Dresden class light cruiser

The "Dresden" class of light cruisers was a class of two ships built for the German Imperial Navy in the early part of the 20th century. The class was composed of "Dresden" and "Emden". "Dresden" and "Emden" both participated in well known battles during World War I. "Dresden" was the only ship to escape destruction at the Battle of the Falkland Islands, and "Emden" raided merchant shipping in the Indian Ocean, until she was forced to beach by the Australian cruiser "Sydney".

Construction

The two ships were laid down in 1907 and 1906, and finished in 1908 and 1909, respectively. "Dresden" was built at the Blohm and Voss shipyard in Hamburg, at a cost of 7,460,000 Marks. "Emden" was built at the Imperial Dockyard in Danzig, at a cost of 5,960,000 Marks.

Design

Dimensions and machinery

The "Dresden" class was 117.9 m at the waterline, and 118.3 m overall. They had a beam of 13.5 m, draught of 5.54 m, and displaced 3,664 tonnes with a standard load, and 4,268 tons full load. "Emden" was powered by two shaft triple expansion engines that produced 13,500 ihp, and a rated top speed of 23.5 knots, although in trials reached 24 knots. "Dresden" was powered by two shaft Parson turbines, which delivered 15,000 shp and a top speed of 24 knots. In trials, "Dresden's" turbines were pushed to 18,880 shp, and a top speed of 25.2 knots.

Armament and armor

The ships of the "Dresden" class were armed with ten 105 mm (4.1 inch) guns, four in single barbettes mounted fore and aft, and the remaining six in casemates. The ships were also armed with eight 52 mm (2 inch) guns, and two 450 mm (17.7 inch) torpedo tubes. The deck was protected by a half inch to 1.5 inches of armor, and the 105 mm guns had 2 inch thick gun shields.

External links

* [http://www.worldwar1.co.uk/cruisers/sms-dresden.html World War 1 Naval Combat]