3. Schnellboot-flottille

[Harvey A]

Hello to this Forum,

I recently obtained this plaque from Mike Smith. From the photos it looks almost too new, but when viewed first-hand it shows definite age; there's aluminum oxide aging and that takes a while to develop. It also appears the plaque has been attached to its wooden base for quite some time.

I've researched these a bit and no one seems to know their origin, only that the 3. Schnellboot-flottille was a legitimate unit that fought throughout the war, including service near Tunisia.

I wish I could add to what others have written but I can't; just that I really like the piece. All comments are welcome.

Harvey

[Harvey A]

2

[Harvey A]

3

[90th Light]

Hello, I have one of these which I got from the son of a New Zealand returned soldier. His father got it after the war ended they think he removed it from a boat. The New Zealand Division looted a couple of German naval bases after the surrender when they were told they were going home and took every thing which was not nailed down and most of what was.

Your one looks right but I can not comment further without measurements and weight. They have been discussed on the forum before. Some members have doubts but on this one I have none, they are 100% period. Of couse someone may have started to reproduce them but to date I not yet seen a bad one.

I have often wondered if they might be a recognition of the S-boots which actually took part in the Afrika engagements ? The crew of this units boats could qualify for the "Afrikakorps" & "Afrika" cuff-titles. This unit was engaged in Afrika long before Tunisia. My understanding is that they were in action in Afrika from Jan/Feb-1942 onwards. The U-Boots also seem to have had such shields,

Chris

[John R.]

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[hagwalther]

... The New Zealand Division looted a couple of German naval bases after the surrender when they were told they were going home and took every thing which was not nailed down and most of what was....

That sound about right - you should see what turns up at the Antique Arms Auctions these days.

Regards ...

[90th Light]

That sound about right - you should see what turns up at the Antique Arms Auctions these days.

Regards ...

Yes, we all hear those stories about the stuff the yanks use to throw away or did not want in Italy 44 - 45. Well the Americans use to know the New Zealand Division as "Freyberg and his 40,000 thieves" because alot of those trucks & jeeps which we were told broke down and they could not be bothered fixing were in fact in perfect running order. We just assumed good-ole Uncle Sam had few more than he needed.

Taking German items apart from weapons. Now in the New Zealand army that was a court martial offense and not allowed of course.

Lucky for us collectors here in Kiwi-land that our soldiers were not too good at following every rule as per the book and did not mind a trophy or two once the job was done, Chris