STURMBOOT 39 (Germany)

[D. v. Nieuwenhuijzen]

The Leichtes Sturmboot 39 was essentially a small, high-powered assault craft used for river and small waterway crossings and assaults. They were also employed on security and anti-partisan patrols along river ways in occupied territories. Leichtes Sturmboot were very fast, able to achieve about 30 mph with the use of an outboard motor extended from the rear of the craft. They were without much protection or firepower though, aside from the possibility of an attached MG at the bow of the vessel and the weapons of the men inside. Leichtes Sturmboot 39 were transported into battle by most German construction and assault engineer units and were used to spearhead river and small waterway assaults, usually in conjunction with an attempt to form a bridgehead for the construction of a bridge. The craft could carry 6 men or about a half-ton of weight.

Hundreds of Leichtes Sturmboot 39 were built and used during WWII, and they did not carry specific number or letter identification markings, making a record of individual vessels nearly impossible to compile.

The boats were 6 m long and 1.5 m wide. They had a weight of 180 kg.
The boats were powered by a 30-hp four-stroke engine, which could accelerate the loaded boat to 30 mph.
The 18 liter fuel capacity sufficient for 1½ hour operation.
Equipement of the boat assault rifles was composed by smoke bombs (Nebelbüchsen ) with holders, a flare pistol (Leuchtpistole), a Armbandkompaß (compass) and a light machine gun.

The boats were so light that they could be linked to six men at sea. He could be transport two pioneer pilots and six soldiers equipped with machine gun and a light grenade launcher with five men or about a half-ton of weight
The leichte Pionier-Sturmboot 39 ( Stubo 39) was transported by a special trailer (Sonderanhänger) with 3 Sturmbooten.
(Germany 1944 3+2 pf. StG.861)
internet.