This photograph collection documents a significant moment during the final days of World War II: it shows crew members of Artillery Ferry Barge AF 50, which belonged to the 7th Artillery Carrier Flotilla of the 9th Security Division in the Baltic Sea in May 1945.

The Artilleriefahrprahme (AF) or artillery ferry barges were specialized warships of the German Kriegsmarine developed from landing craft. These vessels were originally designed for the planned invasion of England (Operation Sea Lion), but after the cancellation of this operation, they were repurposed for various other tasks. The artillery ferry barges were equipped with heavy artillery and served as floating coastal batteries, for securing shipping routes, and for supporting land operations.

A typical artillery ferry barge was approximately 40-50 meters long and featured various armaments, often consisting of guns of different calibers as well as anti-aircraft weapons. The crew typically numbered between 20 and 40 men. These vessels were designed with shallow drafts, making them ideal for operations in coastal waters and river estuaries.

The 7th Artillery Carrier Flotilla was one of several such units that operated in various theaters during the war. Towards the end of the war, these formations concentrated primarily in the Baltic Sea, where they played a critical role in securing evacuation operations from East Prussia, Pomerania, and the Baltic states.

The 9th Security Division was part of the complex system of maritime security formations of the Kriegsmarine. These divisions were tasked with protecting sea routes, conducting minesweeping operations, and escorting convoys. In the final months of the war, their role in the Baltic Sea became particularly important as hundreds of thousands of civilians and soldiers needed to be evacuated by sea.

May 1945 marked the absolute end of the war in Europe. The unconditional surrender became effective on May 8, 1945. The situation in the Baltic Sea during these days was particularly dramatic: while the Red Army advanced from the east, the Kriegsmarine desperately attempted to transport as many people as possible westward. Operation Hannibal, the largest sea evacuation in history, had begun in January 1945 and continued into the first days of May.

For the crews of the artillery ferry barges, these final days of the war meant a time of extreme tension. They had to contend with the constant threat from Soviet submarines, aircraft, and coastal batteries, while simultaneously securing evacuation movements. Many of these vessels were sunk in the final days of the war, either through enemy action or by scuttling to prevent them from falling into enemy hands.

Photographic documentation of such units is of considerable historical value. Photographs from this period are relatively rare, as military censorship was strict and documentation was often neglected during the chaotic final days of the war. Images of crew members provide us today with insight into daily life aboard these vessels and show the often very young men who served until the end.

After the capitulation, the remaining artillery ferry barges were confiscated by the Allies. Many were scrapped, some were taken over by the victorious powers and continued in use. The crews entered prisoner-of-war camps or were demobilized.

This photograph collection thus represents not only a technical chapter of naval history but also a human testament to the final days of the war. It recalls the complex maritime operations in the Baltic Sea and the men who served under extreme conditions until the bitter end.