The 5,531 ton
Dresden II class light cruiser Dresden was built in Kiel by Howaldtswerke in
1917. Built to the same general specifications as the Cöln she boasted
eight 5.9" guns set in single turretts, two 3.4" rapid firing guns, four deck
mounted torpedo tubes and was capable of carrying 200 mines. Powered by two coal/oil fired turbines her twin propellers could push her to speeds on 29 knots she was indeed a fearsome adversary.
This magnificent fighting machine required a complement of 559 officers and men. She was able to quickly penetrate enemy sea areas, lay her deadly cargo of mines and then use her speed to outrun anyone who detected her or alternatively use her powerful arsenal to fight her way out. In the Seas Fleet she could use her speed and powerful arsenal to scout ahead of the battleships and battle cruisers and afford some protection to them.
The wreck of the Dresden
now lies in 35 metres of water on her portside. Other than some salvaging
around her engine areas she remains in relatively good condition after more than
80 years on the seabed at Scapa Flow.The history, sinking and dive details of the Dresden are described in much greater detail in Dive Scapa Flow.
Photograph courtesy of the Imperial War Museum