-Superfast model), the K-6) Motorcycle Transporter Truck (120 mm long), the K-7) Racing Car Transporter Truck (156 mm long), the K-8) Caterpillar “Traxcavator” (106 mm long and a non-Superfast model), the K-9) Fire Tender Truck (156 mm long), the K-10) Car Transporter Truck (269 mm long), the K-11) “Pickup Truck” Wreck Truck (127 mm long), the K-12) Hercules Mobile Crane Truck (156 mm long), the K-13) Aircraft Transporter Truck (203 mm long), the K-14) Scammell Freight Truck (139 mm long), the K-15) “Londoner” Double-Decker Bus (120 mm long), the K-16) Petrol Tanker Truck (229 mm long), the K-17) Articulated Container Truck (251 mm long), the K-18) Ford Articulated Tipper Truck (203 mm long), the K-19) Scammell Tipper Truck (121 mm long), the K-20) DAF Cargo Hauler and Pallet Loader Truck (190 mm long), the K-21) Tractor Transporter Truck (162 mm long), the K-22) Hovercraft Boat (127 mm long), the K-23) Scammell Container Truck (133 mm long) and the K-24) Articulated Low Loader with Bulldozer (241 mm long).

The Matchbox Speed Kings line for 1976 did not have models numbered K-25 through K-29.  They included the K-30) Mercedes-Benz C111 Gullwing Sports Car (102 mm long), the K-31) Bertone Runabout (102 mm long), the K-32) “Shovel Nose” Sports Car (102 mm long), the K-33) Citroen SM Coupé (114 mm long), the K-34) “Thunderclap” Racing Car (108 mm long), the K-35) “Lightning” Racing Car (108 mm long), the K-36) “Bandolero” Sports Car (114 mm long), the K-37) Volkswagen “Sandcat” Dune Buggy (86 mm long), the K-38) “Gus’s Gulper” Ford Boss Mustang Dragster (108 mm long), the K-39) “Milligan’s Mill” Ford Maverick Dragster (108 mm long), the K-40) “Blaze Trailer” Fire Chief Car (109 mm long), the K-41) “Fuzz Buggy” Police Car (114 mm long), the K-42) Nissan 270X Sports Car (102 mm long), the K-43) “Cambuster” Dragster (112 mm long), the K-44) “Bazooka” Dragster (112 mm long), the K-45) “Marauder” Racing Car (105 mm long), the K-46) Racing Car Pack with Mercury Commuter Station Wagon pulling “Thunderclap” Racing Car on Trailer (260 mm long), the K-47) “Easy Rider” Chopper Motorcycle (120 mm long), the K-48) Mercedes-Benz 350SLC Coupé (106 mm long), the K-49) Ambulance (112 mm long), the K-50) “Street Rod” Hot Rod (100 mm long), the K-51) “Barracuda” Racing Car (108 mm long), the K-52) Datsun 240Z Rally Car (105 mm long), the K-53) Hot Rod Fire Engine (98 mm long), the K-54) AMC AMX Javelin Sports Car (108 mm long), the K-55) Chevrolet Corvette Caper Car (108 mm long), the K-56) Maserati Bora Sports Car (101 mm long), the K-57) Javelin Drag Racing Set (247 mm long with AMX Javelin pulling “Milligan’s Mill” Ford Maverick Dragster on Trailer), the K-58) Corvette Power Boat Set (257 mm long with Corvette pulling Chrysler Speed Boat on Trailer), the K-59) Ford Capri Mark 2 Coupé (105 mm long), the K-60) Ford Mustang Coupé (107 mm long) and the K-61) Mercedes-Benz 350 SLC Coupé Police Car (107 mm long).

The Matchbox Battle Kings line for 1976 included the K-101) Sherman Tank (91 mm long and with American markings), the K-102) M.48-A2 Tank (117 mm long and with American markings), the K-103) Chieftain Tank (120 mm long), the K-104) Jagdpanzer VIb King Tiger Tank (114 mm long and with German markings), the K-105) “Hover-Raider” Hovercraft Boat (126 mm long), the K-106) Tank Transporter Truck with M.48 Tank (256 mm long and with American markings), the K-107) 155mm Self-Propelled Howitzer (105 mm long), the K-108) M3A1 Half-Track Truck (100 mm long and with American markings), the K-109) M551 Sheridan Tank (105 mm long), the K-110) Recovery Vehicle Tow Truck (131 mm long and with American markings) and the K-111) Missile Launcher Truck (112 mm long).

A brand line of products for 1976 were the “Sea Kings” waterline naval vessels with “Superfast” wheels.  These included the K-301) Frigate (219 mm long), the K-302) Corvette (199 mm long), the K-303) Battleship (218 mm long), the K-304) Aircraft Carrier (222 mm long), the K-305) Submarine Chaser (219 mm long), the K-306) Convoy Escort (199 mm long), the K-307) Helicopter Carrier (210 mm long) and the K-308) Guided Missile Destroyer (213 mm long).  The total “Matchbox King Size” line thus now included a grand total of 74 models – merely one short of the venerable and much more popular “1-75 Series.

The Matchbox Models of Yesteryear line for 1976 included the Y-1) 1911 Model T Ford (76 mm long), the Y-2) 1914 Prince Henry Vauxhall (89 mm long), the Y-3) 1934 Riley MPH Roadster (98 mm long), the Y-4) 1930 Duesenberg Model J (114 mm long), the Y-5) 1907 Peugeot (89 mm long), the Y-6) 1913 Cadillac (87 mm long), the Y-7) 1912 Rolls-Royce Landaulet (96 mm long), the Y-8) 1914 Stutz Roadster (86 mm long), the Y-9) 1912 Simplex (96 mm long), the Y-10) 1906 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost (94 mm long), the Y-11) 1938 Lagonda Drophead Coupé (112 mm long), the Y-12) 1909 Thomas Flyabout (102 mm long), the Y-13) 1918 Crossley RAF Tender Pickup Truck (98 mm long), the Y-14) 1931 Stutz Bearcat Boattail Speedster (112 mm long), the Y-15) 1930 Packard Victoria (107 mm long), the Y-16) 1928 Mercedes-Benz SS (108 mm long) and the Y-17) 1938 Hispano-Suiza (115 mm long).

The 1:72-Scale Matchbox Aircraft Kits line for 1976 included the PK-1) Hawker Fury Biplane (with RAF markings), the PK-2) Supermarine Spitfire Mark IX (with RAF markings), the PK-3) Boeing P-12E Biplane (with US Army Air Corps markings), the PK-4) Mitsubishi Zero Sen Fighter (with Japanese markings), the PK-5) Dornier Alpha Jet (with German markings), the PK-6) Focke-Wulf Fw-190 Fighter (with German markings), the PK-7) Westland Lysander (with RAF markings), the PK-8) Gloster Gladiator Biplane, the PK-9) Huey Cobra Helicopter (with US Marine Corps markings), the PK-10) Strikemaster Jet (with Royal New Zealand Air Force markings), the PK-11) Hawker Hurricane Fighter (with RAF markings), the PK-12) Northrop F5-A (with US Air Force markings), the PK-13) Mustang P51-D Fighter (with RAF markings), the PK-14) Corsair F4U-4 (with American markings), the PK-15) Hawker Siddeley Gnat Jet (with RAF markings), the PK-16) Hawker Harrier V/STOL Jet (with US Marine Corps markings), the PK-17) Messerschmitt Bf-109E Fighter (with German markings), the PK-18) Gruman Hellcat (with American markings), the PK-19) Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 Fighter Jet (with Soviet markings), the PK-20) Dassault-Briguet Mirage 111c Jet (with French markings), the PK-21) Messerschmitt Me-262 Jet Fighter (with German markings), the PK-22) Thunderbolt P-47 (with American markings), the PK-23) Hawker Tempest (with RAF markings), the PK-24) Brewster Buffalo, the PK-25) Armstrong Whitworth Siskin Biplane (with RAF markings), the PK-26) Henschel He-126 Monoplane (with German markings), the PK-27) Hawker Siddeley Hawk Jet (with RAF markings), the PK-28) Lockheed Starfighter Jet (with German markings), the PK-29) Douglas Skyhawk Jet (with US Marine Corps markings) and the PK-30) Percival Provost (with RAF markings).

The 1:76-Scale Matchbox Military Kits line for 1976 included the PK-71) Sherman Firefly Tank, the PK-72) Comet Tank, the PK-73) Panzerkampfwagen V Ausführung G Panther Heavy Tank (with German markings), the PK-74) Panzerkampfwagen III Ausführung L Medium Tank (with German markings), the PK-75) Humber Armoured Car Mark II, the PK-76) Puma Armoured Car (with German markings), the PK-77) M.16 Half-Track Truck (with American markings), the PK-78) Chaffee M24 Tank (with American markings), the PK-79) Wespe Self-Propelled Gun (with German markings), the PK-80) Panzerkampfwagen V Jagdpanther Heavy Tank Destroyer (with German markings), the PK-81) Panzerkampfwagen II Light Tank (with German markings), the PK-82) Russian T.34 Tank (in white Winter color) and the PK-83) Hanomag Half Track Truck (with German markings).

The 1:72-Scale Matchbox Aircraft Kits line of larger aircraft for 1976 included the PK-101) Corsair A7D Jet, the PK-102) Sepecat Jaguar Jet (with RAF markings), the PK-103) Bristol Beaufighter (with RAF markings), the PK-104) Curtiss Helldiver (with American markings), the PK-105) Supermarine Walrus Flying Boat (with RAF markings), the PK-106) Buccaneer Jet (with RAF markings), the PK-107) Dornier Sky Servant (with “Marineflieger” markings of the German Navy), the PK-108) Lynx Helicopter (with Royal Navy markings), the PK-109) Junkers Ju-88 Medium Bomber (with German markings), the PK-110) Hawker Siddeley 125/600 Jet, the PK-111) Junkers Ju-87 “Stuka” Dive Bomber (with German markings), the PK-112) Fairy Swordfish Biplane (with RAF markings), the PK-113) Messerschmitt Me-410 Heavy Fighter (with German markings), the PK-114) BAC Lighting Jet (with RAF markings), the PK-115) Messerschmitt Bf-110 Heavy Fighter (with German markings), the PK-116) De Haviland Mosquito Heavy Fighter (with RAF markings), the PK-117) Hawker Hunter Jet (with RAF markings) and the PK-118) Lockheed Lightning Heavy Fighter (with American markings).

The 1:32-Scale Matchbox Automobile Kits for 1976 included the PK-301) Aston-Martin Ulster Racing Car, the PK-302) Bugatti Type 59 Racing Car, the PK-303) Porsche 917-10 Racing Car, the PK-304) Jaguar SS-100 Racing Car and the PK-305) Surtees TS.16 Racing Car.

There was now a range of brand new even larger 1:72-Scale “Matchbox Aircraft Kits” for 1976.  These included the PK-401) Heinkel He-115 Floatplane (with German markings), the PK-402) Wellington Medium Bomber (with RAF markings), the PK-403) Heinkel He-111 Medium Bomber (with German markings), the PK-404) McDonnell-Douglas F4 Phantom Jet (with RAF markings), the PK-405) Mitchell B25 Medium Bomber (with American markings) and the PK-406) Grumman Tomcat Jet (with US Navy markings).  The total number of Matchbox plastic model kits was now up to 72 – almost as large as the combined King Size lines (74) and the venerable 1-75 Series.

“Matchbox Mobile Action Command” was back in 1976 with the MC-1) MAC Military Recon Unit, the MC-2) MAC Fire Fighting Unit, the MC-3) MAC All Terrain Rescue Unit, the MC-4) Emergency Medical Unit, the MC-5) Air Rescue Unit and the MC-6) Sea Rescure Unit.  Each set had a vehicle and an action figure.

The brand new line of “Matchbox Suky” dolls for young girls included the LP-1) Ballerina, the LP-2) Nurse, the LP-3) Tennis Player, the LP-4) Horse Rider, the LP-5) Skater, the LP-6) Shopper, the LP-7) Suky Bedtime and the LP-8) Suky Swimmer.  They also featured a line of playsets including the LP-300) Picnic Playset, the LP-301) Home Cleaning Playset, the LP-302) Camping Playset, the LP-303) Wedding Playset, the LP-304) Cinderella Playset and the LP-305) Cooking Playset.

A wonderful new feature of the 1976 Matchbox catalogue was an index listing all historical models of the 1-75 Series – a great resource for collectors and enthusiasts.  The Official “Matchbox” Collectors Club was still headquartered in Woodbridge, New Jersey (USA).  Annual dues were US $1.50 per year for US members and US $2.00 per year for the rest of the world.  Lesney Products Corporation in the United States was also still in Moonachie, New Jersey.  Lesney’s global headquarters was in London, England (UK) and the catalogue was printed in Germany by Maul & Company.  My own collection was up to 315 diecast vehicles in 1976, 196 of which were Matchbox products.

1977 Matchbox Model Year: an ever-expanding Product Line

The color cover of the 1977 “Matchbox Catalogue” featured photos of Lesney products such as a racing car, a “Suky” doll, a large dump truck and a fighter aircraft from the Second World War.  Lesney would sink ever more capital into its expanding product line, in a likely attempt to compete with larger companies such as Mattel on all fronts.  Similar mistakes were made by automotive companies such as American Motors Corporation (AMC), which tried to compete with Detroit’s “Big Three? (General Motors Corporation, the Ford Motor Company and Chrysler Corporation) in too many automotive product lines.  The financial resources of smaller companies were stretched too thin with expensive retooling costs for new products which often failed to sell well enough in the marketplace.

A brand new line of products featured inside the front cover of the catalogue were the “Matchbox Playsets.”  These included the PS-1) Container Port and the PS-2) Seakings Harbour.  Such accessories added much realism to play, and are sorely missed today.

The 1-75 Series for 1977 included the 1) Dodge Challenger Hardtop (74 mm long), the 2) Hovercraft Boat (77 mm long), the 3) Monteverdi Hai Sports Car (74 mm long), the 4) Pontiac Firebird Coupé (74 mm long), the 5) “Seafire” Speed Boat (75 mm long), the 6) Mercedes-Benz 350SL Tourer (75 mm long), the 7) Volkswagen Golf 4-Door Hatchback (72 mm long), the 8) De Tomaso Pantera Sports Car (77 mm long), the 9) AMC AMX Javelin Coupé (77 mm long), the 10) “Piston Popper” Ford Mustang Dragster (75 mm long and a “Rola-matic”), the 11) Volkswagen “Flying Bug” Dragster (74 mm long), the 12) “Big Bull” Bulldozer (63 mm long and a non-Superfast model), the 13) Volkswagen “Baja Buggy” Dune Buggy (66 mm long), the 14) “Mini Ha Ha” Mini Cooper Dragster (60 mm long), the 15) Fork Lift Truck (70 mm long), the 16) “Badger” Truck (68 mm long and a “Rola-matic”), the 17) “Londoner” Double-Decker Bus (78 mm long), the 18) “Hondarora” Honda Motorcycle (63 mm long), the 19) Cement Truck (75 mm long), the 20) Police Patrol Truck (73 mm long and a “Rola-matic”), the 21) “Rod Roller” Road Roller (70 mm long), the 22) “Blaze Buster” Fire Truck (77 mm long), the 23) “Atlas” Dump Truck (71 mm long), the 24) Team “Matchbox” Racing Car (75 mm long), the 25) “Mod” Tractor (57 mm long), the 26) Site Dump Truck (64 mm long), the 27) Lamborghini Countach Sports Car (74 mm long and a “Streaker”), the 28) “Stoat” Armored Fighting Vehicle, the 29) “Shovel Nose” Tractor (72 mm long), the 30) “Swamp Rat” Amphibious Fighting Vehicle (77 mm long), the 31) Volkswagen “Volks Dragon” Beetle Dragster (66 mm long), the 32) Maserati Bora Sports Car 76 mm long), the 33) Datsun Sports Car (76 mm long and a “Streaker”), the 34) “Vantastic” Dragster (74 mm long), the 35) “Fandango” Racing Car (75 mm long and a “Rola-matic”), the 36) Formula 5000 Racing Car (74 mm long), the 37) “Skip Truck” Dumper (69 mm long), the 38) Armoured Jeep (61 mm long and with American markings), the 39) “Clipper” Sports Car (77 mm long and a “Rola-matic”), the 40) Vauxhall Guildsman (76 mm long and a “Streaker”), the 41) “Siva Spider” Sports Car (77 mm long and a “Streaker”), the 42) “Tyre Fryer” Dragster (76 mm long), the 43) “Dragon Wheels” Volkswagen Beetle Dragster (72 mm long), the 44) Ford Boss Mustang Coupé (75 mm long), the 45) BMW Coupé (74 mm long), the 46) “Stretcha Fetcha” Ambulance (70 mm long), the 47) Volkswagen “Beach Hopper” Dune Buggy (66 mm long and a “Rola-matic”), the 48) “Pi-Eyed Piper” Dragster (75 mm long), the 49) Crane Truck (76 mm long), the 50) Articulated Truck (79 mm long), the 51) Citroen SM Coupé (78 mm long and a “Streaker”), the 52) Police Launch Speed Boat (77 mm long), the 53) “Tanzara” Racing Car (76 mm long and a “Streaker”), the 54) Military Personnel Carrier (76 mm long), the 55) “Hellraiser” Dragster (75 mm long), the 56) “Hi-Tailer” Racing Car (75 mm long), the 57) Ford Wild Life Pickup Truck (71 mm long and a “Rola-matic”), the 58) Faun Dumper Truck (71 mm long), the 59) Planet Scout (70 mm long), the 60) Lotus Super Seven Roadster (74 mm long and a “Streaker”), the 61) “Blue Shark” Racing Car (77 mm long), the 62) Renault Coupé (75 mm long), the 63) Freeway Gas Tanker Truck (78 mm long), the 64) Fire Chief Car (77 mm long), the 65) Saab Sonnet Coupé (73 mm long), the 66) Mazda RX500 Sports Car (74 mm long), the 67) Ford Capri “Hot Rocker” Dragster (77 mm long and a “Rola-matic”), the 68) “Cosmobile Planet” Scout (73 mm long), the 69) “Turbo Fury” Racing Car (77 mm long and a “Rola-matic), the 70) Self-Propelled Gun (66 mm long), the 71) Dodge Cattle Truck (74 mm long), the 72) SRN6 Hovercraft Boat (77 mm long), the 73) “Weasel” Armored Fighting Vehicle (72 mm long), the 74) “Toe Joe” Wreck Truck (74 mm long) and the 75) Helicopter (74 mm long).

The Matchbox Two Packs were back in 1977.  These were nice, because some packs featured models discontinued years ago, or even models never in the 1-75 Series lineup (such as the Glider Trailer).  They included the TP-1) Mercedes-Benz Truck and Trailer, the TP-2) “Mod” Tractor and Trailer, the TP-3) AMC AMX Javelin and Pony Trailer, the TP-4) Holiday Set with Vauxhall Guildsman towing Eccles Caravan, the TP-5) Weekender Set with Ford Capri towing Boat on Trailer, the TP-6) “Toe Joe” Breakdown Truck towing Racing Mini Cooper, the TP-7) Jeep and Glider Trailer and the TP-8) Field Car towing Honda Motorcycle on Trailer.

A brand new line of products added to the 1-75 Series in 1977 were the “Matchbox Military Two Packs.”  These were very similar to today’s revised Battle Kings lineup.  They included the TP-11) Military Jeep and Motorcycle, the TP-12) Military VW Bus Ambulance and Field Car, the TP-13) Military Scout and Armoured Car, the TP-14) Military Tanker Truck and “Badger” Truck, the TP-15) Military Mercedes-Benz Truck and Trailer and the TP-16) Military Dump Truck and Bulldozer.  These 16 packs added to the “1-75 Series” line would make for 91 models.

The “Matchbox Steer-N-Go” toy returned with the one set in 1977.  The Matchbox Collectors Carry Cases were also back, for either 24 or 48 of the 1-75 Series vehicles.

1977 saw the introduction of a brand new “Matchbox Garage.”  This service station was not as realistic as service stations from past model years had been, but it was certainly better than no service station at all.  Two versions were available, the MG-1 and the MG-2 (the second one was merely larger than the first).

The 1977 “Matchbox Catalogue” also featured a useful index of the history of “1-75 Series” models going back to 1953.

There were nine “Matchbox Giftsets!” in 1977, including the G-100) Twin Launcher Set, the G-9) Commando Task Force Set, the G-10) Thunder Jets Set (with four “Skybusters” models), the G-11) Strike Force Set (with six military vehicles), the G-12) Rescue Set (with six vehicles), the G-13) Construction Set (with five vehicles and a dirt loader), the G-14) Grand Prix Set (with four vehicles and a “Super Kings” Racing Car Transporter), the G-15) Car Transporter Set (with five cars and a “Super Kings” Car Transporter) and the G-17) Car Ferry Set (with four vehicles and a nice ferry boat).

A brand new product for 1977 was the “Matchbox Airport Playmat,” designed for Skybusters aircraft.  This was not available in the United States – a bad marketing decision on the part of Lesney.

The Matchbox Skybusters line for 1977 included the SB-1) Learjet (with a wingspan of 81 mm and with German markings), the SB-2) Corsair AFD Jet (with a wingspan of 84 mm and with American markings), the SB-3) Airbus A300 Jet (with a wingspan of 90 mm and with “Air France” markings), the SB-4) Dassault-Briguet Mirage F.1 Jet (with a wingspan of 54 mm and with French markings), the SB-5) Lockheed Starfighter Jet (with a wingspan of 52 mm and with Canadian markings), the SB-6) Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 Fighter Jet (with a wingspan of 57 mm and with Soviet markings), the SB-7) Junkers Ju-87 “Stuka” Dive Bomber (with a wingspan of 99 mm and with German markings), the SB-8) Supermarine Spitfire Fighter (with a wingspan of 102 mm and with RAF markings), the SB-9) Cessna 402 (with a wingspan of 103 mm), the SB-10) Boeing 747 Jumbo Jet (with a wingspan of 94 mm and with “British Airways” markings), the SB-11) Dornier Alpha Jet (with a wingspan of 88 mm and with German markings), the SB-12) Douglas Skyhawk Jet (with a wingspan of 71 mm and with US Navy markings), the SB-13) McDonnell-Douglas D.C.10 Jet (with a wingspan of 93 mm and with “Swissair” markings), the SB-14) Cessna 210 (with a wingspan of 101 mm), the SB-15) Phantom F4E Jet (with a wingspan of 73 mm and with RAF markings), the SB-16) Corsair F4O-4 (with a wingspan of 100 mm and with American markings), the SB-17) “Ram Rod” Monoplane (with a wingspan of 99 mm), the SB-18) “Wild Wind” Monoplane (with a wingspan of 99 mm), the SB-19) Piper Comanche Monoplane (with a wingspan of 104 mm long), the SB-20) US Army Police Helicopter (with a wingspan of 101 mm), the SB-21) BAC Lightning Jet (with a wingspan of 75 mm and with RAF markings) and the SB-22) MRCA Jet (with a wingspan of 69 mm and with RAF markings).

The Matchbox Super Kings line for 1977 included the K-1) O&K Excavator (124 mm long), the K-2) Car Recovery Vehicle (120 mm long), the K-3) “Mod” Tractor and Trailer (197 mm long), the K-4) Big Tipper Truck (118 mm long), the K-5) Muir-Hill Tractor and Trailer (241 mm long and a non-Superfast model), the K-6) Motorcycle Transporter Truck (120 mm long), the K-7) Racing Car Transporter Truck (156 mm long), the K-8) Caterpillar “Traxcavator” (156 mm long and a non-Superfast model), the K-9) Fire Tender Truck (156 mm long), the K-10) Car Transporter Truck (269 mm long), the K-11) Pickup Truck Wreck Truck (127 mm long), the K-12) Hercules Mobile Crane Truck (156 mm long), the K-13) Aircraft Transporter Truck (203 mm long), the K-14) Heavy Breakdown Truck (131 mm long), the K-15) “Londoner” Double-Decker Bus (120 mm long), the K-16) Petrol Tanker Truck (229 mm long), the K-17) Articulated Container Truck (251 mm long), the K-18) Ford Articulated Tipper Truck (203 mm long), the K-19) Scammell Tipper Truck (121 mm long), the K-20) DAF Cargo Hauler and Pallet Loader Truck (190 mm long), the K-21) Tractor Transporter Truck (162 mm long), the K-22) SRN 6 Hovercraft Boat (127 mm long), the K-23) Articulated Low Loader with Bulldozer (133 mm long), the K-24) Scammell Container Truck (133 mm long) and the K-25) Digger and Plough (129 mm long and a non-Superfast model).

There was a brand new range of King Size models in 1977 which would not last for long.  These were the supposedly futuristic “Matchbox Adventure 2000? models, which were for battles against alien invaders of the earth in the future.  They included the K-2001) Raider Command Vehicle, the K-2002) Flight Hunter Vehicle and the K-2003) Crusader Vehicle.

The Speed Kings line for 1977 included the K-30) Mercedes-Benz C111 Gullwing Sports Car (102 mm long), the K-31) Bertone Runabout (102 mm long), the K-32) “Shovel Nose” Sports Car (102 mm long), the K-33) Citroen SM Coupé (114 mm long), the K-34) “Thunderclap” Racing Car (105 mm long), the K-35) “Lightning” Racing Car (108 mm long), the K-36) “Bandolero” Sports Car (114 long), the K-37) Volkswagen “Sandcat” Dune Buggy (86 mm long), the K-38) “Gus’s Gulper” Ford Boss Mustang Dragster (108 mm long), the K-39) “Milligan’s Mill” Ford Maverick Dragster (108 mm long), the K-40) “Blaze Trailer” Fire Chief Car (104 mm long), the K-41) Brabham Formula 1 Racing Car (109 mm long), the K-42) Nissan Sports Car (102 mm long), the K-43) “Cambuster” Dragster (112 mm long), the K-44) Surtees Formula 1 Racing Car (108 mm long), the K-45) “Marauder” Racing Car (105 mm long), the K-46) Racing Car and Trailer pulled by Mercury Commuter Station Wagon (260 mm long), the K-47) “Easy Rider” Chopper Motorcycle (120 mm long), the K-48) Mercedes-Benz 350 SLC Coupé (106 mm long), the K-49) Ambulance (112 mm long), the K-50) “Street Rod” Hot Rod (100 mm long), the K-51) “Barracuda” Racing Car (108 mm long), the K-52) Datsun Rally Car (105 mm long), the K-53) “Hot” Customized Fire Engine (98 mm long), the K-54) AMC AMX Javelin Sports Car (108 mm long), the K-55) Chevrolet Corvette Sports Car (108 mm long), the K-56) Maserati Bora Sports Car (101 mm long), the K-57) AMC AMC Javelin Drag Race Pack, pulling Ford Maverick “Milligan’s Mill” Dragster on Trailer (247 mm long), the K-58) Chevrolet Corvette Power Boat Set, pulling Chrysler Power Boat on Trailer (257 mm long), the K-59) Ford Capri Coupé (105 mm long), the K-60) Ford Mustang Racing Car (107 mm long), the K-61) Mercedes-Benz 350 SLC Coupé Police Car (107 mm long), the K-62) Citroen SM Coupé Doctor’s Car (114 mm long) and the K-63) Mercedes-Benz “Binz” Ambulance (112 mm long).

The Matchbox Battle Kings line for 1977 included the K-101) Sherman Tank (91 mm long and with American markings), the K-102) M.48 AS Tank (117 mm long and with American markings), the K-103) Chieftan Tank (120 mm long), the K-104) Panzerkampfwagen VIb “Königstiger” King Tiger Heavy Tank (114 mm long and with German markings), the K-105) “Hover Raider” Hovercraft Boat (126 mm long), the K-106) Tank Transporter Truck with M.48 AS Tank (256 mm long with and with American markings), the K-107) 155 mm Self-Propelled Gun (105 mm long), the K-108) M3A1 Half Track Truck (100 mm long and with American markings), the K-109) Sheridan Tank (105 mm long), the K-110) Recovery Vehicle Tow Truck (131 mm long), the K-111) Missile Launcher Truck (112 mm long), the K-112) DAF Ambulance Pickup Truck (95 mm long), the K-113) Military Crane Truck (156 mm long), the K-114) Army Aircraft Transporter Truck (203 mm long and with American markings), the K-115) Army Petrol Tanker Truck (229 mm long and with American markings), the K-116) Troop Carrier Truck and Howitzer 226 mm long) and the K-117) Rocket Launcher Truck (105 mm long and with American markings).

The Matchbox Sea Kings line for 1977 included the K-301) Frigate (219 mm long), the K-302) Corvette (199 mm long), the K-303) Battleship (218 mm long), the K-304) Aircraft Carrier (222 mm long), the K-305) Submarine Chaser (199 mm long), the K-306) Convoy Escort (199 mm long), the K-307) Helicopter Carrier (210 mm long) and the K-308) Guided Missile Destroyer (213 mm long).  A brand new “Matchbox Seaport Playmat” (PM-2) was unavailable in the USA – another marketing blunder on the part of Lesney.  There were now a grand total of 87 King Size models, with Lesney trying to compete against brands such as Corgi and Dinky.

The Matchbox Models of Yesteryear line for 1977 included the Y-1) 1936 Jaguar SS100 Convertible (104 mm long), the Y-2) 1914 Prince Henry Vauxhall (89 mm long), the Y-3) 1934 Riley MPH Roadster (98 mm long), the Y-4) 1930 Duesenberg (114 mm long), the Y-5) 1907 Peugeot (89 mm long), the Y-6) 1913 Cadillac (87 mm long), the Y-7) 1912 Rolls-Royce Landaulet (96 mm long), the Y-8) 1914 Stutz Roadster (86 mm long), the Y-9) 1912 Simplex (96 mm long), the Y-10) 1906 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud (94 mm long), the Y-11) 1938 Lagonda Drophead Coupé (112 mm long), the Y-12) 1909 Thomas Flyabout (102 mm long), the Y-13) 1918 Crosley RAF Tender Pickup Truck (98 mm long), the Y-14) 1931 Stutz Bearcat Boattail Speedster (112 mm long), the Y-15) 1930 Packard Victoria (107 mm long), the Y-16) 1928 Mercedes-Benz SS (108 mm long) and the Y-17) 1938 Hispano-Suiza (115 mm long).

The range of 1:72-Scale Matchbox Aircraft Kits for 1977 included the PK-1) Hawker Fury, the PK-2) Supermarine Spitfire Mark IX Fighter (with RAF markings), the PK-3) Boeing P-12E Biplane (with US Army Air Corps markings), the PK-4) Mitsubishi Zero Sen Fighter (with Japanese markings), the PK-5) Dornier Alpha Jet (with German markings), the PK-6) Focke-Wulf Fw-190 Fighter (with German markings), the PK-7) Westland Lysander, the PK-8) Gloster Gladiator (with RAF markings), the PK-9) Huey Cobra Helicopter, the PK-10) Strikemaster Jet, the PK-11) Hawker Hurricane Fighter (with RAF markings), the PK-12) Northrop FCA, the PK-13) Mustang P51-D Fighter, the PK-14) Corsair F4u-4, the PK-15) Hawker-Siddeley Gnat Jet (with RAF markings), the PK-16) Hawker Harrier V/STOL Jet (with RAF markings), the PK-17) Messerschmitt Bf-109E Fighter (with German markings), the PK-18) Grumman Hellcat (with American markings), the PK-19) Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 Fighter Jet (with Czechoslovakian markings), the PK-20) Dassault-Briguet Mirage 111C Jet, the PK-21) Messerschmitt Me-262 Fighter Jet (with German markings), the PK-22) Thunder Bolt Monopane (with American markings), the PK-23) Tempest Monoplane (with RAF markings), the PK-24) Buffalo Monoplane (with RAF markings), the PK-25) Siskin Biplane (with RAF markings), the PK-26) Henschel 126 Monoplane (with German markings), the PK-27) Hawker-Siddeley Hawk Jet (with RAF markings), the PK-28) Lockheed Starfighter F-104 Jet (with Canadian markings), the PK-29) Douglas Skyhawk Jet (with US Marine Corps markings), the PK-30) Percival Provost Monoplane, the PK-31) Curtiss P40N (with RAF markings) and the PK-32) North American F-86 Sabre Jet (with US Air Force markings).

The range of larger 1:72-Scale Matchbox Aircraft Kits for 1977 included the PK-101) Corsair A7D Jet (with American markings), the PK-102) Jaguar, the PK-103) Beaufighter, the PK-104) Curtiss Helldiver, the PK-105) Walrus Flying Boat (with RAF markings), the PK-106) Buccaneer Jet (with RAF markings), the PK-107) Dornier Sky Servant (with German markings), the PK-108) Lynx Helicopter (with Royal Navy markings), the PK-109) Junkers Ju-188 Medium Bomber (with German markings), the PK-110) Hawker-Siddeley 125/600 Executive Jet, the PK-111) Junkers Ju-87 “Stuka” Dive Bomber (with German markings), the PK-112) Fairey Swordfish Biplane (with RAF markings), the PK-113) Messerschmitt Me-410 Heavy Fighter (with German markings), the PK-114) BAC Lightning Jet (with RAF markings), the PK-115) Messerschmitt Bf-110 Heavy Fighter (with German markings), the PK-116) De Haviland Mosquito Heavy Fighter (with RAF markings), the PK-117) Hawker Hunter Jet (with RAF markings), the PK-118) Lockheed Lightning Heavy Fighter (with American markings), the PK-119) Saab Viggen Jet (with Swedish markings), the PK-120) Boston Havoc Heavy Fighter (with American markings) and the PK-121) Fairchild A10A Jet (with US Air Force markings).

The range of largest 1:72-Scale Matchbox Aircraft Kits for 1977 included the PK-401) Heinkel 115 Float Plane (with Finnish markings), the PK-402) Wellington Medium Bomber (with RAF markings), the PK-403) Heinkel He-111 Medium Bomber, the PK-404) McDonnell-Douglas Phantom F4 Jet (with RAF markings), the PK-405) Mitchell B25 Medium Bomber (with American markings), the PK-406) Grumann Tomcat F-14 Jet (with US Navy markings) and the PK-407) Martin Marauder Medium Bomber (with American markings).

The really big range of 1:32-Scale Matchbox Aircraft Kits for 1977 included the PK-501) Supermarine Spitfire Fighter (with RAF markings), the PK-502) Messerschmitt Bf-109 Fighter (with German markings) and the PK-503) Dauntless Fighter (with American markings).

The range of 1:76-Scale Matchbox Military Kits for 1977 included the PK-71) Sherman Firefly Tank, the PK-72) Comet Tank, the PK-73) Panzerkampfwagen V “Panther” Heavy Tank (with German markings), the PK-74) Panzerkampfwagen III “Ferdinand” Medium Tank (with German markings), the PK-75) Humber Armoured Car, the PK-76) Puma Armoured Car (with German markings), the PK-77) “Wespe” Self-Propelled Cannon (with German markings), the PK-78) Half Track M16 (with American markings), the PK-79) Chaffee M24 Tank (with American markings), the PK-80) Panzerkampfwagen V “Jagdpanther” Heavy Tank Destroyer (with German markings), the PK-81) Panzerkampfwagen II Light Tank (with German markings), the PK-82) Russian T-34 Heavy Tank, the PK-83) Hanomag German Half Track, the PK-84) Honey Stewart, the PK-85) German Radio Car and the PK-86) M-40 155mm Gun.

A brand new range of 1:76-Scale Matchbox Military Kits was introduced in 1977.  These were kits with more parts and larger battle dioramas.  They included the PK-171) Panzerabwehrkanone Anti-Tank Gun, Personnel Carrier and Motorcycle (with German markings) and the PK-172) 17 lb. Gun, Morris and 4 by 4 Willys Jeep (with American markings).

The range of 1:32-Scale Matchbox Automobile Kits for 1977 included the PK-301) Aston-Martin Ulster Racing Car, the PK-302) Bugatti Type 59 Racing Car, the PK-303) Porsche 917-10 Racing Car, the PK-304) Jaguar SS-100 Sports Car, the PK-305) Surtees TS-16 Racing Car and the PK-306) MG TC Sports Car.

A brand new product for 1977 were the 1:700-Scale “Matchbox Ship Kits,” which included waterline kits of the PK-61) “HMS Ariadne” Destroyer, the PK-62) “Z.39? German Destroyer, the PK-63) “Admiral Graf Spee” German Pocket Battleship / Heavy Cruiser and the PK-64) “HMS Exeter” Heavy Cruiser.

Another brand new product for 1977 were the 1:76-Scale “Matchbox Military Figures,” which included the PK-5001) British World War II Infantry, the PK-5002) US World War II Infantry, the PK-5003) German World War II Infantry, the PK-5004) German World War II “Afrika Korps” Infantry, the PK-5005) British World War II 8th Army Infantry and the PK-5006) British World War II Commandoes.

Yet another brand new product for 1977 were the larger 1:32-Scale “Matchbox Military Figures,” including the PK-6001) German World War II Infantry, the PK-6002) British World War II Infantry and the PK-6003) US World War II Infantry.  One could use these larger toy soldiers with the new PK-1001) Counter Attack Street Battle Scene Set, which was also 1:32-Scale.  Lesney thus offered an astounding 101 pastic model kits for 1977 – making this range of toys even larger than the King Size series.

The 1977 “Matchbox” Catalogue continued the new feature of listing all 1-75 Series models going from 1955 to the present.  For some reason, models 1 through 9 were not listed (this would have taken the timeline back to 1953).  This must have been an error on the part of the printers.

The “Matchbox Suky” dolls returned in 1977, with the LP-1) Ballerina, the LP-2) Nurse, the LP-3) Tennis Player, the LP-4) Horse Rider, the LP-5) Skater, the LP-6) Shopper, the LP-7) Suky Bedtime and the LP-8) Suky Swimmer.  Accessories included “Pocket Money Items” such as the LP-201) Artist, the LP-202) Gardening, the LP-3) Nurse and the LP-4) Cooking.  More expensive “Boutique Items” included the LP-250) Boutique Wardrobe Set, the LP-251) Boutique Wardrobe Set (different from LP-250), the LP-252) Boutique Wardrobe Set (different again from either LP-250 or LP-251), the LP-300) Picnic, the LP-301) Home Cleaning, the LP-302) Camping, the LP-303) Wedding, the LP-304) Cinderella and the LP-305) Cooking.  A brand new accessory was the LP-600) Suky Doll House, compete with a kitchen, dining room and bedroom.

A brand new product line for girls (but not available in the United States) were the “Matchbox Disco Girls” dolls.  They featured 24 outfits and 3 boutique collections.

The “Matchbox Fighting Furies” action figures for boys returned in 1977, with the FF-100) Captain Peg Leg, the FF-101) Captain Hook and the FF-102) Ghost of Captain Kidd sets.  Other sets were available, but not in the USA.  These included the FF-1) Captain Blood Adventure, the FF-2) One Eyed Sailor Adventure, the FF-3) Hooded Falcon Adventure, the FF-4) Spanish Main Adventure, the FF-5) Redcoat Adventure, the FF-6) Kung Fu Warrior Adventure, the FF-7) Stockade Assault, the FF-8) Captain Kidd’s Treasure, the FF-9) Spanish Officer, the FF-10) Buccaneer Captain, the FF-21) Cattle Rustler, the FF-22) Indian War Dance, the FF-103) Black McCoy, the FF-104) Chief Crazy Horse and the FF-105) Kid Cortez set.

Matchbox Mobile Action Command (MAC) sets returned as well in 1977.  These included the MC-1) Military Recon Unit, the MC-2) Fire Fighting Vehicle, the MC-3) Emergency Utility Vehicle, the MC-4) Emergency Medical Set, the MC-5) Air Rescue Vehicle, the MC-6) Sea Rescue Vehicle, the MC-7) Police Patrol Unit and the MC-8) Snow Rescue Vehicle.  Accessory sets included the MC-400) MAC Mountain and the MC-500) MAC Mobile Van Headquarters.

The Matchbox Collector’s Club was featured on the back cover of the 1977 color catalogue.  It was headquartered in Wood Ridge, New Jersey (USA).  Annual dues were US $1.50 for American members and US $2.00 for the rest of the world.  Lesney Products Corporation was still in Moonachie, New Jersey in the USA and in London, England (worldwide headquarters).  My own collection had grown to 327 vehicles in 1977, 204 of which were Matchbox cars.

1978 Matchbox Model Year: Signs of Financial Strain

By 1978, signs of strain were finally beginning to show at Lesney.  Many newly launched products disappeared, including toys for small children (to compete with the likes of “Fisher Price”), dolls for girls (to compete with the likes of “Barbie”) and action figures for boys (to compete with products like “G.I. Joe”).  Gone as well were playsets, some gift sets and family games (competing with companies like “Hasbro”).  Companies tend to do better when they stick to their core business, and often get into serious trouble when they stray into too many fields, trying to be too many things to too many people.  The cover of the 1978 “Matchbox Catalogue” featured a photo of a “Super Kings” Jaguar Police Sedan, complete with two policemen on motorcycles and numerous traffic and road signs.

The Matchbox 1-75 Series for 1978 included the 1) Dodge Challenger Hardtop (74 mm long), the 2) Hovercraft Rescue Boat (77 mm long), the 3) Monteverdi Hai Sports Car (74 mm long), the 4) Pontiac Firebird (74 mm long), the 5) Seafire Speed Boat (75 mm long), the 6) Mercedes-Benz 350SL Tourer (75 mm long), the 7) Volkswagen Golf Hatchback (72 mm long), the 8) De Tomaso Pantera Sports Car (77 mm long), the 9) AMC AMX Javelin Coupé (77 mm long), the 10) “Piston Popper” Ford Boss Mustang Dragster (75 mm long and a “Rola-matic”), the 11) Car Transporter (75 mm long), the 12) “Big Bull” Bulldozer (63 mm long), the 13) Snorkel Fire Engine Truck (78 mm long), the 14) “Mini Ha Ha” Mini Cooper Dragster (60 mm long), the 15) Fork Lift Truck (70 mm long), the 16) “Badger” Truck (68 mm long and a “Rola-matic”), the 17) “Londoner” Double-Decker Bus (78 mm long), the 18) “Hondarora” Honda Motorcycle (63 mm long), the 19) Cement Truck (75 mm long), the 20) Police Patrol Truck (73 mm long and a “Rola-matic”), the 21) “Rod Roller” Road Roller (70 mm long), the 22) “Blaze Buster” Fire Truck (77 mm long), the 23) Atlas Dump Truck (71 mm long), the 24) Team “Matchbox” Racing Car (75 mm long), the 25) “Mod” Tractor (57 mm long), the 26) Site Dumper (64 mm long), the 27) Lamborghini Countach Sports Car (74 mm long), the 28) “Stoat” Armored Fighting Vehicle (67 mm long and a “Rola-matic”) , the 29) Shovel Nose Tractor (72 mm long), the 30) “Swamp Rat” Amphibious Fighting Hydrofoil (77 mm long), the 31) Caravan Camping Trailer (70 mm long), the 32) Field Gun with Soldiers (77 mm long), the 33) Police Motorcycle (62 mm long), the 34) “Vantastic” Hot Rod (74 mm long), the 35) “Fandango” Racing Car (75 mm long and a “Rola-matic”), the 36) Formula 5000 Racing Car (74 mm long), the 37) Skip Truck Dumper (69 mm long), the 38) Armoured Jeep (61 mm long and with American markings), the 39) “Clipper” Sports Car (77 mm long and a “Rola-matic”), the 40) Horsebox Truck (72 mm long), the 41) “Siva Spider” Racing Car (77 mm long), the 42) Mercedes-Benz Container Truck (77 mm long), the 43) Volkswagen “Dragon Wheels” Beetle Dragster (72 mm long), the 44) Ford Boss Mustang Coupé (75 mm long), the 45) BMW 3.0 CSL Coupé (45 mm long), the 46) “Stretcha Fetcha” Ambulance (70 mm long), the 47) Volkswagen “Beach Hopper” Dune Buggy (66 mm long and a “Rola-matic), the 48) Sambron Jack Lift Truck (78 mm long), the 49) Crane Truck (76 mm long), the 50) Articulated Truck (79 mm long), the 51) Citroen SM Coupé (78 mm long), the 52) Police Launch Boat (77 mm long), the 53) C.J.6 Jeep (75 mm long), the 54) Army Personnel Carrier with Soldiers (76 mm long), the 55) “Hell Raiser” Custom Sports Car (75 mm long), the 56) “Hi-Tailer” Racing Car (75 mm long), the 57) Ford Wild Life Pickup Truck (71 mm long and a “Rola-matic”), the 58) Faun Dumper Truck (71 mm long), the 59) Planet Scout Truck (70 mm long), the 60) Holden Pickup Truck with Motorcycles (77 mm long), the 61) “Blue Shark” Racing Car (77 mm long), the 62) Renault 17TL Coupé (75 mm long), the 63) Freeway Gas Tanker Truck (78 mm long), the 64) Fire Chief Car (77 mm long), the 65) Airport Coach (78 mm long and with “British Airways” markings), the 66) Ford Transit Pickup Truck (71 mm long), the 67) “Hot Rocker” Ford Capri Dragster (77 mm long and a “Rola-matic”), the 68) “Cosmobile” Planet Scout Car (73 mm long), the 69) “Turbo Fury” Racing Car (77 mm long and a “Rola-matic”), the 70) Self-Propelled Gun (66 mm long and a “Rola-matic”), the 71) Dodge Cattle Truck (74 mm long), the 72) SRN6 Hovercraft Boat (77 mm long), the 73) “Weasel” Armored Fighting Vehicle (72 mm long and a “Rola-matic”), the 74) “Toe Joe” Wreck Truck (74 mm long) and the 75) Rescue Helicopter.  6 new models were featured without numbers as well, for the first time in many years.  These were the Flat Car and Container, Diesel Shunter, Ambulance, Ford Escort RS2000, the Datsun 260Z Coupé and the Combine Harvester.

The nice line of Matchbox Two Packs were back in 1978 with the TP-1) Mercedes-Benz Truck and Trailer, the TP-2) “Mod” Tractor and Farm Trailer, the TP-3) AMC AMX Javelina and Pony Trailer, the TP-4) Holiday Set with Vauxhall Guildsman pulling Eccles Caravan Camping Trailer, the TP-5) Weekender Set with Ford Capri towing Boat on Trailer, the TP-6) “Toe Joe” Breakdown Truck towing Mini Cooper, the TP-7) Jeep towing Glider Trailer, the TP-8) Field Car towing Honda Motorcycle on Trailer, the TP-9) Field Car towing Racing Car, the TP-10) Mercury Fire Chief Car and Mercedes-Benz “Binz” Ambulance, the TP-11) Military Jeep and Motorcycle, the TP-12) Military VW Bay Window Ambulance Bus and Field Car, the TP-13) Military Weasel Armored Fighting Vehicle and Mercedes-Benz Unimog Truck, the TP-14) Military Tanker Truck and “Badger” Radar Truck, the TP-15) Mercedes-Benz Military Truck and Trailer and the TP-16) Military Dump Truck and Bulldozer.

The Matchbox Collectors Carry Cases were back as well in 1978, with the venerable 24 and 48 carrying cases.  A nice new addition was a sturdier 18-car carrying case, suitable for older 1-75 Series models with boxes.

A complete index of 1-75 Series models was also featured in this 1978 catalogue, listing models from 1953 to the present.

The “Matchbox Giftsets!” were back in 1978, albeit with just 10 sets.  These included the G-100) Thunderbolt Launcher Set (complete with a launcher and two cars), the G-9) Commando Task Force Set, the G-10) Thunder Jets Set (with four “Skybusters” models), the G-11) Strike Force Set (with six military vehicles), the G-12) Rescue Set (with six vehicles), the G-13) Construction Set (with five vehicles and a dirt loader), the G-14) Grand Prix Set (with four racing cars and a “Super Kings” Racing Car Transporter), the G-15) Car Transporter Set (with five cars and a “Super Kings” Car Transporter), the G-16) Sky Giants Set (with four “Skybusters” commercial airliner models) and the G-17) Car Ferry Set (with four vehicles and a nice plastic car ferry).

A brand new product for 1978 was the “Matchbox Speedtrack” line.  This was somewhat similar to the “Matchbox Motorway” product introduced back in 1969, where cars speed around a plastic track by electric power.  The difference with the new product for 1978 was that it used its own line of special “Ho-Scale” diecast cars.  As we have seen, the 1-75 Series was a rough average 1:64-Scale, but my no means uniform.  They were meant more to fit into the same sized boxes and carrying cases.  By comparison, “Ho-Scale” is almost always 1:87-Scale (1:90-Scale in the rare case of “Schuco Piccolo” models from Germany).  Sets included the Trenton 150 (8.5 feet of track), the LeMans 300 (20 feet of track) and the International 1000 (33 feet of track).

The Matchbox Skybusters line for 1978 included the SB-1) Lear Jet (wingspan of 81 mm), the SB-2) Corsair A7D Jet (wingspan of 84 mm and with American markings), the SB-3) A300B Airbus Commercial Airliner (wingspan of 90 mm and with either “Lufthansa” or “Air France” markings), the SB-4) Dassault-Briguet Mirage F.1 Jet (wingspan of 54 mm and with French markings), the SB-5) Lockheed Starfighter Jet (wingspan of 52 mm and with Canadian markings), the SB-6) Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 Jet Fighter (wingspan of 57 mm and with Soviet markings), the SB-7) Junkers Ju-87 “Stuka” Dive Bomber (wingspan of 99 mm and with German markings), the SB-8) Supermarine Spitfire Fighter (wingspan of 102 mm and with RAF markings), the SB-9) Cessna 402 Monoplane (wingspan of 103 mm), the SB-10) Boeing 747 Jumbo Jet Commercial Airliner (wingspan of 94 mm and with either “British Airways” or “Qantas” markings), the SB-11) Dornier Alpha Jet (wingspan of 88 mm and with German markings), the SB-12) Douglas Skyhawk Jet (wingspan of 71 mm and with US Marine Corps markings), the SB-13) McDonnell-Douglas DC 10 Commercial Airliner (wingspan of 93 mm and with either “Swissair” or “United Airlines” markings), the SB-14) Cessna 210 Monoplane (wingspan of 101 mm), the SB-15) McDonnell-Douglas Phantom F4E Jet (wingspan of 73 mm and with RAF markings), the SB-16) Corsair F4U Monoplane (wingspan of 100 mm and with US Navy markings), the SB-17) “Ram Rod” Monoplane (wingspan of 99 mm), the SB-18) “Wild Wind” Monoplane (wingspan of 99 mm), the SB-19) Piper Comanche Monoplane (wingspan of 104 mm), the SB-20) Helicopter (wingspan of 101 mm and with either US Army, US Coast Guard or Police markings), the SB-21) BAC Lightning Jet (wingspan of 75 mm and with RAF markings), the SB-22) Messerschmitt Tornado Jet (wingspan of 110 mm and with German markings) and the SB-23) Concorde Supersonic Commercial Airliner (wingspan of 142 mm and with “Air France” markings).

The Matchbox Sea Kings line for 1978 included the K-301) Frigate (219 mm long), the K-302) Corvette (199 mm long), the K-303) Battleship (218 mm long), the K-304) Aircraft Carrier (222 mm long), the K-305) Submarine Chaser (199 mm long), the K-306) Convoy Escort (199 mm long), the K-307) Helicopter Carrier (210 mm long), the K-308) Guided Missile Destroyer (213 mm long), the K-309) Submarine (205 mm long) and the K-310) Anti-Aircraft Cruiser (205 mm long).

The Matchbox Adventure 2000 line for 1978 included the K-2001) Raider Command Vehicle (162 mm long), the K-2002) Flight Hunter Vehicle (117 mm long), the K-2003) Crusader Vehicle (113 mm long) and the K-2004) Rocket Striker Vehicle (112 mm long).

The Matchbox Super Kings line for 1978 included the K-1) O&K Excavator (124 mm long), the K-2) Car Recovery Vehicle (120 mm long), the K-3) “Mod” Tractor and Trailer (197 mm long), the K-4) Big Tipper Dump Truck (118 mm long), the K-5) Muir Hill Tractor and Trailer (241 mm long and a non-Superfast model), the K-6) Motorcycle Transporter Truck (120 mm long), the K-7) Racing Car Transporter Truck (156 mm long), the K-8) Caterpiller “Traxcavator” (156 mm long and a non-Superfast model), the K-9) Fire Tender Truck (156 mm long), the K-10) Car Transporter Truck (269 mm long), the K-11) Pickup Truck Tow Truck (127 mm long), the K-12) Hercules Mobile Crane Truck (156 mm long), the K-13) Aircraft Transporter Truck (203 mm long), the K-14) Heavy Breakdown Truck (131 mm long), the K-15) “Londoner” Double-Decker Bus (120 mm long), the K-16) Petrol Tanker Truck (229 mm long and with either “Texaco,” “Shell,” “Exxon,” “Aral” or “Total” markings), the K-17) Articulated Container Truck (251 mm long), the K-18) Ford Articulated Tipper Truck (203 mm long), the K-19) No Model, the K-20) Cargo Hauler and Pallet Loader Truck (190 mm long), the K-21) No Model, the K-22) SRN 6 Hovercraft Boat (127 mm long), the K-23) Articulated Low Loader Truck with Bulldozer (133 mm long), the K-24) Scammell Container Truck (133 mm long), the K-25) Digger and Plough (129 mm long and a non-Superfast model), the K-26) Cement Truck (100 mm long), the K-27) Powerboat and Transporter Truck (257 mm long), the K-28) Bedford Skip Truck (110 mm long), the K-29) Ford Delivery Van (110 mm long and with either “Avis” or “U-Haul” markings), the K-30) Mercedes-Benz Unimog Pickup Truck and Compressor on Trailer (185 mm long), the K-31) Peterbilt Truck (300 mm long and with either “Christian Salvesen” or “Iglo Lagnese” markings), the K-32) Mercedes-Benz Unimog Pickup Truck with Farm Trailer (225 mm long) and the K-33) Cargo Hauler Truck (230 mm long).

The Matchbox Speed Kings line for 1978 had no models numbered K-34 through K-37.  The line included the K-38) “Gus’s Gulper” Ford Mustang Dragster (108 mm long), no models numbered K-39 or K-40, the K-41) Brabham Formula 1 Racing Car (109 mm long), the K-42) No Model, the K-43) “Cambuster” Dragster (112 mm long), the K-44) Surtees Formula 1 Racing Car (108 mm long), the K-45) “Marauder” Racing Car, the K-46) Mercury Commuter Station Wagon towing Racing Car on Trailer (260 mm long), the K-47) “Easy Rider” Chopper Motorcycle (120 mm long), the K-48) Mercedes-Benz 350 SLC Coupé (106 mm long), the K-49) Ambulance (112 mm long), the K-50) “Street Rod” Hot Rod (100 mm long), the K-51) “Barracuda” Racing Car (108 mm long), the K-52) Datsun Rally Car (105 mm long), the K-53) “Hot” Fire Engine (98 mm long), the K-54) AMC AMX Javelin (108 mm long), the K-55) Chevrolet Corvette “Caper Cart” (108 mm long), the K-56) Maserati Bora Sports Car (101 mm long), the K-57) AMC AMX Javelin Race Pack with “Milligan’s Mill” Ford Maverick Dragster on Trailer (247 mm long), the K-58) Chevrolet Corvette Power Boat Set with Chrysler Boat on Trailer (257 mm long), the K-59) Ford Capri Mark II Coupé (105 mm long), the K-60) Ford Mustang Coupé (107 mm long), the K-61) Mercedes-Benz 350 SLC Coupé Police Car (107 mm long with either English or German Police markings), the K-62) Citroen SM Coupé Doctor’s Car (114 mm long), the K-63) Mercedes-Benz “Binz” Ambulance (112 mm long), the K-64) Fire Control Range Rover SUV (105 mm long), the K-65) Plymouth Mountain Rescue Pickup Truck (115 mm long), the K-66) Jaguar XJ12 Police Set with 2 Motorcycles and Traffic Signs (120 mm long), the K-67) Dodge Monaco Fire Chief Car (115 mm long), the K-68) Dodge Monaco Station Wagon and Trailer (210 mm long) and the K-69) Europa Caravan Camping Trailer towed by either a Jaguar XM12 Sedan or a Dodge Monaco Station Wagon (270 mm or 275 mm long, respectively).

The Matchbox Battle Kings line for 1978 included the K-101) Sherman Tank (91 mm long and with American markings), the K-102) M48 AS Tank (117 mm long and with American markings), the K-103) Chieftan Tank (120 mm long), the K-104) Panzerkampfwagen VIb “Königstiger” King Tiger Heavy Tank (114 mm long and with German markings), the K-105) “Hover Raider” Hovercraft Boat (126 mm long), the K-106) Tank Transporter Truck with M48 AS Tank (256 mm long and with American markings), the K-107) 155mm Self-Propelled Gun (105 mm long), the K-108) M3A1 Half Track Truck (100 mm long and with American markings), the K-109) Sheridan Tank (105 mm long), the K-110) Recovery Vehicle Tow Truck (131 mm long and with American markings), the K-111) Missile Launcher Truck (112 mm long), the K-112) DAF Ambulance Pickup Truck (95 mm long and with Red Cross markings), the K-113) Military Crane Truck (156 mm long), the K-114) Army Aircraft Transporter Truck (203 mm long and with American markings), the K-115) Army Petrol Tanker Truck (229 mm long and with American markings), the K-116) Troop Carrier Truck and Howitzer (226 mm long), the K-117) Self-Propelled Rocket Launcher (105 mm long) and the K-118) Army Helicopter (150 mm long and with American markings).  There were thus now a grand total of 94 King Size models – a record number of toys competing with brands such as Corgi and Dinky.

The Matchbox Models of Yesteryear line for 1978 included the Y-1) 1936 Jaguar SS 100 Sports Car (104 mm long), the Y-2) 1914 Prince Henry Vauxhall (89 mm long), the Y-3) 1934 Riley MPH Roadster (98 mm long), the Y-4) 1930 Duesenberg (114 mm long), the Y-5) 1927 Talbot Van (with “Lipton’s Tea” livery), the Y-6) 1920 Rolls-Royce Fire Engine (105 mm long), the Y-7) 1912 Rolls-Royce Landaulet (96 mm long), the Y-8) 1945 MG TC Sports Car (95 mm long), the Y-9) 1912 Simplex (96 mm long), the Y-10) 1906 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost (94 mm long), the Y-11) 1938 Lagonda Drophead Coupé (112 mm long), the Y-12) 1909 Thomas Flyabout (102 mm long), the Y-13) 1918 Crossley RAF Tender Pickup Truck (98 mm long), the Y-14) 1931 Stutz Bearcat Boattail Speedster (112 mm long), the Y-15) 1930 Packard Victoria (107 mm long), the Y-16) 1928 Mercedes-Benz SS (108 mm long) and the Y-17) 1938 Hispano-Suiza (115 mm long).

For the first time the range of Matchbox construction kits were featured in their own separate catalogue – likely admitting the fact that they appealed to a different segment of the toy market.  There were 108 such kits (a record number) in a separate 32-page Lesney catalogue.

The Matchbox Mobile Action Command line for 1978 included the MC-1) Military Recon Unit, the MC-2) Fire Fighting Vehicle, the MC-3) Emergency Utility Vehicle, the MC-4) Emergency Medical Set, the MC-5) Air Rescue Vehicle, the MC-6) Sea Rescue Vehicle, the MC-7) Police Patrol Unit, the MC-8) Snow Rescue Vehicle, the MC-400) MAC Mountain Set, the MC-500) Mobile Van Headquarters Set and the MC-600) MAC Oceana Boat Set.

The Official “Matchbox Collector’s Club” was back with higher annual fees – US $2.00 for American members and US $3.00 for the rest of the world.  It was still based in Wood Ridge, New Jersey (USA).  Lesney was still operating out of Moonachie, New Jersey for the USA and London, England for their worldwide headquarters.  My own collection decreased just slightly in 1978 to 319 diecast vehicles, 199 of which were Matchbox – due to a few trades and sales.

1979 Matchbox Model Year

The cover of the 1979 color “Matchbox Catalogue” featured a Super Kings container truck, a 1-75 Series number 3 Porsche 911 Turbo Coupé passing the truck on the highway and a new Skybusters US Space Shuttle model flying overhead.  Lesney was not too far off from eventual bankruptcy, but one trend I did appreciate was that of returning to traditional, or “real” cars, as opposed to hot-rods and custom cars (Hot Wheels does very much of the latter).  If Lesney had kept Matchbox closer to its core business over the years (and diversified production into lower wage markets), bankruptcy could have been avoided.

The Matchbox 1-75 Series for 1979 included the 1) Dodge Challenger (74 mm long), the 2) Hovercraft “Rescue” Boat (77 mm long), the 3) Porsche 911 Turbo Coupé (74 mm long), the 4) Pontiac Firebird (74 mm long), the 5) “Seafire” Speed Boat (75 mm long), the 6) Mercedes-Benz 350SL Tourer (75 mm long), the 7) Volkswagen Golf Hatchback (74 mm long), the 8) De Tomaso Pantera Sports Car (77 mm long), the 9) Ford Escort RS2000 Sedan (73,5 mm long), the 10) “Piston Popper” Ford Boss Mustang Dragster (75 mm long and a “Rola-matic”), the 11) Car Transporter Truck (75 mm long), the 12) “Big Bull” Bulldozer (63 mm long and a non-Superfast model), the 13) Snorkel Fire Engine Truck (78 mm long), the 14) Mini Cooper “Ha-Ha” Dragster (60 mm long), the 15) Fork Lift Truck (70 mm long), the 16) “Badger” Radar Truck (68 mm long and a “Rola-matic”), the 17) “Londoner” Double-Decker Bus (78 mm long), the 18) “Hondarora” Honda Motorcycle (63 mm long), the 19) Cement Truck (75 mm long), the 20) Police Patrol SUV (73 mm long and a “Rola-matic”), the 21) Renault 5TL Hatchback (65 mm long), the 22) “Blaze Buster” Fire Truck (77 mm long), the 23) Atlas Tipper Truck (71 mm long), the 24) Diesel Shunter Locomotive (72,5 mm long), the 25) Flat Railroad Car and Container (72,5 mm long), the 26) Site Dumper (64 mm long), the 27) Lamborghini Countach Sports Car (74 mm long), the 28) “Stoat” Armored Fighting Vehicle (67 mm long and a “Rola-matic), the 29) Shovel Nose Tractor (72 mm long), the 30) “Swamp Rat” Amphibious Fighting Boat (77 mm long), the 31) Caravan Camping Trailer (70 mm long), the 32) Field Gun and Diorama with 2 Soldiers (77 mm long), the 33) Police Motorcycle (74 mm long), the 34) “Vantastic” Hot Rod Van (74 mm long), the 35) “Fandango” Hot Rod Car (75 mm long and a “Rola-matic”), the 36) Formula 5000 Racing Car (74 mm long), the 37) Skip Truck Dumper (69 mm long), the 38) Armoured Jeep (61 mm long and with American markings), the 39) “Clipper” Custom Sports Car (77 mm long and a “Rola-matic”), the 40) Horse Box Truck (72 mm long), the 41) Ambulance (75 mm long), the 42) Mercedes-Benz Container Truck (77 mm long and with “Sea Land” livery), the 43) Steam Locomotive (68 mm long), the 44) Passenger Coach Rail Car (73 mm long), the 45) BMW 3.0 CSI Coupé (74 mm long), the 46) Ford Tractor and Harrow (52 mm long), the 47) Volkswagen “Beach Hopper” Dune Buggy (66 mm long and a “Rola-matic”), the 48) Sambron Jack Lift (78 mm long), the 49) Crane Truck (76 mm long), the 50) Articulated Truck (79 mm long), the 51) Combine Harvester (72 mm long), the 52) Police Launch Boat (77 mm long), the 53) CJ6 Jeep (75 mm long), the 54) Army Personnel Carrier (76 mm long), the 55) “Hell Railer” Custom Sports Car (75 mm long), the 56) “Hi-Tailer” Racing Car (75 mm long), the 57) Ford Wild Life Pickup Truck (71 mm long and a “Rola-matic”), the 58) Faun Dumper Truck (71 mm long), the 59) Planet Scout Vehicle (70 mm long), the 60) Holden Pickup Truck (77 mm long), the 61) Wreck Truck (76 mm long), the 62) Renault 17TL Coupé (75 mm long), the 63) Freeway Gas Tanker Truck (78 mm long), the 64) Fire Chief Car (77 mm long), the 65) Airport Coach (78 mm long and with either “British Airways,” “American Airlines” or “Lufthansa” livery), the 66) Ford Transit Pickup Truck (71 mm long), the 67) Datsun 260Z Coupé (75 mm long), the 68) “Cosmobile” Planet Scout Vehicle (73 mm long), the 69) Security Truck (73 mm long), the 70) Self-Propelled Gun (66 mm long and a “Rola-matic”), the 71) Dodge Cattle Truck (74 mm long), the 72) SRN 6 Hovercraft Boat (77 mm long), the 73) “Weasel” Armored Fighting Vehicle (72 mm long and a “Rola-matic”), the 74) Mercury Cougar Villager Station Wagon (78 mm long) and the 75) Helicopter (74 mm long).  A number of new models were featured, albeit without numbers.  These included the Bomag Road Roller, the Chevy Van, the Plymouth “Gran Fury” Police Car, the Ford Cortina 1600 GL Sedan, the Mercedes-Benz 450 SEL Sedan, the Rolls-Royce Mark II Sedan, the Pannier Locomotive and the Lincoln Continental Hardtop.

The Matchbox Two-Packs line was renamed as the “Matchbox 900 Range” in 1979.  It still featured numerous discontinued models from the 1-75 Series.  These included the TP-1) Mercedes-Benz Truck and Trailer, the TP-2) Mercury Police Car and Fire Engine Truck, the TP-3) AMC AMX Javelin Coupé and Pony Trailer, the TP-4) Holiday Set with Maserati Bora Sports Car towing Eccles Camping Caravan, the TP-5) Weekender Set with Ford Capri Coupé towing Boat on Trailer, the TP-6) “Toe Joe” Breakdown Truck towing Racing Mini Cooper, the TP-7) Jeep towing Glider Trailer, the TP-8) Field Car towing Honda Motorcycle on Trailer, the TP-9) Field Car and Racing Car, the TP-10) Mercury Fire Chief Car and Mercedes-Benz “Binz” Ambulance, the TP-11) Tractor and Hay Trailer, the TP-12) Volkswagen Bay Window Military Ambulance Bus and Field Car, the TP-13) Mercedes-Benz Military Unimog Pickup Truck and Field Gun, the TP-14) Mercedes-Benz 300SE Military Staff Car and Mercedes-Benz “Binz” Ambulance, the TP-15) Mercedes-Benz Military Truck and Trailer, the TP-16) Alvis Stalwart Military Amphibious Truck and Ford Wreck Truck, the TP-17) Tanker Truck and Trailer (with “Chevron” livery), the TP-18) “Water Sporter” Set with Volkswagen Golf Hatchback towing Custom Speed Boat, the TP-19) Dodge Cattle Truck and Trailer, the TP-20) Diesel Shunter Locomotive and Side Tipper Rail Car and the TP-21) Citroen SM Coupé and Motorcycle Trailer.  The “Matchbox 900 Range” continued with large commercial rigs, eventually known as the “Convoy” series.  These included the TP-22) Long Haul Double Container Truck, the TP-23) Long Haul Covered Container Truck (with “Firestone” livery), the TP-24) Long Haul Box Container Truck (with “Kodak” livery) and the TP-25) Long Haul Truck and Pipe Trailer.

A brand new product for 1979 was the “Matchbox Super Garage,” a three-level service station with an operating parking elevator, moveable auto ramps, a rotating “Matchbox Garage” sign, “Texaco” gasoline pumps and a “Goodyear” tire products-sign.

The “Matchbox Giftsets!” line for 1979 included 10 sets: the G-1) Car Transporter Set (with a “Super Kings” Car Transporter Truck and five cars), the G-2) Railway Set (with a locomotive, four rail cars and plastic railroad track), the G-3) Racing Car Set (with a “Super Kings” Racing Car Transporter and four racing cars), the G-4) Military Assault Set (with four vehicles, an amphibious barge, toy soldiers and artillery), the G-5) Construction Set (with five vehicles and a dirt loader), the G-6) Farm Set (with five vehicles, a barn and fencing), the G-7) Emergency Set (with a helicopter, four vehicles and a burning building diorama), the G-8) Thunder Jets Set (with four military “Skybusters” models), the G-17) Car Ferry Set (with four vehicles and a nice plastic ferry boat) and the G-18) Sky Giants Set (with four “Skybusters” commercial airliner models).

The Matchbox Collectors Carry Cases for 24 and 48 of the 1-75 Series models were back in 1979.  Two more Matchbox Garages were available in 1979 as well: the MG-2) Service Station (with “Shell” gasoline pumps, a carwash, an elevator, service bays and a second story parking lot) and the MG-3) “Texaco” Garage (with gasoline pumps, a service station and a restaurant).

The Matchbox Speedtrack line for 1979 included the RPS 2000 Set (with 13,5 feet of track), the Race and Chase Set (a bridge accessory for the track sets), the Speedtrack Set (with 12,5 feet of track), the International 1000 Set (with 33 feet of track), the Trenton 150 Set (with 8,5 feet of track), the Riverside 500 Set (with 23 feet of track) and the LeMans 300 Set (with 20 feet of track).  The tracks could be used with a range of special 1:87 “Ho” Scale cars.  The Matchbox Speedtrack cars included four “Formula” racing cars: the 1) Ferrari 312 T2, the 2) M-26 Formula 1 Racer, the 3) “Elf” Formula 1 Racer and the 4) “Texaco” Formula 1 Racer.  There were also six “Lighted” cars including the 1) Porsche 936, the 2) Volkswagen Scirocco T/A, the 3) Renault Alpine, the 4) Police Car, the 5) “Turbo Porsche” and the 6) Chevrolet “Supervette” Corvette.

Another brand new product for 1979 was the “Matchbox Play Track” series, but this was not available in the United States.  These included the PL-1 (with four buildings, 11 lengths of Playtrack, five corners, road signs and trees), the PL-2 (with a garage, four buildings, 16 lengths of Playtrack, a cross roads, road signs and trees) and the PL-3 (with a garage, a bridge, eight buildings, 22 lengths of Playtrack, car parking areas, road signs, trees and figures).

The Matchbox Skybusters line for 1979 included the SB-1) Learjet (wingspan of 81 mm), the SB-2) Corsair A7D Jet (wingspan of 84 mm and with American markings), the SB-3) Airbus A300B Commercial Airliner (wingspan of 90 mm and with either “Lufthanse” or “Air France” liveries), the SB-4) Dassault-Mirage F.1 Jet (wingspan of 54 mm and with French markings), the SB-5) Lockheed Starfighter Jet (wingspan of 52 mm and with Canadian markings), the SB-6) Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 Fighter Jet (wingspan of 57 mm and with Soviet markings), the SB-7) Junkers Ju-87 “Stuka” Dive Bomber (wingspan of 99 mm and with German dessert markings), the SB-8) Supermarine Spitfire Fighter (wingspan of 102 mm and with RAF markings), the SB-9) Cessna 402 Monoplane (wingspan of 103 mm), the SB-10) Boeing 747 Jumbo Jet (wingspan of 94 mm and with either “British Airways” or “Qantas” liveries), the SB-11) Dornier Alpha Jet (wingspan of 88 mm and with German markings), the SB-12) Douglas Skyhawk Jet (wingspan of 71 mm and with US Marine Corps markings), the SB-13) McDonnell-Douglas DC 10 Commercial Airliner (wingspan of 93 mm and with either “Swissair” or “United Airlines” liveries), the SB-14) Cessna 210 Monoplane (wingspan of 101 mm), the SB-15) McDonnell-Douglas Phantom F4E Jet (wingspan of 73 mm and with RAF markings), the SB-16) Corsair F4U Monoplane (wingspan of 100 mm and with American markings), the SB-17) “Ram Rod” Monoplane (wingspan of 99 mm), the “Wild Wind” Monoplane (wingspan of 99 mm), the SB-19) Piper Commanche Monoplane (wingspan of 104 mm), the SB-20) Helicopter (wingspan of 101 mm and with either “US Army,” ”US Coast Guard” or “Police” markings), the SB-21) BAC Lightning Jet (wingspan of 75 mm and with RAF markings), the SB-22) Messerschmitt Tornado Jet (wingspan of 101 mm and with German markings), the SB-23) Concorde Supersonic Commercial Airliner (wingspan of 142 mm and with either “Air France” or “Singapore Airlines” liveries), the SB-24) F-16 Jet (wingspan of 114 mm and with US Air Force markings) and the SB-25) Rescue Helicopter (wingspan of 105 mm and with RAF markings).  Two brand new models were featured, albeit without model numbers.  These were the NASA Space Shuttle and the “Pitts Special” Biplane.

A brand new product for 1979 which has endured until today was the “Matchbox Walt Disney” line of cars with Disney cartoon characters, complete with “Superfast” wheels.  These included the WD-1) Mickey Mouse Fire Engine (73 mm long), the WD-2) Donald Duck Volkswagen Beach Buggy (73 mm long), the WD-3) Goofy Volkswagen Beetle (73 mm long), the WD-4) Minnie Mouse Lincoln Continental (73 mm long), the WD-5) Mickey Mouse Jeep (73 mm long), the WD-6) Donald Duck Jeep (73 mm long), the WD-7) Pinocchio’s Road Show (73 mm long), the WD-8) Jiminy Cricket’s Old Timer (73 mm long) and the WD-9) Goofy’s Racing Car (73 mm long).

The Matchbox Adventure 2000 line for 1979 included the K-2001) Raider Command Vehicle (162 mm long), the K-2002) Flight Hunter Vehicle (117 mm long), the K-2003) Crusader Vehicle (113 mm long), the K-2004) Rocket Striker Vehicle (112 mm long) and the K-2005) Command Force Set (a brand new model pack).

For 1979, Lesney reverted to calling most “King Size” models “Super Kings,” and thereby dropped the “Speed Kings” brand name given to King Size passenger car models with Superfast wheels.  This sound decision has held to this very day in Mattel’s ownership of Matchbox.  The Matchbox Super Kings line for 1979 included the K-1) O&K Excavator (124 mm long), the K-2) Car Recovery Vehicle (120 mm long), the K-3) “Mod” Tractor and Trailer (197 mm long), the K-4) Big Tipper Truck (118 mm long), the K-5) Muir Hill Tractor and Trailer (241 mm long and a non-Superfast model), the K-6) Motor Cycle Transporter Truck (120 mm long), the K-7) Racing Car Transporter (156 mm long), the K-8) “Traxcavator” Tractor (156 mm long and a non-Superfast model), the K-9) Fire Tender Truck (156 mm long), the K-10) Car Transporter Truck (269 mm long), the K-11) Pick-Up Truck Wreck Truck (127 mm long), the K-12) Hercules Mobile Crane (156 mm long), the K-13) Aircraft Transporter Truck (203 mm long), the K-14) Heavy Breakdown Truck (131 mm long), the K-15) “Londoner” Double-Decker Bus (120 mm long), the K-16) Petrol Tanker Truck (229 mm long and with either “Texaco,” “Shell,” “Exxon,” “Aral” and “Total” liveries), the K-17) Articulated Container Truck (251 mm long), the K-18) Ford Articulated Tipper Truck (251 mm long and with either “Tarmac” or “U.S. Steel” liveries), the K-19) Security Truck (a brand new model with either “Group 4? or “Fort Knox” liveries), the K-20) Peterbilt Wrecker Truck (a brand new model), the K-21) Ford Transcontinental Tractor Trailer (a brand new model with either “Continental” or “Santa Fé” liveries), the K-22) SRN 6 Hovercraft Boat (127 mm long), the K-23) Articulated Low Loader and Bulldozer (133 mm long), the K-24) Scammell Container Truck (133 mm long and with either “Crowe” or “Michelin” liveries), the K-25) Digger and Plough Tractor (129 mm long and a non-Superfast model), the K-26) Cement Truck (100 mm long), the K-27) Powerboat and Transporter Truck (257 mm long and with either “Miss Embassy” or “Benihana” liveries), the K-28) Bedford Skip Truck (110 mm long), the K-29) Ford Delivery Van (110 mm long and with ether “Avis” or “U-Haul” liveries), the K-30) Mercedes-Benz Unimog Pickup Truck and Compressor Trailer (185 mm long), the K-31) Peterbilt Truck (300 mm long and with either “Christian Salvensen,” “Lagnese Iglo,” “Coca-Cola” or “Gervais Glace” liveries), the K-32) Mercedes-Benz Farm Unimog Pickup Truck and Sheep Trailer (225 mm long), the K-33) Cargo Hauler Truck with Crane (230 mm long and with either “MW” or “U.S. Steel” liveries), the K-34) Pallet Truck and Forklift (142 mm long), the K-35) Massey Ferguson Tractor and Trailer (224 mm long and a non-Superfast model), the K-36) Construction Transporter Truck (162 mm long), the K-37) Leyland Tipper Truck (110 mm long), the K-38) “Gus’s Gulper” Ford Boss Mustang Dragster (108 mm long), the K-39) through K-41) no models, the K-42) ”Traxcavator” Road Ripper (a brand new non-Superfast model), the K-43) “Cambuster” Dragster (122 mm long), the K-44) no model, the K-45) “Marauder” Racing Car (105 mm long), the K-46) Mercury Commuter Station Wagon and Racing Car on Trailer Set (260 mm long), the K-47) “Easy Rider” Chopper Motorcycle (120 mm long), the K-48) Mercedes-Benz 350 SLC Coupé (106 mm long), the K-49) Ambulance (112 mm long), the K-50) “Street Rod” Hot Rod (100 mm long), the K-51) “Barracuda” Racing Car (108 mm long), the K-52) Datsun Rally Car (105 mm long), the K-53) Hot Fire Engine (98 mm long), the K-54) AMC AMX Javelin (108 mm long), the K-55) Chevrolet Corvette Caper Cart (108 mm long), the K-56) Maserati Bora Sports Car (101 mm long), the K-57) AMC AMX Javelin and “Gus’s Gulper” Drag Race Pack (247 mm long), the K-58) Chevrolet Corvette Caper Car and Power Boat Pack (247 mm long), the K-59) Ford Capri Mark II Hatchback (105 mm long), the K-60) Ford Mustang (107 mm long), the K-61) Mercedes-Benz 350 SLC Coupé Police Car (107 mm long and with either English or German Police markings), the K-62) Citroen SM Coupé Doctor’s Car (114 mm long), the K-63) Mercedes-Benz “Binz” Ambulance (112 mm long), the K-64) Range Rover Fire Control SUV (105 mm long), the K-65) Rescue Vehicle (115 mm long), the K-66) Jaguar XJ12 Police Set with 2 Motorcycles and Street Signs (200 mm long), the K-67) Dodge Monaco Station Wagon (115 mm long and with either Fire Chief or Hackensack, New Jersey markings), the K-68) Dodge Monaco Station Wagon and Trailer (210 mm long), the K-69) Camping Caravan Set (220 mm or 270 mm long and pulled by either a Jaguar XJ12 Sedan or a Dodge Monaco Station Wagon, respectively), the K-70) Porsche 911 Turbo Coupé (118 mm long), the K-71) Porsche “Polizei” Set with 2 Motorcycles and Street Signs (200 mm long and in German), the K-72) Brabham Formula 1 Racing Car (109 mm long), the K-73) Surtees Formula 1 Racing Car (108 mm long), the K-74) Volvo Station Wagon (138 mm long), the K-75) Airport Fire Tender Pickup Truck (135 mm long), the K-76) Volvo Station Wagon and Datsun 260Z Rally Set (220 mm long), the K-77) Highway Rescue Pickup Truck (135 mm long), the K-78) Dodge Monaco Sedan Police Car (137 mm long) and the K-79) Dodge Monaco Sedan Taxicab (137 mm long).

The Matchbox Battle Kings line for 1979 included the K-101) Sherman Tank (91 mm long and with American markings), the K-102) M48 AZ Tank (117 mm long and with American markings), the K-103) Chieftain Tank (120 mm long), the K-104) Panzerkampfwagen VIb “Königstiger” King Tiger Heavy Tank (114 mm long and with German markings), the K-105) “Hover Raider” Hovercraft Boat (126 mm long), the K-106) Tank Transporter Truck with M48 AZ Tank (256 mm long and with American markings), the K-107) 155mm Self-Propelled Gun (105 mm long), the K-108) M3A1 Half Track Truck (100 mm long and with American markings), the K-109) Sheridan Tank (105 mm long), the K-110) Recovery Vehicle Tow Truck (131 mm long and with American markings), the K-111) Missile Launcher Truck (112 mm long), the K-112) DAF Ambulance Pickup Truck (95 mm long and with Red Cross markings), the K-113) Military Crane Truck (156 mm long), the K-114) Army Aircraft Transporter Truck (203 mm long and with American markings), the K-115) Army Petrol Tanker Truck (229 mm long and with American markings), the K-116) Troop Carrier Truck and Howitzer (226 mm long), the K-117) Self Propelled Rocket Launcher Truck (105 mm long) and the K-118) Army Helicopter (150 mm long and with American markings).

The Matchbox Sea Kings line for 1979 included the K-301) Frigate (219 mm long), the K-302) Corvette (199 mm long), the K-303) Battleship (218 mm long), the K-304) Aircraft Carrier (222 mm long), the K-305) Submarine Chaser (199 mm long), the K-306) Convoy Escort (199 mm long), the K-307) Helicopter Carrier (210 mm long), the K-308) Guided Missile Destroyer (213 mm long), the K-309) Submarine (205 mm long) and the K-310) Anti-Aircraft Cruiser (205 mm long).  The entire “King Size” line thus had a grand total 108 models in 1979 – a record number of the larger scale-model toys to compete with brands such as Corgi and Dinky.

The Matchbox Models of Yesteryear line for 1979 included the Y-1) 1936 Jaguar SS100 Roadster (104 mm long), the Y-2) 1914 Prince Henry Vauxhall Convertible (89 mm long), the Y-3) 1934 Riley MPH Roadster (98 mm long), the Y-4) 1930 Duesenberg Model J (114 mm long), the Y-5) 1927 Talbot Van (90 mm long and with either “Lipton’s” or “Menier” liveries), the Y-6) 1920 Rolls-Royce Fire Engine (105 mm long), the Y-7) 1912 Rolls-Royce Landaulet (96 mm long), the Y-8) 1945 MG TC Sports Car (95 mm long), the Y-9) 1912 Simplex (96 mm long), the Y-10) 1906 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost (94 mm long), the Y-11) 1938 Lagonda Drophead Coupé (112 mm long), the Y-12) 1912 Ford Model T Van (90 mm long and with either “Coca-Cola” or “Colman’s Mustard” liveries), the Y-13) 1918 Crossley Coal Pickup Truck (98 mm long), the Y-14) 1931 Stutz Bearcat Boattail Speedster (112 mm long), the Y-15) 1930 Packard Victoria (107 mm long), the Y-16) 1928 Mercedes-Benz SS (108 mm long), the Y-17) 1938 Hispano-Suiza (115 mm long) and the Y-18) 1937 Cord 812 Convertible (120 mm long).  As one can see, the Models of Yesteryear line was growing in number of models as well.  They continue to be quite popular in the toy market.

The annual index listing 1-75 Series model changes from 1953 to the present was also included within the 1979 Matchbox catalogue.

The plastic model kits were once again not detailed in the regular Matchbox catalogue, but within a separate catalogue.  Lesney had purchased the “AMT” plastic model kit company, and added their models to the entire Matchbox line of kits.  There were now a record 190 plastic model kits available, 133 of which were Matchbox and 57 of which were AMT.  They included cars, trucks, aircraft, tanks, armoured fighting vehicles, military vehicles, ships, racing cars, “Star Trek” space kits and toy soldiers.

The “Matchbox Live-n-Learn Shufflies” line for 1979 (the line of toys for infants and small children) included the LL-3100) Shufflie Farm Set, the LL-3200) Shufflie Police Station, the LL-3300) Shufflie Hospital, the LL-3400) Shufflie Castle, the LL-100) Playboot, the LL-200) Chuggy Chuffer Train, the LL-300) Mobile Home, the LL-400) Tractor and Trailer, the LL-500) Press-a-Print, the LL-800) Rhyme Time Clock, the LL-1000) “Matchbox” Family, the LL-1300) Family Ferry Boat, the LL-1600) Playslide, the LL-1800) Fire Engine, the LL-2100) Funny Flyer, the LL-2200) Hoppy Copter, the LL-2300) Tricky Truck, the LL-2400) Chuggy Chuffer, the LL-2500) Hovercraft Boat, the LL-2600) Ambulance, the LL-2700) Tractor and the LL-2800) Road Digger.  This line of toys was obviously meant to compete against the likes of Fisher Price, but never came to be as popular as them.  Lesney introduced them one year, withdrew them another year and then re-introduced them later with a modified product line.  It was capital and effort not well spent!

The Official “Matchbox” Collector’s Club was still based in Wood Ridge, New Jersey (USA).  Members received a Handbook, a Button and of course a quarterly Newsletter.  Annual membership was US $2.00 or US $2.50 for two years and US $3.00 for three years.  Lesney Products Corporation was still in Moonachie, New Jersey for the United States and in London, England (worldwide headquarters).  My own collection of diecast vehicles maintained a constant size from 1978 to 1979.

1980 Matchbox Model Year: Back to “Core Business” (but too late)

The cover of the 1980 Matchbox color catalogue featured a photo of a very realistic diorama, complete with a King Size fire engine and an ambulance, attempting to extinguish a fire in a large three-story home.  This was the first catalogue to come with a purchase price at US $0.25 (25 cents).  Many new products from past years were no longer mentioned, including many custom cars (hot rods and dragsters), toys for infants and small children, dolls, action figures, family games and even the very extensive line of plastic model kits from 1979.  The 1980 Lesney product line was remarkable in being very traditional and true to the company’s core business.  But unfortunately, this was to be too little and too late – the reality of financial bankruptcy was merely two years away.  This sad story makes me think of the large American auto companies of today, changing their ways far too late in the game.

The Matchbox 1-75 Series line for 1980 included the 1) Dodge Challenger Hardtop (74 mm long), the 2) Hovercraft “Rescue” Boat (77 mm long), the 3) Porsche 911 Turbo Coupé (74 mm long), the 4) Pontiac Firebird Coupé (74 mm long), the 5) “Seafire” Speed Boat (75 mm long), the 6) Mercedes-Benz 350 SL Tourer (75 mm long), the 7) Volkswagen Rabbit 4-Door Hatchback (74 mm long), the 8) De Tomaso Pantera Sports Car (77 mm long), the 9) Ford Escort RS 2000 2-Door Sedan (73,5 mm long), the 10) Plymouth “Gran Fury” Police Car (75 mm long), the 11) Car Transporter Truck (75 mm long), the 12) “Big Bull” Bulldozer (63 mm long and a non-Superfast model), the 13) Snorkel Fire Engine Truck (78 mm long), the 14) Mini Cooper “Ha-Ha” Dragster (60 mm long), the 15) Fork Lift Truck (70 mm long), the 16) “Badger” Radar Truck (66 mm long and a “Rola-matic”), the 17) “Londoner” Double-Decker Bus (78 mm long), the 18) “Hondarora” Honda Motorcycle (63 mm long), the 19) Cement Truck (75 mm long), the 20) Police Patrol SUV (73 mm long and a “Rola-matic”), the 21) Renault 5TL “Le Car” Hatchback (65 mm long), the 22) “Blaze Buster” Fire Truck (77 mm long), the 23) Atlas Tipper Dump Truck (71 mm long), the 24) Diesel Shunter Locomotive (72,5 mm long), the 25) Flat Car and Container Railway Car (72,5 mm long), the 26) Site Dumper (64 mm long), the 27) Lamborghini Countach Sports Car (74 mm long), the 28) Lincoln Continental  Hardtop (72 mm long), the 29) Shovel Nose Tractor (72 mm long), the 30) “Swamp Rat” Amphibious Fighting Boat (77 mm long), the 31) Camping Caravan Trailer (70 mm long), the 32) Field Gun and Diorama with 2 Soldiers (77 mm long), the 33) Police Motorcycle (74 mm long), the 34) “Vantastic” Custom Van (74 mm long), the 35) “Fandango” Custom Sports Car (75 mm long and a “Rola-matic”), the 36) Formula 5000 Racing Car (74 mm long), the 37) Skip Truck Dumper (69 mm long), the 38) Jeep Military Vehicle (61 mm long and with American markings), the 39) Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow Mark II Sedan (75 mm long), the 40) Horsebox Truck (72 mm long), the 41) Ambulance (75 mm long), the 42) Mercedes-Benz Container Truck (77 mm long), the 43) Steam Locomotive (68 mm long), the 44) Passenger Coach Railway Car (73 mm long), the 45) BMW 3.0 CSI Coupé (74 mm long), the 46) Ford Tractor and Harrow (52 mm long), the 47) Pannier Locomotive (76 mm long), the 48) Sambron Jack Lift Truck (78 mm long), the 49) Crane Truck (76 mm long), the 50) Articulated Truck (79 mm long), the 51) Combine Harvester (72 mm long), the 52) Police Launch Boat (77 mm long), the 53) Jeep CJ6 (75 mm long), the 54) Military Personnel Carrier Truck (76 mm long), the 55) Ford Cortina 1600 GL Sedan (75 mm long), the 56) Mercedes-Benz 450 SEL Sedan (74 mm long), the 57) Ford Wild Life Pickup Truck (71 mm long and a “Rola-matic”), the 58) Faun Dumper Truck (71 mm long), the 59) Planet Scout Vehicle (70 mm long), the 60) Holden Pickup Truck (77 mm long), the 61) Wreck Truck (76 mm long), the 62) Chevrolet Corvette Sports Car (74 mm long), the 63) Freeway Gasoline Tanker Truck (78 mm long and with “Shell” livery), the 64) Fire Chief Car (77 mm long), the 65) Airport Coach (78 mm long and with either “British Airways,” “American Airlines” or “Lufthansa” liveries), the 66) Ford Transit Pickup Truck (71 mm long), the 67) Datsun 260Z Coupé (75 mm long), the 68) Chevrolet Van (77 mm long), the 69) Security Truck (73 mm long and with “Wells Fargo” livery), the 70) Self Propelled Gun (66 mm long and a “Rola-matic”), the 71) Dodge Cattle Truck (74 mm long), the 72) Bomag Road Roller (71 mm long), the 73) “Weasel” Armored Fighting Vehicle (72 mm long and a “Rola-matic”), the 74) Mercury Cougar Villager Station Wagon (78 mm long) and the 75) Rescue Helicopter (74 mm long).  A number of future models were shown as well, albeit without model numbers.  These were the Leyland Refuse Truck, the Ford Model A Coupé, the Chevrolet Bel Air Sedan, the Porsche 928 Coupé, the Caterpillar D9 Tractor, the U.S. Mail Jeep and the Citroen CX Station Wagon.

The “Matchbox 900? series for 1979 (formerly known as the “Two Packs” line) included the TP-1) Mercedes-Benz Truck and Trailer, the TP-2) Mercury Police Car and “Blaze Buster” Fire Engine, the TP-3) AMC AMX Javelin and Pony Trailer, the TP-4) Holiday Set with Maserati Bora Sports Car towing Eccles Camping Caravan, the TP-5) Weekender Set with Ford Escort Sedan towing Boat on Trailer, the TP-6) Breakdown Truck and Racing Mini, the TP-7) Jeep and Glider Trailer, the TP-8) Field Car towing Honda Motorcycle on Trailer, the TP-9) Field Car towing Racing Car, the TP-10) Mercury Fire Chief Car and Mercedes-Benz “Binz” Ambulance, the TP-11) Tractor and Hay Trailer, the TP-12) Volkswagen Bay Window Bus Military Ambulance and Field Car, the TP-13) Mercedes-Benz Military Unimog Pickup Truck and Field Gun, the TP-14) Mercedes-Benz 300SE Sedan Military Field Car and Mercedes-Benz “Binz” Ambulance, the TP-15) Mercedes-Benz Military Truck and Trailer, the TP-16) Articulated Truck and Trailer, the TP-17) “Shell” Tanker Truck and Trailer, the TP-18) Water Sporter Set with Volkswagen Rabbit Hatchback towing “Seafire” Speed Boat, the TP-19) Dodge Cattle Truck and Trailer, the TP-20) Diesel Shunter Locomotive and Side-Tipper Railway Car, the TP-21) Citroen SM Coupé and and Motorcycle Trailer, the TP-22) Long Haul Double Container Truck, the TP-23) Long Haul Covered Container Truck, the TP-24) Long Haul Box Container Truck and the TP-25) Long Haul Truck and Pipe Trailer.

New for 1980 was a three-level “Matchbox Super Garage” with an operating parking elevator, moveable auto ramps and a rotating “Matchbox” Garage sign.

The Matchbox Skybusters line for 1980 included the SB-1) Learjet (wingspan of 81 mm), the SB-2) Corsair A7D Jet (wingspan of 84 mm and with American markings), the SB-3) NASA Space Shuttle (wingspan of 100 mm and with American markings), the SB-4) Dassault-Briguet Mirage F1 Jet (wingspan of 54 mm and with French markings), the SB-5) Lockheed Starfighter Jet (wingspan of 52 mm and with Canadian markings), the SB-6) Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 Fighter Jet (wingspan of 57 mm and with Soviet markings), the SB-7) Junkers Ju-87D Dive Bomber (wingspan of 99 mm and with German markings), the SB-8) Supermarine Spitfire Fighter (wingspan of 102 mm and with RAF markings), the SB-9) Cessna 402 Monoplane (wingspan of 103 mm), the SB-10) Boeing 747 Jumbo Jet (wingspan of 94 mm and with either “British Airways” or “Qantas” liveries), the SB-11) Dornier Alpha Jet (wingspan of 88 mm and with German markings), the SB-12) Pitts Special Biplane (wingspan of 93 mm), the SB-13) McDonnell-Douglas DC-10 Commercial Airliner (wingspan of 93 mm and with either “SwissAir” or “United Airlines” liveries), the SB-14) Cessna 210 Monoplane (wingspan of 101 mm), the SB-15) McDonnell-Douglas Phantom F4E Jet (wingspan of 73 mm and with RAF markings), the SB-16) Corsair F4U Monoplane (wingspan of 100 mm and with US Navy markings), the SB-17) “Ram Rod” Monoplane (wingspan of 99 mm), the SB-18) “Wild Wind” Monoplane (wingspan of 99 mm), the SB-19) Piper Commanche Monoplane (wingspan of 104 mm), the SB-20) Helicopter (wingspan of 101 mm and with either “US Army,” “US Coast Guard” or “Police” markings), the SB-21) BAC Lightning Jet (wingspan of 75 mm and with RAF markings), the SB-22) Messerschmitt Tornado Fighter-Bomber Jet (wingspan of 101 mm and with German markings), the SB-23) Concorde Supersonic Commercial Airliner (wingspan of 142 mm and with either “Air France” or “Singapore Airlines” liveries), the SB-24) F.16 Jet (wingspan of 114 mm and with US Air Force markings) and the SB-25) Rescue Helicopter (wingspan of 105 mm and with RAF markings).

The Matchbox Walt Disney line for 1980 included the WD-1) Mickey Mouse Fire Engine (73 mm long), the WD-2) Donald Duck Volkswagen Beach Buggy (73 mm long), the WD-3) Goofy Volkswagen Beetle (73 mm long), the WD-4) Minnie Mouse Lincoln Continental (73 mm long), the WD-5) Mickey Mouse Jeep (73 mm long), the WD-6) Donald Duck Jeep (73 mm long), the WD-7) Pinnochio’s Traveling Theatre Truck (73 mm long), the WD-8) Jiminy Cricket’s Oldtimer Roadster (73 mm long), the WD-9) Goofy’s Sports Car (73 mm long), the WD-10) Goofy Train Locomotive (73 mm long), the WD-11) Donald Duck’s Ice Cream Van (73 mm long) and the WD-12) Mickey Mouse Chevrolet Corvette (73 mm long).

The Matchbox Adventure 2000 series for 1980 included the K-2001) Raider Command Vehicle (162 mm long), the K-2002) Flight Hunter Vehicle (117 mm long), the K-2003) Crusader Vehicle (113 mm long), the K-2004) Rocket Striker Vehicle (112 mm long) and the K-2005) Command Force Set (with 3 smaller models).

The Matchbox Super Kings line for 1980 included the K-1) O&K Excavator (124 mm long), the K-2) Car Recovery Vehicle (120 mm long), the K-3) no model, the K-4) Big Tipper Dump Truck (118 mm long), the K-5) Muir Hill Tractor and Trailer (241 mm long and a non-Superfast model), the K-6) Motorcycle Transporter Truck (120 mm long), the K-7) Martini Racing Car Transporter (156 mm long and with “Dunlop” livery), the K-8) no model, the K-9) Fire Tender Truck (156 mm long), the K-10) Car Transporter Truck (269 mm long), the K-11) no model, the K-12) Hercules Mobile Crane (156 mm long), the K-13) Aircraft Transporter Truck (203 mm long and with RAF markings), the K-14) Heavy Breakdown Truck (131 mm long and with “Shell” livery), the K-15) “Londoner” Double-Decker Bus (120 mm long and with “London Dungeon” livery), the K-16) Petrol Tanker Truck (229 mm long and with either “Texaco” or “Shell” liveries), the K-17) Articulated Container Truck (251 mm long and with “Gentransco” livery), the K-18) Ford Articulated Tipper Truck (203 mm long and with “Tarmac” livery), the K-19) Security Truck (137 mm long and with “Wells Fargo” livery), the K-20) Peterbilt Wreck Truck (161 mm long), the K-21) Ford Transcontinental Tractor Trailer (338 mm long and with “Continental” livery), the K-22) Hovercraft SRN6 Boat (127 mm long and with “Seaspeed” livery), the K-23) Low Loader and Bulldozer (133 mm long), the K-24) Scammell Container Truck (133 mm long and with “Crowe” livery), the K-25) Digger and Plough Tractor (129 mm long and a non-Superfast model), the K-26) Bedford Cement Truck (100 mm long), the K-27) Powerboat and Transporter Truck (257 mm long and with “Matchbox” livery), the K-28) Bedford Skip Truck Dumper (110 mm long and with “Hales Containers” livery), the K-29) Ford Delivery Van (110 mm long and with “Avis” livery), the K-30) Mercedes-Benz Unimog Pickup Truck and Compressor Trailer (185 mm long and with “MJ” livery), the K-31) Peterbilt Container Truck (300 mm long and with either “Christian Salvensen” or “Pepsi-Cola” liveries), the K-32) Mercedes-Benz Farm Unimog and Sheep Trailer (225 mm long), the K-33) Cargo Hauler Truck with Crane (230 mm long and with “MW” livery), the K-34) DAF Pallett Truck and Fork Lift (142 mm long and with “K” livery), the K-35) Massey Ferguson Tractor and Trailer (224 mm long and a non-Superfast model), the K-36) Construction Transporter Truck (162 mm long and with “Laing” livery), the K-37) Leyland Tipper Truck (110 mm long and with “Laing” livery), the K-38) Dodge Ambulance (135 mm long), the K-39) E.R.F. Snorkel Fire Engine (208 mm long), the K-40) Pepsi-Cola Truck (151 mm long), the  K-41) no model, the K-42) “Traxcavator” Road Tipper Tractor (140 mm long and a non-Superfast model), the K-43) and K-44) no models, the K-45) “Marauder” Racing Car (105 mm long and with “Firestone” livery), the K-46) Mercury Commuter Station Wagon pulling Racing Car on Trailer (260 mm long and with “Team Matchbox” livery), the K-47) “Easy Rider” Chopper Motorcycle (120 mm long), the K-48) Mercedes-Benz 350 SLC Coupé (106 mm long), the K-49) Ambulance (112 mm long), the K-50) “Street Rod” Hot Rod (100 mm long), the K-51) “Barracuda” Racing Car (108 mm long), the K-52) Datsun 260Z Rally Car (105 mm long), the K-53) “Hot” Fire Engine (98 mm long), the K-54) AMC AMX Javelin (108 mm long), the K-55) Chevrolet Corvette Sports Car (108 mm long), the K-56) Maserati Bora Sports Car (101 mm long), the K-57) AMC AMX Javelin Drag Race Pack with “Gus’s Gulper” Ford Boss Mustang Dragster on Trailer (247 mm long), the K-58) Chevrolet Corvette Power Boat Pack with Chrysler Power Boat on Trailer (247 mm long), the K-59) Ford Capri Mark 2 Hatchback (105 mm long), the K-60) Ford Mustang Mark 2 Coupé (107 mm long), the K-61) Mercedes-Benz 350 SLC Coupé Police Car (107 mm long and with either English or German Police markings), the K-62) Citroen SM Coupé Doctor’s Car (114 mm long), the K-63) no model, the K-64) Fire Control Range Rover SUV (105 mm long), the K-65) Plymouth Rescue Pickup Truck (115 mm long), the K-66) Jaguar Police Set with 2 Motorcycles and Traffic Signs (200 mm long), the K-67) Dodge Monaco Fire Chief Station Wagon (115 mm long), the K-68) Dodge Monaco Station Wagon and Trailer (210 mm long), the K-69) Jaguar Sedan and Camping Caravan (270 mm long), the K-70)  Porsche 911 Turbo Coupé (118 mm long), the K-71) no model, the K-72) Brabham Formula 1 Racing Car (109 mm long), the K-73) Surtees Formula 1 Racing Car (108 mm long), the K-74) Volvo Station Wagon (138 mm long), the K-75) Airport Rescue Tender (135 mm long and with either British, French or German markings), the K-76) no model, the K-77) Highway Rescue Pickup Truck with Snowplough (135 mm long and with either British, French or German markings), the K-78) Dodge Monaco US Police Car (137 mm long), the K-79) no model, and the K-80)  Dodge Custom Van (135 mm long).

The Matchbox Battle Kings line for 1980 included the K-101) Sherman Tank (91 mm long and with American markings), the K-102) M48 AZ Tank (117 mm long and with American markings), the K-103) Chieftain Tank (120 mm long), the K-104) Panzerkampfwagen VIb “Königstiger” King Tiger Heavy Tank (114 mm long and with German markings), the K-105) “Hover Raider” Hovercraft Boat (126 mm long), the K-106) Tank Transporter Truck with M48 AZ Tank (256 mm long and with American markings), the K-107) 155 Self-Propelled Gun (105 mm long), the K-108) M3A1 Half Track Truck (100 mm long and with American markings), the K-109) Sheridan Tank (105 mm long), the K-110) Recovery Vehicle Tow Truck (131 mm long), the K-111) Missile Launcher Truck (112 mm long), the K-112) DAF Ambulance Pickup Truck (95 mm long and with Red Cross markings), the K-113) Military Crane Truck
(156 mm long), the K-114) Army Aircraft Transporter Truck (203 mm long and with American markings), the K-115) Army Petrol Tanker Truck (229 mm long and with American markings), the K-116) Troop Carrier Truck and Howitzer (226 mm long), the K-117) Self-Propelled Rocket Launcher (105 mm long and with American markings) and the K-118) Army Helicopter (150 mm long and with American markings).

The Matchbox Sea Kings line for 1980 included the K-301) Frigate (219 mm long), the K-302) Corvette (199 mm long), the K-303) Battleship (218 mm long), the K-304) Aircraft Carrier (222 mm long), the K-305) Submarine Chaser (199 mm long), the K-306) Convoy Escort (199 mm long), the K-307) Helicopter Carrier (210 mm long), the K-308) Guided Missile Destroyer (213 mm long), the K-309) Submarine (205 mm long) and the K-310) Anti-Aircraft Cruiser (205 mm long).  The entire Matchbox King Size thus had a grand total of 103 models, or five fewer than during the record year of 1979.

The Matchbox Models of Yesteryear line for 1980 included the Y-1) 1936 Jaguar SS 100 Roadster (104 mm long), the Y-2) 1914 Prince Henry Vauxhall Convertible (89 mm long), the Y-3) 1934 Riley MPH Roadster (98 mm long), the Y-4) 1930 Duesenberg Model J (114 mm long), the Y-5) 1927 Talbot Van (90 mm long and with “Lipton’s Tea” livery), the Y-6) 1920 Rolls-Royce Fire Engine (105 mm long), the Y-7) 1912 Rolls-Royce Landaulet (96 mm long), the Y-8) 1945 MG TC Sports Car (95 mm long), the Y-9) 1912 Simplex (96 mm long), the Y-10) 1906 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost (94 mm long), the Y-11) 1938 Lagonda Drophead Coupé (112 mm long), the Y-12) 1912 Ford Model T Van (90 mm long and with “Coleman’s Mustard” livery), the Y-13) 1918 Crossley Coal Cart Pickup Truck (98 mm long), the Y-14) 1931 Stutz Bearcat Boattail Speedster (112 mm long), the Y-15) 1930 Packard Victoria (107 mm long), the Y-16) 1928 Mercedes-Benz SS (108 mm long), the Y-17) 1938 Hispano-Suiza (115 mm long), the Y-18) 1937 Cord 812 Convertible (120 mm long) and the Y-19) 1936 Auburn Boattail Speedster (116 mm long).  This was a record number of models for the Matchbox Models of Yesteryear line.

The “Matchbox Giftsets!” line for 1980 included the G-1) Car Transporter Set (with a “Super Kings” Car Transporter Truck and five cars), the G-2) Railway Set (with an oval track, a railway station building and five railway cars), the G-3) Racing Set (with a “Super Kings” Racing Car Transporter Truck and four racing cars), the G-4) Military Set (with an amphibious landing barge, four military vehicles, a field gun and toy soldiers), the G-5) Construction Set (with a dirt loader and five construction vehicles), the G-6) Farm Set (with five vehicles, a barn, fencing and six toy animals), the G-7) Emergency Set (with four emergency vehicles, a helicopter, a police station, a hospital and a burning building diorama), the G-8) Thunder Jets Set (with four military “Skybusters” jets), the G-9) Commando Task Force Set (with an amphibious landing boat and three vehicles), the G-17) Car Ferry Set (with a plastic car ferry and four vehicles) and the G-18)  Sky Giants Set (with four “Skybusters” commercial airliner models).  There were no sets numbered G-10) through G-16).

The Matchbox Speedtrack line for 1980 had far fewer track sets, but more diecast “Ho” 1:87-Scale model cars.  The new track set available was the “Turbo RPS 6000? set, which featured 28 feet of plastic track, an overpass bridge (called a “flyover” in British and Southeast Asian English), a pit stop, start & finish graphics, two plug-in pistol electric controls, a power pack, 12 barriers with decals and a timing building.  The number of slot cars increased to 20 models.  They included the 1) Funny Car, the 2) Hulk Van, the 3)  Gremlin Sportsman, the 4) Pinto Sportsman, the 5) “Texaco” Formula 1 Racing Car, the 6) “Elf” Formula 1 Racing Car, the 7) Spiderman Car, the 8) Ford Escort Rally Car, the 9) Jaguar XJ Sedan, the 10) BMW 320i Sedan (with “Jägermeister” livery), the 11) M-26 Formula 1 Racing Car (with”Goodyear” livery), the 12) Ferrari 312 T2 Racing Car (with “Goodyear” livery), the 13) Chevrolet “Supervette” (lighted), the 14) Dodge Monaco Police Car (lighted), the 15) Renault Alpine Racing Car (lighted and with “elf” livery), the 16) Porsche 936 Racing Car (lighted), the 17) Fiat 131 Sedan (lighted), the 18) Triumph TR7 Sports Car (lighted), the 19) Volkswagen Scirocco Coupé TA (lighted) and the 20) Turbo 911 Porsche Coupé (lighted).

The Official “Matchbox” Collector’s Club for 1980 was still based in Wood Ridge, New Jersey, USA.  Special rates were offered for new members: US $2.00 for one year, US $2.50 for two years or US $3.00 for three years of quarterly newsletters.  Regular members outside of the United States had to order their subscriptions at US $3.75 for one year, US $5.00 for two years or US $6.75 for three years.  Members would also receive a Club Handbook and a Button.  Lesney Products Corporation was still based out of Moonachie, New Jersey in the USA and in London, England (UK) for their worldwide headquarters.

1981 Matchbox Model Year: further cuts in the Product Line

The color cover of the 1981 Matchbox catalogue featured two Super Kings models in a realistic construction diorama (a bridge-transporter truck and a tipper dump truck).  The purchase price of the catalogue had increased 100 percent to US $0.50 (fifty cents).  After 1981, Lesney Products would have merely one more year of existence before financial bankruptcy.  In an effort to spare precious capital, a number of products and services were eliminated in 1981, including the ”Matchbox Speedtrack” line of tracks and slot cars and the “Sea Kings” line of diecast navy ships.

The Matchbox 1-75 Series for 1981 included the 1) Dodge Challenger Hardtop (74 mm long), the 2) Hovercraft “Rescue” Boat (77 mm long), the 3) Porsche 911 Turbo Coupé (74 mm long), the 4) 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air (75 mm long), the 5) U.S. Mail Truck Jeep (60 mm long), the 6) Mercedes-Benz 350SL Tourer (75 mm long), the 7) Volkswagen Golf 4-Door Hatchback (74 mm long), the 8) De Tomaso Pantera Sports Car (77 mm long), the 9) Ford Escort RS2000 Sedan (73,5 mm long and with “Castrol” livery), the 10) Plymouth “Gran Fury” Police Car (75 mm long), the 11) Car Transporter Truck (75 mm long), the 12) Citroen CX Station Wagon (78 mm long), the 13) Snorkel Fire Engine (78 mm long), the 14) Mini Cooper “Ha-Ha” Dragster (60 mm long), the 15) Fork Lift Truck (70 mm long and with “Lansing Bagnall” livery), the 16) Pontiac Firebird Coupé (77 mm long), the 17) “Londoner” Double-Decker Bus (78 mm long and with “Berger Paints” livery), the 18) “Hondarora” Honda Motorcycle (63 mm long), the 19) Cement Truck (75 mm long), the 20) Police Patrol SUV (73 mm long and a “Rola-matic”), the 21) Renault 5TL “Le Car” Hatchback (65 mm long), the 22) “Blaze Buster” Fire Engine (77 mm long), the 23) Atlas Tipper Dump Truck (71 mm long), the 24) Diesel Shunter Locomotive (72,5 mm long), the 25) Flat Car and Container Railway Car (72,5 mm long and with “N.Y.K.” livery), the 26) Site Dumper Truck (64 mm long), the 27) Lamborghini Countach Sports Car (74 mm long), the 28) Lincoln Continental Hardtop (72 mm long), the 29) Shovel Nose Tractor (72 mm long), the 30) Articulated Truck (77 mm long), the 31) Camping Caravan Trailer (70 mm long), the 32) Excavator (80 mm long and a non-Superfast model), the 33) Police Motorcycle (74 mm long), the 34) Chevrolet Pro-Stocker (76 mm long), the 35) “Fandango” Sports Car (75 mm long and a “Rola-matic”), the 36) Refuse Truck (77 mm long), the 37) Skip Truck Dumper (69 mm long), the 38) Pickup Truck with Camping Shell (76 mm long), the 39) Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow Mark II Sedan (75 mm long), the 40) Horsebox Truck (72 mm long), the 41) Ambulance (75 mm long), the 42) Mercedes-Benz Container Truck (77 mm long and with “Matchbox” livery), the 43) Steam Locomotive (68 mm long), the 44) Passenger Coach Railway Car (73 mm long), the 45) BMW 3.0 CSI (74 mm long), the 46) Tractor and Harrow (52 mm long), the 47) Pannier Locomotive (76 mm long), the 48) Sambron Jack Lift (78 mm long), the 49) Crane Truck (76 mm long), the 50) Harley-Davidson Motorcycle (70 mm long), the 51) Combine Harvester (72 mm long), the 52) Police Launch Boat (76 mm long), the 53) CJ6 Jeep (75 mm long), the 54) Motor Home (77 mm long), the 55) Ford Cortina 1600GL Sedan (75 mm long), the 56) Mercedes-Benz 450 SEL Sedan (74 mm long), the 57) Ford Wild Life Pickup Truck (71 mm long and a “Rola-matic”), the 58) Faun Dumper Truck (71 mm long), the 59) Porsche 928 Coupé (75 mm long), the 60) Holden Pickup Truck (77 mm long), the 61) Wreck Truck (76 mm long), the 62) Chevrolet Corvette Sports Car (74 mm long), the 63) Freeway Gas Tanker Truck (78 mm long and with “Shell” livery), the 64) “Caterpillar” Tractor (68 mm long and a non-Superfast model), the 65) Airport Coach (78 mm long and with either “Qantas” or “TWA” liveries), the 66) Ford Transit Pickup Truck (71 mm long), the 67) Datsun 260Z Coupé (75 mm long), the 68) Chevrolet Van (77 mm long), the 69) Security Truck (73 mm long and with “Wells Fargo” livery), the 70) Ferrari Coupé (75 mm long), the 71) Dodge Cattle Truck (74 mm long), the 72) Bomag Road Roller (71 mm long), the 73) Model “A” Ford Coupé (71 mm long), the 74) Mercury Cougar Villager Station Wagon (78 mm long) and the 75) “Rescue” Helicopter (74 mm long).  A number of brand new future models were shown as well, albeit without model numbers.  They included the Jet Aircraft, the BMW M1 Sports Car, the Rover 3500 Sedan and the Swing Wing Jet.

The Matchbox 900 line for 1981 included the TP-1) Mercedes-Benz Truck and Trailer (with “IMS” livery), the TP-2) Long Petrol Tanker Truck (with “Exxon” livery), the TP-3) AMC AMX Javelin and Pony Trailer, the TP-4) Holiday Set with Maserati Bora Sports Car towing Eccles Camping Caravan Trailer, the TP-5) Weekender Set with Ford Escort Sedan towing Boat on Trailer, the TP-6) “Tow Joe” Breakdown Truck towing Racing Mini Cooper Hatchback, the TP-7) Jeep towing Glider Trailer, the TP-8) Field Car towing Honda Motorcycle on Trailer, the TP-9) Field Car towing Racing Car (with “Good Year” livery), the TP-10) no set, the TP-11) Tractor and Hay Trailer, the TP-12) through TP-15) no sets, the TP-16) Articulated Truck and Trailer, the TP-17) Petrol Tanker Truck and Trailer (with “Shell” livery), the TP-18) Water Sporter Set with Volkswagen Golf Hatchback towing “Seafire” Speed Boat, the TP-19) Dodge Cattle Truck and Trailer, the TP-20) Diesel Shunter Locomotive and Side-Tipper Rail Car, the TP-21) Citroen SM Coupé towing Motorcycle Trailer, the TP-22) Long Haul Double Container Truck (with “OCL” livery), the TP-23) Long Haul Covered Container Truck (with “Firestone” livery), the TP-24) Long Haul Box Container Truck (with “Matchbox” livery), the TP-25) Long Haul Truck and Pipe Trailer, the TP-26) Long Haul Boat Transporter Truck and the TP-27) Steam Locomotive and Caboose Set (with “NP” livery).

The “Matchbox Giftsets!” line for 1981 included the G-1) Car Transporter Set (with a “Super Kings” Car Transporter Truck and five cars), the G-2) Railway Set (with an oval railway track, a railway station building and five rail cars), the G-3) Racing Set (with a “Super Kings” Racing Car Transporter Truck and four Racing Cars), the G-4) no set, the G-5) Construction Set (with a dirt loader, traffic signs and five vehicles), the G-6) Farm Set (with a barn, fencing and six vehicles), the G-7) no set, the G-8) Thunder Jets (with four “Skybusters” fighter jets), the G-9) through G-16) no sets, the G-17) Car Ferry Set (with a plastic car ferry and four vehicles) and the G-18) Sky Giants Set (with four “Skybusters” commercial airliner models).

The Matchbox Play Track line for 1981 was much improved, with more versatile sets.  They included the PL-1) with 30 parts (including a roadway, road bends, buildings, trees and figures), the PL-2) with 50 parts (including a garage, a crossroads and road signs), the PL-3) with 70 parts (including a bridge and parking areas), the PL-4) with 90 parts (including a station, a train turn table, level crossing gates, locomotive sidings, a farm with animals and railway track) and the PL-5) with a multi-story garage.

The Matchbox Collectors Carry Cases were back in 1981, and for 24, 36 or 48 of the 1-75 Series models.  A “Matchbox MG-3 Garage” Set was also back in 1981, complete with “Texaco” pumps and a restaurant.

Another nice comeback in 1981 was the “Matchbox Streak Sets” line of tracks.  They included the S-100) Hit’n Miss Set, the S-200) Streak Loop Set, the S-300) Streak Racing Set (a double loop set), the S-700) Countdown Set (a drag racing set), the S-800) Stunt Jump Set and the S-900) Streak-Around Set.  Available accessories included TA-00) Track Joiners, the TA-29) G-Clamp, the TA-40) Track Extension Pack and the TA-41) Bend Pack.

The Matchbox Skybusters line for 1981 included the SB-1) Learjet (wingspan of 81 mm), the SB-2) Corsair A7D Jet (wingspan of 84 mm and with American markings), the SB-3) NASA Space Shuttle (wingspan of 100 mm and with American markings), the SB-4) Dassault-Briguet Mirage F1 Jet (wingspan of 54 mm and with French markings), the SB-5) Lockheed Starfighter Jet (wingspan of 52 mm and with Canadian markings), the SB-6) Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 Fighter Jet (wingpsan of 57 mm and with Soviet markings), the SB-7) Junkers Ju-87 “Stuka” Dive Bomber (wingspan of 99 mm and with German markings), the SB-8) Supermarine Spitfire (wingspan of 102 mm and with RAF markings), the SB-9) Cessna 402 Monoplane (wingspan of 103 mm), the SB-10) Boeing 747 Jumbo Jet (wingspan of 94 mm and with either “British Airways” or “Qantas” liveries), the SB-11) Dornier Alpha Jet (wingspan of 88 mm and with German markings), the SB-12) Pitts Special Biplane (wingspan of 93 mm), the SB-13) McDonnell-Douglas DC 10 Commercial Airliner (wingspan of 93 mm and with either “SwissAir” or “United Airlines” liveries), the SB-14) Cessna 210 Monoplane (wingspan of 101 mm), the SB-15) McDonnell-Douglas Phantom F4E Jet (wingspan of 73 mm and with RAF markings), the SB-16) Corsair F4U Monoplane (wingspan of 100 mm and with US Navy markings), the SB-17) “Ram Rod” Monoplane (wingspan of 99 mm), the SB-18) “Wild Wind” Monoplane (wingspan of 99 mm), the SB-19) Piper Commanche Monoplane (wingspan of 104 mm), the SB-20) Helicopter (wingspan of 101 mm and with either “US Army,” “US Coast Guard” or “Police” markings), the SB-21) BAC Lightning Jet (wingspan of 75 mm and with RAF markings), the SB-22) Messerschmitt Tornado Fighter-Bomber Jet (wingspan of 101 mm and with German markings), the SB-23) Concorde Supersonic Commercial Airliner (wingspan of 142 mm and with either “Air France” or “Singapore Airlines” liveries), the SB-24) F. 16 Jet (wingspan of 114 mm and with US Air Force markings) and the SB-25) Rescue Helicopter (wingspan of 105 mm and with RAF markings).

A brand new product for 1981 was the “Matchbox Popeye” line, very similar to the existing Matchbox Walt Disney line.  The numbering system started in the Walt Disney line, and followed in the Popeye line, albeit with different prefixes.  The models included the WD-1) Mickey Mouse Fire Engine (73 mm long), the WD-2) Donald Duck Volkswagen Beach Buggy (73 mm long), the WD-3) Goofy Volkswagen Beetle (73 mm long), the WD-4) Minnie Mouse Lincoln Continental (73 mm long), the WD-5) Mickey Mouse Jeep (73 mm long), the WD-6) Donald Duck Jeep (73 mm long), the WD-7) Pinnochio’s Travelling Theatre Truck (73 mm long), the WD-8) Jiminy Cricket’s Old Timer Roadster (73 mm long), the WD-9) Goofy’s Sports Car (73 mm long), the WD-10) Goofy Train (73 mm long), the WD-11) Donald Duck’s Ice Cream Van (73 mm long), the WD-12) Mickey Mouse Chevrolet Corvette (73 mm long), the CS-13) Popeye’s Spinach Truck (73 mm long), the CS-14) Bluto’s Road Roller (73 mm long) and the CS-15) Olive Oyl’s Sports Car (73 mm long).

The Matchbox Adventure 2000 line for 1981 included the K-2001) Raider Command Vehicle (162 mm long), the K-2002) Flight Hunter Vehicle (117 mm long), the K-2003) Crusader Vehicle (113 mm long), the K-2004) Rocket Striker Vehicle (112 mm long), the K-2005) Command Force Set (with 3 smaller vehicles) and the K-2006) Shuttle Launcher Vehicle (160 mm long).

The Matchbox Super Kings line for 1981 included the K-1) O&K Excavator (124 mm long), the K-2) Car Recovery Vehicle (120 mm long), the K-3) Grain Transporter Truck (300 mm and with “Kellogg’s” livery), the K-4) Big Tipper Dump Truck (118 mm long), the K-5) Muir Hill Tractor and Trailer (241 mm long and a non-Superfast model), the K-6) Motorcycle Transporter Truck (120 mm long and with “Team Honda” livery), the K-7) Martini Racing Car Transporter Truck (156 mm long), the K-8) Animal Transporter Truck (314 mm long and with 6 toy animals), the K-9) Fire Tender Truck (156 mm long), the K-10) Car Transporter Truck (269 mm long and with “Auto Transport” livery), the K-11) Dodge Delivery Van (135 mm long and with “Michelin” livery), the K-12) Hercules Mobile Crane Truck (156 mm long), the K-13) Aircraft Transporter Truck (203 mm long), the K-14) Heavy Breakdown Wreck Truck (131 mm long and with “Shell” livery), the K-15) “Londoner” Double-Decker Bus (120 mm long and with “London Dungeon” livery), the K-16) Petrol Tanker Truck (229 mm long and with either “Texaco,” “Shell” or “Exxon” liveries), the K-17) Articulated Container Truck (251 mm long and with “Gentransco” livery), the K-18) Ford Articulated Tipper Truck (203 mm long and with “Tarmac” livery), the K-19) Security Truck (137 mm long and with either “Fort Knox” or “Group 4? liveries), the K-20) Peterbilt Wreck Truck (161 mm long), the K-21) Ford Transcontinental Tractor Trailer Truck (338 mm long and with either “Continental” or “Santa Fé” liveries), the K-22) Hovercraft SRN6 Boat (127 mm long and with “Seaspeed” livery), the K-23) Low Loader and Bulldozer (133 mm long), the K-24) Scammell Container Truck (133 mm long and with “Crowe” livery), the K-25) Digger and Plough Tractor (129 mm long and a non-Superfast model), the K-26) Bedford Cement Truck (100 mm long), the K-27) Powerboat and Transporter Truck (257 mm long and with either “Matchbox” or “Benihana” liveries), the K-28) Bedford Skip Truck (110 mm long and with “Hales Containers” livery), the K-29) Ford Delivery Van (110 mm long and with “Avis” livery), the K-30) Mercedes-Benz Unimog Pickup Truck and Compressor Trailer (185 mm long and with “MJ” livery), the K-31) Peterbilt Container Truck (300 mm long and with either “Christian Salvesen,” “Lagnese Igloo” or “Pepsi-Cola” liveries), the K-32) Mercedes-Benz Farm Unimog Pickup Truck and Trailer (225 mm long), the K-33) Cargo Hauler Truck with Crane (230 mm long and with either “MW” or “US Steel” liveries), the K-34) DAF Pallett Truck and Fork Lift (142 mm long and with “KM International” livery), the K-35) Massey Ferguson Tractor and Trailer (224 mm long and a non-Superfast model), the K-36) Construction Transporter Truck (162 mm long and with “Laing” livery), the K-37) Leyland Tipper Truck (110 mm long and with “Laing” livery), the K-38) Dodge Ambulance (135 mm long), the K-39) E.R.F. Snorkel Fire Engine Truck (270 mm long), the K-40) Pepsi-Cola Truck (151 mm long), the K-41) JCB Excavator (250 mm long and a non-Superfast model), the K-42) “Traxcavator” Road Ripper (140 mm long and a non-Superfast model), the K-43) Log Transporter Truck (315 mm long), the K-44) Bridge Transporter Set (335 mm long), the K-45) through K-47) no models, the K-48) Mercedes-Benz 350 SLC Coupé (106 mm long), the K-49) Ambulance (112 mm long), the K-50) “Street Rod” Hot Rod (100 mm long), the K-51) and K-52) no models, the K-53) “Hot” Fire Engine (98 mm long), the K-54) through K-56) no models, the K-57) AMC AMX Javelin Drag Race Pack with Ford Maverick “Milligan’s Mill” Dragster on Trailer (247 mm long), the K-58) through K-60) no models, the K-61) Mercedes-Benz 350SLC Coupé Police Car (107 mm long and with either English or German markings), the K-62) and K-63) no models, the K-64) Fire Control Range Rover SUV (105 mm long), the K-65) Plymouth Pickup Truck Rescue Vehicle (115 mm long), the K-66) Jaguar Sedan Police Set with 2 Police Motorcycles and Traffic Signs (200 mm long), the K-67) Dodge Monaco Station Wagon Fire Chief Car (115 mm long with “Hackensack, New Jersey” markings), the K-68) Dodge Monaco Station Wagon and Trailer (210 mm long), the K-69) Jaguar Sedan and Camping Caravan (270 mm long), the K-70) Porsche 911 Turbo Coupé (118 mm long), the K-71) Porsche 911 Turbo Coupé “Polizei” Set with 2 Police Motorcycles and German Traffic Signs (Porsche only 118 mm long), the K-72) Brabham Formula 1 Racing Car (109 mm long and with “Martini Racing” livery), the K-73) no model, the K-74) Volvo Station Wagon (138 mm long), the K-75) Airport Rescue Tender (135 mm long and with either British, French or German markings), the K-76) Volvo Rally Set with Station Wagon and Datsun 260Z Rally Car (138 mm long), the K-77) Highway Rescue Pickup Truck (135 mm long and with either British, French or German markings), the K-78) Dodge Monaco Sedan U.S. Police Car (137 mm long), the K-79) Dodge Monaco U.S. Taxicab (137 mm long), the K-80) Dodge Custom Van (135 mm long), the K-81) Suzuki Motorcycle (110 mm long and with “Texaco” livery), the K-82) BMW Motorcycle (110 mm long), the K-83) Harley-Davidson Police Motorcycle (120 mm long), the K-84) Peugeot 305 Sedan (128 mm long), the K-85 and K-86) no models and the K-87) Tractor and Rotary Rake (220 mm long).

The Matchbox Battle Kings line for 1981 included the K-101) Sherman Tank (91 mm long and with American markings), the K-102) M48 AZ Tank (117 mm long and with American markings), the K-103) Chieftain Tank (120 mm long), the K-104) Panzerkampfwagen VIb “Königstiger” King Tiger Heavy Tank (114 mm long and with German markings), the K-105) “Hover Raider” Hovercraft SRN6 Boat (126 mm long), the K-106) Tank Transporter Truck with M48 AZ Tank (256 mm long), the K-107) 155 mm Self-Propelled Gun (105 mm long), the K-108) M3A1 Half Track Truck (100 mm long and with American markings), the K-109) Sheridan Tank (105 mm long), the K-110) Recovery Tow Truck Vehicle (131 mm long), the K-111) Missile Launcher Vehicle (112 mm long), the K-112) DAF Ambulance (95 mm long and with Red Cross markings), the K-113) Military Crane Truck (156 mm long), the K-114) Army Aircraft Transporter Truck (203 mm long and with American markings), the K-115) Army Petrol Tanker Truck (229 mm long and with American markings), the K-116) Troop Carrier Truck and Howitzer (226 mm long), the K-117) Self-Propelled Rocket Launcher Vehicle (105 mm long and with American markings) and the K-118) Army Helicopter (150 mm long and with American markings).  The entire “King Size” line was thus down to 96 models in 1981 – the lowest number since 1978.

The Matchbox Models of Yesteryear line for 1981 included the Y-1) 1936 Jaguar SS 100 Roadster (104 mm long), the Y-2) 1914 Prince Henry Vauxhall Convertible (89 mm long), the Y-3) 1934 Riley MPH Roadster (98 mm long), the Y-4) 1930 Duesenberg Model J (114 mm long), the Y-5) 1927 Talbot Van (90 mm long and with either “Lipton’s Tea,” “Menier” or “Taystee Bakery” liveries), the Y-6) 1920 Rolls-Royce Fire Engine (105 mm long), the Y-7) 1912 Rolls-Royce Landaulet (96 mm long), the Y-8) 1945 MG TC Sports Car (95 mm long), the Y-9) 1912 Simplex (96 mm long), the Y-10) 1906 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost (94 mm long), the Y-11) 1938 Lagonda Drophead Coupé (112 mm long), the Y-12) Ford Model T Van (90 mm long and with either “Colman’s Mustard” or “Suze” liveries), the Y-13) 1918 Crossley Coal Cart Pickup Truck (98 mm long and with “Coal & Coke” livery), the Y-14) 1931 Stutz Bearcat Boattail Speedster (112 mm long), the Y-15) 1930 Packard Victoria (107 mm long), the Y-16) 1928 Mercedes-Benz SS (108 mm long), the Y-17) 1938 Hispano-Suiza (115 mm long), the Y-18) 1937 Cord 812 Convertible (120 mm long), the Y-19) 1936 Auburn Boattail Speedster (116 mm long), the Y-20) 1938 Mercedes-Benz 540K Roadster with Rumble Seat (124 mm long) and the Y-21) 1929 Woody Station Wagon (100 mm long).  This was the largest number of vintage vehicles from “Matchbox” to date.

1982 Matchbox Model Year: Lesney Bankruptcy and New Owners

In 1982, Lesney Products finally went bankrupt, sadly ending its 35-year history as an independent toy maker from England.  The reality of high labor costs in England, and bad marketing decisions over many years had finally caught up with the company.  The company was purchased by new owners from Macao (then a Portuguese Colony on the Chinese Mainland), and was renamed “Matchbox International, Limited.”  Manufacturing of the 1-75 Series was immediately shut down in England and moved to Macao.  The larger and more expensive product lines would continue to be made in England for the time being.  The 1982 catalogue had a purchase price of US $0.50 (fifty cents), just as in 1981.  The color cover featured a painting of three large tractor trailer-type trucks, one of which was stuck in a ditch next to a highway.  A large wreck truck was preparing to tow it out.  Oil wells were in the distant background.

For the first time ever, the length of models was no longer listed in the catalogue – a reduction in sophistication.  The Matchbox 1-75 Series for 1982 included the 1) “Revin’ Rebel” Dragster, the 2) S2 Jet, the 3) Porsche 911 Turbo Coupé, the 4) 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Sedan, the 5) 4 x 4 Jeep Off-Road, the 6) Mercedes-Benz 350 SL Convertible, the 7) “Rombing” Volkswagen Rabbit Off-Road Vehicle, the 8) De Tomaso Pantera Sports Car, the 9) Fiat Abarth Rally Car (with “Matchbox” livery), the 10) Plymouth “Gran Fury” Police Car, the 11) Ford Cobra Boss Mustang Coupé, the 12) Pontiac Firebird TA Coupé, the 13) Off-Road Pickup Truck, the 14) Maserati Bora “Rallye Royale” Sports Car, the 15) Volkswagen Beetle “Hi Ho Silver” Dragster, the 16) Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Coupé, the 17) London Double-Decker Bus (with “Laker Skytrain” livery), the 18) “Hondarora” Honda Motorcycle, the 19) Peterbilt Cement Truck, the 20) 4 x 4 Jeep, the 21) Renault 5TL “Le Car” Hatchback, the 22) Toyota Mini Pickup Truck with Camper Shell, the 23) Audi Quattro Fastback Sedan, the 24) Datsun 280Z Coupé, the 25) Toyota Celica GT Coupé, the 26) “Cosmic Blues” Dragster, the 27) Swing Wing Jet, the 28) Formula Racing Car, the 29) Shovel Nose Tractor, the 30) Peterbilt Quarry Truck, the 31) Mazda RX7 Coupé, the 32) Excavator (a non-Superfast model), the 33) Police Motorcycle, the 34) Chevrolet Pro-Stocker, the 35) Pontiac Trans Am “T” Roof Coupé, the 36) Refuse Truck, the 37) “Sunburner” Sports Car, the 38) Ford Model “A” Truck (with “Champion” livery), the 39) Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow Mark II Sedan, the 40) Chevrolet Corvette “T” Roof Sports Car, the 41) Kenworth Conventional Aerodyne Tractor Trailer Cab, the 42) 1957 Ford Thunderbird Convertible, the 43) Peterbilt Conventional Tractor Trailer Cab, the 44) Chevrolet 4 x 4 Van, the 45) Kenworth Cabover Aerodyne Tractor Trailer, the 46) Volkswagen Beetle “Hot Chocolate” Dragster, the 47) Jaguar SS100 Roadster, the 48) “Red Rider” Dragster, the 49) Crane Truck, the 50) Harley-Davidson Motorcycle, the 51) “Midnight Magic” Sports Car, the 52) BMW M1 Sports Car, the 53) Flareside Pickup Truck, the 54) NASA Tracking Vehicle, the 55) Ford Cortina 1600GL Sedan, the 56) Peterbilt Tanker Truck, the 57) 4 x 4 Mini Pickup Truck, the 58) Dump Truck, the 59) Porsche 928 Coupé, the 60) “Piston Popper” Dragster, the 61) Peterbilt Wreck Truck, the 62) Chevrolet Corvette Sports Car, the 63) Dodge Challenger Sedan, the 64) Caterpillar Bulldozer (a non-Superfast model), the 65) Tyrone Malone Bandag Bandit Custom Tractor Trailer Cab, the 66) Tyrone Malone “Superboss” Custom Tractor Trailer Cab, the 67) Datsun 260Z Coupé, the 68) Chevrolet Van, the 69) 1933 Willys Street Rod, the 70) Ferrari, the 71) 1962 Chevrolet Corvette Sports Car, the 72) Ford Capri “Maxi Taxi” Dragster, the 73) Model “A” Ford Coupé, the 74) “Orange Peel” Dragster and the 75) Helicopter (with “MBTV News” livery).

The 1982 Matchbox catalogue featured an index with all 1-75 Series model changes going back to 1953, as well.

A new product line for 1982 was the “Matchbox Code Red” series of special “1-75 Series” emergency models based upon an ABC television show.  There were about 8 models, including a police motorcycle, a helicopter, a boat, a police car, an ambulance, a fire chief car and a fire engine.

A very nice accessory for 1982 was the “Matchbox Sounds of Service” station, which featured a service garage with two bays and lifts, fuel pumps, a working car elevator, an upper service level for tune-ups and lube jobs, and finally automotive engine sounds powered electrically.

Another nice 1982 accessory set was the “Matchbox Super Spin Car Wash,” which featured real jets of water, a conveyor belt and a dryer.  About 3 cars could fit in the building at one time.

Finally, there was the 1982 “Matchbox City Garage,” which featured a spring-loaded elevator (no batteries required), two parking levels with over 25 parking spaces, traffic flow indicators, ramps, a pay toll booth with an operating exit gate, special motorcycle parking and a rooftop heliport.

A new product line for 1982 was the “Matchbox Supersets,” which featured five vehicles each (a similar product still exists today).  They were the “Workin’ Wheels Set” (with five construction vehicles), the “Off Road Riders Set” (with five 4 x 4 vehicles), the “Classy Classics Set” (with five classic model cars) and the “Pace Setters Set” (with five racing cars).

The Matchbox Playtrack line was back in 1982, and with the PL-1) with 30 parts (including roadway, road bends, buildings, trees and figures), the PL-2) with 50 parts (including a garage, roadway, buildings, crossroads, road signs and more) and the PL-3) with 70 parts (including a big town complex with a garage, buildings, a bridge, roadway, car parking areas and more).

The Matchbox Collectors Carry Cases were back in 1982, and for 24, 36 or 48 of the 1-75 Series models.

The “Matchbox Giftsets!” line for 1982 included the G-1) Car Transporter Set (with one “Super Kings” car transporter truck and five cars), the G-2) Railway Set (with an oval track, a railway building and five rail cars), the G-5) Construction Set (with a dirt loader, traffic signs and five vehicles), the G-6) Farm Set (with a barn, fencing, six toy animals and five vehicles) and the G-7) Emergency Set (with a police station, a burning building, a hospital, a helicopter and four vehicles).  As one can see, the line was drastically reduced in 1982 to a mere five sets (down from ten sets in 1981) – a sad result of Lesney’s bankruptcy.

The “Matchbox 900 Series” (formerly the “Two Packs” line) was no more in 1982.  It was yet another regrettable loss to the stark reality of financial insolvency.  One result of this decision was to launch the “Matchbox Convoy” line, which fortunately still exists to this day.  For 1982, they included the CY-1) Peterbilt Car Transporter, the CY-2) Kenworth Rocket Transporter (with “NASA” markings), the CY-3) Kenworth Double Container Truck (with “Uniroyal” livery), the CY-4) Kenworth Boat Transporter, the CY-5) Peterbilt Covered Truck (with “Inter-State Trucking” livery), the CY-6) Kenworth Horsebox Transporter (with “Blue Grass Farms” livery), the CY-7) Peterbilt Petrol Tanker (with “Supergas” livery), the CY-8) Kenworth Box Truck (with “Redcap Transport” livery) and the CY-9) Kenworth Conventional Box Truck (with “Midnight X-Press” livery).  These nine models compared to five similar models within the 1981 “Matchbox 900 Series,” so the idea was to expand the large tractor-trailer model line at the expense of eliminating the “Two Packs” idea.

Another major casualty of Lesney’s financial demise was the venerable Matchbox Super Kings line, which had a mere 21 models in 1982 – down from 96 King Size models in 1981.  The line in 1982 included the K-6) Motorcycle Transporter Truck (with “Team Honda” livery), the K-10) Car Transporter Truck (with “Courier” livery), the K-13) Aircraft Transporter Truck, the K-16) Petrol Tanker Truck (with “Chemco” livery), the K-20) Peterbilt Heavy Wreck Truck, the K-27) Powerboat Transporter (with “Miss Solo” livery), the K-31) Peterbilt Container Truck Euro Express, the K-39) E.R.F. Snorkel Fire Engine Truck, the K-61) Jaguar Sedan Police Set (with 2 Motorcycle Policemen and Traffic Signs), the K-70) Porsche 911 Turbo Coupé, K-76) Volvo Station Wagon Rally Set with Datsun 260Z Coupé, the K-78) Dodge Monaco Sedan U.S. Police Car, the K-79) Dodge Monaco Sedan U.S. Taxi, the K-81) Suzuki Motorcycle, the K-82) BMW Motorcycle, the K-83) Harley-Davidson Motorcycle, the K-84) Peugeot 305 Rally Car, the K-89) Forestry Set (with SUV towing trailer), the K-91) Motorcycle Racing Set (with Dodge Monaco Sedan towing 2 Motorcycles on a Trailer), the K-95) Audi Quattro Rally Car and the K-96) Peterbilt Container Truck Pepsi-Cola.

The Matchbox Skybusters line was also much reduced in 1982 – down to 15 models from a high of 25 models in 1981.  The offering for 1982 included the SB-1) Learjet, the SB-2) Corsair A7D Jet (with American markings), the SB-3) NASA Space Shuttle, the SB-4) Dassault-Briguet Mirage F1 Jet (with French markings), the SB-9) Cessna 402 Monoplane, the SB-10) Boeing 747 Jumbo Jet (with markings for the US President), the SB-11) Dornier Alpha Jet, the SB-12) “Pitts Special” Biplane, the SB-13) McDonnell-Douglas DC-10 Commercial Airliner (with “United Airlines” livery), the SB-20) Police Helicopter, the SB-23) Concorde Supersonic Airliner (with “Air France” livery), the SB-24) F.16 Jet (with US Air Force markings), the SB-26) Cessna 210 Float Plane, the SB-27) Hawker Harrier Jump Jet (with US Marine Corps markings) and the SB-28) Airbus A300 Commercial Airliner (with “Lufthansa” livery).

The Matchbox Models of Yesteryear line for 1982 included the Y-1) 1936 Jaguar SS 100 Roadster, the Y-2) 1914 Prince Henry Vauxhall Convertible, the Y-3) 1912 Model T Ford Petrol Tanker (with “BP” livery), the Y-4) 1930 Duesenburg Model J, the Y-5) 1927 Talbot Van (with “Chivers & Sons, Ltd.” livery), the Y-6) 1920 Rolls-Royce Fire Engine, the Y-7) 1912 Rolls-Royce Landaulet, the Y-8) 1945 MG TC Sports Car, the Y-9) no model, the Y-10) 1906 Rolls-Royce “Silver Ghost,” the Y-11) 1938 Lagonda Drophead Coupé, the Y-12) 1912 Ford Model T Van (with “Bird’s Custard Powder” livery), the Y-13) 1918 Crossley Coal Pickup Truck (with “Coal & Coke” livery), the Y-14) 1931 Stutz Bearcat Boattail Speedster, the Y-15) 1930 Packard Victoria, the Y-16) 1928 Mercedes-Benz SS, the Y-17) 1938 Hispano-Suiza, the Y-18) 1937 Cord 812 Convertible, the Y-19) 1936 Auburn Boattail Speedster, the Y-20) 1938 Mercedes-Benz 540K Roadster (with Rumble Seat), the Y-21) 1930 Woody Station Wagon, the Y-22) 1930 Model “A” Ford Van (with “OXO” livery) and the Y-23) 1922 AEC Omnibus (with “Scheppes Tonic Water” livery).  A new index was also featured, which detailed all Models of Yesteryear model line changes since 1955.

The Matchbox Walt Disney and the Matchbox Popeye lines for 1982 included the WD-1) Mickey Mouse Fire Engine, the WD-2) Donald Duck Volkswagen Beach Buggy, the WD-3) Goofy Volkswagen Beetle, the WD-4) Minnie Mouse Lincoln Continental, the WD-5) Mickey Mouse Jeep, the WD-6) Donald Duck Jeep, the WD-7) Pinnochio’s Travelling Theatre Truck, the WD-8) Jiminy Cricket’s Old Timer Car, the WD-9) Goofy’s Sports Car, the WD-10) Goofy Train Locomotive, the WD-11) Donald Duck’s Ice Cream Van, the WD-12) Mickey Mouse Chevrolet Corvette, the CS-13) Popeye’s Spinach Wagon, the CS-14) Bluto’s Road Roller and the CS-15) Olive Oyl’s Sports Car.

The Official “Matchbox” Collector’s Club was back for its final year in 1982, and still based out of Wood Ridge, New Jersey (USA).  Annual membership dues had increased to US $4.00 for the USA and US $5.00 for members in the rest of the world.

1983 Matchbox Model Year: a very limited Product Line

The color cover of the 1983 Matchbox catalogue was the plainest one since the catalogues first appeared in 1957 – a light blue field with the “Matchbox” logo in the top left corner, the year “1983? in the bottom right-hand corner and yellow & red stripes (the official colors of the Matchbox brand logo) going from the bottom left to the top right-hand corner.  The product line in 1983 was the smallest and the most basic in many years.  The new owners of “Matchbox International” were obviously concerned with returning the brand line to profitability.  The mere four product lines available in 1983 were the “1-75 Series,” the “Convoy,” the “Models of Yesteryear” and the “Super Kings.”  What a change from the recent past.

The Matchbox 1-75 Series for 1983 included the 1) Dodge Challenger Hardtop, the 2) S2 Jet, the 3) Porsche 911 Turbo Coupé, the 4) 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Hardtop, the 5) Jeep Eagle 4 x 4, the 6) IMSA Mazda Coupé, the 7) “Ruff” Volkswagen Rabbit Hatchback, the 8) “Grease Lightnin” Dragster, the 9) Fiat Abarth Sedan Rally Car (with “Matchbox Toys” livery), the 10) Police Car, the 11) IMSA Ford Mustang Coupé, the 12) 1982 Pontiac Firebird S/E Coupé, the 13) 4 x 4 “Dunes Racer” Pickup Truck, the 14) 1983 Chevrolet Corvette Sports Car, the 15) Ford Sierra XR4i Coupé, the 16) Pontiac Firebird Coupé, the 17) AMC AMX Javelin Pro Stocker, the 18) “Hondarora” Honda Motorcycle, the 19) Peterbilt Cement Truck, the 20) 4 x 4 Jeep Laredo, the 21) Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car (with “Indy 500? livery), the 22) “Big Foot” Pickup Truck with Shell, the 23) Audi Quattro Fastback Sedan (with “Audi Sport” livery), the 24) Datsun 280-ZX Coupé, the 25) Ambulance, the 26) “Cosmic Blues” Dragster, the 27) Swing Wing-Jet, the 28) Formula Racing Car, the 29) Shovel Nose Tractor, the 30) Peterbilt Quarry Truck, the 31) Mazda RX7 Sports Car, the 32) Excavator (a non-Superfast model), the 33) Police Motorcycle, the 34) Chevrolet Pro Stocker, the 35) Pontiac Firebird “T” Roof Coupé, the 36) Refuse Truck, the 37) “Sun Burner” Sports Car, the 38) Ford Model “A” Truck (with “Champion Spark Plugs” livery), the 39) Toyota Supra Coupé (with “Toyota Racing” livery), the 40) Chevrolet Corvette “T” Roof Sports Car, the 41) Kenworth Conventional Aerodyne Tractor Trailer Cab, the 42) 1957 Ford Thunderbird Convertible, the 43) Peterbilt Conventional Tractor Trailer Cab, the 44) 4 x 4 Chevrolet Van, the 45) Kenworth C.O.E. Aerodyne Tractor Trailer Cab, the 46) “Big Blue” Volkswagen Beetle Dragster, the 47) Jaguar SS 100 Roadster, the 48) “Red Rider” Dragster, the 49) “Sand Digger” Volkswagen Beetle, the 50) Harley-Davidson Motorcycle, the 51) “Midnight Magic” Sports Car, the 52) BMW M1 Sports Car, the 53) “Baja Bouncer” Pickup Truck, the 54) NASA Tracking Vehicle, the 55) Super Porsche Racer, the 56) Peterbilt Tanker Truck (with “Supergas” livery), the 57) “Mountain Man” 4 x 4 Pickup Truck, the 58) “Ruff Trek” Pickup Truck, the 59) Porsche 928 Coupé, the 60) “Good Vibrations” Dragster, the 61) Peterbilt Wreck Truck, the 62) Chevrolet Corvette Sports Car, the 63) Snorkel Fire Engine, the 64) Caterpillar Bulldozer (a non-Superfast model), the 65) Tyrone Malone Bandag Bandit Tractor Trailer Cab, the 66) Tyrone Malone Super Boss Tractor Trailer Cab, the 67) “Flame Out” Dragster, the 68) Chevrolet “Vampire” Van, the 69) 1933 Willys Street Rod, the 70) Ferrari 308 Coupé, the 71) 1962 “Blue Flame” Chevrolet Corvette Sports Car, the 72) Ford Capri “Maxi Taxi” Dragster, the 73) Model “A” Ford Coupé, the 74) “Orange Peel” Dragster and the 75) Helicopter.  The 1983 Matchbox catalogue also featured an index detailing all 1-75 Series model changes going back to 1953.

The Matchbox Convoy line for 1983 included the HE-1) Kenworth Car Transporter, the HE-2) Kenworth C.O.E. Rocket Transporter, the HE-3) Peterbilt Conventional Double Container Truck (with “Uniroyal” livery), the HE-4) Kenworth Conventional Boat Transporter, the HE-5) Peterbilt Conventional Cover Truck (with “Inter-State Trucking” livery), the HE-6) Kenworth Conventional Horsebox Transporter (with “Blue Grass Farms” livery), the HE-7) Peterbilt Conventional Petrol Tanker (with “Supergas” livery), the HE-8) Kenworth C.O.E. Box Truck (with “Redcap Transport” livery), the HE-9) Kenworth Conventional Box Truck (with “Midnight X-Press” livery), the HE-10) Kenworth C.O.E. Racing Car Transporter (with “Malone” livery) and the HE-11) Kenworth C.O.E. Helicopter Transporter.

The Matchbox Models of Yesteryear line for 1983 included the Y-1) 1936 Jaguar SS 100 Roadster, the Y-2) no model, the Y-3) 1912 Ford Model “T” Tanker (with “BP” livery), the Y-4) 1930 Duesenberg Model J, the Y-5) 1927 Talbot Van (with “Chivers & Sons, Ltd.” livery), the Y-6) 1920 Rolls-Royce Fire Engine, the Y-7) no model, the Y-8) 1945 MG TC Sports Car, the Y-9) no model, the Y-10) 1906 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost, the Y-11) no model, the Y-12) 1912 Ford Model T Van (with “Captain Morgan” livery), the Y-13) 1918 Crossley Pickup Truck (with “Carlsberg” beer livery), the Y-14) 1931 Stutz Bearcat Boattail Speedster, the Y-15) 1930 Packard Victoria, the Y-16) 1928 Mercedes-Benz SS, the Y-17) no model, the Y-18) 1938 Cord 812 Convertible, the Y-19) 1936 Auburn Boattail Speedster, the Y-20) 1938 Mercedes-Benz 540K Roadster with Rumble Seat, the Y-21) 1930 Ford Model A Woody Station Wagon (with “A&J Box General Store” livery), the Y-22) 1930 Ford Model A Van (with “OXO” livery), the Y-23) 1922 AEC Omnibus (with “Schweppes Tonic Water” livery), the Y-24) 1927 Bugatti T44 Coupé and the Y-25) 1910 Renault Type AG Van (with “Perrier” livery).  At 20 actual models, the “Matchbox Models of Yesteryear” line for 1983 was somewhat smaller than the record high 23 models available in 1982.  An index followed, with details of all model changes going back to 1955.

The final model line for 1983 was the Super Kings range of toys, with 24 models compared to the 21 available in 1982.  They included the K-10) Car Transporter Truck (with “Courier” livery), the K-13) Aircraft Transporter Truck, the K-17) 7-Up Container Truck, the K-18) Ford Articulated Tipper Truck (with “Condor” livery), the K-20) Peterbilt Wreck Truck, the K-27) Boat Transporter Truck (with “Miss Solo” livery), the K-31) Peterbilt Container Truck (with either “Pepsi” or “Euro-Express” livery), the K-39) Snorkel Fire Engine, the K-43) Log Transporter Truck, the K-70) Porsche 911 Turbo Coupé, K-78) Dodge Monaco Sedan New York City Police Car, the K-81) Suzuki Motorcyle, the K-82) BMW Motorcyle (with German “Polizei” markings), the K-83) Harley-Davidson Motorcycle (with American Police markings), the K-84) Peugeot 305 Rallye Sports Sedan (with “Expo” livery), the K-91) Motorcycle Racing Set with Dodge Monaco Sedan towing Trailer with 2 Motorcycles, the K-92) Helicopter Transporter Truck, the K-97) Range Rover SUV Police Set with 2 Police Motorcycles and Traffic Signs, K-98) Porsche 944 Coupé, the K-100) Ford Sierra 2-Door Sedan, the K-101) Racing Porsche 911 Coupé, the K-102) Race Rally Support Set (with Dodge Van towing Porsche 911 Coupé on Trailer), the K-103) Peterbilt Tanker Truck (with “Comet” livery) and the K-104) Rancho Rescue Set with Coast Guard SUV and Power Boat.

1984 Matchbox Model Year: the Product Line makes a Comeback

The 1984 color cover of the Matchbox catalogue was back to being somewhat more colorful and artistic.  It featured six Matchbox models, incuding a Pontiac Firebird, a Fire Engine, a Grand Prix Racing Car, a Heavy Duty Wreck Truck, a Ford Woody Station Wagon and a Helicopter.  The product line for 1984 was already much expanded with familiar favorites from the recent past, as well as with brand new products.  This reflected a gradual return to financial health, due to lower costs in places such as Macao, Mainland China and Thailand compared to England.  The catalogue also had a far more international flavor, with headings in English, German and French.  Prices were listed for Austria, Switzerland, Germany, Denmark, Spain, France, Italy, Ireland, Norway, the Netherlands, Sweden and Finland.

The Matchbox 1-75 Series for 1984 included the 1) Dodge Challenger Hardtop, the 2) S2 Jet, the 3) Porsche 911 Turbo Coupé, the 4) 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Hardtop, the 5) 4 x 4 Jeep, the 6) Mercedes-Benz 350SL Convertible, the 7) IMSA Mazda Coupé, the 8) Rover 3500 Police Car, the 9) AMC AMX Javelin, the 10) Dodge Monaco Sedan US Police Car, the 11) Car Transporter Truck, the 12) Citroen CX Ambulance, the 13) Snorkel Fire Engine, the 14) Tanker Truck (with “elf” livery), the 15) Fork Lift Truck, the 16) Pontiac Firebird Coupé, the 17) London Double-Decker Bus (with “Laker Skytrain” livery), the 18) “Hondarora” Honda Motorcycle, the 19) Cement Truck, the 20) Range Rover SUV (with “Securite Rallye Paris-Dakar ‘83? livery), the 21) Renault 5TL “Le Car” Hatchback, the 22) Fire Engine, the 23) Tipper Truck, the 24) Datsun 280 ZX Coupé, the 25) Audi Quattro Fastback Sedan, the 26) Cable Truck, the 27) Swing Wing Jet, the 28) Formula Racing Car, the 29) Shovel Tractor, the 30) Artic Truck (with “International” livery), the 31) Mazda RX7 Sports Car, the 32) Excavator (a non-Superfast model), the 33) Police Motorcycle, the 34) Chevrolet Stock Car (with “Pepsi” livery), the 35) Zoo Truck, the 36) Refuse Truck, the 37) Matra Rancho SUV, the 38) Ford Model A Van (with “Pepsi-Cola” livery), the 39) Rolls-Royce Sedan, the 40) Horse Box Truck, the 41) Racing Porsche Coupé, the 42) 1957 Ford Thunderbird Convertible, the 43) Steam Locomotive, the 44) Citroen 15 Sedan, the 45) Kenworth Tractor Trailer Cab, the 46) Tractor, the 47) Jaguar SS100 Roadster, the 48) Mercedes-Benz Unimog Pickup Truck with Snowplough, the 49) Volkswagen “Sand Digger” Beetle, the 50) Harley-Davidson Motorcycle, the 51) Pontiac Firebird Coupé, the 52) BMW M1 Sports Car, the 53) “Flareside” Pickup Truck, the 54) NASA Tracking Vehicle, the 55) Ford Sierra XR4i Sedan, the 56) Mercedes-Benz 450 SE Police Car (with German markings), the 57) Charmichael Truck, the 58) Porsche 928 Coupé, the 59) “Ruff Trek” Pickup Truck, the 60) Toyota Supra Coupé, the 61) Wreck Truck, the 62) Chevrolet Corvette Sports Car, the 63) 4 x 4 Pickup Truck, the 64) Bulldozer (a non-Superfast model), the 65) Airport Coach (with “Alitalia” livery), the 66) Tyrone Malone Tractor Trailer Cab, the 67) IMSA Ford Mustang Coupé, the 68) 4 x 4 Chevrolet Van (with “Matchbox Racing” livery), the 69) 1983 Chevrolet Corvette Sports Car, the 70) Ferrari 308 GTB, the 71) Dodge Cattle Truck, the 72) Delivery Truck (with “Kellogg’s” livery), the 73) Ford Model A Coupé, the 74) Fiat Abarth Sedan Rally Car (with “Alitalia” livery) and the 75) Rescue Helicopter.  A great number of future models were shown as well, albeit without numbers.  These were the Mobile Crane Truck, the Jaguar XK120 Roadster, the Volvo Tilt Truck, the Mercedes-Benz AMG Coupé, the Dodge Daytona Coupé, the Peterbilt Petrol Tanker Truck (with “Shell” livery), the Sauber Group C Racing Car, the Dodge Caravan Minivan, the Fire Engine, the Formula 1 Racing Car, the Airport Foam Monitor Truck, the Jeep Laredo, the Chevrolet Blazer Sport Utility Vehicle (with Sheriff markings) and the Peugeot 205 Turbo 16 Rally Car (with “Michelin” livery).

The line of “Matchbox Twinpacks” was back in 1984.  They included the TP-102) Ford Escort Sedan and Glider Trailer, the TP-103) Dodge Cattle Truck and Trailer, the TP-106) Renault 5 “Le Car” and Motorcycle Trailer, the TP-107) Datsun 280ZX and Camping Caravan Trailer, the TP-108) Farm Tractor and Trailer, the TP-109) Citroen CX Station Wagon and Boat, the TP-110) Matra Rancho SUV and Inflatable Boat on Trailer, the TP-111) Ford Cortina Sedan and Horsebox and the TP-112) Mercedes-Benz Unimog Pickup Truck with Snowplough and Trailer.  Once again, this was a great way to buy models long since discontinued from the venerable 1-75 Series line of toys.

The Matchbox Convoy line for 1984 included the CY-1) Kenworth Car Transporter, the CY-2) Kenworth Rocket Transporter, the CY-3) Peterbilt Container Truck (with “Federal Express” livery), the CY-4) Kenworth Boat Transporter, the CY-5) Peterbilt Covered Truck (with “Inter-State Trucking” livery), the CY-6) Kenworth Horsebox Truck (with “Blue Grass Farms” livery), the CY-7) Peterbilt Tanker Truck (with “Supergas” livery), the CY-9) Kenworth Box Truck (with “Midnight E-Press” livery), the CY-11) Kenworth Helicopter Transporter, the CY-12) Kenworth Aircraft Transporter and the CY-13) Fire Engine.

A new product for 1984 was the “Matchbox Matchmates” line of two-packs.  They featured two cars from the same brand name in each blister pack, which also featured a company badge logo.  The line included the M-1) Citroen Pack (with a 15 Sedan and a CX Ambulance), the M-2) Ford Pack (with a Model A Coupé and Van), the M-3) Jaguar Pack (with an SS100 and an XK120 Roadster), the M-4) Jeep Pack (with a Laredo and a 4 x 4 Jeep), the M-5) Chevrolet Corvette Pack (with a Corvette T-roof and a 1983 Corvette Sports Car) and the M-6) Kenworth Pack (with 2 Tractor Trailer Cabs, one silver and one black).

Another brand new product line for 1984 was the “Matchbox Lock-ups” line of cars with keys.  The key would lock the doors and wheels.  There were twelve different models of coupés, but the names or model numbers were not shown in the 1984 catalogue – merely the pictures of the cars with their keys.

Yet another new product line for 1984 was the “Matchbox Specials” line of diecast racing cars.  They included the SP-1) Grand Prix Kremer Porsche CK5, the SP-3) Pioneer Ferrari 512BB, the SP-5) Auto Systems Lancia Rally, the SP-7) Zakspeed Ford Mustang, the SP-9) N.G.K. Pro-Stocker and the SP-11) Goodyear Chevrolet Camaro.

The Matchbox Models of Yesteryear line for 1984 included the Y-1) 1936 Jaguar SS100 Roadster, the Y-3) 1912 Model T Ford Tanker Truck (with “Carnation Farm Products” livery), the Y-4) 1930 Duesenberg Model J, the Y-5) 1927 Talbot Van (with “EverReady Batteries” livery), the Y-6) 1920 Rolls-Royce Fire Engine, the Y-8) 1945 MG TC Sports Car, the Y-12) 1912 Model T Ford Van (with “Pepsi-Cola” livery), the Y-13) 1918 Crossley Pickup Truck (with “Carlberg” beer livery), the Y-14) 1931 Stutz Bearcat Boattail Speedster, the Y-15) 1930 Packard Victoria, the Y-16) 1928 Mercedes-Benz SS, the Y-19) 1936 Auburn Boattail Speedster, the Y-20) 1938 Mercedes-Benz 540K Roadster with Rumble Seat, the Y-21) 1930 Model “A” Ford Woody Station Wagon, the Y-22) 1930 Model “A” Ford Van (with “Palm Toffee” livery), the Y-23) 1922 AEC Omnibus (with “Schweppes Soda Water & Dry Ginger Ale” livery), the Y-24) 1927 Bugatti T44 Coupé, the Y-25) Renault Type AG Van (with “Perrier” livery), the Y-26) 1918 Crossley Beer Lorry (with “Löwenbräu” livery), the Y-27) 1922 Foden Steam Lorry (with “Pickfords Removals and Storage” livery) and the Y-28) 1907 Unic Taxi.

The Matchbox Super Kings line continued to re-expand its offering in 1984.  Specifications on length were also featured this year.  They included the K-8) Animal Transporter Truck (310 mm long), the K-9) Fire Tender (156 mm long and with Denver Fire Department markings), the K-10) Car Transporter (263 mm long and with “Courier” livery), the K-20) Peterbilt Wreck Truck (163 mm long), the K-21) Ford Transcontinental Tractor Trailer (337 mm long and with “Sunkist” livery), the K-25) Digger and Plough (189 mm long and a non-Superfast model), the K-27) Powerboat Transporter Truck (210 mm long), the K-31) Peterbilt Container Truck (308 mm long and with either “Euro-Express” or “Pepsi” liveries), the K-39) Snorkel Fire Engine (278 mm long), the K-43) Log Transporter Truck (290 mm long), the K-44) Bridge Transporter Truck (334 mm long), the K-69) Jaguar Sedan and Camping Caravan Set (274 mm long), the K-70) Porsche 911 Turbo Coupé (115 mm long), the K-78) Dodge Monaco Sedan U.S. Police Car (139 mm long), the K-81) Suzuki Motorcycle (109,5 mm long), the K-82) BMW Motorcycle (108,5 mm long), the K-83) Harley-Davidson Motorcycle (120 mm long and with Police markings), the K-84) Peugeot 305 Rally Car (121 mm long), the K-86) Volkswagen Golf Hatchback with “Shell” Gasoline Pump (104 mm long), the K-88) Money Box Security Van (137 mm long and with “Matchbox” livery), the K-89) Forestry Set with SUV and Trailer (238 mm long), the K-90) Matro Rancho SUV (130 mm long and with “Trans Globe Couriers” livery), the K-91) Motorcycle Racing Set with Dodge Monaco Sedan towing Motorcycle Trailer (222 mm long), the K-92) Helicopter Transporter Truck (276 mm long and with “Heli-Hire International” livery), the K-95) Audi Quattro Fastback Sedan (128 mm long and with “Pirelli” livery), the K-96) Volvo Ambulance (138 mm long), the K-98) Porsche 944 Coupé (115 mm long and with “Recaro” livery), the K-100) Ford Sierra XR4i Sedan (127 mm long), the K-102) Race Support Set with Dodge Van towing Porsche 911 Coupé (300 mm long and with “Team Porsche” livery), the K-103) Petrol Tanker Truck (135 mm long and with “Comet” livery), the K-104) Rancho Rescue Set with SUV towing Speed Boat (301,5 mm long and with Coast Guard markings), the K-105) Peterbilt Tipper Truck, the K-106) Aircraft Transporter Truck (238 mm long), the K-107) Powerboat Launch Transporter Truck (350 mm long and with “Spearhead” livery), the K-108) Digger and Plough Transporter Truck (289 mm long) and the K-109) Petrol Tanker (305 mm long and with “Shell” livery).  There were thus 38 “Super Kings” models offered in 1984, compared to just 24 in 1983.

The Matchbox Skybusters line was also back in 1984, with the SB-1) Learjet, the SB-3) NASA Space Shuttle, the SB-4) Dassault-Briguet Mirage F1 Jet (with French markings), the SB-9) Cessna 420 Monoplane, the SB-10) Boeing 747 Jumbo Jet (with either “Cathay Pacific” or “Lufthansa” liveries), the SB-11) Dornier Alpha Jet (with French markings), the SB-12) “Pitts Special” Biplane, the SB-13) McDonnell-Douglas DC10 Commercial Airliner (with “Swissair” markings), the SB-19) Piper Commanche Monoplane, the SB-20) Police Helicopter, the SB-22) Messerschmitt Tornado Jet (with German markings), the SB-23) Concorde Supersonic Commercial Airliner (with “Air France” markings), the SB-24) F16 Jet (with US Air Force markings), the SB-26) Cessna 210 Float Plane, the SB-27) Hawker Harrier Jump Jet (with US Marine Corps markings) and the SB-28) Airbus A300 Commercial Airliner (with “Lufthansa” livery).  There were thus 16 Matchbox Skybusters available in 1984, compared to 15 models in 1982 (in 1983, the line was not featured in the Matchbox catalogue).

“Matchbox Garages” made a comeback in 1984 as well.  These included the MG-6) Matchbox Garage-Deluxe (a building with four levels), the MG-7) Matchbox Garage Compact (with two levels) and the MG-8) Matchbox Convoy Truck Stop.  The latter set was the most realistic; perhaps the only thing it missed was a restaurant or a convenience store.

“Matchbox Giftsets” were also back in 1984.  These included the G-1) Car Transporter Set (with a “Super Kings” Car Transporter and five cars), the G-2) Convoy Action Pack (with a truck loading diorama, three “Convoy” trucks and one police car), the G-7) Emergency Action Pack (with a hospital, a police station, a burning building, four emergency vehicles and a helicopter) and the G-8) Turbo Charged Action Pack (with a car launcher and five vehicles).

“Matchbox Streak Racing” track sets were also back in 1984.  These were the S-250) Streak Loop Set and the S-450) Streak Racing Set (with 2 loops).

“Matchbox Carry Cases” were back in 1984 as well.  These included carry cases for 8 Convoy trucks, and then for 18, 20 or 24 of the 1-75 Series cars.  The case for 18 cars was also a play set with a motel, a service garage and emergency vehicle station, whereas the case for 20 cars looked like a large steering wheel and the one for 24 cars looked like a tool box.

A brand new product line for 1984 was the “Matchbox 4 x 4 Rough Riders,” which featured five off-road diecast vehicles.  Another brand new product line for 1984 was the “Matchbox Rough Riders and Tri-Ex” line of vehicles.  This featured eight off-road diecast vehicles with gear levers.  The brand new “Matchbox A-Team” line featured six vehicles and a helicopter based upon the popular television series.  The “Matchbox Knight Rider” line featured one vehicle and the “Matchbox Dukes of Hazzard” line featured a single car as well, each based upon their respective television series.  The “Matchbox 4 x 4 Rough Riders” also had two of their own track sets, complete with loops.

The brand new line of “Matchbox Burnin’ Key Cars” featured twelve diecast cars that would take off after a special key was inserted into the back of the car and squeezed.  There were also six motorcycles and four “glow in the dark” cars in this range, for a total of 22 available models.  Accessories included a racing track set and a twin-vehicle launcher.

The final brand new product line in 1984 was the “Matchbox Power Blasters,” which featured nine large scale (6 inches long) diecast motorcycles.

1985 Matchbox Model Year

The cover of the 1985 Matchbox color catalogue was a rather simple design which featured a checkered flag.  The product line continued to grow, a sure sign that the new owners of “Matchbox International” in Macao were making their company ever stronger financially.

The Matchbox 1-75 Series for 1985 included the 1) Dodge Challenger Hardtop, the 2) S2 Jet, the 3) Porsche 911 Turbo Coupé, the 4) 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Hardtop, the 5) Peterbilt Petrol Tanker (with “Shell” livery), the 6) Formula 1 Racing Car, the 7) IMSA Mazda Coupé, the 8) Rover 3500 Police Car, the 9) AMC AMX Javelin, the 10) Dodge Monaco Sedan US Police Car, the 11) Car Transporter Truck, the 12) Citroen CX Ambulance, the 13) Snorkel Fire Engine, the 14) Jeep Laredo, the 15) Peugeot 205 Turbo 16 Hatchback (with “Shell” livery), the 16) Pontiac Firebird Coupé, 17) London Double-Decker Bus (with “Matchbox” livery), the 18) Fire Engine, the 19) Cement Truck, the 20) Range Rover SUV (with “Securite Rallye Paris Dakar ‘83? livery), the 21) Renault 5 “Le Car” Hatchback (with “Michelin” livery), the 22) Jaguar XK120 Roadster, the 23) Tipper Truck, the 24) Datsun 280ZX Coupé, the 25) Audi Quattro Fastback Sedan (with “Recaro” livery), the 26) Volvo Tilt Truck (with “Fresh Fruit Company” livery), the 27) Swing Wing Jet, the 28) Dodge Daytona Z Coupé, the 29) Shovel Tractor, the 30) Leyland Arctic Truck (with “International” livery), the 31) Mazda RX7 Sports Car, the 32) Excavator (a non-Superfast model), the 33) Police Motorcycle, the 34) Chevrolet Stock Car (with “Pepsi” livery), the 35) Zoo Truck, the 36) Refuse Truck, the 37) Matra Rancho SUV, the 38) Model A Ford Van (with “Pepsi-Cola” livery), the 39) Rolls-Royce Sedan, the 40) Horse Box Truck, the 41) Racing Porsche, the 42) Mobile Crane Truck, the 43) Mercedes-Benz AMC Coupé, the 44) Citroen 15 Sedan, the 45) Kenworth Aerodyne Cabover Tractor Trailer Cab, the 46) Sauber Group C Racing Car (with “BASF” livery), the 47) Jaguar SS100 Roadster, the 48) Mercedes-Benz Unimog Pickup Truck with Snowplough, the 49) Volkswagen “Sand Digger” Beetle, the 50) Chevrolet Blazer SUV (with Police markings), the 51) Pontiac Firebird Coupé, the 52) BMW M1 Sports Car, the 53) “Flareside” Pickup Truck, the 54) Airport Foam Monitor, the 55) Ford Sierra XR4i Sedan, the 56) Mercedes-Benz 450 SE Sedan (with German “Polizei” markings), the 57) Carmichael Truck, the 58) “Ruff Trek” Pickup Truck, the 59) Porsche 928 Coupé, the 60) Toyota Supra Hatchback, the 61) Wreck Truck, the 62) Chevrolet Corvette T-Top Sports Car, the 63) 4 x 4 Pickup Truck, the 64) Dodge Caravan Minivan, the 65) Airport Coach (with “Alitalia” livery), the 66) Tyrone Malone Tractor Trailer Cab, the 67) IMSA Ford Mustang Coupé, the 68) 4 x 4 Chevrolet Van (with “Matchbox Racing” livery), the 69) 1983 Chevrolet Corvette Sports Car, the 70) Ferrari 308 GTB, the 71) Dodge Cattle Truck, the 72) Delivery Truck (with “Kellogg’s” livery), the 73) Ford Model A Coupé, the 74) Fiat Abarth Rally Car and the 75) Rescue Helicopter.  The 1985 Matchbox catalogue also featured a very large group of future models, all listed without their future model numbers.  These were the NASA Rocket Transporter, the Ford Escort XR3i Cabriolet, the Pontiac Fiero, the Volvo Container Truck (with “ColdFresh” livery), the Breakdown Van, the Mercedes-Benz 280GE SUV, the BMW 323i Cabriolet, the Mission Helicopter, the Volkswagen Golf GTI Hatchback, the Pontiac Firebird Racing Car, the Lamborghini Countach LP500S Sports Car, the Pick-Up with Camper Shell, the Plane Transporter Truck and the Scania T142 Tractor Trailer Cab.  There were also many existing models illustrated with new paint schemes.

The Matchbox Gift Sets line for 1985 included the G-1) Car Transporter Set (with one “Super Kings” Car Transporter Truck and five cars), the G-7) Emergency Action Pack (with a hospital, a burning building diorama, a police station, four emergency vehicles and a helicopter) and the G-8) Turbocharged Action Pack (with a launcher and five vehicles).

The Matchbox Twin Packs line for 1985 included the TP-103) Dodge Cattle Truck and Trailer, the TP-106) Renault 5 “Le Car” and Motorcycle Trailer, the TP-108) Farm Tractor and Trailer, the TP-109) Citroen CX Ambulance and Rescue Boat, the TP-110) Matra Rancho SUV and Inflatable Boat on Trailer, the TP-112) Mercedes-Benz Unimog Pickup Truck with Snowplough and Trailer, the TP-113) Porsche 911 Turbo Coupé and Camping Caravan Trailer and the TP-114) Volkswagen Golf Hatchback and Horsebox Trailer.

The Matchbox Matchmates line for 1985 included the M-1) Citroen 15 Sedan and CX Ambulance, the M-2) Ford Model A Coupé and Model A Van, the M-3) Jaguar SS100 Roadster and XK120 Roadster, the M-4) Jeep Laredo and 4 x 4, the M-5) Chevrolet Corvette Sports Cars and the M-6) Kenworth Tractor Trailer Cabs.

The Matchbox Specials line for 1985 included the SP-1) Kremer Porsche CK5, the SP-2) Kremer Porsche CK5 Turbo, the SP-3) Pioneer Ferrari 512BB (with “Pioneer” livery), the SP-4) RJ Racing Ferrari 512BB (with “Michelin” livery), the SP-5) Pirelli Lancia Rally, the SP-6) Martini Lancia Rally, the SP-7) Zakspeed Ford Mustang, the SP-8) Zakspeed Ford Mustang Turbo, the SP-9) N G K Pro-Stocker (with “Chevrolet” livery), the SP-10) Heuer Racing Pro-Stocker (with “Chevelle” livery), the SP-11) “Total” Chevrolet Camaro and the SP-12) Chevrolet Camaro Turbo.

A brand new line of products for 1985 were the “Matchbox Turbo Specials,” which featured the TS-1) Firestone Chevrolet Camaro, the TS-2) Zakspeed Ford Mustang, the TS-3) Michelin Kremer Porsche and the TS-4) Goodyear Pro-Stocker Turbo.  The models in the “TS” range were somewhat upgraded compared to those in the “Matchbox Specials” line and had 2-speed motors with “friction” drive (i.e., roll the car backwards, and then let it go).

The Matchbox Skybusters line for 1985 included the SB-1) Learjet, the SB-3) NASA Space Shuttle, the SB-4) Dassault-Briguet Mirage F1 Jet (with French markings), the SB-9) Cessna 420 Monoplane, the SB-10) Boeing 747 Jumbo Jet (with either “Cathay Pacific” or “Lufthansa” liveries), the SB-11) Dornier Alpha Jet, the SB-12) “Pitts Special” Biplane, the SB-13) McDonnell-Douglas DC10 Commercial Airliner (with “Swissair” livery), the SB-19) Piper Commanche Monoplane, the SB-20) Rescue Helicopter, the SB-22) Messerschmitt Tornado Jet (with German markings), the SB-23) Concorde Supersonic Airliner (with “Air France” livery), the SB-24) F16 Jet (with US AirForce markings), the SB-26) Cessna 210 Float Plane, the SB-27) Hawker Harrier Jump Jet (with US Marine Corps markings) and the SB-28) Airbus A300 Commercial Jet (with “Lufthansa” markings).

The Matchbox Convoy line for 1985 included the CY-1) Kenworth Car Transporter, the CY-2) Kenworth Rocket Transporter (with NASA markings), the CY-3) Peterbilt Container Truck (with “Federal Express” livery), the CY-5) Peterbilt Covered Truck (with “Michelin” livery), the CY-11) Kenworth Helicopter Transporter (with “AirCar” livery), the CY-12) Kenworth Aircraft Transporter (with “Darts” livery), the CY-13) Fire Engine, the CY-14) Kenworth Power Boat Launch Transporter, the CY-15) Peterbilt Tracking Vehicle (with NASA markings), the CY-16) Scania Box Truck (with “7-Up” livery) and the CY-17) Scania Petrol Tanker (with “Amoco” livery).

The Matchbox Convoy Action Packs for 1985 included the G-4) Convoy Action Set (with 3 “Convoy” models, one tractor trailer cab and a police car), the CY-201) Fire Rescue Set (with a “Convoy” Fire Engine, a fire truck and a helicopter), the CY-202) Police Set (with a “Convoy” Helicopter Transporter, a heavy-duty tow truck and a police car) and the CY-203) Construction Set (with a “Convoy” Excavator Transporter, a tipper truck and a shovel nose tractor).

The “Matchbox Convoy Truck Stop” play set was back in 1985 as well.  This was a realistic set with fuel pumps, parking spaces, a service center and a freight loading platform.

A brand new product line for 1985 was the “Team Matchbox” series, which featured a large tractor trailer with a towing flatbed, a stock racing car on the flatbed and a van with their own liveries.  These included the TM-1) Pepsi Team, the TM-2) Super Boss Team, the TM-3) Dr. Pepper Team and the TM-4) Brut Team.

The Matchbox Super Kings line continued to regain strength in 1985.  It included the K-10) Car Transporter (260 mm long and with “Courier” livery), the K-15) Double Decker Bus (120 mm long and with “Nestle Milky Bar” livery), the K-20)  Peterbilt Wreck Truck (150 mm long), the K-21) Ford Transcontinental Tractor Trailer (330 mm long and with “Sunkist” livery), the K-25) Digger and Plough (180 mm long and a non-Superfast model), the K-26) Cement Truck (110 mm long), the K-31) Peterbilt Container Truck (308 mm long and with either “Euro-Express” or “Pepsi” liveries), the K-39) Snorkel Fire Engine (278 mm long), the K-44) Bridge Transporter Truck (330 mm long), the K-70) Porsche 911 Turbo Coupé (110 mm long), the K-78) Dodge Monaco Sedan US Police Car (139 mm long), the K-81) Suzuki Motorcycle (109 mm long), the K-82) BMW Motorcycle (108 mm long), the K-83) Harley-Davidson Motorcycle (120 mm long), the K-84) Peugeot 305 Rally Car (121 mm long and with “Canon” livery), the K-86) Volkswagen Golf Hatchback Sedan (104 mm long and with “Shell” gasoline pump), the K-88) Money Box Security Van (137 mm long and with “Matchbox” livery), the K-90) Matra Rancho SUV (130 mm long), the K-92) Helicopter Transporter Truck (276 mm long and with “HeliHire International” livery), the K-95) Audi Quattro Fastback Sedan (128 mm long), the K-98) Porsche 944 Coupé (115 mm long), the K-100) Ford Sierra XR4i Sedan (127 mm long), the K-102) Race Support Set with Dodge Van towing Porsche 911 Racecar on Trailer (300 mm long), the K-103) Tanker Truck (135 mm long and with “Comet” livery), the K-104) Matra Rancho SUV Rescue Set with Power Boat on Trailer (301 mm long and with Coast Guard markings), the K-105) Peterbilt Tipper Truck (150 mm long and with “Taylor Woodrow” livery), the K-106) Airport Transporter Truck (238 mm long and with “Aces” livery), the K-107) Power Boat Launch Transporter Truck (350 mm long and with “Spearhead” livery), the K-108) Digger Transporter Truck (289 mm long and with “Avro” livery), the K-109) Petrol Tanker Truck (305 mm long and with “Shell” livery), the K-110) Fire Engine (170 mm long), the K-111) Refuse Truck (150 mm long and with “Waste-Beater” livery), the K-112) Fire Spotter Aircraft Transporter Truck (280 mm long), the K-113) Service Station Garage Transporter Truck (306 mm long and with “Shell” livery), the K-114) Mobile Crane Truck (200 mm long and with “Taylor Woodrow” livery), the K-115) Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16V Sedan (130 mm long), the K-116) Racing Car Transporter (280 mm long and with “Ferrari” livery), the K-117) Bulldozer Transporter Truck (320 mm long and with “Taylor Woodrow” livery), the K-118) Road Construction Set with Mercedes-Benz Unimog Pickup Truck and Flatbed Truck (320 mm long) and the K-119) Fire Rescue Mercedes-Benz Unimog with Foam Pump Trailer and Traffic Signs (170 mm long).  The Super Kings line was now up to 40 models, compared to 38 in 1984.

A nice new product in 1985 was the “Matchbox Play Hat” accessory.  When closed, it looked like a construction hat from the side (flat).  When open, it featured a construction site diorama for “1-75 Series” vehicles.  Another new product for 1985 was the “Matchbox Gearshift Garage.”  It was a service station with a working car wash, raising barriers, lift ramps, an opening garage door and a dial on the fuel pump.

The Matchbox Carry Cases for 1985 were back for 8 Convoy models, 18 1-75 Series cars (it opened up to be a motel and service station), 20 1-75 Series cars (it looked like a steering wheel and actually came with one car) and 24 1-75 Series models (it looked like a tool box from the outside).

The Matchbox Lock-ups range was back with 12 models in 1985, just like in 1984.  The Matchbox Burnin’ Key Cars line had 12 models in 1985 as well (down from 22 in 1984), and accessories including a BK-18185) Racing Stunt Jump Track and a BK-18135) Twin Launcher.  The Matchbox Power Blasters range of motorcycles was back in 1985, although with just 6 models (compared to the 9 in 1984).

A brand new product line for 1985 was the “Matchbox Programmable Trickshifters.”  This featured 6 cars (a Silver Pontiac Firebird, a White Pontiac Firebird, a Mazda Savanna RX-7 in Blue, a Mazda Savanna RX-7 in Yellow, a Datsun Pace Rally Car in Red & Silver and a Datsun Pace Rally Car in Black & Gold.  These cars could perform stunts, including right & left “wheelies,” spin-outs, back-wheelies and flip-overs.

The Matchbox Models of Yesteryear line for 1985 included the Y-1) 1936 Jaguar SS100 Roadster, the Y-2) 1930 Bentley 4,5 Litre Supercharged, the Y-3) 1912 Model T Ford Tanker (with “Carnation Farm Products” livery), the Y-4) 1930 Duesenberg Model J, the Y-5) 1927 Talbot Van (with “Rose’s Lime Juice” livery), the Y-6) 1920 Rolls-Royce Fire Engine, the Y-7) 1913 Ford Breakdown Truck, the Y-8) 1945 MG TC Sports Car, the Y-12) 1912 Model T Ford Van (with “Pepsi-Cola” livery), the Y-13) 1918 Crossley Pickup Truck (with “Waring’s” livery), the Y-15) 1930 Packard Victoria, the Y-20) 1938 Mercedes-Benz 540K Roadster with Rumble Seat, the Y-21) 1930 Model A Ford “Woody Wagon” (with “Barter’s” livery), the Y-22) 1930 Model A Ford Van (with “Walter’s Palm Toffee” livery), the Y-23) 1922 AEC Omnibus, the Y-23) 1927 Bugatti T44 Coupé, the Y-25) 1910 Renault Type AG Van (with “Perrier” livery), the Y-26) 1918 Crossley Beer Lorry (with “Löwenbräu” livery), the Y-27) 1922 Foden Steam Lorry (with “Pickfords Removal and Storage” livery), the Y-28) 1907 Unic Taxi and the Y-30) 1920 Mack Truck (with “Acorn Storage Company” livery).

1986 Matchbox Model Year

The 1986 color cover of the Matchbox catalogue was yet another rather simple design.  It featured a toy helicopter from which a sign with “1986? was suspended, and then a number of “Matchbox” logos at the bottom of the page.  The background color was dark blue, becoming lighter towards the bottom of the page.

The Matchbox 1-75 Series for 1986 included the 1) Dodge Challenger Hardtop, the 2) Pontiac Fiero Coupé, the 3) Porsche 911 Turbo Coupé, the 4) 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Hardop, the 5) Peterbilt Petrol Tanker (with “Amoco” livery), the 6) Formula 1 Racing Car, the 7) IMSA Mazda Coupé, the 8) Rover 3500 Police Car, the 9) AMC AMX Javelin (with “Dr. Pepper” livery), the 10) US Police Car, the 11) Lamborghini Countach LP500S Sports Car, the 12) Pontiac Firebird Racer, the 13) Snorkel Fire Engine, the 14) Jeep Laredo, the 15) Peugeot 205 Turbo 16 Hatchback, the 16) Pontiac Firebird “T-Top” Coupé, the 17) London Double-Decker Bus (with “You’ll Love New York” livery), the 18) Fire Engine, the 19) Peterbilt Cement Truck, the 20) Volvo Container Truck (with “ColdFresh” livery), the 21) Breakdown Van, the 22) Jaguar XK120 Roadster, the 23) Peterbilt Tipper Truck, the 24) Datsun 280ZX Coupé, the 25) Audi Quattro Fastback Sedan (with “Recaro” livery), the 26) Volvo Tilt Truck (with “Fresh Fruit Company” livery), the 27) Swing Wing Jet, the 28) Dodge Daytona Turbo Z Coupé, the 29) Shovel Tractor, the 30) Mercedes-Benz 280 GE Geländewagen (”offroad vehicle), the 31) Mazda RX7 Sports Car, the 32) Excavator (a non-Superfast model), the 33) Police Motorcycle, the 34) Chevrolet Pro-Stocker (with “Pepsi” livery), the 35) Pick-up Camper, the 36) Refuse Truck, the 37) Ford Escort Cabriolet, the 38) Model “A” Ford Van (with “Pepsi-Cola” livery), the 39) BMW 323i Cabriolet, the 40) NASA Rocket Transporter Truck, the 41) Racing Porsche, the 42) Mobile Crane Truck (with “Reynolds Crane Hire” livery), the 43) Mercedes-Benz AMG Coupé, the 44) Citroen 15 CV Sedan, the 45) Kenworth Aerodyne Cabover, the 46) Sauber Group C Racer, the 47) Jaguar SS100 Roadster, the 48) Mercedes-Benz Unimog Pickup Truck with Snowplough, the 49) Volkswagen “Dune Man” Beetle, the 50) Chevrolet Blazer SUV, the 51) Pontiac Firebird Coupé, the 52) BMW M1 Sports Car (with “Pirelli” livery), the 53) “Flareside” Pickup Truck, the 54) Airport Foam Tender Truck (with “Metro Airport” markings), the 55) Ford Sierra XR 4i Sedan, the 56) Volkswagen Golf GTI Hatchback, the 57) Mission Helicopter, the 58) “Ruff Trek” Pickup Truck, the 59) Porsche 928 Coupé, the 60) Toyota Supra Hatchback, the 62) Peterbilt Wreck Truck, the 62) Chevrolet Corvette “T-Top” Sports Car, the 63) 4 x 4 Pickup Truck, the 64) Dodge Caravan Minivan, the 65) Plane Transporter Truck (with “Rescue” markings), the 66) Super Boss Tractor Trailer Cab, the 67) IMSA Ford Mustang Coupé, the 68) 4 x 4 Chevrolet Van (with “Matchbox Racing” livery), the 69) Chevrolet Corvette Sports Car, the 70) Ferrari 308 GTB (with “Pioneer” livery), the 71) Scania T 142 Tractor Trailer Cab, the 72) Delivery Truck (with “Hertz Van and Truck Rental” livery), the 73) Model “A” Ford Coupé, the 74) Fiat Abarth Rally Car (with “Alitalia” livery) and the 75) Rescue Helicopter.  A number of brand new models were featured, albeit with out model numbers.  They were the Chevrolet Camaro Iroc Z Coupé, the Toyota MR2 Coupé, the Coach (with “Voyager” livery), the New Ford Transit Panel Van, the Nissan 300ZX Coupé, the Porsche 959 Coupé, the Jeep Cherokee SUV, the Ford Supervan II Minivan, the Volvo 760 Sedan, the Peugeot Quasar Concept Car, the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud Sedan, the Vauxhall Astra GTE Hatchback, the Ferrari Testarossa and the Renault 11 Hatchback.  A good number of existing models were also featured with upcoming changes in exterior colors and/or designs.

The range of Matchbox Action Pack Gift Sets for 1986 included the G-1) Car Transporter Pack (with a “Super Kings” Car Transporter Truck and five cars), the G-7) Emergency Action Pack (with a hospital, a burning building diorama, a police station, four emergency vehicles and a helicopter) and the G-8) Turbocharged Action Pack (with a launcher and five vehicles).

The Matchbox Twinpack line for 1986 included the TP-103) Dodge Cattle Truck and Trailer, the TP-106) Renault 5 “Le Car” Hatchback and Motorcycle Trailer, the TP-108) Farm Tractor and Trailer, the TP-109) Citroen CX Police Station Wagon and Boat on Trailer, the TP-110) Matra Rancho SUV and Inflatable Boat on Trailer, the TP-112) Mercedes-Benz Unimog Pickup Truck with Snowplough and Trailer (with “Alpine Rescue” markings), the TP-113) Porsche 911 Turbo Coupé and Camping Caravan Trailer and the TP-114) Volkswagen Golf Hatchback and Horsebox Trailer.

A brand new product for 1986 was the “Matchbox High Riders” line of 9 diecast cars with so-called “monster wheels.”  They featured scale models from the “1-75 Series” with the large tires.  They included the AMC AMX Javelin, the Audi Quattro Fastback Sedan, the Toyota Supra Coupé, the Mazda RX-7 Sports Car, a Corvette Sports Car, a Datsun Coupé and 3 Pickup Trucks.

The Matchbox Convoy line for 1986 included the CY-1) Kenworth Car Transporter, the CY-2) Kenworth Rocket Transporter, the CY-11) Kenworth Helicopter Transporter, the CY-12) Kenworth Aircraft Transporter (with “Darts” livery), the CY-13) Fire Engine, the CY-14) Kenworth Powerboat Launch Transporter, the CY-15) Peterbilt Tracking Vehicle (with NASA markings), the CY-16) Scania Box Truck (with “Duckhams Oils” livery), the CY-17) Scania Petrol Tanker (with “Amoco” livery), the CY-18) Scania Container Truck (with “Varta Batteries” livery), the CY-19) Peterbilt Box Car (with “Statewide Freight” livery) and the CY-20) Kenworth Tipper Truck (with “Taylor Woodrow” livery).

The Matchbox Convoy Action Packs line for 1986 included the CY-201) Fire Rescue Set (with a “Convoy” fire truck, a smaller fire truck and a helicopter), the CY-202) Police Set (with a “Convoy” helicopter transporter, a wreck truck and a police car), the CY-203) Construction Set (with a “Convoy” excavator transporter, a shovel nose tractor and a tipper dump truck), the CY-204) NASA Set (with a “Convoy” rocket transporter, a NASA tracking vehicle and a helicopter).

The Team Matchbox series for 1986 included the TM-1) Pepsi Team, the TM-2) Super Star Team, the TM-4) Brut Team and the TM-5) 7-Up Team.  Each set containted a stock car on the back of a tractor trailer flatbed truck, plus another vehicle (a van in TM-1 and a pickup truck in the other sets), complete with the liveries of their sponsors.

A new product line for 1986 was the range of “Matchbox Super Trucks.”  There were 5 diecast pickup trucks, one van, one SUV and one jeep (8 models total) with super large “monster” wheels.

The Matchbox Skybusters line for 1986 included the SB-1) Learjet, the SB-3) NASA Space Shuttle, the SB-4) Dassault-Briguet Mirage F1 Fighter Jet (with French markings), the SB-9) Cessna 420 Monoplane, the SB-10) Boeing 747 Jumbo Jet (with either “Pan American” or “British Caledonian” liveries), the SB-11) Dornier Alpha Jet (with French markings), the SB-12) “Pitts Special” Monoplane (with “Matchbox” livery), the SB-13) McDonnell-Douglas DC10 Commercial Airliner (with “Swissair” livery), the SB-19) Piper Commanche Monoplane, the SB-20) Helicopter (with “Air Aid” markings), the SB-22) Messerschmitt Tornado Fighter-Bomber Jet (with German markings), the SB-23) Concorde Supersonic Airliner (with “Air France” livery), the SB-24) F16A Fighter Jet (with US Air Force markings), the SB-26) Cessna 210 Float Plane, the SB-27) Hawker Harrier V/STOL Jump Jet (with RAF markings) and the SB-28) A300 Airbus Commercial Airliner.

The Matchbox Specials line of diecast racecars for 1986 included the SP-1) Kremer Porsche CK5, the SP-2) Kremer Porsche CK5 Turbo (with “Dunlop” livery), the SP-3) Pioneer Ferrari 512BB, the SP-4) Racing Ferrari (with “Michelin” livery), the SP-5) Pirelli Lancia Rally, the SP-7) Zakspeed Ford Mustang, the SP-8) Zakspeed Ford Mustang Turbo (with “Avon” livery), the SP-10) Heuer Chevrolet Chevelle Racing Pro-Stocker (with “Michelin” livery), the SP-11) Total Chevrolet Camaro, the SP-12) Chevrolet Camaro Turbo, the SP-13) Porsche 959 ED Racing and the SP-14) Porsche Turbo 959.

The Matchbox Super Kings line for 1986 included the K-15) London Double Decker Bus (120 mm long and with “London Wide Tour Bus” livery), the K-25) Digger and Plough (180 mm long and a non-Superfast model), the K-39) Snorkel Fire Engine (278 mm long), the K-44) Bridge Transporter Truck (330 mm long), the K-70) Porsche 911 Turbo Coupé (110 mm long), the K-78) Dodge Monaco Sedan US Police Car (139 mm long), the K-81) Suzuki Motorcycle (109 mm long), the K-82) BMW Motorcycle (108 mm long), the K-83) Harley-Davidson Motorcycle (120 mm long), the K-84) Peugeot 305 Rally Car (121 mm long), the K-86) Volkswagen Golf Hatchback (104 mm long and with a “Shell” gasoline pump), the K-88) Money Box Security Van (137 mm long and with “Matchbox” livery), the K-90) Matra Rancho SUV (130 mm long), the K-95) Audi Quattro Fastback Sedan (128 mm long and with “BF Goodrich” livery), the K-98) Porsche 944 Coupé (115 mm long), the K-100) Ford Sierra XR4i Sedan (127 mm long), the K-102) Race Support Set with Dodge Van towing Porsche 911 on Trailer (300 mm long and with “Team Porsche” livery), the K-104) Rancho SUV Rescue Set with Power Boat on Trailer (301 mm long and with Coast Guard Patrol markings), the K-114) Mobile Crane Truck (200 mm long and with “Taylor Woodrow” livery), the K-115) Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-1.6V Sedan (130 mm long), the K-117) Bulldozer Transporter Truck (320 mm long), the K-120) Car Transporter Truck (260 mm long, with automatic steering and with “Carrier” livery), the K-121) Peterbilt Wreck Truck (150 mm long and with automatic steering), the K-122) DAF Road Train Tractor Trailer (330 mm long, with automatic steering and with “Eurotrans” livery), the K-123) Leyland Cement Truck (110 mm long and with automatic steering), the K-124) Mercedes-Benz Container Truck (308 mm long, with automatic steering and with “7-Up” livery), the K-126) Helicopter Transporter Truck (276 mm long, with automatic steering and with “Rescue” markings), the K-127) Peterbilt Petrol Tanker Truck (135 mm long, with automatic steering and with “Total” livery), the K-128) DAF Aircraft Transporter Truck (238 mm long and with automatic steering), the K-129) Mercedes-Benz Power Boat Launch Transporter Truck (350 mm long, with automatic steering and with “Spearhead” livery), the K-130) Digger Plough Transporter Truck (289 mm long, with automatic steering and with “Avro” livery), the K-131) Petrol Tanker Truck (134 mm long, with automatic steering and with “Shell” livery), the K-132) Fire Engine (170 mm long and with automatic steering), the K-133) Refuse Truck (150 mm long, with automatic steering and with “City Corporation” livery), the K-134) Fire Spotter Plane Transporter Truck (280 mm long and with automatic steering), the K-135) Mercedes-Benz Garage Service Station Transporter Truck (306 mm long, with automatic steering and with “Shell” livery), the K-136) Racing Car Transporter Truck (280 mm long, with automatic steering and with “Ferrari” livery), the K-137) Road Construction Set (320 mm long, with automatic steering and with 2 vehicles plus trailers, including Mercedes-Benz Unimog Pickup Truck and Flatbed Truck), the K-138) Fire Rescue Set (170 mm long, with automatic steering and with 2 vehicles plus one trailer, including Fire Truck and Mercedes-Benz Unimog Pickup Truck).  The feature of “Automatic Steering” was very similar to the “Steer-n-go” feature of the 1970s: one would depress one side of the front end of the vehicle to turn in that particular direction.  The Super Kings line had 39 models in 1986, compared to 40 in 1985.

The Matchbox Models of Yesteryear line for 1986 included the Y-1) 1936 Jaguar SS 100 Roadster, the Y-2) 1930 Bentley 4,5 Litre Supercharged Convertible, the Y-3) 1912 Model “T” Ford Tanker Truck (with “Wakefield Motor Oil” livery), the Y-4) 1930 Duesenberg Model J, the Y-5) 1927 Talbot Van (with “Rose’s Lime Juice Cordial” livery), the Y-6) 1920 Rolls-Royce Fire Engine, the Y-7) 1930 Ford Model “A” Breakdown Truck, the Y-9) 1912 Simplex (on a diorama background with “BP Motor Sports” livery), the Y-10) 1957 Maserati 250F Racing Car, the Y-11) 1932 Bugatti Type 51 Racing Car, the Y-12) 1912 Model “T” Ford Van (with “Pepsi-Cola” livery), the Y-13) 1918 Crossley Pickup Truck (with “Waring’s” livery), the Y-14) 1936 E.R.A. “Remus” Racing Car, the Y-16) 1957 Ferrari Dino 246/V12 Racing Car, the Y-17) 1938 Hispano-Suiza (on a diorama background with “Chocolat Menier” livery), the Y-18) 1920 Atkinson Steam Wagon (with “Blue Circle Portland Cement” livery), the Y-20) 1938 Mercedes-Benz 540K Roadster with Rumble Seat, the Y-21) 1930 Model “A” Ford “Woody Wagon,” the Y-22) 1930 Model “A” Ford Van (with “Palm Toffee” livery), the Y-23) 1922 AEC Omnibus (with “Haig Whiskey” livery), the Y-24) 1927 Bugatti T44 Coupé, the Y-25) 1910 Renault Type AG Van (with “The Eagle Pencil Company” livery), the Y-26) 1918 Crossley Beer Lorry (with “Löwenbräu” livery), the Y-27) 1922 Foden Steam Lorry (with “Tate & Lyle’s Packet Sugar” livery), the Y-28) 1907 Unic Taxi, the Y-29) 1919 Walker Van (with “Joseph Lucas, Limited” livery) and the Y-30) 1920 Mack Truck (with “Acorn Storage Company” livery).

The Matchbox Play Hat construction site diorama was back in 1986.  This featured a huge heavy duty crane, a manually-operated hopper, a detachable construction building and a lever-operated sifter – all within a “hard hat” carrying case.

The MG-9 Matchbox Gearshift Garage was also back in 1986.  This playset featured a working carwash, raising barriers, lifting ramps, an opening garage door and a dial on the petrol pump – all operated from a centrally-located “gearshift.”

The Matchbox Convoy Truck Stop was back in 1986 as well.  This playset included a realistic truck stop with parking spaces, diesel and gasoline fuel pumps, a service garage and a freight terminal.

The Matchbox Streak Racing track sets were back in 1986, too.  These were the S-250) Streak Loop Set (with one car) and the S-450) Streak Racing Set (which came with 2 cars).

A brand new product for 1986 was the “Matchbox Motor City” line of small playsets.  These included the MC-1) Car Wash (with a car conveyor and sponge cleaners), the MC-2) Petrol Station (with petrol pumps, operating dials and a revolving sign), the MC-3) Pit Stop (with a petrol pump, a timed car launcher and a garage bay), the MC-4) Garage (with opening doors and an internal ramp to release cars), the MC-5) Construction Crane (with swivels on the base of the crane, an elevating jib and a loading ramp) and the MC-6) Conveyor Loader Set (with a working conveyor belt, which loaded parked trucks).  None of the sets came with vehicles, but they did foresee the “Matchbox Hero City” playsets of today.

The final items in the 1986 catalogue were the Matchbox Carry Cases for CC-1) 18 cars, CC-18) 18 cars (this case folded out into a motel and “Texaco” garage diorama), CC-20) 20 cars in a case looking like a steering wheel (this case actually came with one car) and CC-24) 24 cars (this case looked like a tool box).  There were 46 numbered pages in the 1986 “Matchbox” catalogue.

1987 Matchbox Model Year: an Expanded “Action Matchbox” line

The 1987 Matchbox catalogue cover featured photographed actual diecast models for the first time since 1981.  Real photographs had been used on the covers of the 1960, 1967, 1968, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1980 and 1981 “Matchbox” color catalogues.  The expanded “Action Matchbox” line of motorized toys toward the end of the 1987 catalogue are certainly not within the usual category of those products preferred by traditional collectors.  The Macao-based owners of Matchbox International, Limited were improving the market share and the profitability of their company – in the anticipation of an eventual corporate sale.

The Matchbox 1-75 Series for 1987 included the 1) Dodge Challenger Hardtop, the 2) Pontiac Fiero Coupé (with “Goodyear” livery), the 3) Porsche 911 Turbo Coupé, the 4) 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Hardtop, the 5) Peterbilt Petrol Tanker (with “Amoco” livery), the 6) Formula 1 Racing Car, the 7) Porsche 959 Coupé, the 8) Rover 3500 Police Car, the 9) Caterpillar Bulldozer (a non-Superfast model), the the 10) Plymouth Police Car, the 11) Lamborghini Countach Sports Car, the 12) Pontiac Firebird Racer, the 13) Snorkel Fire Engine, the 14) Jeep Eagle 4 x 4, the 15) Peugeot 205 Turbo 16 Hatchback, the 16) Pontiac Firebird “T-Top” Coupé, the 17) London Double Decker Bus (with “Around London Tour Bus” livery), the 18) Fire Engine, the 19) Peterbilt Cement Truck, the 20) Volvo Container Truck (with “ColdFresh” livery), the 21) Breakdown Van, the 22) Jaguar XK120 Roadster, the 23) Peterbilt Tipper Truck, the 24) Nissan 300ZX Sports Car, the 25) Audi Quattro Fastback Sedan, the 26) Volvo Tilt Truck (with “Ferrymasters” livery), the 27) Jeep Cherokee SUV, the 28) Dodge Daytona Turbo Z Coupé, the 29) Shovel Tractor, the 30) Mercedes-Benz 280 GE Geländewagen, the 31) Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud Sedan, the 32) Excavator (a non-Superfast model), the 33) Renault 11 Sedan, the 34) Chevrolet Pro-Stocker, the 35) Pick-up Camper, the 36) Refuse Truck, the 37) Ford Escort Cabriolet, the 38) Model “A” Ford Van, the 39) BMW 323i Cabriolet, the 40) NASA Rocket Transporter, the 41) Porsche 935 Racing Car, the 42) Mobile Crane Truck (with “Reynolds Crane Hire” livery), the 43) Mercedes-Benz AMG Coupé, the 44) Citroen 15CV Sedan, the 45) Kenworth C.O.A. Tractor Trailer Cab, the 46) Sauber Group C Racing Car, the 47) Jaguar SS100 Roadster, the 48) Vauxhall Astra GTE Hatchback, the 49) Peugeot Quasar Concept Car, the 50) Chevrolet Blazer SUV (with police markings), the 51) Pontiac Firebird Coupé, the 52) BMW M1 Sports Car, the 53) Ford Flareside Pickup Truck, the 54) Airport Foam Pumper Truck, the 55) Ford Sierra XR 4 x 4 Sedan, the 56) Volkswagen Golf GTI Hatchback Sedan, the 57) Mission Helicopter, the 58) Ruff Trek Pickup Truck, the 59) Porsche 928 Coupé, the 60) Ford Transit Van, the 61) Peterbilt Wreck Truck, the 62) Volvo 760 Sedan, the 63) 4 x 4 Pickup Truck, the 64) Dodge Caravan Minivan, the 65) Rescue Plane Transporter, the 66) Super Boss Tractor Trailer Cab, the 67) Ikarus Coach (with “Voyager” livery), the 68) Chevrolet Camaro Iroc Z Coupé, the 69) Chevrolet Corvette Sports Car, the 70) Ferrari 308 GTB Sports Car (with “Pioneer” livery), the 71) Scania T 142 Tractor Trailer Cab, the 72) Ford Supervan II Minivan, the 73) Model “A” Ford Coupé, the 74) Toyota MR2 Sports Car and the 75) Ferrari Testarossa Sports Car.  A number of new models were revealed without their eventual model numbers.  These were the Jaguar XJ6 Sedan, the Austin London Taxicab, the Vauxhall Astra/Opel Kadett Police Car, the Buick LeSabre Coupé, the Land Rover Ninety SUV, the Ford RS 200, the Skoda 130 LR, the Cadillac Allante Convertible, the School Bus, the Ford LTD Sedan Police Car, the Mercedes-Benz 300E Sedan, the Skip Truck and the Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit Sedan.

The Matchbox Motor City line of playsets returned in 1987 with the MC-1) Car Wash, the MC-2) Petrol Station, the MC-3) Pit Stop, the MC-4) Garage, the MC-5) Construction Crane and the MC-6) Conveyor Loader.

A brand new product for 1987 was the “Matchbox Motor City Play Track” line of playsets.  These included the MC-20) Motor City Play Track (with a bridge, petrol station and signs), the MC-30) Motor City Play Track (with a bridge, petrol station, car park and signs) and the MC-40) Motor City Play Track (with a garage, bridges, car parks and signs).  This product was rather similar to the “Matchbox Play Track” line of a few years back, but the one for 1987 was more realistic.

Another brand new product line for 1987 was the “Matchbox Superfast Lasers.”  These were diecast cars featuring laser wheel discs which would flash brilliant, different colors as they reflected light.  They included the LW-1) Police Car, the LW-2) 1982 Pontiac Firebird Coupé, the LW-3) Porsche 928 Coupé, the LW-4) Dodge Daytona Turbo Z Coupé, the LW-5) A.M.G. Mercedes-Benz Coupé, the LW-6) Porsche 935 Racing Car (with “Auto Tech” livery), the LW-7) Ford Sierra XR4 Sedan, the LW-8) 1962 Chevrolet Corvette Sports Car, the LW-9) Datsun 280 ZX Turbo Coupé, the LW-10) Turbo Chevrolet Corvette Sports Car, the LW-11) Ferrari 308 GTB Sports Car, the LW-12) Chevrolet Stock Car, the LW-13) 1984 Chevrolet Corvette Sports Car, the LW-14) BMW Cabriolet 323t (with “Alpine” livery), the LW-15) Ford Escort Cabriolet XR3i, the LW-16) Sauber Group C Racing Car, the LW-17) Lamborghini Countach LP 500S Sports Car, the LW-18) Pontiac Firebird Racer, the LW-19) Pontiac Fiero Racer (with “Protech” livery), the LW-20) Nissan 300 ZX Turbo Sports Car, the LW-21) Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z Coupé (with “Goodyear” livery), the LW-22) Toyota MR2, the LW-23) Ferrari Testarossa Sports Car and the LW-24) Peugeot Quasar Concept Car.  The “Superfast Lasers” line also offered two accessories, being the LW-100) Big Bang Launcher (which would launch a car on a straight track) and the LW-200) Laser Race Set (an oval track with a power booster to keep cars going around the track).

The Matchbox Skybusters line for 1987 included the SB-1) Learjet, the SB-3) NASA Space Shuttle, the SB-4) Dassault-Briguet Mirage F1 Fighter Jet (with French markings), the SB-9) Cessna 420 Monoplane, the SB-10) Boeing 747 Jumbo Jet (with either “Pan American” or “British Caledonian” liveries), the SB-11) Dornier Alpha Jet (with French markings), the SB-12) “Pitts Special” Biplane (with “Matchbox” livery), the SB-13) McDonnell-Douglas DC10 Commercial Airliner (with “Thai” airline livery), the SB-19) Piper Commanche Monoplane, the SB-20) Helicopter, the SB-22) Messerschmitt Tornado Fighter-Bomber Jet (with German markings), the SB-23) Concorde Supersonic Airliner (with “Air France” livery), the SB-24) F16A Fighter Jet (with US Air Force markings), the SB-26) Cessna 210 Float Plane, the SB-27) Hawker Harrier V/STOL Jump Jet (with RAF markings) and the SB-28) Airbus A300 Commercial Airliner (with “Air France” livery).

The Matchbox Action Pack Gift Sets line for 1987 included the G-2) Car Transporter Set (with a “Super Kings” Car Transporter and 5 cars), the G-4) Convoy Action Set (with 3 “Convoy” Trucks, a Tractor Trailer Cab and a Police Car), the G-5) Federal Express Pack (with 4 vehicles and a plane all bearing “Federal Express” liveries) and the G-6) Virgin Airways Set (with an airliner, a helicopter and 3 vehicles all bearing the “Virgin Airways” livery).

The Matchbox Twin Pack line for 1987 included the TP-103) Dodge Cattle Truck and Trailer, the TP-106) Renault 5 “Le Car” and Motorcycle Trailer (with “Scrambler” livery), the TP-108) Farm Tractor and Trailer, the TP-110) Matra Rancho SUV and Inflatable Boat on Trailer (with “Surf 2? livery), the TP-112) Mercedes-Benz Unimog Pickup Truck with Snowplough and Trailer (with German “Unfall Rettung” markings, or “Accident Rescue” translated into English), the TP-115) Ford Escort Cabriolet and Boat on Trailer, the TP-116) Jeep Cherokee SUV and Camping Caravan Trailer (with “Holiday Club” livery), the TP-117) Mercedes-Benz Geländewagen SUV and Horse Box Trailer, the TP-118) B.M.W. 323i Cabriolet and Glider Trailer (with “Gliding Club” livery) and the TP-119) Ford Flareside Pickup Truck and “Seafire” Speedboat on Trailer.

The Team Matchbox line for 1987 included the TM-1) Pepsi Team, the TM-2) Super Star Team (with “Union 76? livery), the TM-5) 7-Up Team and the TM-6) Duckhams QXR Team.  Each set came with a stock racing car upon a flatbed truck and one more vehicle (a van in the first set, pickup trucks in the next 2 sets and a van in the last set) complete with their respective corporate logos.

The Matchbox Convoy line for 1987 included the CY-1) Kenworth Car Transporter, the CY-2) Kenworth Rocket Transporter (with “NASA” markings), the CY-11) Kenworth Helicopter Transporter (with “Air Car” livery), the CY-13) Fire Engine, the CY-15) Peterbilt Tracking Vehicle (with “NASA” markings), the CY-16) Scania Box Truck (with “Sealink British Ferries” livery), the CY-17) Scania Petrol Tanker (with “Amoco” livery), the CY-18) Scania Container Truck (with “Varta Batteries” livery), the CY-19) Peterbilt Box Car (with “Ansett Wridgeways Removals and Storage” livery), the CY-20) Kenworth Tipper Truck (with “Taylor Woodrow” livery), the CY-21) DAF Aircraft Transporter (with “Airtrainer” livery) and the CY-22) DAF Power Boat Launch Transporter.

The Matchbox Convoy Action Packs line for 1987 included the CY-201) Fire Rescue Set (with a “Convoy” Fire Truck, a smaller fire truck and a helicopter), the CY-202) Police Set (with a “Convoy” Helicopter Transporter, a heavy duty wreck truck and a police car), the CY-204) NASA Set (with a “Convoy” NASA Rocket Transporter, a smaller tracking vehicle and a helicopter) and the CY-205) Farm Set (with a “Convoy” Tipper Truck, a farm tractor and a combine harvester).

The Matchbox Super Trucks line for 1987 included the SC-1) Bigfoot Pickup Truck, the SC-2) USA 1 Pickup Truck, the SC-3) Ford Model “A,” the SC-4) Rollin’ Thunder Van, the SC-5) Flyin’ High Pickup Truck, the SC-6) Awesome Kong II Pickup Truck, the SC-7) Mad Dog II SUV and the SC-8) Peterbilt Wrecker.  All these diecast trucks featured huge “monster” wheels on a 1-75 Series-scale body.

The Matchbox Specials line for 1987 included the SP-1) Kremer Porsche CK5 (114 mm long), the SP-2) Kremer Porsche CK5 (114 mm long and with “Shell” livery), the SP-3) Pioneer Ferrari 512BB (118 mm long), the SP-4) RJ Racing Ferrari (118 mm long and with “Michelin” livery), the SP-5) Pirelli Lancia Rally (112 mm long), the SP-7) Zakspeed Ford Mustang (128 mm long and with “Duckhams” livery), the SP-8) Zakspeed Ford Mustang Turbo (128 mm long and with “Avon” livery), the SP-10) Chevrolet Chevelle Heuer Racing Pro-Stocker (120 mm long), the SP-11) Total Chevrolet Camaro (117 mm long), the SP-12) Chevrolet Camaro Turbo (117 mm long and with “Bosch” livery), the SP-13) Porsche 959 ED Racing Car (110 mm long and with “Bosch” livery) and the SP-14) Porsche Turbo 959 (110 mm long and with “Shell” livery).

The Matchbox Super Kings line for 1987 included the K-15) London Double Decker Bus (120 mm long and with “London Palladium” livery), the K-25) Digger and Plough (180 mm long and a non-Superfast model), the K-39) Snorkel Fire Engine (278 mm long), the K-44) Bridge Transporter Truck (330 mm long), the K-70) Porsche 911 Turbo Coupé (110 mm long), the K-78) Dodge Monaco Sedan US Police Car (139 mm long), the K-81) Suzuki Motorcyle (109 mm long), the K-82) BMW Motorcycle (108 mm long), the K-83) Harley-Davidson Motorcycle (120 mm long), the K-84) Peugeot 305 Rally Car (121 mm long and with “Dunlop” livery), the K-86) Volkswagen Golf Hatchback (104 mm long and with “Shell” fuel pump), the K-88) Money Box Security Van (137 mm long and with “Matchbox” livery), the K-90) Matra Rancho SUV (130 mm long), the K-95) Audi Quattro Fastback Sedan (128 mm long), the K-96) Porsche 944 Coupé (115 mm long), the K-100) Ford Sierra XR4i Sedan (127 mm long), the K-114) Mobile Crane Truck (200 mm long), the K-115) Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16V (130 mm long), the K-117) Bulldozer Transporter Truck (320 mm long), the K-120) Car Transporter Truck (260 mm long, with “Carrier” livery and with automatic steering), the K-121) Peterbilt Wreck Truck (150 mm long and with automatic steering), the K-122) DAF Road Train Truck and Trailer (330 mm long, with “Eurotrans” livery and with automatic steering), the K-123) Leyland Cement Truck (110 mm long and with automatic steering), the K-124) Mercedes-Benz Container Truck (308 mm long, with “7-Up” livery and with automatic steering), the K-126) Helicopter Transporter Truck (276 mm long, with Royal Navy markings and with automatic steering), the K-127) Peterbilt Tanker Truck (135 mm long, with “Total” livery and with automatic steering), the K-128) DAF Aircraft Transporter Truck (238 mm long and with automatic steering), the K-129) Mercedes-Benz Power Boat Launch Transporter Truck (350 mm long, with “Krüger” livery on cab and with automatic steering), the K-130) Digger Transporter Truck (289 mm long, with “BI” livery and with automatic steering), the K-131) Iveco Petrol Tanker Truck (134 mm long, with “Texaco” livery and with automatic steering), the K-132) Fire Engine (170 mm long and with automatic steering), the K-133) Refuse Truck (150 mm long and with automatic steering), the K-134) Fire Spotter Plane Transporter Truck (280 mm long and with automatic steering), the K-135) Mercedes-Benz Garage Transporter Truck (306 mm long, with “Texaco” livery and with automatic steering), the K-136) Racing Car Transporter Truck (280 mm long, with “Ferrari” livery and with automatic steering), the K-137) Road Construction Set (320 mm long, with Mercedes-Benz Unimog Pickup Truck, Flatbed Truck, Trailers and automatic steering), the K-138) Fire Rescue Set (170 mm long, with Mercedes-Benz Unimog Pickup Truck, Foam Spreader, Fire Truck and automatic steering), the K-139) Tipper Truck (with “Wimpey” livery, automatic tipping and reverse drive), the K-140) Car Recovery Vehicle (with automatic flatbed car ramp), the K-141) Skip Truck (with automatic skip container), the K-142) BMW Police Car (with German “Polizei” markings and with automatic “Halt” sign at back of car), the K-143) Emergency Van (with Red Cross markings, automatic “Stop” and “Accident” markings) and the K-144) Land Rover (with “Frankfurt Flughafen” markings and automatic “Follow Me” sign).  The brand new automatic features expanded upon automatic steering for yet more realism.  There were 43 Super Kings models in 1987, the largest number since 1981.

The Matchbox Models of Yesteryear line for 1987 included the Y-1) 1936 Jaguar SS100 Roadster (on a diorama with “Ye Olde Kings Head” livery), the Y-2) 1936 Bentley 4,5 Liter Supercharged Racing Car, the Y-3) 1913 Model “T” Ford Tanker Truck, the Y-4) 1930 Duesenberg Model J, the Y-5) 1927 Talbot Van (with “Rose’s Lime Juice Cordial” livery), the Y-6) 1920 Rolls-Royce Fire Engine, the Y-7) 1930 Ford Model “A” Breakdown Truck, the Y-8) 1917 Yorkshire Steam Wagon Type WA (with “Johnnie Walker Wiskey” livery), the Y-9) 1912 Simplex (on a diorama with “BP Motor Sports” livery), the Y-10) 1957 Maserati 250F Racing Car, the Y-11) 1932 Bugatti Type 51 Racing Car, Y-12) 1912 Model “T” Ford Van (with “Rosella” livery), the Y-13) 1918 Crossley Pickup Truck (with “Waring’s” livery), the Y-14) 1936 E.R.A. “Remus” Racing Car, the Y-15) 1920 London Tram Car (with “Swan Vestas” livery), the Y-16) 1957 Ferrari Dino 246/V12 Racing Car, the Y-17) 1938 Hispano-Suiza (on a diorama with “Chocolat Menier” livery), the Y-18) 1920 Atkinson Steam Wagon (with “Blue Circle Portland Cement” livery), the Y-19) 1929 Morris Van 10 C.W.T. (with “Brasso” livery), the Y-20) 1938 Mercedes-Benz 540K Roadster with Rumble Seat (on a diorama with “BP” livery), the Y-22) 1930 Model “A” Ford Van (with either “Palm Toffee” or “Lyon’s Tea” liveries), the Y-23) 1922 AEC Omnibus (with “Haig Whiskey” livery), the Y-24) 1927 Bugatti T44 Coupé (on a diorama with “Paris Match” livery), the Y-25) 1910 Renault Type AG Van (with either “The Eagle Pencil Company” or “T. Tunnock” liveries), the Y-26) 1918 Crossley Beer Lorry (with either “Löwenbräu” or “Gonzalez Byass Sherry” liveries), the Y-27) 1922 Foden Steam Lorry (with either “Tate & Lyle’s Packet Sugar” or “Spillers” liveries), the Y-28) 1907 Unic Taxi, the Y-29) 1919 Walker Van (with “Joseph Lucas Limited” livery) and the Y-30) 1920 Mack Truck (with either “Acorn Storage Company” or “Arctic Ice Cream Company” liveries).

The Matchbox Play Hat construction diorama play set was back in 1987.  So were the “Matchbox Gearshift Garage” play set, the “Matchbox Convoy Truck Stop” and the two “Matchbox Streak Racing” track sets.  These were all realistic and nice sets.

A brand new product for 1987 was the “Matchbox Cargantua,” a rather silly looking giant sized robot which also served as a carrying case for 1-75 Series vehicles.  The more conventional carry cases were back in 1987 as well, including the CC-1) 18 Piece Carry Case, the CC-18) Garage Carry Case (which also had a motel), the CC-20) Steering Wheel Carry Case (which actually came with one car) and the CC-24) Tool Box Carry Case.

The “Action Matchbox” Lineup for 1987

The Matchbox Lock-Ups line was back with 12 diecast models in 1987.  One would turn the key, and the car would have its doors and wheels locked shut.

Another brand new product line for 1987 was the “Matchbox Turbo 2? line of miniature, motorised and high-performance diecast cars.  No batteries were required, and each car had a 2-speed motor operated with friction drive.  These included the AM-2601) Turbo Pontiac Fiero, the AM-2602) Peugeot 205 Turbo Hatchback, the AM-2603) Ford Supervan II, the AM-2604) Racing Porsche 911, the AM-2605) Toyota MR2 Sports Car, the AM-2606) Sauber Group “C” Racer and 6 additional models based upon the first six just mentioned (with different color schemes).

The Matchbox Turbo Specials line for 1987 included the Firestone Chevrolet Camaro, the Zakspeed Ford Mustang, the Michelin Kremer Porsche, the Goodyear Pro-Stocker Turbo, the Martini Lancia Rally, the Pioneer Ferrari 512BB, the Kremer Porsche CK5 Turbo and the Porsche 959.  These somewhat larger diecast cars also featured 2 speed motors with no required batteries, friction drive, real rubber tires and highly decorated racing liveries.

The brand new “Matchbox Hot Rod Racers” line for 1987 featured even larger diecast cars in 1:20-scale.  They had 4-speed stick shifts, chrome wheels, custom stripes and cross ram carburettors.  The two models were based upon the Chevrolet Corvette and the Chevrolet Camaro or Pontiac Firebird.

The also brand new “Matchbox Speed Riders” line for 1987 featured 9 battery-powered diecast cars with 2 available track sets.  The cars included the Streetbird, the Corvette, the Street Corvette, the Sand Blaster, the Baja Beast Pickup Truck, the Street Heat, the Super Stocker, the Go-4-it and the Racing Rebel.  The track sets included the AM-7015) Street Riders Race Set and the AM-7030) Super Maniac Set (compete with bank curves, straightaways, a cross over stunt section, jump ramps and a pop-up crash wall).

The Matchbox Trickshifters line of toy cars were back in 1987.  They included the Silver Pontiac Firebird, the White Pontiac Firebird, the Mazda Savannah RX-7 in Blue, the Mazda Savannah RX-7 in Yellow, the Datsun Pace Car in Red & Silver and the Datsun Pace Car in Black & Gold.  These cars would perform seven different stunts including right & left wheelies, spin-outs, back wheelies and flip-overs.

The Matchbox Burnin’ Demolition Key Cars range for 1987 included 4 of the new “demolition” models and 13 of the regular cars similar to those from 1986.  The demolition cars had parts which would break off upon impact.

The all new “Matchbox Pocket Rockets” line for 1987 included 22 vehicles including cars, racing cars and motorcycles.  They featured friction drive, working suspension, bright liveries and color-transfers.

Finally, the returning Matchbox Power Blasters line returned with 6 diecast motorcycles in 1987.  They featured “rev-up rip-cord” action, shock absorbers, working kick-stands and built-in power units.  Each bike was 6 inches long.

1988 Matchbox Model Year: M.I.C.A. (first mention of the “Matchbox International Collectors’ Association,” founded in 1985)

The color cover of the 1988 Matchbox catalogue featured a photo of a red diecast Porsche 911 Turbo Coupé (only the front of the car from an angle) with a blue background.

The Matchbox 1-75 Series for 1988 included the 1) Jaguar XJ6 Sedan, the 2) Pontiac Fiero Coupé, the 3) Porsche 911 Turbo Coupé, the 4) London Austin Taxi, the 5) Peterbilt Petrol Tanker (with “Amoco” livery), the 6) Formula 1 Racing Car, the 7) Porsche 959 Coupé, the 8) Vauxhall Astra / Opel Kadett Police Car, the 9) Caterpillar Bulldozer (a non-Superfast model), the 10) Buick LeSabre Coupé, the 11) Lamborghini Countach LP500S Sports Car, the 12) Pontiac Firebird Racer, the 13) Snorkel Fire Engine, the 14) Jeep Eagle 4 x 4, the 15) Peugeot 205 Turbo 16 Hatchback, the 16) Land Rover 90 SUV, the 17) London Double Decker Bus (with “Around London Tour Bus” livery), the 18) Fire Engine, the 19) Peterbilt Cement Truck, the 20) Volvo Container Truck (with “Federal Express” livery), the 21) Breakdown Van, the 22) Jaguar XK120 Roadster, the 23) Peterbilt Tipper Truck (with “Pace” livery), the 24) Nissan 300 ZX Sports Car (with “Fujicolor” livery), the 25) Audi Quattro Fastback Sedan, the 26) Volvo Tilt Truck (with “Ferrymasters” livery), the 27) Jeep Cherokee SUV, the 28) Dodge Daytona Turbo Z Coupé, the 29) Shovel Tractor, the 30) Mercedes-Benz Geländewagen SUV (with “Rescue Unit” markings), the 31) Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud Sedan, the 32) Excavator (a non-Superfast model), the 33) Renault 11 Hatchback Sedan, the 34) Ford RS200 Sports Car, the 35) Pickup Camper (with “Aspen Ski Holidays” livery), the 36) Refuse Truck, the 37) Ford Escort Cabriolet, the 38) Model “A” Ford Van (with “Matchbox Speed Shop” livery), the 39) BMW 323i Cabriolet, the 40) NASA Rocket Transporter, the 41) Racing Porsche 935 Coupé, the 42) Mobile Crane Truck, the 43) Mercedes-Benz 500 SEC AMG Coupé, the 44) Skoda 130LR Rally Car, the 45) Skip Truck, the 46) Sauber Group C Racer (with “Castrol” livery), the 47) School Bus (with “School District 2? markings), the 48) Vauxhall Astra GTE Hatchback (with “AC Delco” livery), the 49) Peugeot Quasar Concept Car, the 50) Chevrolet Blazer SUV, the 51) Ford LTD Sedan Police Car, the 52) BMW M1 Sports Car, the 53) Ford Flareside Pickup Truck, the 54) Airport Foam Pumper Truck, the 55) Ford Sierra XR 4 x 4 Sedan, the 56) Volkswagen Golf GTI Hatchback Sedan, the 57) Mission Helicopter, the 58) Mercedes-Benz 300E Sedan, the 59) Porsche 928 Coupé, the 60) Ford Transit Van (with Red Cross markings), the 61) Peterbilt Wreck Truck, the 62) Volvo 760 Sedan, the 63) 4 x 4 Pickup Truck, the 64) Dodge Caravan Minivan, the 65) Cadillac Allante Convertible, the 66) Rolls-Royce Sedan, the 67) Ikarus Coach (with “Voyager” livery), the 68) Chevrolet Camaro Iroc Z Coupé, the 69) Chevrolet Corvette Sports Car, the 70) Ferrari 308 GTB Sports Car (with “Pioneer” livery), the 71) Scania T 142 Tractor Trailer Cab, the 72) Ford Supervan II Minivan, the 73) Model “A” Ford Coupé, the 74) Toyota MR2 Sports Car and the 75) Ferrari Testarossa Sports Car.

The Matchbox Twinpack line for 1988 included the TP-103) Dodge Cattle Truck and Trailer, the TP-106) Renault 5 “Le Car” Hatchback and Motorcycle Trailer (with “Scrambler” livery), the TP-108) Farm Tractor and Trailer, the TP-110) Matra Rancho SUV and Inflatable Boat, the TP-112) Mercedes-Benz Unimog Pickup Truck with Snowplough and Trailer (with German “Unfall-Rettung” markings, or “Accident Rescue” in English), the TP-115) Ford Escort Cabriolet and Boat Trailer, the TP-116) Jeep Cherokee SUV and Camping Caravan Trailer (with “Holiday Club” livery), the TP-117) Mercedes-Benz Geländewagen SUV and Horse Box Trailer, the TP-118) B.M.W. 323i Cabriolet and Gilder Trailer (with “Gliding Club” livery) and the TP-119) Ford Flareside Pickup Truck and “Seafire” Speedboat Trailer.

The brand new “Matchbox Miniatures Theme Packs” line for 1988 featured 3 “1-75 Series” models within each set.  They included the MP-101) Emergency Set (with an ambulance, a police car and a breakdown van), the MP-102) Construction Set (with a cement truck, a skip truck and a bulldozer), the MP-103) Airport Fire Set (with a foam pump tender, a helicopter and a fire truck), the MP-104) 4 x 4 Set (with 3 Jeeps), the MP-105) Dragster Set (with 3 dragsters) and the MP-106) Porsche Set (with 3 Porsche 911 Coupés).

The brand new “Matchbox Miniatures Gift Packs” line for 1988 included the MC-10 Set (with 10 random “1-75 Series” models and the MC-20 Set (with 20 random “1-75 Series” models).

The Matchbox Superfast Lasers line for 1988 included the LW-1) Mercury Sedan Police Car, the LW-2) 1982 Pontiac Firebird Coupé, the LW-3) Porsche 928 Coupé, the LW-4) Dodge Daytona Turbo Z Coupé, the LW-5) A.M.G. Mercedes-Benz Coupé, the LW-6) Porsche 935 Coupé, the LW-7) Ford Sierra XR4 Sedan, the LW-8) 1962 Chevrolet Corvette Sports Car, the LW-9) Datsun 280 ZX Turbo Coupé, the LW-10) Turbo Chevrolet Corvette Sports Car, the LW-11) Ferrari 308 GTB Sports Car, the LW-12) Chevrolet Stock Car, the LW-13) 1984 Chevrolet Corvette Sports Car, the LW-14) BMW Cabriolet 323i (with “Alpina” livery), the LW-15) Ford Escort Cabriolet XR3i, the LW-16) Sauber Group C Racer (with “Goodyear” livery), the LW-17) Lamborghini Countach LP 500S Sports Car, the LW-18) Pontiac Firebird Racer, the LW-19) Pontiac Fiero Racer (with “Protech” livery), the LW-20) Nissan 300 ZX Turbo Sports Car, the LW-21) Chevrolet Camaro Iroc-Z Coupé (with “Goodyear” livery), the LW-22) Toyota MR2 Sports Car, the LW-23) Ferrari Testarossa Sports Car, the LW-24) Peugeot Quasar Concept Car, the LW-25) Buick LeSabre Coupé (with “Ken Wells” livery), the LW-26) Cadillac Allante Convertible, the LW-27) Saab 9000 Turbo Sedan (with “Texaco” livery), the LW-28) Rover Sterling Sedan, the LW-29) Ford Thunderbird Turbo Coupé (with “Shell” livery) and the LW-30) Volvo 480ES Hatchback.  There were also “Matchbox Superfast Lasers” track sets in 1988.  These included the LW-100 Big Bang Launcher (a launcher with two lengths of track), the LW-200 Race Set (an oval track with a power booster) and the LW-300 Laser Jet Launcher (which launched cars at high speed).

The Matchbox Skybusters line for 1988 included the SB-1) Learjet (with “Federal Express” livery), the SB-3) NASA Space Shuttle, the SB-4) Dassault-Briguet Mirage F1 Fighter Jet (with “Marines” markings), the SB-9) Cessna 420 Monoplane (with “DHL” markings), the SB-10) Boeing 747 Jumbo Jet (with either “Lufthansa” or “KLM” liveries), the SB-11) Dornier Alpha Jet, the SB-12) “Pitts Special” Biplane, the SB-13) McDonnell-Douglas DC10 Commercial Airliner (with “Thai” Airlines livery), the SB-19) Piper Commanche Monoplane, the SB-20) Helicopter (with RAF markings), the SB-22) Messerschmitt Tornado Fighter Bomber, the SB-23) Concorde Supersonic Airliner (with “Air France” livery), the SB-24) F16A Fighter Jet (with USAF markings), the SB-26) Cessna 210 Float Plane (with Firefighter markings), the SB-27) Hawker Harrier V/STOL Jump Jet (with Royal Navy markings) and the SB-28) A 300 Airbus Commercial Airliner (with “Korean Air” livery).

The Matchbox Super Trucks line for 1988 included 8 diecast models (2 vans, one SUV, 4 pickup trucks and one tow truck) upon huge “monster” wheels.

A brand new product line for 1988 was the “Matchbox Super GT Miniatures,” which offered 40 budget diecast vehicles from the past.  They had black plastic windows and no opening doors, so it was not necessary to fit them with interiors.  Each model came in more than one exterior color.  As with the “Twin Packs” line, this was a great way to stock up on certain models from the past which one did not have in their collection.

The Matchbox Super GT Sport line for 1988 included the Kremer Porsche CK.5, the Kremer Porsche CK.5T (with “Shell” livery), the Pioneer Ferrari 512.BB, the Racing Ferrari (with “Shell” livery), the Pirelli Lancia Rally, the Zakspeed Ford Mustang (with “Duckhams” livery), the Zakspeed Mustang Turbo (with “Michelin” livery), the Chevrolet Chevelle Heuer Racing Pro Stocker, the Total Chevrolet Camaro, the Chevrolet Camaro Turbo (with “Michelin” livery), the Porsche 959.ED Racing and the Porsche Turbo 959 Coupé.

The Matchbox Convoy line introduced a number of special liveries for 1988, and targeted at specific markets.  They included “Unigate Fresh Milk,” “Beefeater,” “Golden Wonder Potato Crisps,” “Royal Mail,” “Pickfords Movers,” “Cadbury’s Fudge,” “Wall’s,” “Tizer,” “Wimpy,” “KitKat,” “Matchbox,” “Kentucky Fried Chicken,” “Heinz Tomato Ketchup,” “7-Up,” “Weetabix,” “Matey Bubble Bath,” “Signal Active Flouride” and “Breakaway.”  The “Matchbox Convoy” line for 1988 included the CY-1) Car Transporter, the CY-2) NASA Rocket Transporter, the CY-11) Helicopter Transporter (with “AirCar” livery), the CY-13) Fire Engine, the CY-15) NASA Tracking Vehicle, the CY-17) Scania Petrol Tanker (with “Shell” livery), the CY-18) Scania Container Truck (with “7-Up” livery), the CY-20) Kenworth Tipper (with “Taylor Woodrow” livery), the CY-21) DAF Aircraft Transporter (with “Airtrainer” livery), the CY-22) DAF Powerboat Transporter, the CY-23) Scania Covered Truck (with “Michelin” livery) and the CY-24) DAF Box Car Truck (with “Ferrari” livery).

The Matchbox Team Convoy line for 1988 included the TC-1) Fire Set, the TC-2) Tanker Set (with “Shell” livery), the TC-3) Construction Set, the TC-4) Cargo Set (with “TNT Ipec” livery), the TC-5) NASA Set, the TC-6) Rescue Set, the TC-7) Pepsi Cola Set, the TC-8) 7-Up Set, the TC-9) Duckhams Oil Set and the TC-10) Fuji Film Set.  Each set contained one “Convoy” truck and from 1 to 2 of the “1-75 Series” models.  The “Matchbox Convoy Truck Stop” play set returned in 1988 as well.

The Matchbox Motorcity line for 1988 included the MC-1) Car Wash (with a car conveyor and sponge cleaners), the MC-2) Petrol Station (with petrol pumps, operating dials and a revolving sign), the MC-3) Pit Stop (with a petrol pump, a timed launcher and a garage bay), the MC-4) Garage (with opening doors and an internal ramp to release cars), the MC-5) Construction Crane (with a swivel for the crane, an elevating jib and a loading ramp) and the MC-6) Conveyor Loader (with a revolving conveyor belt and a loading ramp).

A brand new product for 1988 was the “Matchbox Motorcity 100 Playset.”  This featured a street of shops, a petrol station and a car wash.

The Matchbox Motorcity line of play tracks for 1988 included the MC-200) Motor City Play Track (with a bridge, a petrol station and signs), the MC-300) Motor City Play Track (with a bridge, a petrol station, a car park and signs) and the MC-400) Motor City Play Track (it featured a garage with a working car hoist, a moveable car park barrier, bridges, car parks and signs).

The Matchbox Motorcity Gift Sets line for 1988 included the MC-7) Farm Set (with eight vehicles), the MC-8) Construction Set (with eight vehicles), the MC-11) Car Transporter Set (with a Car Transporter Truck and two cars), the MC-12) Aerobatic Team Set (with an Aircraft Transporter Truck and two helicopters) and the MC-13) Police Set (with a Helicopter Transporter Truck and two vehicles).

The Matchbox Carry Cases for 1988 included the CC-1) 18-Piece Carry Case and the CC-24) Tool Box Carry Case (for 24 of the 1-75 Series vehicles).

The Matchbox Gearshift Garage returned in 1988 as well.  It featured a gear lever which operated a working car wash, raising barriers, lifting ramps, an opening garage door and the dial on the petrol pump.

Two new Matchbox clubs for collectors were established in 1985, but only featured in the annual catalogue for the first time in 1988.  They differed from the old club in being based in the United Kingdom (UK) versus the USA, and in being more professionally run.  One of the new clubs was for children (both boys and girls), and was called the “Junior Matchbox Club.”  Membership included a Club Badge, a Membership Card, a special “Matchbox Club Model,” a free catalogue and at least three “Matchspeak” Newsletters per year.  The annual cost of membership was up greatly in comparison to the old club as well – 6 English Pounds (or about 12 American Dollars).  The second club was geared toward the adult collector community, and was called the “Matchbox International Collectors Association,” or “M.I.C.A.”  It had been founded in January of 1985, and was also based in the United Kingdom.  It had branch offices in Canada (for North America) and Australia as well.  Full colour magazines were printed every other month, “packed with information, articles and colour photographs of rare, current and future models.”  The magazine also enabled members to sell and exchange models with other collectors around the world, using free-of-charge classifed advertisement pages.

The Matchbox Cargantua toy returned in 1988.  This was a rather tall contraption which looked like a robot, included some plastic track, and was able to hold at least 8 of the 1-75 Series models.

The Matchbox Superkings line for 1988 included the K-15) “Londoner” Double Decker Bus (120 mm long and with “London Palladium” livery), the K-25) Digger and Plough (180 mm long and a non-Superfast model), the K-39) Snorkel Fire Engine (278 mm long), the K-44) Bridge Transporter Truck (330 mm long), the K-70) Porsche 911 Turbo Coupé (110 mm long), the K-78) Dodge Monaco US Police Car (139 mm long), the K-81) Suzuki Motorcycle (109 mm long), the K-82) BMW Motorcycle (108 mm long), the K-83) Harley-Davidson Motorcycle (120 mm long), the K-88) Money Box Security Van (137 mm long and with “Fort Knox” livery), the K-90) Matra Rancho SUV (130 mm long), the K-95) Audi Quattro Fastback Sedan (128 mm long), the K-114) Mobile Crane Truck (200 mm long), the K-115) Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16V Sedan (130 mm long), the K-117) Bulldozer Transporter Truck (320 mm long), the K-120) Car Transporter Truck (260 mm long, with “Carrier” livery and with automatic steering), the K-121) Peterbilt Wreck Truck (150 mm long), the K-122) DAF Road Train Tractor-Trailer Truck (330 mm long, with “Eurotrans” livery and with automatic steering), the K-123) Leyland Cement Truck (110 mm long and with automatic steering), the K-124) Mercedes-Benz Container Truck (308 mm long, with “7-Up” livery and with automatic steering), the K-126) Helicopter Transporter Truck (276 mm long, with Royal Navy markings and automatic steering), the K-127) Peterbilt Tanker Truck (135 mm long, with “Total” livery and with automatic steering), the K-128) DAF Aircraft Transporter (238 mm long and with automatic steering), the K-129) Mercedes-Benz Powerboat Launch Transporter Truck (350 mm long, with “Spearhead” livery on boat and with automatic steering), the K-130) Digger Transporter Truck (289 mm long and with automatic steering), the K-131) Petrol Tanker Truck (134 mm long and with “Texaco” livery), the K-132) Fire Engine (170 mm long and with automatic steering), the K-133) Iveco Refuse Truck (150 mm long), the K-134) Fire Spotter Plane Transporter Truck (280 mm long, with “Patrol Unit” markings and with automatic steering), the K-135) Mercedes-Benz Garage Service Station Transporter Truck (306 mm long, with “Texaco” livery and with automatic steering), the K-136) Racing Car Transporter Truck (280 mm long, with “Ferrari” livery and with automatic steering), the K-137) Road Construction Set (320 mm long, with Flatbed Truck and Mercedes-Benz Unimog Pickup Truck), the K-138) Fire Rescue Set (170 mm long, with Fire Engine and Mercedes-Benz Unimog Pickup Truck), the K-139) Iveco Tipper Truck (with “Wimpey” livery and working tipper), the K-140) Car Recovery Vehicle (with working ramp), the K-141) Skip Truck (with “ECD” livery and working skip dumper), the K-142) BMW Police Car (with German “Polizei” markings and a working “Halt” sign), the K-143) Emergency Van (with working “Stop” and “Accident” signs), the K-144) Land Rover SUV (with German “Frankfurter Flughafen” markings and a working “Follow Me” sign), the K-145) Iveco Tipper Truck (365 mm long and with a trailer tipper as well), the K-146) Jaguar XJ6 Sedan (130 mm long), the K-147) BMW 750iL Sedan (127 mm long), the K-148) Crane Truck (148 mm long, with “PEX” livery and with automatic steering), the K-149) Ferrari Testarossa Sports Car (121 mm long and in red), the K-150) Leyland Truck (140 mm long, with “SMF” livery, with 3 backs and with automatic steering), the K-151) Skip Truck (117 mm long and with automatic steering), the K-153) Jaguar XJ6 Police Car (130 mm long), the K-154) BMW 750iL Police Car (127 mm long and with German “Polizei” markings), the K-155) Ferrari Testarossa Sports Car (121 mm long, in yellow and with racing livery), the K-156) Porsche 911 Turbo Coupé (110 mm long and with “elf” racing livery), the K-157) Porsche 944 Coupé (115 mm long), the K-158) Ford Sierra XR4i Sedan Pace Car (127 mm long), the K-159) Iveco Racing Car Transporter Truck (280 mm long, with “Porsche” livery and with automatic steering) and the K-160) Iveco Racing Car Transporter Truck (280 mm long, with “Matchbox Formula Racing Team” livery and with automatic steering).  There were thus 54 Matchbox Super Kings models in 1988, up from 43 in 1987 – and once again the largest offering since 1981.

The Matchbox Models of Yesteryear line for 1988 included the Y-1) 1936 Jaguar SS100 Roadster (on a diorama with “Ye Olde Kings Head” livery), the Y-2) 1930 Bentley 4,5 Litre Supercharged Racing Car, the Y-3) 1912 Model “T” Ford Tanker Truck (with “Castrol Motor Oil” livery), the Y-4) 1930 Duesenberg Model J, the Y-5) 1927 Talbot Van (with “Rose’s Lime Juice Cordial” livery), the Y-6) 1932 Mercedes-Benz Truck (with “Stuttgarter Hofbräu” livery), the Y-7) 1930 Ford Model “A” Breakdown Truck (with “Shell” livery), the Y-8) 1917 Yorkshire Steam Wagon Type WA (with “Johnnie Walker Whisky” livery), the Y-9) 1912 Simplex (on a diorama with “BP Motor Sports” livery), the Y-10) 1957 Maserati 250F Racing Car, the Y-11) 1932 Bugatti Type 51 Racing Car, the Y-12) 1937 GMC Van (with “Goblin” livery), the Y-13) 1918 Crossley Pickup Truck (with either “Waring’s” or “Kohle & Koks” liveries), the Y-14) 1936 E.R.A. “Remus” Racing Car, the Y-15) 1920 London Preston-Type Tram Car (with either “Swan Vestas” or “Swan Soap” liveries), the Y-16) 1957 Ferrari Dino 246/V12 Racing Car, the Y-17) 1938 Hispano-Suiza (on a diorama with “Chocolat Menier” livery), the Y-18) 1920 Atkinson Steam Wagon (with either “Blue Circle Portland Cement” or “Burghfield Mills Reading” liveries), the Y-19) 1929 Morris Van (10 CWT. with either “Brasso” or “Michelin” liveries), the Y-20) 1938 Mercedes-Benz 540K Roadster with Rumble Seat (on a diorama with “Sunlight” livery), the Y-22) 1930 Model “A” Ford Van (with “Lyon’s Tea” livery), the Y-23) 1922 AEC Omnibus (with either “Haig Whisky” or “Kellogg’s Rice Krispies” liveries), the Y-24) 1927 Bugatti T44 Coupé (on a diorama with “Paris Match” livery), the Y-25) Renault AG Van, the Y-26) 1918 Crossley Lorry (with “Gonzalez Byass” livery), the Y-27) 1922 Foden Steam Lorry (with “Tate & Lyle’s Packet Sugar” livery), the Y-28) 1907 Unic Taxi, the Y-29) Walker Van (with “His Master’s Voice” livery) and the Y-30) Mack Truck (with “Kiwi Boot Polish” livery).

A brand new product line for 1988 was the “Matchbox RoadBlasters” line of diecast vehicles.  These were somewhat like the “Adventure 2000? series from the past, and remind one of the “Mad Max” movies starring Mel Gibson as well – combat with missile-armed vehicles in a post-urban desert environment.  They were totally silly from the viewpoint of most adult collectors, but somewhat popular among children of the time.  The RB-2500A “Turbo Force Assortment” included the Thunder-Gunner, the Carpow, the Barrel Bomber, the Speedking, the Street Eater, the Turbo Special, the Road Razor and the Road Raider.  The RB-2500B “Motor Lords Assortment” included the Motor Master, the Streaker, the Tow Nailer, the Stick-Up Pick-Up, the Killer Zee, the Rampager, the Backstabber and the Parasite.  Sets of 3 vehicles each included the RB-2521) A.L.T.R.A.C. (”Air/Land Repair Centre”), the RB-2522) V.A.R.M.I.T. (”Vehicle Armour Redesign and Modular Intelligence Transport”), the RB-2531) T.R.A.P.P.E.R. (”Turbo Force Reconnaisance and Power Reserve”), the RB-2532) M.O.R.G. (”Mobile Operations Resupply Gantry”), the RB-2570) Roadblasters Air Support Squadron and the RB-3000) Roadblasters Rough Terrain Reconnaissance Patrol.  A track set complete with a loop and a jump was the RB-2560) “Run the Gauntlet” set.

The “Action Matchbox” Lineup for 1988

The Action Matchbox lineup for 1988 included the AM-4090 “Power Lifters Assortment” of 12 diecast racing cars (they featured twin speed pull back motors with working spoilers), the AM-5010 “Flashbacks” line of 13 diecast vehilces (an ambulance van and 12 sports cars with “trigger” mechanisms designed to launch the cars) and the AM-2600 “Turbo 2 Assortment” of 12 motorised vehicles.  These included the AM-2601) Pontiac Fiero Coupé, the AM-2602) Peugeot 205 Turbo Hatchback, the AM-2603) Ford Supervan II Minivan, the AM-2604) Racing Porsche Coupé, the AM-2605) Toyota MR2 Sports Car, the AM-2606) Sauber Group “C” Racer and six more of the same models with different exterior colors.  The AM-2400 “Turbo Specials Assortment” included the Firestone Chevrolet Camaro, the Zakspeed Ford Mustang, the Michelin Kremer Porsche, the Goodyear Pro-Stocker Turbo, the Martini Lancia Rally Car, the Pioneer Ferrari 512BB, the Kremer Porsche CK5 Turbo and the Porsche 959 Coupé.  The latter were larger diecast cars also featuring 2-speed friction motors and not requiring batteries.  Finally, the AM-4070 line of “Pocket Rockets” featured four diecast motorcycles and four diecast sports car with exterior colour transfers and friction motors.

1989 Matchbox Model Year: the Purchase of Dinky

The exterior of the 1989 Matchbox color catalogue featured a picture of a “Playtrack” layout within a checkered background (white with red lines).  An almost identical cover would be used in 1990 as well.  In 1989, Matchbox International, Limited of Macao purchased the venerable Dinky brand, which was one of the oldest and the most loved names in British diecast toys.  The nine “Dinky” models could be thought of as an extension to the “Matchbox Models of Yesteryear” line of antique and classic vehicles – being from later model year real-life vehicles.  All Dinky models (unlike the “Models of Yesteryear” vehicles) were 1:43-Scale, just like the original Dinky models from the past).

The Matchbox 1-75 Series for 1989 included the 1) Jaguar XJ6 Sedan, the 2) Rover Sterling Sedan, the 3) Porsche 911 Turbo Coupé, the 4) Austin London Taxi, the 5) Peterbilt Petrol Tanker (with “Shell” livery), the 6) Formula 1 Racing Car, the 7) Porsche 959 Coupé, the 8) Vauxhall Astra / Opel Kadett Police Car, the 9) Caterpillar Bulldozer (a non-Superfast model), the 10) Buick Le Sabre Coupé, the 11) Lamborghini Countach LP500S Sports Car, the 12) Modified Racer, the 13) Snorkel Fire Engine, the 14) Grand Prix Racing Car (with “Shell” livery), the 15) Peugeot 205 Turbo 16 Hatchback, the 16) Land Rover 90 SUV, the 17) London Double-Decker Bus (with “Around London Tour Bus” livery), the 18) Fire Engine, the 19) Peterbilt Cement Truck, the 20) Volkswagen Vanagon Ambulance Transporter, the 21) Breakdown Van, the 22) Saab 9000 Turbo Sedan, the 23) Peterbilt Tipper Truck, the 24) Nissan 300ZX Coupé (with “Fujicolor Film” livery), the 25) Audi Quattro Fastback Sedan, the 26) Volvo Tilt Truck (with “Ferrymasters” livery), the 27) Jeep Cherokee SUV, the 28) Dodge Daytona Turbo Z Coupé, the 29) Shovel Tractor, the 30) Mercedes-Benz Geländewagen SUV (with German “Polizei” markings), the 31) Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud Sedan, the 32) Excavator (a non-Superfast model), the 33) Renault 11 Hatchback, the 34) Ford RS200 Coupé, the 35) Ford Bronco II SUV, the 36) Refuse Truck, the 37) Ford Escort Cabriolet, the 38) Model “A” Ford Van, the 39) BMW 323i Cabriolet, the 40) NASA Rocket Transporter, the 41) Racing Porsche 935 Coupé, the 42) Mobile Crane Truck, the 43) Mercedes-Benz AMG 500SEC Coupé, the 44) Skoda 130LR Rally Car, the 45) Skip Truck, the 46) Sauber Group C Racer (with “Castrol” livery), the 47) School Bus, the 48) Vauxhall Astra GTE Hatchback (with “AC Delco” livery), the 49) Peugeot Quasar Concept Car, the 50) Dodge Dakota Pickup Truck, the 51) Ford LTD Sedan Police Car, the 52) BMW M1 Sports Car, the 53) Ford Flareside Pickup Truck, the 54) Airport Foam Pumper Truck, the 55) Ford Sierra XR 4×4 Sedan, the 56) Volkswagen Golf GTI Hatchback Sedan, the 57) Mission Helicopter, the 58) Mercedes-Benz 300E Sedan, the 59) Porsche 944 Turbo Coupé, the 60) Ford Transit Van (with “Express Parcel Systems” livery), the 61) Ford Thunderbird Turbo Coupé, the 62) Volvo 760 Sedan, the 63) 4 x 4 Pickup Truck, the 64) Dodge Caravan Minivan, the 65) Cadillac Allante Convertible, the 66) Rolls-Royce Sedan, the 67) Ikarus Coach (with “Tourist City Line” livery), the 68) Chevrolet Camaro Coupé, the 69) Volvo 480 ES Hatchback, the 70) Ferrari 308 GTB Sports Car (with “Pioneer” livery), the 71) GMC Wrecker Truck, the 72) Ford Supervan II Minivan (with “Starfire” livery), the 73) Model “A” Ford Coupé, the 74) Toyota MR2 Sports Car and the 75) Ferrari Testarossa Sports Car.  New models revealed with their “Matchbox” numbers (for the first time) were the 24) Lincoln Town Car Limousine, the 31) BMW 5-Series Sedan, the 33) Mercury Sable Station Wagon, the 53) Dump Truck, the 64) Oldsmobile Aerotech Concept Car, the 70) Ferrari F-40 Sports Car, the 73) TV News Truck and the 74) Utility Truck.

The Matchbox Twin Packs line for 1989 included the TP-103) Dodge Cattle Truck and Trailer, the TP-108) Tractor and Trailer, the TP-112) Mercedes-Benz Unimog Pickup Truck with Snowplough and Trailer, the TP-115) Ford Escort Cabriolet with Boat and Trailer, the TP-117) Mercedes-Benz Geländewagen SUV with Horse Box Trailer (with German “Polizei” markings), the TP-120) Volkswagen Golf Hatchback Sedan with Inflatable Boat and Trailer, the TP-121) Land Rover SUV with “Seafire” Speed Boat and Trailer, the TP-122) Porsche 911 Turbo Coupé with Glider and Trailer, the TP-123) BMW 323i Cabriolet with Camping Caravan Trailer and the TP-124) Zoo Truck and Eccles Trailer Caravan.

The Matchbox Theme Packs line of 3-vehicle sets for 1989 included the MP-101) Emergency Set, the MP-102) Construction Set, the MP-103) Airport Fire Set, the MP-104) 4 x 4 Set, the MP-105) Dragster Set, the MP-106) Porsche Set, the MP-107) Farm Set and the TP-108) NASA Set.

The Matchbox Miniatures Gift Packs line for 1989 included the MC-10) Pack of 10 assorted vehicles and the MC-20) Pack of 20 assorted vehicles.

The “Matchbox Super GTs Miniatures” line of 40 budget diecast cars was back in 1989, and with packs for 2, 3 and 10 assorted vehicles as well – the multiple packs were new for 1989.

The Matchbox Super Color Changers line for 1989 featured 12 diecast vehicles from the 1-75 Series line (both past and current models) which could alter their exterior colors.

The “Matchbox Colorchange Skybusters” line for 1989 was brand new, and offered 8 Skybusters models which could also change their exterior colors.

The Matchbox Superfast Lasers line for 1989 featured 24 of the “1-75 Series” models with laser wheels.

The Matchbox Convoy line for 1989 included the CY-15) Peterbilt TV Satellite Vehicle, the CY-17) Scania Petrol Tanker (with “Shell” livery), the CY-Kenworth Tipper Truck, the CY-21) DAF Aircraft Transporter Truck (with “Red Rebels” livery), the CY-22) DAF Power Boat Launch Transporter Truck (with US Coast Guard markings), the CY-23) Scania Covered Truck (with “Michelin” livery), the CY-24) DAF Box Car Truck (with “Ferrari” livery) and the CY-25) DAF Box Truck (with “Pepsi” livery).

The Matchbox Team Convoy line of sets (one Convoy truck and one 1-75 Series model per set) for 1989 included the TC-1) Fire Set, the TC-2) Tanker Set (with “Shell” livery), the TC-4) Cargo Set (with “Express Parcel Systems” livery), the TC-5) NASA Set, the TC-9) XQR Set, the TC-10) Fujicolor Film Set, the TC-11) Pirelli Set and the TC-12) Tizer the Appetizer Set.

The Matchbox Skybusters line for 1989 included the SB-1) Learjet (with “QX-press” livery), the SB-4) Dassault-Briguet Mirage F1 Jet, the SB-9) Cessna 420 Monoplane, the SB-10) Boeing 747 Jumbo Jet (with either ”Aer Lingus” or “Lufthansa” liveries), the SB-11) Dornier Alpha Jet, the SB-12) “Pitts Special” Biplane, the SB-13) McDonnell-Douglas DC10 Commercial Airliner (with “American Airlines” livery), the SB-20) Helicopter, the SB-22) Messerschmitt Tornado Fighter-Bomber Jet, the SB-23) Concorde Supersonic Airliner, the SB-24) F16A Jet (with US Air Force markings), the B-26) Cessna 210 Float Plane (with “Fire” markings), the SB-27) Hawker Harrier V/STOL Jump Jet (with Royal Navy markings), the SB-28) Airbus A300 Commercial Airliner (with “Iberia” livery), the SB-29) Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird Spy Plane and the SB-30) F-14 Tomcat Jet (with US Navy markings).  A nice new accessory for 1989 was the SB-40 fold-out aircraft carrier play mat for “Skybusters” military aircraft.

The Matchbox Motorcity line of small playsets for 1989 included the MC-1) Car Wash, the MC-2) Petrol Station, the MC-3) Pit Stop, the MC-4) Garage, the MC-5) Construction Crane and the MC-6) Conveyor Loader.  A nice new accessory was the “Matchbox Motorcity” MC-100 Garage Playset, which featured a petrol station with pumps, a car park area and a “Convoy” park area for large tractor trailers.  Another great new playset was the “Matchbox Motorcity” MC-150 Airport Playset for “1-75 Series” vehicles and “Skybusters” aircraft.  It featured an aircraft hanger, a runway and a car park area.  The “Matchbox Motorcity Playtrack” sets for 1989 included the S-100) “Smash ‘n Crash” Track Set (a competitive action playset complete with 2 vehicles), the MC-200) Playtrack (with a bridge, a petrol station and signs, the MC-250) Railway Set (with a complete oval railway track, 2 locomotives, carriages, a railway station, a tunnel and a conveyor loader), the MC-300) Playtrack (with a car park, ramps, bridges, a petrol station and signs), the MC-370) Car Wash (with a “super spin” car wash that actually worked), the MC-400) Playtrack (with garage featuring a working car hoist, a moveable car park barrier, a car park area, bridges, signs and even more track), the MC-500) Superset (with track and the ability to construct different buildings with parking areas on multiple levels) and the MC-550) Electronic Service Center (with electronic sound effects, a car lift, a tyre check, a brake check, a pit stop, a petrol station, a garage and parking areas).

The Matchbox Motorcity Gift Sets for 1989 included the MC-7 Farm Set (with a tipper truck and seven vehicles), the MC-8) Construction Set (with a shovel transporter and seven vehicles), the MC-9) Racing Set (with a race car transporter and five vehicles), MC-11) Transporter Set (with a car transporter and two cars), the MC-12) Aerobatic Team Set (with an aircraft transporter and two helicopters) and the MC-13) Police Set (with a helicopter transporter, a wreck truck and a police car).

The Matchbox Motorcity Carry Cases for 1989 included the new CC-14) “Securicar” Carry Case (it looked like a security van, could be locked with a card, storing up to 14 of the 1-75 Series vehicles), the CC-18) for 18 vehicles and the CC-24) “Tool Box” Carry Case for 24 vehicles.

The Matchbox Superkings line for 1989 included the K-1) Kremer Porsche CK5 Racing Car (114 mm long), the K-2) Kremer Porsche CK5 Turbo Racing Car (114 mm long and with “Shell” livery), the K-3) Ferrari 512BB Racing Car (118 mm long and with “Bosch” livery), the K-4) RJ Racing Ferrari 512BB (118 mm long and with “Pioneer” livery), the K-5) Lancia Rallye Car (112 mm long and with “Pirelli” livery), the K-6) Zakspeed Ford Mustang Racing Car (128 mm long and with “Duckhams” livery), the K-7) Zakspeed Ford Mustang Turbo (in yellow and with “Michelin” livery), the K-8) Ferrari F40 Sports Car, the K-9) Ferrari F40 Racing Car (in black and with “Michelin” livery), the K-10) Chevrolet Camaro Turbo Coupé (with “Goodyear” livery), the K-11) Porsche Turbo 959 Racing Coupé (in black and with “Michelin” livery), the K-12) Porsche Turbo 959 Coupé, the K-15) “Londoner” Double Decker Bus (with “Around London Tour Bus” livery), the K-25) Digger and Plough (180 mm long and a non-Superfast model), the K-39) Snorkel Fire Engine (278 mm long), the K-70) Porsche 911 Turbo, the K-78) Dodge Monaco US Police Car, the K-95) Audi Quattro Fastback Sedan, the K-98) Porsche 944 Coupé, the K-114) Mobile Crane Truck (200 mm long), the K-115A) Mercedes-Benz 190E Sedan (in gray), the K-115B) Mercedes-Benz 190E Rally Car (with “Fujifilm” livery), the K-117) Bulldozer Transporter Truck (320 mm long), the K-120) Car Transporter Truck (260 mm long and with “Carrier” livery), the K-121) Peterbilt Wreck Truck (150 mm long and with “City Police” markings), the K-122) DAF Road Train Tractor Trailer Truck (330 mm long and with “Eurotrans” livery), the K-123) Leyland Cement Truck (110 mm long), the K-126) Helicopter Transporter Truck (260 mm long and with “Royal Navy Rescue” markings), the K-129) Mercedes-Benz Power Boat Launch Transporter Truck (350 mm long and with “US Coast Guard” markings), the K-130) Digger Transporter Truck (289 mm long), the K-132) Fire Engine 170 mm long), the K-133) Iveco Refuse Truck (150 mm long), the K-135) Mercedes-Benz Garage Transporter Truck (306 mm long and with “Texaco” livery), the K-136) Iveco Racing Car Transporter Truck (280 mm long and with “Ferrari” livery), the K-139) Iveco Tipper Truck (with “Wimpey” livery), the K-140) Car Recovery Vehicle, the K-141) Skip Truck, the K-142A) BMW 3-Series Sedan Police Car, the K-142B) BMW 3-Series Sedan (with “FINA Pace Car” livery), the K-143) Emergency Ambulance Van, the K-144A) Land-Rover SUV (with German “Frankfurter Flughafen” markings), the K-144B) Land-Rover SUV (with “Road Maintenance” markings), the K-145) Iveco Tipper Truck (365 mm long), the K-146) Jaguar XJ6 Sedan (in red), the K-147) BMW 7-Series Sedan (in gray), the K-148) Mercedes-Benz Crane Truck (148 mm long and with “PEX” livery), the K-149) Ferrari Testarossa Sports Car (in red), the K-150) Leyland Truck (140 mm long and with 3 different backs), the K-153) Jaguar XJ6 Police Car, the K-154) BMW 7-Series Police Car (with German “Polizei” markings), the K-155) Ferrari Testarossa Sports Car (in yellow and with racing livery), the K-156) Porsche 911 Turbo Coupé (with “elf” racing livery), the K-157) Porsche 944 Coupé (in yellow and with racing livery), the K-159) Iveco Racing Car Transporter Truck (280 mm long and with “Porsche” livery), the K-160) Iveco Racing Car Transporter Truck (280 mm long and with “Matchbox” livery”), the K-161) Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit Sedan, the K-162A) Ford Sierra RS500 Cosworth Sedan (in white), the K-162B) Ford Sierra RS500 Cosworth Sedan (in black and with “Texaco” livery), the K-164) Range Rover SUV (in dark blue), the K-165) Range Rover SUV Police Vehicle and the K-166) Mercedes-Benz 190E Taxicab.  The Matchbox Superkings range grew to a total of 64 models in 1989 – once again, the largest number since 1981.

A brand new line of products for 1989 were the “Matchbox Big Movers” range of large-scale diecast metal vehicles.  These were meant to appeal to younger boys, and to compete against the likes of “Tonka” toys.  They included the BM-3400) Small Dump Truck (10 inches long), the BM-3500) Assorted “Stubbies” of 5 Trucks (6 inches long each, and featuring a Tanker Truck, a Cement Truck, a Dump Truck, a Wrecker Truck and a Crane Truck), the BM-3550) Transporter Truck “Stubbies” (11 inches long and with either “IPEC” or “Matchbox” liveries), the BM-3600) 4 x 4 Pickup Truck Road King with Shell (11 inches long), the BM-3610) 4 x 4 Pickup Truck (11 inches long), the BM-3620) “Surf Buggy” Jeep with Surfboard (10 inches long), the BM-3650) Pickup Truck with Camper Shell and Boat on Trailer (22 inches long), the BM-3800) Car Carrier Truck (22 inches long), the BM-3810) Container Truck (22 inches long and with “Midnight X-Press” livery), the BM-3850) Wreck Truck (13 inches long and with “Heavy Salvage” livery) and the BM-3900) Super Dump Truck (14 inches long).

The Matchbox Models of Yesteryear line for 1989 included the Y-1) 1936 Jaguar SS100 Roadster, the Y-2) 1930 Bentley 4,5 Litre Racing Car, the Y-3) 1912 Model “T” Ford Tanker Truck (with “Castrol” livery), the Y-4) 1930 Duesenberg Model J, the Y-5) 1927 Talbot Van (with either “Rose’s Lime Juice Cordial” or “Lyle’s Golden Syrup” liveries), the Y-6) 1932 Mercedes-Benz Truck (with “Stuttgarter Hofbräu” livery), the Y-7) Ford Model “A” Breakdown Truck (with “Shell” livery), the Y-8) 1917 Yorkshire Steam Wagon Type WA (with “William Prichard” livery), the Y-9) 1912 Simplex, the Y-10) 1957 Maserati 250F Racing Car, the Y-11) 1932 Bugatti Type 51 Racing Car, the Y-12) 1937 GMC Van (with “Goblin Electric Cleaners” livery), the Y-13) 1918 Crossley Pickup Truck (with “Waring’s” livery), the Y-14) 1936 E.R.A. “Remus” Racing Car, the Y-15) 1920 Preston Type Tram Car (with either “Swan Vestas” or “Golden Shred” liveries), the Y-16) 1957 Ferrari Dino 246/V12 Racing Car, the Y-17) 1938 Hispano-Suiza, the Y-18) 1920 Atkinson Steam Wagon (with “Burghfield Mills Reading” livery), the Y-19) 1929 Morris Van (with “Brasso” livery), the Y-20) 1938 Mercedes-Benz Roadster with Rumble Seat, the Y-22) 1930 Model “A” Ford Van (with ”Lyon’s Tea” livery), the Y-23) 1922 AEC Omnibus (with either “Kellogg’s Rice Krispies” or “Lifebouy Soap” liveries), the Y-24) 1927 Bugatti T44 Coupé, the Y-25) 1910 Renault AG Van (with “Chocolat Suchard” livery), the Y-26) 1918 Crossley Lorry (with “Gonzalez Byass” livery), the Y-27) 1922 Foden Steam Lorry (with either “Tate & Lyle’s Packet Sugar” or “Joseph Rank Limited” liveries), the Y-28) 1907 Unic Taxi, the Y-29) Walker Van (with “His Master’s Voice” livery) and the Y-30) Mack Truck (with “Kiwi Boot Polish” livery).

1989 marked the first year for the famous “Dinky” line to be included with Matchbox, due to the purchase of Dinky by Matchbox International.  Dinky’s history goes back to 1933, when they were established in England.  They pioneered 1:43-Scale diecast cars and trucks, which were meant to complement “O-Scale” train sets (also of the popular 1:43-Scale).  The “Dinky Collection” for 1989 included the DY-1) 1967 E-Type Jaguar Sports Car, the DY-2) 1957 Chevrolet Bel-Air Hardtop Coupé, the DY-3) 1965 MGB GT Coupé, the DY-4) 1950 Ford E83W 10-cwt Van (with “Heinz 57 Varieties” livery), the DY-5) 1957 Ford V-8 Pilot Sedan, the DY-6) 1951 Volkswagen Deluxe Export Sunroof Sedan, the DY-7)1959 Cadillac Coupé DeVille, the DY-8) 1948 Commer 8-cwt Van (with “Sharp’s Super Kreem Toffee” livery) and the DY-9) 1949 Land-Rover Series 1 Jeep.

The “Matchbox World Class” line for 1989 featured 8 diecast cars of the 1-75 Series scale, but with mirrored windows (thus no detailed interiors), and rubber tyres (versus plastic).  The line included a Porsche 928 Coupé, a Lamborghini Sports Car, a Mercedes-Benz AMG Coupé, 2 Ferrari Sports Cars, a rear-engined Porsche Coupé and a Chevrolet Corvette Convertible.

A brand new product line for 1989 was the “Matchbox Connectables” range of 25 diecast vehicles and/or aircraft.  These were supposed “misfit” models which would make little or no sense in the real world.  They were available in four different sets (one with five models, one with 12, another with seven motorised models and one with a Truck Transporter.

The “Matchbox Power Lifters” line for 1989 included 12 diecast sports cars, coupés and and one pickup truck with operating rear spoilers and “wheelie” action.  The “Matchbox Flashbacks” line for 1989 included one diecast ambulance van and 12 diecast sports cars and coupés with “key car” action.  The 1989 line of “Matchbox Burnin’ Key Cars” featured 12 additional “Key Cars.”  One would insert a key into the back of car, squeeze the key, and then the car would take off.

The Matchbox Lock Ups line for 1989 included 16 diecast cars where the opening doors and wheels could be locked with a key.  The “Matchbox Trick Shifters” line featured 6 diecast cars with a gear shift, enabling the cars to perform wheelies, spin-outs and flip-overs.  The “Matchbox Power Blasters” line for 1989 returned with 6 diecast motorcycles.  Finally, the “Matchbox Turbo Specials” line for 1989 included 8 large diecast cars with 2-speed motors, friction drive, real rubber tyres and highly decorated racing liveries.

1990 Matchbox Model Year: the Launch of “Matchbox Collectibles”

The cover of the 1990 Matchbox catalogue looked very similar to that of the 1989 edition.  This was the very first year when the “Models of Yesteryear” and “Dinky” lines were not in the general catalogue.  They had their own separate catalogue, and were now being marketed largely by mail order (this was before the dominance of the Internet) under the marketing group of “Matchbox Collectibles.”  This was done for a number of reasons, not the least of which was greatly increased competition.  “Corgi” always had a better reputation in the larger diecast models (1:36 and 1:43-Scale), and former “Lesney” employee Jack Odell had launched his own “Lledo” line of toys (”Odell” spelled backwards).  Corgi and Lledo would eventually join forces, marketing “Corgi Classics” and “Lledo Vanguards.”  Paul’s Model Art of Germany would launch the totally new brand of “Minichamps,” – more expensive, but of much higher quality.  “Vitesse” of Portugal was also a major player during this time period, as were “Rio” of Italy and “Gama” of Germany.

The Matchbox 1-75 Series for 1990 included the 1) Jaguar XJ6 Sedan, the 2) Rover Sterling Sedan, the 3) Porsche 911 Turbo Coupé, the 4) Austin London Taxi, the 5) Peterbilt Petrol Tanker Truck (with “Shell” livery), the 6) Formula 1 Racer, the 7) Porsche 959 Coupé, the 8) Vauxhall Astra / Opel Kadett Police Car, the 9) Caterpillar Bulldozer (a non-Superfast model), the 10) Buick Le Sabre Stock Car (with “Shell” livery), the 11) Lamborghini Countach LP500S Sports Car, the 12) Modified Racer, the 13) Snorkel Fire Engine, the 14) Grand Prix Race Car, the 15) Peugeot 205 Hatchback, the 16) Land Rover 90 SUV, the 17) London Double Decker Bus (with “Around London Tour Bus” livery), the 18) Fire Engine, the 19) Peterbilt Cement Truck, the 20) Volkswagen Vanagon Ambulance, the 21) Breakdown Van (with “Auto Relay” livery), the 22) Saab 9000 Turbo Sedan, the 23) Peterbilt Tipper Truck, the 24) Lincoln Town Car Limousine, the 25) Ambulance, the 26) Volvo Truck (with “Pirelli Gripping Stuff” livery), the 27) Jeep Cherokee SUV (with “Mr. Fixer” livery), the 28) Chevrolet Corvette Convertible, the 29) Tractor Shovel, the 30) Mercedes-Benz 280 GE “Geländewagen” SUV (with German “Polizei” markings), the 31) BMW 535i Sedan, the 32) Excavator (a non-Superfast model), the 33) Mercury Sable Station Wagon, the 34) Dodge Challenger Hardtop (with “Toyman” livery), the 35) Ford Bronco II SUV (with Coast Guard markings), the 36) Refuse Truck, the 37) Ford Escort XR3i Cabriolet, the 38) Model “A” Ford Van (with “Matchbox Series” livery), the 39) BMW 323i Cabriolet, the 40) NASA Rocket Transporter, the 41) Racing Porsche 935 Coupé, the 42) Mobile Crane Truck, the 43) 1957 Chevrolet Bel-Air Hardtop, the 44) Skoda 130LR Rally Car, the 45) Skip Truck, the 46) the Sauber Group “C” Racer (with “Shell” livery), the 47) School Bus (with “School District 2? markings), the 48) Opel Kadett GTE Hatchback (with “STP” livery), the 49) Peugeot Quasar Concept Car, the 50) Dodge Dakota Pickup Truck, 51) Ford LTD Sedan Police Car, the 52) BMW M-1 Sports Car (with “Goodyear” livery), the 53) Dump Truck, the 54) Foam Pumper Truck, the 55) Ford Sierra XR4i Sedan (with “Texaco” livery), the 56) 4 x 4 Jeep (with “Golden Eagle” livery), the 57) Helicopter, the 58) Mercedes-Benz 300E Sedan, the 59) Porsche 944 Turbo Coupé, the 60) Ford Transit Van (with “Ryder” livery), the 61) Ford Thunderbird Turbo Coupé, the 62) Volvo Container Truck (with “Federal Express” livery), the 63) 4 x 4 Pickup Truck, the 64) Oldsmobile Aerotech Concept Car, the 65) Cadillac Allanté Convertible, the 66) Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit Sedan, the 67) Ikarus Coach (with “Tourist City Line” livery), the 68) Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z 28 Coupé, the 69) Volvo 480 ES Hatchback, the 70) Ferrari F40 Sports Car, the 71) GMC Wrecker Truck (with “Getty” livery), the 72) Ford Transit Van, the 73) TV News Truck (with “MBTV” livery), the 74) Ford Crane Truck and the 75) Ferrari Testarossa Sports Car.  Some brand new models (for 1991) were released as well, along with their 1-75 Series numbers.  These were the 15) Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sports Car, the 27) Mercedes-Benz Farm Tractor (a non-Superfast model), the 33) Mercedes-Benz 500SL Convertible, the 37) Nissan 300ZX Sports Car, the 39) Mack CH600 Tractor Trailer Cab, the 41) Vauxhall Cavalier / Opel Vectra Sedan, the 44) 1921 Model “T” Ford Van (with “Bird’s Custard” livery), the 54) Chevrolet Lumina Stock Car (with “Matchbox” livery), the 69) Snow Plough Dump Truck and the MB-72) Sprint Racer.

The Matchbox Twin Packs line for 1990 included the TP-103) Dodge Cattle Truck with Trailer, the TP-108) Farm Tractor with Trailer, the TP-112) Mercedes-Benz Unimog Pickup Truck with Snowplough and Trailer, the TP-115) Ford Escort Cabriolet with Boat on Trailer, the TP-117) Mercedes-Benz Geländewagen SUV with Horse Trailer (with German “Polizei” markings), the TP-120) Volkswagen Golf GTI Hatchback with Inflatable Boat on Trailer, the TP-121) Jeep SUV with Speedboat on Trailer, the TP-122) Porsche 911 Turbo Coupé with Glider Trailer and the TP-123) BMW 323i Cabriolet with Camping Caravan Trailer.

The Matchbox Three Packs line for 1990 included the MP-101) Emergency Set (with a Wrecker Truck, an Ambulance and a Police Car), the MP-102) Construction Set (with a Cement Truck, a Skip Truck and a Bulldozer), the MP-103) Airport Fire Set (with a Foam Pumper Set, a Fire Truck and a Helicopter), the MP-104) 4 x 4 Set (with 3 Jeeps), the MP-106) Porsche Set (with 3 Porsche Coupés), the MP-107) Farm Set (with a Dodge Cattle Truck, a Tractor and a Combine Harvester), the MP-108) NASA Set (with a Van, and Tracking Vehicle and a Rocket Transporter Truck) and the MP-109A) Ferrari Set (with 3 Ferrari Sports Cars).

The Matchbox Lasertronic line for 1990 included 12 diecast vehicles with light and sound action.

The Matchbox Convoy line for 1990 included the CY-15) Peterbilt Tracking Vehicle (with “MBTV News” livery), the CY-17) Scania Petrol Tanker (with “Shell” livery), the CY-21) DAF Aircraft Transporter (with “Red Rebels” livery), the CY-22) DAF Powerboat Launch Transporter (with US Coast Guard markings), the CY-24a) DAF Box Car Transporter (with “Ferrari” livery) and the CY-25a) DAF Box Truck (with “Team Pepsi Suzuki” livery).

The Matchbox Team Convoy line for 1990 included the TC-1) Fire Set, the TC-2) Tanker Set (with “Shell” livery), the TC-4 Cargo Set (with “XP Express Parcel Systems” livery), the TC-5) NASA Set, the TC-13) TV News Set (with “MBTV News” livery), the TC-14) Ferrari Set, the TC-15) Pirelli Set and the TC-16) US Coast Guard Set.  Each set featured one “Convoy” model and one “1-75 Series” model, complete in their exclusive liveries.

The Matchbox Skybusters line for 1990 included the SB-1) Learjet (with “QX-press Freight Delivery Service” livery), the SB-4) Dassault-Briguet Mirage F1 Jet (with “Marines” markings), the SB-9) Cessna 420 Monoplane, the SB-10) Boeing 747 Jumbo Jet (with “Lufthansa” livery), the SB-11) Dornier Alpha Jet (with French national colors), the SB-12) “Pitts Special” Biplane, the SB-13) McDonnell-Douglas DC-10 (with “American Airlines” livery), the SB-20) Helicopter, the SB-22) Messerschmitt Tornado Fighter-Bomber Jet (with British markings), the SB-23) “Concorde” Supersonic Airliner, the SB-24) F16A Jet (with US Air Force markings), the SB-26) Cessna 210 Float Plane (with “Fire” markings), the SB-27) Hawker Harrier V/STOL Jump Jet (with US Marine Corps markings), the SB-28) Airbus A300 Commercial Airliner (with “Iberia” livery), the SB-29) Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird Spy Plane (with US Air Force markings), the SB-30) Grumman F-14 Tomcat Carrier-based Jet (with US Navy markings), the SB-31) Boeing 747 Jumbo Jet (with “Cathay Pacific” livery), the SB-32) Fairchild A10 Thunderbolt Fighter Ground-Attack Jet (with US Air Force markings), the SB-33) Bell Jet Ranger Helicopter (with “Sky Ranger” livery), the SB-34) Lockheed A130 Hercules Transporter (with US Coast Guard markings) and the SB-35) MiL Mi-Hind D Helicopter (with Soviet markings).  One brand new model for 1991 was featured, which was the SB-26) Lockheed F-117A “Stealth” Fighter Jet.

The Matchbox Motorcity Gift Sets line for 1990 included the MC-1) Car Wash Set (with a car wash and two cars), the MC-2) Petrol Station (with a petrol station and two vehicles), the MC-3) Pit Stop (with a pit stop and two cars), the MC-4) Garage (with a storage garage and two cars), the MC-5) Construction Crane (with a site crane and a dump truck), the MC-6) Conveyor Loader (with a site conveyor loader and four contruction vehicles), the MC-7) Farm Set (with eight vehicles), the MC-8) Construction Set (with eight vehicles), the MC-9) Racing Set (with six vehicles), the MC-10) 10-variety car pack, the MC-11) Car Transporter Set (with a Car Transporter Truck and two cars), the MC-12) Aerobatic Team Set (with an Aircraft Transporter Truck, a plane and two helicopters), the MC-13) Police Set (with 3 vehicles and a helicopter), the MC-15) Fire Set (with five vehicles and a plane), the MC-20) 20-variety car pack, the MC-100) Motorcity Garage (with a mini garage, a petrol station and a car park area), the MC-150) Motorcity Airport (with a mini airport, an aircraft hangar, a runway and a car park area), the MC-200) Motorcity Playtrack (with a bridge, a petrol station and signs), the MC-250) Motorcity Railway Set (with an oval rail track, a train station, a loading station, two engines and carriages), the MC-300) Motorcity Playtrack (with a car park, ramps, bridges, a petrol station and signs), the MC-400) Motorcity Playtrack (with a garage, car park barriers, bridges, a car park area and more track), the MC-500) Motorcity Superset (with more track and the ability to construct a three-story garage complete with service bays, parking and petrol pumps), the MC-550) Motorcity Electronic Service Centre (a complete service garage with working sound effects), the MC-610) Container Port (with a ship, a crane, a loading platform, roadway and a railway), the MC-620) Construction Yard (with working cranes and one truck), the MC-630) Fold ‘n Go Garage (with petrol pumps, a covered parking lot and moving barriers) and the MC-640) Fold ‘n Go Car Park (with ramps, multi-level parking, a moving lift and barriers).  The one remaining playset in this line was the S-100) “Matchbox Smash ‘n Crash” Track Set (with track, two curves and two vehicles).

The Matchbox Super Kings line for 1990 included the K-1) Kremer Porsche Racing Car (114 mm long), the K-2) Kremer Porsche Racing Car (114 mm long and with “Shell” livery), the K-3) Ferrari 512.BB Racing Car (118 mm long and with “Shell” livery), the K-4) RJ Ferrari 512.BB Racing Car (118 mm long and with “Pioneer” livery), the K-5) Lancia Rallye Car (112 mm long and with “Pirelli” livery), the K-6) Zakspeed Ford Mustang (128 mm long), the K-7) Zakspeed Ford Mustang (128 mm long and with “Michelin” livery), K-8) Ferrari F40 Sports Car (110 mm long), the K9) Ferrari F40 Racing Car (110 mm long and with “Michelin” livery), the K-10) Chevrolet Camaro Turbo (117 mm long and with “Goodyear” livery), the K-11) Porsche 959 “44? Racing Car (110 mm long and with “Michelin” livery), the K-12) Porsche 959 “3? Racing Car (110 mm long and with “Bosch” livery), the K-15) “Londoner” Double Decker Bus (120 mm long and with “Around London Tour Bus” livery), the K-25) Digger and Plough (180 mm long and a non-Superfast model), K-39) Snorkel Fire Engine (280 mm long), the K-70) Porsche 911 Turbo L Coupé (110 mm long), the K-78) Dodge Monaco US Fire Chief Car (139 mm long), the K-95) Audi Quattro Fastback Sedan (128 mm long), the K-98) Porsche 944 Coupé, the K-114) Mobile Crane Truck (200 mm long and with “Cotras” livery), the K-115A) Mercedes-Benz 190E Sedan (130 mm long), the K-115B) Mercedes-Benz 190E Sedan (130mm long and with “Fuji film” Rally livery), the K-121) Peterbilt Wreck Truck (155 mm long and with “City Police” markings), K-123) Leyland Cement Truck (110 mm long, and with man & wheel-barrow figure), the K-126) DAF Helicopter Transporter Truck (276 mm long and with Royal Navy markings), the K-132) Iveco Fire Engine (180 mm long), the K-133) Iveco Refuse Truck (150 mm long and with “ABF” livery), the K-136) Racing Car Transporter Truck (360 mm long and with “Ferrari” livery), the K-139) Iveco Tipper Truck (150 mm long), the K-140) Car Recovery Vehicle, the K-141) Skip Truck, the K-142A) BMW Police Car (135 mm long), the K-143) Bedford Emergency Van Ambulance (130 mm long), the K-144A) Land-Rover SUV (135 mm long and with German “Frankfurter Flughafen” markings), the K-144B) Land-Rover SUV (135 mm long and with “Road Maintenance” markings), the K-145) Iveco Tipper Truck with Trailer (365 mm long), the K-146) Jaguar XJ6L Sedan (130 mm long), the K-147) BMW 7-Series Sedan (125 mm long), the K-148) Mercedes-Benz Crane Truck (148 mm long), the K-149) Ferrari Testarossa Sports Car (115 mm long), the K-150) Leyland Truck with 3 Backs (with “SMF” livery), the K-151) Skip Truck (117 mm long), K-153) Jaguar XJ6L Sedan Police Car (130 mm long), the K-154) BMW 7-Series Police Car (with German “Polizei” markings), the K-156) Porsche 911 Turbo L Coupé (110 mm long and with “Elf” livery), the K-159) Racing Car Transporter Truck (360 mm long and with “Porsche” livery), the K-161) Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit Sedan (135 mm long), the K-162A) Ford Sierra RS500 Cosworth Sedan (127 mm long), the K-162B) Ford Sierra RS500 Cosworth Sedan (127 mm long and with “Texaco” livery), the K-163) Mercedes-Benz Unimog Pickup Truck with Snowplough (135 mm long and with “Schmidt” livery), the K-164) Range Rover L SUV (123 mm long), the K-165) Range Rover SUV Police Car (123 mm long), the K-166) Mercedes-Benz 190E Sedan Taxicab (130 mm long), the 167) Ford Transit Van (115 mm long and with “Suchard” livery), the K-168) Porsche 911 Carrera L Coupé (116 mm long), the K-169) Ford Transit Van Ambulance (115 mm long and with “Air Ambulance” markings), the K-170) JCB 808 Excavator (260 mm long and a non-Superfast model) and the K-171) Toyota 4 x 4 Pickup Truck (130 mm long and with Motorized Tricycle in bed).  The Matchbox Super Kings line thus had a grand total of 58 models in 1990, down from 64 models in 1989.

The Matchbox Connectables line for 1990 featured the CN-100) Micro Connectables Set (with 12 very small-scale models), the CN-300 Connectables Convoy Set (with three “Convoy” model trucks), the CN-500 Set (with five models), the CN-510) Connectables 5-Section “Themed” Vehicle Set (with five long vehicles), the CN-520) Connectables Extender Sets (with four different sets), the CN-530) Connectables Extender Sets (with one large set), the CN-550 Motorised Connectables Set (with six motorised models), the CN-600 Set (with 12 models), the CN-700) Connectables Mini Playsets (with four mini playsets), the CN-800 Super Transporter Set and the CN-810) Copter Set (with a large helicopter and its vehicles).  This line of toys was clearly for smaller children, as none of the vehicles would exist in the real world.

The “Matchbox Superfast-Minis” line for 1990 included 11 diecast cars from the 1-75 Series line augmented with a fifth wheel (which made them faster).  A launcher was also featured as an accessory.

The Matchbox Burning’ Key Cars line for 1990 featured 12 diecast models from the 1-75 Series line augmented with keys.  When the key was inserted in the car and squeezed, the car would take off at a high speed.

The Matchbox Powerblasters line for 1990 featured six large-scale diecast motorcycles.  They came with rip-cord “rev-up” action, front-end shock absorbers, working kick stands and built-in power units.  Each model was six inches long.

The Matchbox Flashbacks line for 1990 included one Ambulance Van and 12 models from the 1-75 Series augmented with key-car features described earlier.  Placing a car at the back of the van would activate its launch at a high speed.

The Matchbox Trickshifters line for 1990 included six large-scale cars with roof-mounted shifters.  The cars could perform seven different stunts, including right and left wheelies, spin-outs, back wheelies and flip-overs.

The Matchbox Lock-ups line for 1990 featured 12 models from the 1-75 Series augmented with keys.  They would lock both the wheels and the passenger doors when turned.

1991 Matchbox Model Year: the Launch of “Graffic Traffic,” “Super Kings Action Series,” “Matchbox 2000? and “Matchbox Railways”

The color cover of the 1991 Matchbox catalogue featured a track and model layout similar (but not identical) to that shown on both the 1989 and 1990 catalogues, but this time the picture covered the entire surface of the front page.  A number of new and/or altered product lines were introduced for 1991, but this would not endure – “Matchbox International” was merely a year or two away from a major corporate sale.  It would alter Matchbox in a way still seen to this very day, and which would disappoint collectors and enthusiasts.

The Matchbox 1-75 Series for 1991 included the 1) Jaguar XJ6 Sedan, the 2) Rover Sterling Sedan, the 3) Porsche 911 Turbo Coupé, the 4) Austin-Rover London Taxi, the 5) Peterbilt Petrol Tanker (with “Shell” livery), the 6) Formula 1 Racer, the 7) Porsche 959 Coupé, the 8) Vauxhall Astra Police Car, the 9) Caterpillar D9 Tractor (a non-Superfast model), the 10) Buick Le Sabre Stock Car (with “Shell” livery), the 11) Lamborghini Countach LP500S Sports Car, the 12) Modified Racer, the 13) Snorkel Fire Engine, the 14) Grand Prix Racing Car, the 15) Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport, the 16) Land Rover 90 SUV, the 17) London Double Decker Bus (with “Around London Tour Bus” livery), the 18) Oshkosh Fire Engine, the 19) Peterbilt Cement Truck, the 20) Volkswagen Vanagon Ambulance, the 21) Breakdown Van (with “Auto Relay” livery), the 22) Saab 9000 Turbo Sedan, the 23) Peterbilt Quarry Truck, the 24) Lincoln Town Car Limousine, the 25) Ambulance, the 26) Volvo Tilt Truck (with “Pirelli” livery), the 27) Mercedes-Benz Farm Tractor, the 28) Chevrolet Corvette Convertible, the 29) Tractor Shovel, the 30) Mercedes-Benz 280 GE SUV (with German “Polizei” markings), the 31) BMW 5-Series Sedan (with “FINA” livery), the 32) Excavator (a non-Superfast model), the 33) Mercedes-Benz 500SL Convertible, the 34) Dodge Challenger Hardtop (with “Toyman” livery), the 35) Ford Bronco II SUV (with “US Coast Guard Beach Patrol Rescue” markings), the 36) Refuse Truck (with “Cleansing Department” markings), the 37) Nissan 300ZX Coupé, the 38) Model “A” Ford Van (with “Matchbox Series” livery), the 39) Mack CH600 Tractor Trailer Cab, the 40) NASA Rocket Transporter, the 41) Vauxhall Cavalier / Opel Vectra Sedan, the 42) Mobile Crane Truck, the 43) 1957 Chevrolet Bel-Air Hardtop, the 44) 1921 Model “T” Ford Van (with “Bird’s Custard” livery), the 45) Ford Cargo Skip Truck, the 46) Sauber Group “C” Racer (with “Shell” livery), the 47) School Bus (with “School District 2? markings), the 48) Vauxhall Astra GTE Hatchback (with “STP” livery), the 49) Peugeot Quasar Concept Car, the 50) Dodge Dakota Pickup Truck, the 51) Ford LTD Police Car, the 52) BMW M1 Sports Car, the 53) Dump Truck, the 54) Chevrolet Lumina Stock Car (with “Matchbox” livery), the 55) Ford Sierra XR4i Sedan (with “Texaco” livery), the 56) 4 x 4 Jeep (with “Golden Eagle” livery), the 57) Mission Helicopter, the 58) Mercedes-Benz 300E Sedan (with German “Polizei” markings), the 59) Porsche 944 Turbo Coupé, the 60) Ford Transit Van (with “Ryder” livery), the 61) Ford Thunderbird Turbo Coupé, the 62) Volvo Container Truck (with “Big Top Circus” livery), the 63) 4 x 4 Open Back Pickup Truck, the 64) Oldsmobile Aerotech Concept Car, the 65) Cadillac Allanté Convertible, the 66) Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit, the 67) Ikarus Coach (with “Tourist City Line” livery), the 68) Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z 28 Coupé, the 69) Snow Plough Dump Truck, the 70) Ferrari F40 Sports Car, the 71) GMC Wrecker Truck (with “Getty” livery), the 72) Sprint Racer, the 73) TV News Truck (with “Sky Satellite Television” livery), the 74) Utility Truck and 75) Ferrari Testarossa Sports Car.  New models to be released early for the 1992 model year included the 1) Jaguar XJ6 Police Car, the 6) Alfa-Romeo SZ Hatchback, the 21) Nissan Prarie Minivan, the 25) Peugeot 206 Turbo 16 Hatchback (with “Bilstein” livery), the 28) BMW 323i Cabriolet, the 34) Ford RS200 Hatchback, the 50) Auxiliary Power Truck, the 52) Isuzu Amigo Pickup Truck, 61) Fork Lift Truck, the 63) Volkswagen Golf GTI Hatchback (with “Abstract” livery) and the 68) Road Roller.

The Matchbox Twin Packs line for 1991 included the TP-103) Dodge Cattle Truck and Trailer, the TP-112) Unimog Pickup Truck with Snowplough and Trailer, the TP-117) Mercedes-Benz Geländewagen SUV with Horse Box Trailer (with German “Polizei” markings), the TP-121) Land-Rover SUV with “Seafire” Speedboat on Trailer, the TP-122) Porsche 911 Turbo Coupé and Glider Trailer, the TP-124) Locomotive and Carriage, the TP-125) Shunter Locomotive and Tipper Car, the TP-126) Farm Tractor and Trailer and the TP-127) BMW 323i Cabriolet and Dinghy on Trailer.

The “Matchbox Promotional Packs” line for 1991 (merely a somewhat altered “Three Packs” line) included the NR-99) Neon Racers (with 2 stock cars), the SB-150) Skybuster Supervalue Pack (with 1 “Skybusters” aircraft and 2 “1-75 Series” cars), the CY-804) Super Value Convoy Truck with 2 “Matchbox 1-75 Series” miniature cars, the KS-804) Buy Two, Get One Free Superking Sport Pack (with 3 “Superkings” stock cars), the KS-810) Supervalue Pack (with one “Super King” and 2 “1-75 Series” miniature cars) and the MB-858) Supervalue Miniature 3-Pack.

A brand new product line for 1991 was the “Matchbox Graffic Traffic” line of sets.  They came with white vehicles and waterproof pens, allowing children to color the cars, clean them and then recolor them.  This line featured the GF-120 Graffic Traffic Set (with either 12 1-75 Series miniature cars or 12 Superkings), the GF-130) 3-Car Pack (with two 1-75 Series miniature cars and one Super King and the GF-140) Graffic Traffic Gift Set (with six vehicles).

The Matchbox Convoy line for 1991 included the CY-2) Kenworth Rocket Transporter (with NASA markings), the CY-13) Fire Engine, the CY-16) Scania Box Truck (with “Goodyear” livery), the CY-17) Scania Petrol Tanker (with “Shell” livery), the CY-20) Kenworth Tipper Truck, the CY-22) DAF Powerboat Launch Transporter (with US Coast Guard markings), the CY-24b) DAF Box Car Truck (with “Porsche” livery), the CY-28) Mack Container Truck (with “Big Top Circus” livery) and the CY-29) Mack Aircraft Transporter (with “Red Rebels” livery).

The Matchbox Team Convoy line for 1991 included the TC-1) Fire Set, the TC-2) Petrol Tanker Set (with “Shell” livery), the TC-13) TV News Set (with “Sky Satellite Television” livery), the TC-14) Ferrari Set, the TC-15) Pirelli Set, the TC-18) US Coast Guard Set, the TC-17) Farm Set and the TC-18) DHL Transport Set.  Each set had one Convoy truck and one 1-75 Series miniature complete with exclusive liveries or markings.

The Matchbox Skybusters line for 1991 included the SB-1) Lear Jet (with “DHL” livery), the SB-3) NASA Space Shuttle, the SB-4) Dassault-Briguet Mirage F1 Jet, the SB-10) Boeing 747 Jumbo Jet (with “Lufthansa” livery), the SB-12) “Pitts Special” Biplane, the SB-13) McDonnell-Douglas DC10 Commercial Airliner (with “American Airlines” livery), the SB-22) Messerschmitt Tornado Fighter-Ground Attack Jet (with RAF markings), the SB-23A) Concorde Supersonic Airliner (with “British Airways” livery), the SB-23B) Concorde Supersonic Airliner (with “Air France” livery), the SB-24) F16A Jet (with US Air Force markings), the SB-27) Hawker Harrier V/STOL Jump Jet (with US Marine Corps markings), the SB-28) Airbus A300 Commercial Airliner (with “Iberia” livery), the SB-29) Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird Spy Plane (with US Air Force markings), the SB-30) Grumman F-14 Tomcat Carrier-based Fighter-Ground Attack Jet (with US Navy markings), the SB-31) Boeing 747 Jumbo Jet (with “Cathay Pacific” livery), the SB-32) Fairchild A10 Thunderbolt Fighter-Ground Attack Jet (with American markings), the SB-33) Bell Jet Ranger Helicopter, the SB-34) Lockheed A130 Hercules Transport Aircraft (with US Coast Guard markings), the SB-35) MiL Mi Hind-D Helicopter (with Soviet markings) and the SB-36) Lockheed F-117A Stealth Fighter Jet (with US Air Force markings).

The Matchbox Motorcity line for 1991 included the MC-1) Car Wash, the MC-2) Petrol Station, the MC-3) Pit Stop, the MC-4) Garage, the MC-5) Construction Crane Site, the MC-6) Conveyor Loader Site, the MC-7) Farm Set (with a “Convoy” Tipper Truck and seven vehicles), the MC-8) Construction Set (with a “Convoy” Shovel Transporter Truck and six construction vehicles), the MC-10) 10-Car Variety Pack, the MC-11) Car Transporter Set (with a Car Transporter Truck and two cars), the MC-12) Aerobatic Team Set (with an Aircraft Transporter Truck and two helicopters), the MC-13) Police Set (with a Helicopter Transporter Truck, a Wrecker Truck and a Police Car), the MC-15) Fire Set (with a “Convoy” Fire Truck, four vehicles and a helicopter), the MC-17) British Airways Set (with two “Skybusters” airliners and three vehicles), the MC-18) Ferrari Set (with a “Convoy” box truck and four racing cars), the MC-20) 20-Car Variety Pack, the MC-23) Porsche Set (with a “Convoy” box truck and four racing cars), the MC-30) 30-Car Variety Pack, the MC-50) Motorcity Bucket of Cars (a plastic bucket with 50 items including vehicles, a playmat, launchers and road signs), the MC-75) Mini Fold ‘N’ Go (with mini-environments including a Garage, a Fire Station, an Emergency Station and a Police Station), the MC-100) Motorcity Garage (with a Petrol Station and Pumps, a Car Park and Playmat), the MC-150) Motorcity Airport (a mini-airport with an aircraft hangar, a runway, a car park area and a playmat), the MC-200) Motorcity Playtrack (with a bridge, a petrol station, signs and miles of track), the MC-300) Motorcity Playtrack (with a car park, ramps, bridges, a petrol station, signs and miles of track), the MC-400) Motorcity Playtrack (with a garage, a working car hoist, a moveable car park barrier, bridges, two car park areas, signs and miles of track), the MC-500) Motorcity 500 Superset (with a tri-level parking system), the MC-510) Super Transport Set (with roadway, buildings, railway track, train carriages, a train station, a goods yard, a conveyor, an airport building and a playmat), the MC-550) Motorcity Electronic Service Centre (with a garage complete with sound effects, a car lift, a tyre check, a brake check, a pit stop, a petrol station, a garage, parking and a playmat), the MC-610) Container Port (with a container ship, a working crane, rail track, a diesel shunter locomotive and a roadway), the MC-620) Construction Yard (with a multi-storey site, a giant working crane & jib, a moving lift and a loading funnel), the MC-630) Fold ‘N’ Go Garage (with petrol pumps, a covered parking lot and moving barriers), the MC-640) Fold ‘N’ Go Carpark (with ramps, multi-level parking, a moving lift and barriers) and the MC-890) Motorcity Action Packs (with Emergency, Construction and Breakdown theme packs).  The remaining set was the SS100) Smash ‘n’ Crash (a competitive action play set complete with two vehicles).

The “Matchbox Lightning” line for 1991 included at least 10 high-speed miniature diecast cars and launchers and drag strips.

The Matchbox Super Kings line for 1991 was somewhat altered, with brand new “themes.”  The “Matchbox Super Kings Action Series Construction” line for 1991 included the CS-1) Bulldozer (a non-Superfast model), the CS-2) Ford Transit Van (with “Miller Construction Company” livery), the CS-3) Leyland Cement Truck, the CS-4) Skip Truck, the CS-5) Mercedes-Benz Unimog Tar Srayer Truck, the CS-6) Tipper Truck, the CS-7) Digger and Plough (a non-Superfast model), the CS-8) Mobile Crane Truck, the CS-9) JCB 808 Excavator (a non-Superfast model), the CS-10) Digger Transporter Truck and the CS-11) Mercedes-Benz Pipe Transporter Truck.  The “Matchbox Super Kings Action Series Emergency” line for 1991 included the EM-1) Dodge Monaco Sedan US Police Car, the EM-2) Matra Rancho SUV (with “Fire Control Unit” markings), the EM-3) Jaguar XJ6 Sedan Police Car, the EM-4A) BMW 7-Series Sedan Police Car, the EM-5) Fire Engine, the EM-6) Range Rover SUV Police Car, the EM-7) Ford Transit Van Ambulance, the EM-8) Peterbilt Wreck Truck towing Porsche 944 Coupé, the EM-9) Helicopter Transporter Truck (with US Coast Guard markings), the EM-10) Snorkel Fire Engine, the EM-11) Fire Spotter Plane Transporter Truck, the EM-12) Mercedes-Benz Power Boat Launch Transporter Truck (with US Coast Guard Markings) and the EM-50) Emergency Gift Set (with a Snorkel Fire Engine, a Ford Transit Van Ambulance, a BMW 7-Series Sedan Police Car, a Helicopter and a Float Plane).  The “Matchbox Action Series Superkings” line for 1991 included the K-1) Kremer Porsche CKS Racecar, the K-3) Ferrari 512BB Racecar (with “Shell” livery), the K-6) Zakspeed Ford Mustang Stock Car (with “Pirelli” livery), the K-8) Ferrari F40 Sports Car, the K-10) Chevrolet Camaro Turbo Stock Car (with “Goodyear” livery), the K-11) Porsche 959 ED Racing Car (with “Michelin” livery), the K-15) London Double Decker Bus (with “Around London Tour Bus” livery), the K-95) Audi Quattro Fastback Sedan Pace Car (with “Pirelli” livery), the K-98) Porsche 944S Coupé, the K-115A) Mercedes-Benz 190E Sedan, the K-115B) Mercedes-Benz 190E Sedan Rally Car (with “Fuji Film” livery), the K-133) Iveco Refuse Truck (with “ABF” livery), K-136) Racing Car Transporter (with “Ferrari” livery), the K-146) Jaguar XJ6 Sedan, the K-147) BMW 7-Series Sedan, the K-149) Ferrari Testarossa Sports Car, the K-159) Racing Car Transporter (with “Porsche” livery), the K-161) Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit Sedan, the K-162B) Ford Sierra RS500 Cosworth Sedan (with “Texaco” livery), the K-162C) Ford Sierra RS500 Cosworth Sedan (with “Gemini” livery), the K-163) Mercedes-Benz Unimog Snowplough (with “Schmidt” livery), the K-164) Range Rover SUV (with “Africa Safari Tours” livery), the K-166) Mercedes-Benz 190E Taxicab, the K-167) Ford Transit Van (with “Surf ‘n Sun” livery), the K-168) Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Coupé, the K-171) Toyota Hi-Lux Pickup Truck (with Offroad Trike on Bed) and the K-172) Mercedes-Benz 500SL Sports Car.  There were thus a grand total of 52 Matchbox Super Kings models for 1991, down from 58 models in 1990 and from 64 in 1989.

The Matchbox Models of Yesteryear line for 1991 included the Y-1) 1936 Jaguar SS100 Roadster, the Y-5) 1929 Leyland Titan TD1 Double-Decker Bus (with “Newcastle Brown Ale” livery), the Y-12) 1937 GMC Van (with “Goanna” livery), the Y-15) 1920 Preston Type Double-Decker Tramcar (with “Zebra Grate Polish” livery), the Y-22) 1933 Model “A” Ford Van (with “Pratt’s Anglo-American Oil Company, Limited” livery), the Y-23) 1930 Mack Tanker Truck (with “Conoco” livery), the Y-28) 1907 Unic Taxi, the Y-40) 1931 Mercedes-Benz Type 770 Limousine, the Y-41) 1932 Mercedes-Benz Truck (with “Howaldtswerke A.G. Kiel” livery), the Y-42) 1938 Albion 6-Wheeler Flatbed Truck (with “Libby’s” livery), the Y-43) 1905 Busch Steam Fire Engine, the Y-44) 1910 Renault Bus, the Y-45) 1930 Bugatti Royale Limousine, the Y-47) 1929 Morris Van (with “Chocolat Lindt & Sprüngli” livery) and the Y-48) 1868 Merryweather Horse-Drawn Fire Engine.

The Dinky Collection line for 1991 included the DY-1) 1967 E-Type Jaguar Convertible, the DY-5) 1949 Ford V-8 Pilot Sedan, the DY-6) 1951 Volkswagen Deluxe Sunroof Sedan, the DY-7) 1959 Cadillac Coupé Deville, the DY-8) 1948 Commer 8-cwt. Van, the DY-9) 1959 Land-Rover, the DY-15) 1952 Austin A40 Van (with “Dinky Toys” livery), the DY-20) 1965 Triumph TR4A-IRS Convertible, the DY-21) 1964 Mini Cooper “S” Hatchback, the DY-22) 1952 Citroen 15CV Sedan, the DY-23) 1956 Chevrolet Corvette Sports Car, the DY-24) 1973 Ferrari Dino 246 GTS Sports Car, the DY-25) 1958 Porsche 356A Coupé, the DY-26) 1957 Studebaker Golden Hawk Hardtop and the DY-27) 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible.  Over the entire history of the Matchbox Models of Yesteryear and Matchbox Dinky Collection lines, the Models of Yesteryear featured vehicles of 1820 to 1960 vintage, and the Dinky line featured those newer classics of 1939 to 1973 vintage.  Some of the oldest Models of Yesteryear diecasts were steam and horse-drawn vehicles.

The brand new “Matchbox 2000? product line in 1991 featured futuristic miniature vehicles of the 1-75 Series size (or circa 1:64-scale).  The line included 12 diecast vehicles, accessory sets including the NA-821) Vertical Service Centre (with a “Food Express” service area), the NA-822) Robotic Positioning Module (with three different automotive repair areas), the NA-830) Mag-Lev Test Track (featuring a verticle vehicle launcher with automatic loading, light, sound, an emergency alarm, adjustable speed controls, a complete loop of track plus check test and repair facilities) and the NA-850) “Energiser Key” (similar to the “Matchbox Key Cars”).

The Matchbox Connectables line for 1991 included the CN-100) Micro-Connectables Series (18 very small miniatures of circa 1:87-Scale), the CN-300) Convoy Connectables (featuring six trucks), the CN-500) Connectables 5-Section Series (with 12 vehicles including cars, trucks and planes), the CN-510) Connectables Action Series (with six long hybrid vehicles), the CN-530/CN-570) Extender Sets (with additions to existing vehicles), the CN-580 Aviation Series (12 hybrid diecast land-air vehicles), the CN-590 Light and Sound Series (three “Convoy” type trucks), the CN-630) Connectables Bucket (a large plastic bucket with an assortment of vehicles from the different series), the CN-700) Connectables Mini Playsets (with four different environments, including a “lube and tune” repair center), the CN-750) 8-Section Power Bloc (a heavy-duty truck meant to haul other vehicles), the the CN-760) 15-Section Power Bloc (the same heavy duty truck, but with more vehicles to haul), the CN-770) 25-Section Power Bloc (the same heavy duty truck with still more vehicles to haul) and the CN-810) Copter (a huge helicopter with smaller vehicles to fit therein).

The brand new “Matchbox Railways” line for 1991 featured a range of toy trains positioned in between those meant for small pre-school children and those meant for adult collectors or enthusiasts.  There were two sets, including the TN-50) Big Boxed Set (with a carry case, two twin track layout panels, a tank engine, a carriage, an ore truck, a tunnel, two signals, two track side directors, two scenic panels and a buffer) and the TN-100) Giant Boxed Set (with a carry case, three twin track layout panels with six meters of track, two trains, a “Santa Fé” diesel locomotive, a tank engine, a carriage, an ore truck, a guards van, three scenic back panels, two signals, two track side directors, a twin track tunnel and a buffer).  Both sets required AA batteries (one for the smaller set and two for the larger one).

The Matchbox Big Movers line for 1991 included the BM-3400) Small Dump Truck (10 inches long), the BM-3500) five “Stubbies” (each vehicle 6 inches long), the BM-3800) Car Carrier (22 inches long and with two cars), the BM-3850) Wreck Truck (13 inches long) and the BM-3900) Super Dump Truck (14 inches long).  This last line of toys was meant to compete with the likes of “Tonka” toys.

1992 Matchbox Model Year: the Purchase by Tyco Toys

Matchbox toys were owned by their English founders of Lesney Products from 1947 until bankruptcy in June 1982, when they were taken over by Mr. David Yeh of Universal Toys, thus founding “Matchbox International” of Macao.  The profitable Matchbox International was then sold to Tyco Toys in May 1992.  Tyco had been founded by one John Tyler in Woodbury Heights, New Jersey (USA) in 1926.  They manufactured “Ho-Scale” (1:87) model trains, electric slot trucks, the “View Master” toy, the “Ideal Nursery” line of dolls, toy airplanes, “Sesame Street” items and Disney’s “Little Mermaid” dolls.  With this change, most of the Matchbox product lines ceased to exist, and the premium lines of “Models of Yesteryear,” “Dinky” and “Super Kings” became even more rare and harder to come by – with new releases occurring less frequently, with fewer models and smaller volumes.  This would still hold true after 1997, when Tyco was purchased by Mattel.  The situation remains the same to this day.

The Matchbox 1-75 Series for 1992 included the 1) Jaguar XJ6 Police Car, the 2) Rover Sterling Sedan, the 3) Porsche 911 Turbo Coupé, the 4) Austin-Rover London Taxi, the 5) Peterbilt Petrol Tanker (with “Shell” livery), the 6) Alfa-Romeo SZ Coupé, the 7) Porsche 959 Coupé, the 8) Vauxhall Astra / Opel Kadett Police Car, the 9) Bulldozer (a non-Superfast model), the 10) Buick LeSabre Stock Car (with “Shell” livery), the 11) Lamborghini Countach Sports Car, the 12) Dodge Cattle Truck, the 13) Snorkel Fire Engine, the 14) Racing Car, the 15) Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sports Car, the 16) Land Rover 90 SUV, the 17) London Double-Decker Bus, the 18) Fire Engine, the 19) Peterbilt Cement Truck, the 20) Volkswagen Vanagon Ambulance, the 21) Nissan Prarie Minivan, the 22) Saab 9000 Turbo Sedan, the 23) Peterbilt Quarry Truck, the 24) Fire Tender, the 25) Peugeot 205 Turbo Hatchback (with “Pioneer” livery), the 26) Volvo Tilt Truck (with “Pirelli” livery), the 27) Mercedes-Benz 1600 Turbo Tractor, the 28) Ford Thunderbird Coupé, the 29) Tractor Shovel, the 30) Mercedes-Benz 280GE Geländewagen SUV (with “24 Hours Towing Rescue” livery), the 31) BMW 3-Series Sedan (with “Fina” livery), the 32) Excavator (a non-Superfast model), the 33) Mercedes-Benz 500SL Roadster, the 34) Ford RS-200 Hatchback, the 35) Ford Bronco II SUV, the 36) Refuse Truck, the 37) Nissan 300ZX Coupé, the 38) Ford Courier Van (with “Milka Milk Chocolate” livery), the 39) Mercedes-Benz 600SEL Sedan, the 40) NASA Rocket Transporter, the 41) “Sunburner” Roadster, the 42) Mobile Crane Truck, the 43) 1957 Chevrolet Bel-Air Hardtop, the 44) 1921 Model “T” Ford Van (with “Bird’s Custard” livery), the 45) Ford Skip Truck, the 46) Porsche Sauber Group “C” Racer (with “Grand Prix” livery), the 47) School Bus, the 48) Vauxhall Astra GT / Opel Kadett Hatchback (with “STP” livery), the 49) Lamborghini Countach Sports Car, the 50) Auxiliary Power Truck (with “Fire Rescue Department” markings), the 51) Ford LTD Sedan US Police Car, the 52) Isuzu Amigo Pickup Truck, the 53) Dump Truck, the 54) Chevrolet Lumina Stock Car (with “Matchbox” livery), the 55) Ford Sierra XR4i Sedan, the 56) Ford LTD Sedan US Taxi, the 57) Mission Helicopter, the 58) Mercedes-Benz 300E Sedan (with German “Polizei” markings), the 59) Porsche 944 Turbo Coupé, the 60) Ford Transit Van (with “Cadbury’s Flake” livery), the 61) Fork Lift Truck, the 62) Volvo Container Truck (with “Big Top Circus” livery), the 63) Steam Locomotive, the 64) Oldsmobile Aerotech Concept Car, the 65) Cadillac Allante Convertible, the 66) Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit Sedan, the 67) Ikarus Coach (with “España” livery), the 68) Road Roller, the 69) Maintenance Dump Truck with Snowplough, the 70) Ferrari F40 Sports Car, the 71) GMC Wrecker Truck (with “Getty” livery), the 72) Sprint Racer, the 73) TV News Truck (with “Satellite Television” livery), the 74) Ford Utility Truck with Crane and the 75) Ferrari Testarossa Sports Car.

The “Matchbox Team” line for 1992 (merely the renamed “Matchbox Twinpacks” line) included the TP-122) Porsche 911 Turbo Coupé and Gilder Trailer, the TP-124) Locomotive and Carriage, the TP-125) Diesel Shunter Locomotove and Tipper Carriage, the TP-126) Mercedes-Benz 1600 Turbo Farm Tractor and Trailer, the TP-128) Volvo Container Truck and Trailer (with “Big Top Circus” livery), the TP-129) Isuzu Amigo Pickup Truck and Powerboat Trailer, the TP-130) Land Rover 90 SUV and Horse Box Trailer and the TP-131) Mercedes-Benz 280G “Geländewagen” SUV and Dinghy on Trailer (with “Marina Rescue” markings).

The Matchbox Convoy line for 1992 included the CY-1) Car Transporter, the CY-2) Kenworth NASA Rocket Transporter, the CY-9) Kenworth “Midnight Express” Transporter, the CY-9B) Kenworth Box Truck (with “Cool Paint Company” livery), the CY-24) Kenworth Box Car Transporter (with “Porsche” livery), the CY-28) Mack Container Truck (with “Big Top Circus” livery), the CY-35) Mack Tanker Truck (with “Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice” livery) and the CY-36) Kenworth Box Car Transporter (with “Trick Trucking” livery).

The Matchbox Team Convoy line for 1992 included the TC-1) Fire Set, the TC-2) Tanker Set (with “Shell” livery), the TC-14) Ferrari Set, the TC-15) Porsche Set, the TC-16) US Coast Guard Set, the TC-17) Farm Set (with “Eurobran” livery) and the TC-18) DHL Transport Set.  Each set featured one “Convoy” truck and one “1-75 Series” miniature vehicle, complete with exclusive markings or liveries.

The Matchbox Graffic Traffic line for 1992 included the GF-140 Gift Set (with an aircraft, a “Convoy” truck and five miniature vehicles), the GF-150) Airport Set (with a Biplane and a Ford Model “A” Van), the GF-160) Hot Neon Set (with a sports car), the GF-190) Graffic Magic Set (with four vehicles including a Rover Sterling Sedan, a Ford Courier Van, a London Double-Decker Bus and a Porsche Racing Car, the GF-200) Graffic City Set (with a Fire Truck, a Van and a Building) and the GF-300) Large Graffic City Set (with a Fire Truck, an Ambulance, a Steam Locomotive, a Train Carriage Car and Buildings).  Each set featured white vehicles and/or buildings which could be colored with included pens.

A brand new product for 1992 was the “Matchbox Constuction Action Team” line of 1-75 Series or Convoy scale.  The available sets included the CS-61) Mack Shovel Transporter Truck, the CS-62) Mack Pipe Transporter Truck, the CS-63) Kenworth Tipper Truck, the CS-64) Grove Crane Truck, the CS-71) Mobile Squad (with a Mack Shovel Transporter Truck, a Fork Lift Truck and a Skip Truck), the CS-75) Heavy Duty Squad (with a Grove Crane Truck, a Skip Truck, a Cement Truck, a Tipper Truck, a Shovel Nose Tractor and a Bulldozer), the CS-81) Bulldozer and Shovel Nose Tractor, the CS-82) Tipper Truck and Excavator, the CS-90) 30-Piece Carry Pack and the CS-520) Construction Zone (with playtrack and a 3-level building).

Another brand new product for 1992 was the “Matchbox Emergency Action Team” line of sets, very similar to the “Construction Action Team” line of toys.  These included the EM-61) Mack Helicopter Transporter Truck (with Police markings), the EM-62) Fire Engine Truck, the EM-63) Coast Guard Powerboat Launch Transporter Truck, the EM-64) Peterbilt Rescue Centre, the EM-71) Action Police (with a Mack Helicopter Transporter Truck, a Jaguar XJ6 Police Car and a Land Rover 90 SUV Police Vehicle), the EM-75) Action Fire (with a “Convoy” Fire Engine Truck, a small Fire Engine, a Helicopter, a Police Car and a Fire Chief SUV towing a Dinghy), the EM-81) Snorkel Truck and Foam Pumper Truck, the EM-82) Matra Rancho Rescue SUV with Dinghy and Ford Wreck Truck, the EM-90) 30-Piece Carry Pack and the EM-660) Electronic Rescue Station (a playset with a 2-story emergency center and parking).

Yet another brand new product for 1992 was the “Matchbox Hotfoot Racers” line of cars.  This featured four different diecast car models activated by a foot-powered pump.

The Matchbox Skybusters line for 1992 included the SB-3) NASA Space Shuttle, the SB-10) Boeing 747 Jumbo Jet (with “Lufthansa” livery), the SB-13) McDonnell-Douglas DC-10 Commercial Airliner (with “KLM” livery), the SB-22) Messerschmitt Tornado Fighter-Bomber Jet (with RAF markings), the SB-23A) Concorde Supersonic Airliner, the SB-24) F16 A Jet (with US Air Force markings), the SB-27) Hawker Harrier V/STOL Jump Jet (with US Marine Corps markings), the SB-28) Airbus A300 Commercial Airliner (with “Iberia” livery), the SB-30) Grumman F-14 Tomcat Carrier-based Jet (with US Navy markings), the SB-31C) Boeing 747-400 Jumbo Jet, the SB-32) Fairchild A10 Thunderbolt Fighter-Ground Attack Jet (with American markings), the SB-33) Bell Jet Ranger Helicopter, the SB-34) Lockheed A130 Hercules Transporter (with US Coast Guard markings), the SB-35) MiL Mi-Hind D Helicopter (with Soviet markings), the SB-36) Lockheed F-117A Stealth Jet Fighter (with US Air Force markings), the SB-38B) B.AE 146 Commercial Airliner (with “Thai” Airline markings), the SB-39) Boeing Stearman Biplane and the SB-40B) Boeing 737-300 Commercial Airliner (with “Lufthansa” markings).  There were also some brand new gift sets, including the MC-24) Red Arrow Set (with two Aircraft, a Helicopter and two vehicles), the SB-37) Hawk Jet Set, the CY-108) Low Loader “Convoy” Truck and Hawk Jet Set and the MC-160) Squadron Headquarters Set (a playset with a miniature airport, two Jets, a Helicopter, two SUVs and a “Convoy” Truck).

The Matchbox Motorcity line for 1992 included the MC-7) Farm Set (with eight vehicles), the MC-8) Construction Set (with eight vehicles), the MC-10) 10-Variety Car Pack, the MC-15) Fire Set (with five vehicles and an aircraft), the MC-17) British Airways Set (with two aircraft and three vehicles), the MC-18) Ferrari Set (with a “Convoy” truck and four cars), the MC-20) 20-Variety Car Pack, the MC-23) Porsche Set (with a “Convoy” truck and four cars), the MC-50) Motorcity Carry Pack (with 50 pieces, including vehicles, in a plastic container), the MC-71 to 74) Mini Fold ‘n’ Go Sets (four different sets, including a Service Garage, a Police Station, an Ambulance Emergency Station and a Fire Station), the MC-100) Motorcity Garage, the MC-150) Motorcity Airport, the MC-200) Motorcity Playtrack, the MC-211) Additional Track Set, the MC-213) Additional Track Set (with more track than the MC-211 Set), the MC-300) Motorcity Playtrack (with more track and accessories than the MC-200 Set), the MC-330) Minitronic Playset with playtrack, the MC-400) Motorcity Playtrack (with more track and accessories than the MC-300 Set), the MC-500) Motorcity Superset (with more track and accessories than the MC-400 Set, including a 3-level building), the MC-520) Building Zone Playset (with a 3-story construction site), the MC-550) Electronic Service Centre Playset, the MC-560) Intercom City (a playmat with realistic sounds and voices, featuring buildings and streets), the MC-570) Choice of four Sets each with three Vehicles (themed on Construction, Fire Rescue, Public Utility Service and Police), the MC-610) Container Port Playset, MC-630) Fold ‘n’ Go Garage Playset, the MC-640) Fold ‘n’ Go Car Park Playset, the MC-660) Electronic Rescue Station Playset, the MC-700) “Mini-Tronics” set of four playsets (a carwash, an automotive service center, a construction crane and a construction loading elevator), the MC-803) Circus Set, the MC-804) Big Circus Set and the SS-100) Smash ‘n’ Crash Competitive Track Set.

The brand new 1992 line of “Matchbox Alarm Cars” featured four diecast cars (two Ferraris and two Porsches) which could be locked with a key.  The new “Matchbox Thunder Machines” line featured six different diecast cars also with keys.  These keys made engine noises and propelled the cars forward.  The new “Matchbox Lightning” line for 1992 featured 12 diecast cars also controlled with keys.  Three competitive track sets were also offered.

The brand new 1992 line of “Matchbox Motor World” toys featured very small diecast cars (circa 1:87 or “Ho” scale) with three playsets (one sea transport set, one air transport set and one road transport set).

The Matchbox Super Kings line for 1992 continued with the idea of the “themed” vehicles launched in 1991.  The “Matchbox Super Kings Action Farming” line included the FM-1) Range Rover SUV (with a farmer and 3 animals), the FM-2) Muir Tractor and Back Shovel (a non-Superfast model), the FM-3) Shovel Tractor (a non-Superfast model with 3 model pigs), the FM-4) Toyota Hilux Pickup Truck (with a model cow), the FM-5) Muir Tractor and Trailer (a non-Superfast model), the FM-6) Massey-Ferguson Tractor and Trailer (a non-Superfast model), the FM-7) Massey-Ferguson Tractor and Rake (a non-Superfast model) and the FM-9) Farm Set (a Massey-Ferguson Tractor and Trailer complete with a farmer, farm animals, hay, milk containers and fencing).  The “Matchbox Super Kings Construction” line for 1992 included the CS-1) Bulldozer (a non-Superfast model), the CS-2) Ford Transit Van (with “Miller Construction Company” livery), the CS-3) Leyland Cement Truck, the CS-4) Skip Truck, the CS-5) Mercedes-Benz Unimog Tar Sprayer Truck, the CS-6) Tipper Truck, the CS-7) Digger and Plough (a non-Superfast model), the CS-8) Mobile Crane Truck, the CS-9) JCB 808 Excavator (a non-Superfast model), the CS-10) Digger and Plough Transporter Truck and the CS-11) Mercedes-Benz Pipe Transporter Truck.  The “Matchbox Super Kings Emergency” line for 1992 included the EM-1) Dodge Monaco Sedan US Police Car, the EM-2) Matra Rancho SUV (with “Fire Control Unit” markings), the EM-3) Jaguar XJ6 Police Car, the EM-4A) BMW 730 Police Car, the EM-5) Fire Engine Truck with Ladder, the EM-6) Range Rover SUV Police Car, the EM-7) Ford Transit Van Ambulance, the EM-8) Peterbilt Wreck Truck towing Porsche 944 Turbo Coupé, the EM-9) Helicopter Transporter Truck (with US Coast Guard markings), the EM-10) Snorkel Fire Engine, the EM-11) Fire Spotter Plane Transporter Truck, the EM-12) Mercedes-Benz Powerboat Launch Transporter Truck (with US Coast Guard markings), the EM-13) Fire Department Helicopter, the EM-14) Suzuki Santana SUV Police Car and the EM-50) Emergency Gift Set (with a Snorkel Fire Engine, a Fire Spotter Floatplane, a Ford Transit Van Ambulance, a Helicopter and a BMW 730 Police Car).  The regular “Matchbox Super Kings” line for 1992 included the K-1) Kremer Porsche CKS Racing Car (with “Puma” livery), the K-3) Ferrari F512BB Racing Car (with “Shell” livery), the K-6) Zakspeed Ford Mustang (with “Pirelli” livery), the K-8) Ferrari F40 Sports Car, the K-10) Chevrolet Camaro Turbo Coupé (with “Goodyear” livery), the K-11) Porsche 959 ED Racing Car (with “Michelin” livery), the K-15) “Londoner” Double Decker Bus (with “Around London Tour Bus” livery), the K-95) Audi Quattro Fastback Sedan (with “Pirelli” livery), the K-98) Porsche 944 Turbo Coupé, the K-115A) Mercedes-Benz 190E Sedan, the K-115B) Mercedes-Benz 190 Sedan (with “Fuji” film livery), the K-133) Iveco Refuse Truck (with “ABF” livery), the K-136) Racing Car Transporter (with “Ferrari” livery), the K-146) Jaguar XJS Sedan, the K-147) BMW 7-Series Sedan, the K-149) Ferrari Testarossa Sports Car, the K-159) Racing Car Transporter (with “Porsche” livery), the K-161) Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit Sedan, the K-162B) Ford Sierra RS500 Cosworth Sedan (with “Texaco” livery), the K-162C) Ford Sierra RS500 Cosworth Sedan (with “Gemini” livery), the K-166) Mercedes-Benz 190E Sedan Taxicab, the K-168) Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Coupé, the K-172) Mercedes-Benz 500SL Sports Car, the K-173) Lamborghini Diablo Sports Car and the K-179) Suzuki Santana Pickup Truck.  There were thus 59 “Matchbox Super Kings” in 1992, slightly up from 52 models in 1991.  After 1992, Super Kings would be nothing more than infrequent promotional collector toy cars.

The Matchbox Connectables line for 1992 included the “Basic 1? line (20 diecast models), the “Basic 2? line (14 somewhat more elaborate and/or larger diecast models), the “Basic 3? line (eight more diecast models), the CN-630) Carry Pack, eight “Crazy Limos,” six “Powertronic” models and finally two “Powertronic” multi-model sets.  This would be their last year.

The Matchbox Railways line would also be discontinued after the purchase by Tyco Toys.  For their last year in 1992, they featured four different train sets.

1992 Models of Yesteryear Catalogue

The entirely separate Matchbox Models of Yesteryear catalogue for 1992 was very clearly targeted at the adult collector or enthusiast.  It went into tremendous detail about “Investment Potential for the Collector,” which I believe was a big mistake.  There is certainly nothing wrong with people buying collectible items, but collectibles are never true financial investments.  Whenever it comes to this, prices are artificially driven up due to peak speculation, and ultimately prices will crash (as we see with the entire modern global economy).  The exact same thing happened with Matchbox toys.  Speculators drove prices up, and ever more competitor toy companies entered the market, displacing Matchbox from its formerly top-tier position.  Collecting should be for enjoyment, period.  The front of the catalogue featured a picture of a horse-drawn Royal Coronation Coach, and the rear of the catalogue featured an advertisement for the MICA, the “Matchbox International Collectors’ Association.”

The range of models for 1992 included the Y-1G) 1936 Jaguar SS100 Roadster, the Y-2) 1930 4,5 Litre Supercharged Bentley Convertible, the Y-5C) Leyland Titan Double-Decker Bus (with “Newcastle Brown Ale” livery), the Y-6) 1932 Mercedes-Benz L5 Truck (with “Holstein Bier” livery), the Y-8) 1917 Yorkshire Type WA Wagon (with “Fyffes Banana Merchant” livery), the Y-12C) 1937 GMC Van (with “Goanna” livery), the Y-15D) 1920 Preston Type Tramcar (with “Zebra Polish” livery), the Y-21) 1926 Ford Model “TT” Van (with “Drambuie” livery), the Y-22A) 1930 Model “A” Ford Van (with “Anglo-American Oil Corporation” livery), the Y-23B) 1930 Mack Bulldog Tanker Truck (with “Conoco” livery), the Y-27) 1922 Foden Steam Wagon (with “McMullen and Sons, Limited” livery), the Y-28C) 1907 Unic Taxi, the Y-31) 1931 Morris Pantetechnicon (with “Weetabix” livery), the Y-34) 1933 Cadillac 452 V16 Limousine, the Y-35) 1930 Model “A” Ford Pickup Truck (with “Ambrosia Creamery” livery), the Y-36) 1925 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Limousine, the Y-37) 1931 Garrett Steam Wagon (with “Milkmaid Brand Milk” livery), the Y-40) 1931 Mercedes-Benz 770 Limousine, the Y-41) 1932 Mercedes-Benz Truck (with “Howaldtswerke Kiel A.G.” livery), the Y-42) 1938 Albion 6-Wheeler Truck (with “Libby’s” livery), the Y-43) 1905 Busch Steam Fire Engine, the Y-44) 1910 Renault Bus, the Y-45) 1930 Bugatti Royale Limousine, the Y-46) 1868 Merryweather Horse-Drawn Fire Engine, the Y-47A) 1929 Morris Van (with “Chocolat Lindt und Sprüngli” livery), the Y-61) 1933 Cadillac Fire Engine (with “Feuerwehr Aarau” markings), the Y-62) 1932 Ford Model “AA” 1,5 Ton Pickup Truck, the Y-63 1939 Bedford KD Truck (with “George Farrar Yorkshire Stone” livery) and the Y-64) 1938 Lincoln Zephyr Convertible.

1992 “Dream Machines” Dinky Collection Catalogue

The front cover of the separate 1992 Dinky Collection catalogue featured a picture of a 1957 Chevrolet Bel-Air Convertible, a music jukebox and pop-stars from the past.  The booklet explained the history of the original Dinky toys, which went back to the 1933 Meccano factory in Liverpool, England.  The rear cover of the catalogue featured an advertisement for MICA, the “Matchbox International Collectors’ Organisation.”

The Matchbox Dinky line for 1992 included the DY1-B) 1967 “E” Type Jaguar Sports Car, the DY3-B) 1965 MGB-GT Coupé, the DY5-C) 1949 Ford V8 Pilot Sedan, the DY6-C) 1951 Volkswagen Beetle Deluxe Sunroof Sedan, the DY7-B) 1959 Cadillac Coupé DeVille, the DY8-B) 1948 Commer 8 cwt. Van (with “His Master’s Voice” livery), the DY9-B) 1948 Land Rover Series 1 (with “Automobile Association” livery), the DY-10) 1950 Mercedes-Benz “Konferenz Omnibus” (with “Reisebüro Ruoff Stuttgart” livery), the DY11-B) 1948 Tucker Torpedo Sedan, the DY12-C) 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL “Gullwing” Sports Car, the DY13-B) 1955 Bentley “R” Continental Coupé, the DY14-B) 1946 Delahaye 145 Sports Car, the DY15-B) 1952 Austin A40 10 cwt. Van (with “Dinky Toys” livery), the DY16-B) 1967 Ford Mustang Fastback, the DY20-A) 1965 Triumph TR4A Convertible, the DY21-A) 1964 Mini-Cooper “S” Hatchback, the DY22-B) 1952 Citroën 15 CV Sedan, the  DY23-B) 1956 Chevrolet Corvette Sports Car, the DY24-A) 1973 Ferrari Dino 246 GTS Sports Car, the DY25-A) 1958 Porsche 356A Coupé, the DY26-A) 1957 Studebaker Golden Hawk Hardtop, the DY27-A) 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible, the DY28-A) 1969 Triumph Stag Convertible, the DY29-A) 1953 Buick Skylark Convertible, the DY30-A) 1956 Austin-Healey 100 Sports Car, the DY31-A) 1955 Ford Thunderbird Convertible, the DY32-A) 1957 Citroën 2 CV Sedan, the DY902) 3-Piece Gift Set (with a Porsche 356 Coupé, a Mercedes-Benz “Gullwing” Sports Car and a Ferrari Dino Sports Car), the DY921) Pewter Jaguar “E” Type Sports Car on Wooden Base, the DY922) Pewter Ferrari Dino Sports Car on Wooden Base, the DY923) Pewter Chevrolet Corvette Sports Car on Wooden Base and the DY924) Pewter Mercedes-Benz “Gullwing” Sports Car on Wooden Base.

1995 Matchbox Model Year: an Example of the Tyco Toys Years

All Matchbox catalogues since 1993 have been far smaller and clearly geared toward the market for children as opposed to the market for adult collectors and enthusiasts.  In fact, they have been fold-out catalogues as opposed to real booklets.  The 1995 Matchbox catalogue cover featured a drawing of a sports car, and the slogan “Get in the Fast Lane!”

The Matchbox 1-75 Series for 1995 included the 1) Dodge Challenger Hardtop, the 2) Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sports Car, the 3) Hummer Military Vehicle (with “Red Cross” markings), the 4) 1957 Chevrolet Bel-Air Hardtop, the 5) Jeep CJ (with “Bad to the Bone” livery), the 6) Excavator (a non-Superfast model), the 7) Ford Thunderbird Stock Car, the 8) Mazda RX-7 Sports Car, the 9) Earth Mover Dump Truck, the 10) Dodge Viper RT/10 Sports Car, the 11) IMSA Ford Mustang, the 12) Audi Avus Concept Car, the 13) “Dunes Racer” Pickup Truck, the 14) 1987 Chevrolet Corvette Sports Car, the 15) Ford Mustang Mach III Convertible, the 16) Ford Sedan Police Car, the 17) Ferrari 456 GT Sports Car, the 18) Fire Truck, the 19) Cement Truck, the 20) Jeep Wrangler, the 21) GMC Wrecker Truck (with “Parkhill Towing” livery), the 22) Lamborghini Diablo Sports Car, the 23) Volvo Container Truck (with “Matchbox” livery), the 24) Ferrari F-40 Sports Car, the 25) Ambulance, the 26) Chevrolet Van, the 27) “Tailgator” Custom Car, the 28) Mitsubishi Spyder Convertible, the 29) Shovel Nose Tractor, the 30) Toyota Supra Coupé, the 31) Jaguar XJ-220 Sports Car, the 32) 1962 Chevrolet Corvette Sports Car, the 33) Utility Truck (with “Tree Care” livery), the 34) Plymouth Prowler Roadster, the 35) Pontiac Grand Prix Stock Car (with “Outlaw Auto” livery), the 36) Refuse Truck (with “Disposal” livery), the 37) Jeep 4 x 4 (with “Cool Mud” livery), the 38) Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray III Convertible, the 39) Ford Bronco II SUV (with “Piranha” livery), the 40) Ford Mondeo Sedan (with “ICS” livery), the 41) “Cosmic Blues” Hot Rod, the 42) Mobile Crane Truck, the 43) Chevrolet Camaro Z-28 Coupé, the 44) Ford Probe GT Coupé, the 45) Maintenance Dump Truck with Snowplough, the 46) Military Chopper Helicopter, the 47) School Bus, the 48) Pontiac Firebird Racer, the 49) BMW 850i Coupé (with “Ripper” livery), the 50) Chevrolet Blazer SUV (with Police markings), the 51) Porsche 959 Coupé (with “Rage” livery), the 52) Ford Escort Cosworth Hatchback (with “Mobil” livery), the 53) “Rhino” Hot Rod, the 54) Abrams M1 Battle Tank, the 55) Flareside Pickup Truck, the 56) Isuzu Rodeo SUV, the 57) Auxiliary Power Truck (with “Fire Rescue Unit” markings), the 58) Chevrolet Corvette T-Top Sports Car, the 59) Chevrolet Camaro Police Persuit Vehicle, the 60) NASA Rocket Transporter, the 61) Nissan 300-ZX Coupé, the 62) Oldsmobile Aerotech Concept Car, the 63) Snorkel Fire Truck, the 64) Bulldozer (a non-Superfast model), the 65) Ford F-150 Pickup Truck, the 66) Sauber Porsche Racer, the 67) Lamborghini Countach Sports Car, the 68) “Stinger” Custom Vehicle, the 69) Willys Street Rod, the 70) Military Truck Armored Fighting Vehicle, the 71) Ford Mustang Cobra Convertible, the 72) Cadillac Allante Convertible, the 73) “Rotwheeler” Custom Vehicle, the 74) Grand Prix Racer and the 75) Ferrari Testarossa Sports Car.

There where not many more products in the 1995 catalogue, a situation which remains very similar to today.  The so-called premium product lines of “Models of Yesteryear,” “Dinky” and “Super Kings” would only be offered on a very limited and irregular basis.  The remaining regular products for 1995 included two “Carnivores” sets, three “Zero G” sets, six “Harley-Davidson” motorcycle sets, one “Super Rigs” set (a “Convoy” model), ten 5-Pack Gift Sets and four playsets (a Car Wash, a Service Center, an Emergency City and then a “Rapid Shot” track set featuring a loop and a jump).  These remaining products were clearly targeted at children, and not at adult collectors or enthusiasts.

2003 Matchbox Model Year: an Example of the Mattel, Inc. Years

Mattel, Inc. purchased Tyco Toys in 1997, thus gaining the “Matchbox” and “Dinky” brand names.  Mattel is the largest toy manufacturer in the world, based in El Segundo, California in the USA and with very many brand names sold throughout the world.  Major Mattel subsidiaries exist in the United Kingdom, in Hong Kong and in Japan.  Mattel has 31,000 employees (in 2008), annual sales of US $5.97 Billion (in 2007) and annual profit of US $600 Million (also in 2007).

The marketing strategy for Matchbox has not changed much from the Tyco years.  The fold-out 2003 catalogue had the “Matchbox Hero City” livery on its cover.  “Hero City” featured numerous playsets, including an “Ice Mountain,” a “Fire Blaster,” a Construction Site, a “Skybusters” Airport, an Auto Garage, a Police Station, a Carwash and a “Rescue Roadway.”  These were clearly targeted at children, and not at adult collectors or enthusiasts.

The Matchbox 1-75 Series for 2003 included the 1) Fire Engine, 2) Utility Truck with Crane, the 3) Utility Truck with Ladder, the 4) Fire Engine with Ladder, the 5) Fire Chief SUV, the 6) Japanese Sports Car, the 7) Porsche Convertible, the 8) American Convertible, the 9) Porsche 911 Coupé, the 10) BMW Convertible, the 11) Red Cross Pickup Truck, the 12) Ambulance, the 13) Helicopter, the 14) Red Cross Van, the 15) Red Cross Truck, the 16) Tow Truck with Rear Bed, the 17) Tow Truck with Towing Crane, 18) Street Sweeper, the 19) Tipper Truck, the 20) Dump Truck with Snowplough, the 21) Cadillac Escalade SUV, the 22) Cement Truck, the 23) Road Roller, the 24) Crane Truck, the 25) Tractor Shovel (a non-Superfast model), the 26) Police SUV, the 27) Highway Patrol Car, the 28) Police Motorcycle, the 29) Police Sedan, the 30) Police Coupé, the 31) Volkswagen Beetle Taxi (with livery for México City), the 32) Limousine, the 33) Airport Crane Truck, the 34) Aircraft, the 35) Airport Satellite Radar Truck, the 36) Taxicab, the 37) Chrysler PT Cruiser Van (with Hamburger Fast Food Restaurant livery), the 38) Armored Bank Vault Truck, the 39) SUV with Boat on Roof (with “MHC Outfitters” livery), the 40) Double-Cab Pickup Truck, the 41) Helicopter, the 42) Pickup Truck with Boat on Rear Bed (with “MHC livery), the 43) Swamp Boat, the 44) Speedboat, the 45)  Volkswagen Beetle Dune Car, the 46) Offroad Vehicle, the 47) Military Helicopter, the 48) Tanker Truck, the 49) Large GM Double-Cab Pickup Truck, the 50) Range Rover SUV (with Red Cross markings), the 51) 4-Door Hatchback, the 52) School Bus (with “Hero City Elementary Bears” markings), the 53) School District Police Car, the 54) Volkswagen Microbus Concept Vehicle, the 55) 2-Door Hatchback, the 56) Flatbed Truck (with “Toy Store” livery), the 57) Retro Style Pickup Truck (with “Tony’s Pizza” livery), the 58) Double Cab Pickup Truck (with “X-Treme” livery), the 59) Concept Car Coupé, the 60) Ice Cream Truck, the 61) Snorkel Fire Engine, the 62) Fire Engine, the 63) Small Tanker Truck (with “MHC” livery), the 64) Hydrofoil Boat, the 65) Hummer Humvee (with “MHC” livery), the 66) Dodge Pickup Truck, the 67) Bulldozer (a non-Superfast model), the 68) Small Crane Truck (with “MHC” livery), the 69) Heavy Duty Dump Truck (with “MHC” livery), the 70) Fork Lift Truck (with “MHC” livery), the 71) Jeep with Roll Bar, the 72) Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible, the 73) Hummer SUV, the 74) Small Convertible and the 75) Mini Cooper Hatchback (with Union Jack on Roof).

Corgi-Lledo of Wales, the United Kingdom

“Corgi” was started in the United Kingdom by two German immigrants named Philip Ullmann and Arthur Katz (originally as “Mettoy Playcraft, Limited”), and “Lledo” was founded by the Englishman Jack Odell (”Lledo” is his surname spelled backwards), Odell having been one of three founders of Lesney Corporation (which launched Matchbox toys).  The Mettoy Playcraft Company began making tin toy cars and trucks in Northampton in 1934, but adopted the “Corgi” name (a small Welsh breed of cattle-herding dog) in 1956.  During World War Two from 1939 until 1945, the Mettoy Company ceased making toys and kept busy with defense contract production in a new factory in Swansea.  The production of tinplate and plastic-molded toys commenced again after the war in 1945.

The main line of Corgi toys tended to hover around the 1:43 scale, and were more upscale compared to Matchbox.  They pioneered such miniature toy car realism as plastic windows (1956), chassis for free-running models (1957), spring suspension (1959), opening hoods with detailed engines (1960), rear window blinds (1960), cast wire cage fronts (1961), self-centerting steering (1961), opening trunks (1961), jeweled headlights and ruby rear lights (1961), remotely operating fold-up seats (1963), fold-away headlights (1963), working windshield wipers (1964), musical movement (1965) and take-off wheels (1968).  A major fire gutted the Swansea factory in March 1969, tragically destroying virtually all of the year’s production stock.  The result for the company’s bottom line was even worse, with customers turning to competitors due to the lack of Corgi product in stores.  New product features thereafter included fast thin-axle “Whizzwheels” (1970), plastic molded into fabric sailboat sails (1971) and electronic sirens (1980).

The “Corgi Juniors” line was eventually introduced to compete with the likes of Matchbox and Hot Wheels (near the 1:64 scale).  Modern “Corgi” is still based in the United Kingdom, but their products are manufactured in Mainland China.  The Lledo line was discontinued as a marque but is still represented in “Corgi Vanguards” (classic cars and trucks) and “Corgi Days Gone” (much like the Matchbox Models of Yesteryear line of toys).  Corgi also used to sell a line of plastic track sets for both their main line of cars and for the Corgi Juniors line.  And then they had accessories such as garages, albeit not as extensive a line of accessory products compared to Matchbox.  I have 242 Corgi vehicles in my collection.  The original Corgi Collector Club was established by the late Bill Baxter in December 1956, and the first Corgi Catalogue was printed in 1957.  1957 also witnessed the debut of the first Corgi television advertisements.  I know of specific early Corgi catalogues released in 1958 (featuring a boy and numerous Corgi models on the cover), 1959 (featuring a car transporter, a racing car and a farm tractor on the cover), 1960 (featuring superhighway overpasses on the cover), 1962 (featuring a Jaguar Sedan on the cover), 1965 (featuring both a contemporary and a classic car on the cover), 1966 (featuring the “James Bond 007? Aston-Martin on the cover), 1968 and 1969 (one in English featuring the “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” on the cover and one in French featuring a “Concorde” supersonic airliner on the cover, respectively).

In May 2008, Corgi was purchased by an even older English toymaker named Hornby, famous for making model trains.  Hornby began making “Meccano” construction toys in 1901 and toy trains in 1920.  Hornby also owns Jouef of France.  Jouef was founded in 1944, initially making model railways.  They also made some 1:43-scale diecast cars.  They were purchased by Hornby in December 2004.  Frank Hornby was a great pioneer in the British toy industry, having patented the Meccano system.  This was the origin of Meccano construction play sets and of the Dinky 1:43-scale die-cast vehicles.  The modern Horby company also owns such brands as Lima and Rivarossi (toy trains from Italy), and Airfix and Humbrol (model paints from Britain).  Hornby markets specific toy train product lines such as “Skaledale” and “Lyddle End.”  They also manufacture toy trains under contract for the “Takara Tomy” toy company of Japan, which include the famous “Thomas the Tank Engine” line of toys for smaller children.  Takara Tomy manufactures many popular lines of toys, including the “Tomica” line of 1:64-scale vehicles – comparable to modern Matchbox products, but of superior quality and higher retail price.  I have six of these die-cast cars, which come in boxes much like most Matchbox products used to.  Most of their miniature cars represent Japanese automotive brands, but they do have some vehicles from European manufacturers as well.

A good North American retail source for Corgi models is Asheville Diecast of North Carolina: www.ashevillediecast.com.  They carry Corgi aircraft models, the “Batman” range, a good number of NOS (New Old Stock) Lledo models, NOS Corgi Cameo models, the “James Bond 007″ range, some NOS 1:43-Scale “Corgi Classic” models as well as the newer range of 1:50-Scale “Corgi Classic” models (mainly commercial vehicles from the United Kingdom, the United States and France).  Prices and service are very good; shipping is by United Parcel Service (UPS).

Another excellent retailer with decent prices and very rapid services is www.3000toys.com of Joplin, Missouri.  Their selection tends to be more current where Corgi and Corgi Classic models are concerned.  I highly recommend the “Vanguard” range of 1:43-scale models, which represent various British automotive and model name brands from the past such as Austin, Morris, Wolseley, Austin-Healey, MG (Morris Garages), Mini, Mini-Cooper, Stag, Triumph, Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Vauxhall, Viva, Cavalier and Astra.  The Vanguard line was purchased by Corgi from Lledo, and gives other big diecast brands such as Matchbox Models of Yesteryear, Dinky Matchbox, Minichamps, Schuco, IXO, IST, Rio, Solido, Majorette, Premium Classixx, Yat-Ming and Hongwell very strong competition in terms of both quality and price.  I have only good things to say about the Corgi brand.

1970 Corgi Model Year

The front and back covers of the 1970 “Corgi Toys” color catalogue featured a painting / drawing of the Mercedes-Benz C111 “Gullwing” Sports Car.  Corgi was still part of Mettoy Playcraft, Limited and the catalogue was printed by Petty & Sons, Limited of Leeds, England.  The inside front cover described design, manufacturing and distribution process behind the making of diecast Corgi vehicles.  Just like Matchbox, Corgi responded to the very real sales challenge from Hot Wheels by introducing their own fast, thin axles.  “Superfast” was the Matchbox trademark, and “Whizzwheels” was the Corgi trademark.  Corgi’s main product line has always been their high-quality larger diecast models, which are made in the 1:36, 1:43 and 1:50-Scales.

The brand new “Corgi Whizzwheels” line for 1970 included number 201) “The Saint’s” Volvo P1800 Coupé (90 mm long with “The Saint” logo on the hood), the 202) Renault R16 Sedan (91 mm long and with opening hood and rear hatch), the 274) H.J. Mulliner, Park Ward Bentely T-Series Coupé (120 mm long and with opening passenger doors, hood and trunk), the 280) Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow, coachwork by H.J. Mulliner, Park Ward (120 mm long and with opening passenger doors, hood and trunk), the 282) Mini-Cooper in Rally Trim (73 mm long, and with opening passenger doors and hood), the 283) OSI DAF City Car (73 mm long and with opening passenger doors and tailgate), the 284) Citroën SM Coupé (114 mm long and with opening passenger doors and tailgate), the 301) Iso Grifo 7-Litre Sports Car (102 mm long and with an opening hood and passenger doors), the 303) Roger Clark’s V6 3-Litre Ford Capri Coupé (102 mm long and with advertisement transfers), the 311) 3-Litre Ford V6 Ford Capri (102 mm long and with opening passenger doors), the 313) “Project X” (a still secret new model), the 342) Lamborghini Miura P400 Miura Sports Car (95 mm long, with opening hood, trunk and a “fighting bull” model), the 343) Pontiac Firebird Convertible (102 mm long and with opening passenger doors), the 344) Ferrari 206 Dino Sport Racing Car (104 mm long), the 347) Chevrolet Astro 1 Experimental Car (102 mm long and with a unique opening passenger compartment), the 371) Porsche Carrera 6 (97 mm long and with opening engine compartment), the 372) Lancia Fulvia Sport Zagato (91 mm long, and with an opening hood and doors), the 373) Volkswagen 1200 Beetle Sedan Police Car (91 mm long with bumper “over-riders”), the 374) Jaguar 4,2 Litre E Type 2+2 Coupé (108 mm long and with an opening engine compartment), the 375) Toyota 2000 GT Convertible (102 mm long), the 376) Chevrolet Stingray Stock Car (95 mm long), the 377) Marcos 3-Litre Sports Car (91 mm long and with opening hood), the 378) MGC G.T. Coupé (90 mm long and with opening passenger doors and rear hatch), the 380) Alfa-Romeo Pininfarina P33 Sports Car with Roll Bar (95 mm long), the 381) Volkswagen Beach Buggy (69 mm long and with detachable roof and surf boards), the 382) Porsche Targa 911S Coupé (with opening passenger doors and rear engine lid), the 383) Volkswagen 1200 Beetle Sedan (91 mm long and with bumper “over-riders”), the 384) Adams Bros. Probe 16 Sports Car, the 385) Porsche 917 Racing Car (108 mm long and with opening engine compartment), the 386) Bertone Runabout Barchetta (83 mm long), the 387) Chevrolet Corvette (102 mm long and with opening hood, retractable headlights and detachable roof panels), the 388) Mercedes-Benz C111 “Gullwing” Sports Car (104 mm long and with opening “Gullwing” passenger doors) and the 509) Porsche Targa 911S Police Car (95 mm long and with opening passenger doors and rear engine lid).

The brand new “Corgi Track” line for 1970 included three sets with which the “Corgi Whizzwheels” models listed above could be used.  These were the 750) 12 Foot Track Pack, the 751) 16 Foot Track Pack and the 760) Corgi Autostart (this could be fixed to a table-top, chair back or chair leg, and it had a special hinged starting gate for one vehicle).  These were more expensive than “Matchbox Superfast” track sets (as the “Corgi Whizzwheels” vehicles were more expensive than “Matchbox Superkings” diecast cars) – and harder to find in stores as well.  In fact, I never saw any Corgi Track sets while growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area of Northern California.  At the time, the “Capwell’s” line of upscale retail stores was a good place to find Corgi products.

The “Corgi Cars” line for 1970 featured models with regular wheels, as they had been manufactured since their introduction in 1956.  These included the 226) Morris Mini Minor Hatchback (73 mm long), the 233) Heinkel Bubble Car (64 mm long), the 334) Mini Cooper “Magnifique” Hatchback (73 mm long and with opening passenger doors and hood) and the Gift Set Number 36) Oldsmobile Toronado Hardtop with Glastron Sportsman Speedboat on Trailer and with 3 Figures (228 mm long and with “Swordfish” livery on boat).

The “Corgi Take-Off Wheels with Golden Jacks” line for 1970 featured cars where you could just lower the appropriate jack and slip the wheel off the car.  The jack would thus support the car.  These were non-Whizzwheels models which were introduced in the past.  They included the 273) Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow, coachwork by H.J. Mulliner, Park Ward (120 mm long and with spare wheel, opening passenger doors, hood and trunk), the 275) Rover 2000TC Sedan (95 mm long), the 276) Oldsmobile Toronado Hardtop Coupé (108 mm long and with retractable headlights), the 300) Chevrolet Corvette Sports Car (102 mm long and with detachable roof panels and opening hood), the 302) Hillman Hunter / London-Sydney Marathon Rally Winner (104 mm long and with 18 advertisement transfers,opening toolbox and Kangaroo model), the 338) Chevrolet SS350 Camaro Coupé (102 mm long, and with detachable roof and opening passenger doors) and the 341) Mini-Marcos GT850 Coupé (86 mm long, and with opening passenger door and hood).

The “Corgi Autosport” line for 1970 included a number of regular-wheel models, such as the 154) Ferrari Racing Car (91 mm long), the 158) Lotus-Climax (90 mm long and with driver-controlled steering), the 159) Cooper-Maserati Racing Car (90 mm long and with driver-controlled steering), the 314) Ferrari Berlinetta 250 LeMans Racing Car (95 mm long and with an opening rear engine lid), the 339) Monte Carlo Rally Mini-Cooper S Hatchback (73 mm long), the Gift Set Number 12) Grand Prix Racing Set (with a Volkswagen Pickup Truck Racing Tender, a Lotus-Climax Racing Car, a Cooper-Maserati Racing Car, a Porsche Carrera 6 Racing Car, a Trailer, 3 Mechanics, Hay Bales and 16 Bollards) and the Gift Set Number 25) Volkswagen Pickup Truck Racing Tender with Cooper-Maserati on Trailer (197 mm long).

The “Corgi Screen Favourites” line made Corgi famous for offering authentic and officially authorized diecast replicas of vehicles from popular television shows, complete with working gadgetry and well-known Corgi quality.  In 1970, they included the 107) Batboat on Trailer (133 mm long and with 2 figures), the 266) Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (162 mm long and with wings that flicked out at the touch of a brake lever, front and rear detachable stabilisers, a gleaming aluminum bonnet and hand-painted removable figures), the 267) Batmobile Car (133 mm long and with 2 figures, projectiles fired from rear of car, lighted rear exhaust and with chain-cutter in front of car), the 268) Black Beauty (the “Green Hornet’s” 127 mm crime-fighting car with a projectile fired from the front and a round spinner from the trunk), the 270) James Bond Aston Martin DB5 (102 mm long and with Bond figure, North Korean villian figure on “Ejector Seat,” tire cutter on rear wheel, rear bullet shield, front-mounted machine guns and a revolving license plate), the 277) “Monkees’ Monkeymobile (127 mm long and with figures in the car), the 803) Beatles’ Yellow Submarine (133 mm long and with four figures and working periscopes), the 805) Hardy Boys’ Rolls-Royce (116 mm long and with four figures on the roof of the car), the Gift Set Number 3 (Batman’s Batmobile and Batboat (267 mm long and with two figures, projectiles fired from rear of car, lighted rear exhaust and with chain-cutter in front of car), the Gift Set Number 7) “Daktari” (with a Land-Rover Pickup Truck, two people and three animals) and the Gift Set Number 14) Giant “Daktari” (with the Land Rover Pickup Truck, two larger Trucks, two people and seven animals).

The “Corgi Circus Time” line for 1970 featured non-Whizzwheels models from Circus performing companies. They included the 503) Giraffe Transporter Truck (97 mm long and with two giraffe figures), the 511) Performing Poodles Pickup Truck (108 mm long and with one human figure and seven performing dog figures), the 1130) Horse Transporter Truck (260 mm long and with six horse figures), 1139) Menagerie Transporter (232 mm long with three cages and seven animal figures), the 1144) Crane Truck (200 mm long with rhinoceros figure in cage) and the Gift Set Number 21) Crane Truck with three Animal Cages on Trailer and Elephant in Cage.

The “Corgi Comics” line for 1970 featured non-Whizzwheels models such as the 801) Noddy’s Car (95 mm long and with Noddy, his two friends and pneumatic tyres), the 802) Popeye’s Paddle Wagon (127 mm long and with figures of Popeye, Olive Oyl, Swee’ Pea, Bluto and Wimpy, and with pneumatic tyres in the front) and the 806) Lunar Bug (127 mm long and with opening tailgate, retractable wings, pneumatic tyres and multi-position undercarriage legs).

The “Corgi Agricultural Equipment” line was known for tremendous detail and quality.  These were of course all non-Whizzwheels models.  In 1970, they included the 58) Beast Carrier with Four Calves (112 mm long), the 61) Four Furrow Plough (90 mm long), the 62) Farm Tipper Trailer (114 mm long and with operating tipper and rear tailgate), the 66) Massey-Ferguson “165? Tractor (76 mm long), the 67) Ford “5000? Super Major Tractor (90 mm long), the 69) Massey-Ferguson Tractor with Shovel (127 mm long and with operating shovel), the 71) Tandem Disc Harrow (90 mm long), the 72) Ford “5000? Super Major Tractor with Rear-mounted Trenching Bucket (complete with power cables for the shovel arm), the 73) Massey-Ferguson “165? Tractor with Saw Attachment (90 mm long and with realistic engine noises), the 112) Rice’s Beaufort Double Horse Box with Mare and Foal (197 mm long), the 484) Dodge “Kew Fargo” Livestock Transporter with Five Pigs (140 mm long), the 1111) Massey-Ferguson Combine Harvester (172 mm long and with working steering and grain harvester), the Gift Set Number 1 (Ford “5000? Super Major Tractor and Beast Carrier with Four Calves (185 mm long), the Gift Set Number 5 (with a Dodge “Kew Fargo” Livestock Transporter, a Land Rover, a Massey-Ferguson “165? Tractor with Shovel, a Tipper Trailer, a Tandem Disc Harrow, five Pigs, four Calves, a Dog, Skip and Milk Churns, Sacks, a Farm Hand and a Tractor Driver), the Gift Set Number 9 (Massey-Ferguson “165? Tractor with Shovel and Tipper Trailer (235 mm long) and the Gift Set Number 15 (Land Rover and Rice’s Beaufort Double Horse Box with Mare and Foal (197 mm long).

The “Corgi Commerical Vehicles” line for 1970 included a number of highly-detailed non-Whizzwheels models such as the 406) Mercedes-Benz Unimog “406? (91 mm long and with authentic coil spring suspension, rear view mirrors, jewelled headlights, towing hook and detachable canopy), 438) Land Rover (95 mm long and with towing hook and detachable canopy), the 470) FC-150 Jeep with Hood (91 mm long and with detachable canopy and towing hook), the 477) Land Rover Breakdown Truck (114 mm long and with working winch), the 483) Dodge “Kew Fargo” Tipper Truck (136 mm long), the 513) Citroen Safari Alpine Rescue Car (with an opening tailgate, a folding rear seat, a toboggan and skis, a human figure and a St. Bernard dog), the 1128) Priestman “Cub” Shovel (165 mm long when fully extended), the 1137) Ford Tilt Cab “H” Series with Detachable Trailer (235 mm long), the 1142) “Holmes Wrecker” Recovery Vehicle (114 mm long and with working lifting booms which would swing outwards and operate separately or together as required), the 1145) Mercedes-Benz Unimog “406? with “Goose” Dumper (171 mm long and with authentic coil spring suspension, rear view mirrors, jewelled headlights and detachable tipping dumping trailer), the 1146) Scammel Handyman Mark III Tractor Unit with Carrimore Tri-Deck Mark V Car Transporter (290 mm long, but without the cars), the 1147) “Ferrymasters, The International Haulers” Scammel Handyman Mark III Tractor Unit and Trailer (235 mm long and with detachable trailer and canopies), the 1150) Mercedes-Benz Unimog “406? Snow Plough (155 mm long and with authentic coil spring suspension, rear view mirrors, jewelled headlights, hydraulic lifting blade, detachable canopy and tow hook), the Gift Set Number 20 (Scammell Handyman Mark III Tractor Unit with Carrimore Tri-Deck Mark V Car Transporter and 6 Cars (290 mm long) and the Gift Set Number 27 (Carrimore Detachable Axle Machinery Carrier with Priestman “Cub” Shovel (241 mm long).

Toward the end of the 1970 “Corgi” catalogue was the 468) London Transport Routemaster Bus (114 mm long), the 479) Commer Camera Van (90 mm long and with opening rear doors plus a camera mounted at the rear of the truck’s roof), the 490) Volkswagen Pickup Truck Breakdown Van (102 mm long and with a working winch), the 494) Bedford Tipper Truck (102 mm long), the 506) Police “Panda” Sunbeam Imp (83 mm long and with flourescent “POLICE” signs on each door, which shine in the dark and automatically recharge in the daylight), the 510) Citroën Tour de France Team Manager’s Car (108 mm and an exception with “Whizzwheels”), the 650) BAC-Sud Aviation-BOAC Concorde Supersonic Airliner (190 mm long and with “droop-snoot” and display stand), the Gift Set Number 8 (”Lions of Longleat” with a Land Rover, a Lion’s Den, 3 Lions and three joints of meat) and the Gift Set Number 13 (Renault R16 Tour de France Paramount Film Unit with Racing Cyclist (114 mm long).  These were all non-Whizzwheels models with the exception of the one Citroën (number 510).

The “Corgi Fire” line for 1970 featured non-Whizzwheels models such as the 1127) Simon Snorkel Fire Engine (252 mm long and with elevating booms which could be turned through a complete circle and extended to a height of 372 mm) and the 1143) American “La France” Aerial Rescue Truck (285 mm long and with a remote-controlled three-section telescopic ladder which would extend to a height of 444 mm on its rotating turntable).  The latter model also had six additional clip-together extention ladders, as well as retractable supporting jacks.

The very end of the 1970 Corgi catalogue featured a section on “Corgi Juniors Rockets,” complete with the “Golden TuneUp Key” and exciting track sets.  The “Corgi Model Club” had worldwide subsidiary offices in Australia, Belgium, Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, South Africa and the United States (in addition to the headquarters in Leeds, England).  A separate catalogue was also released specifically for the entire Corgi Juniors line in 1970.

1972 Corgi Model Year

The cover of the 1972 Corgi Toys catalogue featured many of the Whizzwheels models parked on Corgi track.  It also featured four brand new cartoon characters who would not re-appear in the future.  These were the so-called “Corgi Technocrats,” who were “The Dynamic Team Behind Corgi Toys.”  Bald-headed “H.W.” was the “brains behind the toys,” “Whizz” was a kid who provided input as to what young customers wanted in toys, “Penny” let them know what girls would like in such toys and finally “Zak” was the team’s troubleshooter.

The 1972 range of “Corgi Dragsters” with Whizzwheels included the 161) Santa Pod Raceway’s “Commuter” Dragster (123 mm long), the 162) “Quartermaster” Dragster (146 mm long), the 163) Santa Pod “Glo-Worm” Ford Capri Dragster (113 mm long and with an opening body), the 164) Ison Bros.’ “Wild Honey” Dragster (171 mm long), the 165) Adams 4-Engined “Drag-Star” (113 mm long and with trigger operated air-brake), the 166) Ford Mustang “Organ Grinder” Dragster (102 mm long) and the 376) Customized Chevrolet Corvette Stingray (95 mm long).

The 1972 range of “Corgi Sports Cars” with Whizzwheels included the 203) Mangusta de Tomaso (99 mm long), the 300) Chevrolet Corvette Stingray (101 mm and with non-Whizzwheels “take off wheels”), the 301) Iso Grifo 7-Litre (102 mm long and with jewelled headlights, opening passenger doors and opening hood), the 304) Chevrolet SS350 Camaro (102 mm long and with jewelled headlights and opening passenger doors), the 312) Marcos Mantis (110 mm long), the 342) Lamborghini P400 GT Miura (95 mm long and with jewelled headlights and “fighting bull” model), the 343) Pontiac Firebird Convertible (102 mm long and with jewelled headlights and opening passenger doors), the 372) Lancia Fulvia Sport (93 mm long, and with opening hood and passenger doors), the 374) Jaguar 4,2 Litre E-Type (105 mm long and with opening hood and rear window hatch), the 375) Toyota 2000 GT Convertible (102 mm long and with jewelled headlights), the 377) Marcos 3-Litre (93 mm long), the 378) MGC GT (89 mm long and with jewelled headlights), the 382) Porsche Targa 911S (96 mm long and with jewelled headlights), the 387) Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Coupé (101 mm long and with retractable jewelled headlights, opening hood and removable roof panels), the 388) Mercedes-Benz C111  (103 mm long and with opening “Gullwing” doors), the 391) Ford Mustang Mach 1 (113 mm long and with opening doors and tilting seats) and the 393) Mercedes-Benz 350SL (104 mm long and with opening doors, opening hood, tilting seats and chrome-plated window trim).

The 1972 range of “Corgi Competition Cars” with Whizzwheels included the 282) Mini Cooper (74 mm long and with jewelled headlights and opening passenger doors and hood), the 303) Roger Clark’s 3-Litre V6 Ford Capri (102 mm long and with jewelled headlights, advertisement transfers and opening passenger doors), the 316) Ford GT70 (92 mm long and with advertisement transfers, opening passenger doors and rear engine lid), the 344) Ferrari 206 Dino Sport (105 mm long), the 371) Porsche Carrera 6 (97 mm long and with opening engine compartment) and the 385) Porsche 917 (110 mm long and with opening engine compartment).

The 1972 range of “Corgi Special Prototypes” with Whizzwheels included the 347) Chevrolet Astro 1 Experimental Car (102 mm long and with opening passenger compartment), the 380) Alfa-Romeo Pininfarina P33 (96 mm long) and the 384) Adams Bros. Probe (97 mm long and with a sliding glass roof).

The 1972 range of “Corgi Luxury Cars” with Whizzwheels included the 274) Bentley Series T “H.J. Mulliner Park Ward” Coupé (120 mm long and with jewelled headlights, opening passenger doors, hood and trunk), the 280) Rolls-Royce “H.J. Mulliner Park Ward” Coupé (120 mm long and with jewelled headlights, opening passenger doors, hood and trunk) and the 284) Citroen SM Coupé (112 mm long and with opening passenger doors and rear hatch).

The 1972 range of “Corgi Cars about Town” with Whizzwheels included the 202) Renault R16 Fastback Sedan (91 mm long and with opening hood and rear hatch), the 226) Morris Mini-Minor (73 mm long and not fitted with Whizzwheels), the 233) Heinkel “Bubble Car” (64 mm long and not fitted with Whizzwheels), the 281) Rover 2000 TC Sedan (95 mm long and with glass roof), the 283) OSI DAF “City Car” (73 mm long and with opening hood, rear hatch and passenger doors), the 306) Morris Marina Coupé (98 mm long and with opening passenger doors and hood), the 311) 3 Litre V6 Ford Capri Coupé (102 mm long and with jewelled headlights and opening passenger doors), the 313) Ford Cortina GXL Coupé (102 mm long and with jewelled headlights, a figure of driver Graham Hill and opening passenger doors) and the 383) Volkswagen 1200 Beetle Sedan (92 mm long and with green bumper “over-rider” bows).

The 1972 range of “Corgi Fun Cars” with Whizzwheels included the 381) G.P. Volkswagen Beach Buggy (69 mm long), the 386) Bertone Runabout Barchetta (83 mm long), the 389) Reliant Bond Bug 700 ES Minicar (67 mm long and with opening passenger compartment) and the Gift Set Number 26) Volkswagen Beach Buggy and Sailing Boat on Trailer (170 mm long).

The 1972 range of “Corgi Crime Busters” with Whizzwheels included the 201) “Saint’s Volvo P1800 Coupé” (90 mm long and with a figure of Simon Templar driving the car), the 373) Volkswagen 1200 Beetle Sedan Police Car (92 mm long and with chromed bumper “over-rider” bows), the 461) Police “Vigilant” Range Rover SUV (108 mm long and with opening rear door, window shutters, swivelling spotlights, policeman figure and warning road signs) and the 509) Porsche Targa 911S Coupé Police Car (96 mm long and with jewelled headlights, opening passenger doors & rear engine lid and German “Polizei” markings).

Corgi Track Sets for 1972 included the A752) “Whizztrack” with Track Connector (14 feet or 4,25 meters of track), the A761) “Power Blaster” and “Crashstop” (with Tuned Power Control and Hand-release or automatic re-fire), the A762) “Windicator” (an Automatic Finish Gate), the A771) “Power Blaster” Racing Speedset (with two Power Blasters, 28 feet or 8,5 meters of track, two Corgi cars, a “Whizzaround,” a “Windicator,” two “Crashstops,” two Track Connectors and two “Rockets” Track Adaptors) and the A772) Drag Strip Special (a “Power Blaster,” 14 feet or 4,25 meters of track, a Corgi car, a “Crashstop,” a Track Connector and a “Rockets” Track Adaptor.  The “Power Blaster” did not require batteries, and “Rockets” referred to the smaller range of Corgi Juniors diecast cars, roughly the size of 1:64-Scale “Matchbox” cars.

The “Corgi Autosport” line included diecast vehicles with regular wheels, such as the 154) Ferrari Racing Car (91 mm long), the 158) Lotus-Climax Racing Car (90 mm long and with turning front wheels), the 314) Ferrari Berlinetta 250 LeMans Racing Car (95 mm long and with opening rear engine compartment), the 339) Monte Carlo Rally Mini-Cooper (73 mm long), the Gift Set Number 12 (Grand Prix Racing Set, complete with a Volkswagen Racing Tender Pickup Truck, a Lotus-Climax Racing Car, a Cooper-Maserati Racing Car, a Porsche Carrera 6 Racing Car, a Trailer, three Mechanics, Hay Bales and 16 Bollards) and the Gift Set Number 25 (a Volkswagen Racing Tender Pickup Truck with a Cooper-Maserati Racing Car on a Trailer).

The Corgi Comics line for 1972 included the 801) Noddy’s Car (95 mm long and with hand-painted figures of Noddy, two of his friends and pneumatic tyres), the 802) Popeye’s Paddle Wagon (127 mm long – a crazy all-action car with hand-painted figures of all your favourite characters including Popeye, Olive Oyl, Swee’ Pea, Bluto and Wimpy; fitted with pneumatic front tyres), the 806) Lunar Bug (127 mm long and with opening tailgate, retractable wings, pneumatic tyres and multiposition undercarriage legs – just the thing for taking your “Corgi Rockets” or “Corgi Juniors” on a trip to the moon!) and the 807) Citroën Magic Roundabout Car (118 mm long and complete with hand-painted figures of Dougal, Dylan and Brian Snail, and fitted with Whizzwheels).

Some mostly regular wheels models for 1972 included the 479) Commer Camera Van (90 mm long and with opening rear doors; Camera mounted at rear of van), the 510) Citroën Tour de France Team Manager’s Car (108 mm and fitted with Whizzwheels), the 650) BAC-Sud Aviation “Concorde” Supersonic Airliner (190 mm long and complete with display stand), the 651) Air France “Concorde” Supersonic Airliner (190 mm long and complete with display stand), the Gift Set Number 8 (”Lions of Longleat,” comprising a Land-Rover, a Lions’ Den, three Lion figures, a Trainer and three Joints of Meat), the Gift Set Number 11 (comprising a Routemaster Double-Decker Bus, an Austin Taxi, a Morris Mini-Minor and a London “Bobby” figure.  The Austin Taxi and the Morris Mini-Minor featured Whizzwheels) and the Gift Set Number 13 (Renault R16 “Tour de France” Paramount Film Unit with Racing Cyclist and Camera Man figures).

The famous and popular line of Corgi Screen Favourites for 1972 included the 266) Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (162 mm; Wings flick out at a touch of the brake lever – detachable front and rear fins and detachable figures), the 270) James Bond 007 Aston-Martin DB5 Coupé (102 mm long and with ejector front passenger seat, rear wheel “tire cutter” and revolving license plates for different countries – from the movie “Thunderball” in 1965), the Gift Set Number 3 (Batman’s Batmobile and Batboat, complete with front wire-cutter and rear missile launchers – also available separately), the Gift Set Number 7 (small “Daktari” set with Land Rover Pickup Truck, two Trainer figures, Lion figure, Tiger figure and Chimpanzee figure) and the Gift Set Number 14 (Giant “Daktari” Set with Land Rover Pickup Truck and figures from the smaller set, plus Stake Truck with two Elephant figures and Transporter Truck with two Giraffe figures).

The “Corgi Fire” line for 1972 included some of the most desirable Corgi diecast vehicles ever.  These were the 506) Police “Panda” Sunbeam Imp (83 mm long and with flourescent POLICE signs on each door which shine in the dark and automatically recharge in daylight), the 1127) Simon Snorkel Fire Engine (252 mm long and with elevating booms which can be turned through a complete circle and extend to a height of 370 mm; retractable supporting jacks) and the 1143) American “La France” Aerial Rescue Fire Truck (285 mm long and with retractable supporting jacks, six additional clip-together extension ladders and a remote-controlled three-section telescopic ladder which extends to a height of 444 mm on its rotating turntable).

The extensive and highly desirable Corgi Commercial Vehicles line for 1972 included numerous regular wheel vehicles such as the 406) Mercedes-Benz Unimog (91 mm long and with coil-spring suspension, rear view mirror, jewelled headlights, towing hook and detachable tilt), the 409) Mercedes-Benz Unimog Rear Dumper (104 mm long and with coil-spring suspension, rear view mirrors, jewelled headlights, a towing hook and a lever-operated spring-loaded tipper action), the 470) FC-150 Jeep with Hood (91 mm long and with detachable canopy and towing hook), the 477) Land Rover Breakdown Truck (114 mm long and with working winch and “Corgi” livery), the 483) Dodge “Kew Fargo” Tipper Truck (136 mm long), the 490) Volkswagen Pickup Truck Breakdown Vehicle (102 mm long and with working winch and “Corgi” livery), the 494) Bedford Tipper Truck (102 mm long and with rear-view mirrors), the 513) Citroën Safari Alpine Rescue Car (108 mm long and with opening tailgate, folding rear seat, toboggan and skis, human figure and St. Bernard dog figure), the 1100) Mack Truck with Trans-Continental Trailer (257 mm long and with opening rear doors and sliding side doors), the 1106) Mack Container Truck (290 mm long and with an opening bonnet, a detachable trailer and two detachable containers), the 1128) Priestman “Cub” Shovel (165 mm long when fully extended), the 1137) Ford Tilt Cab “H” Series with Detachable Trailer (235 mm long and with swivelling rear-view mirrors), the 1142) “Holmes Wrecker” Recovery Vehicle (114 mm long and with lifting booms which swing outwards and operate separately or together as required), the 1145) Mercedes-Benz Unimog “406? with “Goose Dumper” (171 mm long and with authentic coil spring suspension, rear view mirrors, jewelled headlights and detachable tipping dumper trailer), the 1146) Scammell Handyman Mark III Tractor Unit with Carrimore Tri-Deck Mark V Car Transporter (290 mm long), the 1147) Ferrymasters – The International Hauliers – Scammell Tractor Unit and Trailer (235 mm long and with detachable canopies), the 1150) Mercedes-Benz Unimog “406? Snow Plough (155 mm long and with authentic coil spring suspension, rear view mirrors, jewelled headlights, hydraulic lifting blade, detachable canopy and towing hook), the 1152) Mack Truck with Gloster Saro Articulated “Esso” Petrol Tanker (278 mm long and complete with simulated delivery hoses), the 1153) Priestman “Cub” Boom Crane with Grab (with rotating cab, elevating jib, opening jaws and fully operating winch), the Gift Set Number 2 (a Mercedes-Benz Unimog Truck with “Goose” Dumper-Trailer and Priestman “Cub” Shovel), the Gift Set Number 20 (a Scammell Handyman Mark III Tractor Unit with Carrimore Tri-Deck Mark V Car Transporter and 6 cars) and the Gift Set Number 27 (a Carrimore Detachable Axle Machinery Carrier with a Priestman “Cub” Shovel).

The 1972 range of Agricultural Equipment by Corgi Toys included regular wheel models such as the 58) Beast Carrier with Four Calve Figures (185 mm long), the 62) Farm Tipper Trailer (114 mm long), the 66) Massey Ferguson “165? Tractor (76 mm and with realistic engine sound), the 67) Ford “5000? Tractor (90 mm long), the 69) Massey Ferguson Tractor with Shovel (127 mm long), the 71) Tandem Disc Harrow (90 mm long), the 72) Ford “5000? Super Major Tractor with Rear-Mounted Trenching Bucket, the 73) Massey Ferguson “165? Tractor with Saw Attachment (90 mm long and with realistic engine noise), the 74) Ford “5000? Tractor with Scoop (90 mm long and with controlled steering, a hydraulically operated trenching scoop and a tow hood with a plough lifting mechanism), the 112) Rice’s Beaufort Double Horse Box with Mare and Foal Figures (102 mm long), the 438) Land Rover (95 mm long and with a towing hook), the 484) Dodge “Kew Fargo” Livestock Transporter (140 mm long and with 5 pig figures), the 1111) Massey Ferguson Combine Harvester (172 mm long), the Gift Set Number 1 (a Ford “5000? Super Major Tractor and Beast Carrier with Four Calve Figures), the Gift Set Number 5 (Agricultural Set with a Dodge “Kew Fargo” Livestock Transporter, a Land Rover, a Massey Ferguson “165? Tractor with Shovel, a Tipper Trailer, a Tandem Disc Harrow, five pig figures, four cow figures, one dog figure, Skip and Milk Churns, Sacks, a Farm Hand figure and a Tractor Driver Figure), the Gift Set Number 9 (a Massey Ferguson “165? Tractor with a Shovel and Tipper Trailer) and the Gift Set Number 15 (a Land Rover and a Rice’s Beaufort Double Horse Box with Mare and Foal Figures).

The 1972 range of “Circus Time” vehicles by Corgi Toys included the regular wheel models 503) Giraffe Transporter (97 mm long and with two giraffe figures), the 511) Performing Poodles Pickup Truck (260 mm long), the 1130) Horse Transporter with Six Horse Figures (260 mm long), the 1139) Menagerie Transporter (232 mm long and with three Cages with Animal Figures), the 1144) Crane Truck (200 mm long and with Rhinoceros Figure in Cage) and the Gift Set Number 21 (a Crane Truck with three Animal Cages on a Trailer and Elephant Figure in Cage).  This line of toys reminds me of the 1:50-scale vehicles available through the “Showman’s Range” of “Corgi Classics” during the 1990s.

The very end of the 1972 Corgi Toys catalogue featured two pages on Corgi Juniors and “Corgi Rockets,” which of course competed directly with the likes of the “Matchbox 1-75 Series” and “Hot Wheels” by Mattel Toys.  They did not show the entire range of models, but gave a few examples such as the number 5) Willys Jeep, the 16) Land Rover Pickup Truck, the 21) BVRT “Vita-Min” Mini-Cooper, the 47) Scammell Concrete Mixer, the 49) Pininfarina Modulo, the 2501) Zetor Tractor with Calf Trailer, the 2507) “Tom & Jerry” Twin Pack (Tom’s “Go-Cat” and Jerry’s “Banger), the Gift Set 2001) Multi Garage (with 4 bays) and the 2600) Mack Esso Tanker Truck (a competitor to the “Matchbox Convoy” range of trucks).  “Corgi Rockets” were the range of track and track accessories for “Corgi Juniors” vehicles.  It featured power boosters, electric chargers, bends, flyovers (called “overpasses” in the United States), jumps, loops and speed controllers.

1973 Corgi Model Year

The Corgi catalogue covers for both 1973 and 1974 featured illustrations of formula racing cars on the track, with a light background in 1973 and a dark one in 1974.  Four cars were featured in 1973, and a single car in 1974.  The front cover of the 1973 catalogue continued the scene on the back cover, with three more racing cars following on the same track.

The 1973 Corgi catalogue began with the “Corgi goes formula 1 racing” line of racecars. These fine cars were in direct competition with the line of “Team Matchbox” King Size cars by Lesney Toys.  They included the 150) Surtees TS9 (116 mm long), the 151) Yardley McLaren M19A ((112 mm long), the 152) Ferrari 312 B2 (104 mm long), the 153) Team Surtees TS9B (112 mm long) and the 154) John Player Special (130 mm long). These five cars were a brand new range of big-scale formula 1 racing cars with authentic decoration, a wealth of external detail and Whizzwheels.  Corgi vehicles tended to be of 1:36, 1:43 or 1:50 scale. I am guessing that these racecars were of the 1:36 scale size.

The 1973 “Corgi raises the dust” line of cars featured the 167) U.S. Racing Buggy (95 mm long), the 308) Monte Carlo Mini-Cooper S (73 mm long), the 329) Ford Mustang Mach 1 Coupe (113 mm long and in Rally Finish), the 376) Customized Chevrolet Corvette Stingray (95 mm long), the 394) Datsun 240Z (97 mm long and in East African Safari Rally Finish) and the 396) Datsun 240Z (97 mm long and in U.S. Rally Finish). All of these cars featured Whizzwheels.  Corgi Classics still makes a range of Mini-Cooper cars, and until recently made a new casting of the Datsun 240Z as driven by Bob Sharp.

The 1973 “Corgi goes drag racing” line featured the 161) Santa Pod Raceway’s “Commuter” Dragster (123 mm long), the 162) “Quartermaster” Dragster (146 mm long), the 163) The Santa Pod “Glo-Worm” Dragster, the 164) Isoh Bros. “Wild Honey” Dragster (71 mm long), the 165) Adams 4-Engined “Drag-Star” (113 mm long and with trigger operated air-brake), the 166) Ford Mustang “Organ Grinder” Dragster (113 mm long and featuring an opening body), the 169) “Starfighter” Dragster (155 mm long) and the 170) Radio Luxembourg 208 Dragster (146 mm long).  All of these models featured Whizzwheels.

The 1973 range of “Corgi takes the chequered flag” featured the 282) Mini Cooper (74 mm long and with opening passenger doors and front engine lid), the 305) Mini-Marcos GT850 (86 mm long and with opening passenger doors and front engine lid), the 316) Ford GT70 (92 mm long and with opening passenger doors and rear engine lid), the 344) Ferrari 206 Dino Sport (105 mm long and with opening passenger doors), the 371) Porsche Carrera 6 (97 mm long and with an opening rear engine compartment) and the 385) Porsche 917 (110 mm long and with an opening rear engine compartment).  All of these racing and rally cars were equipped with Whizzwheels.

The 1973 range of “Corgi has fun” featured the 381) G.P. “Beach” Buggy (69 mm long and with detachable top and surfboards), the 386) Bertone Runabout Barchetta (83 mm long), the 389) Reliant Bond Bug (67 mm long and with opening passenger compartment), the 392) Bertone Shake Buggy (89 mm long), the 395) Fire Bug (83 mm long and with detachable fire ladder) and the Gift Set Number 26 (a Beach Buggy and a Sailing Boat with an overall length of 170 mm long).  Three of these Beach Buggies were Volkswagen conversions, and all models featured Whizzwheels.  The “Bond Bug” was a unique three-wheeled mini-car meant for just two passengers.

The “Corgi takes off” line for 1973 just included the Gift Set Number 19 (a Land Rover and Nipper Aircraft on Trailer).  The wings and the canopy of the aircraft would snap off for transport on the trailer and back on for flying.

The “Corgi gives chase” line for 1973 included the 373) Volkswagen 1200 Beetle Sedan Police Car (92 mm long), the 402) Police Ford Cortina GXL (102 mm long and with opening passenger doors), the 461) Police “Vigilant” Range Rover (108 mm long and with opening rear door and shutters, swiveling spotlights, a policeman figure, bollards and warning lights) and the 509) Porsche Targa 911S Police Car (96 mm long and with jeweled headlights, opening passenger doors and rear engine lid).

The 1973 “Corgi on the freeway” line of cars included the 304) Chevrolet SS350 Camaro (102 mm long and with shuttered headlights, opening passenger doors and detachable top), the 312) Marcos Mantis (110 mm long and with opening passenger doors), the 347) Chevrolet Astro 1 Experimental Car (102 mm long and with opening passenger compartment), the 374) 5.3 Litre V12 Jaguar “E” Type Series 3 2+2 Coupe (105 mm long and with opening engine compartment and rear hatch), the 377) Marcos 3 Litre (93 mm long and with opening engine compartment), the 378) MGC GT (89 mm long and with opening passenger doors, rear hatch and suitcase to fit in rear compartment), the 384) the Adams Bros. Probe 16 (97 mm long and with sliding glass roof) and the 387) Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Coupe (101 mm long and with retractable jeweled headlights), opening engine lid and detachable roof panels).

The 1973 “Corgi on the autobahn” line of cars included the 382) Porsche Targa 911S (96 mm long and with jeweled headlights, opening passenger doors and rear engine lid), the 383) Volkswagen 1200 Beetle Sedan, the 388) Mercedes-Benz C111 (103 mm long and with opening passenger gullwing doors) and the 393) Mercedes-Benz 350SL (102 mm long and with plated window chrome trim, opening passenger doors and engine lid).  “Autobahn” is the German word for freeway, super highway or interstate used in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Liechtenstein and other officially German-speaking areas such as the South Tyrol in Northern Italy and the “German-Speaking Community” in Eastern Belgium.  The Mercedes-Benz C111 was never a production car, which is unfortunate.  It was a very attractive concept car which reminded enthusiasts of the famous Mercedes-Benz 300SL “Gullwing” Sports Car of the 1950s.

The 1973 “Corgi on the autostrada” line for 1973 included the 203) Mangusta de Tomaso (99 mm long), the 301) Iso Grifo 7 Litre (102 mm long and with jeweled headlights, opening passenger doors and engine lid) and the 380) Alfa-Romeo Pininfarina P33 (96 mm long).  “Autostrada” is the Italian word for freeway, super highway or interstate used in Italy and in other areas where Italian is an official language – such as in parts of Southeastern Switzerland.

The 1973 “Corgi goes to town” range of cars included the 204) Morris Mini-Minor (73 mm long), the 274) Bentley Series T “H.J. Mulliner Park Ward” Coupe (120 mm long and with opening passenger doors, engine lid and trunk), the 280) Rolls-Royce “H.J. Mulliner Park Ward” Silver Shadow Coupe (120 mm long and with opening passenger doors, engine lid and trunk), the 281) Rover 2000 TC Sedan (95 mm long and with glass roof), the 283) OSI DAF “City” Car (73 mm long and with opening passenger doors, engine lid and rear hatch), the 284) Citroën SM Coupe (112 mm long and with opening passenger doors and rear hatch with lid for rear shelf), the 306) Morris Marina 1.8 Coupe (98 mm long and with opening passenger doors and engine lid) and the 313) Ford Cortina GXL (102 mm long and with figure of driver Graham Hill).  The DAF city car was an interesting concept car built by DAF of the Netherlands (now owed by Paccar, Inc. of the United States).  It was a very small mini-car which featured a sliding door on the driver’s side of the car.  The Citroën SM was a luxurious touring coupe jointly developed by Citroën of France (owned by Peugeot, S.A.) and Maserati of Italy (owned by Fiat, S.p.a.).

The “Corgi sees the sights” line for 1973 featured the 204) Morris Mini-Minor (73 mm long), the 418) Austin Tax (95 mm long), the 468) Routemaster Bus (114 mm long), the Gift Set Number 8 (“Lions of Longleat” set including a Land Rover, a Lions’ Den, three Lion figures, three Joints of Meat and a human trainer figure) and the Gift Set Number 11 (comprising a Routemaster Double-Decker Bus, an Austin Taxi, a Morris Mini-Minor and a London “Bobby” Figure upon a pedestal).

The center of the 1973 Corgi catalogue featured a price list for all the models, just as in previous years.

The “Corgi delivers the goods” line for 1973 included the 406) Mercedes-Benz Unimog Truck (91 mm long and with hood and towing hook), the 477) Land Rover Breakdown Truck (114 mm long and with “Corgi” livery), the 1100) Mack Truck with Trans Continental Trailer (257 mm long), the 1106) Mack Container Truck (290 mm long and with two containers which could be lifted off the detachable trailer; each container had opening end doors and they shared one lifting strop between them), the 1152 (Mack Truck with Gloster Saro Articulated Petrol Tanker (278 mm long and with “Esso” livery) and the 1154) Mack Priestman Crane Truck (240 mm long and with jib and hook which could be raised and lowered, and with a rotating crane unit).

The “Corgi to the rescue” line for 1973 featured the 1127) Simon Snorkel Fire Engine (252 mm long and with elevating booms which could be turned through a complete circle and which could extend to a height of 370 mm; retractable supporting jacks), the 1142) “Holmes Wrecker” Recovery Vehicle (114 mm long and with working lifting booms which would swing outwards and operate separately or together as required), the 1143) American “LaFrance” Aerial Rescue Truck (285 mm long and with retractable supporting jacks, six additional clip-together extension ladders – the remote-controlled telescopic extension ladder extended to a height of 444 mm) and the 1150) Mercedes-Benz Unimog “406” Snow Plough (155 mm long and with authentic coil-spring suspension, hydraulic lifting blade, detachable canopy and tow hook).

The “Corgi delivers your new car” line for 1973 included the 1146) Scammell Tractor Unit with Carrimore Tri-Deck Car Transporter (290 mm long – a triple-decker unit), the Gift Set Number 20) Scammell Tractor Unit with Carrimore Tri-Deck Car Transporter and 6 Cars (a triple-decker unit with a total length of 290 mm), and the Gift Set Number 48) Scammell Tractor Unit with Carrimore Car Transporter and 6 Cars (a double-decker unit with a total length of 273 mm).

The “Corgi the roadmakers” line for 1973 featured the 409) Mercedes-Benz Unimog Rear-Dumper (104 mm long), the 459) RayGo Rascal 400 Road Roller (125 mm long and with removable cab), the 1128) Priestman “Cub” Shovel (165 mm long when fully extended), the 1145) Mercedes-Benz Unimog with “Goose” Dumper (171 mm long), the 1153) Priestman Boom Crane with Grab (230 mm long and with rotating cab, elevating jib, opening jaws and fully operating winch) and the Gift Set Number 2 (a Mercedes-Benz Unimog with “Goose” Dumper and a Priestman “Cub” Shovel).

The “Corgi on the land” range for 1973 included the 62) Farm Tipper Trailer (114 mm long), the 66) Massey Ferguson “165” Tractor (76 mm long and with realistic engine noise), the 67) Ford “5000” Tractor (90 mm long), the 69) Massey Ferguson Tractor with Shovel (127 mm long), the 72) Ford “5000” Super Major Tractor with Rear-mounted Trenching Bucket, the 73) Massey Ferguson “165” Tractor with Saw Attachment (90 mm long and with realistic engine noise), the 74) Ford “5000” Tractor with Scoop (90 mm long and with controlled steering, a hydraulically operated trenching scoop and a tow hook with a plough lifting mechanism), the 438) Land Rover (95 mm long and with towing hook and detachable tilt), the 1111) Massey Ferguson Combine Harvester (172 mm long), the Gift Set Number 1 (a Ford “5000” Super Major Tractor and Beast Carrier with Four Calves), the Gift Set Number 9 (a Massey Ferguson “165” Tractor, a Farm Tipper Trailer and a Massey Ferguson Tractor with Shovel) and the Gift Set Number 15 (a Land Rover and a Rice’s Beaufort Double Horse Box with Mare and Foal Figures).  All of the farm vehicles within this range were fitted with regular wheels.

The “Corgi specials” line for 1973 featured the 201) “Saint’s” Volvo P1800 Coupe (90 mm long and with “The Saint’s” logo on the hood), the 267) “Batman’s” Batmobile (140 mm long and with front-mounted wire cutter and rear-mounted missiles), the Gift Set Number 3 (“Batman’s” Batmobile and Batboat), the Gift Set Number 7 (“Daktari” Gift Set, which translates to “Doctor” from Swahili) and the Gift Set Number 14 (Giant “Daktari” Set with a Land Rover Pickup Truck, a Lion figure, a Tiger figure, a Chimpanzee figure, two Human Trainer figures, a Giraffe Transporter with two Giraffe figures and a Beast Transporter with two Elephant figures).  The Volvo featured Whizzweels, but the other vehicles were equipped with regular wheels.

The “Corgi meets 007” line for 1973 included the 270) James Bond Aston Martin DB5 (102 mm long and with revolving front license plates, passenger ejector seat and rear bullet shield – from the movies “Goldfinger” and “Thunderball,” which debuted in 1964 and 1965, respectively), the 391) James Bond 007 Ford Mustang Fastback (113 mm long – from the movie “Diamonds are Forever” in 1971) and the 811) James Bond Moon Buggy (113 mm long and with operating arms, revolving satellite receiver and opening driver’s compartment with figure – also from the movie “Diamonds are Forever” in 1971).  All of these James Bond 007 vehicles were equipped with regular wheels.  Corgi still makes a range of vehicles from all James Bond 007 movies from 1962 to the present (excluding the movie “Never Say Never Again” from 1983, which was produced by a different company).  These vehicles come in both smaller and larger scales.  The smaller scale is similar to the old Corgi Juniors line of miniature vehicles.

The “Corgi comics series” for 1973 featured the 801) Noddy’s Car (95 mm long and complete with hand-painted figures of Noddy, two of his friends and fitted with pneumatic tyres), the 806) Lunar Bug (127 mm long and made for carrying “Corgi Juniors” vehicles to the moon!) and the 808) Basil Brush’s Car (95 mm long and with hand-painted figure of Basil Brush, “laugh” tapes and sound box).

The final section of the 1973 Corgi catalogue featured a selection of vehicles from the Corgi Juniors” line which competed with the “Matchbox 1-75 Series” and with “Hot Wheels” by Mattel.  A blister pack was shown, as well as a 4-car garage accessory.  Some of the models featured included the 16) Land Rover Pickup, the 23) Loadmaster Shovel, the 45) Mercedes-Benz 280SL, the 50) Ferrari 512s Racing Car, the 78) Ole MacDonald’s Truck.

1975 Corgi Model Year

The 1975 and 1976 Corgi catalogues were the smallest and the simplest ones since the first catalogues came out in 1956.  The ones printed from about 1960 until 1974 were comparable in size and scope to “Matchbox” catalogues printed by their competitor “Lesney Toys” from 1957 to 1992.  The 1975 Corgi color catalogue was a fold-out brochure of eight total pages – much less than the full pocket catalogues printed until 1974.

The cover page read “Corgi ’75 – the finest range of die-cast scale models in the world.”  In 1975, that wasn’t too far from the truth.  Other manufacturers of the day included the likes of Matchbox, Dinky, Budgie and Oxford (from England), Tekno (from Denmark), Solido, Norev and Quiralu (from France), Mebetoys (from Italy), Hot Wheels, Tonka and Tootsietoy (from the United States) and Schuco, Gama, BUB, Wiking, Faller, Herpa, Cursor and Märklin (from Germany).  Hot Wheels was the global market leader since 1967 or 1968.  Matchbox had been the market leader from about 1953 until at least 1967, and was likely number two thereafter.  Matchbox made about 100 million die-cast vehicles per year.

The 1975 range of Corgi die-cast vehicles and toys included the C3) Batman’s Batmobile and  Batboat Gift Set, the C4) Country Farm Gift Set, the C7) “Daktari” Gift Set, the C15) Land Rover and Rice’s Beaufort Double Horse Box Gift Set, the C19) Land Rover and Nipper Aircraft on Trailer Gift Set (with snap on and off wings and canopy), the C26) Beach Buggy and Sailing Boat on Trailer Gift Set, the C29) Ferrari Daytona towing Racing Car on Trailer (with Whizzwheels), the C50) Massey-Ferguson MF50B Tractor (with regular wheels), C54) Tractor with Shovel (with regular wheels), the C151) Yardley McLaren Formula 1 Racing Car (with Whizzwheels), the C152) Ferrari 312 B2 Formula 1 Racing Car (with Whizzwheels), C154) John Player Special Lotus Formula 1 Racing Car (with Whizzwheels), the C155) UOP Shadow Formula 1 Racing Car (with Whizzwheels), the C156) Embassy Shadow Formula 1 Racing Car (with Whizzwheels), the C158) Elf Tyrell-Ford Formula 1 Racing Car (with Whizzwheels), the C159) STP Patrick Eagle Indianapolis 500 Racing Car (with Whizzwheels), the C163) Santa Pod “Gloworm” Dragster (with Whizzwheels and with a body shell than would spring open), the C169) Starfighter Swedish Jet Car (with Whizzwheels), C170) John Woolfe’s “208” Radio Luxembourg Dragster (with Whizzwheels), the C190) 1:18-Scale John Player Special Lotus Formula One Racing Car (this was unusual, because most Corgi models were 1:36 or 1:43-Scale), the C267) Batman’s Batmobile (with front slasher blade and rear rocket launchers), the C270) James Bond Aston Martin DB5 (with ejector seat, retractable front machine guns, overrider rams, rear bullet shield and tyre slashers), the C280) Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow Coupe (with opening passenger doors, hood and trunk), the C284) Citroen SM Coupe (with opening passenger doors and rear hatch/shelf), the C285) Mercedes-Benz 240D Sedan (with Whizzwheels), the C286) Jaguar XJ12C Coupe (with opening passenger doors and bonnet), the C287) Citroën Dyane (with opening rear hatch), the C308) Monte Carlo Rally Mini-Cooper S (with luggage rack containing 2 spare tires), the C319) Lamborghini P400 GT (with opening front trunk and rear engine compartment), the C323) Ferrari Daytona 365 GTB/4 (with opening passenger doors), the C329) Rally Ford Mustang (with opening passenger doors), the C331) Rally Ford Capri (with opening passenger doors), the C373) Volkswagen 1200 Beetle Sedan Police Car, the C374) V12 Jaguar “E” Type 2 + 2 Coupe, the C381) G.P. Beach Buggy (with two Surfboards on roof), the C382) Porsche Targa 911S Coupe (with opening passenger doors and rear engine lid), the C383) Volkswagen 1200 Beetle Sedan, the C385) Porsche 917 Racing Car (with opening rear engine compartment), the C393) Mercedes-Benz 350 SL (with opening passenger doors and hood), the C396) U.S. Rally Datsun 240Z (with opening passenger doors), the C397) Can-Am Porsche Audi 917-10 Racing Car, the C400) Volkswagen 1200 Beetle Sedan Motor School Car (with steering operated from roof-mounted steering wheel and seven traffic cones), the C402) Police Cortina GXL Coupe (with Whizzwheels), C403) Thwaites Tusker Skip Dumper (with regular wheels), the C406) Mercedes-Benz Unimog (with regular wheels, a detachable canopy and tow hook), the C438) Land Rover (with Whizzwheels, a detachable canopy and tow hook), the C459) Raygo “Rascal” 400 Road Roller (with regular wheels), the C461) Police “Valiant” Range Rover (with Whizzwheels, opening rear doors, shutters, spotlights, road signs and a policeman figure), the C469) London Transport “Routemaster” Double-Decker Bus (with regular wheels), the 477) Land Rover Breakdown Truck (with Whizzwheels, a working winch and “Corgi” livery), the C482) Range Rover Ambulance (with Whizzwheels and two ambulance workers carrying a patient on a stretcher), the C493) Mazda B1600 Pickup Truck (with Whizzwheels), the C509) Porsche Targa 911S Police Car (with Whizzwheels, opening passenger doors, engine lid and German “Polizei” markings), the C700) Motorway Service Ambulance (with Whizzwheels), the C701) Inter-City Mini Bus (with Whizzwheels), the C702) Breakdown Truck (with Whizzwheels and a single towing crane), the C801) “Noddy’s” Car (with figure of Noddy and fitted with regular wheels and pneumatic tires), the C921 Hughes OH-6A Police Helicopter (with an operating winch), the C1102) Crane Fruehauf Bottom Dumper with Berliet Cab Unit (fully articulated with opening chutes and detachable trailer), the C1103) Pathfinder Airport Crash Truck (with operating water pump and electronic siren), the C1104) Race Horse Transporter Truck (fully articulated with regular wheels, three hinged ramps, four horse figures, a stable lad figure, hay bales and a choice of horse blankets), the C1106) Mack Container Truck (fully articulated with opening bonnet and detachable trailer), the C1127) Simon Snorkel Fire Engine (with regular wheels, retractable supporting jacks, elevating and rotating booms), the C1128) Priestman “Cub” Shovel (with working shovel), the C1143) American LaFrance Aerial Rescue Fire Truck (with regular wheels, retractable supporting jacks, six clip-together extension ladders and a remote-controlled three-section telescopic turntable ladder), the C1144) Wrecker Truck (with Whizzwheels and a dual towing crane and chains), the C1145) Mercedes-Benz Unimog with “Goose” Dumper (with working, detachable tipper), the C1150) Mercedes-Benz Unimog Snow Plough (with lifting blade, detachable canopy and tow hook), the C1152) Mack “Esso” Tanker Truck (with regular wheels, an opening bonnet and a fully articulated detachable trailer) and the C1154) Mack Priestman Crane Truck (with Jib and Hook that could be raised and lowered while the whole crane would rotate, and fitted with retracting stabilizers).

The 1975 Corgi catalogue featured a range of military vehicles including the C10) Tank Transporter Truck with Centurion Mark III Tank (with British markings, detachable rear axle, hinged ramps and opening bonnet), the C900) Panzerkampfwagen VIA Tiger Mark 1 Tank (with German markings, elevating and firing gun, swiveling turret, fully flexible track and 12 shells), the C901) Centurion Mark III Tank (with British markings, elevating and firing gun, swiveling turret, fully flexible track and 12 shells), the C902) M60 A1 Medium Tank (with American markings, authentic suspension, elevating and firing gun, swiveling turret, fully flexible track and 12 shells), the C903) Chieftain Medium Tank (with elevating and firing gun, swiveling turret, fully flexible track and 12 shells), the C904) Panzerkampfwagen VIB King Tiger Tank (with authentic suspension, elevating and firing gun, swiveling turret, fully flexible track and 12 shells), the C905) SU100 Tank Destroyer (with Soviet markings, elevating and firing gun, remote controlled opening hatch with commander, fully flexible track and 12 shells), the C906) Saladin Armoured Car (with suspension, elevating and firing gun, swiveling turret and 12 shells) and the C920) Bell AH-IG Army Helicopter (with American markings and firing rockets).

Finally, the 1975 Corgi catalogue also featured some Corgi Juniors models such as the E9) Range Rover Police Vehicle, the E27) Formula 5000 Racing Car, the E29) Simon Snorkel Fire Truck, the E34) Sting Army Helicopter, the E42) Terex Dumper, the E43) Massey Ferguson Tractor Dozer, the E63) Ford Escort Rally Car, the E80) Porsche 911 Coupe, the E81) London Double-Decker Bus, the E84) Daimler Scout Car and the E87) Coca-Cola Delivery Van.  A new range of Corgi Juniors were the “Growlers.”  One would press the car down and push it forward, thus activating an engine noise.  These included the E82) Can Am Racer, the E96) Porsche 917 Racing Car and the E98) Marcos XP Sports Car.

1976 Corgi Model Year

In 1976, Corgi again issued a simpler and and smaller fold-out catalogue as they had for 1975.  It featured a picture of “Kojak” and his trademark Buick Sedan (played by Telly Savalas).  Corgi is still famous for making diecast toy vehicles based upon popular television shows and movies, and has actually expanded into the manufacture of character figures.  Other models seen on the cover of the 1976 catalogue were a Mercedes-Benz 240D Sedan pulling a camping caravan, an Airport Crash Truck, a Police Helicopter, a Mazda Pickup Truck pulling an inflatable boat on a Trailer, and a Formula Racing Car.  Back then, Corgi was still owned by Mettoy Playcraft, Limited of Northampton, England.  Mettoy was the original parent company of famous British toy brand names such as Meccano, Dinky and Corgi – all of which eventually went their own separate ways.  Dinky is now part of Matchbox (which is in turn owned by Mattel Toys), and Corgi is once again independent.

The 1976 range of Corgi die-cast vehicles and toys included the 151) Yardley McLaren M19A Racing car, the 154) J.P.S. Lotus Racing Car, the 155) U.O.P. Shadow Racing Car, the 156) Embassy Shadow Racing Car, the 158) Elf Tyrell-Ford Racing Car, the 159) Indianapolis 500 Racing Car, the 160) Hesketh Racing Car, the 163) Ford Capri “Gloworm” (with body shell that would spring open), the 169) Swedish Jet Car, the 170) Radio Luxembourg Dragster, the 190) 1:18-Scale J.P.S. Lotus Racing Car (with detachable wheels), the 191) 1:18-Scale Texaco-Marlboro McLaren Racing Car (with detachable wheels), the 200) Mini 1000 (with opening passenger doors), the 280) Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow Coupe (with opening passenger doors, hood and trunk), the 285) Mercedes-Benz 240D Sedan (with opening passenger doors), the 286) Jaguar XJ12C Coupe (with opening passenger doors and towing hook), the 287) Citroen Dyane (with opening rear hatch and towing hook), the 288) Minissima (with opening rear door), the 289) Volkswagen Polo (with opening passenger doors and rear hatch), the 308) Monte Carlo Mini-Cooper (with luggage rack and spare tires on roof), the 314) Fiat X 1/3 Sports Car (with opening passenger doors, rear-center engine lid and towing hook), the 315) Lotus Elite Coupe (with opening passenger doors and towing hook), the 323) Ferrari Daytona Coupe (with opening passenger doors and towing hook), the 329) Rally Ford Mustang (with opening passenger doors), the 331) Rally Ford Capri (with opening passenger doors), the 374) Jaguar E-type 2+2 Coupe (with opening engine compartment and rear hatch), the 381) Beach Buggy (with detachable roof and surf boards), the 383) Volkswagen 1200 Beetle Sedan, the 384) Volkswagen 1200 Rally Beetle Sedan, the 385) Porsche 917 Racing Car (with opening rear engine compartment), the 393) Mercedes-Benz 350SL (with opening passenger doors), the 394) East African Safari Rally Datsun 240Z (with opening passenger doors), the 396) U.S. Rally Datsun 240Z (with opening passenger doors), the 397) Can-Am Porsche-Audi Racing Car, the 490) Camping Caravan Tailer, the 401) Volkswagen 1200 Beetle Sedan Driving School Car (with working steering operated from a roof-mounted steering wheel, and 4 Traffic Cones), the 411) Mercedes-Benz 240D Sedan Taxi (with opening passenger doors), the 493) Mazda B1600 Pickup Truck, the Gift Set Number 15 (a Land Rover and Horsebox Trailer with Mare and Foal Figures), the Gift Set Number 19 (a Land Rover and “Nipper” Aircraft with detachable wings and canopy on Trailer), the Gift Set Number 24 (a Mercedes-Benz 240D Sedan and Camping Caravan), the Gift Set Number 26 (a Beach Buggy and Sailing Boat on Trailer), the Gift Set Number 28 (a Mazda B1600 Pickup Truck and Inflatable Dinghy on Trailer), the Gift Set Number 29 (a Ferrari Daytona Coupe and Racing Car on Trailer), the Gift Set Number 31 (a New Big Safari Land Rover and Animal Trailer with Lion Figure) and the Gift Set Number 32 (a Lotus Elite Coupe and J.P.S. Lotus Racing Car on Trailer).

A special new model within the 1976 Corgi range was the 290) Kojak’s Buick (from the MCA Television show featuring Lieutenant Theo Kojak and Sergeant Bob Crocker).  Other models featuring screen favorites were the 267) Batmobile (with front-mounted slasher blade rear-mounted plastic firing rockets), the 270) James Bond 007 Aston-Martin (with passenger ejector seat, retractable overrider rams, front-mounted machine guns, rear bullet shield, tyre slashers, revolving license plates and 007 Badge), the 804) Noddy’s Car, the 925) Batman’s Batcopter (with flick-spin rotors and working winch), the Gift Set Number 3 (Batman’s Batmobile and Batboat) and the Gift Set Number 7 (“Daktari” with Land Rover Pickup Truck, two human figures and three animal figures).

The military range of 1976 Corgi models included the 901) British Centurion Tank, the 902) American M60 A1 Tank, the 903) British Chieftain Tank, the 904) German Königstiger “King Tiger” Tank, the 905) Russian SU100 Tank Destroyer (with a pop-up tank commander figure), the 906) Saladin Armoured Car, the 907) German Half-Track Rocket Launcher (with rocket cages and 12 plastic rockets), the 920) Bell Rocket-firing Helicopter, the 923) Sikorsky Skycrane Army Casualty Helicopter (with detachable pod and flick-spin rotors), the Gift Set Number 10 (a Military Transporter Truck and British Centurion Tank) and the Gift Set Number 17 (a Bell Rocket-firing Helicopter, a German Panzerkampfwagen VIA Tiger Tank and a Saladin Armoured Car).

The construction, agricultural and commercial vehicle ranges of 1976 Corgi die-cast models featured the 50) Massey Ferguson 50 Tractor, the 54) Massey Ferguson Tractor Shovel (with an operating shovel), the 403) Thwaites Skip Dumper (with driver figure), the 406) Mercedes-Benz Unimog (with towing hook), the 409) Mercedes-Benz Unimog Dumper, the 413) Mazda B1600 Motorway Maintenance Pickup Truck (complete with human figure, warning signs and bollards), the 415) Mazda B1600 Pickup Truck (with clip-on Camper Shell with fully-fitted interior), the 438) Land Rover (with towing hook), the 459) Raygo Rascal Road Roller, the 469) London “Routemaster” Double-Decker Bus, the 477) Land Rover Breakdown Truck (with working winch), the 493) Mazda B1600 Pickup Truck (with drop-down tailgate and towing hook), the 1101) Warner & Swasey Mobile Crane (with telescopic and rotating jib), the 1102) Berliet Bottom Dumper (with opening chutes and detachable trailer), the 1104) Racehorse Transporter Truck (with 4 horse figures with removable plastic blankets), the 1106) Mack Container Truck (with opening bonnet and detachable trailer), the 1110) JCB Crawler Loader (with remote-controlled boom and operating bucket), the 1128) Priestman “Cub” Shovel, the 1144) Berliet Wrecker Truck (with independently operating cranes and lowering cradle), the 1145) Mercedes-Benz Unimog with “Goose” Dumper (with detachable tipping trailer), the 1150) Mercedes-Benz Unimog Snowplough (with towing hook), the 1154) Mack Crane Truck (with jib and hook which could be raised and lowered by remote control), the 1155) Skyscraper Tower Crane (with adjustable jib that would fold flat), the 1157) Ford “Esso” Tanker Truck, the 1160) Ford “Gulf” Tanker Truck and the Gift Set Number 5 (a Massey Ferguson MF50B Tractor & Trailer with fencing and three animal figures).

The emergency and government vehicle range of 1976 Corgi models included the 373) Volkswagen 1200 Beetle Sedan Police Car, the 402) Police Ford Cortina GXL (with opening passenger doors and two warning signs), the 412) Mercedes-Benz 240D Sedan Police Car (with opening passenger doors and trunk), the 414) Coast Guard Jaguar XJ12C Coupe (with opening passenger doors), the 461) Police “Vigilant” Range Rover (with policeman figure, bollards and warning signs), the 482) Range Rover Ambulance (with 2 stretcher bearers), the 700) Motorway Service Ambulance, the 701) Inter-city Mini-bus, the 702) Breakdown Truck, the 703) Hi-speed Fire Engine Truck, the 921) Hughes Police Helicopter (with working winch and flick-spin rotors), the 922) Sikorsky Skycrane Casualty Helicopter (with detachable pod and flick-spin rotors), the 1103) Pathfinder Airport Crash Truck (with operating water cannon and electronic siren – batteries not included), the 1127) Simon Snorkel Fire Engine Truck, the 1143) American LaFrance Fire Engine (with telescopic turntable ladder, pull-out stabilizers and six clip-together extension ladders) and the Gift Set Number 18 (Emergency Set with Hughes Police Helicopter, Range Rover Ambulance, Police Ford Cortina GXL and two warning signs).

1977 Corgi Model Year

In 1977, Corgi returned to the full type of color pocket catalogue as used before 1975.  The cover of the 1977 Corgi Collectors Catalogue featured drawings of the Royal Coronation Coach, the “James Bond 007” amphibious Lotus Esprit from the 1977 movie “The Spy Who Loved Me,” a Fiat X1/9 Sports Car pulling a boat on a trailer and a Formula Racing Car.  The back of the cover continued with drawings of a Buick Sedan Police Car, a Renault 5 “Le Car” hatchback and a large Volvo Cement Truck.

The 1977 Corgi catalogue began with screen favorites, including the 107) Batboat, the 267) Batmobile (with a front-mounted button-operated slasher-blade and rear-mounted plastic rocket-firing mechanism), the 269) James Bond 007 Lotus Esprit (a submersible sports car with extending hydroplanes, concealed fins and a remote-controlled battery of plastic rockets), the 270) James Bond 007 Aston Martin DB5 (with retractable front-mounted machine guns, overrider rams, a rear-mounted bullet shield and a passenger ejector seat), the 290) Kojak Buick Sedan (with opening front passenger doors, clip-on roof beacon and New York Police Department Lieutenant’s Badge), the 416) Buick Police Car (with opening front passenger doors and a Policeman Figure holding a megaphone), the 925) Batcopter (with a flick-spin rotor and rescue winch), the Gift Set Number 3 (the Batmobile and Batboat), the Gift Set Number 36 (Tarzan Set with jungle diorama, Blonde Jane figure, Tarzan figure, Boy figure, animal figures, tree house, “evil hunter” figure, Land Rover, Boat with engine and trailer for trapped animals) and the Gift Set Number 40 (the Batmobile, Batboat and Batcopter).

The 1977 line of Corgi emergency vehicles included the 402) Police Ford Cortina GXL (102 mm long and with opening passenger doors), the 412) Mercedes-Benz 240D Sedan Police Car (127 mm long and with opening front passenger doors and boot), the 414) Coast Guard Jaguar XJ12C Coupe (127 mm long and with opening passenger doors and bonnet), the 422) Riot Police Vehicle (95 mm long and with swiveling water cannons), the 424) Security Van (100 mm long), the 461) Police Range Rover (108 mm long and with opening rear doors, warning signs, bollards and Policeman figure), the 482) Range Rover Ambulance (100 mm long and with opening rear doors, stretcher and bearer figures), the 700) Motorway Ambulance (100 mm long), the 922) Sikorsky “Skycrane” Red Cross Helicopter (160 mm long and with detachable hospital pod and flick-spin rotors, the 924) Air-sea Rescue Helicopter (150 mm long and with opening doors and flick-spin rotors), the 1103) Airport Crash Tender (240 mm long and with operating water cannon and electric siren – battery non included), the 1126) Simon Snorkel Fire Engine (265 mm long and with elevating booms which could be turned through a complete circle and extend to a height of 400 mm; retractable jacks), the 1143) American LaFrance Fire Engine (285 mm long and with a remote-controlled three-section telescopic ladder which would extend to a height of 445 mm on its turntable) and the Gift Set Number 18 (Emergency Set with a Hughes Police Helicopter, a Range Rover Ambulance Van, Stretcher Bearer figures, a Police Ford Cortina GXL and warning signs).

The 1977 range of Corgi fun (vacation) vehicles featured the 415) Mazda B1600 Pickup Truck with Camper Shell (140 mm long including a detachable fully-fitted camper shell unit with folding support legs and an opening door), the 490) Touring Caravan (125 mm long and with a pull-out awning, an opening door and a fully-fitted interior), the Gift Set Number 19 (a Land Rover and Nipper Aircraft on a Trailer), the Gift Set Number 24 (a Mercedes-Benz 240D Sedan towing a Touring Caravan), the Gift Set Number 28 (a Mazda B1600 Pickup Truck towing an Inflatable Dinghy on a Trailer), the Gift Set Number 31 (a Safari Land-Rover towing a Big Game Trailer with a Lion figure) and the Gift Set Number 38 (a Mini-Cooper with a Tent, Campers and a Barbeque Set).

The 1977 line of Corgi passenger cars included the 200) BLM Mini 1000 (85 mm long and with opening passenger doors), the 280) Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow Coupe (120 mm long and with opening passenger doors, bonnet and hood), the 285) Mercedes-Benz 240D Sedan (127 mm long and with opening front passenger doors and boot; towbar), the 286) Jaguar XJ12C Coupe (127 mm long and with opening passenger doors and bonnet; towbar), the 287) Citroën Dyane (115 mm long and with opening rear door and towbar), the 289) Volkswagen Polo (97 mm long and with opening passenger doors and hatchback), the 291) AMC Pacer Sedan (118 mm long and with opening hatchback), the 293) Renault 5TS “Le Car” (97 mm long and with opening passenger doors and hatchback), the 314) Fiat X1/9 Sports Car (110 mm long and with opening passenger doors and mid-mounted engine lid), the 315) Lotus Elite (120 mm long and with opening passenger doors and towbar), the 393) Mercedes-Benz 350SL Sports Car (102 mm long and with opening passenger doors and bonnet) and the 401) Volkswagen 1200 Beetle Sedan Driving School Car (92 mm long and with working steering operated from a roof-mounted steering wheel; 3 traffic bollards).

The 1977 range of Corgi racing cars featured the 151) Yardley McLaren M19A Formula One (112 mm long), the 154) J.P.S. Lotus Formula One (130 mm long), the 158) Elf-Tyrell Ford Formula One (110 mm long), the 160) Hesketh 308 Formula One (130 mm long), the 161) Elf-Tyrell Project 34 (113 mm long), the 190) 1:18-Scale J.P.S. Lotus (270 mm long), the 191) 1:18-Scale Texaco-Marlboro McLaren (245 mm long), the 323) Ferrari Daytona (120 mm long and with opening passenger doors), the 397) Cam-Am Porsche-Audi (120 mm long) the Gift Set Number 32 (Lotus Racing Set with one Lotus Elite towing a J.P.S. Formula One Racing Car on a Trailer) and the Gift Set Number 37 (one Fiat X1/9 towing a “Carlsberg” Twin-Hulled Power Boat on a Trailer).  The 1:18-Scale die-cast cars were unique, because most regular Corgi models were somewhere between 1:36-Scale and 1:43-Scale (for cars) or 1:50-Scale (for many commercial trucks).  The large racing cars featured detachable wheels, a special “wheelbrace” (to remove the wheels and put them back on) and a number of spare wheel nuts.  Another toymaker famous for making such features on their classic tin cars is “Schuco” of Germany.

The 1977 line of Corgi construction vehicles included the 54) Massey Ferguson Tractor with Shovel (150 mm long and with a fully operating shovel), the 403) Skip Dumper (83 mm long and with tipping action), the 409) Mercedes-Benz Unimog Dumper (103 mm long and with tipping action), the 459) Raygo Rascal Road Roller (125 mm long), the 1101) Warner & Swasey Mobile Crane (folded length of 210 mm and with telescopic boom, working winch and folding support jacks), the 1110) JCB Crawler Loader (155 mm long and with remote controlled loading action), the 1155) Skyscraper Tower Crane (crane could rotate upon base and be folded for transit; jib adjustable to height of 340 mm and hook operable from base) and the 1156) Volvo BM Concrete Mixer (195 mm long and with two-way articulated trailer enabling the roughest ground to be tackled; a lever would drop the drum into gear so that the concrete would be mixed as the vehicle moved).

The 1977 range of Corgi commercial vehicles featured the 411) Mercedes-Benz 240D Sedan Taxi (127 mm long and with opening front passenger doors and boot), the 413) Mazda B1600 Motorway Maintenance Truck (120 mm long and with rotating and elevating platform, hinged tailboard, bollards and warning signs), the 421) Land Rover (135 mm long and with opening rear door and roof-mounted luggage rack with access ladder), the 469) London “Routemaster” Double-Decker Bus (123 mm long), the 470) “Disneyland” Open-Top Double Decker Bus (123 mm long), the 477) Land Rover Breakdown Truck (114 mm long and with working winch and “Corgi” livery), the 493) Mazda B1600 Pickup Truck (120 mm long and with hinged tailboard and towbar), the 701) Inter-City Mini-Bus (105 mm long), the 702) Breakdown Truck (100 mm long), the 1106) Mack Container Truck (290 mm long and with opening bonnet, detachable trailer, folding jockey wheels, detachable containers with opening doors and lifting sling), the 1144) Berliet Wrecker Truck (130 mm long and with two swiveling booms which could be operated independently or in unison, and complete with towing cradle), the 1150) Mercedes-Benz Unimog Snowplough (155 mm long and with lifting blade and towbar), the 1157) Ford “Esso” Tanker Truck (270 mm long and with tilting cab, detachable trailer, opening hatches and folding jockey wheels), the 1159) Ford Car Transporter Truck (360 mm long and with hinged loading ramp, upper deck, detachable trailer, tilting cab and folding jockey wheels) and the 1160) Ford “Gulf” Tanker Truck (270 mm long and with tilting cab, detachable trailer, opening hatches and folding jockey wheels).

Three special models within the 1977 line of Corgi die-cast toys included the 650) “British Airways” Concorde Supersonic Airliner (190 mm long and complete with hinged nose and display stand), the 651) “Air France” Concorde Supersonic Airliner (190 mm long and complete with hinged nose and display stand) and the Gift Set Number 41 (“Silver Jubilee” Set which was a beautifully finished presentation set to mark the 25th anniversary of the reign of Queen Elizabeth II of England).  The Silver Jubilee Set comprised a magnificent model of the 1902 “State Landau,” with its team of four white horses.  The carriage bore miniature figures of Her Majesty the Queen and His Royal Highness Prince Philip, and the set was completed by exquisite replicas of two postillion riders, two coachmen and a royal Pembroke Welsh Corgi dog – with the whole outfit being mounted on a moulded display base with a silver caption.  The overall length of this model was 300 mm.

The 1977 line of Corgi agricultural models included the 55) David Brown Tractor (105 mm long and with towbar lock), the 56) Farm Tipper Trailer (130 mm long and with hinged tailboard), the 438) Land Rover (95 mm long), the 1105) Racehorse Transporter Truck (280 mm long and with three hinged ramps, complete with four racehorse figures and a selection of horse blankets), the 1112) Combine Harvester (220 mm long and with detachable “David Brown” Tractor), the Gift Set Number 15 (a Land Rover towing a Horse Box with hinged ramps, compete with figures of a Mare and her foal) and the Gift Set Number 34 (a David Brown Tractor and Tipper Trailer).

The 1977 range of Corgi military vehicles featured the 900) German Tiger Mark 1 Tank (103 mm hull length with fully mobile gun and 12 plastic shells), the 901) British Centurion Mark III Tank (120 mm hull length with fully mobile gun and 12 plastic shells), the 902) American M60A1 Tank (115 mm hull length with fully mobile gun and 12 plastic shells), the 903) British Chieftain Tank (125 mm hull length with fully mobile gun and 12 plastic shells), the 904) German King Tiger Tank (120 mm hull length with fully mobile gun and 12 plastic shells), the 907) German Half-Track Rocket Launcher (167 mm long and with 12 plastic shells which could be fired individually or as a salvo), the 908) French AMX Recovery Tank (complete with a fully mobile crane, lifting dozer blade, rotating jeweled search-light and machine gun mounting, gun barrel, trestles and army personnel figures), the 909) British Quad Gun Tractor with Field Gun and Ammunition Trailer (280 mm long and with detachable gun and trailer, plus 12 plastic shells stored in the trailer), the 920) Bell Army Helicopter (130 mm long and with rocket-firing mechanism, 12 plastic rockets and flick-spin rotors), the 923) Sikorsky Skycrane Helicopter (160 mm long and with detachable casualty pod and flick-spin rotors) and the Military Gift Set Number 17 (a German Tiger Tank, a Bell rocket-firing Helicopter and a Saladin Armoured Car with a fully mobile working gun and 12 plastic shells).

The 1977 line of Corgi Junior vehicles were also shown in the catalogue.  This was something new, because in the past only a few Corgi Junior models were displayed in the annual Corgi catalogue.  They included the 4) Zetor Tractor, the 7) Dumper Truck the 9) Police Range Rover, the 13) Rough Terrain Truck, the 15) School Bus, the 17) Volkswagen 1300 Beetle Sedan the 20) Site Cement Mixer, the 22) Formula 1 Racer, the 26) ERF Fire Tender, the 27) Formula 5000 Racer, the 29) Simon Snorkel Fire Engine, the 30) Cement Mixer Truck, the 31) Land Rover Breakdown Truck, the 34) Sting Army Helicopter, the 35) Airbus Helicopter, the 36) “Healer Wheeler” Ambulance, the 37) Police Porsche 911 Coupe, the 39) Jaguar E-Type, the 40) Red Cross Helicopter, the 42) Rescue Range Rover, the 43) Tractor with Angledozer, the 44) Raygo Rascal Road Roller, the 45) “Starsky and Hutch” Ford Torino Hardtop, the 46) Police Helicopter, the 48) Shovel Loader, the 51) Volvo Estate Car (with opening tailgate), the 52) Mercedes-Benz Taxi, the 54) Large Skip Truck, the 55) Refuse Truck, the 57) Ferrari 512S, the 59) Mercedes-Benz Police Car (with German “Polizei” markings), the 60) James Bond 007 Amphibious Lotus Esprit (from the movie “The Spy Who Loved Me”), the 62) AMC Pacer Sedan, the 65) Camping Caravan Trailer, the 66) British Centurion Tank, the 67) Road Roller, the 68) “Kojak” Buick Sedan, the 69) Batman’s “Batmobile,” the 70) Mercury Cougar Fire Chief Car, the 72) Mercedes-Benz C111 Sports Car (with opening rear engine lid), the 75) Spider Man’s “Spidercopter,” the 78) Batman’s “Batcopter,” the 79) Land Rover Ambulance, the 81) London Double-Decker Bus, the 82) Porsche Can-Am Racer, the 83) Commando Armoured Car, the 84) Military Scout Car, the 85) Small Skip Truck, the 86) Fiat X1/9 Sports Car (with opening center-mounted engine lid), the 81) “Pepsi” Van, the 88) Mobile Crane, the 89) Citroen Dyane (with opening rear hatch), the 90) “Fireball” Van, the 91) “Golden Eagle” Van, the 92) Volkswagen Polo Hatchback (with opening passenger doors), the 94) Porsche 917 Racing Car, the 96) Military Field Gun (with two toy soldier figures), the 95) Coca-Cola Van, the 97) Texaco Tanker Truck and the 98) Marcos XP Sports Car.  Unlike the competition from “Matchbox,” “Corgi Juniors” did not come in boxes – but only in blister packs.

The 1977 range of “Corgi Junior Twin Packs” included the 2503) Horsebox Set (with Land Rover and Horsebox Trailer), the 2504) Breakdown Set (with Land Rover Wrecker Truck and Jaguar E-Type), the 2508) Field Gun Set (with Military Jeep, Field Gun and 3 toy soldier figures), the 2510) Racing Car Set (with 2 Formula Racing Cars), the 2511) Army Patrol Set (with Helicopter and Armored Car), the 2513) Emergency Set (with Fire Truck and Ambulance), the Speedboat Set (with Citroen Dyane towing Boat on Trailer), the 2514) Building Set (with Small Skip Truck and Cement Mixer), the 2516) Farm Set (with Zetor Tractor and Tipper Trailer), the 2518) Caravan Set (with Mercedes-Benz 240D Sedan towing Camping Caravan Trailer), the 2519) Batman Set (with “Batmobile” towing “Batboat” on Trailer), the 2520) Rescue Set (with Pickup Truck towing Inflatable Boat on Trailer), the 2521) Army Casualty Set (with Land Rover Army Ambulance and Army Helicopter – both with Red Cross insignia), the 2522) Attack Set (with British Centurion Tank and Commando Armored Car), the 2523) Police Set (with Police Porsche 911 Coupe and Police Helicopter) and the 2526) Dumper Set (with Dump Truck and Shovel Nose Tractor).

The 1977 Corgi Junior line featured one 2601) Batman Triple Pack (complete with “Batmobile,” “Batboat” on Trailer and “Batcopter”).  An accessory was the 2001) Multi Garage (with four bays complete with opening and closing garage doors).  The Multi Garage could be clipped to additional such garages on both sides.  A line of large commercial trucks similar to the “Matchbox Convoy” line included the 2006) Mack “Esso” Tanker Truck (with opening bonnet), the 2007) Low Loader and Shovel (with hinged loading ramp), the 2008) Greyhound Bus, the 2009) Aerocar (car would unclip from aircraft wings), the 2011) U.S. Army Tanker Truck (with opening bonnet), the 2012) U.S. Army Transporter Truck with Armoured Car (with hinged loading ramp), the 2014) Mercedes-Benz Car Transporter Truck (with hinged upper deck and loading ramp), the 2015) Mercedes-Benz Double Car Transporter Truck with Trailer (with hinged upper decks and loading ramps; detachable trailer also fitted with towbar), the 2017) Scania Tipper Lorry and the 2018) Scania Container Lorry (with detachable container with “Seatrain” livery).

Finally, there were six Corgi Junior Gift Sets in 1977.  These included the 3001) Multi Garage and three vehicles, the 3022) Rescue Set (a coastal rescue station with an office, a lock-up, a chopper, an inshore rescue boat with a trailer, four vehicles, six figures and a roll-away play-mat), the 3023) Transporter Gift Set (with a Mercedes-Benz Car Transporter and four cars), the 3024) Road Construction Set (with six construction vehicles and five workman figures), the 3026) Emergency Gift Set (with five emergency vehicles, one helicopter, warning signs and six figures) and the 3029) Military Gift Set (with five army vehicles, a reconnaissance chopper, a field gun and six toy soldiers).

1985 Corgi Model Year

The cover of the 1985 Corgi catalogue reflected new corporate ownership and different times, yet the product line continued its well-deserved reputation for high quality at a reasonable price.  The cover featured a simple design with a blue background.  The design included colored circles of red and white, with striped bars (black & white and then red & yellow) and the new “Corgi” logo in the upper left – the name “Corgi” with an animated drawing of a car driving down the road out of the letter “O.”  Corgi Toys, Limited was now headquartered in the Swansea Industrial Estate in the United Kingdom.

The first section of the 1985 Corgi catalogue was titled “What goes into a Corgi.”  They described the quality and realism which go into all Corgi die-cast models, designed to last after years of play.  27 different parts went into the MG TF model which they used as an example – which was just one of more than 180 models available in 1985.  They said this in English, French and German.  Corgi offered six ranges of vehicles in 1985: Turbos, Cars, Classics, Trucks, Commercials and Corgi Juniors.

The 1985 line of “Corgi Turbos” included the C100) Porsche 956 Racecar (115 mm long and in dark yellow with number “7” livery), the C101) Porsche 956 Racecar (115 mm long and with “Canon” livery), the C102) Opel Manta 400 Coupe (105 mm long and in red with number “43” livery), the C103) Opel Manta 400 Coupe (105 mm long and with “Castrol” livery), the C104) Toyota Corolla Hatchback (100 mm long and with “Laing” livery), the C105) Toyota Corolla Hatchback (100 mm long and with “Dunlop” livery), the C106) Saab 9000 Sedan (105 mm long and with “Saab 9000” livery), the C107) Saab 9000 Sedan (105 mm long and in red with number “41” livery), the C108) Chevrolet Camaro Z28 Coupe (115 mm long and in red with number “52” livery), the C109) Chevrolet Camaro Z28 Coupe (115 mm long and with “NCT” livery), the C110) BMW 635 Coupe (110 mm long and with “Shell” and “Dunlop” liveries) and the C111) BMW 635 Coupe (110 mm long and in silver & blue with number “18” livery).  All of these models were a uniform 1:43-Scale and were in direct competition with similar models made by “Matchbox” in their “King Size” line.

The 1985 range of “Corgi Cars” featured a line of both cars and small vans.  These were not of uniform scale, but represented older “Corgi” castings of somewhere between 1:36 and 1:43-Scale.  They included the C257) Mercedes-Benz 500 SEC “Magic Top” (135 mm long and with removable top), the C258) Toyota Celica Supra (125 mm long and in silver with opening passenger doors and rear hatch), the C271) James Bond 007 Aston Martin (125 mm long and with front-mounted machine guns, passenger ejector seat and rear-mounted bullet shield), the C279) Rolls-Royce Corniche Coupe (145 mm long and with opening passenger doors, hood and trunk), the C299) Ford Sierra 2.3 Ghia Sedan (125 mm long and with opening front passenger doors and trunk), the C310) Porsche 924 Turbo Coupe (115 mm long and with opening passenger doors and rear hatch), the C318) Jaguar XJS (120 mm long and with opening passenger doors), the C346) Citroen 2CV Charleston (105 mm long), the C350) Toyota Celica Supra (125 mm long and in red & white with opening passenger doors and rear hatch), the C351) Ford Sierra Pace Car (125 mm long and with opening front passenger doors and trunk), the C378) Ferrari 308 GTS (120 mm long), the C385) Mercedes-Benz 190 Sedan (120 mm long and with opening front passenger doors), the C399) Peugeot 205 (110 mm long and with opening passenger doors and hood), the C402) BMW M1 (125 mm long and in red & white with “Castrol” livery), the C404) Rover 3500 Sedan (130 mm long and in red with “ESSO” livery), the C420) BMW M1 (125 mm long and in red, white & blue with number “17” livery), the C422) Renault 5 Turbo (100 mm long and in blue with “elf” livery), the C423) Ford Escort Sedan (110 mm long and in white with “TOTAL” livery), the C424) Ford Mustang (120 mm long and with opening hood and trunk), the C426) Rover 3500 Sedan (130 mm long and in yellow with “Hepolite” livery), the 447) Renegade Jeep 4 x 4 (100 mm long), the 495) Mazda 4 x 4 Pickup Truck (125 mm long), the C496) Ford Escort Van (120 mm long and in red with “Royal Mail” livery), the C499) Ford Escort Van (120 mm long and in yellow with “Telecom” livery), the C503) Ford Escort Van (120 mm long and in white with “Dunlop” livery), the C507) Range Rover (120 mm long and with opening front passenger doors and rear hatch), the C516) Mercedes-Benz 207D Van (110 mm long and in white with “BMX Service” livery), the C532) Ford Escort Van (120 mm long and in white with “RAC Service” livery), the C537) Ford Escort Van (120 mm long and in yellow with “AA Service” livery), the C539) Mercedes-Benz 207D Van (110 mm long and in white with “Group 4 Security Services” livery), the C600) Ford Escort Sedan (110 mm long and with opening passenger doors), the C601) Fiat X1/9 Sports Car (110 mm long and with opening passenger doors and engine lid), the C602) Mini City (90 mm long), the C603) Volkswagen Polo Hatchback (90 mm long and with opening passenger doors and rear hatch), the C604) Renault 5 “Le Car” (95 mm long and with opening passenger doors and rear hatch) and the C605) Austin Metro (90 mm long and with opening passenger doors and rear hatch).

The 1985 line of “Corgi Classics” included a “range worthy of special mention” according to the Corgi catalogue.  They featured 20 superb classic vehicles which would compete with the likes of “Matchbox Models of Yesteryear,” “Dinky” and “Lledo.”  Eventually, “Lledo” (founded by former “Matchbox” executive Jack Odell) would be purchased by Corgi, and their “Days Gone” and “Vanguards” lines would be merged into the already strong Corgi product line.  The Corgi Classics line in 1985 included the C805) 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300S Coupe (130 mm long, in white with a brown top and with opening hood and trunk), the C806) 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300S Cabriolet (130 mm long, in blue with an open top and with opening hood and trunk), the C810) 1957 Ford Thunderbird Convertible (135 mm long, in red and with open top and with opening hood and trunk), the C811) 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300SL “Gullwing” Sports Car (125 mm long, in silver and with opening passenger doors and hood), the C812) 1953 MG TF Convertible (115 mm long, in dark green, with open top and with opening hood), the C813) 1955 MG TF Convertible (115 mm long, in red, with closed top and with opening hood), the C814) 1952 Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn Convertible (145 mm long, in red and dark blue, with open top and with opening hood and trunk), the C815) 1954 Bentley “R” Type Convertible (145 mm long, in dark blue, with closed white top and with opening hood and trunk), the C816) 1950 Jaguar XK120 Roadster (125 mm long, in red with open top and with opening hood and trunk), the C819) 1949 Jaguar XK120 Roadster (125 long, in white with closed black top and with opening hood and trunk), the C820) 1929 Thorneycroft Van (135 mm long and with open bed), the C821) 1929 Thorneycroft Panel Van (135 mm long and with “Castrol Motor Oil” livery), the C823) 1926 Renault Van (135 mm long and with open bed), the C824) 1926 Renault Panel Van (135 mm long and with “Marcel Gardet” livery), the C825) 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Hardtop (125 mm long and with opening hood and trunk), the C860) 1912 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost (120 mm long), the C861) 1927 Bentley 3 Litre (100 mm long), the C862) 1910 Renault 12/16 (100 mm long) and the C863) 1915 Ford Model T (85 mm long).  The Corgi Classics line is still very much alive and well today, with multiple ranges of different scale model vehicles.  In 1985, only the classic trucks were a uniform 1:43-Scale.  The cars were likely larger at 1:36-Scale or so.

The 1985 range of “Corgi Trucks” featured the C1141) Scammel Petrol Tanker Truck (200 mm long and with “Shell” livery), the C1145) Scammel Articulated Truck (207 mm long and with “Yorkie” livery), the C1153) Scania Tipper (145 mm long and with “Laing” livery), the C1168) Coach (170 mm long and with “Euro Express” livery), the C1176) Scammel Articulated Truck (207 mm long and with “Weetabix” livery), the C1182) Scania Container Truck (140 mm long and with “Suzuki” livery), the C1183) Scania Container Truck (140 mm long and with “Adidas” livery), the C1185) Mack Fire Engine (145 mm long), the C1186) Scammel Articulated Truck (207 mm long and with “McVitie’s” livery), the C1188) Scammel Articulated Truck (207 mm long and in red with no livery), the C1189) Scammel Petrol Tanker Truck (200 mm long and with “Duckhams” livery), the C1193) Volvo Car Transporter Truck (210 mm long), the C1194) Volvo Articulated Truck (195 mm long and with “Lee Cooper” livery), the C1196) Volvo Articulated Truck (195 mm long and with “Hotpoint” livery) and the C1197) Volvo Articulated Truck (195 mm long and with “ASG Transport Specialists” livery)

The 1985 line of “Corgi Commercials” included the C329) Rover 3500 Sedan Police Car (130 mm long and with opening front passenger doors, hood and rear hatch), the C388) Mercedes-Benz 190 Sedan Taxi (120 mm long and with opening front passenger doors), the C425) London Austin Taxi (120 mm long and with opening doors), the C469) London Double-Decker Bus (125 long), the C482) “George Shillibeer’s” Replica Routemaster Double-Decker Bus (125 mm long), the C483) Shoplinker Replica Routemaster Double Decker Bus (125 mm long), the C769) National Express Coach (180 mm long and with opening passenger door), the C770) Holiday Tours Coach (180 mm long and with opening passenger door), the C1112) Mercedes-Benz Articulated Truck (235 mm long and with “Michelin” livery), the C1114) Mercedes-Benz Gritter Truck (140 mm long and with “Motorway Maintenance” markings and shovel), the C1116) Refuse Truck (150 mm long and with tipping action), the C1117) Mercedes-Benz Streetsweeper Truck (125 mm long and with hose and worker figure), the C1120) Fire Engine Truck (195 mm long), the C1122) Mercedes-Benz Cement Mixer Truck (140 mm long and with rotating mixer drum), the C1128) Mercedes-Benz Tipper Truck (140 mm long and with “Tarmac” livery and tipping action), the C1190) Ford Cargo Box Van (150 mm long and with “Thornton” livery and opening rear door), the C1191) Ford Cargo Container Truck (240 mm long and with “Ford cars about quality” livery and opening rear doors), the C1192) Mercedes-Benz Box Van (150 mm long and with “Lucas” livery and opening rear door) and the C1365) London Double-Decker Bus and Austin Taxi Set.

The 1985 range of Corgi Juniors featured the J2) Dumper Truck (with “Laing” livery and tipping action), the J3) Triumph TR7 Sports Car, the J5) Bus (with “Holiday Tours” livery), the J6) Rover 3500 Police Car (with opening rear hatch), the J7) ERF Fire Engine, the J8) Snorkel Fire Engine, the J9) Cement Truck (with rotating cement mixer), the J10) Aston Martin  DB5, the J11) Volvo Station Wagon Rally Support Car (with “Castrol” livery), the J14) Mercedes-Benz 240D Rally Car, the J16) Ford Capri, the J17) Austin London Taxi, the J18) Jaguar XJS, the J19) Matra Rancho SUV, the J20) Double-Decker Bus, the J21) Fiat X1/9 (with opening engine lid), the J22) Petrol Tanker Truck (with “Gulf” livery), the J23) Renault 5 Turbo, the J24) Wrecker Truck, the J25) Ford Escort Sedan (with opening passenger doors), the J26) Metro Hatchback (with opening passenger doors), the J27) Citroen 2CV (with opening front passenger doors), the J28) Airport Fire Engine, the J29) Mercedes-Benz 500 SL (with opening passenger doors), the J31) Ford Sierra (with opening passenger doors), the J32) Ferrari 308 GTS, the J33) Volkswagen Polo Turbo Hatchback (with opening passenger doors), the J34) Rover Triplex (with opening rear hatch), the J35) Porsche 911 Turbo Coupe, the J36) Ford Mustang, the J40) Opel Corsa Hatchback (with opening rear hatch), the J45) Chevrolet Corvette Sports Car, the J46) Pontiac Firebird Coupe, the J47) Mercedes-Benz 300 SL “Gullwing” Sports Car (with opening gullwing passenger doors), the J48) Sheriff 4 x 4 Jeep, the J49) Jeep, the J50) Range Rover, the J52) Iveco Refuse Truck (with tipping action), the J53) Iveco Container Truck (with “Fyffes” livery and opening rear doors), the J54) Renault Trafic Panel Van (with “Avis” livery), the J55) Renault Trafic Minibus (with “Grand Hotel” livery), the J56) Ford Escort Rally Car, the J57) Zakspeed Ford Capri, the J58) Ford Sierra Pace Car (with opening passenger doors), the J59) Range Rover Rescue Vehicle, the J60) Buick Regal Police Car, the J61) U.S. Van and the J62) Mini Shop Van.  “Corgi Juniors” Twin Packs included the J200) Matra Rancho SUV and Horsebox, the J201) Ford Sierra and Dinghy on Trailer, the J202) Mercedes-Benz 500 SL and Powerboat on Trailer, the J203) Volvo Station Wagon and Camping Caravan Trailer, the J204) Breakdown Truck and Triumph TR7 Sports Car, the J205) Container Truck with Trailer (with “Dunlop” livery), the J206) Tanker Truck and Trailer (with “Shell” livery) and the J207) Pipe Truck and Trailer.  The end of the 1985 “Corgi” catalogue featured a checklist for collectors.

1987 Corgi Classic Sheet for the U.S. Market

In 1987, Corgi released a full page color sheet (8 ½” by 11 ½” European specifications for catalogues) for the American market, featuring the “Classic Commercials U.S. Series” die-cast vehicles.  These were the 864/3) 1915 Ford Model T Tanker Truck (with “San Francisco Fire Department Engine Company 1” markings), the 865/3) Ford Model T Truck (with “Kalamazoo Fire Department Volunteer Canteen Corps” markings), the 865/4) Ford Model T Truck (with “Pepsi Cola” livery), the 906/1) 1922 Mack AC4 Speeder Truck (with “Mack Trucks” livery), the 906/2) 1922 Mack AC4 Speeder Truck (with “Sunshine Biscuits” livery), the 906/2) 1922 Mack AC4 Speeder Truck (with “White Rock Mineral Water” livery), the 906/4) 1922 Mack AC4 Speeder Truck (with “Buffalo Fire Department” markings) and the 906/5) 1922 Mack AC4 Speeder Truck (with “Pepsi Cola” livery).

1987 Corgi Model Year

The 1987 Corgi full color dealer catalogue was light green in color, with the company name and logo on the front cover, along with “1987” spelled out in colorful traffic signs.  Product lines included Corgi Juniors, Classics, Corgi Gift Sets, Vans, Fast Cars and Service Vehicles.  Marketing ideas and displays made the dealer catalogue unique compared to customer catalogues.  Corgi boasted that their retail sales increased four fold in the United Kingdom from 1984 to 1987.  As an American-based collector, I have always wished that they had more of a retail presence in the United States.  There is simply no reason why their products could not compete head-to-head with the likes of Hot Wheels and Matchbox in the United States.

The Corgi Juniors line for 1987 included the J3) Renault Van (with “Dyno Rod” livery), the J4) Ford Transit Van (with “Porsche Kremer Racing” livery), the J5) Mercedes-Benz Bus (with “Holiday Tours” livery), the J7) ERF Fire Engine, the J8) Simon Snorkel Fire Engine (with a working crane), the J12) BP Petrol Tanker Truck, the J13) Pepsi Truck, the J16) BMW 325i Saloon (with opening passenger doors), the J17) Austin London Taxi (with opening doors), the J18) Jaguar XJS Racing Car, the J19) Matra Rancho SUV (with opening rear hatch), the J20) London Double-Decker Bus, the J22) BMW 325i Rally Car (with opening passenger doors), the J23) Renault 5 Turbo (with “elf” livery), the J24) Police Wrecker Truck, the J25) Renault Van (with “Avis” livery), the J27) Citroen 2CV (with opening front passenger doors), the J28) BMW M3 Road Car, the J30) BMW M3 Racing Car, the J31) Ford Sierra ICS (with opening passenger doors), the J32) Ferrari 308 GTS, the J35) Porsche Carrera Coupe, the J37) British Gas Van, the J39) Royal Mail Van, the J40) Opel Corsa Rally Car (with opening rear hatch), the J41) Jaguar XJS Police Car, the J42) Container Truck (with “Knorr” livery), the J43) Petrol Tanker Truck (with “Total” livery), the J44) Renault Bus (with “Thomas Cook” livery), the J46) Pontiac Firebird (with “Schweppes” livery), the J48) 4 x 4 Sheriff Jeep, the J49) 4 x 4 Red Cross Jeep, the J50) BMW M3 Racer, the J51) Ford Transit Van (with “AA” markings), the J52) Refuse Truck (with tipping action and “NBC” livery), the J53) Iveco Parts Container Truck, the J54) Renault Parts and Service Van, the J55) Renault Bus (with “Grand Hotel” livery), the J56) Ford Escort (with “Duckhams” livery), the J57) “Zakspeed” Ford Capri, the J58) Ford Sierra Police Car (with opening passenger doors), the J60) Buick Police Car, the J61) U.S. Flag Van, the J63) Ford Transit Van (with “Royal Mail” markings), the J64) Land Rover Van (with “AA Service” markings), the J65) Land Rover Van (with “Royal Mail” markings), the J66) Land Rover Van (with “Police” markings), the J69) Porsche 911 Coupe (with German “Polizei” markings), the J82) Volvo Sedan (with “Ambulance” markings), the J83) Volvo Sedan (with “Gillanders Motors” livery), the J84) Volvo 760 Sedan, the J85) Porsche 935 Racer (in white with “Shell” livery), the J86) Porsche 935 Racer (in light blue with “Shell Oils” livery), the J87) Porsche 935 Coupe (in red), the J88) Mercedes-Benz 2.3/16 Sedan (with German “Polizei” markings), the J89) Mercedes-Benz 2.3/16 Sedan (with “17 Servis” livery), the J90) Mercedes-Benz 2.3/16 Sedan (in red), the J91) Jaguar XJ40 Police Car, the J92) Jaguar XJ40 Racer (in black with white stripe) and the J93) Jaguar XJ40 Sedan (in black).

The Corgi Juniors range for 1987 featured a number of “twin pack” sets which were in close competition with similar products from Matchbox (the other great mass market toy company originally from the United Kingdom).  These were the J232) Kremer Racing Set (a Porsche Racing Car and a Fort Transit Van), the J233) Fire Set (an ERF Fire Engine and a Simon Snorkel Fire Engine), the J234) Police Set (a Jaguar XJS and a Police Land Rover), the J236) Commercial Set (a B.P. Oil Tanker Truck and a Police Transit Wrecker Truck), the J237) 4 x 4 Jeep “Red Cross” and 4 x 4 Jeep “Sheriff,” the J238) Jaguar XJ40 Police Sedan and Police Land Rover, the J239) “Royal Mail” Land Rover and Datapost Ford Transit Van and the J240) “AA” Land Rover Van and “AA” Ford Transit Van.

The 1987 Corgi Classics line was very close competition for the likes of “Matchbox Models of Yesteryear,” “Dinky,” “Lledo Days Gone” and “Lledo Vanguards.”  Matchbox now owned Dinky, and Corgi eventually purchased Lledo.  In 1987, they featured the C599/1) AEC Regent Double-Decker Bus (with “Woodhams” livery), C599/2) AEC Regent Double-Decker Bus (with “Trustee Savings Bank” livery), the C599/3) AEC Regent Double-Decker Bus (with “Huntley & Palmers” livery), the C805/1) Mercedes-Benz 300S (in blue with opening hood and trunk), the C806/1) Mercedes-Benz 300S (in red with open top), the C811/1) Mercedes-Benz 300SL “Gullwing” (with opening gullwing passenger doors and hood), the C814/1) Rolls-Royce (in silver and black and with open top), the C815/1) Bentley (in white and with closed top, opening hood and trunk), the C825/1) Chevrolet Bel Air Hardtop (in black and with opening hood and trunk), the C858/1) Thornycroft Double-Decker Bus (with “National Motor Museum” livery), the C858/2) Thornycroft Double-Decker Bus (with “Charlie Chaplin’s” livery), the C858/3) Thornycroft Double-Decker Bus (with “Cambrian” livery), the C858/4) Thornycroft Double-Decker Bus (with “Idris Soda Water” livery), the C859/1) Thornycroft Panel Van (with “Scotts Empire” livery), the C859/2) Thornycroft Panel Van (with “Chivers & Sons, Ltd.” Livery), the C864/1) Ford Model T Tanker Truck (with “Staley Sales Corp.” livery), the C864/2) Ford Model T Tanker Truck (with “Rimers Motor Oils” livery), the C865/1) Model T Ford Panel Van (with “Needler’s Chocolates” livery), the C865/2) Ford Model T Panel Van (with “Drummer Dyes” livery), the C867/1) Thornycroft Beer Truck (with “Charles Wells Ltd.” livery), the C867/2) Thornycroft Beer Truck (with “Tooheys Pilsener” livery), the C867/3) Thornycroft Beer Truck (with “The Swan Brewery Co., Ltd.” livery), the C869/1) MG TF Racing Car (in blue and with open top and roll bar), the C870/1) Jaguar XK120 Racing Car (in dark green and with open top), the C897/1) AEC Cabover Box Truck (with “Atora” livery), the C897/2) AEC Cabover Box Truck (with “John Knight, Limited” livery), the C906/2) Mack Truck (with “Sunshine Biscuits” livery), the C906/3) Mack Truck (with “White Rock” livery), the C945/1) AEC Cabover Tanker Truck (with “Flowers Best Bitter” livery), the C945/2) AEC Cabover Tanker Truck (with “Gaymers Cyder” livery), the C949/1) Bedford Coach (with “Norfolk” markings), the C949/2) Bedford Coach (with “Royal Blue” markings), the C949/3) Bedford Coach (with “Dundee” markings), the C953/1) Bedford Pantechnicon (with “Pickfords” livery), the C953/2) Bedford Pantechnicon (with “Waring & Gillow, Ltd.” Livery), the C953/3) Bedford Pantechnicon (with “Fraser’s” livery), the C957/1) Morris GPO Royal Mail Van and the C958/1) Morris Post Office Telephones Van.  “Pantechnicon” is an English or British designation for a moving van.  Two Gift Sets included the C49) Transport of the ‘30s Set (with a Times Newspaper Bus and a Ford Model T Panel Van and the C50) Transport of the ’30 Set (with 3 Ford Model T Panel Vans in various liveries).  The Corgi Classics line remains as popular as it is to this day largely due to featuring various new liveries along with high quality and authenticity.  “Pantechnicon” is a British word for a moving van.

The Corgi Gift Sets range for 1987 featured a number of popular themed sets such as the C1/1) London Scene Set (with a Ford Sierra Police Car, an Austin Taxi and a “Routemaster” Double-Decker Bus), the C3) British Gas Set (with a Ford Cargo Van, a Natural Gas Compressor and a Ford Escort Van), the C8) Police Set (with a Wrecker Truck, a Ford Sierra Police Car and a Ford Escort Police Van), the C19) Emergency Set (with a Police Ford Transit Van and a BMW 635 Coupe Police Car), the C20) AA Relay Set (with a Wrecker Truck, a Range Rover SUV and a Ford Escort Van), the C21) RAC Recovery Set (with a Wrecker Truck, a Range Rover SUV and a Ford Escort Van), the C27) Fire Service Set (with a Mack Fire Pumper Truck and a Saab 9000 Turbo Sedan Fire Chief Car), the C28) Team Datapost Set (with a Ford Transit Van and a Toyota Racing Car with Post Office markings) and the C48) Kremer Racing Set (with a Kremer Racing Mercedes-Benz Van and a Kremer Porsche 956 Racing Car).

The “Corgi Vans” line for 1987 included the C496/1) Ford Escort Van (in red and with “Royal Mail” markings), the C496/2) Ford Escort Van (in white and with “Police” markings), the C496/3) Ford Escort Van (in white and blue and with “British Gas” livery), the C496/4) Ford Escort Van (with “British Airways” livery), the C576/1) Mercedes-Benz 207D Van (with “Pepsi” livery), the C576/2) Mercedes-Benz 207D Van (with “Porsche Kremer Racing” livery), the C576/3) Mercedes-Benz 207D Van (with “Parcel Line” livery), the C656/1) Ford Transit Van (with “RAC Rescue Service” markings), the C656/2) Ford Transit Van (with “Datapost” markings), the C656/3) Ford Transit Van (with Ambulance markings), the C656/4) Ford Transit Van (with “Shell,” “Goodyear” and “Ford” liveries) and the C656/5) Ford Transit Van (in yellow and with “AA Service” markings).  All van models featured opening rear cargo doors.

The “Corgi Fast Cars” line for 1987 featured the C258/1) Toyota Supra 2.8i (in black & silver and with opening passenger doors and rear hatch), the C271/1) James Bond 007 Aston Martin DB5 (in silver and with front-mounted machine guns, passenger ejector seat and rear bullet shield – from the movies “Goldfinger” in 1964 and “Thunderball” in 1965), the C279/1) Rolls-Royce Corniche Sedan (in silver & black and with opening front passenger doors, hood and trunk), the C299/1) Ford Sierra Sedan (with “Lindsay” livery and with opening front passenger doors and trunk), the C318/1) Jaguar XJS Coupe (in black & silver and with opening passenger doors), the C346/1) Citroen 2CV Dolly Sedan (in white & red and with opening hood), the C353/1) BMW 325i Saloon (in red and with opening passenger doors, hood and sunroof), the C353/2) BMW 325i Saloon (with “Marcel Favraud” racing livery, opening passenger doors, hood and sunroof), the C378/1) Ferrari 308 GTS (in red and with opening rear engine compartment), the C386/1) Mercedes-Benz 2.3/16 Sedan (in black and with opening front passenger doors and trunk), the C386/2) Mercedes-Benz 2.3/16 Sedan (with “Servis” racing livery and with opening front passenger doors and trunk), the C399/1) Peugeot 205 Hatchback (with “Paris” Rally livery, opening passenger doors and rear hatch), the C399/2) Peugeot 205 Hatchback (with “Benetton” livery, opening passenger doors and rear hatch), the C435/1) Volvo 760 Turbo Saloon (in black and with opening front passenger doors and hood), the C435/2) Volvo 760 Turbo Saloon (with “Gillanders Motors” racing livery, opening front passenger doors and hood) and the C439/1) Rover 800 Sterling Sedan (in silver and with opening front passenger doors, hood and trunk).

The “Corgi Service Vehicles” range for 1987 included the C320/1) Jaguar XJS Coupe Police Car (with opening passenger doors), the C358/1) Ford Sierra Sedan Police Car (with opening front passenger doors and trunk), the C388/1) Mercedes-Benz 190 Taxi (with opening front passenger doors), the C425/1) Austin London Taxi (with opening rear passenger doors), the C438/1) Rover 800 Sterling Police Car (with opening front passenger doors, hood and trunk, the C469/1) London Double-Decker Bus (with “Evening Standard” livery), the C597/1) Range Rover Ambulance (with opening front passenger doors and rear hatch), the C625/1) “Cityrama” Sightseeing Double-Decker Bus (in blue and with open top), the C650/1) “British Airways” Concorde Supersonic Airliner (with tilting nose), the C769/1) “Rapide National Express” Coach (with opening front passenger door), the C769/2) “Gatwick Flightline” Coach (with opening front passenger door), the C769/3) “Club Cantabrica” Coach (with opening front passenger door), the C1140) Police Wrecker Truck, the C1116/1) Refuse Truck (with “City Sanitation” markings and tipping action), the C1117/1) Streetsweeper Truck (with “Faun” livery, hose, brush and figure), the C1185/1) Mack Fire Engine and the C1365/1) London Double-Decker Bus and Austin Taxi Set.

The back of the 1987 Corgi dealer catalogue featured useful examples of five retail display stands, signs, cards and self-adhesive strips with the Corgi logo.

The Corgi Classics line issued catalogues in the second half of every model year, introducing even more new models and existing models with new liveries.  In October 1987, they featured an advertisement for the Corgi Collectors Club.  Members received six full-color club magazines per year, packed with loads of insider information about new releases, articles on popular models from the past, articles on real vehicles (upon which Corgi models were based), plus letters from members and a classified section.  Most members are located in the United Kingdom (the home of Corgi), but the club does have a substantial international following as well.  The 1987 club model was a Morris Minor Van.  The club was founded in 1984.

New Corgi Classics models in October 1987 included the C858/6) Thornycroft Double-Decker Bus (with “London & North-Western Railway” livery), the C864/4) Ford Model T Tanker Truck (in yellow and with “National” livery), the C897/3) AEC Cabover Panel Van (with “LMS Express Parcels Traffic” livery), the C897/4) AEC Cabover Panel Van (with “Duckhams Wear Cure” livery), the C906/6) Mack Truck (in yellow and with “Stanley Tools” livery), the C945/3) AEC Tanker Truck (with “Carless Petrol” livery), the C949/4) Bedford Coach (with “Grey Cars” livery), the C949/6) Bedford Coach (with “Southdown” markings), the C953/4) Bedford Pantechnicon (with “Steinway & Sons” livery), the C957/2) Morris Minor Van (in black and with “Gas” livery) and the C959) Morris Minor Van (in dark blue and white and with “Smith’s Crisps” livery).

1988 Corgi Model Year

The large European-specification (8 ½ by 11 ½ inches) Corgi dealer catalogue for 1988 featured a black background on which a worker was painting the street with the Corgi logo.

The Corgi Juniors line for 1988 included the J1) Ford Capri (with “Duckhams” livery), the J2) Iveco Tanker Truck (with a red cab and with “Esso” livery), the J4) Ford Transit Van (with “Porsche Kremer Racing” livery), the J5/2) Mercedes-Benz Airport Bus (in white and with “SAS” livery), the J5/3) Mercedes-Benz Airport Bus (in white and with “Air France” livery), the J7) ERF Fire Engine, the J8) Simon Snorkel Fire Engine, the J9) Iveco Van (with “Mars” chocolate livery), the J12) Iveco Tanker Truck (with a green cab and with “BP” livery), the J13/1) Iveco Delivery Truck (in red and with “Pepsi” livery), the J13/2) Iveco Delivery Truck (in red and with “Fruite” livery), the J15) Ford Transit Van (with Police markings), the J16) BMW 325i Coupe (in red), the J17) Austin London Taxi, the J18) Jaguar XJS Sedan, the J19) Matra Rancho SUV, the J20) London Double-Decker Bus, the J22) BMW 325i Coupe (in white and with racing livery), the J25) Renault 5 Turbo (with “elf” livery), the J24) Police Wrecker Truck, the J25) Renault Trafic Van (in white and with “Avis” livery), the J27) Citroen 2CV, the J30) BMW M3 Coupe (in orange and with “Canon” livery), the J31) Ford Sierra Sedan (with “Shell Oils” livery), the J32) Ferrari 308 GTS, the J35) Porsche 911 Coupe (in black and with “Shell” livery), the J36) Ferrari Testarossa Sports Car (in red), the J40) Opel Corsa Hatchback, the J45) Chevrolet Corvette Sports Car, the J45) Pontiac Firebird Coupe, the J47) Volvo 760 Sedan (in white and with “Polis” markings), the J48) Safari Jeep, the J49) U.S. Army Jeep, the J50) BMW M3 Coupe (in white and with “Pioneer” livery), the J52/1) Refuse Truck (in green and with “Properte de Paris” markings), the J52/2) Refuse Truck (in orange and with “NBC” livery), the J53) Iveco Delivery Van (with “Iveco” livery), the J54) Renault Trafic Van (in white and with “Renault” livery), the J55) Renault Trafic Bus (in white and with “Holiday Inn” livery), the J57) “Zakspeed” Ford Capri, the J60) Buick Police Car (in black and white), the J66) Land Rover Police Vehicle, the J69) Porsche 911 Coupe (with German “Polizei” markings), the J73) Ford Escort XR3 Sedan, the J74) Land Rover (with “BP” and “Safari Rally” liveries), the J77) Ferrari Testarossa Sports Car (in white), the J79) Mercedes-Benz 300 TE Station Wagon (in white and with Ambulance markings), the J81) Buick Sedan (in light blue and with “NYPD” markings), the J83) Volvo 760 Sedan (in white and with “Gillanders Motors” livery), the J84) Volvo 760 Sedan (in white), the J85) Porsche 935 Coupe (in white and with “Philippe Salvet” livery), the J86) Porsche 935 Coupe (in blue and with “Goodyear” livery), the J87) Porsche 935 Coupe (in red), the J89) Mercedes-Benz 2.3/16 Sedan (in white and with “Servis” livery), the J90) Mercedes-Benz 2.3/16 Sedan (in red), the J91) Jaguar Sedan Police Car, the J92) Jaguar Sedan (in dark green), the J93) Jaguar XJ40 Coupe (in white and with “Jaguar” livery), the J94) Mercedes-Benz 300TE Station Wagon (in red), the J95) Mercedes-Benz 300TE Station Wagon (in green and with Taxi markings), the J97) Land Rover (in red and with “Fire Salvage” markings), the J98) Porsche Targa Turbo (in red) and the J99) Porsche Targa Turbo (in white).  The 1988 Corgi dealer catalogue also featured six different retail displays for the Corgi Juniors line.  The models came in either small window boxes or blister packs.

The 1988 range of “Corgi Turbos” featured racing cars such as the C100/2) Porsche 956 (in yellow and with “Taka Q” livery), the C100/3) Porsche 956 (in black and with “Blaupunkt” livery), the C102/2) Opel Manta (in black and with “Shell” livery), the C102/3) Opel Manta (in yellow and with “Telecom Mobile Phone” livery), the C106/1) Saab 9000 (in red and with “Fly Virgin” livery), the C106/3) Saab 9000 (in black and with “Mobile” livery), the C110/2) BMW 635 (in white and with “Motul” livery), the C110/3) BMW 635 (in white and with “Warsteiner” livery), the C139/2) Porsche 911 (in orange and with “Jägermeister” livery) and the C139/4) Porsche 911 (in red and with “Denver Sportswear” livery).  The Corgi Turbo range of cars was of larger scale than the Corgi Juniors, and came in either window boxes or blister packs.

The 1988 line of Corgi Trucks were close competition for “Matchbox Convoy” models, and included the C1220/1) Scammell Truck and Export Crates, the C1221/1) Volvo Truck and Export Crates, Drums and Sacks, the C1222/2) Volvo Car Transporter, the C1231/2) Volvo Container Truck (in white and with “Wimpy International Limited” Livery), the C1231/17) Volvo Container Truck (in black and with a “Mars” chocolate livery), the C1246/7) Scammell Container Truck (with “Yorkie” livery), the C1264/2) Seddon Atkinson Tanker Truck (with “elf” livery) and the C1265/1) Volvo Container Truck (in red and with a “Texaco” livery).  “Corgi Trucks were sold in blue window boxes.

The 1988 range of Corgi Cars featured the C271/1) James Bond 007 Aston Martin DB5 (with front-mounted machine guns, passenger ejector seat and rear bullet shield – from the movies “Goldfinger” in 1964 and “Thunderball” in 1965), the C279/1) Rolls-Royce Corniche Sedan, the C299/3) Ford Sierra Sedan, the C318/3) Jaguar XJS Coupe, the C346/1) Citroen 2CV Sedan, the C353/1) BMW 325i Saloon (in red), the C353/4) BMW 325i Saloon (in white and with “Castrol” racing livery), the C378/1) Ferrari 308 GTS, the C386/1) Mercedes-Benz 2.3/16 Sedan (in black), the C386/4) Mercedes-Benz 2.3/16 (in white and with “Burlington Air Express” racing livery), the C399/5) Peugeot 205 Turbo, the C435/1) Volvo 760 Sedan (in silver), the C435/2) Volvo 760 Sedan (in white and with “Gillanders Motors” rally livery), the C440/1) Porsche 924 Carrera (in red) and the C440/2) Porsche 924 Carrera GT (in white and with “Porsche,” “Dunlop” and “Bosch” racing liveries).

The 1988 line of Corgi Vans included the C496/2) Ford Escort Police Van, the C576/2) Mercedes-Benz 207D Panel Van (in white and with “Porsche Kremer Racing” livery), the C576/9) Mercedes-Benz 207D Panel Van (in white and with “Overnite Parcels Express” livery) and the C656/3) Ford Transit Panel Van (in white and with Ambulance markings).

The 1988 range of “Corgi Service” vehicles featured the C358/1) Ford Sierra Sedan Police Car, the C425/1) Austin London Taxi, the C469/15) London Double-Decker Bus, the C597/3) Range Rover Police SUV, the C674/2) Ford Transit Wrecker Truck, the C675/2) “Metrobus” Double-Decker Bus, the C676/1) Ford Transit Bus, the C650/1) “Concorde” Supersonic Airliner, the C769/5) Global Tours Coach, the C1116/2) Refuse Truck, the C1117/2) Streetsweeper and the C1185/1) Mack Fire Truck.

An accessory in the 1988 Corgi dealer catalogue was the “Carry Car” carrying case.  It was shaped like a racecar, and came with either one Corgi Juniors model (the J3155 set) or five Corgi Juniors models (the J3156/1 set).

The end of the 1988 Corgi dealer catalogue featured “Corgi Sets” such as the J3097) Garage and three Corgi Juniors, the J3125/1) Airport Set (with a “Concorde” airliner and four Corgi Juniors vehicles), the J3161/1) Advent Calendar, the J3167/2) Superhaulers Set (with two Corgi Trucks and four Corgi Juniors), the J3168/3) Double Transporter Set (with a Car Transporter Truck, a Trailer and six Corgi Juniors vehicles), the J3169/2) Bumper Set (with ten Corgi Juniors vehicles), the J3170/2) Jumbo Set (with 20 Corgi Juniors), the J3171) Transporter Set (with a Car Transporter and three Corgi Juniors), the C19) Police Set (with a Ford Transit Van and a BMW 635 Coupe), the C27) Fire Set (with a Fire Truck and a Saab 9000 Sedan Fire Chief Car) and the C48/1) Porsche Kremer Racing Set (with a Mercedes-Benz 207D Panel Van and a Porsche 956 Racing Car).

The separate 1988 Corgi Classics line catalogue included the C599/1) AEC Double-Decker Bus (in red and with “Rhondda” markings), the C700/1) Jaguar Mark II Sedan (in red), the C701/1) Ford Popular (in light blue), the C700/2) Jaguar Mark II Sport Sedan (in silver), the C702/1) Morris Minor 1000 (in black and with a “British School of Motoring” plate on the front bumper), the 702/2) Morris Minor 1000 (in black), the C703/1) Morris Minor 1000 Police Car (in blue and white), the C706/1) Jaguar Mark II Sedan (in white and with Police markings), the C822/2) Bedford Box Van (with a black cab and with “Tate & Lyle’s” livery), the C822/3) Bedford Box Van (with a dark green cab and with “Gillette New Razor” livery), the C824/3) Renault Panel Van (in dark blue and with “The Lipton” livery), the C859/7) Thornycroft Van (with a gray hood and with “Leda Salt” livery), the C867/4) Thornycroft Beer Truck (with a dark green hood and with “Carlsberg of Copenhagen” livery), the C897/7) AEC Cabover (in brown and with “Mars” livery), the C897/8) AEC Cabover (in gray and with “His Master’s Voice” livery), the C906/8) Mack Truck (with a light yellow hood and with “Bovril” livery), the C906/9) Mack Truck (with a red hood and with “Carnation Farm Products” livery), the C906/10) Mack Truck (with a dark yellow hood and with “Gulden’s Mustard” livery), the C945/5) AEC Cabover Tanker Truck (in medium blue and with “Somerlite, Ltd.” Livery), the C959/5) Bedford OB Coach (in cream and dark green and with “Crosville Tour” markings), the C949/8) Bedford OB Coach (in red and white and with “South Midland” markings), the C949/9) Bedford OB Coach (in light blue and with “Premier Travel” livery), the C953/6) Bedford Pantechnicon (in green and with “Duckham’s NOL Motor Oils” livery), the C953/7) Bedford Pantechnicon (in light yellow and with “Camp Hopson Home Fashion Specialists” livery), the C957/6) Morris Minor Van (in red and with “Foyles for Books” livery), the C957/7) Morris Minor Van (in medium blue and with “Mac Fisheries” livery), the C990/1) Single Deck Streetcar (in red and with “Southampton Corporation Tramways” markings), the C990/2) Single Deck Streetcar (in dark blue and with “Sheffield Corporation Tramways” markings), the C991/1) Double Decker Open Top Streetcar (in white and with “London City Council Tramways” markings), the C991/2) Double Deck Open Top Streetcar (in green and white and with “Ford for Value” livery), the C992/1) Double Deck Closed Top Streetcar (in red and with “Mather’s Black Beer” livery) and the C992/2) Double Deck Closed Top Streetcar (in yellow, red and white and with “Glasgow Corporation Tramways” markings).  The Corgi Classics catalogue for 1988 was dark green in color and measured 8 ¼ by 9 ½ inches.  The last inside page featured an advertisement for the “Corgi Collector Club” and showed the 1988 Collector Club model: a blue and yellow Morris Minor Van (the same model used in 1987).

1989 Corgi Model Year

In 1989, Corgi released a separate large dealer catalogue for the Corgi Juniors line.  Furthermore, the line was now divided according to themes.  The different themes were “Corgi City Scene,” “Corgi Rally,” “Corgi Emergency” and finally “Corgi Made in Great Britain.”  The range of models within “Corgi City Scene” included the J9/5) Iveco Container Truck (in yellow and with “British Telecom” livery), the J12) Iveco Tanker Truck (with a green cab and with “BP Oil” livery), the J27) Citroen 2CV Sedan, the J52) Iveco Refuse Truck, the J63) Ford Transit Van (in red and with “Royal Mail” markings), the J84) Volvo 760 Saloon, the J90) Mercedes-Benz 2.3/16 Saloon, the J91/1) Jaguar XJ40 Saloon (in white and with Police markings), the J91/2) Jaguar XJ40 Saloon (in light blue metallic), the J94/1) Mercedes-Benz 300E Estate (in red), the J94/2) Mercedes-Benz 300E Estate (in light gray) and the J98/2) Porsche Targa (in black).

The “Corgi Rally” line for 1989 featured the J4) Ford Transit Van (in white and with “Porsche Kremer Racing” livery), the J23) Renault 5 Turbo (with “elf” livery), the J24/1) Ford Transit Wrecker Truck (in white and with “Porsche Kremer Racing” livery), the J30) BMW M3 Racing Car (in orange and with “Canon” and “Castrol” liveries), the J31/1) Ford Sierra Sedan (in red and with “Royal Mail” markings), the J36) Ferrari Testarossa (in red), the J77) Ferrari Testarossa (in white), the J85) Porsche 935 Racer (in white and with “Philippe Salvet” livery), the J86) Porsche 935 Racer (in blue and with “Goodyear” livery), the J87) Porsche 935 Road Car (in red) and the J89) Mercedes-Benz 2.3/16 Racer (in white and with “Servis” livery).

The “Corgi Emergency” range for 1989 included the J4/5) Ford Transit Van (in red and with “Fire Chief” markings), the J7) ERF Fire Engine, the J8) Simon Snorkel Fire Engine, the J15) Ford Transit Van (in white and with Police markings), the J24/3) Ford Transit Wrecker Truck (in yellow and with “AA” markings), the J51) Ford Transit Van (in yellow and with “AA” markings), the J64) Land Rover (in yellow and with “AA” markings), the J66) Land Rover (in white and with Police markings), the J96/1) Police Helicopter, the J96/2) Fire Department Helicopter and the J97) Land Rover (in red and with “Fire Salvage” markings).

The “Corgi Made in Great Britain” line for 1989 featured the J7) ERF Fire Engine, the J17/1) Austin London Taxi, the J20/2) London Double-Decker Bus (in red and with “The London Standard” livery) and the J65) Land Rover (in red and with “Royal Mail” markings).

The “Corgi Juniors Sets” range for 1989 included the J155/1) Police Twin Set (with a Jaguar Saloon and a Land Rover), the J156/1) Fire Twin Set (with a Land Rover and a Simon Snorkel Fire Engine), the J157/1) Breakdown Twin Set (with a Land Rover and a Ford Transit Van in yellow and with “AA” markings), the J158/1) Datapost Twin Set (with a Land Rover and a Ford Transit Van in red and with “Royal Mail” markings), the J159/1) Rally Twin Set (with a Porsche 935 Racecar and a Ford Transit Van with “Porsche Kremer Racing” liveries), the J2880/1) Police Triple Pack (with a Jaguar Saloon, a Ford Transit Van and a Helicopter), the J2881/1) Fire Triple Pack (with a Land Rover, a Simon Snorkel Fire Engine and an ERF Fire Engine), the J2882/1) Breakdown Triple Pack (with a Land Rover, a Ford Transit Van and a Ford Wrecker Truck in yellow and with “AA” markings), the J2883/1) Datapost Triple Pack (with a Land Rover, a Ford Transit Van and a Helicopter in red and with “Royal Mail” markings), the J2884/1) Rally Triple Pack (with a Porsche 935 Racecar, a BMW M3 Racing Car and a Ford Transit Van), the J2897/1) Christmas Tree Teddy Set (with an Iveco “BP” Tanker Truck, a Porsche Targa, a Ferrari Testarossa and a Mercedes-Benz 2.3/16 Racer), the J2898/1) Snow Teddy Set (with a BMW M3 Racing Car, a Jaguar Saloon, an “AA” Land Rover and a Porsche 935 Racecar), the J2899/1) Father Christmas Teddy Set (with a Citroën 2CV, a Mercedes-Benz 300TE Estate, a Ferrari Testarossa and a Police Land Rover), the J2900/1) Police Teddy Set (with a Ford Transit Van, a Jaguar Police Saloon, a Land Rover and a Helicopter), the J2901/1) Fire Teddy Set (with an ERF Fire Engine, a Simon Snorkel Fire Engine, a Land Rover and a Helicopter), the J2902/1) Breakdown Teddy Set (with a Ford Transit Wrecker Truck, a Land Rover, a Jaguar Police Saloon and a Ford Transit Van), the J2903/1) Post Office Teddy 4-Pack (with a Land Rover, a Ford Transit Van, a Ford Sierra and a Helicopter), the J2904/1) Race Teddy Set (with a Ford Transit Van, two BMW M3 Sedans and a Ferrari Testarossa), the J3097/2) Garage Set (with a Garage and three “Corgi Juniors” vehicles), the J3125/1) Airport Set (with a “Concorde” Supersonic Airliner, a Police Ford Transit Van, an “AA” Ford Transit Van, an Austin London Taxi and a London Double-Decker Bus), the J3135/1) City Scene Set (with an Iveco Refuse Truck, a Citroën 2CV, a London Double-Decker Bus, an Austin London Taxi, an Iveco “BP” Tanker Truck and a Porsche Targa), the J3136/1) Emergency Set (with an “AA” Ford Transit Van, a “Fire Salvage” Land Rover, a Ford Transit Police Van, a Simon Snorkel Fire Engine, a Ford Transit Wrecker Truck and a Jaguar Police Saloon), the J3137/1) Rally Set (with a Ford Transit “Porsche Kremer Racing” Van, a BMW M3 Racer, a Porsche 935 Racer, a Peugeot 205, a Mercedes-Benz 2.3/16 Racer and a Ferrari Testarossa), the J3155) “Carry Car” Accessory, the J3167/5) Superhauler Set (with two large trucks and four “Corgi Juniors” vehicles), the J3168/7) Transporter Set (with one Car Transporter and six “Corgi Juniors” vehicles), the J3169/6) Bumper Set (with ten “Corgi Juniors” vehicles), the J3170/2) Jumbo Set (with 20 “Corgi Juniors” vehicles) and the J3184) Datapost Set (with two large container trucks and four “Corgi Juniors” vehicles).

The last section of the 1988 Corgi Juniors dealer catalogue featured four “Made in Great Britain” Sets, including the J160/1) Tourist Twin Set (with a London Double-Decker Bus and an Austin London Taxi), the J2885/1) Tourist Triple Pack (with a London Double-Decker Bus, an Austin London Taxi and a Jaguar Police Saloon), the J2905/1) Teddy Tourist Set (with a London Double-Decker Bus, an Austin London Taxi, a Jaguar Police Saloon and a “Royal Mail” Ford Transit Van) and the J3138/1) Tourist Set (with a Police Land Rover, an Austin London Taxi, a London Double-Decker Bus, a Jaguar Police Saloon, a “Royal Mail” Ford Transit Van and an “AA” Ford Transit Van).  The inside back cover of the catalogue featured four different retail display stands for Corgi Juniors models.  They were marketed in blue window boxes.

The main Corgi dealer catalogue for 1989 featured the rest of their product line aside from the Classics; the latter were shown in two separate catalogues released for the first and the second halves of the year, respectively.  The “Corgi Turbos” for 1989 included the C100/3) Porsche 956 (in black and with “Blaupunkt” livery), the C100/4) Porsche 956 (in white and with “Yokohama” livery), the C102/2) Opel Manta 400 (in black and with “Shell” livery), the C102/3) Opel Manta 400 (in yellow and with “British Telecom Mobile Phone” livery), the C106/1) Saab 9000 Turbo (in red and with “Fly Virgin” livery), the C110/3) BMW 635 (in white and with “Warsteiner” livery), the C635 (in white and with Police markings), the C139/2) Porsche 911 (in orange and with “Jägermeister” livery), the C139/7) Porsche 911 (in green and with “Foltene” livery) and the C144/1) Jaguar XJR9 (in white and with “Castrol” livery).

The range of “Corgi Vans” in 1989 featured the C496/1) Ford Escort Van (in red and with “Royal Mail” markings), the C496/2) Ford Escort Van (in white and with Police markings), the C496/19) Ford Escort Van (in yellow and with “British Telecom” livery), the C496/20) Ford Escort Van (in red and white and with “Unigate fresh milk” livery), the C576/2) Mercedes-Benz 207D Van (in white and with “Porsche Kremer Racing” livery), the C656/1) Ford Transit Van (in white and with “RAC Rescue Service” markings), the C656/2) Ford Transit Van (in red and with “Royal Mail” markings), the C656/5) Ford Transit Van (in yellow and with “AA” markings), the C656/21) Ford Transit Van (in black and with “Lynx Express Delivery Network” livery) and the C656/22) Ford Transit Van (in white and with Police markings).

The line of “Corgi Fast Cars” in 1989 included the C271/1) James Bond 007 Aston Martin DB5 (in silver and with front-mounted machine guns, passenger ejector seat and rear bullet shield – from the movies “Goldfinger” in 1964 and “Thunderball” in 1965), the C279/2) Rolls-Royce Corniche Sedan (in silver and with opening front passenger doors, hood and trunk), the C299/3) Ford Sierra (in black and with “Texaco” livery, opening front passenger doors and trunk), the C318/4) Jaguar XJS Coupe (in dark green), the C353/1) BMW 325i Saloon (in red and with opening passenger doors, hood and sliding roof), the C353/4) BMW 325i Rally Car (in white and with “Castrol” livery, opening passenger doors, hood and sliding roof), the C378/2) Ferrari 308 GTS (in red and with opening rear engine compartment), the C386/6) Mercedes-Benz 2.3/16 Saloon (in dark blue and with opening front passenger doors and trunk), the C399/5) Peugeot 205 T16 Rally Car (in yellow and with opening passenger doors and rear hatch), the C435/7) Volvo 760 Turbo Saloon (in light blue and with opening front passenger doors and hood), the C440/2) Porsche 944 Rally Car (in white and with “Porsche” racing livery, opening passenger doors and hood) and the C440/3) Porsche 944 Coupe (in black and with opening passenger doors and hood).

The range of “Corgi Service Vehicles” in 1989 featured the C358/1) Ford Sierra Police Car (with opening front passenger doors and trunk), the C425/3) Austin London Taxi (in black and with opening rear passenger doors), the C438/3) Rover 800 Police Car (with opening front passenger doors, hood and trunk), the C469/8) London “Routemaster” Double-Decker Bus (in red and with “Jacob’s Cream Crackers” livery), the C597/3) Police Range Rover (with opening front passenger door and rear hatch), the C650/1) “Concorde” Supersonic Airliner (with tilting nose and “British Airways” livery), the C674/1) Ford Transit Breakdown Truck (in yellow and with “AA” markings), the C674/2) Ford Transit Breakdown Truck (in white and with “RAC Service” markings), the C675/5) Metrobus Double-Decker Bus (in yellow and with “Sandfords” livery), the C675/6) Metrobus Double-Decker Bus (in red and white and with “Yorkshire Traction” livery), the C676/6) Ford Transit Bus (in red and yellow and with “Mini Bus” livery), the C676/7) Ford Transit Bus (in dark blue and gray and with “British Airways” livery) and the C1185/1) Mack Fire Engine (with “Hammond Fire Dept.” markings).

The line of “Corgi Superhaulers” in 1989 included the C1222/4) Volvo Car Transporter (in yellow), the C1231/17) Volvo Container Truck (in black and with “Mars” livery), the C1238/4) Seddon Atkinson Container Truck (in white and with “Radio 1 Roadshow” livery), the C1238/6) Seddon Atkinson Container Truck (in red and with “Royal Mail Datapost” markings), the C1238/4) Seddon Atkinson Container Truck (in white and with “Federal Express” livery) and the C1250/5) Volvo Tanker Truck (in white and with “Texaco” livery).

The range of “Corgi Truckers” in 1989 featured the T1300/1) MAN Container Truck (in white and with “Servis Domestic Appliances” livery), the T1301/1) MAN Tanker Truck (in white and with “BP” livery), the T1302/1) MAN Open Back Tipper Truck (in dark yellow and with tipping action), the T1304/1) Ford Cargo Tanker Truck (with a white cab and chassis and with “Duckhams Oils” livery), the T1305/1) Ford Open Back Tipper Truck (with a dark green cab and chassis, a silver tipper and with tipping action), the T1306/1) Kenworth Container Truck (with a yellow cab and chassis and with “Yorkie Milk Chocolate” livery), the T1307/1) Kenworth Tanker Truck (with a yellow cab and chassis and with “Shell” livery) and the T1308/1) Kenworth Open Back Tipper Truck (with a dark blue cab and chassis, silver tipper and with tipping action).

The line of “Corgi Sets” in 1989 included the C2) Fire Set (with a Ford Transit Van, a Saab 9000 Turbo and a Mack Fire Engine), the C8/2) Police Set (with a Ford Escort Van, a Ford Transit Wrecker Truck and a Ford Sierra Sedan), the C19) Emergency Police Set (with a Ford Transit Van and a BMW 635 Coupe), the C20) “AA” Set (with a Ford Escort Van, a Ford Transit Van and a Ford Transit Wrecker Truck), the C21/3) “RAC” Set (with a Ford Escort Van, a Ford Transit Van and a Ford Transit Wrecker Truck), the C27) Emergency Fire Set (with a Mack Fire Engine and a Saab 9000 Turbo), the C28) Post Set (with a Ford Transit Van and a car with “Royal Mail Datapost” markings) and the C48/3) Racing Set (with a Mercedes-Benz 207D Van and a Porsche 956 Racecar).

The end of the 1989 Corgi catalogue featured five “Made in Great Britain” theme sets including the C30) Tourist – Tower Bridge Set (with a London Double-Decker Bus and an Austin Taxi), the C31) Tourist – Picadilly Set (with a London Double-Decker Bus, an Austin Taxi and a Ford Sierra Police Car), the C32) Tourist – Big Ben Set (with a London Double-Decker Bus, an Austin Taxi and a Tourist Figure), the C33) Tourist – Buckingham Palace Set (with a London Double-Decker Bus, an Austin Taxi and three Marching Soldiers) and the C34) Tourist – Tower of London Set (with a London Double-Decker Bus, an Austin Taxi, a Jaguar Police Saloon and a “Concorde” Supersonic Airliner).

The large (8 ½ by 11 ½ inch) Corgi Classics color catalogue for January – June 1989 now featured three ranges of vehicles: “Corgi Classic Cars,” “Corgi Commercials” and “Corgi Tramlines.”  The classic cars included the D700/4) Jaguar Mark II Saloon (in bronze metallic), the D700/5) Jaguar Mark II Saloon (in dark green), the D701/3) Ford Popular Saloon (in black), the D702/4) “Millionth” Edition Morris Minor Saloon (in lavender), the D702/5) Morris Minor Saloon (in maroon), the D708/1) Ford Cortina Lotus Saloon (in white with a light green stripe), the D709/1) Ford Zodiac Saloon (in two-tone red and white) and the D709/2) Ford Zodiac Saloon (in two-tone dark blue and white), the D710/2) Ford Zephyr Saloon (in dark blue).

The “Corgi Commercials” for January – June 1989 included the D599/6) AEC Double-Decker Bus (in dark green and with “Pye Wilson” livery), the D822/4) Bedford Box Van (in green and with “Solidox Toothpaste” livery), the D822/5) Bedford Box Van (in light yellow and with “Miller’s Baking Powder” livery), the D897/9) AEC Cabover Van (in green and yellow and with “International Stores” livery), the D897/11) AEC Cabover Van (in brown and with “John Barker & Company” livery), the D945/6) AEC Cabover Tanker Truck (in red and with “Redline Glico” livery), the D949/12) Bedford OB Coach (in grey and with red fenders and bumpers), the D949/13) Bedford OB Coach (in red and with “Hants & Sussex” markings), the D953/9) Bedford Pantechnicon (in yellow and with “Weetabix” livery), the D953/10) Bedford Pantechnicon (in red and brown and with “Restmor” livery), the D957/11) Morris 1000 Van (in light green and with “Appleyard” livery), the D957/12) Morris 1000 Van (in blue and with “D. Morgan” livery), the D980/1) Ford Popular Van (in bright green and with “S.A. Peacock” livery), the D980/2) Ford Popular Van (in grey, with red fenders and with “Fullers Radio & Television, Ltd.” livery), the D980/3) Ford Popular Van (in brown and green and with “Luton Motor Company” livery), the D981/1) CA Bedford Van (in dark blue and with “Pickfords Heavy Haulage Limited” livery) and the D982/1) CA Bedford Dormobile (in light blue and white).

The “Corgi Tramlines” for January – June 1989 featured the D990/3) Single Deck Tram (in green and white and with “Derby” markings), the D991/3) Double Deck Open Top Tram (in dark blue and light yellow and with “Bath Electric Tramways” markings), the D922/6) Double Deck Closed Top Tram (in red and white and with “Buchanan’s Black & White Scotch Whisky” livery) and the D993/1) Double Deck Fully Closed Tram (in red and white and with “Brickwoods Ales & Stout” livery).  The end of the “Corgi Classics” catalogue advertised the “Corgi Collector Club” and its 1989 model, a Ford Popular Van in dark blue and yellow complete with the club logo.  The Club was headquartered in the United Kingdom, but had national branches in Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway and the United States.

The Corgi Classics color catalogue for July – December 1989 had a similar cover to the brochure for the first half of the year – an illustration which simulated tire tread.  The new “Classic Cars” for the second half of 1989 included the D700/6) Jaguar Mark II Saloon (in Metallic Blue), the D700/7) Jaguar Mark II Saloon (in Metallic Gray), the D701/5) Ford Popular (in “Fawn,” which was similar to tan), the D702/6) Morris Minor (in Almond Green), the D708/3) Ford Cortina Saloon (in Red), the D708/4) Ford Cortina Saloon (in Aqua Blue), the D709/2) Ford Zodiac Saloon (in a new two-tone color of dark and medium blue), the D709/3) Ford Zodiac Saloon (in two-tone Yellow and White), the D709/4) Ford Zodiac Saloon (in two-tone Red and White), the D710/1) Ford Zephyr Saloon (in black), the D710/3) Ford Zephyr Saloon (in Monaco Red), the D710/4) Ford Zephyr Saloon (in Regency Grey), the D730/1) MGA Sports Car (in silver with a black hard top) and the D731/1) MGA Sports Car (in dark green with an open top).

The “Corgi Light Commercials” range for July – December 1989 featured the D889/1) Renault Beer Truck (with “Stella Artois” livery), the D599/7) AEC Double-Decker Bus (in light blue with “Rycrofts” livery), the D957/5) Morris Minor Van (in yellow with “Michelin” livery), the D957/13) Morris Minor Van (in light blue with “The Kimberly Clark Service” livery), the D980/8) Ford Popular Van (in green with “C. Pearson Quality Carpets” livery), the D981/2) Bedford CA Van (in black and white with “The Cambrian News” livery), the D981/3) Bedford CA Van (in yellow with “AA Road Service” markings), the D982/2) Bedford Dormobile (in Red and Cream), the D983/1) Morris “J” Van (with “GPO” markings) and the D983/2) Morris “J” Van (in red with “Royal Mail” livery).

The “Corgi Heavy Commercials” line for July – December 1989 included the D822/7) Bedford Box Van (in brown with red fenders, bumpers and roof with “Cadbury” livery), the D822/8) Bedford Box Van (with “Maltesers” livery), the D897/12) AEC Cabover Van (in red with “Royal Mail” markings), the D949/15) Bedford OB Coach (in red with “MacBrayne’s” livery) and the D953/12) Bedford Pantechnicon (in yellow with “Bishops” livery).

The 1989 Corgi Classics concluded with the “Tramlines” D991/4) Double Deck Open Top (in maroon and yellow with “Bournemouth Corporation Tramways” markings), the D991/5) Double Deck Open Top Tram (in maroon and white with “Burton & Ashby Light Railways” markings), the D992/7) Double Deck Closed Top Tram (with “The Birmingham Post” livery) and the D993/2) Double Deck Fully Closed Tram (in bright green and white with “Harley’s Preserves and Marmalades” livery).

1990 Corgi Model Year

In 1990, Corgi reverted to the custom of including all model lines aside from the Classics line in one large (8 ½ by 11 ½ inches) dealer color catalogue.  The latter tended to appeal to adult collectors, whereas the main product lines were mostly targeted at children.  The cover of the 1990 dealer catalogue featured an illustration of black pavement with painted yellow stripes, along with the company logo (an animated car driving out of the “o” in “Corgi.”

The 1990 catalogue began with the “Corgi Juniors City Scene Assortment” line, which included the J9/2) Iveco Container Truck (in dark brown with “Mars” livery), the J12/1) Iveco Tanker Truck (with a green cab and chassis and with “BP” livery), the J16/2) BMW 325i Coupe (in red), the J19/1) Matra Rancho SUV (in dark blue), the J29/2) Mercedes-Benz 500SL (in white), the J52/2) Iveco Refuse Truck (in orange with “NBC” livery), the J85/3) Porsche 935 (in red), the J91/2) Jaguar XJ40 Saloon (in light blue metallic) and the J94/1) Mercedes-Benz 300TE Estate (in red).

The 1990 “Corgi Juniors Emergency Assortment” range featured the J4/8) Ford Transit Van (in white with Police markings), the J7/1) ERF Fire Engine, the J8/1) Simon Snorkel Fire Engine, the J24/3) Ford Wrecker Truck (in yellow with “AA” markings), the J64/5) Land Rover (in red with “Emergency Fire” markings), the J67/1) Mercedes-Benz Ambulance, the J81/1) Buick Regal Sedan (in black and white with Police markings), the J81/2) Buick Regal Sedan (in red and white with “Fire Chief” markings), the J91/1) Jaguar XJ40 Saloon (in white with Police markings) and the J96/1) Police Helicopter.

The 1990 “Corgi Juniors Rally Assortment” line included the J1/1) Ford Capri Racer (in orange with black flames), the J4/1) Ford Transit Van (in white with “Porsche Kremer Racing” livery), the J16/1) BMW 325i Coupe (in white with black stripe), the J24/2) Ford Wrecker Truck (in white with “Porsche Kremer Racing” livery), the J30/1) BMW M3 Racer (in orange with “Canon” livery), the J32/1) Ferrari 308 GTS (in red), the J45/1) Chevrolet Corvette (in black with red and yellow flames), the J35/2) Porsche Carrera 911 Coupe (in black with “Porsche” livery), the J46/2) Pontiac Firebird (in yellow with “Fire Bird” livery) and the J85/2) Porsche 935 Racer (in blue with “Goodyear’ livery).

The 1990 “Corgi Juniors U.S.A. Assortment) line featured the J45/2) Chevrolet Corvette (in red and white), the J46/1) Pontiac Firebird (in silver), the J49/1) Military Jeep, the J61/1) Custom Van (in white with “Goodyear” livery), the J121/1) Ford Thunderbird Convertible (in red with open top) and the J123/1) Ford Mustang Coupe (in blue with “Goodyear” livery).

The 1990 “Corgi Juniors Made in Great Britain” line included J4/6) Ford Transit Van (in red with “Royal Mail” livery), the J4/7) Ford Transit Van (in yellow with “AA” markings), the J17/1) Austin London Taxi (in black), the J20/2) London Double-Decker Bus (in maroon with “See more London” livery), the J31/3) Ford Sierra Saloon (in red with “Post Office” markings) and the J64/1) Land Rover (in yellow with “AA” markings).  “Corgi Juniors” were sold in red window boxes in 1990.  Gift Sets within this range featured the J160/2) Tourist Twin Set (an Austin Taxi and a Double-Decker Bus), the J2885/2) Tourist Triple Set (a Double-Decker Bus, an Austin Taxi and a Jaguar Police Saloon), the J2905/2) Tourist Teddy Pack (a Jaguar Police Saloon, an Austin Taxi, a Double-Decker Bus and a “Royal Mail” Ford Transit Van) and the J3138/2) Tourist Set (a Police Land Rover, a Double-Decker Bus, an “AA” Land Rover, a “Royal Mail” Ford Transit Van, an Austin Taxi and a Jaguar Police Saloon).  Other gift sets in this range were the C30) Tourist – Tower Bridge Set (a “Routemaster” Double-Decker Bus and an Austin Taxi), the C31) Tourist – Picadilly Set (a “Routemaster Double-Decker Bus, an Austin Taxi and a Rover 800 Police Car), the C32) Tourist – Big Ben Set (a “Routemaster” Double-Decker Bus, an Austin Taxi and a “Concorde” Supersonic Airliner, the C34) Tourist – Tower of London Set (a “Routemaster” Double-Decker Bus, a “Concorde” Supersonic Airliner, a “Juniors” Austin Taxi and a “Juniors” Jaguar Police Coupe) and the C1365/2) London Scene Two Piece (a “Juniors” Austin Taxi and a large “Routemaster” Double-Decker Bus).

Corgi Gift Sets for 1990 featured the J3125/4) Airport Set (with a “Concorde” Supersonic Airliner and four Corgi Juniors), the J3136/2) Emergency Set (with six Corgi Juniors), J3155/4) Carry Car Case (for Corgi Juniors), the J3167/7) Superhauler Set (with two Container Trucks and four Corgi Juniors), the J3168/9) Transporter Set (with a Car Transporter, Trailer and six Corgi Juniors), the J3169/7) Bumper Set (with ten Corgi Juniors), the J3170/8) Jumbo Set (with 20 Corgi Juniors), the J3184/4) Datapost Set (with two Container Trucks and four Corgi Juniors, all in red and with “Royal Mail” markings), the C2) Fire Set (with a Ford Transit Van, a Saab 9000 Turbo and an ERF Fire Engine), the C8/2) Police Set (with a Police Car, a Ford Transit Wrecker Truck
and a Ford Escort Van), the C10/2) “AA” Set (with a Ford Transit Van, a Ford Transit Wrecker Truck and a Ford Escort Van) and the C21/3) “RAC” Set (with a Ford Escort Van, a Ford Transit Wrecker Truck and a Land Rover).  The sets starting with the letter “C” were not Corgi Juniors models, but regular models of about 1:36-scale.

The “Corgi Teddy Cards” line of blister pack sets for 1990 included the J2897/3) Christmas Tree Teddy Set, the J2898/3) Snow Teddy Set, the J2899/3) Father Christmast Teddy Set, the J2900/2) Police Teddy Set, the J2901/2) Fire Teddy Set, the J2902/3) Breakdown Teddy Set, the J2903/2) Post Office Teddy Set and the J2904/2) Race Teddy Set.  Each blister pack contained four Corgi Juniors vehicles.

The Corgi Vans range for 1990 featured the C496/2) Ford Escort Van (in white and with Police markings), the C496/19) Ford Escort Van (in yellow and with “AA” markings), the C656/1) Ford Transit Van (in white and with “RAC Rescue Service” markings), the C656/2) Ford Transit Van (in red and with “Royal Mail” markings), the C656/5) Ford Transit Van (in yellow and with “British Telecom” livery) and the C656/28) Ford Transit Van Ambulance.

The Corgi Truckers line for 1990 included the 1300/2) MAN Container Truck (in dark blue and with “Raleigh” livery), the 1301/1) MAN Tanker Truck (in white and with “BP” livery), the 1302/1) MAN Open Back Tipper Truck (in orange), the 1303/2) Ford Cargo Container Truck (in white and with “Pepsi” livery), the C1304/1) Ford Cargo Tanker Truck (with a white cab and chassis and with “Duckhams Oils” livery), the C1305/2) Ford Cargo Open Back Tipper Truck (with a red cab and chassis and gray tipper), the C1306/1) Kenworth Container Truck (with a white cab and chassis and “7 Up” livery), the C1307/1) Kenworth Tanker Truck (with a yellow cab and chassis and with “Shell” livery) and the C1308/1) Kenworth Open Back Tipper Truck (with a yellow cab and chassis and black tipper).

The Corgi Superhaulers range for 1990 featured the C1222/4) Volvo Car Transporter Truck (in red and with “Globetrotter” livery), the C1231/33) Volvo Container Truck (in black and with “Mars” livery), the C1231/34) Volvo Container Truck (in yellow and with “Opal Fruits” livery), the C1238/6) Seddon Atkinson Container Truck (in red and with “Royal Mail Datapost” markings), the C1238/13) Seddon Atkinson Container Truck (in dark blue and with “Cadbury’s Wiska” livery), the C1265/2) Volvo Tanker Truck (in white and with “Texaco” livery) and the C1265/5) Volvo Tanker Truck (in yellow and white and with “Shell” livery).

The Corgi Fast Cars line for 1990 included the C229/4) Ford Sierra Rally Car (in pink and with “Mr. Tomkinson Carpets” livery), the C271/1) James Bond 007 Aston Martin DB5 (in silver and with front-mounted machine guns, passenger ejector seat and rear bullet shield – from the movies “Goldfinger” in 1964 and “Thunderball” in 1965), the C279/3) Rolls-Royce Corniche Saloon (in bronze metallic and with opening front passenger doors), the C318/8) Jaguar XJS Coupe (in dark blue metallic and with opening passenger doors), the C346/1) Citroen 2CV Dolly (in red and white), the C353/9) BMW 325i Saloon (in black and with opening passenger doors), the C378/2) Ferrari 308 GTS (in red), the C386/8) Mercedes-Benz 2.3/16 Saloon (in maroon and with opening front passenger doors), the C399/5) Peugeot 205 T16 Rally Car (in yellow and with “Shell” and “Michelin” liveries), the C435/12) Volvo 760 Turbo Saloon (in dark blue metallic and with opening front passenger doors), the C440/1) Porsche 944 Coupe (in red and with opening passenger doors) and the C440/6) Porsche 944 Rally Car (in white and with “Pirelli” and “BF Goodrich” liveries).

The Corgi Turbos range for 1990 featured the C100/2) Porsche 956 (in yellow and with “Taka Q” livery), the C100/3) Porsche 956 (in black and with “Blaupunkt” livery), the C100/4) Porsche 956 (in white and with “Yokohama” livery), the C102/4) Opel Manta Coupe (in white and with “Mobil 1” livery), the C102/5) Opel Manta Coupe (in yellow and with “British Telecom” livery), the C106/9) Saab 9000 Turbo (in white and with “Federal Express” livery), the C110/5) BMW 635 Coupe (in white and with Police markings), the C110/7) BMW 635 Coupe (in red), the C139/7) Porsche 911 Coupe (in dark green and with “Foltene” livery), the C144/1) Jaguar XJR9 (in white and with “Castrol” livery), the C150/3) Chevrolet Camaro (in red and with white and blue stripes) and the C150/4) Chevrolet Camaro (in blue and with white and black stripes).

The Corgi Service Vehicles line for 1990 included the C406/2) Mercedes-Benz 300TE Ambulance (with “Falck” livery), the C425/3) Austin London Taxi (in black and with Radio Cab livery), the C438/3) Rover 800 Police Saloon (with opening front passenger doors), the C469/15) London “Routemaster” Double-Decker Bus (in red and with “The London Standard” livery), the C597/3) Police Range Rover (with opening front passenger doors), the C650/1) “Concorde” Supersonic Airliner (with tilting nose and with “British Airways” livery), the C674/1) Ford Transit Wrecker Truck (in yellow and with “AA Service” markings), the C675/14) Metrobus Double-Decker Bus (in orange and white and with “GM Buses” livery), the C676/12) Ford Transit Bus (in green and yellow and with “Oxford City Nipper” markings) and the C1185/1) Mack Fire Engine (with “Hammond Fire Dept.” markings).

Corgi offered two Action Loop track sets for the Corgi Juniors line in 1990; one single loop set and one double loop racing set.  They were made of plastic track and came with power launchers.  This was a very good idea, which I believe should have been expanded upon in order to compete more effectively with the likes of “Hot Wheels.”  Corgi introduced electronic models in 1990 to compete with the likes of “Matchbox.”  These included the six “Junior Alarm Flashers” complete with light and siren action.  Larger scale models included the four “Motorized Alarm Flashers” complete with light and siren action and “pull back” friction drive.  The 12 “Mini Racers,” the eight “Construction” racers, the six larger scale “Racers” and the four larger off-road “Hyper Kinetics” were so-called “action” models targeted at children.  They had accessory track sets, and can be compared with the modern Corgi product known as “Streakerz.”  The 11 “Corgi Luggers” sets were also targeted at younger children.  They could be taken apart and put together in different ways.  The end of the 1990 Corgi dealer color catalogue featured seven “Centres and Action Plates” (service stations, test centers for cars, a pit stop, a police station and a “Royal Mail Datapost” collection center).

The January – June 1990 Corgi Classics color catalogue featured five distinct lines of models: “Classic Cars,” “Sports Cars,” “Commercials,” “Tramlines” and now “Gift Sets.”  The cars included the D700/8) Jaguar Mark II (in Silver Blue), the D700/9) Jaguar Mark II (in Willow Green), the D701/3) Ford Popular (in black), the D701/8) Ford Popular (in Newark Grey), the D701/9) Ford Popular (in Winchester Blue), the D702/6) Morris Minor (in Almond Green), the D702/7) Morris Minor (in Ivory), the D702/8) Morris Minor (in Clipper Blue), the D708/6) Ford Cortina Police Car, the D708/7) Ford Cortina (in black), the D708/8) Ford Cortina (in Spruce Green), the D709/6) Ford Zodiac (in two-tone Black and Ambassador Blue), the D709/7) Ford Zodiac (in two-tone yellow and white), the D710/6) Ford Zephyr (in Maroon) and the D710/7) Ford Zephyr (in Pompadour Blue).

The January – June 1990 range of “Sports Cars” included the D730/1) MGA Hard Top (in Silver and Black), the D731/1) MGA Open Top (in British Racing Green), the D732/1) MGA Soft Top (in Post Office Red) and the D734/1) Austin Healey Open Top (in blue).

The January – June 1990 line of “Light Commercials” featured the D599/9) AEC Double-Decker Bus (in red with “Wallace’s Sausages” livery), the D599/10) AEC Double-Decker Bus (in red and yellow with “Tamplin’s Ales” livery), the D957/21) Morris 1000 Van (in white with “7-Up” livery), the D957/22) Morris 1000 Van (in yellow with “Bishop’s Removals” livery), the D957/23) Morris 1000 Van (in dark blue with “A. Dunn & Son” livery), the D980/13) Ford Popular Van (in brown with “Lima Furniture” livery), the D980/14) Ford Popular Van (in dark blue with “Cambrian Factory Ltd.” Livery), the D980/15) Ford Popular Van (in dark red with “Abbeycolor” livery), the D981/3) Bedford CA Van (in yellow with “AA Road Service” markings), the D982/3) Bedford Dormobile (in Green and Cream), the D983/1) Morris J Van (in dark green with “GPO” markings) and the D983/2) Morris J Van (in red with “Royal Mail” markings).  The buses were made in 1:50-scale, whereas the small trucks were in 1:43-scale (as were the cars and the sports cars).

The January – June 1990 range of “Heavy Commercials” included the D822/10) Bedford Box Van (in red with “Terry’s of York” livery), the D897/14) AEC Cabover Van (in brown with “Great Western Railway” livery), the D949/17) Bedford OB Coach (in beige with light green fenders with “Greenslades Tours” livery), the D949/18) Bedford OB Coach (in red, with a white roof and “Devon General” markings) and the D953/13) Bedford Pantechnicon (in black with “Wylie & Lochhead” livery).  The large commercial vehicles were all made in 1:50-scale, as they are to this day.

The January – June 1990 line of “Trams” featured the D990/6) Single Deck Tram (in white and yellow with “Maidstone Corporation” markings), the D991/6) Double Deck Open Tram (in blue and white with “Lipton’s Tea” livery) and the D992/8) Double Deck Closed Tram (in red and white with “News World” livery).

The January – June range of “Gift Sets” included the D35/1) 50th Anniversary Battle of Britain Set (with a Bedford OB Coach, a Morris 1000 Van and a Ford Saloon, all with “Royal Air Force” markings), the D36/1) Racing Zephyrs Set (with three Ford Zephyr Saloons in racing liveries) and the D37/1) 150 Years of Penny Post Set (with a Double Deck Fully Closed Tramcar).

The July – December 1990 Corgi Classics large color catalogue featured many new models (mostly changes in colors and liveries) in the “Cars,” “Sports Cars,” “Light Commercials,” “Heavy Commercials,” “Tramlines,” “Giftsets” and brand new “Cameo” lines.  The 1990 Corgi Collector Club model was a yellow and blue Bedford CA Van with the “Corgi” logo.  The “Corgi Classics Cars” included the D700/4) Jaguar Mark II (in Pale Blue), the D700/10) Jaguar Mark II (in Opal Maroon), the D701/3) Ford Popular (in black), the D702/6) Morris Minor (in Almond Green), the D702/9) Morris Minor (in Sage Green), the D708/6) Ford Cortina Police Saloon, the D708/9) Ford Cortina Rally Car, the D709/6) Ford Zodiac (in two-tone Black and Ambassador Blue), the D709/8) Ford Zodiac (in two-tone Ermine White and Grey), the D710/6) Ford Zephyr (in Maroon), the D710/12) Ford Zephyr (in Linden Green), the D711/1) Saab 96 Saloon (in red), the D711/2) Saab 96 Saloon (in blue) and the D712/1) Saab 96 Rally Car (in red with “Erik Carlsson” livery).

The July – December 1990 range of classic “Corgi Classics Sports Cars” featured the D731/1) MGA Open Top (in British Racing Green), the D733/1) Austin Healey Hard Top (in Post Office Red), the D734/1) Austin Healey Open Top (in blue), the D735/1) Austin Healey Soft Top (in Pacific Green), the D736/1) Triumph 3A Hard Top (in Post Office Red), the D737/1) Triumph 3A Open Top (in Pale Blue), the D738/1) Triumph 3A (in Yellow), the D739/1) Ferrari 250 Sport (in red with the number “151”), the D740/1) Ferrari 250 GTO (in red), the D741/1) Porsche 356 Hard Top (in red), the D742/1) Porsche 356 Open Top (in white) and the D743/1) Porsche 356 Soft Top (in black).

The July – December 1990 line of “Light Commercials” included the D599/11) AEC Double-Decker Bus (in dark green with “Irish Independent” livery), the D599/12) AEC Double-Decker Bus (in light blue with “RAF Wings for Victory” Battle of Britain 50th Anniversary livery), the D957/21) Morris 1000 Van (in white with “7-Up” livery), the D957/27) Morris 1000 Van (in yellow with “GPO Post Office Telephones” livery), the D980/16) Ford Popular Van (in red with “Royal Mail” markings), the D981/3) Bedford CA Van (in yellow with “AA” markings), the D981/9) Bedford CA Van (in yellow with “Evening News” livery), the D981/10) Bedford CA Van (in black and grey with “Evening Standard” livery), the D981/11) Bedford CA Van (in red with “The Star” livery), the D982/4) Bedford Dormobile (in brown and cream), the D983/1) Morris J Van (in green with “GPO” markings), the D983/2) Morris J Van (in red with “Royal Mail” markings), the D983/4) Morris J Van (in black with Metropolitan Police markings), the D983/5) Morris J Van (in lavender and white with “Wall’s Ice Cream” livery), the D984/1) Volkswagen “Caravanette” Kombi Microbus (in red and white) and the D985/1) Volkswagen Panel Van (in Dove Blue).

The 1990 line of “Corgi Heavy Commercials” included the D822/11) Bedford Box Van (in blue and with “LNER Express Parcels Service” livery, the D945/8) AEC Tanker Truck (in red and with “Mobilgas” livery), the D949/25) Bedford OB Coach (in light yellow, with green fenders and bumpers, and with “Eastern National” livery) and the D953/14) Bedford Pantechnicon (in green and with “Arthur Batty” livery).  Heavy commercial vehicles were made in 1:50-scale.

The 1990 range of “Corgi Tramlines” featured the D991/8) Double Deck Open Tram (in green and with “Catlin Follies” livery), the D992/9) Double Deck Closed Tram (in blue and white and with “Grange Laundry” livery) and the D993/3) Double Deck Open Tram (in red and white and with “Drink Mazawattee Tea” livery).  Tramcars were made in 1:72-scale.

The 1990 line of “Corgi Classics Giftsets” included the D41/1) Barton’s Transport 1950’s Set (with a Bedford OB Coach and an AEC Double-Decker Bus in red), the D46/1) British Railways Vehicles Set (with a Bedford Box Van and a Morris J Van in red), the D47/1) Beano 1990 Minnie the Minx and the Bash Street Kids Set (with an AEC Double-Decker Bus and a Morris J Van with the popular comic strip livery), the D67/1) United Dairies Set (with an AEC Cabover Van and an AEC Cabover Tanker Truck) and the D94/1) Whitebread Brewery Set (with a Bedford Box Van and a Ford Model T Van).

The brand new line of “Corgi Cameo” vehicles were smaller, less detailed, but more affordable.  They were sold in small red window boxes and were roughly in 1:55-scale.  They featured the D750/4) Ford Model T Van (in green and with “City and Suburban Carriers” livery), the D750/5) Ford Model T Van (with “J. Webster and Sons” livery), the D751/3) Morris Pickup Truck (in yellow and with “J. Smith, Coal Merchant” livery), the D751/4) Morris Pickup Truck (in blue and with “Commercial Cars Ltd.” Livery), the D752/3) Bedford Bus (in red and with “Rapid Road Transport” livery), the D752/4) Bedford Bus (in green and with “Crosville School” markings), the D753/3) AEC Cabover Van (with “Metropolitan Railways” markings) and the D753/4) AEC Cabover Van (with “Great Western Railway” markings).

1991 Corgi Model Year

In 1991 and 1992, the Corgi Classic color catalogues were still large (8 ½ by 11 ½ inches), but the range of models were somewhat smaller in number – and they were denoted with a new numbering system.  New themes replaced older themes in order to create interest in the collector market.  The cover of the January – June 1991 “Corgi Classic” catalogue featured a beautiful drawing of a Jaguar XK120 Roadster on a black background.  The range of 1:43-scale “Sports Cars” included the 96040) Jaguar XK120 Open Top (in White), the 96041) Jaguar XK120 Open Top (in British Racing Green), the 96060) Jaguar XK120 Soft Top (in Black), the 96080) Jaguar E Type Open Top (in Signal Red), the 96140) MGA Hard Top (in Post Office Red), the 96160) MGA Open Top (in Black), the 96180) MGA Soft Top (in White), the 96200) Austin Healey Hard Top (in Green), the 96220) Austin Healey Open Top (in Blue and Ivory), the 96240) Austin Healey Soft Top (in Yellow), the 96300) Triumph 3A Soft Top (in Post Office Red), the 96320) Ferrari 250 Sport (in Red) and the 96360) Porsche 356 Open Top (in Blue).

The “Corgi Classic Cars” line for January – June 1991 featured the 96480) Ford Popular (in Black), the 96500) Ford Cortina Police Saloon, the 96520) Ford Zephyr (in Monaco Red), the 96540) Ford Zodiac (in two-tone Yellow and White), the 96560) Jaguar Mark II (in Silver Blue) and the 96580) Morris Minor (in Almond Green).

The range of “Corgi Classic Rally Cars” for January – June 1991 included the 96660) Saab (in dark red and with “Eric Carlsson” livery), the 96680) Jaguar Mark II (in dark blue and with “Stirling Moss” livery), the 96740) Morris Minor (in white and with “Pat Moss” livery) and the 96760) Ford Cortina (in red and with “Sir John Whitmore” livery).

The “Corgi Classic Light Commercials” line for January – June 1991 featured the 96840) Morris 1000 Van (in green and with “Bristol Water” markings), the 96842) Morris 1000 Van (in yellow and with “GPO Post Office Telephones” livery), the 96860) Ford Popular Van (in dark blue and grey and with “Eastbourne Motors Ltd.” livery), the 96862) Ford Popular Van (in red and with “Royal Mail” markings), the 96880) Morris J Van (in dark blue and with “Pickfords” livery) the 96882) Morris J Van (in red and with “Royal Mail” markings), the 96883) Morris J Police Van (in black), the 96900) in yellow and with “The Guardian Evening News” livery), the 96903) Bedford CA Van (in yellow and with “AA Road Service” markings), the 96920) Bedford Police Dormobile (in black), the 96940) Volkswagen Caravanette / Kombi Microbus (in Red and Grey), the 96941) Volkswagen Caravanette / Kombi Microbus (in Grey and White), the 96960) Volkswagen Panel Van (in Yellow and with “Bosch Auto Electrical” livery), the 96980) AEC Double-Decker Bus (in Yellow and with “Stevenson’s” livery), the 97000) Renault Van (in green and with “Perrier Natural Mineral Water” livery) and the 97040) Volkswagen Camper (in Green and White).

The 1:50-scale “Corgi Classic Heavy Commercials” range for January – June 1991 featured the 97080) Bedford Pantechnicon (in blue and with “John Julian” livery), the 97100) Bedford OB Coach (in light blue and with “Tours Isle of Man” livery), the 97101) Bedford OB Coach (in cream and blue and with “Scilly Isles” markings), the 97120) Bedford Box Van (in red and with “LMS Express Parcels Traffic” livery), the 97140) AEC Cabover Van (in green and with “Southern Railway Express Parcel Services” livery) and the 97180) AEC Regal Coach (with “Grey-Green” livery).

The 1:72-scale “Corgi Classic Trams” line for January – June 1991 included the 97240) Double Decker Open Tram (in brown and with “Lowestoft Corporation Tramways” markings), the 97241) Double Decker Open Tram (in green and light yellow and with “Lipton’s Tea” livery) and the 97260) Double Decker Closed Tram (in maroon and white and with “Martell” livery).

A very nice new model which recalled a great Corgi die-cast from the past was the 97320) La France Fire Engine.  It was the sole member of the “Fire Service” range.

The line of “Corgi Classic Gift Sets” for January – June 1991 featured the 97680) 30 Years of the “E” Type Set (with one white open top and one red closed top “E” Type Jaguar), the 97700) Jaguar Through the Years Set (with one white Jaguar XK120 Roadster, one black “E” Type Jaguar Sports Car and one Silver Blue Jaguar Mark II Saloon), the 97740) Times Set (with one Morris 1000 Van and one Bedford CA Van), the 97741) Island Transport – Jersey Set (with two different Bedford OB Coaches) and the 97742) John Smith’s Brewery Set (with one AEC Cabover Tanker Truck and one Pickup Truck in green).

The 1991 Corgi Collector Club model was a Morris J Van in yellow and blue with the club logo.  The Club now had official branches outside of the United Kingdom in Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, the Netherlands, Italy, New Zealand, Norway, the United States and Germany.

The July – December 1991 Corgi Classics color catalogue was similar to the one for the first half of the year, but with a green background on the cover.  The new “Jaguar” range featured the 96042) Jaguar E Type Soft Top (in Cream), the 96043) Jaguar E Type Open Top (in Black), the 96044) Jaguar XK120 Soft Top (in Maroon), the 97681) Stirling’s Choice Set (with a Jaguar XK120 Open Top in bright green and an Austin Healey Hardtop in silver) and the 97701) Racing E Types Set (with two E Type Jaguar Soft Tops, one in light grey and one in red).

The July – December 1991 “Corgi Classic Winners” line included the 96662) Saab Saloon (in light blue with “Pat Moss” livery), the 96721) Ford Zephyr (in white with “Ann Hall” livery), the 96741) Morris Minor (in dark blue “Himalayan Rally” livery), the 96963) Ford Cortina (in red with “Roger Clark” livery), the 96764) Ford Cortina (in white with “Jim Clark” livery) and the 96881) Jaguar Mark II Saloon (in white with “John Coombs” livery).

The July – December 1991 Corgi Classics Fire Service range featured just one model, this being the number 97321 American La France Fire Engine (in red with “Centerville Fire Department Hood and Ladder 1” markings).

The brand new “Corgi Comic Classics Limited Editon” line included the 98754) Bedford CA Van (in yellow with “Adventure” livery), the 98755) Ford Popular Van (in red and light yellow with “Hotspur” livery), the 98756) Morris 1000 Van (in orange with “The Rover” livery), the 98757) Volkswagen Panel Van (in light yellow and blue with “The Skipper” livery), the 98758) Morris J Van (in yellow and red with “The Wizard” livery) and the 98759) Dandy Gift Set (with a Morris J Van and a Bedford CA Van).  These 1:43-scale models were decorated with popular British comic strip characters.

The “Corgi Commercials” range for July – December 1991 featured the 96990) AEC Bus Set (with one Double-Decker and one Regal Coach), the 97061) Coventry Bus Set (with an AEC Double-Decker Bus and a Bedford OB Coach), the 97062) AEC Double-Decker Bus (in red with “Oxford” markings), the 97063) Yelloway Gift Set (with an AEC Regal Coach and a Bedford OB Coach), the 97085) Bedford Pantechnicon (in red with “Slumberland Beds” livery) and the 97184) AEC Regal Coach (in white and red with “Sheffield” markings).

The Corgi Cameo line for July – December 1991 included the 97831) Royal Mail 2 Piece Set, the 97832) Pickfords 2 Piece Set, the 97833) Railway 4 Piece Set, the 97834) Village 4 Piece Set and numerous individual models of classic vans, tanker trucks, pickup trucks and buses.

1992 Corgi Model Year

In 1992, the Corgi Classics color catalogue was still large (8 ½ by 11 ½ inches), but the range of models were somewhat smaller in number – and they were denoted with the new numbering system introduced in 1991.  New themes replaced older themes in order to create interest in the collector market.  The cover of the January – June 1992 Corgi Classics catalogue featured a beautiful drawing of an AEC Pumper Fire Engine on a purple background.  The 1:43-scale line of “Sports Cars” and “Jaguar Range” models included the 96081) Jaguar E Type Open Top (in Primrose Yellow), the 96570) Chevrolet Bel Air Hardtop (the “Millionth Gold” edition), the 97702) Jaguar Collection (with three Jaguars on a very nice wooden stand), the 97712) Monte Carlo Mini Set (with three racing Mini Coopers) and the 97730) Austin Healey Winners Set (with three Austin Healey racecars).

The January – June 1992 range of “Corgi Comic Classics Limited Editions” featured the 96864) “Tiger” (with one Morris 1000 Van), the 96865) Ford Popular Van (with the “Beezer” comic), the 98960) “Beano” Gift Set (with one Morris 1000 Van and one Morris J Van), the 98965) “Eagle” Gift Set (with one Bedford CA Van and one Volkswagen Panel Van) and the 98970) “X-Men” Gift Set (with one Bedford CA Van and one Morris J Van).  Comic and superhero “Classic” models and sets all came in creatively illustrated collectable boxes complete with limited edition comic certificates.

The January – June 1992 line of “Classic Commercials from Corgi” included the 96985) Thornycroft Bus (in blue and with “S. Young & Son “ livery), the 96995) Ian Allen 50th Anniversary Set (with one AEC Double-Decker Bus and one Bedford CA Van), the 97070) Silver Service Bus Set (with one AEC Regal Bus and one Bedford OB Coach in silver and blue), the 97071) Devon Bus Set (with one AEC Double-Decker Bus and one AEC Regal Bus), the 97072) Gosport & Fareham Bus Set (with one AEC Double-Decker Bus and one AEC Regal Bus in green), the 97186) AEC Regal Bus (in “Grey Cars” livery), the 97187) AEC Regal Bus (in red with “Hanson” livery) and the 97195) Bedford Pantechnicon (in red and with “Howells and Son Furniture Removers” livery).  All commercials came complete with presentation packaging and limited edition certificates.  The gift sets also included an authentic period bus timetable.

The January – June 1992 “Corgi Fire Service” range featured just one model, this being the brand new 97355) AEC Pumper Fire Engine (with “Nottinghamshire” markings).

The January – June 1992 line of “Corgi Cameos” featured the two 1951 Volkswagen Beetle Sedans (one in light blue and one in red), two Morris Minor Saloons (one in lavender and one in white), two Citroën 2CVs (one in maroon and one in red), two Austin Mini Coopers (one in dark green and one in dark blue), two AEC Cabover Vans (one with “Drummer Dyes” and one with “Hustler Soap” livery), two Bedford Buses (one in yellow and one in maroon), two Ford Model T Vans (one with “Zebra Polish” and one with “The Sketch” livery) and two Morris Trucks (one with “Thorley’s Cattle Food” and one with “Carless Petrol” livery).

The 1992 Corgi Club model was a Volkswagen Panel Van in light yellow and blue with the club logo.

The July – December 1992 Corgi Classics color catalogue was similar to the one for the first half of the year, but it featured a nice drawing of an AEC Double Decker “Guy Arab” Bus on the cover, with a maroon background.  The “Corgi Comic Classics Limited Edition” and “Corgi Superheroes Limited Edition” line included the 96887) “Topper” (with one Morris J Van), the 96961) “Lion” (with one Volkswagen Panel Van), the 98972) “Spider Man” Gift Set (with one Morris J Van and one Morris 1000 Van) and the 98973) “Captain America” Set (with one Volkswagen Panel Van and one Ford Popular Van).  “Specials” featured the 97087) Bedford Pantechnicon (in white and green with the “Barnardos” Christmas Charity Model livery and the 97755) “Whitbread 250th Anniversary Set (with one AEC Cabover Tanker Truck and one Thornycroft Pickup Truck).

The July – December 1992 range of “Sports Cars” included the 96082) Jaguar E Type (with “Ken Baker” livery), the 96571) Chevrolet Bel Aire (in light blue with a white hardtop), the 97695) Abingdon Set (with two MG Sports Cars and one Morris J Van) and the 97713) “Italian Job” Mini Set (with one red, one white and one blue Mini Cooper – from the “Paramount Pictures” movie).

The July – December 1992 line of “Commercials” featured the 96982) AEC Double-Decker Bus (in dark blue and white with “Rochdale” markings), the 97075) Bus Set (one AEC Regal Coach and one Bedford OB Coach with “South Wales” markings), the 97076) Bus Set (one AEC Double-Decker Bus and one AEC Regal Coach with “W. Alexander & Sons Ltd.” Livery), the 97077) Bus Set (with one AEC Double-Decker Bus and one AEC Regal Coach in “East Lancashire” markings), the 97105) Bedford OB Coach (in red with “Felix 70th Anniversary” livery), the 97192) AEC Regal Coach “Leyland Tiger” (with “Ribble” livery), the 97198) AEC Double-Decker “Guy Arab” Bus (in green with “Southdown” markings), the 97199) AEC Double-Decker “Guy Arab” Bus (in blue with “Birkenhead” markings), the 97735) “Cumbrian” Set (with one Bedford Box Van and one Morris J Van), the 97754) LMS Railway Set (with one AEC Cabover Van and one Thornycroft Van), the 97891) AEC Truck and Trailer (in green and grey with “Billy Smart’s” livery), the 97892) AEC Truck and Trailer (in black and red with “S. Houseman” livery) and the 97893) AEC Truck and Trailer (in red with “J. Ayers” livery).

The July – Deceember 1992 range of “Corgi Fire Service” vehicles included the 97331) La France Set (with one green “Scottdale” and one yellow “South River” Fire Truck), the 97351) AEC Ladder Set (one AEC Ladder Truck and one Bedford CA Van with “Bristol” markings), the 97385) AEC Ladder Truck (with “Cardiff” markings) and the 97391) AEC Pump Escape Set (one AEC Pumper Fire Engine and one Bedford CA Van with “Nottinghamshire County Council” markings).

Finally, the July – December 1992 line of “Corgi Royals” models featured the 97150) Thornycroft Van (in red with “Buckingham Palace” livery), the 97151) Thornycroft Van (in brown and tan with “Sandringham” livery), the 97152) Thornycroft Van (in grey and blue with “Windsor Castle” livery), the 97153) Thornycroft Van (in lavender and grey with “Holyroodhouse” livery), the 97154) Thornycroft Van (in black and yellow with “Kensington Palace” livery) and the 97155) Thornycroft Van (in black and white with “Balmoral” livery).  These vehicles were of course commissioned in honor of the 40th Anniversary of the reign of Queen Elizabeth II.

2005 Corgi Model Year and Beyond

Today, Corgi (unlike “Matchbox” and “Dinky,” which are owned by Mattel of the United States), remain a uniquely independent British toymaker – part of the Hornby Group since 2008.  Corgi maintains distinct product lines for its main global market and for the USA.  “Corgi USA” is based in Chicago, Illinois and markets die-cast products such as American Fire Trucks, military aircraft, helicopters, battle tanks, toy soldiers, vintage American city buses & streetcars, American commercial vehicles, the “Batman” collection, “Marvel” comic hero figures, the “Wallace & Gromit” line, the “Koala Brothers” line, “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” “Corgi Wheelz” vehicles, “i Car,” “Streakerz” track sets and of course the very famous and successful “James Bond 007” collection of vehicles.  “Corgi USA” maintains its own collector club, which is in addition to the three main United Kingdom – based clubs for “Corgi,” “Lledo” (purchased by Corgi) and for Die-cast Aviation.

The main arm of Corgi in the United Kingdom markets more traditional products, such as:

1.)    The Aviation Archive (Pioneers of Aviation, Knights of the Air, Aviation Hall of Fame, Survivors!, World War II Transport and Special Duties, 90 Years of the Royal Air Force, Modern Military Air Power and Per Ardua and Astra).

2.)    Corgi Warbirds (1:72 and 1:144-scale World War II aircraft die-cast aircraft models compete with display stands).

3.)    Corgi Collection (die-cast British military aircraft from the 1900s to the present day).

4.)    Road Transport (1:50-scale die-cast models of British heavy haulers, trucks and construction vehicles).

5.)    Vintage Glory (1:50-scale die-cast models of working steam wagons and “Showman’s” engines.

6.)    Buses in Britain (a range of die-cast British buses from the beginning of the 19th century to the present day).

7.)    The Original Omnibus Company (1:76-scale die-cast models of more modern British passenger buses).

8.)    Mettoy (1:24-scale tin “wind-up” toys reproduced from molds going back to the founding of the company in 1934).  Philipp Ullmann and Arthur Katz were German-Jewish immigrants who brought their highly skilled toy-making skills from Germany to Britain before World War II.

9.)    Mini Mania (die-cast models of the famous Mini-Cooper cars).

10.)    Trackside (1:76-scale die-cast models of cars, trucks and vans, all made to fit “OO” gauge model train sets.

Vanguards (this 1:43-scale name brand was merged into Corgi due to the Lledo purchase).  It includes mostly famous British classic cars, sports cars, racing cars, rally cars, commercial vehicles and police vehicles.  Lledo was founded by the late Jack Odell, who was himself one of the three original founders of Lesney – the first manufacturers of Matchbox.

Corgi is my current favorite die-cast brand.  In addition to having a rich tradition, they feature a diverse product line with good quality for a reasonable price, and are not difficult to find among Internet retailers.  Corgi is based in the United Kingdom, and manufacturing is done in China as it is with the overwhelming majority of modern toy companies.

Minichamps of Aachen, Germany

“Minichamps” is a brand owned by Paul’s Model Art of Aachen, Germany.  Germany is actually the pioneer in the global toy industry, having come into sophistication of product and mass-marketing shortly before World War One.  “Minichamps” is of such high quality and so realistic, that many modern car companies retain them to officially make copies of past and present models.  Such cars can be found in the parts departments of car dealerships around the world, and of course in factory headquarters.  They are given or sold to customers as promotional items.  Most of what they make are 1:43 scale, but they also have a line of 1:18 scale cars and trucks and recently launched a range of smaller scale miniatures.  The products themselves are manufactured in Mainland China, and compare very favorably in quality and price to the best the global market has to offer.  44 of the models within my personal collection are Minichamps.  I would personally recommend “Minichamps” as one of the best quality brands for the money within the entire global diecast industry.  Their detail and quality are unmatched by other manufacturers.

Minichamps was founded on May 1, 1990, and is both owned and led by Paul G. Lang and Romy Crombach-Lang.  They have just 45 employees in Germany, and annual sales turnover is about 30 million Euros.  About 3,000 employees in China do the actual manufacturing work.  Minichamps has made about 12,000 different models since 1990 (many of these are different color or livery variations of similar vehicles), and they make about 3 million model cars per year as of 2009.  They have built and sold something like 30 million model cars since their inception as a company in 1990.  In the adult collector and enthusiast world (as opposed to the toy market for children), the 1:43-scale is the most popular.  A true testament to the quality and the popularity of the Minichamps product is their 60 percent market share in this important segment.  In any given year, the company offers around 1,200 different models.

A good North American retail sources for Minichamps models is “Toys for Collectors” from upstate New York at www.tfcusa.com.  TFC has competitive pricing and good service.

Wiking of Germany

“Wiking” (the German word for “Viking”) is yet another prestige German toymaker retained by automotive firms such as Volkswagen to make officially-sanctioned and highly realistic scale model cars of real-life car and truck models.  Unlike Minichamps which makes models out of metal, the Wiking products are made of plastic.  They make both 1:40 scale and 1:87 “Ho” scale versions.  I have 19 Wiking models in my collection, all of them Volkswagen (9 of the 1:40 scale models and 10 of the Ho-scale vehicles).  In spite of being a prestige brand, Wiking products tend to be extremely fragile and brittle, in addition to being very expensive.

A good North American retail source for Wiking models is “German Air Cooled” of Southern California at www.germanaircooled.com.  Selection and service are very good.

Schuco of Fürth, Bavaria (Germany)

“Schuco” is a very famous toy brand from Fürth, Bavaria in Germany.  They were founded before World War One by a German-Jewish merchant, and today own such brands as “Dickie,” “Schabak” (they make 1:43 scale cars, but now confine the brand mostly to scale-model airplanes) and formerly “Gama” (they used to make 1:41 scale cars, but the brand is now dormant).  The Gama trademark has since been sold to “Märklin,” a very famous German manufacturer of model trains now in financial difficulty.  Märklin also made die-cast model cars and wind-up tin cars in the past, which were even larger and more expensive compared to those from Schuco.

Schuco is most famous for its line of 1:18 scale Classic Tin Cars & Trucks, 1:24-scale Classic Tin “Studio,” 1:24-scale Classic Tin “Oldtimers” and Classic Tin Radio-Controlled cars and planes.  They are all faithful reproductions of toys made between the 1930s and 1950s.  Schuco also has a line of “Micro-Racers” (1:45 scale and thus much smaller than the other Classic Tin toys) which feature wind-up mechanisms and keys much like many of the larger Classic Tin line.  I highly recommend the micro racers – the detail has improved over the years.  In fact, I believe that Schuco should expand this line, and position it in between the Schuco Junior line and the regular 1:43 line.  Schuco also has a line of Micro-Jets and Micro-Oldtimers, similar to the Micro-Racers in their quality and features.  But I would like to comment upon the delicate windup mechanism in all Schuco Classic Tin toys (tin vehicles, construction kits, Studio cars, Oldtimers, Micro-Racers and Micro-Jets).  When subjected to regular play by children, one should not expect these to last indefinitely.  Furthermore, they make break in shipping transit – something for serious collectors to consider, as Schuco retailers are spread far and wide.  The Classic Tin toys tend to have collector value, but that is about it.  They are by no means rugged.

Schuco is also famous for its line of 1:90 scale “Piccolo” cars and trucks, made of solid metal.  These have been around since the 1950s, and are not inexpensive either.  Schuco has a line of 1:43 scale cars which compete on a similar level with Minichamps and “Premium Classixx” by BUB.  They also have a Junior Line of cars in the 1:87 (”Ho” Train set scale), 1:72, 1:43 and 1:24 scale.  These are less detailed than the 1:43 Collector line.

The original German products sell for much more money than the brand new Hungarian, Bulgarian and Chinese reproductions and new cars sold today.  Regardless, the quality of all of them is comparable.  45 of the models within my personal collection belong to the Schuco toy group (the brands of Schuco, Schabak and Gama).  Of these, 42 are Schuco and two are Schabak.  Schuco sold the Gama brand to Märklin (famous for making toy trains), which recently filed for bankruptcy.  I have two Gama models (both Volkswagen 411 Sedans).  Schabak used to make metal reproductions of 1:43-scale cars mostly from German manufacturers such as Volkswagen and Audi.  Today, they are better known for their die-cast reproductions of commercial airliners.

In summary, I would rate Schuco similarly to Wiking.  I believe that neither brand comes close to the quality, detail and price-value offered by their fellow-German company of Minichamps or the mass-market appeal and wider product range of Corgi.

A good North American retail source for Schuco as well is German Air Cooled of southern California at www.germanaircooled.com.  The owner of the business regularly attends toy fairs in Germany to purchase new products.

1967 Schuco Model Year

The 1967 “Schuco Micro Racer” catalogue included such traditional wind-up models as the 1030) Thunderjet, the 1031) Magister 170 R Jet, the 1032, Super Sabre F-100 Fighter Jet, the 1033) McDonnell-Douglas F4 D-1 “Phantom” Jet, the 1035) Go-Kart, the 1036) Ford “Oldtimer” Custom Hot Rod, the 1036/1) Mercer Type 35J Raceabout “Oldtimer” Roadster, the 1037) Porsche Racing Car, the 1038) Mercedes-Benz “Fintail” Sedan, the 1039) 1958 Volkswagen Beetle Sedan Police Car, the 1040) Ferrari Racing Car, 1040/1) Ferrari Racing Car (with longer hood), the 1041) USA Midget Racer (with square grille), the 1042) USA Midget Racer (with curved grille), the 1043) Mercedes-Benz Racing Car, 1043/1) 1928 Mercedes-Benz “Oldtimer” SSK, the 1044) Mercedes-Benz 190 Sports Car, the 1045) Ford Sedan, the 1046) 1958 Volkswagen Beetle Sedan, the 1047) Porsche 356 Sports Car, the 1047/1) Jaguar E Type and the 1048) BMW Convertible.  The Micro Jets were made in 1:200-scale, whereas the cars were made in 1:45-scale.  Four different Micro-Racer-Rally track racing sets were also sold as accessories.  The larger Schuco Classic Tin and Oldtimer wind-up cars were made in both 1:18-scale and 1:24-scale.

Welly of China

Welly is of lower mass market quality, and I would not recommend their product for serious collecters (but they just fine for children as toys).  I have 12 Welly models in my personal collection.

Brekina and Faller of Germany

Brekina makes plastic Ho-scale cars (1:87-scale) very similar to Wiking and most of their product line is Volkswagen, with a sprinkling of other German makes (such as Mercedes-Benz and Goggomobil) and even some other European brands such as Volvo. “Goggomobil” is a former brand of the former firm “Hans Glas.”  Hans Glas used to manufacture farm equipment prior to World War Two.  After the war, they had a joint venture with the Italian motor-scooter firm “Vespa.”  They built scooters under license in Germany under the “Goggo” brand (this was the first name of Hans Glas’ son) and an interesting line of micro-cars as well (the Goggomobil cars and trucks with engines ranging from 200 ccm to 400 ccm in displacement).  Brekina is of high quality, and their products make a nice addition to anyone interested in Ho-scale train sets.  Brekina 1:87 scale models are very similar in appearance and quality (very realistic and of good quality plastic) to Wiking models.

In the world of Ho-scale models, Märklin is a very famous German toy train maker, and their products are not inexpensive. They make 1:87 Ho-scale train sets and other scales as well (1:160 “N-scale” and larger scales).  “Faller” is yet another German company famous for making Ho-scale model houses and buildings. When one visits their website, one will be amazed at the detailed reproduction not just of residential homes, farms and train stations, but of entire city sections (such as town squares and city streets complete with amusement parks and streetcars).  I have 17 Brekina models in my collection, all of them Volkswagen.

In the realm of “Ho” 1:87-Scale plastic model cars, Brekina easily matches the quality offered by Wiking and with an even wider product range.

A good North American retail sources for Brekina models as well is “German Air Cooled” of Southern California at www.germanaircooled.com.  Selection is very extensive, and service is very good.

Maisto (by Hasbro)

Maisto is of medium mass market quality.  They feature a line of 1:18 scale cars (far below the quality and price of Minichamps) and a line of small cars similar to Matchbox. Again, price and quality are lower than the competition.  I have 42 Maisto models in my collection, all of them Volkswagen.  I would not recommend this brand for serious diecast collectors, but it is just fine for children as toys.

IXO-IST of China

IXO-IST of China puts out a very decent product at a fair price – not as nice as Minichamps but not at all bad.  I was particularly happy to see that they reproduced the Tatra 603 Sedan and the Tatra 87 Sedan both from the Czech Republic.  These rear-engined and air-cooled luxury cars featured a V-6 configuration.  The IXO and IST product line is in the popular 1:43 scale.  9 of the models within my personal collection are of the IXO-IST brand.  These include two Tatra 603 Sedans, one Tatra 77 Fastback Sedan, one Volkswagen Bay Window Kombi Bus, one Mexican Volkswagen Beetle Sedan, one Trabant 1.1 Liter Sedan, one Mercedes-Benz 200D “Fintail” Sedan and one SEAT Ibiza Hatchback.  IST specializes in 1:43-scale models of cars from the former Eastern Bloc countries, such as Trabant, AWZ, Wartburg, Melkus and Barkas (from the former East Germany), Volga, Lada, ZiL and Moskvitch (from Russia) and Polski Fiat (from Poland).

A good North American retail source for both the IXO and IST model ranges is “Toys for Collectors” of upstate New York at www.tfcusa.com.  The selection of models is very good, and service is good too.

Vitesse of Portugal and Rio of Italy

Vitesse of Portugal used to be a fairly major player, but fell on hard times and is now in the process of trying to stage a comeback.  I never found their quality to be on par with Minichamps, Corgi or even Matchbox King Size models.  Their product line is in the 1:43 scale.  Rio of Italy also makes cars in 1:43 scale – nicely done, but not as detailed or as well-built as Minichamps.  They also fell on hard economic times and are trying to stay afloat.  I can say much the same thing for Solido of France.  They make 1:43 scale cars, of even lesser quality than Vitesse and Rio.  They also fell on difficult financial times.  I have five Vitesse and four Rio models in my collection, all of them Volkswagen.

Igra of the Czech Republic

Igra of the Czech Republic has very brittle quality and much lesser detail, but they make a line of cars one cannot find elsewhere – this includes Czech name brands such as Tatra, Skoda, Avia and Liaz.  The real-life cars and trucks are wonderful and of very high quality, and they have a common heritage with Volkswagen and Porsche – hence my interest in them.  The Igra cars are of 1:36 scale and they used to make the Tatra 11 Sedan – something of an ancestor to the Volkswagen Beetle Sedan which came on the market in 1919.  I have four Igra models in my collection, all of them Tatra.

Ertl of Iowa, the USA

Ertl of the United States is based in the farm belt, and was founded by an immigrant from Bavaria in Germany (hence the surname which comes from the Southern German cultural region including Bavaria, Austria, the Tyrol, Liechtenstein and Switzerland).  Their quality is not on the same level with either Corgi or Minichamps, and I would not recommend them for serious collectors – but they are fine for children.  I have four Ertl models in my collection – one Checker Taxi Cab, one Ford “Woody” Station Wagon, one Cadillac Sedan (all three 1:43-Scale models) and one 1:24-Scale Ford Model A Flatbed Truck.

New Ray of China

New Ray comes from Mainland China, and makes both 1:43-scale cars and scale model airplanes.  I have merely four airplanes in my collection, but two of these come from New Ray.  This is the Boeing-377 “Stratocruiser” – the first luxury airliner produced after World War Two.  The plane was based upon a Boeing B-29 “Stratofortress” Heavy Bomber, with an additional fuselage built above the existing one.  56 such aircraft were built in real life, and flown by such major airlines as Pan American, United, American Overseas Airlines and BOAC (British Overseas Airline Company).  The plane came into active commercial service in 1949 and was the standard of luxury flying for an entire decade, until it was displaced by the Boeing-707 jet airliner.  The Stratocruiser was amazing – for ten years all seats were first class, and they even had sleeper berths and a private cabin for a somewhat higher price.  The separate mens’ and womens’ dressing rooms were true lavatories that could accommodate up to three people each at one time. Downstairs, the planes featured a lounge which could seat up to 14 passengers who would play card games and be served from the bar.  The comfort was truly amazing when one compares them to the flying “sardine cans” of today.

A good North American retail source for New Ray diecast aircraft is www.ashevillediecast.com of North Carolina.  Prices and service are very good.

Franklin Mint of the USA

Franklin Mint of the United States puts out a high quality product at a high price, normally in the 1:24 scale.  Nevertheless, I would recommend both Minichamps and Schuco before Franklin Mint.  I have three Franklin Mint models in my collection, two of them being Volkswagen Beetles (one 1967 sedan in yellow and one 1967 convertible in red with a black top) and one Chevrolet Corvette Convertible.

Tonka of the USA and Polistil of Italy

Tonka of the United States has gone downhill in quality compared to the 1960s and 1970s.  I would not recommend their new products for serious adult collectors, but only for children.  They purchased “Polistil” of Italy, which no longer makes anything.  They used to make 1:24 scale toy cars in the 1970s which were nice for the time (quality and detail have definitely improved over the years, making many older “orphan” brands truly obsolete in terms of accuracy).  I have two Tonka models (a Volkswagen Beetle Sedan and an earth-mover construction vehicle) and one Polistil modle (a 1973 Volkswagen Super Beetle Convertible).

Budgie and Oxford of England

Budgie and Oxford of the United Kingdom no longer exists, but used to compete on a lesser scale with the likes of Matchbox.  I have two Budgie models in my collection, both Volkswagens.  One is an oval-window Beetle Sedan, and the other is a Microbus Kombi Van.

BUB of Fürth, Bavaria (Germany)

“BUB” of Germany puts out a very high quality product and competes both on quality and on price with the likes of Minichamps, Schuco and Brekina from Germany.  I have 5 BUB Premium Classixxs models in my collection, being Bay Window Volkswagen Buses (one Kombi and 4 Panel Vans with different colors and/or liveries).  Premium Classixxs does their manufacturing in Mainland China (as do most toy companies around the world) and they feature a new line of “hand made” diecast cars which are virtually unmatched anywhere.  The 1:43-Scale hand made vehicles can retail for more than US $80 each (some above US $90 or even US $100 each).  Their target competition is likely Brooklin of the United Kingdom, which manufactures its product in Bath, England.  Brooklin 1:43-Scale vehicles often retail for more than US $100 each (with some models for more than US $700 each).  With the price difference, Premium Classixxs cannot be beat.

The BUB and Premium Classixxs lines can be found at “German Air Cooled” of Southern California at www.germanaircooled.com.  The prices for the Premium Classixxs line of 1:43-Scale Type 2 “Bay Window” Volkswagen buses as well as the Type 1 “Fridolin” van are very good.  “Bub” is the word for “boy” in the Austro-Bavarian dialect of Bavaria, Austria and the South Tyrol.

Cursor of Germany

Cursor of Germany used to make very nice 1:40 scale cars featured at car dealerships, but fell on hard times and now limits their product line to scale model farm equipment.  I have one Cursor model in my collection, being a Volkswagen 411 4-Door Sedan.

Kinsmart of China

I have one 1:64-Scale dark blue metallic Volkswagen New Beetle Sedan in my collection, as well as a 1:32-Scale dark blue metallic Volkswagen New Beetle Sedan with a Surfboard on the Roof and one 1:32-Scale 1967 Volkswagen Beetle Sedan (in black), all three made by “Kinsmart” of China.  This is a bargain brand product more suitable for children than for the adult collector.  I have a total of 5 Kinsmart die-cast cars.

Yat-Ming of China

I have one 1:43-scale 1950 Studebaker Champion 2-Door Sedan (or Coupé) and oe 1:43-scale 1969 Chevrolet Corvair Monza Convertible made by Yat-Ming of China.  The purchase price and quality are significantly lower compared to premium products now made in Mainland China (such as Premium Classixx by BUB, Minichamps by Paul’s Model Art, Schuco 1:43-scale or even IXO-IST), but the detail and quality are quite nice when one considers the very low price.  Premium Classixx products usually retail from US $34 to US $105 per car, Minichamps and Schuco anywhere from $30 to $50 and IXO-IST from $25 to $29 per vehicle.  Yat-Ming is around $6 per car, which is difficult if not impossible to match on price for the acceptable quality you get.  They feature models such as the Studebaker Champion, the Studebaker Golden Hawk, the Edsel by Ford Motor Company, the Tucker Torpedo, the Mecury Marauder, the Chevrolet Bel-Air and the Chevrolet Corvair Convertible.  I have 3 Yat-Ming die-cast cars in my collection.

A good retail source for “Yat-Ming” vehicles is www.ashevillediecast.com of North Carolina, the USA.  Prices and selection are very good.  Shipping is by United Parcel Service (UPS).

Tomica of Japan

Tomica of Japan makes toy cars of similar scale to Matchbox (1:64) and also has a line of battery powered cars which can run on special track.  Their line of small cars competing with the likes of Matchbox and Hot Wheels are more upscale compared to the Mattel products.  They come in matchbox-sized boxes, and include mostly models of modern Japanese brand automobiles and trucks.  They are somewhat harder to find in the United States, but enjoy much wider distribution throughout Asia.  I own six of the Tomy-Tomica brand toy cars.  The parent company of Takara Tomy in Japan is a corporate joint-venture ally of Hornby, the British owners of Corgi toys.  Hornby manufactures the “Thomas the Tank Engine” line of toy trains for their Japanese partners.  The Thomas the Tank Engine line is targeted at very young children.

These models can be found at www.amazon.com, but at a price.  Price and selection are much better if you can ever visit large retail stores in Asia.

Brands from my past

I once owned a 1:43 diecast Porsche 356 Coupé (in light green) made by Märklin of Germany – now I wish that I had never sold it.  In addition to making high quality train sets, Märklin made a line of tin cars even larger than those made by Schuco – I would say that the Märklin cars were 1:18 scale or even larger.  The 1:43 Porsche 356 Coupé looked similar to a brand now dormant – “Quiralu” of France.  I never owned anything made by Quiralu.

I also had a plastic 1:43 scale Fiat Coupé (in light red or orange) made by Norev of France.  Since then, Norev has vastly improved their quality and their product line.  Modern Norev products compete with both Minichamps and Schuco.

I once owned two 1:43 Mercedes-Benz cars made by Tekno of Denmark – I never should have sold these either.  They were nicely detailed, made of metal, and of high quality. One was a 230 SL Roadster (in Red) and the other was a 300 SL Hardtop (in light blue).  Tekno of Denmark has since been sold to a new holding company based in the Netherlands.  They now specialize in die-cast reproductions of large commercial trucks such as DAF and Scania.

I also had a substantial collection of old “Tootsietoy” cars made in the United States – the whole collection has since been sold.  I should have kept these, too.  The same goes with a very large collection of 1960s and 1970s Tonka vehicles which were also manufactured in the United States.

I had something made by “Politoys” of Italy, too – a die-cast reproduction of an American car.  No doubt this brand is related to “Polistil” of Italy, which has since been purchased by Tonka of the United States.  Neither of the Italian brands is still active. Another former Italian brand now faint in my memory is “Mebetoys.”  The Chinese toy company of Maisto has since purchased the brand names of Tonka, Polistil and Hasbro.

List of Literary Sources

1.)  Lesney Matchbox 1-75 Series Diecasts (by Maurice A. Hammond)

2.)  Matchbox Toys (Compiled by Nancy Schiffer)

3.)  Corgi Toys (by Dr. Edward Force)

4.)  “Matchbox Collectors’ Catalogues” (from 1957 – 2003)

5.)  Collectible Miniature Cars (by Dominique Pasqual)

6.)  Color Treasury of Automobiles and Model Cars (by Cecil Gibson and with an Introduction by Edoardo Massucci)

7.)  “Matchbox Collectors’ Club” Official Quarterly Newsletter (from 1971 – 1973, inclusive)

8.)  “Matchbox International Collectors’ Association” (M.I.C.A.) Magazine (from 1989 – 1993, inclusive)

9.)  “Matchbox Collectors’ Club” Official Handbook (1971)

10.)  “Corgi Collectors’ Catalogues” (from 1970 – 2006)

11.)  “Corgi Collector Magazine” (from 1990 – 1992, inclusive)

12.)  “Schuco Micro-Racer” Collectors’ Catalogue (1967)

13.)  “Brekina Automodelle” Collection Sheets (December 2008 through March 2011)

14.)  THW Collectibles, L.L.C. (2010 Collection Catalogue)

15.) Meccano Dinky Die Cast Toys Catalogues (Numbers 3-14): Model Years 1967-1978: Binns Road, Liverpool, England.

16.) W. Britain’s Catalog (1979)

17.) Tonka Lookbook Catalog

]]> Volkswagen: ein Wagen für das Volk – Second Edition https://theborromeofamily.com/volkswagen-ein-wagen-fur-das-volk-eine-geschichte-des-erfolgs/ Tue, 02 Jun 2026 16:13:00 +0000 http://www.theborromeofamily.com/?p=2049 Welcome to my Bookstore:

The Borromeo Family of Cebu BUY FROM AMAZON.COM
Volkswagen: a Car for the People – a Success Story – 2nd Edition BUY FROM AMAZON.COM
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The German and the Austrian Navies – Volume 2: Second Edition: BUY FROM AMAZON.COM
The German and the Austrian Navies: Second Edition BUY FROM AMAZON.COM

My three (3) books about the automaker Volkswagen A.G. and this website page have been read & visited (number of hits received) more than 11,540,980 times since November 2006 – thank you so much for your interest!  More than 22,402 people have purchased the latest edition of my Volkswagen book – printed in full color and with 96 illustrations – thank you very much for your interest and for your support!  At least 700 of these recent purchases have been made through the “Kindle Unlimited” and Kindle Owners’ Lending Library” sales programs on Amazon.com.

Volkswagen: a Car for the People – a Success Story – 2nd Edition

Volkswagen: ein Wagen für das Volk – eine Geschichte des Erfolgs

Authored by Mr. Marc E. Nonnenkamp  Edition: 2
This is the second edition of “Volkswagen: a Car for the People – a Success Story.” The first edition was published in 2011 and has been read by more than 39,000 people from 185 countries. It has been most popular among air-cooled Volkswagen enthusiasts. The book tells the fascinating story of the history behind Volkswagen, especially behind the original air-cooled Volkswagen Beetle Sedan and its many derivatives. The history began with Dr. Ferdinand Porsche, Sr., his contemporary Dr. Hans Ledwinka and with their unique engineering ideas including horizontally-opposed cylinders (the “boxer motor” still manufactured by Porsche and by Fuji-Subaru), air-cooling (still manufactured by Tatra of the Czech Republic), swing-axle suspension and the central tube chassis. Tatra (Hans Ledwinka) is one of the oldest vehicle manufacturers in the world whereas Volkswagen (Ferdinand Porsche) is one of the most prolific. This book tells the story behind the Volkswagen Type 1 (Beetle, Fusca, Karmann-Ghia, Thing, Safari, Trekker, Kübelwagen, Schwimmwagen, Kommandeurswagen and many more), the Volkswagen Type 2 (Samba Microbus, Bay Window Bus, Wedge or “Vanagon” Bus, Eurovan and Multivan), the Volkswagen Type 3 (Notchback, Squareback, Fastback, Variant II, Rio, SP-1/2/3 and Razor Edge Karmann-Ghia) and Type 4 (411, 412, Porsche 912 and Porsche 914/916). It also tells the story of their successors which saved Volkswagen from what would have been an early demise – water-cooled cars inspired by Volkswagen’s Audi-NSU subsidiary which they purchased from Daimler-Benz of Germany in 1964-1965. The A-Class succeeded the venerable Type 1 – these included the Volkswagen Rabbit, Polo, Derby, Caribe, Scirocco, Golf, Jetta, Bora, Vento and Corrado. The C-Class succeeded the mid-sized Type 3 range – cars such as the Volkswagen Dasher, Quantum, Santana, Corsar and Passat. The range of luxury cars succeeded the Type 4 – cars bearing the Audi brand name and others such as the Volkswagen Phaeton (other VW Group luxury brand names include Bentley, Lamborghini, Vector and Bugatti). The premium SUV is the Volkswagen Touareg / Porsche Cayenne. The second edition of “Volkswagen: a Car for the People – a Success Story” is published in full color with 96 illustrations compared to the first edition which was published in Black & White with just 21 illustrations.

Publication Date:
Feb 14 2015
ISBN/EAN13:
1507728751 / 9781507728758
Page Count:
336
Binding Type:
US Trade Paper
Trim Size:
7″ x 10″
Language:
English
Color:
Full Color
Related Categories:
Transportation / Automotive / History

A press article was released by New Media Wire of Los Angeles, California on February 29, 2016 for my new Volkswagen book.  The article was seen on 151 news sites with more than 6.6 million viewers.  Here is the article as it appeared on the site of the investment firm TD Waterhouse:

Volkswagen AGOTC Pink – Current Information:VLKAF

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A Major New Book About the Fascinating History of the Volkswagen Automotive Brand Titled “Volkswagen: a Car for the People – a Success Story: Second Edition”11:44AM ET on Monday Feb 29, 2016 by MarketwireA major new book about the fascinating history of the Volkswagen automotive brand, titled “Volkswagen: a Car for the People – a Success Story: Second Edition” (by Marc E. Nonnenkamp, Create Space Publishing – February 2015, 336 pages) was recently reviewed by South African-born British automotive author, photographer and journalist Mr. Glen Smale of Wales, the UK. Smale is a highly accomplished author of books on brands such as Porsche, Ferrari and Jaguar and is well qualified to comment on automotive books and journals.

Marc Nonnenkamp’s first edition of this book (published in March 2011 also through Create Space, an Amazon subsidiary) was read by more than 39,000 people from all over the world. The much-enhanced 2nd edition has already been read by over 9,000 readers worldwide and is available exclusively on Amazon websites in the USA, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Japan, India, Australia, Spain, France, the UK, the Netherlands, Germany, Austria and Italy. It retails for US $40.99 paperback or just US $9.99 as an Amazon Kindle e-book (more than 30,855 Kindle sales to date). The publisher necessitated an enhanced price for the paperback edition due to 96 color illustrations that take the reader down a fond trip through memory lane, which visits Volkswagen’s rich history going back to the old Austro-Hungarian Empire (the Volkswagen’s original designer, Dr. Ferdinand Porsche, Sr. was born in the former Austrian province of Bohemia).

This fascinating book was published before the Volkswagen diesel scandal was made public in September 2015. It gives us an intriguing look into an automotive company driven by engineering technology. The reader learns about the core values built around hard work and honesty which made VW a global player during the days of the good old air-cooled cars (remember the Bug, the Bus, the Thing, the Squareback, the Fastback, the Notchback, the 411 and the Ghia) and the first generation of the water-cooled cars (the likes of the Rabbit, the Scirocco, the Vanagon, the Dasher, the Quantum, the Corrado and the Fox). They’re all here in this great book!

This awesome book is a definite “must have” for those of us who like or love Volkswagens, or for those of us who really dig cars and just want to find out a whole lot more about the company that built the Bug. The book is written in both English and German to reach its primary audience in North America, Europe, the British Isles and Down Under in Australia.

In the words of reviewer Glen Smale, “At the back of the book the author lists engine changes, body changes, export trends, sales figures and even special VW editions. There is also a list of 39 sources of useful VW history and information, which give the reader a wide and deep resource from which to glean additional information. It is amazing that there is still more information and greater insight from the world of VW to come from the research by authors such as Marc Nonnenkamp.”

All of my published books on Volkswagen, on scale model collectible cars, on the history of the German-speaking navies and on the history of the Borromeo family of Cebu City, the Philippines and beyond may be purchased on the global Amazon.com network which sells retail items in the USA, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands, Gibraltar, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Liechtenstein, Poland, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Monaco, Spain, the Canary Islands, Portugal, the Azores, the Madeira Islands, Sweden, Finland, Italy, San Marino, Turkey, the Arab world (27 countries and territories), Australia, India, China and Japan.  My books may be special-ordered at various “brick and mortar” retail book stores such as Barnes & Noble as well.

Here are some direct Amazon.com links to purchase this super automotive work of historical literature:

--  Amazon USA:
    


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