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German trawlerV 801 Max Gundelach

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History
Nazi Germany
NameMax Gundelach
Yard number641
Launched16 March 1940
In service30 August 1940
FateSunk 25 July 1943 by a torpedo from either a British aircraft ormotor torpedo boat
General characteristics
TypeConvertedtrawler
Tonnage511GRT
Length51.7 m (169 ft 7 in)
Beam8.3 m (27 ft)
Propulsionsteam
Speed12 knots (22 km/h; 14 mph)

V 801Max Gundelach,originally designatedPG-555,was a Germanfishing trawlerwhich was converted into aVorpostenbootpatrol boat and placed in the 8th Picket Boat Flotilla duringWorld War II.

Service

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The ship was originally designed as a fishing boat, launching on 16 July 1940 with the designation PG-555.[1]It was built inBremerhavenbySchichau Seebeckwerftand was originally owned by Grundmann & Gröschel.[2]

On 30 August 1940 the ship was requisitioned by the Kriegsmarine, listed as VP 801, and placed as aVorpostenbootin the 8th Picket Boat Flotilla. On 24 July 1943, the ship was a part of a convoy escorting the shipsMöwe,Nordia,andVasaborgfrom theElbe RivertowardsRotterdam.It was one of five picket boats in the convoy, which also consisted of the submarine hunterUJ 1409and eightminesweepers.[1]AlthoughMax Gundelachwas serving as the convoy's doctor ship,[1]it was still armed with small caliber weapons anddepth charges.[3]

On 25 July 1943, while underway with the convoy, theMax Gundelachwas sunk by a torpedo west ofTerschellingin an engagement with either British aircraft[3]orMotor torpedo boats.[1]The fight was not long, but the picket boat did expend part of its larger caliber ammunition.[3]Eleven of its crew were killed.[1]

References

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  1. ^abcde"Historical background: VP 801 Max Gundelach".Deutsches Schifffahrtsmuseum.Retrieved21 March2022.
  2. ^"V-801 (II) (Max Gundelach PG-555) [+1943]".Wrecksite.10 December 2019.Retrieved21 March2021.
  3. ^abcLekkerkerk, Huibert-Jan (14 December 2021)."Dangerous War Remnants: Munitions and Wrecks in the North Sea".Hydro International.