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The two Karlsruhe class light cruisers were longer, heavier version of the previous Magdeburg class, carrying the same armour and armament, but with an increase in loaded weight of 600 tons. They were built under the 1910 naval programmer and were the last German cruisers to enter service before the outbreak of the First World War.
SMS Karlsruhe became one of the most successful of Germany’s commerce raiders during a short career in the Caribbean. She was destroyed by an internal explosion on 4 November 1914, but this news did not reach the Allies for some time, and much effort was wasted attempting to find her during 1915.
SMS Rostock served with the High Seas Fleet. She was badly damaged at the battle of Jutland, and had to be sunk by German torpedo-boats. Most of the crew escaped although 14 were killed and 6 wounded.
Displacement (loaded) |
6,191t |
Top Speed |
Design 27kts |
Armour – deck |
1.5in-2.25in |
- belt |
2.25in-0.75in |
- conning tower |
4in |
- gunshields |
2in |
- collision bulkhead |
1.5in |
Length |
466ft 6in |
Armaments as built |
Twelve 4.1in guns |
Crew complement |
373 |
Launched |
1912 |
Completed |
1914 |
Ships in class |
SMS Karlsruhe |