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SMS Stuttgart was a Königsberg class light cruiser that served with the German High Seas Fleet, and was present at the battle of Jutland. She began her military career as a gunnery training ship, before joining the High Seas Fleet. At Jutland she was part of the Fourth Scouting Group (Stettin, München, Fraurnlob, Stuttgart and Hamburg).
During the night action at Jutland the Fourth Scouting Group fought a short but costly night action with the British Second Light Cruiser Squadron. The Fourth Scouting Group was on the left of the German fleet, the Second Light Cruiser Squadron to the rear of the British fleet. Stuttgart is not recorded to have suffered any damage during the battle.
In February-May 1918 the Stuttgart was converted to serve as a seaplane carrier. This involved removing six of the 4.1in guns (the four rearmost guns and the forecastle pair) and all of the quick firing 2in guns, in order to create the space needed for to provide a hanger for two aircraft and the cranes to manoeuvre them on and off the ship. A pair of anti-aircraft guns replaced the forward 4.1in guns. The aircraft and their equipment were carried behind the third funnel.
After the war Stuttgart was handed over to Great Britain, and in 1921 was scrapped.
Displacement (loaded) |
3,814t |
Top Speed |
23kts design |
Armour – deck |
0.75-1.75in |
- conning tower |
4in |
- gunshields |
2in |
Length |
383ft 2in |
Armaments as built |
Ten 4.1in guns |
Armaments as seaplane carrier |
Four 4.1in guns |
Crew complement |
322 |
Launched |
22 September 1906 |
Completed |
1 February 1908 |
Broken up |
1921 |
Captains |
Capt. Hagedorn |