Derfflinger

Ballistics

Armor Model

Overview

After the Agadir Crisis of 1911, funds were allocated for the construction of new ships for the German navy. Due to the strengthening of armor on British ships, new projects envisaged an increase in main caliber: eight 305 mm guns in four turrets were arranged longitudinally in a superfiring scheme. SMS Derfflinger was built at the Blohm & Voss shipyard. During World War I, the ship participated in the raid on Scarborough, the Battle of Dogger Bank, and the raid on Yarmouth and Lowestoft. At the Battle of Jutland, Derfflinger suffered the heaviest losses among the unsunk German ships. For its resilience, the ship earned the nickname 'Iron Dog' from the British. After Germany's capitulation, Derfflinger was scuttled by its crew at Scapa Flow on June 21, 1919. In 1939, the ship's hull was raised and anchored upside down off the island of Risa-Little. The ship remained there until 1948. Thus, Derfflinger spent more time upside down than in its natural position.