Attachment to Testing Command for Newly-constructed Warships [E.K.K.] B.Nr. G 5318/40

Secret!

To: the Testing Command for Newly-constructed Warships [E.K.K.], Danzig. (16 x)

For information only: The Command Battleship “Bismarck”, [present] post office location.

Subject: Relocation of 3.7 cm twin Flak and 2 cm Flak 30.
Transaction: Testing Command for Newly-constructed Warships- tests.

1. The III and IV 3.7 cm [mounts] of the upper mast deck are improperly positioned, and they have a relatively small sweep angle in their lateral bearing as well as in elevation. This is principally caused by the forward rangefinder rotary dome, and from above by the protruding equipment of the mast, yardarms, and antennae, and laterally and abaft by the night recognition signal lanterns and signal halyards suspended from the forward signal yard, as well as by the forward anti-aircraft command posts and the foremast rangefinder posts.

In order to achieve larger sweep angles and, therefore, more effective utilization of these weapons, they must be assigned a position that is farther forward and farther outboard laterally. This can only be accomplished by the relocation of the weapons from the upper to the lower mast deck, to the location currently occupied by both of the bearing compasses. According to the ship's command, the bearing compasses are no longer required and can be removed from the ship. The deck must be modified on both sides to accommodate the guns, by the construction of 0.4 m high pedestals with the corresponding diameter of the operating radius, and they must be built in a swallow-nest-like shape like that of the bridge deck below. The operating radius is not to be fully extended outward, because deployment of the guns toward the lee side will not be required. The support cylinders are to be attached to the deck structures. A relocation of the two bulkhead doors of the bridge deck, as well as the liferaft lockers on the lower mast deck, will be required.

2. The III and IV 2 cm Flak 30 that are currently located on the lower mast deck must also be relocated, specifically to the space that will be freed-up on the upper mast deck by the removal of the 3.7 cm [mounts]. In order to achieve the largest possible elevation angle also for these weapons, they should be placed as far forward as possible along the railing, taking into consideration their operating radius. Furthermore, the fog signal horn [Jessenheuler] and the brackets for the Night Recognition Signal [N.E.S.] must be moved far enough aft so that they are clear of the line of fire.

3. The I and II 2 cm Flak 30 are positioned on the forecastle and are severely exposed at sea to wind and boarding seas. Their manning is only feasible when the ship is stationary. It is, therefore, necessary that the III and IV 2 cm Flak 30 that are to be relocated to the upper mast deck, be replaced as soon as possible with twin mounts, in order to ensure complete Flak protection forward [when underway] at sea.

4. The XI and XII 2 cm Flak 30 that are mounted on the upper deck level of the leading edge of turret “D” can be folded down [stowed]. They have a restricted sweep angle here, and they can only be engaged when the aft 38 cm turrets are not firing, or when they are in their lash-down [resting] position.

In order that both these [Flak] weapons can be deployed to full advantage, the required base mounting plates for both sea and port emplacement configuration must be installed. For the mountings while in port, the locations on the quarterdeck [poop] on both sides of the aft descending gangway at frame 19 have been chosen.

The base mounting plates for the emplacement at sea are to be installed on the deck behind the aft night control stand [Nachtleitstand].

In order to obtain the required operating radius of the weapons, the deck must be sufficiently extended towards the stern. Later, the command “Bismarck” will request that these stands be equipped with quadruple mounts.

The placement of the defensive incendiary bomb launchers [Feindfeuerbombenwerfer], which were also planned for this space, can be installed somewhat more forward on both sides of the aft station.

These proposed layout options offer the best possible exploitation [utilization] of these weapons at sea as well as in port.

5. Therefore, it is requested that permission for the execution of the proposals 1., 2., 3., and 4. be procured immediately in order that the relocation of the weapons can still be accomplished while the finishing work is being completed.

Signed: Lindemann

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