WWI German Seaplane Carriers

[sheldon]

Can anyone recommend any books with information about WWI German Seaplane Carriers. I am particularly looking for information about the commerce raider "Wolf" and what her aircraft compliment was and I am also looking for picture of the following.

SMS Answald
SMS Glyndwr
SMS Santa Elena

Any help would be appreciated.

Sheldon

[Grosser Kreuzer]

Sheldon,

Re: "Wolf"

I seem to recall an English language book on this ship being published recently but it may have been about "Möwe." Anyway, try "Googling" "The Raider "Wolf" or "Pen and Sword Books: see what you get. I think that it will still be in print.

However, from Volume 3 of Gröner's "Die deutschen Kriegsschiffe 1815-1945" (as revised/enlarged by Dieter Jung and Martin Maass): pages156-157.
This ship was the "ex-Belgravia." One aircraft was carried on the raiding operation, a Friedrichshafen FF 33E. It was named "Wolfchen:" translates as meaning "wolf cub" or "little wolf."

Re: The other 3 ships you enquired about.

Again see "Gröner" but Volume 7, pages 150-151. This has some small-scale drawings. It appears though that you may have missed one ship out: "Oswald," which was the ex-British "Oswestry." "Answald," "Santa Elena" and "Oswald" were given "pennant numbers" viz FS 1 to 3 (inclusive). "Glyndwr" appears not have been given one (minor detail!).

Although you did not ask, I have presumed that you might, "Gröner" gives the intend aircraft carrying carrying capacities of the 4 ships viz: "Answald" had 2 until 1915 then 4. "Santa Elena" had 3 until 1915 then 4. "Oswald" and "Glyndwr" always had 4 each.

These Volumes of "Gröner" are German language and are part of an 8 Volume work, which is as good as you are likely to get though it is not infallible.

Hope this helps. If you have more queries on the matter may I suggest a Personal Message?

GK

[sheldon]

Many Thanks GK.
I shall look for the English language version but I'm afraid my German is not sufficient to read the German language books you mention.
at least you've given me something to work on.
Once again.... Many Thanks.

Sheldon

[KizmeRD]

Can anyone recommend any books with information about WWI German Seaplane Carriers. I am particularly looking for information about the commerce raider "Wolf" and what her aircraft compliment was

Hello Sheldon,
Try taking a look at 'The amazing cruise of the German raider Wolf' (1918) by Capt. A. Donaldson, available to download off the Internet Archive website. It contains plenty of information on 'Wolfchen', including photos.
mb

[Grosser Kreuzer]

Sheldon,

Glad to be of use!

Some after thoughts:

1. The recently published book I mentioned is titled "The Wolf." There are two authors but I did not record them fully: my apologies, however, "Guilliard" and "Mahnen" ring a bell. Google those: that book is in English bye the bye.

2. The volumes of "Gröner" that I quoted are unlikely to be translated. I won't bore you with an explanation. However, I have enough exposure to German to be able to "tease out" what is in the books if you let me know what it is that you want. Otherwise, I recommend you try to obtain the books through inter-library loan. At least you can copy the drawings.

KizmeRD's Reference may be better than the one by G and M above though and I thank him for his information. I was not aware of it.

GK

[Vegaskip]

Hi Sheldon, all three are featured in 'Before the Aircraft Carrier the development of Aviation vessels1849-1922', I have it here , if you wish, PM me your email and I'll scan and send you the relevent pages. 10 pages in all, German vessels to do with aviation.
Regards Jim

[sheldon]

Very Kind of you Jim. E mail on way

Sheldon

[Vegaskip]

Not a problem, they are on their way
Jim

[sheldon]

Received with thanks Jim

sheldon

[Vegaskip]

It's a good book, and worth getting, if you are interested in early marine aviation. Jim