An item referred to the Militär Wissenschaftliche Rundschau where an article of admiral Grassman was published evaluating the needed types of cruisers.
For protecting merchant ships within the range of naval bases were 6.000-8.000 ton cruiser perfect at open sea. Their rearmament was to consist of 4-20,3cm/8” guns and the armour able to protected against 15cm/5.9” shells. The maximum speed was to be 3 knots. Further more was such cruiser able to take 4-6 planes with her.
For supporting the fleet was a cruiser of 4.000-5.000 ton, light armoured just protecting the vital parts, a speed of around 40 knots, an armament of 6-15cm/5.9” (3 fore, 3aft) and a strong anti-aircraft battery the ideal type for reconnaissance, protection of the weaker units and battling with destroyers and torpedo boats. For tactical reconnaissance during a sea battle was the modern large destroyer the best solution.
For disturbing enemy shipping lines was each fighting unit ranging from battleship to submarine usable. If naval powers wanted to use a cruiser as merchant destroyer was a special cruiser to be designed. Lacking nearby naval bases was the fast cruiser dating from the second part of the First World War the ideal type for such purpose.
His main conclusion was a cruise suitable for tasks did not exist.
Note
1. Werner Grassmann (9 March 1888 Berlin, Germany-20 October 943 Berlin, Germany), promoted to the rank of rear admiral on 1 October 1937 and to vice admiral on 1 January 1940. Entered the Imperial Navy on 3April 1907 and retired on 31 May 1943.
For protecting merchant ships within the range of naval bases were 6.000-8.000 ton cruiser perfect at open sea. Their rearmament was to consist of 4-20,3cm/8” guns and the armour able to protected against 15cm/5.9” shells. The maximum speed was to be 3 knots. Further more was such cruiser able to take 4-6 planes with her.
For supporting the fleet was a cruiser of 4.000-5.000 ton, light armoured just protecting the vital parts, a speed of around 40 knots, an armament of 6-15cm/5.9” (3 fore, 3aft) and a strong anti-aircraft battery the ideal type for reconnaissance, protection of the weaker units and battling with destroyers and torpedo boats. For tactical reconnaissance during a sea battle was the modern large destroyer the best solution.
For disturbing enemy shipping lines was each fighting unit ranging from battleship to submarine usable. If naval powers wanted to use a cruiser as merchant destroyer was a special cruiser to be designed. Lacking nearby naval bases was the fast cruiser dating from the second part of the First World War the ideal type for such purpose.
His main conclusion was a cruise suitable for tasks did not exist.
Note
1. Werner Grassmann (9 March 1888 Berlin, Germany-20 October 943 Berlin, Germany), promoted to the rank of rear admiral on 1 October 1937 and to vice admiral on 1 January 1940. Entered the Imperial Navy on 3April 1907 and retired on 31 May 1943.
