Molch

The Molch was the first mini-submarine of the Kriegsmarine. Based on torpedo technology, it was basically build as a big manned torpedo for a crew of one, carrying two standard torpedoes. The first of the 363 build Molche was delivered on 12.06.1944 and it soon got clear that its complicated system of trim and diving tanks made it very difficult to control during combat operations. A first Molch flotilla (60 vehicles) was used in autumn 1944 in Italy, a second was sent to Holland in December 1944, a third and fourth were planned for use in Holland and Norway were not realized anymore. Since the Molch was not successful in combat operations, it was then used as a training vessel for the more advanced mini-submarines.