SMS Graudenz

SMS "Graudenz" was the lead ship of the her class of light cruisers. The ship was built by the German Imperial Navy in the Kiel Navy Yard, laid down in 1912 and completed in August 1914, at the outbreak of World War I. The ship took part in the Battle of Dogger Bank in 1915.

Design

Dimensions and machinery

"Graudenz" was 139 m at the waterline, and 142.2 m overall. The ship had a beam of 13.7 m, a draught of 5.79 m, and displaced 4,900 tonnes with a normal load, and 6,191 tonnes at full load. She had the typical propulsion system for German light cruisers at the time: 2 shaft Navy turbines, which delivered 26,000 shp, and a top speed of 27.5 knots. cite web|title=WWI Naval Combat|url=http://www.worldwar1.co.uk/cruisers/sms-graudenz.html|accessdate=February 20|accessyear=2008]

Armament

"Graudenz" had a primary armament of twelve 105mm (4.1in) SKL/45 Cal. guns mounted singly. The ship also carried two 500mm (19.7in) torpedo tubes. During the First World War, the ship's 105mm guns were replaced with seven 150mm (5.9in) guns and two 88mm (3.4in) anti-aircraft guns. During the rearmament, "Graudenz" was also given the capability to carry and deploy 120 mines.

Armor

The ship had an armored belt that ranged in thickness from a half inch to 2.5 inches thick. The thicker portions of the belt protected important areas of the ship, such as the ammunition magazines, while less critical areas, such as the bow and stern, received much less armor protection. The deck was protected by armor ranging in thickness from 1 inch to 2.5 inches.

ervice history

"Graudenz" was commissioned into the German Navy in August 1914, and served in the IV Scouting Group, as a torpedo boat leader. She was transferred to the II Scouting Group, where on 24 January 1915, she took part in the Battle of Dogger Bank, as part of the support force for Hipper's battlecruisers. In April 1916, "Graudenz" struck a mine, which caused her to miss the Battle of Jutland.

In 1920, "Graudenz" was ceded to Italy as a war prize, where she served for several years as the "Ancona". The ship was struck in 1937, and broken up the following year.

References