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DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY -- NAVAL HISTORICAL CENTER
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WASHINGTON DC 20374-5060
Photo # NH 46839: German battle cruiser Seydlitz, prior to World War I

Online Library of Selected Images:
-- SHIPS of the GERMAN NAVY --

SMS Seydlitz (Battle Cruiser, 1913-1919)

Seydlitz, a 24,988-ton battle cruiser built at Hamburg, Germany, was commissioned in May 1913. She served in the North Sea and Baltic areas prior to the outbreak of World War I in early August 1914. During that conflict she took part in two important battles with the British Navy, receiving serious damage in each. On 24 January 1915 Seydlitz was flagship of the German battle cruiser force in the battle of the Dogger Bank, losing two gun turrets and nearly 160 crewmen in a major ammunition fire. In the battle of Jutland, on 1 June 1916, she was struck by a destroyer's torpedo and some two-dozen large shells. Four of her five twin 28cm gun turrets were hit, with two suffering massive fires. Seydlitz's forward hull was largely filled with water, reducing her freeboard at the bow to almost nothing, and she made port with great difficulty. After repairs lasting through the summer, the ship returned to the fleet and remained active until the 11 November 1918 Armistice ended the fighting. Ten days later she steamed to Scapa Flow to be interned and was scuttled there by her crew on 21 June 1919. Her wreck was raised in 1928 and scrapped in 1930.

This page features, or provides links to, all the views we have related to the German battle cruiser Seydlitz.

For other images of this ship, see:

  • SMS Seydlitz (Battle Cruiser, 1913-1919) -- Combat Damage.


    If you want higher resolution reproductions than the digital images presented here, see: "How to Obtain Photographic Reproductions."

    Click on the small photograph to prompt a larger view of the same image.

    Photo #: NH 46839

    SMS Seydlitz
    (German battlecruiser, 1913-1919)

    Photographed prior to World War I, circa 1913-1914, by M.L. Carstens, Hamburg. Note the photographer's distinctive mark in the lower right.
    The ship's anti-torpedo nets and booms were removed in 1916.

    This print was received from the U.S. Office of Naval Intelligence in 1935.

    U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.

    Online Image: 87KB; 740 x 485 pixels

     
    Photo #: NH 46838

    SMS Seydlitz
    (German Battle Cruiser, 1913-1919)

    Underway, probably between the time she entered service on 22 May 1913 and the outbreak of World War I in August 1914.

    The original print was transferred from the Office of Naval Intelligence.

    U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.

    Online Image: 66KB; 740 x 415 pixels

     
    Photo #: NH 92714

    SMS Seydlitz
    (German Battle Cruiser, 1913-1919)

    Underway, circa 1914-1916.
    The original print is marked on the reverse side: "Photogr. Atelier Heinr. Meents, Wilhelmshaven, MarktStr.19".

    Courtesy of Master Sergeant Donald L.R. Shake, USAF, 1981.

    U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.

    Online Image: 68KB; 740 x 550 pixels

     
    Photo #: NH 45109

    SMS Seydlitz
    (German Battle Cruiser, 1913-1919)

    Moored in harbor, circa 1913-1916.
    Note the anti-torpedo nets stowed along the ship's side.

    U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.

    Online Image: 92KB; 740 x 565 pixels

     
    Photo #: NH 45108

    SMS Seydlitz
    (German Battle Cruiser, 1913-1919)

    Underway, probably on 21 November 1918 as she was en route to Scapa Flow to be interned.

    U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.

    Online Image: 105KB; 740 x 580 pixels

     
    Photo #: NH 89511

    SMS Seydlitz
    (German Battle Cruiser, 1913-1919)

    Steaming to Scapa Flow to be interned, 21 November 1918.

    Collection of Lieutenant (Junior Grade) A. Alvin Booth, USNRF.

    U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.

    Online Image: 89KB; 740 x 550 pixels

     
    Photo #: NH 61387

    SMS Seydlitz
    (German Battle Cruiser, 1913-1919)

    Leads the German battle cruisers toward Scapa Flow and internment, 21 November 1918.
    SMS Moltke is next astern, followed by the two remaining Lutzow class ships (Hindenburg and Derfflinger).

    U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.

    Online Image: 108KB; 740 x 580 pixels

     
    Photo #: NH 59665

    Internment of the German High Seas Fleet, 1918-1919


    German battle cruisers steaming toward Scapa Flow and internment, 21 November 1918. The British blimp N.S.8 is flying overhead.
    SMS Seydlitz is leading, at left, with Moltke is next astern followed by the two remaining Lutzow class ships (Hindenburg and Derfflinger).

    U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.

    Online Image: 76KB; 740 x 385 pixels

     
    Photo #: NH 42090

    SMS Seydlitz
    (German Battle Cruiser, 1913-1919)

    Capsized at Scapa Flow, probably shortly after she was scuttled by her crew on 21 June 1919.

    U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.

    Online Image: 87KB; 740 x 615 pixels

     
    Photo #: NH 98598

    SMS Seydlitz
    (German Battle Cruiser, 1913-1919)

    Capsized at Scapa Flow, after she was scuttled by her crew on 21 June 1919.

    Courtesy of the Naval Historical Foundation. Collection of Admiral Joseph Strauss, USN. Admiral Strauss commented (in pencil) on the original print "I saw this one sink".

    U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.

    Online Image: 75KB; 740 x 460 pixels

     

    For other images of this ship, see:

  • SMS Seydlitz (Battle Cruiser, 1913-1919) -- Combat Damage.


    If you want higher resolution reproductions than the digital images presented here, see: "How to Obtain Photographic Reproductions."


    Return to Naval Historical Center home page.

    Page made 10 July 2003