German Flakschiff: Argen and Schussen

Besides the large vessels that were converted into flakschiff, several smaller ones were also taken into service and used. Two such ships were the Lake Constance train ferries Argen and Schussen, which formed part of the flak defences of Friedrichshafen. These were not Kriegsmarine vessels; they were operated and crewed by the Luftwaffe.

Both vessels appear to have had their original superstructure removed and three 37mm Flak 36 guns installed on their decks.

Argen
Built during the 1920s to be used as a train ferry between Germany and Switzerland.

Argen after her conversion into a flakschiff. 

One of Argen's 37mm Flak 35 guns in action.

One of Argen's 37mm Flak 36 guns in action.

I have not been able to find out what happened to Argen after the war ended.

Schussen
Built during the 1929 to be used as a train ferry between Germany and Switzerland.

A model of Schussen as she appeared in 1929.

Schussen after her conversion into a flakshiff.

Two of Shussen's 37mm Flak 36 guns in action. (The forward and centre ones.)

Two of Shussen's 37mm Flak 36 guns in action. (The centre and aft ones.)

Schussen as she appeared after she had returned to service after the Second World War.

Schussen as she appeared in 1954.

After the war Schussen was rebuilt and used as a train ferry until she was withdrawn from service in 1959. She is thought to have been converted into a floating restaurant that was still extant in 1983.