German battle cruiser SMS (ex-Ersatz Blücher) Graf Spee 1915-1921

Derfflinger-class

Mackensen-class

Ersatz Yorck-class

Part of the Mackensen-class consisting of the Mackensen, Graf Spee, Prinz Eitel Friedrich and Fürst Bismarck, preceded by the Derfflinger-class and succeeded by the Ersatz Yorck-class. In 1923 started the design process of this class which was to be built under the 1914 budget year. The displacement and the dimensions were limited by the maximum draught of 9,3 metres which could be handled by the available dry docks in Germany. After acceptance of the design by the navy on 30 September 1912, approved also the German emperor the design on 2 May 1913. Original was this class to number 7 ships, but 3 were modified and to built as the Ersatz Yorck-class. Building ordered as the Ersatz Blücherunder the war budget on 14 August 1914, laid down at the Schichau yards, Danzig, Germany with yard number 958on 30 November 1915, launched on 15 September 1917, building stopped 12 months before she was completed, stricken on 17 November 1919, sold for 4,4 million Marks on 28 October 1921and broken up at Kiel-Nordmole. Building costs around 66 million Marks.

Displacement 31.000 (standard)-35.300 (full load) tons and as dimensions 223 x 30,4 x 9,3 metres or 731.8 x 99.9 x 30.6 feet. The machinery consisted of 4 shaft Marine type geared turbines and 32 boilers supplying 88.769shp at 295 rpm allowing a speed of 28 knots and with a speed of 14 knots a range of 8.000 nautical miles. Crew numbered 1.186 men included 46 officers. The armament consisted of 4x2-35,cm/13.8” L/45 quick firing guns (super firing turrets for and aft of the main superstructure), 14-15cm/5.9” L/45 quick firing guns (in casemates), 8-8,8cm/3.45” anti aircraft guns and 5-60cm/24” submerged torpedo tubes. The Krupp cemented armour consisted 10cm/4”-30cm/12” thick belt, a 3cm/1.2”-8cm/3.1” thick deck with the main gun turrets, secondary armament and conning tower protected by respectively 11cm/4.3” (roof)-27cm/11” (sides), 15cm/5.9” casemates and 7cm/2.8” splinter gun shields and 13cm/5.1” (roof)-30cm/11.8” (sides) for the fore conning tower and 5cm/2” (roof)-20cm/7.9” (sides) for the aft conning tower.