Difference between revisions of "Austro-Hungarian Naval Report on German Warships after Jutland"

Revision as of 12:45, 24 March 2024

In the papers of Vice-Admiral John E. T. Harper is a copy of a translation of an Austro-Hungarian Navy report on German Imperial Navy warships after the Battle of Jutland.^[1] It was prepared by Marineartillerie-Oberingenieure 2. Klasse Georg Schindler. This report is in many ways more detailed than that of Fregattenkapitäne Hieronymus Graf von Colloredo-Mannsfeld prepared immediately after Jutland, which is also in Harper's papers. The references to I.D. Notes suggest that, like Colloredo-Mannsfeld's report, this was a translation prepared in the Naval Intelligence Division.

Report

REPORT by a Mission undertaken in accordance with Order. Section 4 M.S. No.1746 of 1916.

On the inspection of German Warships which took part in the Battle of the Skaggerak (Jutland), 31st.May - 1st.June 1916; on Wilhelmshaven, Hamburg and Kiel, and on other inspections of ships and bases.

 By Georg Schindler,

 Gunnery Engineer, 2nd Class.

 AUSTRIAN NAVY.

The only details which have been dealt with are those which were of Gunnery interest.

Ships under A.B.C.J. and M. were in Wilhelmshaven. D.E.F. in Hamburg and G.H.K.L. in Kiel.

In the following reports on each ship, Section 1 deals with the effect of enemy hits on ships A. to H. above, in conjunction with the two attached ship sketches (Enclosures 1 and 2). [Not attached.]

Of the hits marked in the sketches those of a gunnery interest are distinguished by red ink. Section II gives general remarks concerning the ships in question.

Further a report is submitted on installations in newly commissioned ships (K. and L.) also on a ship still under construction (J.), as well as means of combating submarines installed in Fishing vessels (M.) and finally, briefly on the Ordnance workshops in the Naval Arsenals (N. and O.).

A. "SEYDLITZ" (Enclosure 1).

This Cruiser received 24 shell hits (38 cm. 34.3 cm. and 30.5 cm.)(15", 13.5" and 12") and one Torpedo hit.

Except for 1 shell hit (apparently 34.3 cm.) (13.5") on the starboard side forward (Hits nos.2-4) and one hit no.16 (38 cm.?) in the starboard after 15 cm. (6") casemate all hits came from the port side. At the time of the inspection all hits came from the port side. At the time of the inspection all Gun tubes, Guns and many fittings had been dismantled and landed.

1. A large calibre shell (hit no.8) struck the 2nd. 15 cm. port casemate (from forward), put the gun out of action and killed or seriously wounded the majority of the gun's crew.

2. A 38 cm. shell exploded in the 4th 15 cm. casemate (hit No.13) the gun was similarly damaged, and 2 men (wounded) remained alive of the crew.

3. In the port after 15 cm. casemate, No.6 gun, (hit No.15) had the same effect as the two described above.

4. A 38 cm. shell (hit No.16) penetrated the armoured bulkhead on starboard side aft, near the last 15 cm. casemate, close to the curve of the armour (Fig.1, Enc.3) destroyed the 15 cm. gun and killed most of the gun crew.

Of the twelve 15 cm. guns it appears that 2 port and 4 starboard fired unceasingly until the end.

5. No.2 Turret (starboard) received a hit from port on the vertical turret armour (hit No.21) to the right of the right gun. Part of the nose of the shell pierced the armour anddestroyed [sic] the cradle and training gear of the right gun. The left was undamaged. The turret remained in action with this gun.

6. An interesting hit is to be seen on the right 28 cm. gun of No.3 Turret port. The gun was on one of the jetties of the arsenal and could be examined. A large calibre shell hit the aforesaid gun a glancing blow just outside the turret, producing at the point of impact, a considerable elliptical scoop on the outside, causing a fracture of the inner tube and in addition bent the gun so that the axis of the tube at the muzzle was (as far as could be estimated) 200 mm. (about 8 in.) out of line.

The cradle of this gun was split, the trunnions somewhat bent and the caps thereof partially opened out.

The left gun of this turret, however, remained serviceable and the Turret could continue firing without interruption.

7. A 34.3 cm. (13.5") shell (hit No.18) pierced the vertical armour of the revolving structure of No.4 Turret superimposed to the left of the left gun exploded inside the turret, ignited the cartridges which were ready for loading, put the turret out of action and killed all the crew (about 70 men) except 6.

T [sic] This turret, already out of action, received another hit later from a 38 cm. (15") shell (hit No.17) this projectile struck the revolving Turret armour close to the lower edge at the right rear of the turret, and partially penetrated the turret.

8. A Large calibre shell tore off the roof of the after (No.5) turret. (Geschossgeller ? ricochet). The turret suffered no appreciable damage inside.

The remaining hits are being dealt with in the report on ship construction.≠ [I.D. Note: The original of this report can, unfortunately, not be obtained.]

1. Extensive "flash" protection was already installed in "SEYDLITZ".

(a) The openings for bringing 28 cm. cartridges into the lower loading chamber of the Ammunition Hoist can be shut off with sliding doors (schubtüren ?). The supply scuttles from the magazines are fitted with hinged flaps which open upwards on each side (Fig.3, Enc.3).

(b) The 15 cm. (5.9") Ammunition hoists at the supply position in the casemates are fitted with a "closing flap" which shuts automatically, but its own weight assisted by a spring, immediately after the ammunition has rolled out on to the Ammunition Tray (which is placed in a horizontal position by a Paternoster apparatus (endless chain) (Fig.4, Enc.3).

2. Apparently Gas Masks are employed in all ships. The method of use is the same as in the German Army. Every man was supplied with a mask (as it happened 2 days before action). These masks were to be brought into use immediately there was any evidence of suffocating gases, and they were so far successful that, according to the opinions of officers, at least one ship, if not two, was saved by their use.

3. Enemy "shorts" usually exploded on hitting the water, with the result that, (as in the cases of shells exploding on board), splinters of various sizes struck guns among other things, and caused damage, but in practically every case no stoppage of firing from the gun resulted. Shell splinters also entered Conning Towers and Turrets through the sighting slits. But they caused no internal damage as their force was broken by their passage through the deeps [sic] slits. (Fig.5, Enc.3).

4. In Turret firing. Salvoes were gradually used, and always with only one gun of each turret.

5. For transmission of orders to the guns (also to 15 cm. (5.9" guns) from the Gunnery Officers position (in the Conning Tower) Elevation pointers are used which are mounted (separately) on brackets away from the Turret armour.

6. Ranges of the individual rangefinders are shown on a circular scale (range receiver) by means of electrically worked pointers. All these dials are mounter [sic] in a circular box (Fig.6, Enc.3) so that the ranges of the same object shown by several rangefinders (Pointers in similar direction)[.] Further, it is possible to cut out one or other of the dials if the Rangetaker concerned is ranging badly.

7. Repulse of Destroyers is carried out invariably by means of broadside salvoes of 15 cm. (5.9) guns etc. and one target only is always used. But the Gunlayer is only to fire when sights are exactly on the target.

8. The 8.8 cm. (22 pr.) guns were not used in the battle. It is understood that in the future guns of this calibre, will only be retained on board as anti-aircraft guns, as was laid down for all ships.

9. (a) The empty 26 cm. (11") cartridge cases are thrown out of the turrets on to the deck through openings in rear of the Gun platforms (2 per turret). A covering flap, opening downwards when the cases are thrown out, automatically closes the hole by means of a spring (Fig.7, Enc.3).

(b) The fired 15 cm. (5.9") cartridge are placed in a large hanging net in the casemate, and are only removed from the casemate during a lull in the firing. It was stated that a very large number of fired cases (including Large Calibre ones) were collected and brought back.

10. The voice pipes are made of 60,100 and 150 mm. diameter (2.4 in., 3.8 in.,and 6 in.). (The last named are called Schallrohre and are intended for short distances). Voice pipes are not lagged.

11. The ventilation of the Turrets is similar to the method employed in our newer ships. A Fan placed between the two guns, sucks, on the one hand the powder gases from the breeches by means of a ventilation pipe from each gun when the breech is opened and on the other hand draws them away from the roof of the turret on the gun platform another fan, portable, and continually running, was installed when sucked in fresh air through a hose and passed it into the interior of the turret bymeans [sic] of a second hose. If any man had any difficulty in breathing he inhaled fresh air through the second hose. But even this method only afforded partial relief.

12. All Gunnery machinery (hydraulic and electric) appears to have function correctly.

13. From the Gunnery point of view there were no serious fires (magazines of any description), for which the "Flash door" protection described in Section II Miscellaneous, Pars. I (a) and (b) is principally responsible. All cartridges actually in a turret or casemate,when [sic] an enemy shell burst in the turret or casemate, were exploded in every case. Therefore the rule was most strictly enforced that only the absolute minimum of ammunition was kept ready at the guns.

14. "SEYDLITZ" had 1150 28 cm. (11" shell) on board, of which 450 were expended. (No ship expended all her ammunition).

15. The torpedo nets were not actually a hindrance in the action but they sustained heavy damage fromenemy [sic] hits and splinters so that parts of them hung down over the ships side.

In future these nets being useless ballast will no longer be carried. This is already the case in the new battleship "BAYERN".

This Battleship received no shell hits, but was struck by a mine onthe [sic] starboard side forward. The detailed description is contained in the report on Ship Construction.

At the time of the inspection of this ship the 30.5 cm. (12") Ammunition was being embarked. The shells were being slung from the Quay on to the Deck by means of a powerful floating crane in bundles (of about 5 projectiles). All cartridges are enclosed in long water-tight zinc containers, fitted with stiffening bands. They were being rolled on board carefully across broad planks and stowed in the Magazines. If several rounds of ready ammunition have to be stowed in the Turret, the charges are always kept in the zinc cylinders.

The 30.5 cm. (12") and also 28 cm. (11") projectiles are (according to the statement of the Gunnery Officer of this ship, Lt.Comdr.Lauenstein) of one description throughout, capped and fitted with base fuse. Total weight 405 kg. (about 890 lbs.) Bursting charge 12 to 13 kg. (26½ to 29 lbs.) of Trotyl. In the latest ships, however, "Armour piercing" and "high explosive" shell (but with a new explosive for bursting charge) are again to be used, as is already the case with the 28 cm. (15") shell in the Battleship "BAYERN".

For the 15 cm.(5.9") guns it is reported that there are two types of shell in use.

(a) Fused shell with base fuses.

(b) High explosive shell,with a very sensitive nose fuse and a base fuse.

This Battle Cruiser received 4 hits from large calibre shells (all on the starboard side).

(1). The foremost 28 cm. (11") Turret was hit in the Barbette on the starboard side. The shell exploded and the armour was just penetrated (Hit No.1). Three men in the turret sustained burns (not very severe) from the "Flash". But the Turret was placed out of action as the armour at the point of impact was bulged inwards and jammed the Turret.

(2). The after Conning Tower was similarly hit (Hit No.2)[.] But the shell only caused a shaking of the Tower and all apparatus inside remained intact.

(3.) A shell exploded in the neighbourhood of the after Turret No.4 (Hit No.3). The effect on the Turret was only evident in a shaking, and the armour in the vicinity of the explosion was very slightly indented but without doing any damage so that the Turret continued in action.

(4). No.4 hit is only of slight constructional interest.

(1). In this ship, as in "OSTFRIESLAND", the question as to whether the collection of scraps of metal (coming from driving bands or Cartridge cases) in the Breech made any difference to the condition of the breech was answered in the negative.

(2). The maximum rate of fire of the 28 cm. (11") guns of this Cruiser, as well as of the 30.5 cm. (12") guns of the "OSTFRIESLAND" is stated to have reached 3 - 4 rounds per minute in peace time.

(3). The arrangement in the 28 cm. (11") turrets is in principle the same as in "SEYDLITZ" or as in the 30.5 cm. (12") guns of the large Battle Cruiser "HINDENBURG" (now building), with the exception of a few improvements in the last named ship. But while in the later ships (30.5 cm. 12") hydraulic rammers with reserve Hand ramming are installed "VON DER TANN" has only double Hand rammers, which are hung under the Turret roof.

The ship was hit 8 times (large calibre) all from the port side.

(1) Hit No.4 (presumably 34 cm. 13.5") exploded before the Barbette armour of the foremost Turret.
Apart from breaking off small pieces of the hard armour (? Panzerschichte) and a slight shaking of the turret no damage was done to the Turret fittings. A fragment struck the upper surface of a sight slot and remained in the slot, while a good deal of gas entered the Turret and necessitated the use of gas masks by the crew for some time.

(2). A further heavy shell (Hit No.6) struck the port 15 cm.(5.9") Casemate (3rd. from forward) killed 10 of the crew of 14, but damaged the gun so little that after about 12 minutes the gun's crew having been made up, it was brought into action again. Two cartridges which were in the casemate were ignited.

(3). The other hits are only of constructional interest.

Some 30.5 cm. (12") and 15 cm. (5.9") guns were damaged on the outside by splinters from "shorts", but sustained no other damage.

The Magazine arrangements in this ship were somewhat more minutely examined as well as reports made concerning them. (The arrangements described below are also used in the other ships).

The shell bins and shell transport to the shell hoist are shown in Fig. 8, Enc.3) diagrammatically.

A shell grab (Z) worked by 2 electric motors automatically controlled is used to transport the shell from the bins to the waiting tray fixed round the trunk (Turmraum) (A 1.-4). This grab is suspended from a broad length of wire sword matting, the latter can be wound up or down round a drum (Wa), if the transporting shaft (T) which is provided with two diametrical opposite longitudinal feathers is turned in the corresponding direction. Shaft (T) is fitted into drum (Wa). By this the grab is wound up or down. The grab is moved horizontally by the carrier (R), which holds the above-mentioned revolving drum, being drawn to one side or the other by an endless rope, worked electrically along the shaft (T). To assist the long shaft a deck rail is fitted above it which carries the weights, (Projectile grab and drum with carrier), the carrier being suspended from the rail. The electrical starting levers for both motors are fitted in the shell handing room.

If it is required to get a shell out of the bin, the motor operating the horizontal movement of the grab is started. Then the long transporting drum is turned correspondingly by the 2nd.motor, thereby lowering the grab, which grips the shell by automatic pressure. Thereupon, by turning the shaft in the opposite direction the shell is raised, transported to the waiting tray (A) of which 4 are provided and placed on it. This waiting tray is so arranged that a shell can be landed only in the one position in order to prevent an inverted landing on the shell bogie relative to the entry in the hoist. The shell bogie is fitted with the same stops as the waiting tray.

From the waiting tray the shell can be placed on either of the two shell bogies (which are rigidly joined to each other). The latter run easily with rollers on a circular rail, and can not only be adjusted exactly at the waiting tray by means of spring stops, but can also be coupled to the shell hoist in the loading position.

In the shell rooms (lower deck) the shells are stowed in bins four to five deep (Fig.9, Enc.3)[.] The copper driving bands are protected by a broad covering band of strong canvas the ends of which are sewn together with (twine ?). Only rope is placed between the individual shells as a preventative against damage. Two vertical wooden batten are secured to the side walls of the shell bins - right and left.

In order to ensure the grab gripping the shell as near as possible round the centre of gravity, each shell has a white ring painted round it.

It is to be noted that the shell room cannot be shut off (water tightly) from the shell handing room as the large openings in the dividing Bulkhead, through which the transport carrier passes, are always open.

In addition projectiles are stowed in many ships in the corners of the shell handing room itself in fixed bins.

The 30.5 (12") cartridges are stowed in their water tight zinc cylinders in special stowage fittings in the magazines. These stowages are made of angle Iron and sheet plates. (There is no wood in the fittings).

The Magazines, (2 decks from the bottom) in contrast to the shell room, are separated from the Magazine handing room, by a means of thin sheet bulkheads, in which the passage ways are fitted with double doors and the circular openings for handing cartridges are fitted with double covering flaps (the latter have already been remarked on in "SEYDLITZ" Section 11, Fig.3, Enc.3.[)]

For transport of cartridges in the Magazines the transporting gear shewn in Fig.10, Enc.3 is available. This consists of a double rail (R) in which a horizontal (sheet iron) tray, semicircular in section can be moved up and down in guides by means of a hand differential purchase (F). The Tray can then be brought to the exact level of the cartridge. The Transporting gear is suspended from an overhead rail,(S) and also runs in a guide rail on the deck (SS). The cartridge is pushed on to the tray and the transporter then brought to the cartridge handing hole, and after opening the double flaps, transferred to the Turret.

The Turret appliances correspond in general to those in "HINDENBURG", about which data are described later. But an exception must be made in the case of the size and installation of the Rangefinders (Fig.11, Enc.3).In "KURFÜRST" the Rangefinders about 3 meters (10 ft.) long are fitted in hoods in the front of the Turret, while "HINDENBURG" the 8 metre (26 ft.) range finders are already being fitted in the same way as will be the case in our 35 cm. (about 14") turrets, now building.

This Battleship was hit 5 times by big guns and all from the port side.

Only hit No.2 is of gunnery interest. This entered the next to the last 15 cm. (5.(') [5.9"] casemate on the port side and exploded, killing the crew and putting gun out of action for the remainder of the battle, though it did not damage it very seriously.

Several splinters from this shell pierced the bulkhead and entered the next casemate (forward) and killed or wounded several men. But this gun was brought into action again after an interval of about 10 minutes to make up the crew.

In the case of this ship also, splinters from enemy shorts entered the Conning Tower, but without causing any damage to either personnel or Materiel.

During the whole engagement about 250 rounds of 30 cm. (12") ammunition was fired, i.e. about one fifth of the total supply on board.

This ship was hit 4 times by heavy shell (all from the starboard side).

One shell (Hit No.3) pierced the upper side armour and burst behind the latter inside the ship. It also caused some damage outside to No.4.15 cm. (5.9") casemate starboard (from forward) killing or wounding several men, but causing little damage to the gun. This gun was again brought into action after about 15 minutes.

"MOLTKE" was the only ship from which 4 Torpedoes were fired (not in salvo, but one after the other). On board, it was stated by officers that "QUEEN MARY" was fired at and hit at about 10 kilometres (10,935 yds.), and that this was the cause of the rapid sinking of this Battle Cruiser. Officers of other ships, however, were not of this opinion, as when "MOLTKE" fired the distance from "QUEEN MARY" was about 13 kilometres (14,217 yds.) and that the torpedoes have not this range; so that only Gunnery can be taken into consideration.

In the "MOLTKE", splinters from short bursting shells also entered the Conning Tower, without, however, causing any noteworthy damage.

This Battle Cruiser was hit the largest number of times, viz:- 30, of these 20 were of heavy calibre and all came from the port side.

(1) A 15" shell pierced the roof of N.4 30.5 cm. (12") Turret (hit No.5) exploded inside the Turret, thereby igniting all the charges which were there (apparently only two) and killed all the Turret's crew, (74 men including reserve crew), except 2 men who were able to get away (wounded).

The Turret itself was put out of action because (as was the case in all these hits on Turrets) much damage was done to the various instruments and appliances by the splinters and flash.

It is worthy of note that the electric cables in the Turret were comparatively uninjured.

(2). Turret No.3 was also hit by a 38 cm. (15") shell (hit No.6). The projectile penetrated the Barbette armour and took with it a large piece of plating into the interior of the Turret. The 74 men of the Turret's crew (as in the hit described above[)] for the most part were killed, only 6 men getting away wounded. It is observed that an 8.8 cm. (22 pr.) gun which was 3½ metres (about 11½ ft.) away from the point of impact, was completely undamaged, although the deck below the spot, and in the immediate vicinity of this gun, was badly damaged.

Nos.3 and 4 Turrets were only put out of action towards the end of the engagement.

The two foremost Turrets remained completely intact, although the Barbette armour of the second Turret showed a fairly large scrape from a (very glancing) shell hit. But this caused no further damage to the Turret (hit No.13).

(4). The Conning Tower was hit on the starboard side on the edge. But only small pieces of the brittle face of the armoured plates splintered off, and in the Tower itself only one elevation-pointer ceased to function.

(5). Very severe damage was done by a large calibre shell (hit No.20) which exploded close to the casemate of the No.2 15 cm. (5.9) gun port, which not only damaged this gun, but also put the two neighbouring 15 cm. (5.9") guns out of action. The first named gun was principally severely damaged on the chase, and the chase of the foremost 15 cm. (5.9") gun was indented to such an extent by splinters, that it could not be fired again. The other gun in the vicinity was so shaken up by the powerful explosion, that it could not be moved again. The casualties sustained by the gun's crews were in contrast comparatively small. (1 man killed and several severely or slightly wounded at the first named gun[)].

A large fragment of a 38 cm. (15") shell (which failed to explode), was exhibited on board (as is shown in Fig.12, Enc.3)[.] The much distorted fuze was also found.

There were 13 hits (large calibre) identified all from the port side and above the waterline.

(1). A 34.3 cm. (13.5) shell hit the port foremost 15 cm. (5.9") casemate. (Hit No.9). A large piece of armour plating was carried into the casemate, where the shell exploded, killed the gun's crew (11 men) and put the gun out of action. The armour plate went further, penetrated the bulkhead, entered the galley, destroyed it and killed more men.

(2). Another 34.3 cm. (13.5") shell penetrated the second 15 cm. (5.9") casemate (hit No.8) and exploded, making the gun useless and, by penetrating the deck also caused much damage in the compartment below. The crew of this gun was by chance not at the moment in the casemate, as they had gone out for a short time on account of gas from the explosion in the first 15 cm. (5.9) casemate (which had occurred just previously.) The result was that there were no killed or wounded among the gun's crew.

(3). The traces of a shell were visible on the roof of the foremost 30.5 (12") Turret. (Hit No.11.) The projectile damaged the Rangefinder cover, and tore off a piece of it, rendering the Rangefinder useless. No other damage was caused by this hit.

(4). The roof of the Conning Tower was similarly gazed [sic] by a shell, which left a scratch but caused no other damage to the Tower or its instruments, etc.

This Cruiser, now building will be given an armament of 8 30.5 cm. (12") guns 50 cal. (in four double turrets, 2 forward and 2 aft as in "DERFFLINGER") and 14 15 cm. (5.9") and 8.8 cm[.] (22 pr.) Anti-aircraft guns.

The foremost superimposed Turret (No.2) was mostly built in, and a short inspection of it was made.

The Gun-platform is especially roomy. The distance apart of the centres of the two gun barrels being estimated at about 3 metres (10 feet approx.)[.] The complete arrangement of the gun-platform can be seen in the diagrammatic Sketch (Fig.13, Enc.3). The 2 shell hoists (G) are side by side between the gun and to the left of the left gun, (and right of the right gun) are the two ammunition hoists (P).

The up-coming ammunition is placed in its slide (TT) in the rear by means of unloading rammers (so-called "Umlauder"), whence it rolls on to the loading Tray, and finally on to the shell swings or cartridge swings, which by swinging across, brings the shell or cartridges one after the other to the rear of the gun for loading.

The two rammers are hydraulic chain Rammers (with reserve hand drive). In the space at the rear of the platform there are :- an entrance opening (E) and two openings (A) for passing out firedcartridge [sic] cases. These openings (A) are constructed similarly to those more exactly described under "SEYDLITZ" (Sec.II. Par.9).

The Breeches are worked hydraulically (the reserve method being by hand.)

The principle can be gathered from Fig.14, Enc.3 . A bar with a tooth edged point (Z), (which can be worked up or down hydraulically) turns the Traversing shaft by means of cog wheels (R1, R2, R3) and opens or shuts the breech. The Water-pressure is led to the mechanism through two flexible hoses. If the cog wheel R3 is placed out of gear with R2, the hydraulic system is shut off.

For elevating,Trunnion [sic] sights are provided and for training a sighting telescope is fitted in front between the guns.

The Rangefinder (about 8 metres long) which was not yet on board, is to be fitted in the front of the Turret above the guns (under the roof as already referred to under "KURFÜRST")[.] Only the two side openings in the armour could be seen.

Elevating is worked hydraulically (Reserve system by hand). (The ammunition hoists are also worked hydraulically, but here the alternative system is electric).

A gun coupling is fitted in this ship as in all later ships. But these couplings are apparently only for use when it is desired to elevate a gun whose elevating gear has been damaged.

The normal Turret Training gear and also the reserve system is only worked by electric motors.

The same system of ventilation is used as has already been described in "SEYDLITZ" (Section II, Par.II).

All working machinery (Electrically driven pumps, and electric motors for elevating, training, hoists, rammers, etc.) are apparently installed in the spacious working chamber below the gun platform.

The arrangements in the Magazines as well as the transporting gear for passing shell and cartridges from them to the hoists are the same as those already more minutely described under battleship "GROSSER KÜRFURST."

This battleship, only recently completed, had to carry out exercises whilst at Kiel, and the Commission was invited to join for a cruise, which gave opportunity for a certain amount of inspection.

The armament consists of eight 38 cm. (15") G.L. 45 guns in four double turrets apparently arranged as shown in the Almanac; sixteen 15 cm. (5.9") G.L. 45 guns in casemates and eight 8.8 cm. (22 pr.) anti-aircraft guns.

38 cm. Gun Turret. (Fig. 15, Enc.3).

The distance apart of the bore axes is 3700 mm. (12.1 ft.) for these guns[.] 8.8 cm. sub-calibre guns are provided, which are put in from outboard (i.e. muzzle end.)

The Gunhouse, as in the turrets of the "HINDENBURG" is very roomy.

In this turret there has been introduced no important alteration with respect to the munition hoists. Whereas in all previous ships the shot hoist was separate from the cartridge hoist, in this ship, as with us (the Austrian Navy), both hoists for one gun are combined in one trunk; and also instead of the shell and cartridge swings in the "HINDENBURG" (see above) munition wagons (W1, W2), which run on cross rails are introduced. The two main hoists (A1, A2) come up between the two guns. Besides these there are in addition two electrically driven auxiliary hoists (H1, H2).

The round which arrives at the top of the hoist is taken out and landed, by means of the unloading rammer (U) in the munition wagon, which brings it to the rear of the particular gun in the loading position, whence it is loaded by means of the rammer.

The munition wagons, rammers and unloading rammers are normally worked by hydraulic power (with auxiliary handworking gear); at the back of the turret are two principal operating positions, (ST1, ST2) which are raised to give a good all-round view, and where all the necessary manipulation for the foregoing hydraulic machinery is carried out.

The munition hoists are also hydraulically worked, and electric drive is provided as an alternative. The elevating and breech mechanism gear are hydraulic (with alternative hand gear).

The following sighting arrangements are provided :-

(a) For elevation - two side trunnion sights as well as two reserve sights in front.

(b) For training - a principal trainer's telescope in front between the two guns, as well as a side telescope as reserve.

Asked whether any automatic firing apparatus was in contemplation, it was replied that a place for such apparatus was provided but the installation could not be expected till later, and depended on the solution of several problems which had yet to be experimented on.

The large 8.2 m. (26.9 ft.) rangefinder is placed the same as in the "HINDENBURG".

The ventilation of the turret is on the same principle as in the "HINDENBURG" and "SEYDLITZ", except that in addition there are two powerful electric fan motors between the guns.

The Training is done electrically, as is also the alternative arrangement. Fig 15, Enc.3 gives a diagrammatic sketch of the arrangements. The controller gives 72 degrees of speed.

For absorbing the shock in the training gear of single gun shooting there are provided, in the friction coupling box of the worm gearing, besides the friction plates (as in our own installations) two rings of strong springs above them - each ring containing six springs as shewn in Fig.17, Enc.3. Apparently any turret thrown off a small angle by a single round will be trained back to its original position by means of these springs.

As in "HINDENBURG", so also in "BAYERN", the various machines for training[,] elevating, munition supply, rammers and unloading rammers are placed on the deck underneath the Gun platform (working chamber), and also the machines for the magazine and transport arrangements of munitions are similarly installed.

In Fig. 18, Enc.3 is a diagrammatic sketch of the munition hoists and magazines from which it can be seen that the shell room is on the lowest level and has the magazine above it. The cartridge loading door (F1 for cartridges, G1 for shell) are fitted for flash protection with sliding shutters which are self-operating when the lift arrives at one or the other, i.e. when the lift arrives at the bottom, the shutter there will open and leave the loading hole (P) free, while the upper openings F1 and G1 will be shut and locked.

An inspection of the shell room 38 cm. (15") showed that on these shells there is attached to the rearmost of the three upper driving bands a zinc band about 20 mm. (.78 in.) broad (similar to the driving bands). Experience has shown that this zinc ring is a very good anti-coppering device for the bore. It was apparently on the French front, at Verdun and in Flanders, that experiments with this arrangement were made; the results were very good and its introduction followed. The Army has also adopted it.

The following is the situation with regard to 38 cm. (15 in.) shell. As opposed to the single type of shell (long calibre) in newly completing ships, here there are two :-

(a) A.P. shell, with cap, total length of shell 3.5 calibres.

(b) H.E. shell, uncapped, total length of shell 4.1 calibres. The total weight is 750 kg. (1653.5 lbs). The burster (not Trotyl, probably Heranit? 23.5 kg. (57.8 lbs.) for the A.P. shell and 67 kg. (147.7 lbs) for the H.E. The establishment allowed per [gun] is 90 A.P. and 30 H.E. The maximum range is 24 kilometres (26,247 yds.) with an angle of descent of 32 degrees, elevation of gun 247 degrees, time of flight 48 secs.

The charge is 87 kg. (191.8 lbs) in the main cartridge and 96 kg. (211.6 lbs.) in the foremost cartridge.

The rate of fire is one round per 40 seconds.

15 cm. casemates. In these ships the flash protection for the 15 cm. (5.9") munition hoists in the casemates has been improved (Fig.20, Enc.3). In that a sheet iron chamber (K) has been built around the delivery opening which, by means of sliding plates (S1 and S2) can be shut off either from the trunk or from the munition tray. (G2.) For example, a shell arrives at the top of the hoist (G) - the shutter (S1) is raised in its guides by means of the lift mechanism, so that the shell can roll into the chamber (G1) while the shutter (S3) remains closed. Immediately afterwards the shutter (S1) closes the opening and the shutter (S2) raises in its guides and the shell rolls on the munition tray (G2). By this means the trunk is rendered flash proof at all stages of the operation.

Submerged Flats. On board this ship there was also the opportunity to visit a submerged flat with two broadside tubes.

In all there are five tubes (2 in each flat) and a bow tube. The calibre of the torpedoes is 60 cm. (23.6 in.) and the weight of a fully charged torpedo 2200 kg. (4850 lbs.). The explosive (? Heranit) weighing 250 kg. (531.1 lbs). The establishment per tube is four torpedoes - making in all 20 on board. The greatest torpedo range is 13 kilometres, 14,217 yds) with a medium speed setting of 28 knots.

The flat that was visited (Fig.21, Enc.3) is very large and about 5 metres high, (16 ft.) so that it is perfectly feasible to turn any torpedo hanging on the purchase at the turntable (W1) on the overhead rails, so that is [sic] can be loaded into the port or starboard tube.

The tubes (L1, L2) are side loading with very strong longitudinal holts [sic] on top (V1, V2) and fitted with a strong shield bar. For loading the torpedoes in the tubes, there are fitted near the tubes, on the same side on the side door, mechanical loading apparatus (quickloaders A1, A2), and on the opposite side are provided the rails (R1, R2) which serve for the adjustment (lever system) of the gyroscope of a torpedo lying in the tube.

A torpedo is struck down from the upper deck through the trunk (E) and swung through the opening (O) into the flat, whence by means of a purchase (mechanically driven) it is run on to the tramways (S) and thence either to the bulkhead stowage or to a stowage over the tube.

One must take this opportunity of noting that the overhead rails are not bolted to the actual deck, but are a separate structure, so as to avoid putting any vibration or other strain on to the armoured deck.

If a torpedo is to be loaded it will be brought by means of the purchase to the exact ready stowage over the tube; then the hydraulic loader is operated by a lever; a grad [sic] with two arms seizes the torpedo in two specially cut away parts and draws it horizontally on to the guide rail of the loader, which then is lowered together with the torpedo. In the meantime the side door is mechanically unbolted and opened, so that the torpedo can be placed right in the tube (impulse frame). After this the guide rail and grab of the loader are withdrawn and raised, while the side door is shut and bolted. Loading by this means proceeds comparatively noiselessly, rapidly and precisely.

The sluice is hydraulically worked, and after firing is operated by the return movement of the shield bar. When draining the tube the water can be pumped either overboard or into a well.

The discharge is operated electrically from the Conning Tower or by hand.

The sluice is hydraulically worked, and after firing is operated by the return movement of the shield bar. When draining the tube the water can be pumped either overboard or into a well.

The discharge is operated electrically from the Conning Tower or by hand.

From the Battleship "BAYERN" the Commission was brought back to Kiel in one of the newest torpedo boats (G.90), which offered an opportunity of seeing certain details.

The gun armament consists of three 10.5 cm. (4.1") Guns on transferable mountings; the torpedo armament, of two single tubes forward and two double tubes for* [* I.D. Note: Apparently a clerical error for 50 cm.(19.7")] 45 cm. (17.7") torpedoes in the after part. (See Fig. 22, Enc.3).

The following details respecting the torpedo equipment were noted :

Six torpedoes were carried, which remain stowed in the tubes; spare torpedoes are not carried on board, and no torpedo stowage is provided. The tubes of the twin mountings are not parallel but inclined outwards from each other, making an angle of 20° between the tubes.

The reason for this lies in the method of torpedo boat attack. Torpedo craft always fire on the swing (in order to offer the full broadside target to the enemy fire for the shortest possible time), and the torpedoes from a twin mounting are are [sic] fired one after the other (the mounting remaining on a fixed bearing). The first torpedo having been fired, the boat continues to swing under helm and after 20° the second torpedo is fired.

The training is done by means of a training gear at each tube, which can be understood from the detailed sketch (Fig. 23, Enc.3). By means of the hand crank (K) a worm and worm wheel (Zr) can be turned, this engages inthe [sic] training rack (Zs) and so the tube can be trained. The training pinion can, by means of a coupling clutch worked by the lever (H) be disconnected from the rack, should be required to train the mounting quickly, or for loading and unloading the torpedo by means of the training gear. This latter is accomplished by means of the windlass (W) mounted on the training shaft round which can be taken a line secured either to the nose or the tail of the torpedo. At the back part of the mounting is fitted a training brake which grips the rack.

A director is fitted at each tube, and torpedoes are fired electrically from the bridge. At the rear of each tube are fitted two firing pushes (Abfeurungspöller), which can be operated either singly or together. In order to prevent firing from a tube which is not yet at the ready, the particular firing gear is held fast by a special locking gear fitted to the tube; its method of working can be seen from (Fig.24, Enc.3). The locking levers (St1 and St2) are only clear of the firing gear, when the rollers (R1 and R2), connected to the locking gear, are clear of the guide strip (G). This guide strip covers the arc in which firing is to be prevented. The springs.(F1 and F2) release the gear, as shewn in the sketch under (T).

For torpedo transport on deck a special rail is fitted on the starboard side, on which was seen a fairly long transport wagon.

For fighting submarine boats trawlers are employed with the following :-

(a). A.S.rope nets fitted with two or four A.S.mines.

(b). Large Depth charges.

(c). Anti Submarine explosive Kite.

These appliances are described below.

(a). Nets with A.S. Mines (Fig.25, Enc.3).

These nets are made up from hemp rope (diameter of rope about 10 mm.); they are 250 m.long and of varying breadth (up to 20 m.) To a normal net two mines (M.M.) are attached (see Fig.25, Enc.3); for broader nets the mines are secured in pairs vertically - thus making four mines to a broad net. The mines are supported by their own large iron flat (S) while for the support of the nets smaller floats (S1) are placed on top.

Each pair of nets also has an anchor and cable attached.

The nets which are joined together are stowed with their mines in large shaped iron floats. The latter are stowed ready for shooting in two rows, (1 and 2, Fig.26, Enc3) on the top of the trawler. Shortly before action the primers are inserted through circular holes in the floats (1 hole per float).

The shooting of nets one and two is carried out at a speed of 10 knots by one man. First , the first anchor of the first net is let go and the net with its mines dragged into the water, afterwards being anchored by the second anchor. Before, however, this latter is slipped the first anchor of the second net must be let go to ensure over-lapping.

There are tiny holes in the floats by means of which just sufficient water can enter the floats so as to sink the net with its mines and floats at the end of an hour, and leave the area free again for traffic.

These net mines (Fig.27, Enc.3) are contact mines with an explosive charge (1) from 12-13 kg. of Trotyl and consist of the mine case (M), firing mechanism (S), impact plate (P), distance pin (St), the safety lever (S1) and the primer (J) with the detonator (K).

When the mine enters the water and reaches a depth of 5 metres the safety catch is released by a hydrostatic valve, which thus frees the detonator for the striker.

Firing is effected in that by the impact of a submarine the impact plate (and with it the distance pin) are displaced, and by means of the latter the striker is freed and fires the mine by means of the firing spring (which is already cocked).

(b). Depth charge (Fig., Enc.3).

These depth charges are cylindrical in form and contain a large explosive charge of 60 kg. of Trotyl. They consist of the mine (M) and the float (S). The latter is connected to the mine by a strong steel wire (3 mm.), which is wound on a reel in the float. It fires (exactly like the depth charge of Korvetten Kapitän Schönthaler) because on reaching the set depth the tension on the wire operates the firing mechanism (Striker spring (F) is compressed as the striker (B) is raised by the grab (Z)) and thus frees the striker.

The set depth can be adjusted from 5 to 5 (5 to 50?) metres (practically in the same way as in the Schönthaler Depth Charge) and it is to be noted that the time of explosion (1 to 5 secs) is adjustable by means of turning the pointer of the seconds scale (E) on the outside. The delay action itself operates by means of a disc similar to shrapnel.

(c). Explosive Kite (Fig.30, Enc.3).

The Kite (D) is made of wood and shaped as shown in Fig.31, inside is an explosive charge (the same size as the net mine, 12 - 13 kg., described in par. (a) above.

The Kite is towed by a 15 mm. strong steel wire (T) whose core is an electric cableby [sic] means of which the kite is electrically exploded.

The cable wire is wound on the winch (K), the ends being connected to the electric firing battery in the hollow drum.

The towing wire is led from the winch over an adjustable brake (B) and from there over a roller (R) secured to a derrick (L) where the other end is connected to the charge.

When the kite hits against a hard object (submarine) it is electrically fired.

As a safety precaution the electric switch at the battery is only made when the kite is towing at the requisite speed.

Trawlers tow at 10 knots, which causes a pull of 350 kg. on the wire.

Only a short visit to the gun shops was made. There about 1,000 civil workman [sic] were employed.

In general the work carried out was similar to that in our own gun factories (repair of gun material, production of necessary equipment, magazine and shellroom machinery, examination and cleaning of bores of guns, the storage and preservation of magazine and shellroom fittings, small calibre guns, searchlights, range finders, etc.), only here the buildings, in particular the shops and storehouses, are modern throughout and planned on a spacious lay out.

The drawing office is worthy of note, in it at that time the stowage plan of munitions for the Battle Cruiser "HINDENBURG" was in preparation. For the protection of such drawings there is provided a large fireproof room.

To the gun shops belong :- the large mechanical shops, a smithy, a large carpenter's shop, a large shop for work on canvas, leather, and similar equipment, a plumber's shop, two very roomy storehouses for magazine material and a depot for various constructional materials; in the last named is a special,cellar for rubber and leather articles in which at the time there were gathered about 700,000 marks worth.

A new large gun hall was under construction which is about 60 m. long and 25 m. broad. The building itself was nearly finished, only the installation and also the large travelling crane were not in place.

Both high sliding doors (T1 T2) were operated by an electrically driven (alternative hand working) which at the side. The travelling crane (N) brings the material to the door, where a floating crane (S) with large overhang takes it over and provides for its further transport.

While passing through the shop the decoppering of a 15 cm. (5.9) gun was seen. The decoppering machine was a brush withbvery [sic] fine steel bristles, as shewn in Fig.33. The head of the brush (K) is a cylindrical drum of strong plate, which before use is filled with petroleum and turpentine. On the head are fixed three bristle holding rings (H), which carry on their periphery the small steel bristles (B). These three bristle rings are separated by two intermediate rings (R).

The fine steel wire used in the bristles is 0.2 mm. thick and must be softer than the material of the inner tube so as not to scratch the latter. The cleaning is accomplished by powerful brushing th [sic] through the bore, this action forcing out the petroleum mixture from the drum at the head of the brush into the bore.

The decoppering device was very successful with the 15 cm. (5.9") gun; a small quantity of the copper scraping and two bristles were given to the Mission. (A bristle and a portion of copper scrapings accompany the reports (1 each) to the K.U.K.K.M. Marine Section (Austrian Admiralty) and to the (Austrian) Naval Technical Committee.)

The "Artilleriewerkstätten" (Gun shops) at Kiel are in general the same as those at Wilhelmshaven described above, so that this amounted to an opportunity for closer description.

The only noteworthy sight among the gunshops visited was one very large gunhall in which numerous guns are stowed, (among them some from ships that had been in the battle (Jutland); for the transport of the heaviest weights are two travelling cranes (each of 45 tons both cranes are employed together). For the further transport normal gauge rail tracks are provided.

For the mechanical decoppering of guns a special scraper is used, whose action can be seen from Fig. 34. In the dial shaped head (K) are two difference scrapers (S1 S2), which by means of an inserting gear (E) can be placed exactly in the groove it is required to clean. The scraper (S1), cleans the base of the grooves, the scraper (S2) cleans the sides. The red (st) is guided so as to avoid any corners of the scraper* [I.D.Note: Apparently this guide rod arrangement keeps the scraper true in the groove.] This apparatus has proved its worth.

Later on information from the Ordnance Department of the Admiralty showed that 30.5 and 28 cm. gun tubes, from which 60 - 100 rounds had been fired in the action, from later experimental firings at Krupps were found to have suffered from wear (actually about 20 mm.) which permitted overramming. After the conclusion of the experimental firings, only gun tubes of equ [sic] equal wear are sent to one and the same ship.

Of very great interest is the information that many of the 25 cm. (13.7") guns, which were on the French front (6 on the Verdun front) had fired 600 - 800 rounds with full charge (range 36 kilometers, 39,376 yds.) with a diminished range of only 2 km., 2,187 yds. and no necessity for a new inner tube. The shell used in these guns were those provided with the anti-coppering zinc ring.

The following summarize the points of the greatest importance.

1. Introduction of gas masks for each man, as of utmost importance.

2. Specially important is flash protection (including) cover plates for munition hoist trunks in turrets and casemates, shut off hatches and doors as well as partition of the magazines.).

3. As few cartridges as possible by the gun (in the gun house of a turret or in a casemate), because of the great danger of its ignition by a hit.

4. Abolition of the ready use position in the turrets (on account of point 3, above).

5. Many gun tubes 30.5 and 28 cm. (12" and 4" [sic]) have fired 60 - 100 rounds with only 20 mm. overramming.

6. Many gun tubes undergo experimental firing and are reissued only in similar tubes to one ship.

7. Automatic firing apparatus is not yet in use.

8. Gun coupling gear provided, but is only used in the event of danger to elevating gear.

9. Introduction of small calibre guns 8.8 cm. (22 pr.) only for anti-aircraft work.

10. Normally the turrets only fire salvoes, and only from one gun per turret.

See Also

• Austro-Hungarian Naval Attaché Report on the Battle of Jutland

Footnotes