Kyler’s Kaiserliche Marine Blog
Post #1: Anatomy of a Shell Strike
The Battlecruiser Seydlitz would receive an astonishing amount of damage during the Skagerrak Battle. During the fight, it would be hit by at least 23 shells and a torpedo. At its worst, the battlecruiser would ship a calculated 5,308 tonnes of water. Only for the valiant effort of her crew was the ship able to survive the battle and journey back to port.
The main photo shows a 12inch shell strike (#17 on the map) believed to have come from the Indefatigable class battlecruiser HMS New Zealand. It was one of two shells that struck & penetrated the ship at 21:30 hours at range between 7 to 8 kilometers. The last damage the ship would receive. This strike would hit frame 58. The whole measured from 0.4 meters by 0.6 meters. Parts of the adjoining plate were also damaged and broke off. Due to the damage, Compartment V filled with water but the coal was still serviceable. It is interesting to note the spalling around the penetration.
Sources:
Shell Hit – Personal Collection
Seydlitz Hits Map & Information – “German Battlecruisers of World War One” By Gary Staff