KM Mackensen (BC-1925 (1943-mod))

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The Mackensen was 98% complete at wars end, and was supposed to form part of the fleet that went to Scapa Flow. The ship was not able to comply with the orders and was eventually scrapped where she was. What a waste!! With the Russians (Soviets, Reds, Comunists etc) parked on Germanys doorstep with newly created 'Poland' inbetween, the Allied powers wanted to use Germany as the buffer against the threat of Comunism coming their way (sounds a familiar usage). So I always beef up the Weimar Navy from half a dozen useless pre-dreadnoughts to some ships with teeth and I include the Mackensen as one of the ships that the Germans are allowed to complete 1921-23. Mackensens sister is transferred to France for completion (with 13.4"). The Wurtemberg is also completed for Germany at the same time span 1921-23, this work keeps the shipyards going while all the epidemics and after war famines strike down millions throughout Europe. The Wurtemburgs sisters Baden goes to Britain who tests it to destruction in an effort to find out why the German ships had outperformed their ships, and Bayern which goes to France where the 15" guns are used as the basis for the main armaments of the Dunquerke and Richelieu class battleships (because of the enlarged Graf Spee type I build for Germany the French reply is also bigger).

Original layout of the Mackensen (Rurik-2 drawing).

The Allied War Commision is keen to sell what remains of the Germanic States fleet off to the highest bidder. Spain, Turkey and Argentina all purchase capital ships while cruisers and destroyers go to minor South American and European Navies.

The original armament was eight 13.8" in four twin turrets, with the aft pair being separated by the engine room. The 1936-39 rebuild changed that with the aft turrets being moved to true superfiring positions. A complete new set of boilers engines and diesel motors replaced the old propulsion system. A new outfit of shells for the 13.8" had been designed for the new Scharnhorst and Bismarck classes. These shells were also trialled on the Mackensen with excellent results. The same rebuild replaced the old bow with a new 'Atlantic' bow similar to those fitted to the new capital ships. Modern dual purpose 130mm (5.1") turrets and guns were fitted, four per broadside. Twin 37mm (replaced with 40mm from 1943) and 20mm in single and quadruple mountings were fitted wherever space could be found or made for them. Aircraft handling facilities were fitted but only one aircraft could be carried as there was no space for a hangar.

Mackensen and Graf Spee in fitting out basin 1917.

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