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{{EngvarB|date=December 2024}}
{{Use British English|date=December 2024}}
{{Short description|Swedish coastal defence ship}}
{{Short description|Swedish coastal defence ship}}
{{good article}}
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{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2024}}
{|{{Infobox ship begin}}
{|{{Infobox ship begin}}
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|Ship awarded=
|Ship awarded=
|Ship builder= [[Bergsunds Mekaniska Verkstads AB|Bergsunds]], [[Stockholm]]
|Ship builder= [[Bergsunds Mekaniska Verkstads AB|Bergsunds]], [[Stockholm]]
|Ship original cost= [[Swedish krona|SEK]] 1,871,000
|Ship original cost= [[Swedish krona|SEK]]1,871,000
|Ship yard number=
|Ship yard number=
|Ship way number=
|Ship way number=
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==Design and development==
==Design and development==
{{Main|Oden-class coastal defence ship|l1=Oden-class coastal defence ship}}
{{Main|Oden-class coastal defence ship|l1=Oden-class coastal defence ship}}
The success of {{HSwMS|Oden||2}} led to the [[Swedish Navy]] ordering two similar vessels on 5 May 1896 to create a three-ship class of first-class [[coastal defence ship]]s. The ships differed from their predecessor in using improved steel, which allowed a reduction of {{convert|200|LT|t}} in weight, and thus the addition of two more [[casemate]]-mounted {{convert|12|cm|in|1|abbr=on}} guns.{{sfn|Fleks|1997|page=11}} A hallmark of the design was extensive use of electric power, with ''Thor'' having 13 electric motors, nearly twice as many as ''Oden''.{{sfn|Office of Naval Intelligence|1900|page=79}} The three vessels are considered members of the same class.{{sfn|Campbell|1979|page=361}}
''Thor'' was the second member of the {{sclass|Oden|coastal defence ship|4}}, a development of the earlier {{sclass|Svea|coastal defence ship|4}}. Originally ordered to be a lone ship type, {{HSwMS|Oden||2}} proved to be such a success that the [[Swedish Navy]] ordered two similar vessels on 5 May 1896 to create a three-ship class of first-class [[coastal defence ship]]s, or ''Pansarskeppen'', able to take a place in the Swedish battle line. The new ships differed from their predecessor in having improved steel, which allowed a reduction of {{convert|200|LT|t}} in weight, and thus the addition of two more [[casemate]]-mounted {{convert|12|cm|in|1|abbr=on}} guns.{{sfn|Fleks|1997|page=11}} A hallmark of the improved design was extensive use of electric power, with ''Thor'' having 13 electric motors, nearly twice as many as ''Oden''.{{sfn|Office of Naval Intelligence|1900|page=79}} Despite the differences, the three vessels, including the third ship {{HSWMS|Niord||2}}, are considered members of the same ''Oden'' class.{{sfn|Campbell|1979|page=361}} As they were named after characters in [[Norse mythology]], the ships are also known as the mythological class.{{sfn|Fleks|1997|page=10}}


''Thor'' had an [[Length overall|overall length]] of {{convert|86.3|m|ftin|abbr=on}} and measured {{convert|84.9|m|ftin|abbr=on}} [[Waterline length|at the waterline]], a [[Beam (nautical)|beam]] of {{convert|14.77|m|ftin|abbr=on}} and a maximum [[Draft (hull)|draught]] of {{convert|5.5|m|ftin|abbr=on}}. [[Displacement (ship)|Displacement]] was {{convert|3328|LT|t|lk=in}} [[Normal displacement|normal]] and {{convert|3720|LT|t}} [[full load]]. Power was provided by six [[Scotch marine boiler|marine boilers]] feeding steam to two sets of [[triple-expansion steam engine]]s and rated at {{convert|5300|ihp|kW|lk=in}} driving two [[Propeller|shafts]], giving a design speed of {{convert|15|kn|lk=on}}.{{sfn|Fleks|1997|page=11}} During [[sea trial]]s, the vessel exceeded {{convert|15.5|kn}}, and at one point achieved {{convert|16.44|kn}}.{{sfn|Fleks|1997|page=12}} Two [[Funnel (ship)|funnels]] were fitted. A full load of {{convert|280|LT}} of [[coal]] was carried, which gave a design range of {{convert|2500|nmi|lk=in}} at {{convert|10|kn}}.{{sfn|Fleks|1997|page=11}} After reconstruction, coal capacity was expanded to {{convert|300|LT}}, which gave a design range of {{convert|2530|nmi}} at {{convert|10|kn}}. The ship had a [[Ship's company|complement]] of 254 officers and [[Naval rating|ratings]].{{sfn|Parkes|Prendergast|1969|page=380}} The warship was fitted out to act as a [[flagship]].{{sfn|Office of Naval Intelligence|1900|page=78}}
''Thor'' had an [[Length overall|overall length]] of {{convert|86.3|m|ftin|abbr=on}} and measured {{convert|84.9|m|ftin|abbr=on}} [[Waterline length|at the waterline]], a [[Beam (nautical)|beam]] of {{convert|14.77|m|ftin|abbr=on}} and a maximum [[Draft (hull)|draught]] of {{convert|5.5|m|ftin|abbr=on}}. [[Displacement (ship)|Displacement]] was {{convert|3328|LT|t|lk=in}} [[Normal displacement|normal]] and {{convert|3720|LT|t}} [[full load]]. Power was provided by six [[Scotch marine boiler|marine boilers]] feeding steam to two sets of [[triple-expansion steam engine]]s and rated at {{convert|5300|ihp|kW|lk=in}} driving two [[Propeller|shafts]], giving a design speed of {{convert|15|kn|lk=on}}.{{sfn|Fleks|1997|page=11}} During [[sea trial]]s, the vessel exceeded {{convert|15.5|kn}}, and at one point achieved {{convert|16.44|kn}}.{{sfn|Fleks|1997|page=12}} Two [[Funnel (ship)|funnels]] were fitted. A full load of {{convert|280|LT}} of [[coal]] was carried, which gave a design range of {{convert|2500|nmi|lk=in}} at {{convert|10|kn}}.{{sfn|Fleks|1997|page=11}} After reconstruction in 1914 and 1915, coal capacity was expanded to {{convert|300|LT}}, which gave a design range of {{convert|2530|nmi}} at {{convert|10|kn}}. The ship had a [[Ship's company|complement]] of 254 officers and [[Naval rating|ratings]].{{sfn|Parkes|Prendergast|1969|page=380}} The warship was fitted out to act as a [[flagship]].{{sfn|Office of Naval Intelligence|1900|page=78}}


Armament consisted of two single {{convert|25.4|cm|in|1|abbr=on}} M1894 B guns mounted in turrets on the ship's centreline, one fore and the other aft. Each of the guns weighed {{convert|23.9|t|LT|order=flip}}. They were manufactured by the French company [[Société Nouvelle des Forges et Chantiers de la Méditerranée]] as the Swedish armament industry was not capable of manufacturing weapons of this calibre at the time, although this changed with the construction of ''Thor'''s [[sister ship]] {{HSwMS|Niord||2}}.{{sfn|Fleks|1997|page=11}} The guns could fire a {{convert|450|lb|kg|abbr=on|order=flip|adj=on}} shell at a muzzle velocity of {{convert|2362|ft/s|m/s|abbr=on}}. The mounting, designated M1894, used electric training and manual elevation.{{sfn|Friedman|2011|page=302}} Secondary armament consisted of six Bofors {{convert|12|cm|in|1|abbr=on}} guns mounted singularly in casemates [[amidships]]. The central gun could traverse 136 degrees, while the outside weapons were limited to 115 degrees. The ship was also armed with a tertiary armament of ten single Bofors {{convert|5.7|cm|in|1|abbr=on}} guns, two on the forward bridge, four on the forward superstructure, two on the aft superstructure and two on the aft bridge. Two {{convert|25|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} [[machine gun]]s were carried by the [[Pinnace (ship's boat)|pinnace]]s and two {{convert|8|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} machine guns were mounted on the [[Top (sailing ship)|tops]]. A single submerged {{convert|18|in|cm|0|abbr=on|order=flip}} [[torpedo tube]] was mounted in the bow.{{sfn|Office of Naval Intelligence|1900|page=78}}
Armament consisted of two single {{convert|25.4|cm|in|1|abbr=on}} M1894 B guns mounted in turrets on the ship's centreline, one fore and the other aft. Each of the guns weighed {{convert|23.9|t|LT|order=flip}}. They were manufactured by the French company [[Société Nouvelle des Forges et Chantiers de la Méditerranée]] as the Swedish armament industry was not capable of manufacturing weapons of this calibre at the time, although this changed with the construction of ''Thor'''s [[sister ship]] ''Niord''.{{sfn|Fleks|1997|page=11}} The guns could fire a {{convert|450|lb|kg|abbr=on|order=flip|adj=on}} shell at a muzzle velocity of {{convert|2362|ft/s|m/s|abbr=on}}. The mounting, designated M1894, used electric training and manual elevation.{{sfn|Friedman|2011|page=302}} Secondary armament consisted of six Bofors {{convert|12|cm|in|1|abbr=on}} guns mounted singularly in casemates [[amidships]]. The central gun could traverse 136 degrees, while the outside weapons were limited to 115 degrees. The ship was also armed with a tertiary armament of ten single Bofors {{convert|5.7|cm|in|1|abbr=on}} guns, two on the forward bridge, four on the forward superstructure, two on the aft superstructure and two on the aft bridge. Two {{convert|25|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} [[machine gun]]s were carried by the [[Pinnace (ship's boat)|pinnace]]s and two {{convert|8|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} machine guns were mounted on the [[Top (sailing ship)|tops]]. A single submerged {{convert|18|in|cm|0|abbr=on|order=flip}} [[torpedo tube]] was mounted in the bow. Four {{convert|90|cm|in|abbr=on}} [[searchlight]]s were carried.{{sfn|Fleks|1997|page=11}}{{sfn|Office of Naval Intelligence|1900|page=78}}


The armour was of [[Harvey armor|Harvey steel]] provided by [[John Brown & Company]] of [[Sheffield]]. It included a {{convert|50|m|ftin|abbr=on|adj=on}}-long armoured [[belt armor|belt]] that was between {{convert|100|and|240|mm|in|abbr=on|1}} thick and {{convert|1.48|m|ftin|abbr=on|1}} wide. The main armament was protected by [[barbette]]s that were {{convert|200|mm|in|abbr=on|1}} thick and turrets {{convert|190|mm|in|abbr=on|1}} thick with a roof {{convert|30|mm|in|abbr=on|1}} thick. The secondary armament sat on barbettes protected by {{convert|100|mm|in|abbr=on|1}} nickel-steel armour, the turrets having a face {{convert|125|mm|in|abbr=on|1}} thick, sides {{convert|60|mm|in|abbr=on|1}} thick and a roof {{convert|48|mm|in|abbr=on|1}} thick. The armour on the casemates was {{convert|91|mm|in|abbr=on|1}} thick. The [[conning tower]] was protected by {{convert|190|mm|in|abbr=on|1|adj=on}} armour and the [[Deck (ship)|deck]] was protected by two layers that had a combined thickness of {{convert|49.5|mm|in|abbr=on|adj=on}} thick. Four {{convert|90|cm|in|abbr=on}} [[searchlight]]s were carried.{{sfn|Fleks|1997|page=11}}
The armour was of [[Harvey armor|Harvey steel]] provided by [[John Brown & Company]] of [[Sheffield]]. It included a {{convert|50|m|ftin|abbr=on|adj=on}}-long armoured [[belt armor|belt]] that was between {{convert|100|and|240|mm|in|abbr=on|1}} thick and {{convert|1.48|m|ftin|abbr=on|1}} wide. The main armament was protected by [[barbette]]s that were {{convert|200|mm|in|abbr=on|1}} thick and turrets {{convert|190|mm|in|abbr=on|1}} thick with a roof {{convert|30|mm|in|abbr=on|1}} thick. The secondary armament sat on barbettes protected by {{convert|100|mm|in|abbr=on|1}} thick armour, in this case nickel-steel rather than Harvey steel, the turrets having a face {{convert|125|mm|in|abbr=on|1}} thick, sides {{convert|60|mm|in|abbr=on|1}} thick and a roof {{convert|48|mm|in|abbr=on|1}} thick. The armour on the casemates was {{convert|91|mm|in|abbr=on|1}} thick. The [[conning tower]] was protected by {{convert|190|mm|in|abbr=on|1|adj=on}} armour and the [[Deck (ship)|deck]] was protected by two layers that had a combined thickness of {{convert|49.5|mm|in|abbr=on|adj=on}} thick.{{sfn|Fleks|1997|page=11}}


==Construction and career==
==Construction and career==
[[File:HMS Thor.jpg|''Thor'' as rebuilt|thumb|alt=Coastal defence ship ''Thor'']]
[[File:HMS Thor.jpg|''Thor'' as rebuilt|thumb|alt=Coastal defence ship ''Thor'']]
''Thor'' was ordered from the [[Bergsunds Mekaniska Verkstads AB|Bergsunds]] shipyard in [[Stockholm]] at a cost of [[Swedish krona|SEK]] 1,871,000, and named on 22 August 1896.{{sfn|Fleks|1997|page=11}} [[Keel laying|Laid down]] in 1896, the ship was [[Ceremonial ship launching|launched]] on 7 March 1898 and [[Ship commissioning|commissioned]] on 29 June 1899.{{sfn|Harris|1996|page=16}} In 1902, vessel was equipped with a rolling keel and in 1906 a {{cvt|37|mm}} [[quick-firing gun]] was mounted on each of the ship's pinnaces, the machine gun being removed on 16 September 1908. Meanwhile, following a Royal order signed on 16 July 1907, accommodation for training cadets had been added to the superstructure.{{sfn|Fleks|1997|page=12}} On 7 August that year, the ship joined a flotilla led by the coastal defence ship {{HSwMS|Oscar II||2}} on a visit to [[Portsmouth]], which gave the cadets onboard the opportunity to see [[HMNB Portsmouth|the naval base]].<ref>{{cite newspaper|title=Naval and Military Intelligence|newspaper=[[The Times]]|issue=38405|date=7 August 1907|page=8}}</ref> A similar visit took place to Dover on 4 June 1913, this time alongside the [[torpedo cruiser]] {{HSwMS|Jacob Bagge||2}}.<ref>{{cite newspaper|title=Naval and Military Intelligence|newspaper=The Times|issue=40230|date=5 June 1913|page=14}}</ref>
''Thor'' was ordered from the [[Bergsunds Mekaniska Verkstads AB|Bergsunds]] shipyard in [[Stockholm]] at a cost of 1,871,000 [[Swedish krona]], and named on 22 August 1896.{{sfn|Fleks|1997|page=11}} [[Keel laying|Laid down]] in 1896, the ship was [[Ceremonial ship launching|launched]] on 7 March 1898 and [[Ship commissioning|commissioned]] on 29 June 1899.{{sfn|Harris|1996|page=16}} In 1902, vessel was equipped with a [[bilge keel]] and in 1906 a {{cvt|37|mm}} [[quick-firing gun]] was mounted on each of the ship's pinnaces, the machine gun being removed on 16 September 1908. Meanwhile, following a Royal order signed on 16 July 1907, accommodation for training cadets had been added to the superstructure.{{sfn|Fleks|1997|page=12}} On 7 August that year, the ship joined a flotilla led by the coastal defence ship {{HSwMS|Oscar II||2}} on a visit to [[Portsmouth]], which gave the cadets onboard the opportunity to see [[HMNB Portsmouth|the naval base]].<ref>{{cite newspaper|title=Naval and Military Intelligence|newspaper=[[The Times]]|issue=38405|date=7 August 1907|page=8}}</ref> A similar visit took place to Dover on 4 June 1913, this time alongside the [[torpedo cruiser]] {{HSwMS|Jacob Bagge||2}}.<ref>{{cite newspaper|title=Naval and Military Intelligence|newspaper=The Times|issue=40230|date=5 June 1913|page=14}}</ref>


The ship was taken out of the service and rebuilt at Karlskrona between 1914 and 1916.{{sfn|von Hofsten|Waernberg|Ohlsson|2003|page=116}} The fighting mast was replaced by a much smaller three-legged mast and the two funnels were replaced by one. The remaining casemate-mounted {{convert|5.7|cm|in|1|abbr=on}} guns were removed and those mounted on the superstructure upgraded. The machine guns and torpedo tubes were removed and new boilers installed, which improved performance.{{sfn|Westerlund|1992|page=92}} ''Thor'' resumed service to provide support to [[Sweden during World War I|Sweden's neutrality in the First World War]].{{sfn|von Hofsten|Waernberg|Ohlsson|2003|page=116}} Following a request from the citizens of [[Åland]] on 9 February 1918, the vessel was dispatched on 14 February to protect the Swedish citizens of the island, arriving the following day at [[Eckerö]], instigating the [[Invasion of Åland]].{{sfn|Harjula|2010|page=82}} ''Thor'' was the first Swedish vessel to arrive.{{sfn|Fleks|1997|page=21}} With Russian forces in disarray due to [[Russian Civil War]], the Swedish government saw an opportunity to occupy the islands, which the Russians also claimed. However, Germany was also interested in gaining the islands as part of a wider strategy to control the Baltic Sea.{{sfn|Salmon|1997|page=164}} A German fleet consisting of the [[dreadnought]] [[battleship]]s {{ship|SMS|Rheinland||2}} and {{ship|SMS|Westfalen||2}} arrived on 5 March and a stand-off ensued, which was resolved peacefully two days later.{{sfn|Staff|2010|page=27}}
The ship was taken out of the service and rebuilt at Karlskrona between 1914 and 1915.{{sfn|Gard|Becker|1966|page=133}} The fighting mast was replaced by a much smaller three-legged mast and the two funnels were replaced by one. The remaining casemate-mounted {{convert|5.7|cm|in|1|abbr=on}} guns were removed and those mounted on the superstructure upgraded. The machine guns and torpedo tubes were removed and new boilers installed, which improved performance.{{sfn|Westerlund|1992|page=92}}


''Thor'' resumed service to provide support to [[Sweden during World War I|Sweden's neutrality in the First World War]].{{sfn|von Hofsten|Waernberg|Ohlsson|2003|page=116}} Following a request from the citizens of [[Åland]] on 9 February 1918, the vessel was dispatched on 14 February to protect the Swedish citizens on the island, arriving the following day at [[Eckerö]], instigating the [[Invasion of Åland]].{{sfn|Harjula|2010|page=82}} ''Thor'' was the first Swedish vessel to arrive.{{sfn|Fleks|1997|page=21}} With Russian forces in disarray due to [[Russian Civil War]], the Swedish government saw an opportunity to occupy the islands, which the Russians also claimed. However, Germany was also interested in gaining the islands as part of a wider strategy to control the Baltic Sea.{{sfn|Salmon|1997|page=164}} A German fleet consisting of the [[dreadnought]] [[battleship]]s {{ship|SMS|Rheinland||2}} and {{ship|SMS|Westfalen||2}} arrived on 5 March and a stand-off ensued, which was resolved peacefully two days later.{{sfn|Staff|2010|page=27}}
This proved to be only action in which ''Thor'' participated. On 16 July 1937, the warship was withdrawn from service. {{sfn|Fleks|1997|page=12}} After failed attempts to sell the remains for scrap, the vessel was [[Ship breaking|broken up]] by the team at [[Karlsrona]] in 1942.{{sfn|Insulander|Ohlsson|2001|page=56}}

This proved to be only action in which ''Thor'' participated and, on 16 July 1937, the warship was withdrawn from service.{{sfn|Fleks|1997|page=12}} After attempts to find a private yard that wanted to purchase the vessel for scrapping failed, the ship was [[Ship breaking|broken up]] by the team at [[Karlskrona]] in 1942.{{sfn|Insulander|Ohlsson|2001|page=56}}


==Notes==
==Notes==

Latest revision as of 13:06, 4 December 2024

Thor
History
Sweden
NameThor
NamesakeThor, the Norse god of thunder
BuilderBergsunds, Stockholm
CostSEK1,871,000
Laid down1896
Launched7 March 1898
Commissioned29 June 1899
Decommissioned16 July 1937
FateBroken up, 1942
General characteristics
Class and typeOden-class coastal defence ship
Displacement3,328 t (3,275 long tons) (normal)
Length84.9 m (278 ft 7 in) (w.l.)
Beam14.77 m (48 ft 5 in)
Draught5.5 m (18 ft 1 in) (max)
Installed power
Propulsion
Speed16 knots (30 km/h; 18 mph)
Range2,500 nmi (4,600 km; 2,900 mi) at 10 knots (19 km/h; 12 mph)
Complement265
Armament
  • 2 × single 25.4 cm (10.0 in) guns
  • 6 × single 12 cm (4.7 in) guns
  • 10 × single 5.7 cm (2.2 in) guns
  • 1 × single 46 cm (18 in) torpedo tubes
Armour

HSwMS Thor[Note 1] was a Swedish first class coastal defence ship (Pansarskepp). A follow-on to the name-ship of the class, Oden, Thor differed in having improved Harvey steel armour, a greater use of electric power and two additional casemate-mounted 12 cm (4.7 in) guns. The vessel was launched in 1899 and visited Portsmouth naval base in 1907. After an upgrade between 1914 and 1916, the warship operated in support of Sweden's neutrality in the First World War, participating in the Invasion of Åland in 1918. Thor was the first Swedish vessel to arrive and remained on duty when the German dreadnought battleships Rheinland and Westfalen arrived. The matter was resolved peacefully. After an otherwise uneventful career, Thor retired in 1937 and broken up.

Design and development

[edit]

Thor was the second member of the Oden class, a development of the earlier Svea class. Originally ordered to be a lone ship type, Oden proved to be such a success that the Swedish Navy ordered two similar vessels on 5 May 1896 to create a three-ship class of first-class coastal defence ships, or Pansarskeppen, able to take a place in the Swedish battle line. The new ships differed from their predecessor in having improved steel, which allowed a reduction of 200 long tons (200 t) in weight, and thus the addition of two more casemate-mounted 12 cm (4.7 in) guns.[1] A hallmark of the improved design was extensive use of electric power, with Thor having 13 electric motors, nearly twice as many as Oden.[2] Despite the differences, the three vessels, including the third ship Niord, are considered members of the same Oden class.[3] As they were named after characters in Norse mythology, the ships are also known as the mythological class.[4]

Thor had an overall length of 86.3 m (283 ft 2 in) and measured 84.9 m (278 ft 7 in) at the waterline, a beam of 14.77 m (48 ft 5 in) and a maximum draught of 5.5 m (18 ft 1 in). Displacement was 3,328 long tons (3,381 t) normal and 3,720 long tons (3,780 t) full load. Power was provided by six marine boilers feeding steam to two sets of triple-expansion steam engines and rated at 5,300 indicated horsepower (4,000 kW) driving two shafts, giving a design speed of 15 knots (28 km/h; 17 mph).[1] During sea trials, the vessel exceeded 15.5 knots (28.7 km/h; 17.8 mph), and at one point achieved 16.44 knots (30.45 km/h; 18.92 mph).[5] Two funnels were fitted. A full load of 280 long tons (280 t) of coal was carried, which gave a design range of 2,500 nautical miles (4,600 km; 2,900 mi) at 10 knots (19 km/h; 12 mph).[1] After reconstruction in 1914 and 1915, coal capacity was expanded to 300 long tons (300 t), which gave a design range of 2,530 nautical miles (4,690 km; 2,910 mi) at 10 knots (19 km/h; 12 mph). The ship had a complement of 254 officers and ratings.[6] The warship was fitted out to act as a flagship.[7]

Armament consisted of two single 25.4 cm (10.0 in) M1894 B guns mounted in turrets on the ship's centreline, one fore and the other aft. Each of the guns weighed 23.5 long tons (23.9 t). They were manufactured by the French company Société Nouvelle des Forges et Chantiers de la Méditerranée as the Swedish armament industry was not capable of manufacturing weapons of this calibre at the time, although this changed with the construction of Thor's sister ship Niord.[1] The guns could fire a 200 kg (450 lb) shell at a muzzle velocity of 2,362 ft/s (720 m/s). The mounting, designated M1894, used electric training and manual elevation.[8] Secondary armament consisted of six Bofors 12 cm (4.7 in) guns mounted singularly in casemates amidships. The central gun could traverse 136 degrees, while the outside weapons were limited to 115 degrees. The ship was also armed with a tertiary armament of ten single Bofors 5.7 cm (2.2 in) guns, two on the forward bridge, four on the forward superstructure, two on the aft superstructure and two on the aft bridge. Two 25 mm (1.0 in) machine guns were carried by the pinnaces and two 8 mm (0.3 in) machine guns were mounted on the tops. A single submerged 46 cm (18 in) torpedo tube was mounted in the bow. Four 90 cm (35 in) searchlights were carried.[1][7]

The armour was of Harvey steel provided by John Brown & Company of Sheffield. It included a 50 m (164 ft 1 in)-long armoured belt that was between 100 and 240 mm (3.9 and 9.4 in) thick and 1.48 m (4 ft 10.3 in) wide. The main armament was protected by barbettes that were 200 mm (7.9 in) thick and turrets 190 mm (7.5 in) thick with a roof 30 mm (1.2 in) thick. The secondary armament sat on barbettes protected by 100 mm (3.9 in) thick armour, in this case nickel-steel rather than Harvey steel, the turrets having a face 125 mm (4.9 in) thick, sides 60 mm (2.4 in) thick and a roof 48 mm (1.9 in) thick. The armour on the casemates was 91 mm (3.6 in) thick. The conning tower was protected by 190 mm (7.5 in) armour and the deck was protected by two layers that had a combined thickness of 49.5 mm (1.95 in) thick.[1]

Construction and career

[edit]
Coastal defence ship Thor
Thor as rebuilt

Thor was ordered from the Bergsunds shipyard in Stockholm at a cost of 1,871,000 Swedish krona, and named on 22 August 1896.[1] Laid down in 1896, the ship was launched on 7 March 1898 and commissioned on 29 June 1899.[9] In 1902, vessel was equipped with a bilge keel and in 1906 a 37 mm (1.5 in) quick-firing gun was mounted on each of the ship's pinnaces, the machine gun being removed on 16 September 1908. Meanwhile, following a Royal order signed on 16 July 1907, accommodation for training cadets had been added to the superstructure.[5] On 7 August that year, the ship joined a flotilla led by the coastal defence ship Oscar II on a visit to Portsmouth, which gave the cadets onboard the opportunity to see the naval base.[10] A similar visit took place to Dover on 4 June 1913, this time alongside the torpedo cruiser Jacob Bagge.[11]

The ship was taken out of the service and rebuilt at Karlskrona between 1914 and 1915.[12] The fighting mast was replaced by a much smaller three-legged mast and the two funnels were replaced by one. The remaining casemate-mounted 5.7 cm (2.2 in) guns were removed and those mounted on the superstructure upgraded. The machine guns and torpedo tubes were removed and new boilers installed, which improved performance.[13]

Thor resumed service to provide support to Sweden's neutrality in the First World War.[14] Following a request from the citizens of Åland on 9 February 1918, the vessel was dispatched on 14 February to protect the Swedish citizens on the island, arriving the following day at Eckerö, instigating the Invasion of Åland.[15] Thor was the first Swedish vessel to arrive.[16] With Russian forces in disarray due to Russian Civil War, the Swedish government saw an opportunity to occupy the islands, which the Russians also claimed. However, Germany was also interested in gaining the islands as part of a wider strategy to control the Baltic Sea.[17] A German fleet consisting of the dreadnought battleships Rheinland and Westfalen arrived on 5 March and a stand-off ensued, which was resolved peacefully two days later.[18]

This proved to be only action in which Thor participated and, on 16 July 1937, the warship was withdrawn from service.[5] After attempts to find a private yard that wanted to purchase the vessel for scrapping failed, the ship was broken up by the team at Karlskrona in 1942.[19]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ "HSwMS" here stands for "Hans/Hennes Majestäts Skepp"

Citations

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e f g Fleks 1997, p. 11.
  2. ^ Office of Naval Intelligence 1900, p. 79.
  3. ^ Campbell 1979, p. 361.
  4. ^ Fleks 1997, p. 10.
  5. ^ a b c Fleks 1997, p. 12.
  6. ^ Parkes & Prendergast 1969, p. 380.
  7. ^ a b Office of Naval Intelligence 1900, p. 78.
  8. ^ Friedman 2011, p. 302.
  9. ^ Harris 1996, p. 16.
  10. ^ "Naval and Military Intelligence". The Times. No. 38405. 7 August 1907. p. 8.
  11. ^ "Naval and Military Intelligence". The Times. No. 40230. 5 June 1913. p. 14.
  12. ^ Gard & Becker 1966, p. 133.
  13. ^ Westerlund 1992, p. 92.
  14. ^ von Hofsten, Waernberg & Ohlsson 2003, p. 116.
  15. ^ Harjula 2010, p. 82.
  16. ^ Fleks 1997, p. 21.
  17. ^ Salmon 1997, p. 164.
  18. ^ Staff 2010, p. 27.
  19. ^ Insulander & Ohlsson 2001, p. 56.

Bibliography

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