Admiral Graf Spee Deutschland-class cruiser

admiral graf spee in 1936

admiral graf spee conducted extensive training in baltic , atlantic before participating in 5 non-intervention patrols during spanish civil war in 1936–1938. represented germany during coronation review king george vi in may 1937. admiral graf spee deployed south atlantic in weeks before outbreak of world war ii, positioned in merchant sea lanes once war declared. between september , december 1939, ship sank 9 ships totaling 50,089 grt; in response, british , french navies formed several hunter-killer groups track down. these forces included 4 aircraft carriers, 2 battleships, , 1 battlecruiser.

admiral graf spee operated in concert supply ship altmark. admiral graf spee confronted 3 british cruisers off uruguay @ battle of river plate on 13 december 1939. inflicted heavy damage on british ships, suffered damage well, , forced put port @ montevideo. convinced false reports of superior british naval forces approaching ship , poor state of own engines, hans langsdorff, commander of ship, ordered vessel scuttled. langsdorff committed suicide 3 days after scuttling. ship partially broken in situ, though part of ship remains visible above surface of water.