Profile drawing of Z26
127,0 mOverall length
3605 tMaximum displacement
37,5 knMaximum speed
320 - 332Complement

Design and service

The story of Z26

Z26 was part of the 8th destroyer flotilla - also called the "Narvik" flotilla, stationed in Kirkens and used for unsuccessful operations along the Murmansk coast until the end of 1941 when returned to Germany. Z26 was part of the "Zerstörergruppe Arktis", during operations against the convoy the ship was sunk by British cruisers Trinidad and Eclipse on 29. 03.

1942 in the Barents Sea.

Operational history

Service timeline

The destroyers Z25, Z26 and Z27 and the torpedo boats T2, T5, T7, T8 and T11 are attached to the Baltic fleet to prevent an escape of Soviet ships into the Baltic Sea.

Z24 and Z26 are transferred to North-Norway.

Z26 and Z27 are sent back to Germany.

The destroyers Z24, Z26, Z30 and the torpedo boats T11, T15 and T16 escort the heavy cruiser Admiral Hipper to Trondheim.

Z24, Z25 and Z26 are relocated to Kirkenes.

Operation of Z24, Z25 and Z26 against the convoy PQ13: Z26 sinks the British transport Bateau, but is crippled by the small cruiser Trinidad and the destroyers Fury and Eclipse. Sinking, the crew is rescued by Z24 and Z25

At a glance

Technical profile

Dimensions, armament, protection and performance.

Dimensions

Size (Max)
3605 t
Length (Total)
127,0 m
Length (Waterline)
121,9 m
Beam
12,0 m
Draft
4,65 m
Crew
320 - 332

Armament

15 cm L/48 C/36 (5,9")
4
3,7 cm L/83 C/30
4 (10 since 1944)
2 cm MG L/65 C/30
8
53,3 cm Torpedo tubes
8
Mines
60
Depth Charge launcher
4

Machinery

Shafts
2
Turbines
2
Type
Wagner (Deschimag build)

Performance

Total Performance
70000 shp
Speed
37,5 kn
Range
2174 miles at 19 kn

The archive

Models

Ship models in 1/1250 scale.

Hansa S125 Z26
Hansa S125 Z26

Construction record

Z26

Laid down
Deschimag Bremen, 01.04.1939
Launched
02.04.1940
Commissioned
11.01.1940
Fate
sunk 29.03.1942
Cost
13,18 Mio Reichsmark