Z1934 Destroyer

Zerstörer Z.1934 Class
Specifications
Type	Escort Destroyer
Armament	5 x 128 mm Deck Guns, 4 x 20 mm Anti-Aircraft Guns, 2 x 37 mm C.30 Anti-Aircraft Batteries, 2 x 4 533 mm Tube Torpedoes
Crew	8 total (Position: Role) 1: Helmsman 2: Lookout 3: Forward Fire Control 4: Starboard Fire Control 5: Anti-Aircraft Gunner 6: Port Fire Control 7: Rear Fire Control 8: Torpedo Launcher Control
Weight	1,811 tons
Top Speed	36 knots

History

The 1934 class Zerstorer was the most numerous type in the Kriegsmarine at the outbreak of WWII. German Destriyers or Zerstorer and Large Torpedo Boats or gross Torpedoboote were basically the same and had very little distinction between them. The term Destroyer did not come into effect witht he German navy7 until the B.97 class which was built in 1914/1915.  Unto this time the Torpedo Boats and Destroyers were not named except with a  consecutive number and a letter denoting the Naval yard it was built at.  The three main builders up to 1912 was Germaniawerft, (prefaced with B) A.G Vulcan (prefaced with V ) and Schichau (prefaced with S) another three yards started building after 1912 and they were Blohn and Voss (prefaced with B) Howaldtswerke  (prefaced with H ) and Wilhelmshaven Imperial

Game Play

While the hulls were relatively old by the time they saw action, these light Destroyers were very effective as convoy escort and attack, providing AA cover for fleet operations and utilizing the ability to mount torpedo attacks against other shipping. Destroyers can carry troops into an amphibious assault or invasion style operations also. Until the advent of Motor Torpedo Boats (MTB’s) the Light Destroyer class were the fastest boats available for battle in the coastal regions and open oceans.

Crew Insights

Here is a detailed explanation on the type of crew and the Armament it controls.

• Position 1. Helmsman - Not much explanation required, from here you can turn the Engine On/Off and navigate the Boat.
• Position 2. Lookout - This Crew is Equipped with Binoculars.
• Position 3. Forward Fire Control - This Position would be the 3 Forward facing 128mm Deck Guns. Using the Primary Fire Key would command the 2 Bow (Front) Deck Guns while the Secondary Fire Key would use the Aft (rear) forward facing Deck Gun.
• Position 4. Bow Anti-Air Gunner - This Controller commands 2x 20mm Anti-Air Gun, Primary Fire Key would command the Port (Left) Anti-Air Guns
• Position 5. Aft Anti-Air Gunner - Again this Controller commands 2x 20mm Anti-Air Gun, Primary Fire Key would fire the forward gun and the Secondary Fire Key the rear Gun.
• Position 6. Port/Starboard Fire Controller - The Controller commands 2x 37mm Deck Guns. Primary Fire Key would fire the Starboard gun and the Secondary Fire Key the Port Gun.
• Position 7. Rear Fire Control - This Position would be the 2 Rear facing 128mm Deck Guns. Using the Primary Fire Key would command the rear most Deck Guns while the Secondary Fire Key would use the other.
• Position 8. Torpedo Controller - This would control the 2x 533mm Torpedo launchers. The Primary Fire Key would command the forward most launcher while the Secondary Fire Key would use the rear most.