Kriegsmarine · Foreign warships

Captured Ships

Ships seized in occupied countries ranged from small patrol craft to cruisers and an incomplete battleship.

A fleet assembled by conquest

Ships from occupied Europe

During the invasions of the Netherlands, France, Norway and Greece, the Kriegsmarine acquired operational vessels and ships still under construction. Destroyers and torpedo boats often returned to service, while older vessels were adapted for secondary roles.

Italy's surrender in 1943 added many more ships. Fuel shortages, incomplete construction and damage meant that only part of this varied fleet saw significant German service.

01

Capital ships

Battleships

Incomplete enemy capital ships seized in occupied shipyards.Explore category →02

Captured cruisers

Cruisers

Eleven completed ships and unfinished projects taken over across Europe.11 captured cruisers →03

Foreign destroyers

Destroyers

Nine captured destroyers and unfinished projects from occupied fleets.9 captured destroyers →04

Torpedoboote Ausland

Torpedo Boats

Nineteen named boats and 49 ships in the numbered TA archive.68 captured boats →05

Coastal escort forces

Escorts

Twenty captured and completed vessels used for escort and patrol duties.20 escort vessels →06

Small combatants

Gunboats

Eight gunboats and captured corvettes used for coastal duties.8 captured gunboats →