DM T-35 Flottentorpedoboot (DD-935)

The German World War II Elbing-class Flottentorpedoboot was comparable to U.S. and British destroyers in terms of size, displacement, armaments and tactics. It even resembled the U.S. Fletcher-class destroyer in some respects, although it was a bit smaller overall. A total of 15 such torpedo boats were constructed for the Deutsche Kriegsmarine at the Schichau Shipyards between 1942 and 1944.

One of the interesting features of the Elbing-class was its use of redundant power plants. These vessels had two completely separate engine and boiler rooms. This arrangement, although effective on paper, turned out to be almost unworkable in practice. The Elbing-class was plagued by mechanical problems.

Fate of the T-35

The T-35 was handed over to the British at the end of World War II as a prize of war. It was then given to the U.S. Navy for trials on 11 July 1945, at which point it was assigned the designation SS-935. The Navy retained possession of the vessel for two years before turning it over to the French government. The French Navy cannibalized it for spare parts over the next five years before scrapping the vessel in October 1952.

Asbestos Risks

The mineral asbestos was widely installed for insulation and as fire control in each U.S. Navy destroyer through both world wars. While nearly every part of a ship like the T-35 offered at least some asbestos exposure, the vessel's boilers and engineering compartments were the workspaces where sailors and shipyard workers were apt to be in danger of inhaling asbestos fibers.

When dealing with asbestos, the highest level of danger to human health happens in situations where items containing the mineral become damaged and breakable, because if the asbestos filaments escape into the air, the particles can be inhaled by those near the hazard. Numerous studies have shown that dangerous medical conditions such as mesothelioma are caused by even modest levels of asbestos exposure. Naval veterans with a history of exposure to this mineral should immediately tell their primary physician as related conditions can often be misdiagnosed.

If you have already been diagnosed with an illness related to asbestos exposure, you may have legal options for compensation. Many have received financial assistance to help pay for medical expenses and lost income. If you would like to learn more about this and treatment options, please fill out the request form on this page to receive a complimentary packet.

Source

Destroyers Index