Type 1898 Torpedo Boats

The S90 class were in effect the largest torpedo boats of the Kaiserliches Marine, which never really used the term of “Zerstörer” (destroyer) and rather classed its larger types here of Großes Torpedoboote (“large torpedo boats”). The German Imperial Navy then called their successors Hochsee-Torpedoboot (“High seas torpedo boat”). They alternated bewteen Schichau at Elbing (36 vessels) for the S-90/114 series and Germaniawerft at Kiel (36 vessels) for the G-108/132 sub-class (12) according to the first letter of their designation. Note that Conways completely separates the S90 from the G-108 and G-132 in their own classes, but they shared almopst everything but the armament. G-137 was also its own class. First article in a long line dedicated to WWI destroyers. Next stop: The S-138 class.

T 136 in WWI.

Development

Administratively the clear separation between torpedo boats and destroyers that could exist in Britain (Torpedo Boat Destroyers, later simplified as “Destroyer”) or “Contre-Torpileur” in France, “Cacciatorpediniere” in Italy never existed before the interwar Weimar Reichsmarine. Until 1918, all were classed as “Torpedoboote“. Imperial Germany in the 1880s was not long in catching up with torpedo boats, once they were able to create their own torpedoes. They perfectly fit in the early coastal defensive network of that era, before grand ambitions transitioned towards a powerful battle fleet and colonial endeavours. There was already a Prussian gunboat armed with a torpedo tube all the way back with SMS Basilisk (1862). After the Prussian war, boats of Devrient, Waltjen, Vulcan and Holberg series were built and tested in 1871-75, intended to defend the coast against a French attack.

The real start of torpedo boats was in 1884, with orders placed either in Germany or Britain for comparison. From just 6 boats in 1877 and 28 boats in 1885, the Navy fully adopted the type, making the fortune of Schichau, its specialist, and reached ultimately 124 of these in 1905. In between, there were already attempts to create larger models called “Division Torpedo Boats”. But it’s the Naval Law of 1898 that authorized the construction of an ocean-going battle fleet, which this time specified it would be escorted by flotillas of larger, seaworthy torpedo boats, called “Grosse Torpedo Boats”. Later what became “High seas torpedo boats” was assimilated to destroyers outside Germany. In 1906 already, former D-class and S-classes were reclassified as ‘torpedo boats’.

Genesis of the Großes Torpedoboote series (1897-1902)

DivisionsBoote D-7 in 1892.

So this naval law of 1898 advocated for a battle fleet, and by that stage, “destroyers” were firmly adopted by all navies in one shape or another. It was no different in Germany, and so an ambitious naval plan intended to deliver around 80 new, large sea-going torpedo boats for fleet operations. There was a precedent in 1898, the “DivisionsBoote” (1886-94). These were basically flotilla leaders, larger versions of current torpedo boats, intended to lead them and flanking, supporting the defensive fleet.

They were of larger size to accommodate an extra staff. D9 introduced a “trawler bow”, the typical raised forecastle cut before the bridge giving the typically German “toothbrush” appearance they kept for decades. D1-D9 were armed with just three 350mm Torpedo Tubes (1 spare) and six Hotchkiss guns, and D9 inaugurated 50mm Hotchkiss guns. They would be later rebuilt and modernized. In size they were quite small, still, from 56m on D1 to 63 m on D9, a single shaft and from 2020 ihp for 20 knots to 4n200 ihp and 23-1/2 knots on D9. Series were incremental, made it pairs to improve on them.

So SMS D9 constituted a true departure from previous boats and in 1894 when launched, she was the largest “torpedo boat” ever built in Germany. She displaced 462 tonnes, for 63 m long, 7.7 meters wide and 3.73 meters in draft, still with one shaft triple expansion steam engine but this time reaching 4,200 ihp for almost 24 knots on trials. More so, she really was more seaworthy than any previous boats. She was made of galvanized steel construction and her triple expansion engine was fed by three locomotive boilers. Schichau-Werke in addition to the raised forecastle had the bridge mounted well back from the bow for even improved seakeeping. By doing this, Schichau “invented” the new standard for German large torpedo boats until the end of the First World War, even inspiring the Japanese with their own destroyers until 1926.

So when the law of 1898 was voted, D9 already had been commissioned and tested since 29 December, bringing considerable experience and positive feedback over this latest formula. Before the law was passed, there were already back and forth discussions at the admiralty about that battlefleet and its escorts, and thus Schichau was eager to present its evolution of the D-9 design. It was already agreed in 1895 that the new prospective boat would take the number of the next TB series, S-90, and that she would be a scaled-up ship essentially. With the new class in preparation, the German Navy at last abolished the distinction between “torpedo boats” and “divisional boats” and started to build “hochsseetorpedobootes” (high seas, reflecting they were fleet TBs, like in “Hoch See Flotte”). They were to be roughly similar as the last divisional boat, D9. It was also decided no more smaller torpedo boats would be built. Since the oldest ones needed replacement, they started the A boats.

S-90 in Chinese Colonial Livery

Since the mid-1890s, indeed, the Imperial German Navy was aware that its torpedo boats, albeit seaworthy and larger than those of contemporary navies, were threated in the 1890s by the newly introduced British torpedo boat destroyer. After intensive technical and tactical considerations, a larger boat was drafted to be a standard, not just a flotilla leader, and still holding its own offensively against these. The first step was to reach a significant increase in size of the boats, and a departure from previous doctrines for single-shaft propulsion. There was the requirement that a single officer could command them.

Displacement was more than doubled, the speed increased to 27 knots on paper, compared to 23-24 knots for D9. Seaworthiness and endurance were also improved. The new projected class would still lagged behind Britain for gun armament, but carried one additional torpedo tube as compensation. They looked favouably also compared to the latest large French torpedo boat destroyers in every respect. The design for the new S.90 by Schichau as lead designer and manufacturer, was completed and approved by the general staff in 1898, after the new naval law was accepted. S.90 would be the new standard followed by Germaniawerft series with a few changes until 1907, a total of 48 High Seas TBs, the first of many until 1918.

Design of the class

The new TBs would be also steel-hulled, and galvanized below the waterline, li,e D-9. It was also decided they would have two shafts for better agility, each driven by a vertical triple-expansion engine (either imported or made in Germany), fed in turn by three Thornycroft boilers. Schichau came up with new plans as early as 1897 and proposed a new raised forecastle, increased and comparable to the USN destroyer Rowan. This raised forecastle greatly improved seakeeping, and she became superior on this point to Royal Navy destroyers. British reports after she was seen in the Kiel week by British crews, was a powerful influence into creating the subsequent British River class. With this feature, the new design would reach the greatest possible seaworthiness on smaller displacement compared to British destroyers, proving it was a superior design in the same North Sea environment.

Intro by Conways

G108 underway in 1902.

S90-S107, G108-G113 and S114-S131 were all armed with 3-450mm TT and 3-50mm guns. The complement varied from 57 to 61. Apart from the experimental turbine vessel (another was building at the end of the period), these units, classed as large torpedo boats but, despite their lighter guns, really the equivalent of contemporary foreign destroyers, show a large degree of homogeneity. They all shared the ‘trade mark’ of the torpedo tube placed before the bridge in a well deck between the raised forecastle and the charthouse.

All had two funnels. In fact this design was a combination of the best features of the D9 and the D10, of the German torpedo boat traditional design, and of the British destroyer. The result was a sturdy and seaworthy vessel, not as fast as foreign boats, but probably more useful than most. S97 was converted before entering service to be the tender to the Imperial yacht Hohenzollern and was renamed Sleipnir. She was reconverted to a fighting ship when war broke out, and with all her sisters was reclassed as a T-boat in September 1914.

Several of these boats were rearmed, wholly or partly, with 88mm guns. S90 was deliberately run ashore during the siege of Tsingtao in 1914. T-116 was torpedoed and sunk by the British submarine E9 on 6.10.1914. On 17.10.1914 British destroyers and the cruiser Undaunted sank T-115, T-117, T-118 and T-119. T-100 was lost in a collision in 1915, T-122 was mined in 1918 and T-223 in 1916, T-224 sank in 1914 in a collision, and T-129 was lost in 1915. T-226 had been lost in 1908 but was raised, and with her surviving sisters was disposed of in the early 19208.

Hull and general design

The 48 destroyers built between 1898 and 1907 at the Schichau shipyard (36) and Germaniawerft saw construction phases modified, as the design was continuously adapted and improved. Ten different designers were involved in the process. This resulted in significantly different construction phases. The overall length ranged from 63 to 71.5 m and beam from 7 to 7.75 m, draft from 2.03 to 3.22 m. BS 90 to S 131 as well as G 108 to G 113 had eleven watertight compartments but G 132 to G 137 had twelve.

S-90 group (12): 388t, 63 x 7 x 2.23m, 2 shafts TE, 3,900 ihp, 26.5 kts.
S-102 group (6): 400t, 63.2 x 7 x 2.23m, 2 shafts TE, 5,900 ihp, 27.5 kts.
G-108 group (6): 433t, 65.89 x 6.7 x 2.87m, 2 shafts TE, 6,000 ihp, 29 kts.
G-114 group (6): 408t, 63.2 x 7 x 2.69m, 2 shafts TE, 5,900 ihp, 28 kts.
G-120 group (5): 461t, 64.7 x 7 x 2.63m, 2 shafts TE, 6,400 ihp, 27.5 kts.
G-126 group (6): 474t, 64.7 x 7 x 2.76m, 2 shafts TE, 6,490 ihp, 28 kts.
S-125: 447t, 64.7 x 7 x 3.17m, 2 shafts TE, 6,600 ihp, 27.5 kts.
G-132 group (5): 414/544t, 65.3 x 7 x 2.6m, 2 shafts TE, 7,000 ihp, 28 kts.
G-137: 580/693t, 71.5 x 7.7 x 2.8m, 2 shafts 6 Parsons Turbines, 4 boilers 18,800 ihp, 30 kts.

The design showed the same common caracteristics whatever the size of the hull, on a constant beam. Like all previous torpedo boats, the hulls were low on the water and had a turtleback shape in order to help the water flow out. Nobody wanted water to stick to a flat deck and suddenly add its mass and unbalance the ships. These lowere decks, having a low freeboard of perhaps 1.50-1.80 meters on average depending on the load, meant in heavy weather, they were constantly wet. There were anti-slip plates and barriers, or handbars when possible.

The seaworthiness was the result of this peculiar raised prow but it was still too low to be considered a proper forcastle, as its functions mostly as a wave breaker. It protected essentiually the first single torpedo tube hidden behind and reduced the amount of splashing water behind. Unlike a standard 1914 destroyer design in which the foecastle was taller and fuller, and the bridge at its aft end, before the cut, the Germans choosed to have the bridge located much further aft, placed after the forward torpedo tube.

The general shape of the hull was almond-like seen from above, a common TB hull design from Schichau largely adopted by Germaniawerft, making for fine entries and a beamier aft section. The issue however was it did not maximized internal capacity, as there was no straight line. The Germaniawerft designs in early construction (like the G108 group) tended to have at the end of raised bow a utility platform usable for a gun and acting as wave breaker.

The main bridge was composed of a map room, topped an open platform that acted as main bridge. There was located the helmsman position, in the middle, with the officers located further forward and having access to propected voice tubes going below and to the machinery room. There was also a chadburn in complement. This bridge had framing forward, side and on top for canvas, offering some level or protection in winter. A small mast was anchored forward of this bridge for signals. No spotting top.

The G108 design shows also two funnels, raked and cyclindrical aft of the bridge, and in between the two amidship torpedo tubes were located, in line and separated by one cowl vent. The mainmast aft was raked and taller, also had a boom to manipulate a dinghy and an additional lifeboat. The main gun was located aft. Down the line to the G 132 and G 137, the design had matured and the platform at the end of the “forecastle” had been replaced by a simple wave breaker. The forward TT was still there, and behind was a cowl vent, the bridge was made narrower but wider (full beam) presenting a bow-like face to the elements.

The small bridge was now fully enclosed, above, narrow, with two canvas-covered wings. This bridge was a mere cabin for the helmsman sporting three windows on its face and two on its side. Above was a platform for a searchlight, accessible by ladder. Both wings ended with morse projectors for communication. The foremast was no located behind the bridge, still usable for signals, and the aft mast was also still the largest, and also used for signals. These ships did not used wireless telegraphy yet (invented 1901), hence the ideas of half-flotilla leaders, which crew rose from 69 in standard to 84. G-137 and its turbines was also usable as such, and had a crew of 80.

Powerplant

All ships were standardized for the powerplant, with the same two vertical 3-cylinder triple-expansion steam engines for three-bladed screw propellers, fed by three coal-fired water-tube boilers. Yet still according to their hull size and displacement, they average speeds between 27 and 30 knots, from 5,900 to 7,000 hp (4,400 to 5,200 kW). It was considered the best achievable with VTEs. S 125 and G 137 however experimented new small Parsons steam turbines, and G 137 tested a four boiler arrangement. Thus, S 125 achieved 6,600 hp (4,900 kW) for 28 knots, and G 137 generated 10,800 hp (8,100 kW) for 30 knots, making her the best in class (she was also the largest). In addition, each ship was equipped with 110-volt generators for electrical power. Steering comprised two rudders, one at the stern and one at the bow.

Armament

5 cm SK L/40

Engraving and real life gun.

The 5,0-cm-Schnelladekanone L/40 was the most common gun on these ships, entering service in 1892. This light, rapid-fire gun was developed in 1892 to replace the French 37 mm Hotchkiss gun previously standard on German torpedo boats from 1893 onward. In 1913 the new 5.0 cm Torpedobootkanone L/40 (5.0 cm TK L/40) had a lighter carriage.
Specs: 2.00 m long barrel, of 280 kg, muzzle velocity, shell 1.75 kg at 655 m/s and at 20°, range 6200 meters.
The 5.0 cm Torpedobootkanone L/40 (5.0 cm TK L/40) on its C/93 torpedo boat carriage was present in the Divisional Boats like the new Hochsee TB from S 90 to S 131. Some were later retofitted with the new 5.2 cm SK L/55 as it offered greater muzzle velocity, range, and penetration.

5.2 cm SK L/55

Former gun on SMS Emden preserved at Puckapunyal.

It was present on the later boats from Germaniawerft and Schichau in replacement of the 5 cm SK L/40. This model was introduced in 1905 onwards and thus, only installed at completion on the G 132 class and G 137. This new rapid-fire gun developed by Krupp called the Schnelladekanone 55 caliber, was mounted on a C/1903 center pivot carriage. Official full designation was “5.2 cm SK L/55 in MPL C/03”.
Specs: 2.86 m barrel for a mass of 386 kg. Fired a 1.75 kg HE shell at 850 m/s and 7,100 meters range at 20°, 900 m more than the 5.0 cm SK L/40. It also had a better penetrating power and also ended on most light cruisers, like the Königsberg and Dresden classes or used as anti-aircraft guns on the Kolberg and Pillau classes. It was adopted for the TBs S132, S 133 and G 134-137. However soon, 8.8 cm and 10.5 cm became the new standard. Upgrades for earlier TBs in the First World War, had all 5.0 cm L/40 guns replaced by 5.2 cm L/55 if available.

8.8 cm SK L/35

The 8,8-cm-Schnelladekanone L/45 started to be adopted on late TBs (1906), on the mount MPL C/06. This became the main gun on G-135 and G-136 as well as G-137, and a new standard. On both cases it was located on a bandstand platform aft, close to the poop for less water splash interference and with a great arc of fire. Indeed, doctrines at the time dictated a sharp turn after launching torpedoes, so this was used as a defensive guns. In the case of these three ships, they still kept their two 5.2 cm light guns aft amidship on raised positions. Earlier boats had four 5.2 cm guns. They were all unshielded.

Torpedo Tubes

All these boats had the same three17.7 inches or 45 cm torpedo tubes, on single mounts inline: One forward behind the forecastle, and the remaining two either between funnels or one between them and one aft, close to the aft mast (G 137). Below are the types likely used:

45 cm (17.7″) C45/91 Br (1891)

1,193 lbs. (541 kg) for 201 in (5.112 m) long, warhead 193 lbs. (87.5 kg) TNT
Brotherhood system: 550 yds (500 m)/32 kts or 870 yds (800 m)/ 26 knots.

45 cm (17.7″) C/03 and C/03 D 1905

The most common model by far, replacing the C45/91 on all boats. It was first designed as an improved version of C/91 and the C/03 D, even became the first German torpedo outfitted with a heater system increasing range by 23%. They had however saltwater spray corrosion issues, so this prohibited any trial exercises.
C/031: 1460 lbs. (662 kg) for 203 in (5.150 m), 388 lbs. (176 kg) TNT warhead
Brotherhood system for 1,640 yds (1,500 m)/31 kts or 3,280 yds (3,000 m)/26 knots.
C/03 D: Wet Heater, 1488 lbs (675 kg), same size and payload.
Settings 2,020 yards (1,850 m)/31 knots or 4,050 yards (3,700 m)/26 knots.

Appearance

German TBs, inc. S-90 (right) in the colony of Tsingtao, China, in floating dock for maintance. The white hull and dark red paint are obvious there.
It was determined early on that the best color to blend in the usually dark, grey weather of the north sea, was an all-black livery. The entire upper hull, vertical like horizontal surfaced were all painted black. This was made easier by the absence of wooden decks. The bridge canvas surfaces were also painted black. The ships had a small identification number located at the prow, close to the stem. There were few exception that confirmed the rule, though, like the boats deployed on colonial outposts like S-90 sent to Tsingtao, which showed a white hull livery instead. This was less for show than for practical reasons as that color reflected light and thus heat on metal, believed useful in tropical waters. These ships were poorly ventilated indeed, having no portholes at least on the earlier series. The Late S-types and G-132 group were the first to have a few portholes, only in the forcastle, which made the installation easier by their flat sides.

⚙ specifications G-132 group
Displacement	412-414 tonnes standard, 544 tonnes full load
Dimensions	65.70 x 7 x 2.63m (215 ft 7 in x 23 ft x 8 ft 8 in)
Propulsion	2-shaft VTE, 3 marine boilers 6,783 ihp (5.058 MW)
Speed	28 kn (52 km/h; 32 mph)
Range	2,000 nmi (3,700 km; 2,300 mi) at 12 knots (22 km/h; 14 mph)
Armament S90	3× 5 cm SK L/40 guns, 3× 45 cm (17.7 in) TTs
Armament G132	4× 5.2 cm SK L/55, 3× 45 cm (17.7 in) TTs
Armament G135	1x 8.8 cm SK L/35, 2× 5.2 cm SK L/55, 3× 45 cm (17.7 in) TTs
Crew	2 officers, 67 enlisted

S-90 Group

They displaced 310/394t (S97 440t) for 63 meters oaor 62.7 waterline, 7m beam, 2.83 m draft DL (S97: 2.99m). They were powered by two shafts VTE fed by three Thornycroft boilers for 5,900 ihp and 27kts, they carried 93t coal for an range of 830 nm at 17 kts. Armed with three 50mm/37 SK L/40 C/92, three 450mm TT (2 reloads). The exception was S97 Sleipner which had a single 50mm/37 SK L/40 C/92. Crew was 57 for all. In 1914, T97 was rearmed with a 52mm/51 SK L/55 C/03, and a single 50mm/37 SK L/40 C/92 and T92 had two 88mm/27 SK L/30 C/89 instead. S90 was scuttled ad Tsingtao 17.10.1914 to avoid capture by Japanese. T100 was lost 15.10.1915 in the Baltic after collision with s/s Preussen. T94 was scuttled by putschists at Wilhelmshaven 13.3.1920, later salvaged and broken up.

Note, there are little info on all their careers. This will be the object of researches for future updates.

S90 was laid down as yard N°644 in Schichau, Elbing in 1898, launched on 26.7.1899 and commissioned in October 1899. In response to the Boxer Rebellion, the Kaiserliches Marine deployed three of its latest torpedo boats to East Asia. As of July 26, 1900, the hospital ship Gera (North German Lloyd) departed, escorted by S 90, S 91, and S 92 to Shanghai, arriving on October 6, 1900. They supported the Battleship Division and East Asian Cruiser Squadron along the coast and river estuaries.

After the situation abated, S 91 and S 92 were withdrawn and returned home on March 6, 1902, with the battlecruiser Kaiserin Augusta, but S 90, and the former captured Taku (also built by Schichau) remained as security vessels in Tsingtao colonial naval base. At some occasions, they went through the Yangtze River. In 1913, Taku was severely damaged after running aground in Kiautschou Bay leaving S 90 alone and largely worn out until replaced by three new torpedo boats in 1914.

In 1914 S 90 remained in base with the gunboat Iltis. She escorted ships leaving Tsingtao and supply vessels of the cruisers Emden, AMC Prinz Eitel Friedrich and Cormoran. By mid-August she monitored the exits of Tsingtao, capturing ships for inverstigation. On the 22nd, the DD HMS Kennet spotted her while escorting the minelayer Lauting. She sailed in interception and S 90 returned fire. She lured the destroyer into firing range for shore 10.5 cm guns which scored hits. KMS Jaguar also soon sailed up, and Kennet turned away, with 3 dead and 7 wounded and a 12-pdr gun destroyed.

However soon the colony was besieged by a jhoint Japanese-British force, a vivid demonstration of their links since the 1902 treaty. The torpedo boat attempted to break out during a night patrol on October 17, 1914 and managed to sink the Japanese cruiser Takachiho with a torpedo. She went down with 271 personal, and this became the worst loss of the IJN in the whole World war. The TBs could not make a successful escape due to a lack of fuel so Lieutenant Commander Paul Brunner choose instead to scuttle his boat near Tsingtao. Her soon went into Chinese internment with his crew until the end of the war.

S91(September 1914: T91) was laid down as yard hull N°645 in Schichau, Elbing in 1898, launched on 25 Sept. 1899 and commissoned in April 1900. No data. She was discarded in March 1921.

S92(T92 1914) was laid down as hull N°646 in Schichau in 1899, launched on 15.5.1900, commissioned in June 1900. Discarded in March 1921.

S93(T93) was laid down as hull n°647 in Schichau by 1899, launched on 24.3.1900 and commissioned un July 1900. Discarded March 1921.

S94(T94) was laid down as hull N°648 at Schichau in 1899, launched on 23.4.1900 and commissioned in July 1900. Her first commander was Lieutenant Commander Peter Roßkath (born 1872). From September 4, 1914, S 94(T94) was deployed to protect the German coast in the Jade and up to the Weser Harbor, part of that flotilla (Under Waldemar von Münch, Hinrich Hermann Hashagen, Kurt Tebbenjohanns). From 1915, T 94 became a tender. From May 1916 until the end of the war, she was part of the acceptance command for torpedo boats for the Inspectorate in Kiel. She survived the war under Commander Otto Zincke, to serve in the Reischmarine but was scuttled during the Kapp Putsch, in Wilhelmshaven on March 13, 1920. She was was salvaged and struck on October 26, 1920 and by May 13, 1921, sold for BU Wilhelmshaven.

S95(T95) was ordered as hull N°649 at Schichau in 1899, lauched on 20.2.1900 and commissioned in August 1900 under Lt.Cr. Hans Seebohm. From September 1914 as T 95 she was part of the Jade-Weser Harbor Flotilla under LtCdr. Günther Krech. From 1915 under LtCdr. Eberhard Wolff, she became a tender. From May 1916 until November 1918 she wa spart of the Torpedo Inspectorate in Kiel. She was struck on March 22, 1921, and on May 13, sold for BU in Kiel.

S96(T96) was laid down as hull N°670 at Schichau in 1899, launched on 31 Jan. 1900 and commissioned in September 1900 or August 27, depending on the sources. She was under command of Wilhelm Buße in 1906-1907. She was used as a tender under LtCdr. Erich Giese, and from mid-October 1914 until the end of the war, she was assigned to the High Seas Force. She was still there postwar and struck on March 22, 1921, sold for BU on May 26, 1921 in Düsseldorf.

S97 (Sleipner, and from sept. 1914 T97) was laid down as hull N°672 in Schichau by 1899, launched on 16.12.1899 and commissioned in May 1900. She was used as a dispatch vessel until September 1914, under the name of SMS Sleipnir, only torpedo boat to bear a name. She served alongside the Imperial Yacht SMY Hohenzollern until 1914, as a fast transportation vessel between escorting ship of the Yacht, until the war started. She was later renamed T97 after reconversion as a military vessel, an dwas used for coastal defense. Postwar she ended in the Reichsmarine until decommissioned in 1921, sold for scrap.

S98 (T98) was laid down as hull N°673 at Schichau in 1899, launched on 28.7.1900 and commissioned in November, 4, 1900. In 1903-1904 she was under command of Ernst von Gagern and later Oskar Heinecke. She was used as a tender under Friedrich Wilhelm Klein. From September 4, 1914, T98 patrolled the Jade. From mid-October 1914 under Oskar Steckelberg until the end of the war, she was assigned to the Hochseeflotte. From October 9, 1920, she was in Wilhelmshaven Naval Shipyard, decommissioned and struck from the fleet list.

S99(T99) was ordered as hull N°674 from Schichau and laid down in 1899, launched on 4.9.1900 and completed by December 13 1900. From 1901 she was under command of LtCdr. Bruno Heinemann, in 1904 of Bernd von dem Knesebeck, in 1906-07 Captain Johann Bernhard Mann, Walther Schwieger in 1912, and prior to 1914 Otto Neuerburg. She was part of the 2nd Submarine Half-Flotilla, 1st Submarine Flotilla in Hamburg. From September 4, she became T 99. She was commander in succession by Leopold Fritsch, Reinhart von Rabenau, Walter Mössinger, Balduin Kroenke and Arnold Bentlage from October 1918, as part of the 5th Half-Flotilla, 2nd Escort Flotilla. On March 22, 1921 she was struck from the list and sold for BU pn May 26, at Düsseldorf.

S100 (T100) was ordered as N°675 Schichau and laid down in 1899, launched in 13 November 1900 and commissioned on April, 18, 1901 under Wilhelm Adelung. She became a TS in 1915 under LtCdr. Emil Bradhering but suffered in collision on 15.10.1915. She was assigned to the 3rd Submarine Half-Flotilla, 1st Submarine Flotilla in Hamburg. From September 1914 as T 100 and from 1915, she became training vessel in the submarine flotilla but sank in the Baltic Sea on October 15, 1915, in a collision with the auxiliary minelayer Preußen while traveling at reduced speed under her CO Bradhering, and watch officer, Rudolf Koch and 37 men were lost in the sinking. Her wreck was scuttled in 1925/26. Remnants were still there for divers in 1994.

S101(T101) was ordred from Schichau, laid down on 1899, launched on 22.12.1900 and commissioned on April 30, 1901 under Lt.Cdr. Albert Stoelzel. She was a flotilla boat under Ernst Ewers within the 4th Submarine Half-Flotilla, 2nd Submarine Flotilla in Stettin. From September 4, 1914 she became T 101 and retained in the same unit under Ernst Freiherr von Wangenheim, Arno Haase until 1917, when she was assigned to an outpost torpedo boat flotilla. In 1918 under Otto Patzig she was reassigned to the the 19th Torpedo Boat Half-Flotilla and later LtCdr. Friedrich-Carl Neugebauer. S 101 survived the War and entered the navy Weimar Navy, and by March 22, 1921, she was decommissioned and stricken from the register. By May 13, 1921, she was sold for BU in Kiel.

S-102 Group

D 106 underway prewar.
S-102 and her sister ships displaced 315t light and 406t FL for an overall lenght of 63.2m oa and 63m at the waterline, 7 m in beam, 2.68 m deeply loaded. They had two shafts VTE fed by three Thornycroft boilers for 5,900 shp and 28 kts. She carried 92t of coal for a range of 1020 nm at 17 kts, and were armed with three 50mm/37 SK L/40 C/92, and three single 450mm TT (2 spare). Later some were modernized like T102-104 which had a 50mm/37 replaced by a 88mm/32 SK L/35 C/01 or a 88mm/27 SK L/30 C/89 or a 88mm/27 TK L/30 C/09 depending on the stocks. Crew remained at 57.

S102(T102) was ordered as hull n°679 from Schichau, Elbing in 1900, launched on 18 April 1901 and commissioned on July 1901 and she was discarded in March 1921.

S103(T103) was ordered as hull n°680 from Schichau in 1900, launched on 15.5.1901 and commissioned on 9.1901. She was discarded in March 1921.

S104(T104) was ordered as hull n°681 from Schichau in 1900, launched on 22.6.1901 and commissioned on October 1901. Discarded 3.1921.

S105(T105) was ordered as hull n°682 from Schichau in 1900, launched on 7.8.1901 and commissioned on 11.1901. Discarded 3.1921.

S106(T106) was ordered as hull n°683 from Schichau in 1900, launched on 7.9.1901 and commissioned on 12.1901. Discarded 3.1921.

S107(T107) was ordered as hull n°684 from Schichau in 1900, launched on 17.10.1901, commissioned on 1.1902 and discarded on 3.1921.

G-108 Group

The G-108 were the first boats made by Germaniawerft. They diplaced 330/440t, for 65.8m overall in lenght and 65.5m at the waterline, 6.70m beam and 2.87 draft deep load. They had like the others two shafts VTE fed by three Marine boilers for 6,600 shp and 28 kts, range 1225 nm at 17 kts based on 112t coal. Same armament (three 50mm, three TTs) and crew 57. Gradually from 1914 they had one 50 mm replaced by a 88mm/42 TK L/45 C/14 or even the whole battery by two 88mm/27 SK L/30 C/89 and some had a 88mm/32 SK L/35 C/01.

G108(T108) was laid down as hull N°91, ordered from Germaniawerft in Kiel and laid down on 1900 (as all the others, date unknown). She was launched on 7.9.1901 and commissioned on 3.1902. She later became a TS, discarded 3.1921.

G109(T109) was laid down as hull N°92, ordered from Germaniawerft, launched on 9.11.1901, commissioned on 6.1902 discarded 3.1921.

G110(T110) was laid down as hull N°93, ordered from Germaniawerft, laid down in 1901, launched on 9.9.1902 and commissioned on 1.1903. She was discarded in March 1921.

G111(T111) was laid down as hull N°94, ordered from Germaniawerft, laid down in 1901, launched on 2.4.1902 and commissioned on 7.1902. TS till 1916, discarded 3.1920.

G112(T112) was laid down as hull N°95, ordered from Germaniawerft, laid down in 1901, launched on 19.6.1902 and commissioned on 9.1902. Discarded 3.1920.

G113(T114) was laid down as hull N°96, ordered from Germaniawerft, laid down in 1901, launched on 9.8.1902 and commissioned on 10.1902. Discarded 3.1921.

S-114 Group

The S-114 class was a follow-up of the S-102 group, displacing 315/415t for 63.2m overall and 63m at the waterline, 7 m beam and 2.69 deep load draught. Same powerplant (Thornycroft boilers) but for 5,900 hp and 27 kts. They carried 102t coal for 980 nm at 17 kts, so the worst steamers in class. In 1913, all were reboilered with 3 Marine boilers. Armament and crew as above, and its possible that some were upgraded with various brands of the 88 mm gun.

S114(T114) was ordered as N°700 at Schichau, Elbing and laid down in 1902 (date unknown) but she was launched on August 9, 1902, commissioned on October 25, 1902. He rlast prewar captain was LtCdr. Kurt Freiherr von Ziegesar. She was deployed in coastal defense from 1915 under LtCdr. Bernhard Goldschmidt. In May 1916 under Walter Frind, she was assigned to the Elbe Harbor Flotilla. From September 27, 1916 she was redesignated T 114 and became a patroller for and escort flotillas. In 1918 under Wilhelm Meyer and later Lieutenant Commander (Reserve) Johannes Bauernfeind she was par tof the 8th Half-Flotilla of the 2nd Escort Flotilla. She was in exception in her class (all the others were sunk in the same battle) and survived the First World War. On November 9, 1920, she was decommissioned and struck from the fleet register and sold for BU by June 7, 1921 in Kiel.

S115 was ordered as N°701 at Schichau, laid down on 1902, launched on 10.9.1902, and commissioned on 2.1903. Sunk 17.10.1914, by the British cruiser Undaunted and 4 destroyers in the North Sea.

S116 was ordered as N°702 at Schichau, laid down on 1902, launched on 14.10.1902, and commissioned on 3.1903. Sunk on 6 October 1914 by the British submarine E9 in the North Sea.

S117 was ordered as N°703 at Schichau, laid down on 1902, launched on 4.2.1903, and commissioned on 5.1903. Sunk 17.10.1914, by the British cruiser Undaunted and 4 destroyers in the North Sea.

S118 was ordered as N°704 at Schichau, laid down on 1902, launched on 21.3.1903, and commissioned on 7.1903. Sunk 17.10.1914, by the British cruiser Undaunted and 4 destroyers in the North Sea.

S119 was ordered as N°705 at Schichau, laid down on 1902, launched on 8.7.1903, and commissioned on 9.1903. Sunk 17.10.1914, by the British cruiser Undaunted and 4 destroyers in the North Sea.

S-120 Group

This 4th Schichau group displaced 391/468t for 64.7m overall and 64.2m at the waterline, 7m in beam, 2.63m deep load, two shafts, three Marine boilers (S124 had instead three Normand boilers for tests)
for a total of 6,400 hp and a top speed of 27.5 kts, 1500 nm at 17 kts for 115t of coal. Same armmaent but a crew of 61 and they were modernized in 1913-14 or afterwards, loosing one 50 mm gun for either a 88mm/27 SK L/30 C/89, a 88mm/27 TK L/30 C/08 or a 88mm/32 SK L/35 C/01 or a 88mm/42 TK L/45 C/14.

S120(T120) was ordered as hull N°718 at Schichau, Elbing and laid down in 1903, launched on 10 Feb. 1904 and commissioned on May, 7 1904. Along with its sister ships S 121, S 122, S 123, and S 124, ordered in 1903, S 122 she belonged to the 4th series of such TBs. After commissioning, S 120 saw service in coastal defense.

In 1912 she was under command of Bernhard Wülfing and in 1915 Theodor Marcard (1915-17). From May 1916, the boat was assigned to the Elbe Harbor Flotilla. On September 27, 1916, she was renamed T 120 and was transferred to the 7th Torpedo Boat Half-Flotilla. In July 1917 (under Georg Nerdas), she was transferred to the Ems Outpost Flotilla. She was under command of Johann Hirtz Postwar, Kurt Wallmuth, Richard Schreiber, Julius Wilm and Fritz Boie. She entered Reichsmarine (German Navy) service postwar and was decommissioned on March 22, 1921. She was sold for 210,000 marks on May 28, 1921 and BU Wilhelmshaven.

S121(T121) was ordered as hull N°719 at Schichau in 1903, launched on 3 March 1904 and commissioned on 17 June 1904. After commissioning, she became a patrol and training vessel under command of Kapitänleutnant Rudolf Faulborn and Oberleutnant zur See Hans Stohwasser. In 1914 she was under commad of Hans Hufnagel and Hans Trenk until April 1915, then Siegfried Kluge until August 1916 and by May 1916, she was assigned to the training half-flotilla. On September 27, 1916 under command of Hermann Bucher she was renamed T 121, and was transferred to the 7th Torpedo Boat Half-Flotilla.

In July 1917, under command of LtCdr. Walter Wiebe she transferred to the patrol flotilla of the Ems. At the end of the First World War in 1918, T 121 was assigned to the tender division of the submarine school and ended the war under command of Leutnant zur See der Reserve Otto Fritz. Postwar, she was transferred to the Reichsmarine, assigned to the 4th Baltic Minesweeping Half-Flotilla, under Kapitänleutnant Karl Neumann and Kapitänleutnant Walter Wiebe. By March 22, 1920, she was decommissioned, later sold, and scrapped in Kiel in 1921.

S122(T122) was ordered as hull N°720 at Schichau, laid down on 1903, launched on 23.4.1904 and commissioned in August 1904. She was sunk on 5 October 1918.

S123(T123) was ordered as hull N°721 at Schichau, laid down on 1903 launched on 25.6.1904, commissioned on 8.1904. She was sunk on 1 May 1916.

S124(T124) was ordered as hull N°722 at Schichau, laid down on 1903 launched on 3.8.1904, commissioned on 10.1904. She was lost by collision on 30 November 1914.

S125(T125) was ordered as hull N°723 at Schichau, laid down on 1903 launched on 19.5.1904 and commissioned on April 1905

S-126 Group

S 126

Displacement 371/482t, 64.7 x 7 x 2.76m. 2 VTE, 3 Marine boilers 6400 ihp, 28 kts. 117t coal 1080 nm/17 kts. Crew 61. Armament 3x 50mm/37 SK L/40 C/92, 3x 450mm TT (5). Upgrades: S126-128, 131: One 88mm/27 SK L/30 C/89, one 88/27 TK L/30 C/08 or one 88mm/32 SK L/35 C/01 one 88mm/42 TK L/45 C/14. T130 in WWI had three 3x 50mm/37 two 88mm/42 TK L/45 C/14.

S126(T126) was ordered as hull N°737 from Schichau, Elbing in 1904, launched on 26.11.1904 and commissioned on 4.1905. She was discarded in March 1920.

S127(T127) was ordered as hull N°738 fromSchichau in 1904, launched on 12.1.1905, commissioned on 6.1905 and discarded on March 1921.

S128(T128) was ordered as hull N°739 from Schichau in 1904, launched on 25.2.1905, commissioned on 7.1905. She was discarded in March 1920.

S129(T129) was ordered as hull N°740 from Schichau in 1904, launched on 4.3.1905, commissioned on 8.1905. She was wrecked on 5 November 1915.

S130(T120) was ordered as hull N°741 from Schichau in 1904, launched on 27.4.1905, commissioned on 9.1905. She was discarded in March 1921.

S131(T120) was ordered as hull N°742 from Schichau in 1904, launched on 25.5.1905, commissioned on 10.1905. She was discarded in March 1921.

G-132 Group

Displacement: 412/544t 65.7 x 7 x 2.87m, 2 VTE, 3 Marine boilers 7000 ihp 28 kts 132t coal 2000 nm/12 kts.
Armament G132-134, 136: 4x 50mm/37 SK L/40 C/92, 3x 450mm TT. G135 88mm/32 SK L/35 C/01, 2x 52mm/52 SK L/55 C/03. Updates G132-134: 1x 88/32 SK L/35 C/01, 2x 52mm/52. G136: 2x 88mm/42 TK L/45 C/14. Crew: 69.

G132(T132) was ordered as hull N°114 from Germaniawerft, Kiel in 1905, launched on 12.5.1906 and commissioned on 8.1906. discarded 3.1921.

G133(T133) was ordered as hull N°115 from Germaniawerft, Kiel in 1905, launched on 30.6.1906 and commissioned on 12.1906. discarded 3.1921.

G134(T134) was ordered as hull N°116 from Germaniawerft, Kiel in 1905, launched on 23.7.1906 and commissioned on 3.1907. discarded 11.1920.

G135(T135) was ordered as hull N°117 from Germaniawerft, Kiel in 1905, launched on 7.9.1906 and commissioned on 1.1907. discarded 5.1921.

G136(T136) was ordered as hull N°118 from Germaniawerft, Kiel in 1905, launched on 25.8.1906 and commissioned on 3.1907. discarded 7.1921.

G137(T137) was ordered as hull N°119 and laid down at Germaniawerft, Kiel in 1905, launched 24.1.1907 , comp. 7.1907. She was different from the others and very much her own class.
G137 displaced 580/693t, dimensions 71.5x 7.65 x 3.22m. 3x Parsons turbines, 4 Marine boilers: 10,800 ihp 30 kts, 168t coal. Crew 81.
Armamment: 88mm/32 SK L/35 C/01, 3x 52mm/52 SK L/55 C/03, 3x 450mm TT (5). Experimental Parsons turbine set (HP, LP, cruising, 2x reverse turbines). Adapted dimensions. Cons. 2t/hour, 40t less than S138-149. Discarded March 1921.

Read More/Src

Books

Albert Stoelzel: Ehrenrangliste der Kaiserlich Deutschen Marine, 1914-1918. Marine Offizier Verband, 1930
Erich Gröner: German Warships: 1815–1945. Naval Institute Press, Annapolis 1990
Robert Gardiner: Conway’s All the World’’s Fighting Ships: 1860–1905. Conway Maritime Press, London 1979
Robert Gardiner, Randal Gray: Conway’s All the World’s Fighting Ships: 1906–1921. NIP

Links

navypedia.org S90 class
navypedia.org German TBs and DDs
navweaps.com ww1 german arty
navweaps.com 5cm/40 SK C93
dreadnoughtproject.org/
de.wikipedia.org
en.wikipedia.org
commons.wikimedia.org

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