Q&A ยท 2:17:09-2:17:44

How Germany used occupied foreign shipyards

Occupying a shipyard did not ensure that Germany could obtain new construction from its workforce.

Question

Did Germany use occupied foreign shipyards for new production during World War II or mainly for repairs?

Short answer

Mainly repairs; efforts to obtain new construction from occupied workforces achieved much less.

Notes

German authorities tried to obtain new production from occupied foreign shipyards. The practical use described is chiefly repair work, where cooperation could be secured. French workers are the example of prolonged resistance to German demands for construction. Control of the facilities therefore did not guarantee a productive workforce.