What type of naval vessel was the Ottoman cruiser Mecidiye, and what conflicts did it participate in?

The Mecidiye was a protected cruiser that served in the Ottoman Navy. It saw action during significant historical conflicts, including the Balkan Wars and World War I.

What were the key dates in the construction and commissioning of the Mecidiye?

The construction of the Mecidiye began with its keel being laid down on November 7, 1901. It was subsequently launched on July 25, 1903, and officially commissioned into the Ottoman Navy on December 19, 1903, following sea trials that started in October of the same year.

What were the physical dimensions and displacement of the Mecidiye?

The Mecidiye measured 102.4 meters (336 feet) in overall length (LOA) and 100.5 meters (330 feet) between perpendiculars (LPP). It had a beam of 12.8 meters (42 feet) and a draught of 4.8 meters (16 feet). Its displacement was 3,485 tons at normal draught and 3,967 tons when fully loaded.

What was the propulsion system and speed capability of the Mecidiye?

The Mecidiye was powered by two VQE steam engines, which produced a total of 12,500 indicated horsepower (ihp), equivalent to 9,321 kW. These engines drove two shafts, enabling the cruiser to reach a top speed of 22 knots during trials, with a normal cruising speed of 18 knots. It utilized 16 Babcock & Wilcox water-tube boilers to generate steam for its engines.

What armaments were equipped on the Mecidiye?

The Mecidiye was armed with a variety of naval guns and torpedo tubes. Its main armament consisted of two 152 mm L/45 quick-firing guns and eight 120 mm L/45 quick-firing guns. It also carried six 47 mm quick-firing guns, six 37 mm quick-firing guns, and two 457 mm torpedo tubes.

How did the crew complement of the Mecidiye change over time?

The crew complement of the Mecidiye varied throughout its service life. It initially had a complement of 302 personnel in 1903. This number increased to 355 by 1915, and later stood at 310 in 1936.

To whom does the name Mecidiye refer?

The cruiser Mecidiye was named in honor of Sultan Abdülmecid I, who was a significant ruler of the Ottoman Empire.

What actions did the Mecidiye undertake during the Balkan Wars?

During the Balkan Wars, the Mecidiye engaged in several military operations. In October 1912, it shelled Bulgarian forts near Varna and other military targets. On December 9, 1912, it survived an attack by the Greek submarine Delfin, whose torpedo missed its mark. The cruiser also participated in the major naval engagements against the Greek Navy at Elli on December 16, 1912, and Lemnos on January 18, 1913, sustaining minor damage during the Battle of Elli. Additionally, it provided naval support for the Ottoman shore landing at Şarköy on February 18, 1913.

What was the operational area for the Mecidiye during World War I?

During World War I, the Mecidiye primarily operated in the Black Sea.

What was the Mecidiye's role in December 1914 related to the Ottoman 3rd Army?

In December 1914, the Mecidiye transported Hafiz Hakki Bey to Trebizond. His mission was to deliver important messages to the Chief of Staff of the Ottoman 3rd Army.

How and where did the Mecidiye meet its end during World War I?

On April 3, 1915, while engaged in shelling the port of Odessa, the Mecidiye struck a Russian mine. The incident occurred approximately 15 nautical miles off the coast of Vorokoskiy-Mayak, near Odessa in the Russian Empire, causing the ship to sink. Tragically, 26 crew members lost their lives in this event.

What was the fate of the ship when it served as the Russian cruiser Prut?

While serving as the Russian cruiser Prut, the ship was captured by German forces in Sevastopol on May 1, 1918. Subsequently, it was returned to the Ottoman Navy on May 13, 1918, and recommissioned under its original name, Mecidiye.

What was the initial post-World War I plan for Ottoman warships according to the Treaty of Sèvres?

The Treaty of Sèvres, signed in 1920, stipulated that Ottoman warships were to be handed over to the Allied powers, particularly the United Kingdom, as part of war reparations.

How did the Turkish War of Independence impact the fate of the Mecidiye and other Ottoman warships?

The Turkish War of Independence led to the abrogation of the Treaty of Sèvres. It was replaced by the Treaty of Lausanne in 1923, which allowed the newly established Turkish Republic to retain the former Ottoman fleet, including the Mecidiye.

When were the surviving warships of the Ottoman Navy transferred to the Turkish Navy?

The warships of the former Ottoman Navy that survived World War I, many of which had been interned under Allied control in the Golden Horn and the Sea of Marmara, were officially transferred to the Turkish Navy in 1925.

What refurbishment did the Mecidiye undergo before re-entering service with the Turkish Navy?

Between 1925 and 1927, the Mecidiye underwent significant reparation works at the Gölcük Naval Shipyard. Following these extensive repairs, it was commissioned by the Turkish Navy.

What was the final role of the Mecidiye in the Turkish Navy?

From 1940 onwards, the Mecidiye transitioned to a new role as a cadet training ship. It fulfilled this educational function until its decommissioning.

When was the Mecidiye decommissioned by the Turkish Navy, and what happened to it afterward?

The Mecidiye was decommissioned on March 1, 1947. It was later sold for scrap in 1952 and subsequently broken up between 1952 and 1956.

What were the specific types and calibers of guns mounted on the Mecidiye?

The Mecidiye was equipped with two 152 mm L/45 quick-firing guns, eight 120 mm L/45 quick-firing guns, six 47 mm quick-firing guns, and six 37 mm quick-firing guns.

What were the dimensions of the torpedo tubes on the Mecidiye?

The Mecidiye was fitted with two torpedo tubes, each measuring 457 mm in diameter.

What was the complement of the Mecidiye in 1915?

In 1915, the complement of the Mecidiye was 355 personnel.

What was the displacement of the ship when it served as the Russian cruiser Prut?

When serving as the Russian cruiser Prut, the ship had a displacement of 3,250 tons.

What was the reported speed of the ship when it served as the Russian cruiser Prut?

As the Russian cruiser Prut, the ship had a reported speed of 17.9 knots.

What armament was listed for the ship when it served as the Russian cruiser Prut?

When operating as the Russian cruiser Prut, the ship's armament included six 130 mm guns, an additional four 130 mm guns, and four 75 mm anti-aircraft guns.

What was the length of the Mecidiye, as specified in both Ottoman and Russian service?

The length of the Mecidiye remained consistent at 102.4 meters (336 feet) whether it was serving the Ottoman Navy or the Russian Navy as Prut.

What was the beam and draught of the Mecidiye?

The Mecidiye had a beam of 12.8 meters (42 feet) and a draught of 4.8 meters (16 feet).

What was the significance of the image captioned 'Ottoman cruiser Mecidiye'?

The image captioned 'Ottoman cruiser Mecidiye' serves as a visual representation of the ship itself, identifying it as a naval vessel belonging to the Ottoman Empire.

What information does the image of the Mecidiye in Odessa in 1915 convey?

The image depicting the Mecidiye in Odessa in 1915 provides a visual record of the ship's appearance during its service in the Black Sea, specifically during World War I, prior to its sinking in that port city.

What does the image of the Mecidiye in Istanbul in 1932 illustrate?

The image showing the Mecidiye in Istanbul in 1932 captures the ship during its later service with the Turkish Navy, highlighting its continued operational status after World War I and its role as a training vessel.

What was the yard number assigned to the Mecidiye by its builder?

The William Cramp & Sons shipyard assigned yard number 315 to the Mecidiye during its construction.

What was the fate of the Mecidiye after being sold for scrap?

After being sold for scrap in 1952, the Mecidiye was broken up between 1952 and 1956.

Which naval battles of the Balkan Wars did the Mecidiye participate in?

The Mecidiye participated in the Naval Battle of Elli on December 16, 1912, and the Naval Battle of Lemnos on January 18, 1913.

What was the outcome of the Mecidiye's involvement in the Naval Battle of Elli?

During the Naval Battle of Elli, the Mecidiye suffered slight damage while engaging the Greek Navy.

What was the purpose of the Mecidiye's voyage in December 1914 involving Hafiz Hakki Bey?

In December 1914, the Mecidiye transported Hafiz Hakki Bey to Trebizond to deliver messages to the Chief of Staff of the Ottoman 3rd Army, indicating a role in communication and logistics during World War I.

How many crew members were lost when the Mecidiye sank?

Twenty-six crew members lost their lives when the Mecidiye sank after hitting a mine.

What was the name of the Russian submarine that attacked the Mecidiye during the Balkan Wars?

The Russian submarine that attacked the Mecidiye on December 9, 1912, was named Delfin.

What was the significance of the Treaty of Lausanne regarding the former Ottoman fleet?

The Treaty of Lausanne, signed in 1923, superseded the Treaty of Sèvres and permitted the new Turkish Republic to retain the warships of the former Ottoman Navy, including the Mecidiye.

What was the role of the Mecidiye between 1927 and 1940 in the Turkish Navy?

Between 1927 and 1940, the Mecidiye served as one of the large surface combatants in the Turkish Navy's fleet.

What type of boilers were installed on the Mecidiye?

The Mecidiye was equipped with 16 Babcock & Wilcox water-tube boilers to power its steam engines.

What was the indicated horsepower (ihp) generated by the Mecidiye's engines?

The Mecidiye's two VQE steam engines produced 12,500 indicated horsepower (ihp).

What is the meaning of the notation 'S' next to Mecidiye in the WWI Ottoman naval ship classes list?

The notation 'S' next to Mecidiye in the list of WWI Ottoman naval ship classes signifies that it was a single ship of its class, meaning no other identical vessels were built.

What was the approximate distance off the coast where the Mecidiye sank?

The Mecidiye sank approximately 15 nautical miles (28 km; 17 mi) off the coast of Vorokoskiy-Mayak near Odessa.

What was the name of the shipyard where the Mecidiye was refitted after being salvaged by the Russians?

After being salvaged, the Mecidiye was refitted at the Ropit Yard in Odessa.

What was the primary language of the source document cited for the spelling variations of Mecidiye?

The primary language of the source document cited for the spelling variations of Mecidiye (Servet-i Fünun) was Ottoman Turkish.

What does the term 'protected cruiser' signify in naval terminology?

A protected cruiser is a type of warship that was developed in the late 19th century. It features an armored deck that protects vital machinery and magazines, providing a level of defense against shellfire while maintaining relatively high speed and endurance.

What was the significance of William Cramp & Sons as a shipbuilder?

William Cramp & Sons was a notable shipbuilding company based in Philadelphia, USA, responsible for constructing various naval vessels, including the Ottoman cruiser Mecidiye.

What does 'L/45' refer to in the context of the Mecidiye's guns?

The designation 'L/45' for the Mecidiye's guns refers to the barrel length of the gun. It indicates that the barrel length is 45 times its caliber (e.g., for a 152 mm gun, the barrel length would be approximately 152 mm * 45).

What does 'QF' stand for in relation to the Mecidiye's guns?

QF is an abbreviation for 'Quick Firing,' indicating that the guns were designed for a higher rate of fire compared to older naval artillery pieces, often utilizing breech-loading mechanisms and specialized ammunition.

Ottoman Cruiser Mecidiye Wiki: The Ottoman Cruiser Mecidiye: A Naval Chronicle

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Overview

A Vessel of the Ottoman Navy

The Mecidiye was a protected cruiser that served the Ottoman Empire, participating in significant naval actions during the Balkan Wars and World War I. Ordered by the Ottoman Navy in 1900 from the American shipbuilding company William Cramp & Sons in Philadelphia, it was laid down on November 7, 1901, launched on July 25, 1903, and commissioned on December 19, 1903. Named in honor of Sultan Abdülmecid I, the ship represented a modernization effort within the Ottoman fleet.

Dimensions and Power

The cruiser had a standard displacement of 3,485 tons, increasing to 3,967 tons at full load. It measured 102.4 meters (336 ft) in length, with a beam of 12.8 meters (42 ft) and a draught of 4.8 meters (16 ft). Propulsion was provided by two VQE steam engines, generating 12,500 indicated horsepower (ihp) and driving two shafts, enabling a top speed of 22 knots during trials, with a normal cruising speed of 18 knots. The ship was equipped with 16 Babcock & Wilcox water-tube boilers.

Armament

The Mecidiye was armed with a formidable array of weaponry for its time:

Two 152 mm L/45 quick-firing guns.
Eight 120 mm L/45 quick-firing guns.
Six 47 mm quick-firing guns.
Six 37 mm quick-firing guns.
Two 457 mm torpedo tubes.

Its complement varied over its service life, starting with 302 personnel in 1903, increasing to 355 in 1915, and settling at 310 by 1936.

Detailed Specifications

Technical Data

The following table details the key specifications of the Mecidiye:

Ottoman Empire
Name	Mecidiye
Ordered	1900
Builder	William Cramp & Sons, Philadelphia
Yard Number	315
Laid down	7 November 1901
Launched	25 July 1903
Commissioned	19 December 1903
Fate	Struck mine and sank near Odessa on 3 April 1915. Salvaged by Russians, joined Russian Navy as Prut. Returned to Ottoman Navy on 13 May 1918.

General Characteristics
Type	Protected cruiser
Displacement	3,485 t (normal draught) 3,967 t (full load)
Length	102.4 m (336 ft) (LOA) 100.5 m (330 ft) (LPP)
Beam	12.8 m (42 ft)
Draught	4.8 m (16 ft)
Propulsion	Machinery: Steam, 2 shafts Engines: 2 × VQE engines producing 12,500 ihp (9,321 kW) Boilers: 16 × Babcock & Wilcox water-tube boilers
Speed	22 knots (full speed in trials) 18 knots (normal cruising speed)
Complement	302 (1903) 355 (1915) 310 (1936)
Armament	2 × 152 mm QF L/45 guns 8 × 120 mm QF L/45 guns 6 × 47 mm QF guns 6 × 37 mm QF guns 2 × 457 mm torpedo tubes

Russian Empire (as Prut)
Name	Prut
Acquired	Raised 31 May 1915; Salvaged 8 June 1915
Commissioned	29 October 1915
Fate	Captured by German forces 1 May 1918; Returned to Ottoman Navy 13 May 1918.
Type	Protected cruiser
Displacement	3,250 tons
Length	102.4 m (336 ft)
Beam	12.8 m (42 ft)
Draught	4.8 m (16 ft)
Propulsion	2 VQE; 12,500 hp
Speed	17.9 knots
Armament	6 × 130 mm guns 4 × 130 mm guns 4 × 75 mm AA guns

Ottoman Empire / Turkey (Post-Return)
Name	Mecidiye
Acquired	13 May 1918
Decommissioned	1 March 1947
Fate	Used as cadet training ship (1940-1947), sold for scrap in 1952.

Naval Service History

Early Service and Balkan Wars

Following its commissioning in 1903, the Mecidiye served as a modern protected cruiser within the Ottoman Navy. During the Balkan Wars (1912-1913), the ship saw active combat. In October 1912, it engaged Bulgarian fortifications near Varna and other military targets. On December 9, 1912, it narrowly avoided a torpedo from the Greek submarine Delfin. The Mecidiye participated in the major naval engagements against the Greek Navy at the Battle of Elli (December 16, 1912) and the Battle of Lemnos (January 18, 1913), sustaining minor damage during the former. It also provided naval support for the Ottoman landing operation at Şarköy on February 18, 1913.

World War I and Loss

During World War I, the Mecidiye operated primarily in the Black Sea. In December 1914, it undertook a mission to transport Hafiz Hakki Bey to Trebizond to deliver crucial messages to the staff of the Ottoman 3rd Army. Its active service came to an abrupt end on April 3, 1915. While bombarding the port of Odessa, the Mecidiye struck a Russian mine approximately 15 nautical miles off the coast, resulting in its sinking. Tragically, 26 crew members lost their lives in this incident.

Russian Capture and Ottoman Return

Following its sinking, the Mecidiye was raised by Russian forces on May 31, 1915, and salvaged on June 8, 1915. It underwent refitting at the Ropit Yard in Odessa and was commissioned into the Imperial Russian Navy as Prut on October 29, 1915. The ship's service under the Russian flag was relatively brief. On May 1, 1918, German forces captured the vessel at Sevastopol during the final stages of World War I. Subsequently, on May 13, 1918, it was returned to the Ottoman Navy and recommissioned under its original name, Mecidiye.

Turkish Navy Service and Scrapping

After World War I, the Treaty of Sèvres initially mandated the handover of Ottoman warships to the Allies. However, the Turkish War of Independence led to the abrogation of this treaty and its replacement with the Treaty of Lausanne in 1923. This treaty allowed the new Republic of Turkey to retain surviving warships. The Mecidiye, having survived the war, was transferred to the Turkish Navy in 1925. Following extensive repairs and refitting at the Gölcük Naval Shipyard between 1925 and 1927, it was recommissioned by the Turkish Navy in June 1927. It served as a major surface combatant until 1940, when it was repurposed as a cadet training ship. The Mecidiye fulfilled this role until its decommissioning on March 1, 1947. It was eventually sold for scrap in 1952 and broken up between 1952 and 1956.

Final Chapter

Sinking and Salvage

The Mecidiye met its end during World War I on April 3, 1915, while engaged in operations near Odessa. The cruiser struck a Russian naval mine approximately 15 nautical miles off the coast, leading to its sinking. This incident resulted in the loss of 26 crew members. However, the ship's operational life was not entirely over. Russian forces successfully raised the vessel from the seabed in May 1915 and salvaged it in June of the same year.

Rebirth and Reuse

After being salvaged, the Mecidiye was refitted by the Russians and commissioned into their navy as the Prut. Its service under the Russian flag was short-lived, as it was captured by German forces in 1918 and subsequently returned to the Ottoman Navy. Following the establishment of the Turkish Republic and further refits, the ship served as a cadet training vessel for nearly a decade. Its final disposition came in 1952 when it was sold for scrap, marking the end of its long and varied career.

References

Sources

The information presented on this page is derived from the following sources:

B. Langensiepen, A. Güleryüz, J. Cooper, "The Ottoman Steam Navy, 1828–1923," Naval Institute Press, Annapolis, Maryland, United States, 1995. p. 149. ASIN 1557506590
Gardiner (1985), p. 307.
"Servet-i Fünun" (JPG), Servet-i Fünun (in Ottoman Turkish) (1392): unnumbered, 9 May 1918
Sondhaus (2001), p. 219
Sondhaus (2001), p. 220
Erickson (2003), p. 264
Erickson (2001), p. 54

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References

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The Saga of the Mecidiye

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Overview 🚢

⚓ A Vessel of the Ottoman Navy

⚖️ Dimensions and Power

⚔️ Armament

Detailed Specifications 📏

📊 Technical Data

Naval Service History 📜

🌍 Early Service and Balkan Wars

🔥 World War I and Loss

🔄 Russian Capture and Ottoman Return

🇹🇷 Turkish Navy Service and Scrapping

Final Chapter 🌊

💥 Sinking and Salvage

♻️ Rebirth and Reuse

References 📚

🔗 Sources

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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References

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Overview

A Vessel of the Ottoman Navy

Dimensions and Power

Armament

Detailed Specifications

Technical Data

Naval Service History

Early Service and Balkan Wars

World War I and Loss

Russian Capture and Ottoman Return

Turkish Navy Service and Scrapping

Final Chapter

Sinking and Salvage

Rebirth and Reuse

References

Sources

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice