Vorpostenboote typically carried one or two medium-calibre guns (e.g. 88 mm), many light automatic anti-air artillery pieces (20-40mm), and a varying number of machine guns.[1] For anti-submarine warfare they were also fitted with depth charges.[4] Crewed by sixty to seventy men,[5] most of whom were weapons personnel taken from the naval reserve, the Vorpostenboote became particularly feared by the Royal Navy for their firepower and efficiency in battle.[4] While Vorpostenboote were able to engage and defeat light naval forces – such as small motor gun boats – they were not powerful enough to effectively combat destroyers or larger warships.[4]