German Aircraft Carrier Jade

Jade was one of two planned Jade class auxiliary aircraft carriers for Nazi Germany’s Kriegsmarine during World War II. Launched as a passenger ship in 1935, Gneisenau was operated by Norddeutscher Lloyd. After the outbreak of war, she was requisitioned by the Kriegsmarine as a transport, and in May 1942, plans were drawn up to convert her into an aircraft carrier. Although not identical the second ship, Potsdam (to be renamed Elbe) was similar enough in size to allow identical outfitting.

Once converted, the ships were intended to operate twelve Ju 87 Stuka dive bombers and twelve Bf 109 fighters. Conversion on Jade was never started and she reverted to a troopship only to be sunk by a mine in the western Baltic.