G101 class destroyer (1914)

Kaiserliches Marine: 4 Hochseetorpedoboote (1915-18)

The G101 class were four large “torpedo boats” (Hochseetorpedoboote) originally ordered for the Argentine Navy from Germaniawerft and Schichau in 1912. Since they were not completed when the First World War commenced in August 1914, launched from 12 August and in September and November, they were seized on behalf of the Kaiserliche Marine and completed from March to June 1915 under German standards. Albeit they were larger than average German “destroyers” (and in some source were called as such) of the day, they remained active until the rest of the war as part of their own unit. Three were present at the Battle of Jutland in 1916 and also scuttled at Scapa Flow in 1919. One escaped internement and was attributed to the US and sunk as target by aircraft, part Billy Mitchell’s famous July 1921 Project B Atlantic Bombing Tests off the Virginia coast.

Development

Just like other great naval and industrial powers of the day, Germany also worked for export, and had in 1912 four large destroyers ordered by Argentina from Germaniawerft. Albeit they shared little with standard German destroyer of the time, they also were armed and had a general outlook and details that were properly German. At the time, Argentina resumed its “vacancy” after nearly a decade of costly arms race with Brazil and Chile back in the 1880s. It was restarted when Brazil purchased in Britain two massive dreadnought battleships, the Minas Gerais class, that was even superior to most European equivalents. At the time, Argentina had obsolescent, small ironclads, and looked at building its own dreadnought, eventually ordered in the US as the Rivadavia class. To escort these centerpieces of its new fleet in being, twelve destroyers were needed, and with British yards already at full capacity, they were spread between several foreign yards: Cammell Laird was ordered four (ARA San Luis, ARA Santa Fé, ARA Santiago, and ARA Tucumá, purchased by Greece in October 1912 as the Aetos-class), Ateliers et Chantiers de Bretagne four as well (the future Aventurier class, requisitioned by France) and twio each from Schichau and Germaniawerft. This resell of the Camell Laird ships in October 1912 was because the impending Balkan War, Greece had started a new arms race with Turkey, and to replace them, Argentina ordered from Germaniawerft alone, four more of about the same class later in 1912.

Hence the present G101 class with “G” indicating the shipyard, Germaniawerft in Kiel. The previous two Krupp Germaniawerft ships were 995t/1357 three funnel, full forecastle vessels, with four 5-in guns (British), with AEG turbines for 27 knots, called Catamarca and Jujuy. The next two Schichau destroyers were 875/1368t, also with AEG turbines, same general outlook and armament but they had a lower profile a
and three heavenly spaced, same height funnels, as the La Plata and Cordoba. Of the twelve ordered these four were the only ones obtained by Argentina, victim of bad timing. They remained active until the 1950s. As for the four Germiawerft replacement ships they were ordered in late 1912 and thus, laid down quite late, victim of bad timing. They were also larger than previous classes, to shoehorn extra power and reach 33 knots and more. They were still on slip, more of less close to launch, when the war broke out in August 1914. Ther German government decided to make a requsition. Instead of completing hger with the intened British artillery, they would be put to German standard, the same as standard Hochseetorbedoboote, despite the fact they had large, wide hull that could accept a better armament.
Now numbered G101 to 104, they were eventually completed in 1914, from March to June and saw a lot of action given their high speed and unique caracteristics of size, range and modern full lenght forecastle.

Design of the class

Hull and general design

Profile by garlicdesign, shipbucket
The G101 class were unlike previous Hochseetorpedoboote (let’s go for HTB for short) by their size and speed, the closest would be the B97 class, but they proceeded from a completely different base, essentially Russian-ordered prototypes for the Novik class back in 1912, from Blohm & Voss and Vulcan and geared for 36-37 knots with four boilers. They too, were never delivered and requisitioned, rearmed the same way, but they were both larger and had still the typically German “toothbrush” forecastle. On the case of the Germaniawerft boats, the Argentines specified a “British style forecastle”, so engineers at Krupp had little room for manoeuvers and gave the hull its distinctive shape.
The G101 class measured 95.3 metres (312 ft 8 in) long overall for 94 metres (308 ft 5 in) between perpendiculars, a beam of 9.47 metres (31 ft 1 in) and draught of 3.84 metres (12 ft 7 in). To compare, the B97 were 100 meters overall for 9.36 metres in beam and 3.60 metres in draught, and displaced more at 1,350 tonnes/1,847 tonnes versus 1,116 tonnes (1,098 long tons) normal and 1,734 tonnes (1,707 long tons) full load for the G101 class.
The general outlook changed as well. They did not keep the same “icebreaker bow” that could have been justified here by the winters at the Cape Horn, the maze of the Tierra de Fuego, Falklands and New Georgia, but instead adipted a British bow, with a straight stem and rounded chin transitioning to the keel by a slight slope. As seen above, the forecastle in these was full lenght and integrated both the bridge, quite low, and forefunnel. Past the break (rought 1/3 lenght forecastle) were two more funnel amidship. Apart a small quartedeck/radio house aft, with a searchlight on the roof, this deck was pretty bare.

There were two raked masts, like the rounded funnels, sporting wireless radio cables between them. Flare was limited, and the hull ended in cruiser sterns, rounded and narrow. There were two shafts, no counter keels, a single, large rectangular rudder, and many dorade boxes amidship for the ventilation of the large machinery spaces, 50% of her lenght. Given the shape of the bridge sporting two levels with an enclosed bridge and roof open bridge with two searchlights, there was no space for boats, which were relocated aft of the forecastle, between fore fore and second funnels, on top of a portico, with a bow crane anchored behind the forefunnel for service. The armment was pretty light. Originally, they woud have been armed with three 4-in or 102 mm british guns, one on the forecastle, one aft, and one amidship “Q”.

In German service, they were swapped for smaller 8.8 cm guns, four to compensate, with the two 8.8 cm placed either side amidship. However in 1916, barery after a year service, they were swapped for three 105mm/43 TK L/45 C/16 guns (see later). The torpedo tubes were placed ina typical German fashion: The two former “forecastle tubes” usually in the cut between it and the bridge, were now relocated on each side between the first and second funnel. The bow crane could operare reloads for them in theory. The remainder four were in two twin tubes aft in a “cutter” arrangement, with the tubes angled outwards from each other.
Later the profile changed (see later), with the bridge raised from a level, and the fore funnel with it. There are discrepancies in sources. Some says they were referred to as “hochseetorpedoboote”, others as “Zerstörer” (destroyers) as the B97 class. At least conways thinks so.

Powerplant

Full plans, imgurl. src unknown.
To reach their requested speed for the Argentines, the ships were given three boilers (not four as in the B97) to feed two sets of Germania steam turbines, rated at 28,000 shaft horsepower (21,000 kW) for a speed of 33.5 knots (62.0 km/h; 38.6 mph). To compare, the B97 cranked up far more, at 40,000 metric hp rating (39,000 shp; 29,000 kW). Originally however, it was planned to fit them with two cruising diesel engines rated at 1,800 metric horsepower (1,800 bhp; 1,300 kW). They were never fitted. The three boilers were doubled oil-burning ones, and it’s possible they were similar to those on the B97 at 17–18.5 atm (250–272 psi; 1,720–1,870 kPa) working pressure. hey were admirakty specs boilers, or “Marine”. The top speed was still an impressive 33.5 knots (62.0 km/h; 38.6 mph) as requested, but it paled in comparison of the B97 which managed 37.4 knots (69.3 km/h; 43 mph) on trials. They carried 500 t of oil for a range of 2,420 nautical miles (4,480 km; 2,780 mi) at 20 knots (37 km/h; 23 mph) versus 527 tonnes was between 2,250 nautical miles for the B97.

Armament

Both the B97 and G101 were completed the same way, with all-German armament, four 8.8 cm guns, two twin banks and two single as seen above. However the 8.8 cm were soon recoignized too weak in operation against the 4 and 4.7 inches of the British destroyers, and replaced in 1916 with 10.5 cm ones, long barrel. The ships had enough reserve of buoyancy to hold three of them, albeit on classic positions, A, Q and X with the central one having a more limited fire arc. The could also carry 24 mines.

8.8 cm/42 TK L/45 C/14

four 8.8cm/42 TK L/45 C/14 in single mounts, A, Q, R and X positions, which could fire a 9 kg (20 lb) HE shell at 11,790 m (12,890 yd) at a rate of 15 rounds per minute. Each gun was provided with 120 rounds. The 8,8-cm-Schnelladekanone SK L/45 was adopted on the mount MPL C/13. One was located on the forecastle, another aft amidship on the platform, and the last on deck aft close to the poop. The problem was water splash interference in heavy weather, especially for the forward gun, although they had a great arc of fire. They were unshielded for weight reasons, but wrapped in tarpaulins to limit corrosion when not in use. They could fire a large variety of rounds, Armor Piercing (AP) 10 kg (22 lb), High Explosive (HE) 9 kg (20 lb), High Explosive Incendiary (HEI) 9.5 kg (21 lb) and Illumination (ILLUM) 9.4 kg (21 lb).

Specs 8.8 cm/42 TK L/45 C/14

Mass 2,500 kg (5,510 lb), 4 meters (13.2 ft) long.
Shell: unitary 10 kg (22.05 lb) 88 mm (3.5 in) HE
Breech: Vertical sliding-wedge
Rate of fire: 15 RPM at mv 650 m/s (2,130 ft/s)).
MPL C/13 range: −10°/+25°: 10,694 m (11,695 yd).

10.5 cm (4.1 in) SK L/45 C16

In 1916 all four ships swapped their 8.8 cm for 10.5 cm guns of the same 45 calibers.
It should be noted that G102 was the only one refitted with four smaller, lighter 105/42 Utof L/45 C/16 guns instead.
They carried 70 shells per gun. These were low profile, long barrel guns also used widely by submarines. They were also present on many cruisers, of the Graudenz, Karlsruhe, Kolberg, Magdeburg, Pillau class, and the B97 class destroyers from the start.

Specs 10.5 cm (4.1 in) SK L/45

Caliber: 10.5 cm (4.1 in)
Weight: 1,450 kg (3,200 lb), barrel. Length: 4.725 m (15 ft 6 in). Width 2.1 m (6.9 ft).
Shell: Fixed Brass Casing 25.5 kg (56 lb), 17.4 kg (38 lb)
Breech Type: Horizontal sliding-block
Rate of Fire: Up to 15 rounds per minute
Muzzle Velocity: 710 m/s (2,300 ft/s)
Elevation MPL C/06: -10° to +30°. Maximum Range: 12,700 m (13,900 yd) at a 30° elevation

50 cm Torpedo Tubes

Six total: two single forward, two twin aft, like the B97 class. They fired the 50cm G7 Torpedoes. There were no reloads. The twin tubes were not parallel but each was at an angle outwards from the other. By that stage, they all carried the G7, which succeeded to the G6 and G6D used by battleships and cruisers. The latter were designed in 1908 and active in 1911, capable of 35 knots for at best 8400 m at 27 knots. But work was performed on a better model, that was eventually adopted later. The G7 was easier and faster to set up, had better performances, and so were adopted in 1913. The G7 remained standard until 1934.

Specs

Weight 3,009 lbs. (1,365 kg), overall length 276 in (7,020 m).
Warhead 430 lbs (195 kg) Hexanite
Range and Speed 4,370 yards (4,000 m)/37 kts or 10,170 yards (9,300 m)/27 ks
Powerplant: Decahydronaphthalene (Decalin) Wet-Heater.

Mines

The G101, like the B97 class were supposed to carry up to 24 mines, that could have been either the mass-produced, small, “Elektrische Minen A” differing from the former pendulum-fired mines. WH 330 lbs. (150 kg) wet gun cotton charge. Or what the British called the “Type I” Moored Hertz horn contact mine (mass 560 lbs. (254 kg) for 31.5 inches (80 cm) Wet gun guncotton 180 lbs. (81.6 kg) WH) or the “Type II” (710 lbs. (322 kg), 31.5 inches (80 cm), Wet gun guncotton; 290 lbs. (131 kg)). Sixteen of them meant they were placed on two short rails of nine each at the poop deck.

⚙ specifications
Displacement	1,734 t (1,707 long tons) deep load
Dimensions	95.3 x 9.47 x 3.84 m (312 ft 8 in x 31 ft 1 in x 12 ft 7 in)
Propulsion	2 shafts 3 boilers, 28,000 PS (28,000 shp; 21,000 kW)
Speed	33.5 knots (62.0 km/h; 38.6 mph)
Range	2,420 nmi (4,480 km; 2,780 mi) at 20 knots
Armament	4× 8.8 cm SK L/45 guns, 6× 500 mm (19.7 in) TTs, 24 mines
Crew	104

Career of the G101 class

All four integrated their own unit, the 2nd Torpedo Boat Flotilla, or “elite flotilla” along with the B 97 class. G101s being slower they however often operated separately in half-squadrons. Both G101 and B97 classes being considered by the naval staff significantly larger they were called “Zerstörer” rather than torpedo boats in some documentation. All four took part in the Battle of Jutland and they destroyed a a convoy between Norway and England on 11 December 1917. They survived the war, forcibly interned at Scapa Flow, on 22 November 1918 and on 21 June 1919, scuttled, all G101, G103 and G104 albeit G102 ran aground in that attempt later towed to the US and sank there as target by US Navy aicraft in 1921.

The Long Story

Since these ships served together, here we go for the detail, rather than repeated it for each career below: When the formerly Argentine destroyers joined the fleet, they were assigned to the 2nd Torpedo Boat Flotilla. It also comprised six others “destroyers” from Blohm & Voss (B 97/98; B 109–B 112) and two AG Vulkan ships (V 99/100). The first four ships were protototypes for Russian destroyers prepared by Blohm & Voss and recycled undelivered propulsion originally for the Novik-derived vessels as said above. The first of these special vessels entering service was SMS B 97 completed in February 1915, and remaining ones in September. V 99 was lost in the Baltic Sea by August 17, 1915 and in general these operations against the Russians sporting 120 mm guns demonstrated the inferiority of the German’s own artillery, so for this elite and most powerful TBD formation it was reordered to armed them all with 10.5 cm guns to be acted on April 1916.

On February 10, 1916, the 2nd TBF was operating in the Dogger Bank led by the cruiser Pillau and other TBDs that ended with a clash with British ships but the Germans, which had the uppar hand, folded first after mistaking the four Flower-class sloops as cruisers. The three G101 class ships fired in common 19 torpedoes but only Arabis was hit and sank (56 died). Later all the destroyers available of the 2nd TBF took part in the Battle of Jutland operating within the reconnaissance forces under command of the 2nd Leader, cruiser SMS *Regensburg. B 109 and B 110 were spotted by Galathea while approaching the steamer U.B. Fjord at the early part of the engagement with more forces drawn up. None of the class was lost, even in the confused, firece night engagement that followed. Indeed the TBF lost contact with the fleetand returned to Kiel via Skagen rather than going dry with fuel oil. The 2nd TBF made more sorties into the North Sea in 1916 and 1917 but there never was any contact.

In October 1917, the High Seas Fleet sent back the 2nd TBF to the Baltic to join Operation Albion, the major amphibious landing to occupy Saaremaa (Ösel), Hiiumaa (Dagö), and Muhu (Moon). In this “Special Unit Baltic Sea” (*Sonderverband Ostsee*) was the elite 2nd TBF with B 98 as leader, seconded by the 4th TBHF with the remaining Blohm & Voss destroyers, and 3rd TBHF, our own G 101 class, in which the latter was leader. In addition to G 103 and G 104, V 100 was added). V100, a Vulcan made B97 class destroyer. On October 12, 1917, they landed themselves each initial assault companies in and around Tagga Bay, northern coast of Oesel before the main troop contingents arriving on transports. Next they provided artillery support. On October 14, they broke the the Soelo Sound passage into the Kassar Wiek in strong currents, bad wind conditions (some started to run aground) clearing the sound of mines and taking control. G 103 sustained damage to her propeller shaft after running aground. They were later engaged in a running battle with Russian destroyers from 11,000 meters and G 103 suffered shrapnel, but cillectively they gave a bloody nose to the attackers and badly damaged Grom and Sabijaka, and moderately damaged Pobeditel (Orfei class) and Konstantin.
On October 15, the 2nd and the 13th HTBF joined forces and engaged Russian destroyers and cruisers at the eastern exit of the Kassar Wiek. Poor visibility led to hit nothing and the Germans withdrew into the shallow waters of the northern Kassar Wiek, but nearly all ran aground. Only six destroyers remained in the 2nd Flotilla to escort the flagship Emden back to North Sea on October 23 via Libau and Kiel canal.

An operation on December 11–12, 1917, was successful with this unit on the Norwegian coast. The 3rd Half-Flotilla (G 101, 103, 104, V 100) intercepted a British convoy off Bergen, mostly raw materials for Britain and a light escort. They were overpowered and the entire convoy destroyed, ship to ship, notably the six merchant ships, escorting HMS Pellew, Partridge and four escort trawlers. those of the 4th Half-Flotilla made a diversionary raid meanhile on theBritish coast, sinking two steamers and two trawlers in the Tyne. Emden remained behind near Horns Reef with the 11th TBF. On December 14, Emden and all remaining destoryers returned to Wilhelmshaven. Other sorties missed scheduled. By April 13, 1918, Graudenz was advancing into the Skagerrakay at Hanstholm. From November 22, the fur G101 class ships were interned with the High Seas Fleet at Scapa Flow and scuttled on June 21, 1919 .G 102 failed and was awarded to the US Navy as a war prize in 1920, sunk off Cape Henry on July 13, 1921, in aerial bombing practice. The othe were raised in 1925–26 and scrapped.

G101

G101 was laid down in early 1914, launched on 12 August 1914, completed on 4 March 1915 (ex Santiago).
Interned in Scapa Flow 22 November 1918; scuttled 21 June 1919.

G102

H102 was laid down in 1914, launched on 16 September 1914, completed on 8 April 1915 (ex San Luis).
Interned, Scapa Flow, 22 November 1918; beached while attempting to scuttle, 21 Jun 1919; to United States, 1920; sunk as aircraft target, 13 July 1921 off Cape Henry.

G103

G103 was laid down in 1914, launched on on 14 November 1914 and completed on 15 May 1915 (ex Santa Fé).
Interned, Scapa Flow, 22 November 1918; scuttled 21 June 1919.

G104

G104 was laid down in 1914, also date unknown, launched on 28 November 1914 and completed on 5 June 1915 (ex Tucuman).
Interned, Scapa Flow, 22 November 1918; scuttled 21 June 1919

In Scapa Flow

In Scapa flow

G102 showing smoke from a direct hit by a SE-5 with a 25 pdr. frag bomb, 1921.