Brin-class. ©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com
Part of Brin-class preceded by Archimede-class succeeded by Liuzzi-class. Laid down by Tosi, Taranto, Italy on 23 December 1937, launched on 26 March 1939, delivered on 7 May 1939, scuttled after a fight with the British destroyers HMS Kandahar, Khartoum and Kingston and the sloop Shoreham in the Red Sea on 23 June 1940 and stricken on 18 October 1946.
As Weserland. ©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com
In a letter dated 13 April 1942 No. 1329 to the O.K.M./1 Abteilung Skl. was the so-called ‘Etappen’-organisation of the navy described. In the attachment were the blockade runners decribed used for this purpose. Ms Ermland. Not loaded. Left Takao on 28 July 1940. Arrived at Kobe, Japan on 5 August 1940. Transfer.(1)
Note
1. Call sign DIRJ. Launched by Blohm&Voss, Hamburg, Germany with yard number 414 on 18 February 1922, commissioned on 92 August 1922, blockade runner since 1940, rename Weserland in 191, left Yokohama, Japan on 26 October 1943 and sunk by the American destroyer USS Somers on 2 January 1944 between Ascension and the Brazilian coast. Gross tonnage 6,528 ton, under deck 6,121 ton, net tonnage 3,802 ton, deadweight 9,475 ton and as dimensions 449.1 x 58.4 x 25.6 x 28 (loaded) feet. Diesel propulsion, 2 screws, oil bunker capacity 1,420 ton, range 20,000 nautical miles and speed 11 (normal cruising)-12.5 (maximum) knots.
Source
Bundesarchiv RM 7/223
©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com
Operated by the Maritime Safety Board. Length about 147.6 feet. Chitose P56, part of the Tatsuta-class, displacement 333.15 (standard)-357.7 (normal) tons and as dimensions 147.5 (between perpendiculars)-157.1/6 (waterline) x 24 x 7 3/8 (normal) feet, laid down on 20 September 1957, launched on 24 February 1958?
Courageous. ©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com
Eagle. ©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com
The American Consulate at Valetta, Malta wrote the US State of Secretary on 11 June 1928 No. 275 that the British aircraft carrier HMS Courageous (1) arrived at her new station Malta. She replaced the HMS Hermes (2) now present in the Far East but still a significant increase for the Fleet Air Arm of the Mediterranean Fleet while the Courageous was almost twice the size of the Hermes. The air force personnel on board of the Courageoius was nearly as large of that of the Hermes and Eagle (3) together. Her Fleet Airm Arm was commanded by Wing Commander Robert Leakie and consisted of Nos. 404a and 407 fitted out with Flycatchers, Nos. 445-446 fitted out with Fairey 3F aircraft and Nos. 463-464 fitted out with Darts. Commanding officer of the Courageous was captain Aubrey Lambert, R.N.
Notes
1. Building ordered on 14 March 1915, laid down as a battle cruiser by Armstrong Whitworth with yard number 895 on 26 March 1915, launched on 5 February 1916, completed on 4 November 1916, converted into an aircraft carrier June 1924-Feburary 1928 and sunk by the German submarine U-29 on 17 September 1939
2. Based on a cruiser hull-design using a seaplane carrier design dating 1916 but which was enlarged and modified in a design dating April 1917. Building ordered in April 1917, laid down by Armstrong Whitworth on 15 January 1918, launched on 11 September 1919, commissioned on 18 February 1924, reclassified as training ship on 16 July 1938, again as aircraft carrier on 24 August 1939 and sunk during a Japanese air attack on 9 April 1942.
3. Building ordered as Chilean battle ship Almirante Cochrane on 29July 1912, laid down by Armstrong Whitworth with yard number 858 on 20 February 1913, launched on 8 June 1918, purchased on 28 February 1918, commissioned on 20 February 1924 and sunk by the German submarine U-73 on 11 August 1942.
The American consul at Harbin, China G.C. Hanson sent with his report dated 29 November 1927 a list dealing with the Chinese gunboats on the Sungari River. It included the Chian Tung. Used for patrolling between Harbin and Lahasus. Reported to be in fair condition as far as cleanliness is but did not cruise much often caused by a chronic lacking coal and other supplies which was due to lacking the necessary finances. The gunboats seemed to have little success in preventing brigands attacking passing steamships and junks arrriving too late on the place of delict. Displacement 160 tons. Built of iron. Armament 4: Na-teng-fei (?) 10-shot machine gun, 2 Mai-ke-sin (Maxim?) machine guns, 1 mortar. Former nationality ex Wutung SS Co. Steamship. Former name Chiang Hsing. Horsepower unknown. Thickness armour 3/10 of a inch. Tug converted into gunboat.
Source
National Archives. Record Group 64: Records of the National Archives and Records Administration. Series: Records of the Department of State Relating to Internal Affairs of China. File Unit. Military Affairs and the Army: Army Maneuvers: 893.21 - 893.215 THRU Naval Affairs, Navy, Naval Vessels: Pay: 893.35/0-2. Microfilm 329 roll 122.
©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com
List of planning with deadlines for new construction of warships by German shipyards in July 1944. Type XXIII. Yard Deutsche Werft, Hamburg. Yard number 501. Date building ordered 28 October 1943. Date completion 13 October 1944. Remarks none.
Source
Deutsches Historisches Institut Moska. Records 500 findbuch 12453-file 147.
American Connecticut-class battleships. ©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com
Turkish Resadiye-class battleships. ©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com
British King George V-class battleships. ©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com
The Ottoman government was in 1910 interested in purchasing two battleships. American shipyards were competing with foreign shipyards among which the British were favourite. The US Secretary of State sent on 1 June 1910 a telegram to the Embassy at Constantinople stating that the Ottoman Minister of Marine resigned and that his Ministry an open competition for building Turkish warships favoured. The awards were for the lowest bidder. On 30 June 1910 were letters sent by the Acting Secretary of State to William Cramp and Sons Shipbuilding Company, Fore River Shipbuilding Company, Newport News Dry Dock and Shipbuilding Company, New York Shipbuilding Company, the Bethlehem Steel Company and Mr. M.M.A. Smith of the Care Niles, Bennett, Pond Company at New York(1).
With the similar text: “That this Department has been requested by the delomatic representative in this city of a foreign power [the Ottoman Empire] to secure information from American shipsbuilding as to the shortest length of time in which a battleship of the Connecticut class (2) be laid down, launched and equipped”. Such information was asked from all the leading powers [like the United Kingdom and Germany]. The foreign power intended to place an award for building a battleship of the mentioned type to be built within the shortest length of time. The firms were requested for their immediate attention and advice to be able to answer the Ottoman Empire.
The Fore River Shipbuilding Company, Quincy, Massachusetts replied on 5 July writing that after careful consideration she could lay down the keel of a battleship of the Connecticut-classs within 2 months after the getting the order, launched 10 months later and complete it fully equiped within 24 montsh. The vessel to be built was a duplicate of USS Vermont which built this shipyard earlier and part of the Atlantic Fleet cruising around the world. The limniting feature of the completion of a ship of this type was the time needed for manufacturing her main armament of 30.48cm/12” guns and the time mentioned depended on the promised delivery of the guns. The Bethlehem Steel Company promised to deliver the needed guns within 20 months by using guns of the US Navy and to replace those by new ones.
At the end a Turkish battleship was built by a British shipyard but never delivered.(3)
Notes
1. The Niles-Bement-Pond Company, created in 1899 by merging Niles Tool Works, Bement, Miles&Co, Pond Machine Tool Company and Philadephia Engine Works. Later were Pratt&Whitney, Pratt&Whitney of Canada, John Bertrams&Sons and Ridgway Machine Co., acquired.
2. BB-20. Part of Connecticut-class preceded by Virginia-class succeeded by Mississippi-class. Laid down by Fore River Shipyard on 21 May 1904, launched on 31 August 1905, commissioned on 4 March 1907, decommissioned on 30 June 1920, stricken on 10 November 1923 and sold to be broken up on 30 November 1923.
3. The Resadiye-class which were an improved British King George V-class battleships design ordered from Vickers, Armstrong Whitworth. The Fatih Sultan Mehmed was ordered in April 1914 but never completed. The Resadiye (ex-Mehmed Resad V)was seized when the First World War broke out and commissioned in the British Royal Navy as HMS Erin. The Ottoman Empire bought in September 1913 from Brazil the Rio de Janeiro which was renamed Sultan Osman-I Evvel which was seized by in August 1914 and commissioned in the British Royal Navy as HMS Agincourt.
Source
Record Group 64: Records of the National Archives and Records Administration Series: Records of the Department of State Relating to the Internal Affairs of Turkey. Turkey: Naval Affairs, Navy, Naval Vessels: 867.30 - 867.348. Microcopy 353 rol 42.
©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com
List of planning with deadlines for new construction of warships by German shipyards in July 1944. Type XXIII. Yard Deutsche Werft, Hamburg. Yard number 500. Date building ordered 28 October 1943. Date completion 10 October 1944. Remarks none.
Source
Deutsches Historisches Institut Moska. Records 500 findbuch 12453-file 147.
Gross tonnage 1,199 tons. Underway from Shanghai to Port Arthur. Type cargo provisions, clothing and false papers. Captured near Chefoo on 19 November 9104. Ship and cargo confiscated. Ginal appeal rejected. Now owned by the Japanese government as Yaura Maru. The war between the Russian and Japanese empires was between 8 February 1904-5 September1905.
Source
Official history (Naval and Military) of the Russo-Japanese War. Vol. II. Liao Yang, the Sha Ho, Port Arthur. Prepared by the Historical Section of the Committee of Imperial Defence. London, 1912.
©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com
Length 48.6 feet. Operated by the Maritime Safety Board
An item dated Amsterdam, Netherlands 14 October reported the arrival at Texel, Netherlands on 12 October of the Dutch Greenland commandeur Sie .j Claasz 1 whale 46 quardelen. (1)
Note
1. This must be Sietje Klaasz, Greenland commandeur in 1740, 1745-1746, 1748 and 1751-1753, in 1748 for director Cornelis Abrahamsz de Veer, Amsterdam, catch results 1 whale, 46 barrels blubber and 61 quardelen whale oil. As Davis Strait commandeur 1732-1739 and 1741-1744. Alphabetische naam-lyst van alle de Groenlandsche en Straat-Davidsche Commandeurs die sedert het jaar 1700 op Groenland en sedert het jaar 1719 op de Straat Davis etc. Gerret van Sant. Published by Johannes Enschede, Amsterdam 1770, with hand written note until 1794.
Type ship. Master A. Keith. Tonnage 340 tons. Built at South Shields in 1778. Owner Union Whale Fishing Company. Port where registered Montrose.
Source
List of the shipping registered in the different ports of Scotland. Glasgow, 1821.
©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com
Preceded by Type II conventional coastal submarine and Type XVII AIP-powered coastal submarine and succeeded by Type 201 coastal submarine. Designed for service in the swallow waters of the North Sea, Black Sea and the Mediterranean. There were 980 boats planned but just 61 completed between 1944-1945 (Deutsche Werft, Hamburg 48 and Germaniawerft, Kiel 120.
Sources
Gröner, Erich; Jung, Dieter; Maass, Martin (1991). Die deutschen Kriegsschiffe, 1815-1945 vol. 2.
Lenton, Trevor. German Submarines 2. Navies of the Second World War. Macdonald & Co., 1965.
Rössler, Eberhard.Geschichte des Deutschen U-Bootbaus.J.F.Lehmanns Verlag, 1975.
Rössler, Eberhard. The U-boat: The evolution and technical history of German submarines. London: Cassell & Co., 2001.
Rössler, Eberhard. Deutsche Uboote 1898-1918. E.S. Mittler&Sohn, Hamburg, 2011.
Williamson, Gordon; Palmer, Ian. Kriegsmarine U-boats 1939-45: Vol 2. Osprey Publishing, 2002.
www.Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com
An item reported the departure on 16 October from the Table Bay by the French whaler Croix du Sud, master M. Senecal.
©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com
Part of so-called 66 feet-class. Built by Everett-Pacific Shipbuilders, Everett Washington, Usa. Transferred to the Philippine Naval Patrol on 2 July 1948.
An item reported the departure on 16 October from the Table Bay by the French whaler L’Atlas, master A.Testelin for whaling.
Part of Vlissingen-class preceded by Alkmaar-/Tripartite-class minehunters.
Laid down by Chicago Bridge and Iron Company, Seneca, USA on 22 January 1945, launched on 18 April 1945, commissioned on 9 May 1945, decommissioned on 24 August 1949, recommissioned on 3 November 1950, named Stone County on 1 July 1955, decommissioned in May 1970, loaned to Thailand in 1970, stricken from US NavyList on 15 August 1973, permanently transferred to Thailand in 1973, decommissioned in 2007 and became a museum ship at Krabi.
,_KCB,_CMG,_CVO,_DSO'.jpg)
Sketch of Vice Admiral Sir Roger Keyes (1872–1945), KCB, CMG, CVO, DSO, by the British painter Glyn Warren Philpot, 1918.
Courtesy of the collection of the Imperial War Museums.
The American Consulate at Valetta, Malta wrote the US State of Secretary on 7 November 1927 that the British battleship HMS Queen Elizabeth (1) arrived at Malta on 6 November. She was for more as a year absent on this station undergoing a refit in England. She was converted into a first class battleship. Fitted out with bulges and her two smoke stacks converted into one. Costs of refit approximately 3,061,800 US dollars. Within a few days would the Queen Elizabeth replace the HMS Warspite (2) as fleet flagship of admiral Sir Roger Keyes (3), commander-in-chief of the British Mediterranean Fleet. The flag of second-in-command vice admiral John D. Kelly (4) would flew on the Warspite.
Notes
1. Queen Elizabeth-class, consisted of the Queen Elizabeth, Malaya, Warspite, Valiant, Barham, Malaya and the in 1914 cancelled Agincourt. Preceded by the Iron Duke-class and succeeded by the Revenge-class. Pennant 00. Laid down at the HM Dockyard Portsmouth, England on 21 October 1912, launched on 16 October 1913, completed in January 1914, commissioned on 22 December 1914, rebuilt in 1926-1927 and 1937-1941, reserve since August 1945, stricken on 7 July 1948, sold to Arnott Young and broken up at Dalmuir in July 1948. Building costs 3.014.103 pond sterling.
2. Pennant 03. Part of Queen Elizabeth-class, preceded by Iron Duke-class succeeded by Revenge-class. Ordered in 1912, laid down by HM Dockyard, Devonport, England on 31 October 1912, launched on 26 November 1913, commissioned on 8 March 1915, modernised mid-1930s, decommisssioned on 1 February 1945, stricken on 19 April 1947 and sold to be broken up in 1947.
3. Roger John Brownlow Keyes, 1st Baron Keyes (4 October 1872 Punjab, British India-26 December 1945 Tingewick, United Kingdom). served in the Royal Navy between 1885-1935 and 1940-1941 ending his career in the rank of Admiral of the Fleet.
4. Sir John Donald Kelly (13 July 1871 Southsea, Hampshire, England-4 November 1936 Marylebone, London, England, served between 1884-1936 in the Royal Navy ending his career in the rank of Admiral of the Fleet.
Source
National Archives. Record Group 64: Records of the National Archives and Records AdministrationSeries: Records of the Department of State Relating to Internal Affairs of Great Britain. Naval Affairs, Navy, Navy Vessels: 841.315 THRU 841.31553 THRU Naval Affairs, Navy, Navy Vessels: Movement of Naval Vessels: 841.33 - 841.3311/64. Microcopy 580 roll 92.
©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com
Similar Dairen Maru, Hoten Maru and Tsingtao Maru although the latter two ships haven forward part of promenade decks enclosed. Call sign JPLC. Homeport Dairen, Japan. Owner in 1939 Dairen Kisen K.K. Laid down by Mitsubishi Zosen Kaisha Ld., Kobe, Japan on 12 November 1929, launched in 1930, completed on 23 August 1930, renamed in December 1933, operated by the Senpaku Un eikai as Alloted IJA No. 5320 since end 1944, sunk by American carrier borne aircraft off Camiguin, northern Luzon, Philippines and sunk on 18 October 1944. Gross tonnage 4,017 tons, under deck 3,027 tons, net tonnage 2,181 tons , deadweight 3,000 tons and as dimensions 360.0 x 46.0 x 28.5 x 20 (loaded) feet. Coal fuelled-propulsion, coal bunker capaicty 525 tons, 2 screws and speed 14 (normal cruising)-17 (maximum) knots.
An item reported the departure on 8 October from the Simon’s Bay of the American whaler Cicero, master Hussey, for whaling.
©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com
List of planning with deadlines for new construction of warships dated Berlin 22 May 1944. Yard at Varna, Bulgaria. Date building ordered 22 December 1941. Date completion unknown due to transport and labour problems allowing a future maximum completion of 1-2 Kriegsfischkutters possible.
Source
Deutsches Historisches Institut Moska. Records 500 findbuch 12453-file 152.
An item reported the departure on 8 October from the Simon’s Bay of the American whaler Hudson, master Green, for whaling.
American Connecticut-class battleships. ©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com
Turkish Resadiye-class battleships. ©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com
British King George V-class battleships. ©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com
The Ottoman government was in 1910 interested in purchasing two battleships. American shipyards were competing with foreign shipyards among which the British were favourite. The US Secretary of State sent on 1 June 1910 a telegram to the Embassy at Constantinople stating that the Ottoman Minister of Marine resigned and that his Ministry an open competition for building Turkish warships favoured. The awards were for the lowest bidder. On 30 June 1910 were letters sent by the Acting Secretary of State to William Cramp and Sons Shipbuilding Company, Fore River Shipbuilding Company, Newport News Dry Dock and Shipbuilding Company, New York Shipbuilding Company, the Bethlehem Steel Company and Mr. M.M.A. Smith of the Care Niles, Bennett, Pond Company at New York(1).
With the similar text: “That this Department has been requested by the delomatic representative in this city of a foreign power [the Ottoman Empire] to secure information from American shipsbuilding as to the shortest length of time in which a battleship of the Connecticut class (2) be laid down, launched and equipped”. Such information was asked from all the leading powers [like the United Kingdom and Germany]. The foreign power intended to place an award for building a battleship of the mentioned type to be built within the shortest length of time. The firms were requested for their immediate attention and advice to be able to answer the Ottoman Empire.
The Bethlehem Steel Company responded on 6 July informing the Secretary that the Fore River Shipbuilding Company, Quincy, Massachusetts asked in which time the guns, mounts, projectiles and armour needed for building a Connecticut type battleship could be delivered and which was answered within 20-24 months. After this answer managed Mr. Johnston of the Bethlehem Steel Company after a visit to Washington to bring the time of delivery back to 20 months. This reduction was based upon the belief and assumption that the US Government would give her full support if an American shipbuilder was awarded. So in this case using some of the larger guns for mounting on the proposed battleship and later by the firm to be replaced with new ones.
At the end a Turkish battleship was built by a British shipyard but never delivered.(3)
Notes
1. The Niles-Bement-Pond Company, created in 1899 by merging Niles Tool Works, Bement, Miles&Co, Pond Machine Tool Company and Philadephia Engine Works. Later were Pratt&Whitney, Pratt&Whitney of Canada, John Bertrams&Sons and Ridgway Machine Co., acquired.
2. Part of Connecticut-class preceded by Virginia-class succeeded by Mississippi-class, laid down by New York Navy Yard on 10 March 1903, launched on 29 September 1904, commissioned on 29 September 1906, decommissioned on 1 March 1923, sold to be broken up on 1 November 1923 and stricken on 10 November 1923.
3. The Resadiye-class which were an improved British King George V-class battleships design ordered from Vickers, Armstrong Whitworth. The Fatih Sultan Mehmed was ordered in April 1914 but never completed. The Resadiye (ex-Mehmed Resad V)was seized when the First World War broke out and commissioned in the British Royal Navy as HMS Erin. The Ottoman Empire bought in September 1913 from Brazil the Rio de Janeiro which was renamed Sultan Osman-I Evvel which was seized by in August 1914 and commissioned in the British Royal Navy as HMS Agincourt.
Source
Record Group 64: Records of the National Archives and Records Administration Series: Records of the Department of State Relating to the Internal Affairs of Turkey. Turkey: Naval Affairs, Navy, Naval Vessels: 867.30 - 867.348. Microcopy 353 rol 42.
©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com
List of planning with deadlines for new construction of warships by German shipyards in July 1944. Type XXIII. Yard Deutsche Werft, Hamburg. Yard number 499. Date building ordered 28 October 1943. Date completion 6 October 1944. Remarks none.
Source
Deutsches Historisches Institut Moska. Records 500 findbuch 12453-file 147.
In a letter dated 13 April 1942 No. 1329 to the O.K.M./1 Abteilung Skl. was the so-called ‘Etappen’-organisation of the navy described. In the attachment were the blockade runners decribed used for this purpose. Ms. Weser. After unloading. Left Punta Arenas (Costa Rica) on 16 July 1940. Arrived at Manzanillo on 21 July 1940. Transfer for fuel and to be loaded.
Source
Bundesarchiv RM 7/223
©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com
List of planning with deadlines for new construction of warships by German shipyards in July 1944. Type XXIII. Yard Deutsche Werft, Hamburg. Yard number 498. Date building ordered 28 October 1943. Date completion 3 October 1944. Remarks none.
Source
Deutsches Historisches Institut Moska. Records 500 findbuch 12453-file 147.
©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com
Length 48.6 feet. Operated by the Maritime Safety Board
An item dated Amsterdam, Netherlands 14 October reported the arrival at Texel, Netherlands on 12 October of the Dutch Greenland commandeur Teunis T. Rens 1 whale 50 quardelen.
Built in 1811. Tonnage 339 14/94 tons. Master Robert Foreman. Crew numbered 50 men. Of the Union Whale-Fishing Company. Managers Thomas Powrie and J.G. Russel. Homeport Dundee.
Source
Archibald Lord Douglas. Dundee delineated or a history and description of that town. A. Colville, Dundee, 1822.
Gross tonnage 1,393 tons. Underway from Shanghai to Port Arthur.Type cargo arms, ammunition and general. Captured near Newchuang on 12 October 1904. Final appeal rejected. Now owned by Japanese government and renamed Chozan Maru. The war between the Russian and Japanese empires was between 8 February 1904-5 September1905.
Source
Official history (Naval and Military) of the Russo-Japanese War. Vol. II. Liao Yang, the Sha Ho, Port Arthur. Prepared by the Historical Section of the Committee of Imperial Defence. London, 1912.
©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com
Algerine-class minesweepers preceded by Bangor-class succeeded by Ton-class. Totally 110 built (United Kingdom 50, Canada 60). Laid down by Harland&Wolff, Belfast, Northern Ireland on 11 January 1943, launched on 3 August 1943, completed on 15 October 1943, transferred to Ceylon in 1958, formally transfer on 6 April 1959 and broken up in 1964.
Sketch of Vice Admiral Sir Roger Keyes (1872–1945), KCB, CMG, CVO, DSO, by the British painter Glyn Warren Philpot, 1918.
Courtesy of the collection of the Imperial War Museums.
The American Consulate at Valetta, Malta wrote the US State of Secretary on 16 August 1927 No. 165 that the British Mediterranean Fleet commanded by Sir Roger Keyes (1) planned to leave the same day Argostoli back to Malta completing the first half of the Summer Cruise in Greek and Turkish waters. Arrival at Malta was to be on 18 August where she would stay until 2 September when she would depart for the second half of the Summer Cruise.
Note
1. Roger John Brownlow Keyes, 1st Baron Keyes (4 October 1872 Punjab, British India-26 December 1945 Tingewick, United Kingdom). served in the Royal Navy between 1885-1935 and 1940-1941 ending his career in the rank of Admiral of the Fleet.
Source
National Archives. Record Group 64: Records of the National Archives and Records AdministrationSeries: Records of the Department of State Relating to Internal Affairs of Great Britain. Naval Affairs, Navy, Navy Vessels: 841.315 THRU 841.31553 THRU Naval Affairs, Navy, Navy Vessels: Movement of Naval Vessels: 841.33 - 841.3311/64. Microcopy 580 roll 92.
Zr.Ms. Atjeh. ©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com
Of the Atjeh-class protected cruiser or screw steamships 1st class preceded by the Zilveren Kruis-class. The first design dated from 1874 in which a ship was described of 72.00 (between perpendiculars)-11.32 x 5.66 metres and a displacement of 2,345 tons. The final design dated from 18 December 1874. The dimensions were now 70,00 (between perpendiculars)-92.00 (over all) x 12.50 x 10.00 (hold) x 5.56 (fore maximum)-6.10 (aft maximum) metres and a load displacement of 3,180 tons.Eight ships were planned of which 6 were completed (Atjeh 1875-1877, Tromp 1875-1882, Koningin Emma der Nederlanden 1876-1880, De Ruyter 1879-1885, Van Speyk 1880-1887 and Johan Willem Friso 1883-1880) and 2 lost by fire (Kortenaer 1882-1883), Doggersbank 1881-1883), all built by the Rijkswerf, Amsterdam, Netherlands. With ram bow. Called Atjeh type second and fifth design. Copy sent to the Hoofingenieur Adviseur voor Scheepsbouw on 15 March 1884. Displacement 3,720 (normal)-4,000 (loaded) tons.
Source
Het Scheepvaartmuseum, Amsterdam, Netherlands drawing 524734
Austro-Hungarian scout cruiser Admiral Spaun. ©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com
With a letter of the US Legation at Lisbon dated 18 December 1911 received the Secretary of State a translation of a proposal of the Portuguese Minister of Navy dealing with increasing the fleet as published in the Diaro de Noticias. The plan could only be realized with a foreign loan so interested bankers needed active support of their governments. It included the building of three scouts of 3,500 tons each, maximum horsepower 22,000 hp and a speed of 27 knots. The armour was to consist of about 6cm at the sides and a 2cm thick protected deck.Armament 4-12cm cal 50 guns, 4-7.6cm cal 50 guns and 2 torpedo tubes. Cost of each scout 1,600,000.000 dollars, total cost 4,800,000.00 dollars. Scouts were to be of the Admiral Spaun type with slight alterations.
Note
1. Austro-Hungarian scout cruiser SMS Admiral Spaun, laiud down by Pola Navy Yard, Pola [nowadays Pula, Crotia] on 30 May 1908, launched on 30 October 1909, commissioned on 15 Novemnber 1910, transferred to State of Slovenes, Croats and Serbs on 31 October 1918, seized by Italian forces on 9 November 1918, handed over to the Allied powers on 10 November 1918, ceded to the United Kingdom in 1920 and sold to be broken up in Italy executed between 1920-1921.
Source
Record Group 64: Records of the National Archives and Records Administration Series: Records of the Department of State Relating to Internal Affairs of Portugal. Military Affairs and the Army: 853.20 - 853.206/7 THRU Naval Affairs, Navy, Naval Vessels: Equipment and Supplies: 853.34 - 853.348. Microcopy 705 roll 13
The Secretary of the Navy Gideon Welles (1) submitted the Congress on her session of 4 July 1861 with a report of the building of armored vessels abroad especially France and the United Kingdom. He recommended that the USA would built one of more of such ironclad-steamships or floating batteries. The Congress ordered him on 3 August to appoint the so-called Ironclad Board of 3 skilful naval officers to investigate plans and specifications of such steamships for which building 1,500,000 was available. The appointed officers were the commodores Joseph Smit (2) and Hiram Paulding (3) and the captain Charles H. Davis.(4) They were assisted by Assistant Secretary of the Navy Gustavus Fox.
In an advertisement dated 7 August 1861 was asked for tenders “from parties who are able to execute work of this kind, and who are engaged in it, of which they willfurnish evidence with their offer, for the construction of one or more iron-clad steam vessels of war, either of iron or of wood and irón combined, for sea or river service, to be of not less thanten nor over sixteen feet draught of water; to carry an armament of from eighty to one hundred and twenty tons weight, with provisions and stores for from one hundred and sixty-five to three hundred persons, according to armament, for sixty days, with coal for eight days. The smaller draught of water, compatible with other requisites, will be preferred. The vessel to be rigged with two masts, with wire-rope standing rigging, to navigate at sea. Ageneral description and drawings of the vessel, armor, and machinery, such as the work can be executed from, willbe required. The offer must state the cost and the time for completingthe whole, exclusive of armament and stores of all kinds, the rate of speed proposed, and must be accompanied by a guarantee for the proper execution of the contract, if awarded." The commission examined and commented all recived tenders. Recommended were thepropositions of Bushnell & Co., New Haven, Connecticut; Merrick & Sons, Philadelphia, and J. Ericsson, New York, which would “absorb $1,290,250 of the appropriation of $1,500,000, leaving $209,750 yet unexpended. The commission recommended further that armor with heavy guns be placed on one of our river craft, or, if none will bear it, to construct a scow, which will answer to plate and shield the guns, for the river service on the Potomac, to be constructed or prepared by the government at the navy yard here for immediate use.”
In a resolution of the Senate dated 24 July 1868 asked she the Secretary of the Navy all facts necessary for a complete history of the origin and building of the ironclad Monitor. His letter dated the next day was to supply the asked information.
A. Beebe, New York, 82 Broadway. “Specification and sketch defective. Plan not approved. Price $50,000-length of vessel 120 feet-breadth of beam 55 feet-depth not stated-time 100 days-draught of water 6 feet-displacement 1,000 tons-speed per hour 8 knots.”
Source
Letter of the Secretary of the navy communicating, in compliance with a resolution of the Senate of the 24th instant, information in relation to the construction ofthe iron-clad Monitor. 40th Congress 2d Session Senate ex. Doc. No. 86.
Notes
1. Gideon Welles (1 July 1802 Glastonbury, Connecticut, USA-11 February 1878 Hartford, Connecticut, USA), United States Secretary of the Navy 7 March 1861-4 March 1869.
2. Joseph Smith (30 March 1790, Boston, Massachusetts, USA-17 January 1877, Washington, D.C., USA), served in the US Navy between 1809-1871 ending in the rank of rear admiral.
3. Hiram Paulding (11 December 1797 Cortlandt, New York, USA-20 October 1878 Huntington, New York, USA), served in the UD Navy between 1811-1870 ending in the rank of rear admiral.
4. Charles Henry Davis (16 January 1807 Boston, Massachusetts, USA-18 February 1877 Washington, D.C., USA), served in the US Navy between 1823-1877 ending in the rank of rear admiral.
5. Gustavus Vasa Fox (3 June 1821 Saugus, Massachusetts, USA-29 October 1883 Lowell, Massachusetts, USA), Assistant Secretary of the Navy 1 August 1861-25 November 1866, served in the US Navy between 1838-1856 ending in the rank of lieutenant.
American South Carolina-class. ©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com
Turkish Resadiye-class. ©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com
The Ottoman government was in 1910 interested in purchasing two battleships. American shipyards were competing with foreign shipyards among which the British were favourite. The American Embassy at Constantinople, Turkey wrote on 31 March 1910 No. 125 to the US Secretary of State that they were “closely following all developments in what appeared to be a most unfavorable situation, in order to make the most of any opportunity in the interest of American firms who nave sent representatives to this country”. (1) However, the Ottoman government seemed already for some time to be involved in direct negotiations with the British firms Vickers, Armstrong and Brown and that the building contract was an integral part of an arranegement with the new National Bank of Turkey to finance the acutal building. The Ottoman Minister for Foreign Affairs stated that was such a great need that it was impossible to consider favorably a request for a delay in the process.(2) The American Embassador made clear that his government would be disappointed in loosing a chance to improve the commercial relations between the USA and Turkey. The Americans were ready at any time to compete in case the negotiations with the British encountered difficulties and the Ottoman government choose for a competition. Those diffulties appeared miraculous a few days. The Ottomann navy rejected some important features of the British plans as undesirable. And what happene: “The plans of the American battleship Michigan were offered by the Turks to serve, with certain modifications, as the type of battleship required by this Government”. (3) Further more the political situation on the Balkan changed and the need of battleships was less urgent. At the end a Turkish battleship was built by a British shipyard but never delivered.(4)
Notes
1. The Bethehem Steel Company, William Cramo&Sons and the New York Shipbuilding Company were interested in the order. Also the German Krupp was interested.
2. Between March-24 July 1910 was the Albanian Revolt with violence ended by the Ottoman Government. The revolt pointed out the weakness of the Ottoman Empire caused by her very worse financial position.
3. Part of South Carolina-class preceded by Mississippi-class succeeded by Delaware-class, laid down by New York Shipbuilding Corporation on 17 December 1906, launched on 26 May 1908, commissioned on 4 January 1910, decommissioned on 11 February 1922, stricken on 10 November 1923 and sold to be broken up in 1924.
4. The Resadiye-class which were an improved British King George V-class battleships design ordered from Vickers, Armstrong Whitworth. The Fatih Sultan Mehmed was ordered in April 1914 but never completed. The Resadiye (ex-Mehmed Resad V) was seized when the First World War broke out and commissioned in the British Royal Navy as HMS Erin. The Ottoman Empire bought in September 1913 from Brazil the Rio de Janeiro which was renamed Sultan Osman-I Evvel which was seized by in August 1914 and commissioned in the British Royal Navy as HMS Agincourt.
Source
Record Group 64: Records of the National Archives and Records Administration Series: Records of the Department of State Relating to the Internal Affairs of Turkey. Turkey: Naval Affairs, Navy, Naval Vessels: 867.30 - 867.348. Microcopy 353 rol 42.
