SMS Kronprinz

SMS Kronprinz was the last battleship of the four-ship König class, built for the Imperial German Navy (Kaiserliche Marine) during World War I. Launched on 21 February 1914 and commissioned into the High Seas Fleet on 8 November 1914, she was armed with ten 30.5-centimeter (12.0 in) guns in five twin turrets and could steam at a top speed of 21 knots (39 km/h; 24 mph).

Design

The design of SMS Kronprinz was a modification of the preceding Kaiser class, with improvements in armor protection. The ship was 175.4 meters (575 ft) long at the waterline and 177.2 meters (581 ft) overall. She had a beam of 29.5 meters (97 ft) and a draft of 9.19 meters (30.2 ft) forward and 9.9 meters (32 ft) aft.

Service History

During World War I, SMS Kronprinz served in the III Battle Squadron of the High Seas Fleet. She saw action in the Battle of Jutland, where she engaged British battlecruisers and battleships. Post-war, she was interned at Scapa Flow, where she was scuttled by her crew on 21 June 1919. Today, the wreck lies in shallow water with a small portion of the bow visible above the surface.

Legacy

Despite her short service life, SMS Kronprinz left a significant mark on naval history. Her design influenced subsequent classes of German battleships, and her scuttling at Scapa Flow was a significant event in the aftermath of World War I.