Derfflinger-class battlecruiser
Design and Development
The Derfflinger-class battlecruisers were a series of three battlecruisers built for the Imperial German Navy in the early 20th century. These ships represented a significant evolution in German naval architecture, combining heavy armament with improved armor protection and speed. The class consisted of SMS Derfflinger, SMS Lützow, and SMS Hindenburg, named after notable Prussian military leaders.
The design of the Derfflinger-class was influenced by the lessons learned from previous German and British battlecruisers. The German naval architects aimed to create a vessel capable of engaging enemy battlecruisers and battleships effectively. The ships were equipped with eight 30.5 cm (12 in) guns arranged in four twin turrets, allowing for a broadside of all eight guns. This was a significant improvement over the preceding Moltke-class, which had a main armament of ten 28 cm (11 in) guns.
The armor layout of the Derfflinger-class was also enhanced compared to earlier designs. The main belt armor was 300 mm (11.8 in) thick, providing substantial protection against enemy fire. The deck armor varied between 30 mm (1.2 in) and 80 mm (3.1 in), offering additional protection against plunging fire. The conning tower and turrets were heavily armored as well, ensuring the survivability of the command and main armament during combat.
Construction and Specifications
The construction of the Derfflinger-class ships took place at the Blohm & Voss shipyard in Hamburg and the Schichau-Werke shipyard in Danzig. SMS Derfflinger was laid down in 1912, launched in 1913, and commissioned in 1914. SMS Lützow followed, being laid down in 1912, launched in 1913, and commissioned in 1915. SMS Hindenburg, the last of the class, was laid down in 1913, launched in 1915, and commissioned in 1917.
These battlecruisers had an overall length of 210.4 meters (690 ft), a beam of 29 meters (95 ft), and a draft of 9.3 meters (30 ft 6 in). They displaced 26,600 metric tons at standard load and up to 31,200 metric tons at full load. The propulsion system consisted of four Parsons steam turbines, powered by 14 coal-fired and 8 oil-fired boilers, providing a top speed of 26.5 knots (49.1 km/h; 30.5 mph). This speed allowed them to keep pace with the main fleet and engage enemy battlecruisers effectively.
Armament and Armor
The primary armament of the Derfflinger-class consisted of eight 30.5 cm SK L/50 guns, which were mounted in four twin turrets. These guns had a maximum range of approximately 20,400 meters (22,300 yd) and were capable of firing a 405 kg (893 lb) shell. The secondary armament included twelve 15 cm SK L/45 guns, eight 8.8 cm SK L/45 anti-aircraft guns, and four submerged 60 cm (23.6 in) torpedo tubes.
The armor scheme of the Derfflinger-class was designed to provide optimal protection against contemporary naval threats. The main belt armor was 300 mm thick, tapering to 100 mm (3.9 in) at the ends. The deck armor varied in thickness, with the main deck being 30 mm thick and the upper deck 80 mm thick. The turrets had 270 mm (10.6 in) of armor on the faces, 180 mm (7.1 in) on the sides, and 90 mm (3.5 in) on the roofs. The conning tower was protected by 300 mm of armor.
Operational History
The Derfflinger-class battlecruisers played a crucial role in the Battle of Jutland, the largest naval battle of World War I. SMS Derfflinger and SMS Lützow were both present at the battle, with Lützow serving as the flagship of Vice-Admiral Franz von Hipper. During the engagement, these ships demonstrated their formidable firepower and resilience, engaging British battlecruisers and battleships.
SMS Lützow was heavily damaged during the battle and eventually scuttled by her crew to prevent capture. SMS Derfflinger, despite sustaining significant damage, managed to return to port. The performance of these ships at Jutland highlighted the effectiveness of their design, particularly their ability to withstand heavy punishment while delivering powerful broadsides.
SMS Hindenburg, commissioned after the Battle of Jutland, did not see significant action during the war. She was part of the High Seas Fleet and participated in various fleet maneuvers and sorties but did not engage in major combat operations.
Post-War Fate
Following the end of World War I, the Derfflinger-class ships were interned at Scapa Flow as part of the German fleet's surrender. In June 1919, the fleet was scuttled by its crews to prevent the ships from being seized by the Allies. SMS Derfflinger and SMS Hindenburg were among the ships scuttled, sinking to the bottom of Scapa Flow.
The wrecks of these ships remained underwater for several decades. In the 1920s and 1930s, some of the wrecks were salvaged for scrap metal, but the Derfflinger-class ships were largely left untouched. Today, they serve as a site of historical interest and are occasionally visited by divers.
Legacy
The Derfflinger-class battlecruisers are remembered for their robust design and performance during World War I. They represented the pinnacle of German battlecruiser development, combining powerful armament, strong armor, and high speed. The lessons learned from their design and operational history influenced subsequent naval architecture, particularly in the development of later German capital ships.
The class also highlighted the strategic and tactical challenges of battlecruiser design, balancing the need for speed, firepower, and protection. The experiences of the Derfflinger-class at the Battle of Jutland underscored the importance of armor protection, influencing future naval designs to prioritize survivability alongside offensive capabilities.