Schleswig - Holstein
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Schleswig-Holstein
was built at Germaniawerft in Kiel and launched in
December 1906. Emperor Wilhelm II himself and other
prominent guests were present at the official launch. She
was used for training the coming years and had several
trips to Norway. At the outbreak of first world war she
did service as guard ship and later participated in the
battle of Jutland in 1915. After the war Germany was
allowed to keep a few of their ships and Schleswig avoided
therefore ending up as most German ships in Scapa Flow,
scuttled, or being given away as a prize of war. From 1935
she was used as a school and cadet ship and had several
trips to the Caribbean and South America. Right before the
outbreak of the German invasion of Poland she was sent on
an "official visit " to Danzig and laid at anchor outside
Westerplatte. At 04:47 in the morning 1.September 1939 she
opened fire against Polish positions and officially
started the war. Until 1944 she again saw service as a
school ship, but was designated to be refitted as an armed
escort. But airplanes from RAF damaged her in December
1944 so the plans were never completed. After the war the
wreck was towed to Talinn and was used as a target for the
Soviet navy until 1966. There is little left that
can remind you of a once proud warship. The remains of her
lies scattered over a large area northeast of the island
Osmussar on a depth of 10 to 15 meter.
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| 59°20'36 N 23°32'38 E  Picture: SMS Schleswig-Holstein open fire on Westerplatte in Poland 1.September 1939 Courtesy of Navypedia  Last updated: May 2019 |
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