The foundation of the small-cruiser line
Ten compact cruisers established the combination of overseas range, fleet scouting ability and quick-firing guns developed by every following class.
3112 tMaximum displacement
105,0 mOverall length
21,5 knMaximum speed
257Complement
The full story
History of Undine
The Gazelle class comprised the first modern small cruisers built for the Imperial German Navy. The design began a line of development that culminated in Emden, the first German cruiser completed after World War I. With ten ships, the Gazelles were also the largest class of German small cruisers. Because construction extended from 1897 to 1904, individual ships differed in dimensions and appearance as the design evolved.
The Gazelle class introduced the 10.5 cm gun as the standard weapon for German small cruisers. This caliber remained in service even as British cruisers adopted heavier main batteries.
Already obsolete by 1914, the ships served primarily in coastal defense during World War I. Several were lost, while the survivors performed various duties after the war. None was interned at Scapa Flow. Two survivors were later converted into floating antiaircraft batteries during World War II.
All ships were used for fleet service until the outbreak of WW1. The Undine was a war loss, on 07.11.1915 it was sunk in the Baltic Sea by the British submarine E19.
Operational history
Service timeline
Commissioned.
Training and trials.
Decommissioned.
Recommissioned.
Fleet exercises near Rügen.
Exercises to train torpedo attacks and their defenses.
Training with the IV. torpedo boat division. During this exercises, the Undine rams the torpedo boat S126 which is cut into two parts and sinks.
Repairs in Wilhelmshaven.
Repairs in Wilhelmshaven.
Participation in fleet exercises.
Repairs.
Visit to Lavik.
During a storm, the Undine assists the steamer Nordstern.
Repairs in Danzig.
Participation in the fleet parade.
Emergency ice services in the western Baltic Sea.
Decommissioned.
With the outbreak of the war, the ship is commissioned again and attached to the coastal defence in the Baltic Sea.
Bombardment of Russian positions.
While escorting the ferry Preussen, the Undine is hit by two torpedoes of the British submarine E19. The Preussen and the torpedo boat V154 are able to rescue most of the crew, 25 crew members were killed.
At a glance
Technical profile
Dimensions, armament, protection and performance.
Dimensions
- Size (Max)
- 3112 t
- Length (Total)
- 105,0 m
- Length (Waterline)
- 104,4 m
- Beam
- 12,4 m
- Draft
- 4,81 m
- Crew
- 257
Armament
- 10,5 cm
- 10
- MG
- 10-14
- 45 cm Torpedo tubes
- 2
- Mines
- 120
Armor
- Deck
- 25 mm (max)
Machinery
- Shafts
- 2
- Engines
- 2
- Type
- 3-cyl tripple expansion
Performance
- Total Performance
- 8696 shp
- Speed
- 21,5 kn
- Range
- 4400 miles at 12 kn
Construction record
Undine
- Laid down
- Howaldtswerke Kiel, 1901
- Launched
- 11.12.1902
- Commissioned
- 05.01.1904
- Fate
- sunk on 07.11.1915 in the Baltic Sea by British submarine E19