The trucks and trailers used to transport U-boats and other small naval vessels overland. by Art Hammer When German forces invaded southern Russia in 1941 and reached the Black Sea, they found themselves without naval craft because the Soviets had destroyed all port facilities and vessels before retreating. The German offensive forces required freighters, tankers and tugs for transport. Deep water port maintenance required ice breakers, dredges, lighters, repair ships, work boats, and small craft. In addition, the German offensive and defensive forces on the Black Sea required fighting units such as U-boats, minesweepers, coastal freighters, landing craft, patrol boats, and sub chasers. The sea route through the Mediterranean via Gibraltar and the Dardanelles was blocked by the British and Turks, leaving only on overland route open to the Black Sea. The German Naval Strategic Planning Staff (SKL) created a 600-man heavy transportation unit, headquartered in Berlin, and assigned...