GERMAN NAVY
 
      Progress in construction of German Aircraft Carrier
                        "Graf Zeppelin"
 
     The "Graf Zeppelin" was located at STETTIN on 8th September and air photographs
were obtained.
 
Information from photographs 
     
     A preliminary interpretation of these photographs stated that the ship was completed, but
further examinatibn shows that:-
 
(a)    No work is at present in progress on the ship, neither
       is she in a position where work can be commenced.
 
(b)    The control tower is not in place, but the base may be
       prepared to receive it.
 
(c) The funnel is in place and has a searchlight platform.
 
(d) No mast is stepped.
 
(e)    The flight deck appears complete but there are some
       workmen's huts on it still.
 
(f)    No guns can be seen, although the turret bases appear
       to be in position. The broadside casemate guns cannot
       be seen, but might be concealed by the overhang of the
       flight deck.
 
(g)    Careful measurements show this vessel to be about 870'
       in length overall. The flight deck itself being 830'
       long, and about 100' wide, but abreast of the super-
       structure the width is about 80'.
 
Previous history
 
          The 'Graf Zeppelin' was on steaming trials in April 1940. Left KIEL in July 1940. (A.1)
(Air reconnaissance).
 
     Was reported at GDYNIA in December 1940. (C.3).
 
     Was reported at GDYNIA completing in May 1941. (C.2).
 
     Was reported at STETTIN 26th June 1941. (B.2).
 
(Note: Germany commenced hostilities with Russia on 22nd June 1941).
 
        There is evidence that a decision had been reached in
March 1940 as to the type of aircraft which the ship was to carry,
but no reports of the training of pilots preparatory to deck
landing.   
 
CONCLUSION
     That the "Graf Zeppelin" has not been completed and that from the time work on her is
resumed at least six months must elapse before she is ready to operate as an aircraft carrier.