Swedish coast defence ship Svea 1884-1944/1945

Ron van Maanen

Drawing in 1890 appearance.

Laid down at Lindholmens Engineering, Göteborg in March 1884, launched 12 December 1885, completed 20 September 1886, in 1904 extensive rebuilding, in 1919-1920 fitted out as submarine depot ship and used until 1941 and sold to be broken up in 1944. According to other sources in 1922 (1912?) rebuilt as receiving ship, stricken 1918, rebuilt as a submarine depot ship, hulked in 1945 and broken up in 1945. The stem was projected forward. With a displacement of 3,051 tons standard and 3,273 tons full load were her dimensions 75,7 (waterline) x 14,8 x 5,18 (maximum) metres. The engines joined by 6 cilyndrical boilers supplied 3,640 hp allowing a speed of 14,7 knots maximum. The coal bunker capacity varied between 288-300 tons. The armour consisted of a 147-297mm belt just amidships, 246-297mm turret, 147-297mm barbette and a 49mm deck. The original armament consisted of 1x2-254mm guns, 4x1 152mm guns, 1x3 37mm guns, 4x4 25mm guns, 1x12mm gun and 1-381 mm torpedo tube in the bow. After 1904 armed with 1x1 210mm gun, 7x1 152mm guns and 11x1 57mm guns. Her crew numbered 252 men. Sister ships were the Göta and the Thule.