As Germany's
position deteriorated the need for more anti-aircraft guns became apparent so
the floating Flak Batteries were brought in to play in an attempt to counter the
allied strategic bombardments. Old warships were withdrawn from service and captured
vessels were converted by removing there engines and fitted with modern radar
and communications equipment and armed with the following 10.5 cm, 4 cm, 3.7cm
and 2 cm anti-aircraft guns they were man by soldiers of the naval artillery units
They were then towed and anchored in the main flight paths of the allied bombers.
German Warships, 1815-1945: Major Surface Vessels.
ISBN-10: 0851775330
German Warships, 1815-1945: U-boats and Mine Warfare Vessels.
ISBN-10:
155750301X
German warships of the Second World War.
ISBN-10: 0668040378
For a complete list of
sources 
