Ship Commissionings of 1939
The year 1939 marked a critical period of naval expansion and preparation as global tensions escalated. The commissioning of new vessels—the formal process of placing a ship into active service—reflected the strategic priorities of the era, with a heavy emphasis on submarine warfare and coastal defense.
While most entries are marked by official ceremonies, in instances where no formal event occurred, the date of service entry is utilized to track when these vessels became operational assets for their respective navies.
Key Facts
- The Kriegsmarine (German Navy) was the most active operator in 1939, commissioning a vast number of U-boats across various types.
- Submarine development was prominent, featuring the Type VIIB, Type IIC, and Type IX classes.
- The United States Navy recommissioned destroyers specifically to establish the Neutrality Patrol.
- The Polish Navy added two Orzeł-class submarines to its fleet early in the year.
- Several vessels were converted from civilian use, including fishing trawlers and ferries, to serve as patrol boats or hospital ships.
Naval Expansion by Operator
The Kriegsmarine's Submarine Surge
Germany focused heavily on its underwater fleet in 1939. The commissioning list shows a steady stream of U-boats, including the Type VIIB (such as U-52 and U-48) and the larger Type IX (such as U-40 and U-41). Notably, the Kriegsmarine also acquired the UA submarine, formerly the Batiray, which was seized from the Turkish Navy during its construction phase.
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Allied and Neutral Naval Activity
Other nations also strengthened their fleets. The Polish Navy commissioned the Orzeł and the Sęp, both Orzeł-class submarines. The Royal Netherlands Navy added the O 19 and O 20 submarines. Meanwhile, the United States Navy brought the Wickes-class destroyer Aaron Ward and the Clemson-class destroyer Abel P. Upshur back into service from reserve to support the Neutrality Patrol, a mission designed to monitor vessel movements in the Atlantic.
Specialized and Converted Vessels
Beyond combat ships, 1939 saw the commissioning of support vessels. The Royal Navy converted the ferry Dinard into Hospital Ship No 28. The Kriegsmarine utilized converted merchant ships and civilian types for seaplane tenders, such as the Schwabenland and Ostmark, and converted a fishing trawler into the Vorpostenboot (outpost boat) Preußen.
1939 Commissioning Summary
| Date | Operator | Ship | Class/Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 February | Polish Navy | Orzeł | Orzeł-class submarine |
| 29 April | Kriegsmarine | Admiral Hipper | Admiral Hipper-class cruiser |
| 30 April | Kriegsmarine | UA | Submarine (ex-Batiray) |
| 30 September | US Navy | Aaron Ward | Wickes-class destroyer |
| 20 September | Kriegsmarine | Blücher | Admiral Hipper-class cruiser |
| 2 October | Royal Navy | Hospital Ship No 28 | Hospital ship (ex-Dinard) |
| 12 October | Kriegsmarine | Schwabenland | Seaplane tender |
| 4 December | US Navy | Abel P. Upshur | Clemson-class destroyer |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a ship commissioning?
Commissioning is the formal process of placing a ship into active service in a navy, often involving a ceremony where the ship is officially entered into the naval register.
Which submarine types were most common for the Kriegsmarine in 1939?
The Kriegsmarine commissioned several types of U-boats in 1939, most notably the Type VIIB, Type IIC, and Type IX.
Why did the United States Navy recommission destroyers in 1939?
The US Navy recommissioned vessels like the Aaron Ward and Abel P. Upshur specifically to establish and maintain the Neutrality Patrol.
Were all ships commissioned in 1939 purpose-built warships?
No. Several vessels were converted from civilian use, including the Preußen (a fishing trawler), the Schwabenland (a merchant ship), and Hospital Ship No 28 (a ferry).
What was the UA submarine?
The UA was a submarine commissioned by the Kriegsmarine that had previously been the Batiray, seized from the Turkish Navy during its construction.