| The Launch (1 April 1939) |
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| The massive hull slips slowly into the water affording a good view of the front anchor and large brake shields. |
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| Dressed overall from stem to stern, with the line of pennants supported by two temporary pole masts forward and aft, Tirpitz leaves the stocks. |
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| As soon as the ship has become waterborne, her progress is impeeded by tugs arranged to bring the vessel gradually to standstill before she is manouvred to an anchorage. |
The tugs have brought the enormous hull under control and slowly begin the turning manouevre. |
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| The launching is completed, the hull brought to a stop. Now it will be taken in tow by tugs and moved to the equipping pier. Clearly visible on the slip are the four sliding ways required for her huge beam. |
The fitting-out basin. Its size can be estimated by reference to Tirpitz's hull. |