German destroyer classes were commonly known by the year they
were designed in.
Destroyer Type 1936 C
Six ships of the Zerstörer 1936C class were requisitioned
in 1942 and 1943; not one was launched, just two were begun.
They were a comeback to the vulnerability to air attack of
former German destroyers and would have utilised six new 12.8
cm Flak 40 guns (initially designed for the Luftwaffe) as
multi purpose weapons in twin mountings. The number of lesser
calibre anti-aircraft guns would have also been added to.
Destroyer Type 1938 A
In order to assist supporting larger German warships operating
faraway from their bases, the evolution of large ocean going
destroyers began in the late 1930s. These were the Zerstörer
1938A/Ac class ships. They would have had dual power systems
to provide the means for lengthy endurance cruises. Twenty-four
of these were in the making under Plan Z but the three that
had been ordered were cancelled. The concept was progressed
further into the Spähkreuzer, which was a large destroyer
or Reconnaissance Cruiser in the German Kriegsmarine.
Destroyer Type 1938 B
The Ships of the Zerstörer 1938B class would have been small
destroyers created to patrol and function in Baltic and seacoast
waters, but would have had quite large operational range for
such purpose, and would have also been put to use in the high
seas. Twelve ships were requisitioned in the summer of 1939,
but after the outbreak of World War Two, all those orders
were recalled.
German Warships, 1815-1945: Major Surface Vessels.
ISBN-10: 0851775330
German Warships, 1815-1945: U-boats and Mine Warfare Vessels.
ISBN-10: 155750301X
German warships of the Second World War.
ISBN-10: 0668040378
For a complete list of
sources
