April 1, 1939: Adolf Hitler, Grossadmiral Erich Raeder and other high ranking Nazi officers seen arriving at Kriegsmarine Werft in Wilhelmshaven, Germany for the launching ceremony of the Tirpitz.

April 1, 1939: Adolf Hitler, Grossadmiral Erich Raeder and other high ranking Nazi officers seen arriving at Kriegsmarine Werft in Wilhelmshaven, Germany for the launching ceremony of the Tirpitz.

April 1, 1939: Adolf Hitler, Grossadmiral Erich Raeder (near the top of the stairs) and Hitler's entourage climbing to the reviewing stand for the launch of the Tirpitz.

April 1, 1939: Adolf Hitler and his entourage including Grossadmiral Erich Raeder and Frau Ilse von Hassell seen on the reviewing stand. Frau von Hassell christened the battleship named for her father Grossadmiral Alfred von Tirpitz. (Note: Her husband, Ulrich von Hassell, a diplomat, was part of the assassination attempt on Hitler known as Operation Valkyrie on July 20, 1944. He was executed on Sept. 8, 1944.)

April 1, 1939: Adolf Hitler awaiting the launch of the Tirpitz.

April 1, 1939: Tirpitz beginning to slide down the ways at Kriegsmarine Werft, Wilhelmshaven, Germany.

April 1, 1939: Launch of the Tirpitz at Kriegsmarine Werft, Wilhelmshaven, Germany.

April 1, 1939: Tirpitz seen fully afloat after launching.

April 1, 1939: Tirpitz being assisted by tugs after launching.

April 1, 1939: Adolf Hitler and his entourage departing the stand after the launching of the Tirpitz.

April 1, 1939: Adolf Hitler and his entourage seen leaving following the launch of the Tirpitz.

April 1, 1939: Tirpitz being assisted by tugs after launching.

February 1940 Tirpitz seen fitting out at Kriegsmarine Werft, Wilhelmshaven, Germany.