On 20 September 2022, I received an e-mail from John Wise;

in which he noticed some  mysterious 6 x 6 photographs,

of which he considered mainly the radar related ones.

John had a fruitful conversation with the actual owner of these pictures, resulting that the real owner

Paul Hoching,  was pleased that our Foundation would take care of  his quite unique series of photographs.

When we returned home from a stay in Oldenburg on a Sunday (2nd October) a mailed envelope was already encountered in our mail-box.

Browsing through the 40 photos - made one matter clear to me - that quite some are entirely unknown to me.

Though, I became also aware that 90% concerns entirely unknown technologies, hence, a great challenge

is laying ahead!

Why not publishing these straight away; and initiating a call for technical support from those more acquainted with the unique technologies?

I would, nevertheless, add my particular observations first, so that your understanding may be enhanced.

These photos had been scanned with 300 dpi and had been magnified inside the scanner already by 200%.

Though, it is clear that when we consider that the photos were based on so-called: negative-contact reproduction, the used techniques apparently were rather limited.

However, we must be lucky to have, at least, these reproductions.

Weren't they showing British techniques?

Most likely not as too much is typically German built.

This page has been initiated on 5 October 2022

Current Status: 17 October 2022

Chapter 1  (7 October 2022)

Chapter 2  (11 October 2022)

Chapter 3  (17 October 2022)

I would like to start with some remark: whom had once taken these pictures.

When someone has sound information of any sort, please contact us at:

Please, type in what you read

I would like to start with two most intriguing photos, maybe taken at the German Naval Research Establishment NVK, at Pelzerhaken (I suppose):

Photo 1a

Please compare our Berlin radar display below, which technology being based upon a captured British H2S radar set, in February 1943 

The Germans display equals the genuine British H2S display quite much, albeit, that the British operated it vertically whereas the Germans operated it horizontally

However, it is easy to recognise some similarities between the both displays.

Photo 2a

I do understand quite some shown on these two photos, but the module left of the PPI display I do not know

Whether it concerns the 9 cm or the 3 cm version, I don't know either.

But, still the small PPI display is intriguing me.

Photo 3a

The photo serial numbers being the consequence of the successive selections I did once made; not yet realising that scattered photos actually belonging together

I must admit - that I don't know what photo 3a constitutes.

However, the way of its construction has much in common with further pictures, which definitely are implying German techniques.

Is it a computing, or a controlling system?

The centre frame (Gestell) with the opened lid, gives access to selectors.

Down the front panels we likely see locks, which might also exist at the upper end of the panels; actually also on the left and right sides of the panels.

Where has it been photographed; Pelzerhaken, Kiel?

Maybe, on a ship?

The latter I doubt; because there is lacking preventions against environment (moisture) as well as shock/vibration absorbers.

Who knows really more about this picture?

Photo 4a

About the centre of the mid panel I think we are looking, most likely, at a compass repeater system

Please notice also the various front panel locks.

Photo 12a

We are viewing what is inside the above system (panel-door opened)

Some of you might wonder where all these rows of holes being meant for?

Please, view, the vertical strip with holes on the left from the compass-repeater, and notice the shadow of wires or holders - in my perception, behind all these holes being fit small light-bulbs.

Please view now the plate with a group of holes below the lower repeater.

Please go now back to the previous photo 4a - and you might recognise a ships-body like dark (red?) transparent plate.

Going back again to the lowest plate at photo 12a;

most likely: the light-bulbs behind the holes illuminate sections of this very ships-body.

The three hole / light-sources might illuminate the additional transparent display below the 'ship's equivalent'.

Please view again photo 4a and focus left of the upper display, again a dark (red?) transparent plate is visible and likely the successive number of lamps glowing indicating some kind of amplitude or magnitude.  

 Please, view especially the two circular scale-plates up in this picture:

With some difficulty, we notice on the left-hand side centre up N (Nord) (= North); and on the right-hand side centre up S (Süd) (= South).

My impression so far is that it deals with ships related matters.

Could it be: that it concerns a ships navigational training system?

In my perception - I tend to believe - that it doesn't look for direct ship related purposes, as normally some humidity (moisture) prevention should have been maintained, which is lacking here (entirely).

Photo 5a

To my understanding, we view at basically at a range finder display of a 'Seetakt' derivate - codename O-Gerät (calibrated range measurement by means of calibrated delay-lines)  

The next hyperlink steers you directly to our webpage where its principle and techniques being explained  (J816    J816return)

On its right-hand side we notice the Z-Gerät, which constitutes the Seetakt timing generator; which supplies the various sine-wave signals upon which all Gema products were relying heavily, providing a prf of 500 Hz (equalling 2 ms).

Now my guess: It might have been housed in the upper turret of a war ship (AOB: I don't know whether this is the correct wording/description);

The wheel in front might have steered the turret as to adjust onto the maximum signal (amplitude) strength; otherwise with split-beam operation - the two signals presenting left-right could be equalled.

The two circular scales up left might indicate the the azimuth bearing against 'Fore and Aft' (precisely) over 360°.

The dark unit on the far left-hand side above, might have contained electronics; considering the many cables connected onto it.

Photo 6a

Viewing the "Bänke" or "Tische" each fit with, I suppose, a Lo 6K39(a) (SW) receiver; a typical Navy receiver - TRF (Gradeaus) of very good performance.

Please view also: https://www.cdvandt.org/exhibits-details-21.htm

We see three working places (Bänke).

Please notice: just up behind the receiver in front the figure 1 and towards the last 'Bank' the figure 3; these figures constituted the particular (Bank) number.

On the left-hand side we notice a BG 2 (Bediengerät 2), which allows to operate transmitter remote controlled, or as an in-between the spark (Funker) and the transmitter crew elsewhere in the ship or bunker complex.

As speed is what counted principally in Naval practice, the receiving operator also managed the transmissions.

For instance: a submarine calls a W/T station -

When this station is ready or able to start a communication channel, then it first gave the caller a serial signal number ending with - OK - in Morse.

The submarine was then starting its (crypto) parameters, essentially, the number of '5 figure groups'.

Then the message was sent, and the afterwards recognition was given.

Submarine practice was: that a message was un-decrypted re-transmitted by various occasions (frequencies), so that the submarine could check whether his message was received correctly (information before actual trans-cryption).

I have dealt with this subject extensively in my book:

https://www.cdvandt.org/funkpeilung_als.htm

  Funkpeilung als alliierte Waffe gegen deutsche U-Boote 1939 - 1945

Considering the photograph above:

I suppose this picture was taken in a bunker, as, for example, an ordinary telephone had been used, which onboard ships wasn't very likely; also the separation wall is visibly too heavy, therefore likely made of concrete bunker (Concrete/Beton).

Photo 7a

please notice also the next related picture

Imagine now: that the left-hand side front-panel being lifted on (from) the right-hand side and rotated towards 90° in the left-hand direction, as is visible on the next picture. 

Photo 19a

Comparing photo 7a and 19a - you can see that there exists two hinges

The strange fingers arrangement is also good visible.

After viewing various other photos, these fingers might be the magnetic relay-levers;

though, still not understand why it is maintained in banks of 16 x 10? 

Photo 7a again

Though, please consider now the right-hand side of this picture, you will also notice a different pair of quite heavy front panel hinges

Please consider the solid castings of both the front panel on the left and the housing; please notice the quite many additional screws as to water-tight both sections. This is a sound example of ships gear.

The circular discs on the left-hand side and the according smaller grips on the inside of the right-hand front panel door.

It is quite evident, that the many holes covered small light bulbs.

Photo 13a

Wow, now we recognise that this picture constitutes the front-panel side; foregoing visible on - the inside of the right-hand opened panel.

With some careful switching between the pictures 7a - 19a and 13a it is fully clear that photo 13a constitutes the front panel of the two foregoing photos.

AOB: I still have no idea what its actual purpose once had been; but at least we have linked the three pictures together and finally photo 13a, provides.

I would like today terminate our first chapter on these most intriguing photographs, most likely originating from a

British T-Force party

likely occurring in late Springtime 1945; or even thereafter;

visiting:

German Naval centres about Schleswig-Holstein.

I became very disappointed realising that all my friends - who might have lifted some of our queries aren't alive anymore!

However, we have, at least, lifted some of its secrets, albeit that still most queries aren't answered (yet). 

(2)  (11 October 2022)

Photo 9a

We are viewing at the Seetakt / Freya Time-Base module Z - as well as the NB module (actually rather strange, as the NB nodule is the dual CRT display within the N-Gerät module, see next two photos

Please notice the four fuses, which were widely used in German Naval (Kriegsmarine) gear; these fuses were, in my perception, always used in systems directly connected on to some kind of mains. Think here of 220 V ac gear.

I do not myself understand the module NB in contrast to the next two photos:

N825   N825return

Which was an integral part of the next shown N-Gerät

On the right-hand side we notice the Freya receiver unit

These two photos originate from the genuine Seetakt / Freya main manuals.

Again a totally curious photo

Noticing the square unit, it most likely concerns a Naval (Kriegsmarine) employment; shown upside-down.

Photo 21a

First it was to determine what its true photographic position is

It shows a German rather sophisticated test-basin used for naval 'streaming' experiments; such as pulling scaled ship bodies; as to determine their physical performance.

This photo is the key picture which remembered me about one of the purposes of T-Force parties to the Schleswig-Holstein area.

The state of the basin shown might indicate that some time have passed since their last scaled 'ship models' related trials have been commenced, by the Germans.

For example, scaled ship-bodies has to be measured their for various suitability parameters.

Scaled bodies being dragged by means of the upper rail underneath the sealing.

The status of pollutions tells us that some time have passed since Germany's surrendered.

Photo 22a

Sections of the so-called Type 127 (mini) submarine

During late 1943 the German industry, and the according German Naval Command, started to focus upon 'remote production of ships sections' in serial production.

Were remotely U-boat sections had been manufactured in some quantity numbers, though somewhere kept remote from the ships builders environment.

Please notice, that the left-hand side body is just opposing the right-hand body.

However, its building principle (engineering) is quite easily to understand.

Please let us return to purely shore maters.

Photo 23a

I don't know what it is about

The upper section might have to control something related to higher energy consumption.

Photo 24a

We may consider a 9 cm partly parabolic application

Wherefore these two rods on both sides?

John Wise suggested: IFF antennae.

I highly doubt this type of application; or its function might have to limit (or marking) its radiation pattern.

Photo 25a

It is quite clear, that the two rods do not constitute separate antenna

Photo 26a

We are looking at a Mannheim chassis/frame adapted for 9 cm operation, in some-way-or-another based upon Berlin-radar technology

Please notice the 45° polarisation of the centre dipole.

The reason is, that by this means the system is (more or less) sensible to horizontal- as well as - vertical signal polarisations; albeit with a reduction of its effectiveness.

Viewing from our perspective, the left-hand outside attachment was nicknamed: Wintergarten.

Its actual code-name might have been: Rotterheim or that like.

(3)  (17 October 2022)

Continuing with our T-Force photo series:

Most likely taken in late Springtime 1945, in Schleswig-Holstein; Germany.

continuing:

Photo 27a

We have noticed these kinds of control panels in the first series already

The most right-hand panel might cover essential gear, as this panel being fit (most likely) with four additional panel-locks; whereas the three other panels weren't.

When you look carefully, you will notice that the vertical panel-side being fit with even two locks.

Please notice the rows of typical German Naval white porcelain fuse-holders; the various current values could be inserted, there existed apparently also some heavier types being visible down in the centre of the three left-hand side panels.

Photo 28a

Please consider also the pictures 4a and 12a

Visual here the adjacent panel on the right-hand side.

We notice here: 10 banks of 12 relays (10 x 12); purpose unknown. 

Please notice the upside panel:

The five disc-like controls indicate that some mechanism might have been integrated onto its (right-hand) panel-door; which proofs to be true after I opened the next photo 30a!

Photo 30a

Please notice the ' five control-provisions' attached (integrated) onto the right-hand side panel-door.

The relays, about centre left-hand side, are the types often employed in telephone related exchanges.

Photo 31a

Shown is: an broad-band antennae array, consisting of four groups.

These kinds of arrays were often used in conjunction with signal DFing in the defences of the GAF and likely also the Kriegsmarine (KM).

Post War Operation: Mortem Operation, held at end of June .. early days of July 1945 - commenced in Denmark and northern Schleswig-Holstein, showed that British jamming techniques didn't paralyze the German Electronic Warfare entirely, as quite some tactical information had been gathered by the wide-spread monitoring of the British transmitted electronic environment (spectrum).

What becomes clear, is, that this mission was regarded a Naval mission, as we will encounter a series of British Naval Officers.

Photo 32a

One of the Wullenwever (Wullenweber) vertical antennae arrays covering a quite wide circular field of 360°

In front the reflector screen wires.

https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wullenwever-Antenne

The next NVK.pdf file was my year 2002 contribution, at a CHiDE Symposium, held in Bournemouth, UK; called:

https://www.cdvandt.org/NVK.pdf  

Aspects of the German Naval Communications Research Establishment.

Photo 33a

Considered now from outside the vertical perimeter screening/reflector wires

The vertical wires of the vertical broadband (Reusen) antennae.

Please consider again page 13 of the fore called:

https://www.cdvandt.org/NVK.pdf

Photo 35a

A totally un-recognised provision

AOB: I must admit - that it isn't easy to determine the actual antennae and its related antenna type.

Often I encounter particular system types, whereas the reference photograph allows less than a square of 5 mm x 5 mm.

Photo 36a

John Wise designated it: FMG 41B? 

According Fritz Trenkle's (AEG booklet) Die deutschen Funkmeßverfahren bis 1945, page 73:

it might concern a:   FuG 39G,(fB) "Freya" erste Serienausführung noch mit Maximum-Peilung.

Gleiches Aussehen FMG 40G (fB) = FuSE 80. 

At least we recognise that this array being vertically polarised.

As was common in almost every Gema Naval radars     (P826     P826return) →

→ The lower section (array) concerned the transmitter and the upper array the receiver section.

Photo 37a

Likely this antenna array being horizontally polarised; after closer consideration - what also should noticed: is, that the dipoles had been broken-off and what we seem to notice are the open feeding lines supplying their energy onto the dipole radiators (though, no longer existing)

Again: the lower array was the transmitting antenna antenna and the upper array was related to the receiving section.

Its description maybe similar to the Trenkle reference used for Photo 36a

Photo 38a

I incline to believe: that the antenna polarisation is horizontal; as in this case the horizontal dipoles elements are clearly visible

The central mounting differs from the two foregoing photo's 36a and 37a.

Type number?

Photo 39a

Also this antenna is differently mounted compared to the foregoing (related) photos

This array is also horizontally polarised.

Type number.

Photo 40a

Wassermann antenna array; I suppose of heavy type-S

Please consider my contribution: https://www.cdvandt.org/wassermann_survey.htm

What is lacking, or not visible, are the guiding ropes, as to stabilise the mast against heavy wind forces.

Photo 41a

At least the three horn antennae, are of the type mainly operated in conjunction with Korfu receivers

Considering their different lengths, we should think of ca.9 cm ... 3 cm (ca. 3200/3300 Mhz .. 10,000 Mhz)

The upper antenna I haven't yet determined.

Photo 42a

The tall metal mast is, in my perception, of the square type

Often used for directional communication facilities in the centimetre spectrum.

The many antennae standing around might indicate a W/T communication centre; as inside its structure we might notice two coaxial? cables upwards.  As it is mounted at a concrete socket (Beton-Sockel), it was thus constructed stationary.

How should once - its maintenance have been carried out?

Photo 43a

I suppose: this site was under unfinished construction

I reminds me, that it might have concerned a Long wave (maybe even VLF) related antenna site.  

Please: if someone really possesses competent knowledge (mindful thoughts), come forward and contact me at:

Please, type-in what you read

By Arthur O. Bauer