Description
Object description
Specifications and film of midget submarines, special operations craft and equipment.
Full description
(Reel 1) "Ein-Mann-Geräte" (one-man devices):- the Marder: as with the other vessels shown in this film, a schematic diagram and specifications of this human torpedo are first given. The vessel is shown suspended by a crane and being attached to its torpedo. There are close-ups of the controls and gauges, and the batteries are shown being loaded in. The film shows it being transported, camouflaged on a trailer, along roads, and methods of launching it - down the beach with the aid of a Land-Wasser Schlepper, or manhandled down rails laid on the beach. The vessel is shown moving through choppy water, diving and firing its torpedo, with (staged) close ups of the pilot's actions. The Molch: specifications of this two-torpedo submarine are given. Close-ups of its controls, batteries etc are given, and transportation of the vessel on a trailer is demonstrated. Three methods of launching it are shown - manhandled down rails, pulled down the beach by a tracked vehicle and by crane from the dockside. The pilot, shown wearing his breathing equipment, gets in and closes the hatch. The vessel is shown manoeuvring about and diving. The Delphin: this fast one-man submarine is shown being launched by crane and cruising about.
Full description
(Reel 2) The Biber: close-ups of this two-torpedo submarine show the motor, battery, cockpit controls etc. The torpedoes are shown being fitted. Transportation and launching (three methods) are demonstrated. A number of Bibers are seen moored round a makeshift jetty. The vessel is seen manoeuvring about. "Zwei-Mann-Geräte" (Two-man devices):- the Seehund: this two-man submarine is shown on a crane and on a trailer. The crew board the vessel in the water. The film shows it cruising and diving with staged interior shots of the crews' actions. "Kleinschnellboote" (small fast boats):- Wendel-Boot: close-ups of this two-man rocket and torpedo firing fast boat are given (both in and out of the water). The vessel is shown moving fast through the water (camera on board in some shots) and firing rockets (at dusk).
Full description
(Reel 3) The Linse: this consists of a radio-controlled explosive speedboat with a transmitter boat of similar construction. The operation of the remote controlled rudder is shown. A pair of boats are towed behind a truck and launched by manpower. A demonstration of their operation is given - the crew member in the radio-controlled boat leaps into the water while at speed (camera still on board) and the boat is then controlled from its partner. "Meereskämpfer":- the clothing and equipment worn by these frogmen is shown, and a group of them enter the water from a beach (one with a small bomb (?) in tow). They are seen swimming about. Finally a demonstration of laying rails down the beach and of assembling a crane is given.
Physical description
35mm