Journal:Acta Historica Universitatis Klaipedensis
Volume 21 (2010): Klaipėdos krašto aneksija 1939 m.: politiniai, ideologiniai, socialiniai ir kariniai aspektai = The 1939 Annexation of Klaipėda Region: Political, Ideological, Social and Military Issues, pp. 175–187
Abstract
The key topics discussed in the article are related to the dating of the commencement of construction of Kriegsmarine coastal defence and antiaircraft (Flak) artillery batteries in Memel (Klaipeda). The author argues that the most important goal of Kriegsmarine was to protect the port entrance channel from attacks or blocking from the sea. Therefore, the period of March 1939 to the early 1940 discussed in the article could have been used to build fortifications for coastal defence batteries. Stationary fortifications for Flak batteries around the city could have been built in a later period. Until then, temporary emplacements for Flak guns could have been constructed in the surrounding areas. Field research data on Tauralaukis Flak battery gave more credibility to the presumptions presented in the article. Some shell remains revealed ammunition marks stating that this ammo was made in 1941.