Vorpostenboot
Encyclopedia
Vorpostenboots were German patrol boats which served during both World Wars. They were used around coastal areas and in coastal operations, and were tasked with – among other things – coastal patrol, ship escort, and naval combat.
Warship
s were not available in sufficient numbers in the Imperial Navy
and the Kriegsmarine to control the long coasts of the territories under German rule. For this reason, many different types of smaller craft
were modified for use in combat. Most Vorpostenboots were pre-war fishing vessel
s, yachts or harbour craft
. Such vessels were ideal because they existed in large numbers and were of simple and robust design (which was of advantage in rough waters). They were the German equivalent to the trawlers of the Royal Navy
. There were several hundred Vorpostenboots active during both World Wars.
Vorpostenboots typically carried one or two medium calibre guns (i.e. 88 mm), a large number of light automatic anti-air artillery pieces (20-40mm), and a varying number of machine guns. For anti-submarine warfare they were also fitted with depth charge
s. Crewed by sixty to seventy men, most of whom were weapons personnel taken from the naval reserve, the Vorpostenboots became particularly feared by the Royal Navy
for their firepower and efficiency in battle. While Vorpostenboots were able to engage and defeat light naval forces – such as small motor gun boats – they were not powerful enough to effectively combat warships of destroyer
size or larger.
During the Cold War, the German Navy planned to use Vorpostenboots as part of its wartime strategy. These Vorpostenboots were intended to form the 122. and 124. squadron of the Navy. However, little such action in the War eventuated.
Warship
Warship
A warship is a ship that is built and primarily intended for combat. Warships are usually built in a completely different way from merchant ships. As well as being armed, warships are designed to withstand damage and are usually faster and more maneuvrable than merchant ships...
s were not available in sufficient numbers in the Imperial Navy
Kaiserliche Marine
The Imperial German Navy was the German Navy created at the time of the formation of the German Empire. It existed between 1871 and 1919, growing out of the small Prussian Navy and Norddeutsche Bundesmarine, which primarily had the mission of coastal defense. Kaiser Wilhelm II greatly expanded...
and the Kriegsmarine to control the long coasts of the territories under German rule. For this reason, many different types of smaller craft
Watercraft
A watercraft is a vessel or craft designed to move across or through water. The name is derived from the term "craft" which was used to describe all types of water going vessels...
were modified for use in combat. Most Vorpostenboots were pre-war fishing vessel
Fishing vessel
A fishing vessel is a boat or ship used to catch fish in the sea, or on a lake or river. Many different kinds of vessels are used in commercial, artisanal and recreational fishing....
s, yachts or harbour craft
Watercraft
A watercraft is a vessel or craft designed to move across or through water. The name is derived from the term "craft" which was used to describe all types of water going vessels...
. Such vessels were ideal because they existed in large numbers and were of simple and robust design (which was of advantage in rough waters). They were the German equivalent to the trawlers of the Royal Navy
Trawlers of the Royal Navy
This is an accounting of the naval trawlers, purpose built or requisitioned, operated by the Royal Navy mainly during World War I and World War II. They were typically given the prefix HMT which stood for "His Majesty's Trawler".-Summary:...
. There were several hundred Vorpostenboots active during both World Wars.
Vorpostenboots typically carried one or two medium calibre guns (i.e. 88 mm), a large number of light automatic anti-air artillery pieces (20-40mm), and a varying number of machine guns. For anti-submarine warfare they were also fitted with depth charge
Depth charge
A depth charge is an anti-submarine warfare weapon intended to destroy or cripple a target submarine by the shock of exploding near it. Most use explosives and a fuze set to go off at a preselected depth in the ocean. Depth charges can be dropped by either surface ships, patrol aircraft, or from...
s. Crewed by sixty to seventy men, most of whom were weapons personnel taken from the naval reserve, the Vorpostenboots became particularly feared by the Royal Navy
Royal Navy
The Royal Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces. Founded in the 16th century, it is the oldest service branch and is known as the Senior Service...
for their firepower and efficiency in battle. While Vorpostenboots were able to engage and defeat light naval forces – such as small motor gun boats – they were not powerful enough to effectively combat warships of destroyer
Destroyer
In naval terminology, a destroyer is a fast and maneuverable yet long-endurance warship intended to escort larger vessels in a fleet, convoy or battle group and defend them against smaller, powerful, short-range attackers. Destroyers, originally called torpedo-boat destroyers in 1892, evolved from...
size or larger.
During the Cold War, the German Navy planned to use Vorpostenboots as part of its wartime strategy. These Vorpostenboots were intended to form the 122. and 124. squadron of the Navy. However, little such action in the War eventuated.