WW2 RARE Photo Kriegsmarine Minesweeper M-1 Sunk 1945 M-Class German Navy Ship

This is a rare and original photograph from World War II depicting the Kriegsmarine Minesweeper M-1 in 1945. The photo captures a moment in history and showcases the bravery and sacrifice of those who fought in the war. The photograph is in excellent condition and is a must-have for any collector of militaria or World War II memorabilia.

It was taken in Germany and is a genuine piece of history. This item is perfect for display in a museum, private collection, or as a conversation piece in any home. German minesweeper M-1 was a M 1935-class minesweeper of Nazi Germany's Kriegsmarine in World War II. Laid down in 1936, M-1 was launched on 5 March 1937.

Commissioned on 1 September 1938 under the command of Oberleutnant zur See Hans Bartels, she was used to transfer the Marinestosstruppkompanie to the battleship Schleswig-Holstein on 24 August 1939 in preparation for the Invasion of Poland. After service in the campaign, M-1 was relocated to the North Sea.

In February 1940, M-1 sank four Esbjerg fish trawlers, Ejjam (E 92), Gerlis (E 456), Merkator (348), and Polaris (E 504), killing all 16 crew members. Bartels later justified his decision with military necessity, as the neutral fishermen allegedly send coded messages to alert British forces to his presence on the Doggerbank.

After the German attack on the Soviet Union, M-1 was part of the naval component of Operation Siegfried, the occupation of the islands Dagö, Ösel, and Moon. Soon afterwards, M-1 became flotilla leader of 55.

Vorpostenflottille operating on the west coast of occupied Norway. On 12 January 1945, M-1 was sunk in Nordbyfjord, near Bergen in Norway, by Avro Lancaster aircraft of 9 and 617 Squadrons, Royal Air Force, using Tallboy bombs. She sank with the loss of 20 crew members.

The wreck lies in 340 metres (1,120 ft) of water, partly covered in sand.

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