View source for Leipzig-class cruiser

{{Short description|Class of German light cruisers}}
{{Use shortened footnotes|date=October 2022}}
{{Good article}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2024}}
{|{{Infobox ship begin}}
{{Infobox ship image
| Ship image = File:Bundesarchiv DVM 10 Bild-23-63-69, Leichter Kreuzer "Nürnberg".jpg
| Ship image size = 300px
| Ship caption = {{lang|de|Nürnberg}} before the outbreak of war
}}
{{Infobox ship class overview
| Name = 
| Builders = 
| Operators = *{{navy|Weimar Republic|name=''Reichsmarine''}}
*{{navy|Nazi Germany|name=''Kriegsmarine''}}
*{{navy|Soviet Union|1935}}
| Class before = {{sclass|Königsberg|cruiser|4||1927}}
| Class after = [[M-class cruiser]] (planned)
| Subclasses = 
| Cost = 
| Built range = 1928–1934
| In service range = 
| In commission range = 1931–1959
| Total ships completed = 2
| Total ships retired = 2
}}
{{Infobox ship characteristics
| Hide header = 
| Header caption = 
|Ship type=[[Light cruiser]]
| Ship displacement = 
*{{lang|de|Leipzig}}: {{cvt|8100|MT|lk=on}} ([[full load]])
*{{lang|de|Nürnberg}}: {{cvt|9040|MT}} (full load)
| Ship length =  
*{{lang|de|Leipzig}}: {{cvt|177|m|ftin}} ([[length overall|loa]])
*{{lang|de|Nürnberg}}: {{cvt|181.3|m|ftin}} (loa)
| Ship beam = {{convert|16.3|m|abbr=on}}
| Ship draft = 
*{{lang|de|Leipzig}}: {{cvt|5.69|m|ftin}}
*{{lang|de|Nürnberg}}: {{cvt|5.74|m|ftin}}
| Ship power = 
*6 × [[water-tube boiler]]s
*[[Steam turbine]]s: {{cvt|60000|PS|shp|lk=on}}
*[[Diesel engine]]s: {{cvt|12400|PS|shp}}
| Ship propulsion = 
*2 × steam turbines
*4 × diesel engines
*3 × [[screw propeller]]s
| Ship speed = {{convert|32|kn|lk=in}}
| Ship range = {{convert|3900|nmi|km|lk=in}} at {{convert|10|kn|km/h}}
| Ship complement = 
*{{lang|de|Leipzig}}:
**26&nbsp;officers
**508&nbsp;enlisted men
*{{lang|de|Nürnberg}}:
**25 officers
**648 enlisted men
| Ship armament = 
*{{lang|de|Leipzig}}:
**9 × [[15 cm SK C/25|15 cm (5.9") SK C/25]] guns
**2 × [[8.8 cm SK L/45 naval gun|8.8&nbsp;cm (3.46") SK L/45 anti-aircraft guns]]
**12 × {{convert|50|cm|in|abbr=on}} [[torpedo tube]]s
**120 [[Naval mine|mines]]
*{{lang|de|Nürnberg}}:
**9 × 15 cm SK C/25 guns
**8 × [[8.8&nbsp;cm SK C/32]] guns
**8 × [[3.7 cm SK C/30]] guns
**8 × [[2 cm Flak 30/38/Flakvierling|2 cm C/30]] guns
**12 × {{cvt|53.3|cm|0}} [[torpedo tube]]s
**120 [[Naval mine|mines]]
| Ship armor = 
*[[Belt armor]]: {{cvt|50|mm|0}}
*[[Deck (ship)|Deck]]: {{convert|30|mm|abbr=on}}
*[[Conning tower]]: {{convert|100|mm|abbr=on}}
*[[Gun turret|Turrets]]: {{convert|80|mm|abbr=on}}
*[[Barbette]]s: {{convert|60|mm|abbr=on}}
| Ship aircraft = 2 × [[Arado Ar 196|Arado 196]] [[floatplane]]s
| Ship notes = 
}}
|}

The '''{{lang|de|Leipzig}} class''' was a [[ship class|class]] of two [[light cruiser]]s of the German {{lang|de|[[Reichsmarine]]}} and later {{lang|de|[[Kriegsmarine]]}}; the class comprised {{ship|German cruiser|Leipzig||2}}, the [[lead ship]], and {{ship|German cruiser|Nürnberg||2}}, which was built to a slightly modified design. The ships were improvements over the preceding {{sclass|Königsberg|cruiser|1||1927}}s, being slightly larger, with a more efficient arrangement of the [[main battery]] and improved armor protection. {{lang|de|Leipzig}} was built between 1928 and 1931, and {{lang|de|Nürnberg}} followed between 1934 and 1935.

Both ships participated in the [[Non-intervention in the Spanish Civil War|non-intervention patrols]] during the [[Spanish Civil War]] in 1936 and 1937. After the outbreak of [[World War II]] in September 1939, they were used in a variety of roles, including as [[minelayer]]s and escort vessels. On 13 December, both ships were torpedoed by the British [[submarine]] {{HMS|Salmon|N65|6}}. They were thereafter used in secondary roles, primarily as [[training ship]]s, for most of the rest of the war. {{lang|de|Leipzig}} provided some [[naval gunfire support|gunfire support]] to German Army troops fighting on the [[Eastern Front (World War II)|Eastern Front]].

Both ships survived the war, though {{lang|de|Leipzig}} was in very poor condition following an accidental collision with the [[heavy cruiser]] {{ship|German cruiser|Prinz Eugen||2}} late in the war. {{lang|de|Leipzig}} was therefore used as a barracks ship before being scuttled in 1946. {{lang|de|Nürnberg}}, however, emerged from the war largely unscathed, and as a result, was seized by the [[Soviet Navy]] as [[war reparations]], and [[ship commissioning|commissioned]] into the Soviet fleet as {{lang|ru|Admiral Makarov}}; she continued in Soviet service until the late 1950s, and was broken up for scrap by 1960.

==Design==

===General characteristics===
[[File:Leipzig 07a.jpg|thumb|left|Recognition drawing of {{lang|de|Leipzig}}]]

The two ships of the {{lang|de|Leipzig}} class were not identical, prompting some naval historians to classify them as separate designs, rather than as a [[ship class]].{{sfn|Sieche|p=231}} Of the two, {{lang|de|Nürnberg}} was larger. {{lang|de|Leipzig}} was {{cvt|165.8|m|0}} [[length at the waterline|long at the waterline]] and {{cvt|177|m|ftin}} [[length overall|long overall]]. She had a [[beam (nautical)|beam]] of {{cvt|16.3|m|ftin}} and a maximum [[draft (hull)|draft]] of {{cvt|5.69|m|ftin}} forward. She [[displacement (ship)|displaced]] {{convert|6820|t|sp=us|lk=on}} as designed and {{convert|8100|t|sp=us}} at [[full load]]. {{lang|de|Nürnberg}} was slightly longer, at {{cvt|170|m|ftin}} at the waterline and {{cvt|181.3|m|ftin}} overall. Her beam was identical to {{lang|de|Leipzig}}, but her draft was slightly greater, at {{cvt|5.74|m|ftin}} forward. She displaced {{convert|8060|t|sp=us}} as designed and {{convert|9040|t|sp=us}} fully loaded.{{sfn|Gröner|p=122}}

The ships' [[hull (watercraft)|hulls]] were divided into fourteen [[watertight compartment]]s and had [[double bottom]]s that ran for 83&nbsp;percent of the length of their [[keel]]s. Both vessels had side [[anti-torpedo bulge|bulges]] and [[bulbous bow]]s. They were constructed with longitudinal steel frames, and were more than 90&nbsp;percent [[welding|welded]] in order to save weight. {{lang|de|Nürnberg}} had a large, blocky forward [[superstructure]], while {{lang|de|Leipzig}}{{'}}s superstructure resembled that of the preceding {{sclass|Königsberg|cruiser|4||1927}}. {{lang|de|Nürnberg}} also had a large searchlight platform fitted on the [[funnel (ship)|funnel]], while {{lang|de|Leipzig}} did not.{{sfn|Sieche|p=231}}{{sfn|Gröner|p=122}}

{{lang|de|Leipzig}} initially had a crew of 26&nbsp;officers and 508&nbsp;enlisted men. Later in her career, the crew grew to 30&nbsp;officers and 628&nbsp;sailors and then again to 24&nbsp;officers and 826&nbsp;sailors. She could also accommodate an admiral's staff of 6&nbsp;officers and 20&nbsp;enlisted men when she was serving as a [[flagship]]. {{lang|de|Nürnberg}}{{'}}s crew started as 25&nbsp;officers and 648&nbsp;ratings, and over the course of her career swelled to 26&nbsp;officers and 870&nbsp;enlisted men. The ships carried two [[picket boat]]s, two barges, two [[Launch (boat)|launches]], and two [[Cutter (boat)|cutters]].{{sfn|Gröner|p=122}}

Both ships carried one [[aircraft catapult]] for a pair of [[Heinkel He 60]] [[biplane]] reconnaissance [[float plane]]s. They were equipped with a crane to retrieve the aircraft after landing. The He 60s were later replaced by the [[monoplane]] [[Arado Ar 196]] by 1939.{{sfn|Whitley No. 1|p=235}} {{lang|de|Leipzig}}{{'}}s catapult was located between the funnel and the forward superstructure, while {{lang|de|Nürnberg}}{{'}}s was placed aft of the funnel.{{sfn|Gröner|pp=122–123}}

===Machinery and handling===
[[File:Nurnberg 14m.jpg|thumb|left|Recognition drawing of {{lang|de|Nürnberg}}]]

The ships' propulsion system consisted of two [[steam turbine]]s manufactured by the {{lang|de|[[Deutsche Werke]]}} and {{lang|de|[[Germaniawerft]]}} shipyards, along with four 7-cylinder [[double-acting cylinder|double-acting]] [[two-stroke]] [[diesel engine]]s built by [[MAN SE|MAN]].{{sfn|Sieche|p=231}} Steam for the turbines was provided by six Marine-type double-ended, oil-fired, [[water-tube boiler]]s, which were vented through a single large funnel located [[amidships]]. The engines were rated at {{convert|60000|shp|lk=in}} for the turbines plus {{convert|12400|shp|abbr=on}} for the central diesel engines. The ship's propulsion system provided a top speed of {{convert|32|kn|abbr=on}} and a range of approximately {{convert|3900|nmi|lk=in}} at {{convert|10|kn|abbr=on}} using only the diesel engines. With only the turbines in operation, the ships could steam for {{convert|2800|nmi|abbr=on}} at a speed of {{convert|16.5|kn|abbr=on}}.{{sfn|Gröner|p=122}}

The ships had extensive electrical generator systems. {{lang|de|Leipzig}} had three power plants that each had a 180&nbsp;kilowatt turbo-generator and a 180&nbsp;kW diesel generator; this gave the ship a combined output of 1,080&nbsp;kW at 220&nbsp;[[volt]]s. {{lang|de|Nürnberg}} had four generators which comprised two 300&nbsp;kW turbo-generators and two 350&nbsp;kW diesel generators, for a total output of 1,300&nbsp;kW, also at 220&nbsp;volts.{{sfn|Gröner|p=122}}

Steering was controlled by a single balanced [[rudder]], which gave the ships excellent maneuverability. The rudder was augmented with special steering system on the engine transmissions; they had gears that could drive half of the engines astern and half forward allowed the screws to assist in turning the ship at sharper angles. The ships tended toward [[lee helm]] in general conditions, but in heavy wind, they suffered from [[weather helm]]. Both vessels also suffered from severe [[leeway]] at low speeds, and the effect was especially pronounced for {{lang|de|Nürnberg}}, owing to her larger superstructure.{{sfn|Gröner|p=122}}

===Armament and armor===
[[File:Leipzig 01min.png|thumb|Cross-section showing the arrangement of the ships' main armor protection]]

{{lang|de|Leipzig}} and {{lang|de|Nürnberg}} were armed with a [[main battery]] of nine [[15 cm SK C/25|{{cvt|15|cm}} SK C/25]] guns mounted in three triple [[gun turret]]s. One was located forward, and two were placed in a [[superfire|superfiring pair]] aft, all on the centerline. They were supplied with between 1,080 and 1,500 rounds of ammunition, for between 120 and 166 shells per gun.{{sfn|Gröner|p=122}} It was intended to equip the ships with a heavy anti-aircraft battery consisting of [[8.8 cm SK C/25 naval gun|8.8 cm SK C/25]] guns, but when tested on the light cruiser {{ship|German cruiser|Köln||2}} this gun proved unsatisfactory. Its replacement, the [[8.8 cm SK C/32 naval gun|8.8 cm SK C/32]] gun was not yet available when {{lang|de|Leipzig}} was built, so she received two obsolete [[8.8 cm SK L/45 naval gun|{{cvt|8.8|cm}} SK L/45]] anti-aircraft guns in single mounts; they had 800&nbsp;rounds of ammunition. {{lang|de|Nürnberg}} meanwhile was built later and received four twin 8.8 cm SK C/32 guns with 3,200&nbsp;rounds in total. In 1934 {{lang|de|Leipzig}} received an additional two of the obsolete 8.8 cm SK L/45.{{Sfn|Breyer||p=9}} For directing the fire of the 8.8 cm SK C/32 guns, the ships were equipped with a [[Stabilisierter Leitstand|SL-1 director post]].{{Sfn|Stehr & Breyer||p=19}}{{Sfn|Schmalenbach||p=116}} {{lang|de|Nürnberg}} also carried eight [[3.7 cm SK C/30|{{cvt|3.7|cm}} SK C/30]] anti-aircraft guns, and several [[2 cm Flak 30/38/Flakvierling|{{cvt|2|cm}} anti-aircraft guns]], though the number of the latter changed over her career. The two ships also carried four triple [[torpedo tube]] mounts located amidships; {{lang|de|Leipzig}} had {{cvt|50|cm}} weapons while {{lang|de|Nürnberg}} was equipped with {{cvt|53.3|cm|0}} [[torpedo]]es. They were supplied with twenty-four torpedoes.{{sfn|Gröner|p=122}} In 1934 {{lang|de|Leipzig}} had her 50 cm torpedo tubes changed for the standard 53.3 cm.{{Sfn|Breyer||p=9}} They were also capable of carrying 120 [[naval mine]]s.{{sfn|Gröner|p=122}}

{{lang|de|Leipzig}} used [[Krupp cemented armor]], while {{lang|de|Nürnberg}} received the newly developed {{lang|de|Wotan, Hart}} ("[[Odin|Wotan]]", Hard) steel. The ships were protected by an armor deck that was {{convert|30|mm|abbr=on}} thick amidships and an [[belt armor|armor belt]] that was {{cvt|50|mm|0}} thick. The belt was [[Sloped armour|inclined]] to a greater degree than in the preceding {{lang|de|Königsberg}}s, to increase the effectiveness of the same thickness of armor plate. The sloping armor that connected the deck with the belt was {{convert|25|mm|abbr=on}} thick. The [[conning tower]] had {{convert|100|mm|abbr=on}} thick sides with a 50&nbsp;mm thick roof. The gun turrets had {{convert|80|mm|abbr=on}} thick faces, {{convert|35|mm|abbr=on}} thick sides, and {{convert|32|mm|abbr=on}} thick roofs. They were mounted on [[barbette]]s that were protected with {{convert|60|mm|abbr=on}} of steel plating.{{sfn|Gröner|p=122}}

===Modifications===
[[File:Bundesarchiv Bild 101II-MN-1556A-11A, Norwegen, Leichter Kreuzer "Nürnberg", Flak.jpg|thumb|upright|One of {{lang|de|Nürnberg}}{{'}}s 3.7&nbsp;cm anti-aircraft gun mounts]]

After the outbreak of war, both ships were fitted with a [[Degaussing|degaussing coil]] to protect them against magnetic mines.{{sfn|Whitley No. 1|p=235}}{{sfn|Williamson|p=35}} {{lang|de|Leipzig}} had her aircraft equipment removed in 1941, along with her aft torpedo tubes. In 1942, {{lang|de|Nürnberg}}{{'}}s aircraft handling equipment and aft torpedo tubes were also removed. Throughout the war, the ships' radar suites were upgraded; in March 1941, {{lang|de|Nürnberg}} was equipped with FuMO 21 radar and in early 1942, a FuMO 25 radar set was installed.{{sfn|Williamson|pp=35, 40}} The latter was a search radar for surface targets and low-flying aircraft at low range. The FuMO 21 set was replaced by the short-range [[FuG 200 Hohentwiel|FuMO 63]] {{lang|de|Hohentwiel}} 50-centimeter radar. {{lang|de|Nürnberg}} was also fitted with four [[Metox]] [[radar warning receiver]]s.{{sfn|Whitley No. 1|p=236}} {{lang|de|Leipzig}} did not receive her FuMO 24/25 radar set until 1943; this was to be the last modification for {{lang|de|Leipzig}}.{{sfn|Williamson|pp=35–36}}

{{lang|de|Leipzig}} had her anti-aircraft armament modernized to bring her closer to the standard of weaponry fitted to her sister. After 1934, two additional 8.8&nbsp;cm guns were added, with another pair later. Starting in 1941, eight 3.7&nbsp;cm guns were installed, along with fourteen 2&nbsp;cm guns. After 1944, she only carried eight of the 2&nbsp;cm guns.{{sfn|Gröner|p=122}} {{lang|de|Nürnberg}}{{'}}s anti-aircraft battery was improved over the course of World War II. In late 1942, a pair of Army-variant 2&nbsp;cm {{lang|de|Flakvierling}} quadruple mounts were installed, one on the navigating bridge and the other on top of the aft superfiring turret. In May 1944, the navy proposed installing several [[Bofors 40 mm Automatic Gun L/60|Bofors {{cvt|40|mm}} guns]], but most of these weapons were diverted to other uses, and only two guns were installed. One was mounted on the bridge and the other where the catapult had been located. Two Navy-pattern {{lang|de|Flakvierling}}s were added; one replaced the Army model atop the aft superfiring turret, and the other was placed in front of the anti-aircraft fire director. The Army-pattern {{lang|de|Flakvierling}}s were moved to the main deck. In December 1944, another revised anti-aircraft plan was proposed, this time incorporating the new [[3.7 cm FlaK 43]] gun, of which there were to be eight, along with two {{lang|de|Flakvierling}}s and ten 2&nbsp;cm twin mounts. Germany's wartime situation by the end of 1944 prevented these changes from being made, however.{{sfn|Whitley No. 1|pp=236–238}}

==Construction==
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
|+ Construction data
! scope="col" | Name
! scope="col" | Builder{{sfn|Sieche|p=231}}
! scope="col" | Laid down{{sfn|Sieche|p=231}}
! scope="col" | Launched{{sfn|Sieche|p=231}}
! scope="col" | Commissioned{{sfn|Sieche|p=231}}
! scope="col" | Fate
|-
! scope="row" | {{ship|German cruiser|Leipzig||2}}
|{{lang|de|[[Kriegsmarinewerft Wilhelmshaven|Kriegsmarinewerft]]}}, [[Wilhelmshaven]]
| 28 April 1928
| 10 October 1929
| 8 October 1931
| Scuttled, 16 December 1946
|-
! scope="row" | {{ship|German cruiser|Nürnberg||2}}
|{{lang|de|[[Deutsche Werke]]}}, [[Kiel]]
| 4 November 1933
| 6 December 1934
| 2 November 1935
| Transferred to [[Soviet Navy]] as {{lang|ru|Admiral Makarov}}, 5 November 1945
|}

==Service history==

===''Leipzig''===
{{main|German cruiser Leipzig}}
[[File:Leipzig Cruiser.jpg|thumb|{{lang|de|Leipzig}} circa 1936]]

In the 1930s, {{lang|de|Leipzig}} was used as a [[training ship|training cruiser]], as well as to make goodwill visits to foreign ports. She participated in [[Non-intervention in the Spanish Civil War|non-intervention patrols]] during the [[Spanish Civil War]]. In late 1939, after the start of [[World War II]], she performed escort duties for warships in the Baltic and North seas.{{sfn|Williamson|p=36}}{{sfn|Rohwer|p=9}} {{lang|de|Leipzig}} was torpedoed by the British [[submarine]] {{HMS|Salmon|N65|6}} on 13 December while on one of these operations. The cruiser was badly damaged, and the necessary repairs took almost a year to complete. She thereafter resumed her duties as a training ship. She provided [[naval gunfire support|gunfire support]] to the advancing {{lang|de|[[Wehrmacht]]}} troops as they invaded the Soviet Union in 1941.{{sfn|Williamson|pp=37–38}}

In a heavy fog in October 1944, {{lang|de|Leipzig}} collided with the [[heavy cruiser]] {{ship|German cruiser|Prinz Eugen||2}}; the damage was so severe that the navy decided complete repairs were unfeasible. Instead, they repaired {{lang|de|Leipzig}} enough to keep her afloat, and in that state, provided gunfire support to the defenders of [[Gotenhafen]] against the advancing [[Red Army]] in March 1945. As the Germans continued to retreat in the east, {{lang|de|Leipzig}} was then used to transport a group of fleeing German civilians. She reached Denmark by late April. After the end of the war, {{lang|de|Leipzig}} was used as a [[barracks ship]] for minesweeping forces and was scuttled in July 1946.{{sfn|Williamson|pp=38–39}}

===''Nürnberg''===
[[File:Cruiser Nuernberg underway May 1945.jpg|thumb|{{lang|de|Nürnberg}} underway in May 1945, escorted by [[RAF Coastal Command]] [[Consolidated B-24 Liberator|Liberator]] maritime patrol bombers]]
{{main|German cruiser Nürnberg}}

Following her commissioning, {{lang|de|Nürnberg}} participated in the non-intervention patrols during the Spanish Civil War; she completed her patrols without major incident and returned to Germany in mid-1937. After the outbreak of World War II in September 1939, she was used to lay defensive minefields off the German coast in the North Sea.{{sfn|Whitley  No. 2|p=250}} She was thereafter used to escort offensive mine-layers in the North Sea until she was torpedoed by the British submarine ''Salmon'' on 13 December 1939 in the same attack that hit her sister.{{sfn|Rohwer|pp=10–11}} After repairs were completed in early 1940, {{lang|de|Nürnberg}} returned to active duty as a training ship in the [[Baltic Sea]]. She performed this role for most of the rest of the war, apart from a short deployment to Norway from November 1942 to April 1943. In January 1945, she was assigned to mine-laying duties in the [[Skaggerak]], but severe shortages of fuel permitted only one such operation.{{sfn|Whitley  No. 2|pp=252–254}}

After the end of the war, {{lang|de|Nürnberg}} was seized by the [[Royal Navy]] and ultimately awarded to the [[Soviet Union]] as [[war reparations]]. In December 1945, a Soviet crew took over the ship, and the following month took her to [[Tallinn]], where she was renamed {{lang|ru|Admiral Makarov}}. She served in the [[Soviet Navy]], first in the 8th Fleet, then as a training cruiser based in [[Kronstadt]]. Her ultimate fate is unclear, but by 1960, she had been broken up for scrap. {{lang|de|Nürnberg}} was the second-largest warship of the {{lang|de|Kriegsmarine}} to survive the war intact, after the heavy cruiser {{lang|de|Prinz Eugen}}, and she was the only vessel to see service after the war, albeit in a foreign navy.{{sfn|Whitley  No. 2|pp=254–255}}

==Footnotes==
{{Reflist|colwidth=20em}}

==References==
* {{Cite book |last=Breyer |first=Siegfried |title=Kreuzer "Nürnberg" und "Leipzig" |publisher=Podzun-Pallas-Verlag |year=1994 |isbn=3-7909-0507-0 |location= |language=de |trans-title=Cruisers "Nürnberg" and "Leipzig" |ref={{sfnRef|Breyer}}}}
* {{cite book
  | last = Gröner
  | first = Erich
  | author-link=Erich Gröner
  | year = 1990
  | title = German Warships: 1815–1945
  | volume = I: Major Surface Vessels
  | publisher = Naval Institute Press
  | location = Annapolis
  | isbn = 978-0-87021-790-6
  | ref ={{sfnRef|Gröner}}
  }}
* {{cite book
  |last=Rohwer
  |first=Jürgen
  |author-link = Jürgen Rohwer
  |title=Chronology of the War at Sea 1939–1945: The Naval History of World War Two
  |publisher=Naval Institute Press
  |location=Annapolis
  |year=2005
  |edition=Third Revised
  |isbn=978-1-59114-119-8
  |ref={{sfnref|Rohwer}}
  }}
* {{Cite book |last=Schmalenbach |first=Paul |title=Die Geschichte der deutschen Schiffsartillerie |publisher=Koehler |year=1993 |isbn=3-7822-0577-4 |edition=3rd |location=Herford |language=de |trans-title=The history of German naval artillery |ref={{sfnRef|Schmalenbach}}}}
* {{cite book
  | last = Sieche
  | first = Erwin
  | chapter = Germany
  | pages = 218–254
  | editor-last1 = Gardiner
  | editor-first1 = Robert
  | editor-last2 = Chesneau
  | editor-first2 = Roger
  | year = 1992
  | title = Conway's All the World's Fighting Ships 1922–1946
  | publisher = Conway Maritime Press
  | location = London
  | isbn = 978-0-85177-146-5
  | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=bJBMBvyQ83EC
  | ref = {{sfnRef|Sieche}}
  }}
* {{Cite book |last=Stehr |first=Werner F.G. |title=Leichte und mitlere Artillerie auf deutschen Kriegsschiffen |last2=Breyer |first2=Siegfried |date=1999 |publisher=Podzun Pallas |isbn=3-7909-0664-6 |series=Marine-Arsenal |volume=Sonderheft band 18 |location=Wölfersheim-Berstadt |language=de |ref={{sfnRef|Stehr & Breyer}}}}
* {{cite journal
  |last=Whitley
  |first=M. J.
  |year=1983
  |title=Lesser Known Warships of the Kriegsmarine No. 1: The Light Cruiser Nürnberg
  |journal=Warship
  |volume=VI
  |issue=23
  |pages=234–238
  |publisher=Conway Maritime Press
  |location=London
  |ref={{sfnref|Whitley No. 1}}
  |isbn=978-0-87021-981-8
  }}
* {{cite journal
  |last=Whitley
  |first=M. J.
  |year=1983
  |title=Lesser Known Warships of the Kriegsmarine No. 2: The Light Cruiser Nürnberg
  |journal=Warship
  |volume=VI
  |issue=24
  |pages=250–255
  |publisher=Conway Maritime Press
  |location=London
  |ref={{sfnref|Whitley No. 2}}
  |isbn=978-0-87021-981-8
  }}
* {{Cite book
  |last=Williamson
  |first=Gordon
  | author-link = Gordon Williamson (writer)
  |title=German Light Cruisers 1939–1945
  |year=2003
  |publisher=Osprey Publishing
  |isbn=978-1-84176-503-7
  |location=Oxford
  |ref={{sfnref|Williamson}}
  }}

==Further reading==
{{Commons category|Leipzig class cruiser}}
* {{cite book
  | last1 = Hildebrand
  | first1 = Hans H.
  | last2 = Röhr
  | first2 = Albert
  | last3 = Steinmetz
  | first3 = Hans-Otto
  | year = 1993
  | title = Die Deutschen Kriegsschiffe: Biographien – ein Spiegel der Marinegeschichte von 1815 bis zur Gegenwart	
  | trans-title=The German Warships: Biographies − A Reflection of Naval History from 1815 to the Present
  | volume = 5
  | language=de
  | publisher = Mundus Verlag
  | location = Ratingen
  | isbn=978-3-7822-0456-9
  | ref = {{sfnRef|Hildebrand, Röhr, & Steinmetz Vol. 5}}
  |name-list-style=amp
  }}
* {{cite book
  | last1 = Hildebrand
  | first1 = Hans H.
  | last2 = Röhr
  | first2 = Albert
  | last3 = Steinmetz
  | first3 = Hans-Otto
  | year = 1993
  | title = Die Deutschen Kriegsschiffe: Biographien – ein Spiegel der Marinegeschichte von 1815 bis zur Gegenwart	
  | trans-title=The German Warships: Biographies − A Reflection of Naval History from 1815 to the Present
  | volume = 6
  | publisher = Mundus Verlag
  | location = Ratingen
  | isbn = 978-3-7822-0237-4
  | language = de
  | ref = {{sfnRef|Hildebrand, Röhr, & Steinmetz Vol. 6}}
  |name-list-style=amp
  }}
* {{cite book
  |last1=Koop
  |first1=Gerhard
  |last2=Schmolke
  |first2=Klaus-Peter
  |title=German Light Cruisers of World War II: Emden, Königsberg, Karlsruhe, Köln, Leipzig, Nürnberg
  |year=2002
  |location=Annapolis
  |publisher=Naval Institute Press
  |isbn=978-1-55750-310-7
  }}
* {{cite book
  |last=Whitley
  |first=M. J.
  |title=German Cruisers of World War Two
  |year=1987
  |location=Annapolis
  |publisher=Naval Institute Press
  |isbn=978-0-87021-217-8
  }}

{{Leipzig class cruiser}}
{{WWII German ships}}
{{Kriegsmarine}}

[[Category:Cruiser classes]]
[[Category:Leipzig-class cruisers| ]]