Bigger, heavier guns and faster than the Wittelsbach Class battleships, The Braunschweig class autherised under the Naval programme of 1900. All completed between 1904 and 1906. During the First World war they formed the 4th Squadron which was stationed in the Baltic in1915. They were then reduced to harbour guard ships due to the manpower shortage in the German navy, most of their crew was transferred to other ships.   they were all disarmed in 1916/1917 except Lothringen which kept Ten1 70mm guns until 1918.  In 1919 Preussen and Lothringen were converted to depot ships for minesweeper motor boats. (F types)  All were broken up in 1931 except Hessen which was reboilered and converted into a radio controlled target ship after world war two she was given to Russia and renamed Tsel. and also a small part of Preussen was kept, a 63metre section of the midship was used for explosive trials target and nicknamed Vierkant (even keel)

Displacement: 14,167 tons, Speed: 18.5 knots, Compliment: 743.  Armament: Four 280mm Guns,  Fourteen 170mm Guns  Eighteen 88mm Guns and four machine guns, also Six 450mm Torpedo Tubes.

26th May 1903

The second battle squadron, with a Braunschweig class battleship. Possibly Preussen

A reproduction of this original photo / photo-postcard size 10" x 7" approx available.  Order photograph here  © Walker Archive. Order Code PGB068

One of the Braunschweig Class Battleships.