![Image for Kriegstagebuch [German Naval War Diary] Minesweeper M. 1806, July-August 1940](/assets/images/product/k210410a_1.jpg)
During the Second World War, a ship's war diary and its appendices contained the essential details of their activites and encounters.
M-1806 was a German minesweeper in the German 18th flotilla, taking part in the invasion of Norway. This log contains 42 leaves on printed logbook pages, comprising 84 pages, both typed carbon and entries in pencil; about a dozen leaves blank. Entries initialed and occasionally signed in ink by Capt. Witting. Another 14 pages on 8.5x14 ruled paper, all in holographic pencil appears to cover Sept and October, 1940 in a more narrative format; also in Witting's handwriting. Witting's inked name and "Kriegstagebuch" are on the cover of the folder; appears to be in his hand but this has not been verified.
#####
Among the early entries is its encounter with the English submarine HMS Shark, famously scuttled by its crew after being depth-charged and forced to surface on July 6, 1940. The submarine was attacked by German aircraft while surfacing on patrol off the coast of Norway. Due to the damage the submarine had suffered and likely further attack from the enemy aircraft overhead it was decided to surrender the submarine. The next day at about 04:00 the German minesweeping trawlers M-1803, M-1806 and M-1807 arrived at the scene and took the crew on board. Shark was taken under tow but the crew had scuttled her prior to leaving. Amidst much cheering from the captured British sailors, the German trawler crews were forced to cut the hawsers before Shark sank and took the towing vessel with her. The remains of the Shark were discovered in April 2008.
#####
Needless to say, all text in German.
#####
Condition: log pages are very good-fine. The manilla folder is heavily damaged and tape-repaired.
Title: Kriegstagebuch [German Naval War Diary] Minesweeper M. 1806, July-August 1940
Created: 1940
Country of Origin: Germany
Location Published: 1940
Book Condition: Very Good
Type: Manuscript
Categories: War / Military History, Autographs and Manuscript, Diaries and Journals
Seller ID: k210410a
Keywords: battles, diary, logbook, manuscript, military history, naval, ships, submarines, war, world war i