Battleship "Kronprinz", 1915

WWI German Battleship (full hull & waterline)

Battleship “Kronprinz” belonged to “König” class of the Kaiser German Navy of WWI period. “Kronprinz” was laid down at Germania-Werft in Kiel 07.1912, launched 21.02.1914 and commissioned 08.11.1914.

Battleships of “König” class were mighty vessels, excellently geared for North Sea conditions. The four sisterships formed the 3^rd Squadron of Open Sea Navy (Hochseeflotte). The 3^rd Squadron of Battleships took part in all battle operations of Open Sea Navy after the WWI started. One of the sorties caused the Battle of Jutland May 31 – June 1, 1916, – the greatest and fierce sea battle of WWI. British battleships “Warspite”, ”Valiant” and “Malaya” were severely damaged by the fire of the 3^rd Squadron of Battleships.

After the armistice was signed the German Navy was interned by alliances at Scapa-Flow, where almost all vessels, including all 4 “König” sisterships, were scuttled by their crews June 21, 1919.