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Parallel to the development of the Fieseler 103 (or Fern Ziel Gerät
76), Germans started to build the infrastructure this weapon to the south of
the UK. By the time it came into action, it became the propaganda name "Vergeltungswaffe
1" or "V1".
To launch a V1 you needed a metal ramp under a certain angle. The V1 was
launched, or better catapulted from the metal ramp. The catapult was necessary,
because the V1 had no possibilities to start on it's own from a stand still
position. The thrust to catapult the V1 from the ramp came from a device called
the "Damferzeuger" (steamgenerator). This steam generator generated steam
by mixing to chemicals (T-Stoff and Z-Stoff).
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| © Ph. Despriet |
Germans started to construct the V1 launch sites from 1943 onwards. In the
method of constructing, you see a development that the sites became more and
more easier to construct:
- The first sites were the so called "Wasserwerke". These were enormous
bunker. They were uses as storage, assembly and launch facility. These sites
were easily discovered (and bombed) by the Allies.
5 of these bunkers were planned and partly constructed in France.
- The second generation were the so called SKI sites. Germans called the "Feuerstellung
Alter Bauart" (construction old way). This was a site with a large number of
constructions. These were not real bunker, but more fortified buildings,
constructed of brick and Formsteine. A lot of effort was needed to construct a
complete site. These sites were easily discovered (and bombed) by the Allies.
About 100 of these sites were constructed in France.
- The last generation are launching sites consisted only of the
absolute necessary construction. In the beginning of 1944, this was the lauch
site itself, a launching bunker and a small storage building. At the end
of 1944 and early 1945, these sites only consisted of a launching site
(as shown in the drawing above).
About 250 of these sites were constructed in France.
Beside the launching sites, enormous effort was put in the supply chain ("Nachschub")
of the V1 and necessary equipment (fuel, spare ramps, T-Stoff, Z-Stoff, etc.).
This supply chain consisted of a large number tunnels, bunkers, fortified
building and caves.
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