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Ship Name Histories - K


World Naval Ships Ship Name Histories K

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Ship Name Histories - Database of histories of ship names beginning with letter K.

Kabyle

Name Origin: Name of the tribe of Berbers inhabiting the hilly country of Algeria.  The Kabyles were finally subjugated by the French in 1857 after years of fighting.

The first Kabyle was an Agile Class Torpedo Boat launched in November 1891.  The ship was sold in 1911.

The second Kabyle was an Arabe Class Destroyer, launched 1917 and stricken 1936.

The third Kabyle was an Ex-US Canon Class Destroyer, acquired in 1950, and stricken in 1959.

Kagero

Name Origin: Gossamer.

The first Kagero was a Murakumo Class Destroyer, launched in 1899.  The ship was scraped in 1923.

The second Kagero was a Kagero Class Destroyer, launched 27th September 1938.This ship was sunk by aircraft on 8th May 1943.

Kaiman

Name Origin: Alligator.

The first Kaiman was a Kaiman Class Torpedo Boat, launched 2nd June 1905 and became TB50E in the Royal Navy in April 1910.

Kaiser

Name Origin:   Emperor.

The first Kaiser was an Erzherzog Ferdinand Max Class Battleship, launched 1871, which became the accommodation ship Bellona in 1902.

Kaiseradler

Name Origin: Imperial Eagle, the arms of the Empire.

The first Kaiseradler (Seeadler) was a Bussard Class Light Cruiser. Built at Danzig Dockyard, laid down in 1890, launched 2nd February 1892 and completed on 17th august 1892. In 1914 she was hulked at Jade Germany but she sank after an internal explosion on the 19th April 1917  while she was being used as a storage for Mines.

Kaiser Barbarossa

Name Origin: Emperor Redbeard, the nickname of Frederick I, Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire.  Born in 1123, he succeeded his father, Konrad III of Hohenstaufen, on the German throne in 1152, and died in 1190.  He distinguished himself by his firm and wise rule at home, and by six brilliant campaigns, waged with varying success, against the cities of Northern Italy and the Pope.  In 1155 he was crowned at Rome as Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire.  He met his death by drowning, while attempting to ford a river in Asia Minor during the course of the third Crusade, the same in which the English Richard Coeur-de-Lion took part.

The first Kaiser Barbarossa was a Kaiser Class Battleship, launched 21st April 1900.  The ship was stricken on the 6th December 1919 and scrapped.

Kaiser Franz Josef

Name Origin:  Emperor Francis Joseph I, the Emperor of Austria and King of Hungary.  Born August 18th 1930, he succeeded his uncle, Emperor Ferdinand I upon his abdication in consequence of the revolution of 1848, on December 2nd of that year.

The first Kaiser Franz Josef was a Kaiser Franz Josef I Class Cruiser, launched 18th May 1889.  The ship was given to the French after World War One but foundered and sank in October 1919.

Kaiser Friedrich III

Name Origin: Emperor Frederick III.  King Frederick III of Prussia, German Emperor; born 1831, died 1888.  Only son of King William I of Prussia, he married the Princess Royal of Great Britain and Ireland in 1858.  He took part in the Schleswig-Holstein War in 1864.  In the Austro-Prussian War of 1866 he commanded the second army, and assisted materially in gaining the decisive victory of Konniggratz, July 3rd.  In the Franco-German War of 1870-1871 he commanded the third army, winning the battles of Weissenburg, August 4th, and Worth, August 6th, 1870; contributed to the crowning victory of Sedan, September 1st 1870; and carried out the investment of Paris.  He succeeded his father as German Emperor on March 9th 1888, but died on June 6th of the same year.  

The first Kaiser Friedrich III was a Kaiser Class Battleship, built at Wilhelmshaven and launched 31st July 1896, completed and commissioned 7th October 1898. After 1910 became part of the 3rd squadron of the High seas fleet along with all her sister ships In 1916 became a barrack Ship for prisoners at Keil. and in moving in 1917 to Flensburg, and again to Swinemunde. Stricken on the 6th December 1919.   Broken up 1920 at Keil-Nordmol. Kaiser Freidrich III, Bow ornament is in the army museum at Dresden.

Kaiser Karl der Grosse

Name Origin: Emperor Charles the Great, known as Charlemagne, born 742, crowned at Rome on Christmas Day 800 as the first Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, died 814.  He was the founder of a great Frank Empire, which fell to pieces after his death.  It had included France, Western and Southern Germany, Italy and the North of Spain.  Alike distinguished as a conqueror, legislator, and administrator, he became, after his death, the centre of a whole cycle of romances.

The first Kaiser Karl der Grosse was a Kaiser Class Battleship, launched 18th October 1899, stricken 6th December 1919 and subsequebtly broken up.

Kaiser Karl VI

Name Origin: Emperor Charles VI (born 1685, died 1740), second son of the Emperor Leopold I.  At the death of Charles II of Spain, in 1700, without heirs male, Charles laid claim to the succession.  He was supported by Austria, England, and the Netherlands against Louis XIV of France, who claimed the crown for his grandson Philip.  The war that ensued (1701 - 1714) is known as the war of the Spanish Succession.  On the death of his brother, the Emperor Joseph I, in 1711, Charles succeeded him as such, and at the peace of Rastatt renounced all further pretensions to the throne of Spain.  He made successful war against the Turks, and, having no sons, he assured the succession to his daughter Maria Theresa to the thrones of Austria, Hungary, and Bohemia by the law known as the 'Pragmatic Sanction'.

The first Kaiser Karl VI was an Armoured Cruiser, launched 4th October 1898.  It was given to Britain in 1920 and subsequently sold to Italy and broken up in the 1920s.

Kaiser Wilhelm der Grosse

Name Origin: Emperor William the Great.  William I, King of Prussia, the first German Emperor; born 1797, died 1888.  As a youth he took part in the campaigns against Napoleon , 1813 - 1815, entering Paris with the allied troops in 1814, and again in 1815.  During the insurrection of 1848 in Prussia he was temporarily obliged to take refuge in England.  He became Regent for his brother, Frederick William IV, in 1858, and succeeded him on the throne three years later.  In 1864 the Schleswig-Holstein question becoming acute, Prussia and Austria made war upon Denmark.  In 1866 the German Civil War between Prussia and some of the minor states on one side, and the remaining states, headed by Austria, on the other side, was fought, the King commanding his troops in person.  As a consequence of this victorious campaign Prussia became the predominant state in Germany.  In 1870 the aged King took the field at the head of the allied German forces against Napoleon III.  He entered Paris victoriously for the third time in his life in 1871, after having been proclaimed German Emperor at Versailles on January 18th of that year.

The first Kaiser Wilhelm der Grosse was a Kaiser Class Battleship, built at Germaniawerft and launched 18th October 1899 and completed 4th February 1902. Served with the fleet until 1916 when she became a harbour ship at Keil, and then in 1917 became a torpedo target ship. Stricken on the 6th December 1919 and scrapped and broken up 1920 at Kiel-Nordmole.

Kaiser Wilhelm II

Name Origin: Emperor William II, born 1859, succeeded his father, the Emperor Frederick, in 1888.

The first Kaiser Wilhelm II was a Kaiser Class Battleship, built at Wilhelmshaven, launched 14th September 1897, and completed 7th October 1898.  Commissioned into the fleet as Flagship on the 4th February 1902 until 1906. After 1910 became part of the 3rd squadron of the High seas fleet along with all her sister ships. In 1916 became a barrack ship for Prisoners at Wilhelmshaven, being stricken on the 6th December 1919 and scrapped 1921 at Ronnebeck.

Kaiserin Augusta

Name Origin: Empress Augusta, born 1811, died 1890, consort of William I, German Emperor.  She was a princess of Saxe-Weimar.

The first Kaiserin Augusta was a Protected Cruiser, launched 15th January 1892, and stricken on 1st October 1919.

Kaiserin Elisabeth 

Name Origin: Empress Elizabeth, consort of the Emperor Francis Joseph I; born 1837, daughter of the Duke Maximilian of Bavaria, assassinated in 1898.

The first Kaiserin Elisabeth was a Kaiser Franz Josef I Class Cruiser, launched 25th September 1890.  Took part in action at Tsingtao, scuttled 2nd November 1914.

Kaiserin und Konigin Maria Theresia

Naem Origin: Empress and Queen Maria Theresa; born 1717, died 1780.  She was the daughter of the German Emperor Charles VI, the last sovereign of the male line of the House of Halsburg, and succeeded him in Austria, Hungary and Bohemia according to the 'Pragmatic Sanction' in 1740.  In 1736 she married Francis, Duke of Lorraine, who in 1745 was elected German Emperor.  Her right of succession being contested by the Elector of Bavaria and Frederick the Great of Prussia, her reign was troubled by repeated wars with these and other sovereigns, the chief of which was the Seven Years War, 1756 - 1763.  Though losing Silesia to Prussia, she wrested the Bukowina from Turkey, and by the partition of Poland in 1772 added Galicia to her realms.  A wise and able ruler, she abolished serfdom and judicial torture.  Her son, Joseph II, succeeded his father as German Emperor in 1764.  The unfortunate Queen Marie Antoinette of France was one of her sixteen children, as also the notorious Queen Caroline of Naples.

The first Kaiserin und Konigin Maria Theresia was an Armoured Cruiser launched 29th April 1893.  She was given to Britain in 1920, and subsequently sold to Italy and scrapped in the 1920s.

Kale

Name Origin : A small Scottish river, more generally known as the Kale Water, in Roxburghshire, a tributary of the Teviot.

The first Kale was a River Class Destroyer, launched 8th November 1904 and sunk 1918.   

The second Kale was a River Class Frigate, launched 24th June 1942 and broken up in 1957.

Kamerun

Name Origin: German colony in South West Africa.  In 1884 Dr Nachtigal annexed the territory for the German Empire.

Unknown ship, but at least one was previously known as Nachtigal.

Kamikaze

Name Origin: The divine breeze.  The reference here is to the gale that sprang up in the nick of time and dispersed the armada of Kublai Khan, when that notable conqueror essayed the invasion of Japan and the subjugation of her people in 1281. Kublai Khan had at this time established himself on the ruins of the Sung dynasty that he had overthrown in China, and reigned there in great splendour.  To subdue and annex Japan doubtless seemed an easy matter.  He first despatched an Ambassador to demand its submission, but the embassy was indignantly dismissed.  Next, the 'Scourge of the world' sent an invading force in a numerous fleet of Korean and Chinese vessels to take possession of Tsushima, the island lying midway between Korea and Japan so famed in modern history.  In the expectation that this achievement would have disheartened the people of the Island Empire, the Mongol ruler sent a new embassy to demand Japan's surrender, and it was received at the ancient Shogunal palace of Kamakura by the then Regent, a member of the Hojo family.  By way of emphasising his refusal, the Regent caused the ambassadors from China to be put to death on the foreshore at Tatsu-no Kuchi, a spot which is still pointed out to the curious, not far from the much frequented seaside resort of Enoshima.  The Grand Kban of Tartary thereupon fitted out an armada of 300 sail, having on board about 100,000 warriors, and invaded Japan, the formidable force landing on the shores of Kiushiu, probably in the vicinity of the port of Karatsu, whence great quantities of coal are in these days shipped to foreign lands.  The Mongol army was met by the Japanese, under Hojo Tokimune, and signally defeated.  Simultaneously a typhoon arose and scattered the Mongol fleet.  This was the 'divine wind' of which the name Kami-kaze, is commemorative.  When the report of Kublai Khan's armada being on its way reached the Emperor Kameyama, who then occupied the throne of Japan at Kioto, he made a pilgrimage to the sacred shrine of Ise, and there besought the Shinto deities to intervene on behalf of the nation's defenders, vowing to dedicate the rest of his life to the service of the gods should they deign to lend their aid to his forces in this great national emergency.  The typhoon which destroyed the Mongol armada is always accepted in Japan as direct evidence of the intervention of the supernatural powers in the country's behalf, and at least it may be said that the elements fought with Japan in this the only attempt ever made to invade the Island Empire.

The first Kamikaze was an Arare Class Destroyer, launched 15th July 1905.  The ship was converted to a minesweeper in 1923 and broken up in 1928.

The second Kamikaze was a Kamikaze Class Destroyer, launched 25th September 1922.  This ship was surrendered August 1945,  wrecked 7th June 1946 and broken up 1947.

Kamome

Name Origin:  Seagull.

The first Kamome was an Aotaka Class Torpedo Boat, launched between 1903 and 1905.

The second Kamome was a Kamome Class Minelayer, launched in 1929.  Refitted as an escort in 1943 and sunk by US Submarine Halibut, 27th April 1944.

The third Kamome was a Kamome Class Fast Patrol Vessel, launched 3rd September 1956 and scrapped in 1977.

Kanaris

Name Origin:  Constantine Kanaris, born 1790, died 1877, one of the heroes of the War of Independence.  As Captain of a small Greek merchant vessel he volunteered to lead the fireships against the Turkish fleet.  In the night of August 18th 1822, he thus blew up the Turkish flagship in the harbour of Chios, and another at Tenedos on November 22nd.  On August 17th 1824, he similarly destroyed a Turkish frigate and many transports at Samos, but failed in another attempt of the kind at Alexandria the following year.  In 1826 he received the command of the frigate Hellas, and two years later that of a small squadron.  Between 1844 and 1855 he was repeatedly Minister of Marine, and in 1862 Prime Minister.  He was a member of the Provisional Government after the expulsion of King Otho, and was twice Minister of Marine under King George.  He died whilst at the head of a coalition ministry.

The first Kanaris was a Torpedo Depot Ship,  launched 1877, still in service in 1914.

The second Kanaris was an ex-British Escort Destroyer acquired in 1942.  Ex - HMS Hatherleigh.  The ship was returned after 1953..

The third Kanaris was an Ex - US Gearing Class Destroyer, ex - USS Stickell, acquired 1st July 1972, and stricken in 1994.

The fourth Kanaris is an Ex - Dutch Kortenaer Class Frigate, acquired in 2001.  Ex - Jan Van Brakel.

Kangaroo

The 6th Kangaroo was a Destroyer launched 8th September 1900 and broken up in 1920.

HMAS Kangaroo BDV

HMAS Kangaroo BDV was a vessel of 730 tons launched 4th May 1940.

Karasaki

Name Origin: The northern promontory of the island of Tsushima.  

The first Karasaki was the former Russian ship Ekatorinaslaff, captured in the Korean Strait in 1904.

Karen 

Name Origin: One of the tribes inhabiting Burma.

Unknown ship

Kari

Name Origin:  The Wild Goose.  It was firmly believed in Japan that the wild goose, in its regular visits, coming in autumn and leaving in spring, carried communications to and from the world beyond.

The first Kari was an Aotaka Class Torpedo Boat, launched between 1903 and 1905.

The second Kari was an Otori Class Torpedo Boat, launched 20th January 1937 and sunk by US submarine Baya, 16th July 1945.

The third Kari was a Kamome Class Fast Patrol Vessel, launched 26th September 1956 and scrapped in 1977.

Kasado

Name Origin:  A small island in the Inland Sea.

The first Kasado was formerly the Russian ship Kazan, scuttled at Port Arthur in 1904 and subsequently raised.

The second Kasado was an Etorofu Class Escort, launched between 1942 and 1943, and scrapped in 1948.

The third Kasado was a Kasado Class minesweeper / minehunter, launched 19th March 1958.  Became an auxiliary in 1982 and was deleted before 1990.

Kasagi

Name Origin:  A famous mountain in the province of Yamato.  In 1320 the Emperor Go-Daigo, the ninety-seventh of the Imperial line, being exasperated by the arrogance and intolerance of the then Regent Hojo, induced the Buddhist monks to join him in fortifying this mountain, in the neighbourhood of which he built a palace for his own residence apart from that at the capital.  But the forces which the Regent was able to bring against Kasagi were too strong for the Emperor to succeed at the time, though he did so at a later date.  Kasagi was attacked and destroyed, and the Emperor was for several years a prisoner in the hands of the Hojo.

The first Kasagi was a Chitose Class Cruiser, launched 20th January 1898.  This ship was lost on 13th August 1916.

The second Kasagi was an Unryu Class Aircraft Carrier which was launched 19th October 1944, but was never completed and was broken up in 1947.

Kasasagi

Name Origin:  The Magpie.

The first Kasasagi was a Hayabusa Class Torpedo Boat, launched between 1898 and 1901.

The second Kasasagi was an Otori Class Torpedo Boat, launched 28th October 1935.  This ship was sunk by US submarine Bluefish, 26th September 1943.

The third Kasasgi was a Mizutori Class Corvette, launched 31st May 1960.  

Kashima

Name Origin:  Literally 'Deer Island'.  It is the name of a celebrated Shinto temple in the province of Hitachi, dedicated to a renowned warrior of the olden time.  This Shinto shrine has existed from the time of the First Emperor Jimmu, and it was by him dedicated to a hero whose prowess as a general of the Yamato invading army in subduing the Aimu aborigines long prior to the advent in Japan of Jimmu Tenno himself, is to this day a theme of admiration for all who revere the old traditions of the Island Empire.

The first Kashima was a Kashima Class Battleship, launched 22nd March 1905, and scrapped in 1924.

The second Kashima was a Katori Class Cruiser, launched 25th September 1939, and scrapped in 1947.

Kasumi

Name Origin:  Haze.

The first Kasumi was an Akatsuki Class Destroyer, launched 23rd January 1902.  This ship was stricken in 1913 and used as a target until being scrapped in 1920.

Kasuga

Name Origin:  Literally 'A day in spring'.  The ninth Emperor Kaikwa, who reigned 157-98 BC, built his palace in Yamato province - in which region Kasuga stands - in the year of his accession to the throne.  According to popular belief the spirit of the ancient warrior, to whom posthumous honours were rendered when the shrine in its existing form was erected in AD767, has for over thirty centuries had its abode in Kasuga.

The first Kasuga was a Kasuga Class Cruiser, launched 22nd October 1902.  The ship was hulked in 1942, sunk 18th July 1945, and finally scrapped in 1948.  

Katori

Name Origin:  A celebrated Shinto shrine in the province of Shimosa, dedicated to the memory of a famous warrior who flourished prior to the coming of Jimmu Tenno.

The first Katori was a Kashima Class Battleship, launched 20th May 1906.  This ship was scrapped in 1925.

The second Katori was a Katori Class Cruiser, launched 17th June 1939.  Sunk on the 17th February 1944 by US aircraft and destroyers.

The third Katori wasa Training ship, launched 19th November 1968.  This ship was replaced in 1995.

Katsuragi

Name Origin:  A mount in the province of Yamato, 3370 feet high, on which the second Emperor Suizei (581 - 549 BC) built and occupied a palace.

The second Katsuragi was an Unryu Class Aircraft Carrier, launched 19th January 1944, and broken up after the war in 1947.

The third Katsuragi is an Akagi Class Patrol Vessel, commissioned 24th March 1988.

Kennet

Name Origin: An English River, rising not far from Swindon.  It flows past Marlborough and joins the Thames at Reading.

The first Kennet was a River Class Destroyer launched 4th December 1903, broken up in 1919.

Another Kennet was a trawler hired as a boom gate vessel in 1915 until 1919.

And another Kennet was hired as a boom tender in 1940.  It was renamed Crevice in the same year and was deleted from the navy list in 1941.

Kent

Name Origin : A maritime county in the South East of England, very rich in historical associations.  Four of the Cinque ports belong to this county; Dover, Romney, Sandwich and Hythe.  Chatham, an important Naval base, and Canterbury lie in Kent.

The seventh Kent was a Monmouth Class Armoured Cruiser launched 6th March 1901, and broken up in 1920.

The eighth Kent was built at Chatham Dockyard, laid down 15th November 1924, launched 16th March 1926 and completed 22nd June 1928. HMS Kent was reconstructed in 1935 and 1939 with a 4.5 inch cemented armour belt being increased for 6 feet below the waterline. a a 4-inch internal armour was added to the fan compartments to the boiler rooms. during reconstruction the ship also has its 2 pdr pompoms replaced by 2 octuples pompoms.  HMS Kent served in the East Indies 1939 to 1940, Home Fleet 1941 - 1944  and went into the reserve in 1945. Finally scrapped at Troon and broken up January 1948.

The ninth Kent was a County Class Guided Missile Destroyer, launched 15th August 1963.  It was used as a Harbour Ship for training purposes until it was sold for breaking in 1997.

The tenth Kent is a Duke Class Frigate, launched at Yarrow 27th May 1998.

Kersaint

Name Origin: (1) Guy Simon de Caetnampreu, Comte de Kersaint; born 1709, died 1759.  Descended from a family of Crusaders, he entered the Navy as a seaman in 1722 and soon saw active service.  He rose to be Lieutenant in 1742, and Captain three years later, when, in command of the Renommee, he evaded Admiral Warren's blockade at the Isle Royale, and off Newfoundland captured the Prince of Orange, carrying the Governor of New York.  In 1746 he was wounded in action off the Azores, and the following year joined Dupleix's squadron in the East Indies with the Alcide.  In 1759 he served under Admiral de Conflans in command of the Thesee, and in the battle of Quiberon, November 20th, seeing the flagship Royal Soleil in danger of being boarded by Admiral Hawke's ship, ran his ship across the latter's bows and was sunk, going to the bottom with 600 of his crew.   

Name Origin: (2) The son of the preceeding, born 1730, died 1793.  He went to sea in 1743, and in 1759, on board the Amethiste, saw his father go down in the battle of Quiberon.  In 1776 he captured the English frigate Lively off Ushant with the Iphigenie.  He later occupied himself with improvements in the cut of sails and the coppering of ship's bottoms, but his plans not being accepted, he left the Navy in disgust and joined in the revolutionary movement.  As a Jacobin he was made Vice-Admiral on January 1st 1793, but resigned after Louis XVI's execution.  He refused to emigrate, was forced into hiding at Ville d'Avray but taken and guillotined on December 4th 1793.

The first Kersaint was a Bourayne Class Cruiser, launched 1869 and stricken 1886.

The second Kersaint was a Vauquelin Class Destroyer, launched 14th December 1931, and scuttled at Toulon on 27th November 1942.

The third Kersaint was a Surcouf Class Destroyer, launched 3rd October 1953 and stricken in 1983.

Keshaf

Name Origin: Scout (Arabic).

Kestrel

The third Kestrel was a Gunboat, launched 29th February 1872, sold in 1888.

The fourth Kestrel was a Destroyer, launched 25th March 1898 and broken up in 1921.

Kiang-Yuan

Name Origin: River I.

The first Kiang-Yuan (Chiang-Yuan) was a Chiang-Yuan Class Gunboat, launched 1904, and stricken 1963

Kibitz

Name Origin: Plover.

Unknown ship.

Kichli

Name Origin: Thrush.

The first Kichli was a Kissa Class Gunboat, launched in 1884.  The ship was used as an Auxiliary ship until 1941 when seized by German forces, recovered in 1944 and scrapped in 1945.

The second Kichli is an Ex - US Falcon Class Coastal Minesweeper, ex - MSC308, transferred to Greece in 1964 and still in service.

Kien-An

Name Origin: Peace for the Fub-Kien province.

The first Kien-An (Chien-An) was Chien-An Class Torpedo Boat, launched between 1900 and 1902.  Rebuilt and renamed to Ta Tung in 1930.

Kien-Wei

Name Origin: Prestige of the Fuh-Kien province.

The first Kien-Wei (Chien-Wei) was a Chien-An Class Torpedo Boat, launched between 1900 and 1902.  The ship was rebuilt and renamed as Tse Chion in 1930.

Kigyo

Name Origin: A Hungarian word meaning serpent.

Unknown ship.

Kiji

Name Origin:  Pheasant.

The first Kiji was an Aotaka Class Torpedo Boat, launched between 1903 and 1905.  

The second Kiji was an Otori Class Torpedo Boat, launched 26th January 1937.  This ship was transferred to Russia in 1947.

The third Kiji was a Kamome Class Submarine Chaser, launched 11th September 1956, and scrapped in 1978.

Kikutsuki

Name Origin : (aka Kikuzuki, Kikudsuki)) Literally 'Chrysanthemum Moon', a poetical title given to September, the ninth month.

The first Kikutsuki was an Asakaze Class Destroyer, launched 18th April 1907.  The ship became minesweeper No.12 in 1926, and was scrapped in 1930.

The second Kikutsuki was a Mutsuki Class Destroyer, launched 15th May 1926.  This ship was sunk 4th May 1942 by aircraft from aircraft from USS Yorktown.

The third Kikutsuki is a Takatsuki Class Destroyer, launched 25th March 1967.

Kilid-il-Bahr

Name Origin: “Key of the sea” (Arabic).  Name of one of the forts at the entrance of the Dardanelle’s.

King

Name Origin:  John King, an Irishman in the Argentine Naval Service, served as Second-in-Command of the brig Republica (Captain Greenville) in the action fought by the Argentine fleet under Admiral Brown against the Brazilian Fleet near Monte Santiago, April 7th and 8th, 1827.  Being cut off from the rest of the fleet and driven on to the edge of Santiago bank, Admiral Brown signalled to the Republica, whose position was hopeless, to abandon the action.  Lieutenant King, who had meanwhile succeeded to the command on his Captain being wounded, answered the signal, embarked all the survivors in the boats, dressed ship and set her on fire.  The brig blew up before the enemy could board her, but the boats escaped across the bank.  King was promoted to the command of the sloop Congreso, in which he repeatedly distinguished himself during the remainder of the war.  He died in 1857.

The first King was a Buchardo Class Torpedo Boat, launched 1890 and discarded in the 1920s.

The second King was an ex-German M27 Class Minesweeper, acquired by Argentina around 1922. However it was not renamed King until 1936, and was stricken the next year, becoming the torpedo training ship Teniente de la Sota in November 1941. Stricken again 16th December 1946 and scrapped in 1948.

The third King is a King Class Patrol Vessel, launched between 1943 and 1945.

King Alfred

Name Origin: Alfred, born 849, died 901, the youngest son of King Ethelwolf of the West Saxons, succeeded to the crown on the death of his brother Ethelred in 871.  At that time the Danes had overrun practically all England north of the Thames, and King Alfred was at war with them, with short intervals of peace, for over twenty years.  He quickly realised that unless he were able to meet the Danes on their own element, the sea, he could never hope to cope with their power successfully, and henceforth devoted his attention to creating a navy, thus laying the foundation of the British Navy.  He fought the Danes so successfully that by 893 he was nominally king of all England, though he had to fight fresh swarms of Danes who were supported by their fellow countrymen in East Anglia and Northumbria for another five years.

The first King Alfred was a Drake Class Armoured Cruiser launched 28th October 1901, sold for breaking up on the 30th January 1920.

King Ch'ing

Name Origin: Smoothness of the mirror.  (so named as the sea was wished to be as smooth as a mirror).

The first King Ch'ing was a Kai Che Class Cruiser launched 17th January 1886.  The fate of the ship is unknown.

King Edward VII

Name Origin: His Majesty the King, born November 9th 1841, succeeded Queen Victoria on 22nd January 1901.

The first King Edward VII was a battleship of the King Edward VII Class built at Devonport dock yard and laid down on 8th March 1902 as part of the 1901-1902 naval programme. Launched 23rd July 1903, and completed February 1905. Had ongoing repairs during 1906 and in  March 1907 was recommissioned as Flagship for the Channel Fleet. Became Flagship to Vice Admiral of the 2nd division Home Fleet in March 1909 until June 1911 when she was relieved by HMS Hercules. HMS King George VII went to the Nore with reduced crew in August 1911 as flagship, Vice Admiral for the 3rd and 4th divisions. In May 1912 joined the 3rd battle squadron for a short period in the Mediterranean before becoming flagship for  Vice Admiral Bradford as flagship of the 3rd Battle squadron. On 6th January 1916, HMS King Edward VII was mined  off Cape Wrath, and with both engine rooms flooded HMS King Edward VII capsized 12 hours later and sunk.

Kinsha

Name Origin: Abbreviation for Kinsha-Kiang (Golden-Sand River), the name of the Tibetan branch of the Yang-Tzi-Kiang down to its junction with the Wen or Min river.

The first HMS Kinsha was a River Gunboat, purchased in 1900. The previous name of the ship was Pioneer. Sold in Shanghai 30th April 1921.

Kisaragi

Name Origin:  A poetical name for February, the second month.

The first Kisaragi was an Asakaze Class Destroyer, launched 6th September 1905.  This ship was converted to a minesweeper in 1923, and was scrapped in 1928.

The second Kisaragi was a Mutsuki Class Destroyer, launched 5th June 1925, and was sunk by US Marine shore batteries, 11th December 1941.

Kissa

Name Origin: Magpie.

The first Kissa was a Kissa Class Gunboat, launched 1884.  The ship became a lighthouse tender before 1931, and remained as such until 1937/38.

The second Kissa is an ex - US Falcon Class Coastal Minesweeper, ex - MSC309, transferred to Greece in 1965 and still in service.

Kite

The sixth Kite was an Ant Class Flatiron Gunboat, launched 8th February 1871 and sold in 1920.

The seventh Kite was a Black Swan Class Sloop, launched at Cammell Laird 13th October 1942, and sunk by U-Boat U-344, 21st August 1944.

Another Kite was a tug hired for dockyard service during World War One, from 1914 to 1918.

Kleber

Name Origin: Jean Baptiste Kleber, born 1753, died 1800.  The son of a Strasbourg stonemason, he rapidly rose to military distinction in the wars of the First Republic.  After a successful campaign against the Royalists in the Vendee, he commanded the left wing of the French army at the victory of Fleures in 1794.  In 1796, under Jourdan, he defeated the Austrians at Altenkirchen.  As General of Division he accompanied Bonaparte to Egypt in 1798, and succeeded him there as Commander-in-Chief the following year.  The position of the French becoming untenable owing to the revolt of the natives, Kleber signed a convention regarding the withdrawal of his army with Sir Sidney Smith.  Lord Keith, the naval Commander-in-Chief, however, declined to ratify the convention, upon which Kleber determined to reconquer the country.  In March 1800 he gained a brilliant victory over the Turkish army, which outnumbered himby four to one, at Heliopolis.  Soon afterwards he was murdered at Cairo by a youthful Arab fanatic, who was executed with ferocious cruelty by impalement.

The first Kleber was a Dupleix Class Cruiser, launched 20th September 1902.  The ship served with the 2nd Light Cruiser Squadron. She became stranded off Gallipoli but was refloated 29th -31st May 1915. Collided with a British cargo ship on 7th July 1915 but was repaired. Became flagship of the 6th Squadron at Dakar. Sunk on 27th June 1917 by a mine laid by U61 at Brest with the loss of 42 crew.

Kodavendikiar

Name Origin: “The Almighty” (Persian).  Name of a town in Asia Minor, which was the capital of the Ottoman Empire until 1361.

Komet 

Name Origin: Comet.

Unknown ship.

Kongo

Name Origin:  A generic name for a class of Buddhist deities.  It also is that of a mountain in the province of Kawachi, having a height of 4000 feet.  Masashinge, a hero of the war of the fourteenth century waged between the Northern and Southern dynasties, and who is to this day held in affectionate remembrance as the very type and embodiment of patriotic devotion, had his castle on this mountain.  The famous castle was the headquarters and rallying point of loyalists, not only during Masashinge's lifetime, but throughout the days of his sons and grandsons, and will remain for ever a landmark in the history of Japan.

The first Kongo was an Ironclad launched in April 1877.  This ship was scrapped in 1909.

The second Kongo was a Kongo Class Battlecruiser, launched 18th May 1912.  This ship was sunk by torpedo attack from US submarine Sealion, 21st November 1944.

The third Kongo is a Kongo Class Destroyer, launched 26th September 1991.

Konigsberg

Name Origin: Capital of the Prussian province of East Prussia, and a fortress situated close to the eastern shores of the Gulf of Dantzig in the Baltic.

The first Konigsberg was a Konigsberg Class Cruiser, launched 12th December 1905 and scuttled on 11th July 1911.

The second Konigsberg was a Konigsberg II Class Cruiser, launched 18th December 1915, and ceded to France in 1920.

The third Konigsberg was a K Class Cruiser, built at Wilhelmshaven  navy yard, laid down on the 12th April 1926, launched 26th march 1927 and completed 17th April 1929.  These were the first cruisers of the German navy to incorporate  electric welding technique and the new triple 5.9 inch (150mm) gun turret.  At the outbreak of world war two, KMS Konigsberg  undertook mine laying duties in the North sea and became the flagship of the Senior Officer of the scouting Forces.   On the 9th April 1904 during the Norwegian campaign she joined Task Force 3 for the invasion of Bergen and was damaged by shore based artillery during the landing operations.  She remained at  Bergen as part of the local defense forces while the rest of Task Force 3 returned to Germany. While at Bergen she was attacked by British Fleet Air Arm  Skuas on the 10th April 1940 which started major fires onboard she was put out of action.  In 1943 the wreck was re floated and dry docked, but capsized on the 22nd September 1944 and abandoned  and finally broken up.

Koros

Name Origin: A river in Hungary, tributary to the Theiss.

Unknown ship.

Korrigan

Name Origin: The name of a gnome of Brittany.

The first Korrigan was a Farfadet Class Submarine, launched 25th January 1902 and stricken in June 1906.

Kotaka

Name Origin:  A young falcon.

The second Kotaka was a River Gunboat, launched 1930.  This small ship served on the Yangtze River, and was sunk by Chinese aircraft , 31st May 1944.

Kozlou

Name Origin: Port in the Black Sea.

Krahe

Name Origin: Crow.

Unknown ship.

Kranich

Name Origin: Crane.

Unknown ship.

Krieger

Name Origin: Warrior.

The latest Krieger is a Willemoes Class Patrol Craft, launched 22nd September 1977

Kronprinz Erzherzog Rudolf

Name Origin: Crown Prince Archduke Rudolph, only son of the Emperor Francis Joseph; born 1858, died 1889.

The first Kronprinz Erzherzog Rudolf was a Kaiser Max Class Battleship, launched 6th July 1887.  The ship was given to Yugoslavia in 1919 and renamed Kumbor.  Sold for scrapping in 1922.

Kronprinzessin Erzherzogin Stefanie

Name Origin: Crown Princess Archduchess Stephanie, widow of Crown Prince Rudolph; born 1864, daughter of King Leopold II of Belgium.

The first Kronprinzessin Erzherzogin Stefanie was a Kaiser Max Class Battleship launched 15th April 1887.  The ship became an accommodation ship in 1914, was given to Italy in 1920 and was scrapped in 1926.

Kuckuck

Name Origin: Cuckoo.

Unknown ship.

Kulzum

Name Origin: The Red Sea (Arabic).

Kurama

Name Origin:  Literally 'A saddle horse'.  It is also the name of a mountain near Kioto, in Yamashiro province.  In a monastery on this mountain's slope there grew up, until he was sixteen years old, the Bayard of Japan, Yoshitsune, the able and fearless soldier, the hero of song and story, the renowned leader of the Japanese Wars of the Roses - in reality the emblems were red and white flags - of the twelfth century.  Around the name of Yoshitsune cluster the choicest traditions of Old Japan.

The first Kurama was an Ibuki Class Battlecruiser, launched 21st October 1907, and scrapped 1924-25.

The second Kurama was a Hidaka Class Patrol Vessel, commissioned February 1967.

The third Kurama is a Shirane Class Helicopter Destroyer, launched 20th September 1979.

Kurfurst Friedrich Wilhelm

Name Origin:  Elector Frederick William of Brandenburg, Duke of Prussia, known as the "Great Elector"; born 1620, reigned 1640 - 1688.  In the Swedish - Polish War of 1655 - 1660 he fought as the ally of Sweden.  In 1674 he joined the coallition against France, and in the following year brilliantly defeated his former allies, the Swedes, at the battle of Fehrbellin, June 28th, 1675.  The Great Elector was the originator of the standing army in Prussia, and the creator of a small navy, with the assistance of which in 1668 he founded a colony on the west coast of Africa (Grossfriedrichsburg). His grandson, however, sold it to the Dutch in 1720.

The first Kurfurst Friedrich Wilhelm was a Brandenburg Class Battleship, launched 30th June 1891. Commissioned into the German navy on the 29th April 1894, sold on the 12th September 1910 to Turkey for 9 million marks, becoming Barbaros Hayreddin. Sunk by Royal navy Submarine E11 on the 8th august 1915 in the Dardanelles with the loss of 253 killed.

Kurihashi Maru

Name Origin:  Literally 'Chestnut Bridge'.  There is now a long railway bridge across the river Tone at the thriving town of this name.

The first Kurihashi Maru was a transport captured from Russia in 1905.

Kusubo Maru

Name Origin:  The isthmus at Tsushima, which formerly joined the twin islands, but which was cut through by a canal so that they are now separate.  It was in the offing of this canal that the Russian hospital ship Orel, which became the Kusubo, was captured in the war, after the decisive battle of the Japan Sea, May 1905.

The first Kusubo Maru was a former Russian Hospital Ship, captured May 1905.

Kutahia

Name Origin: Town in Asia Minor.

Kwang Ken

Name Origin: Ken means 'sixth'. Kwang is the general name for the provinces of Kwang-Tung and Kwang-Se in the south of China.

Unknown ship.

Kwanto Maru

Name Origin:  The Japanese rendering of Kwan-Tung, the Leased Territory in which stand Port Arthur and Dalmy.

The first Kwanto Maru was formerly a Russian steamer captured off Port Arthur in 1904.

 

 

Everything we obtain for this site is shown on the site, we do not have any more photos, crew lists or further information on any of the ships.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE. ALL IMAGES DISPLAYED ON THIS WEBSITE ARE PROTECTED BY  COPYRIGHT  LAW, AND ARE OWNED BY CRANSTON FINE ARTS OR THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNERS.  NO REPRODUCTION OR COPYING ALLOWED ON OTHER WEBSITES, BOOKS OR ARTICLES WITHOUT PRIOR AGREEMENT.

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