Ship Commissionings of 1917: A Chronological Record of Naval Expansion
The year 1917 marked a period of intense naval activity as global powers expanded their fleets to meet the demands of wartime operations. Commissioning—the formal process of placing a ship into active service—occurred frequently across various naval branches. In instances where a formal ceremony was not held, the date the vessel first entered service is recorded as its commissioning date.
From massive battleships to agile section patrol craft, the diversity of vessels commissioned in 1917 reflects the strategic needs of the era, including coastal defense, submarine warfare, and long-range naval engagement.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- The United States Navy commissioned a high volume of section patrol craft throughout the year.
- The Royal Navy saw the commissioning of the Glorious and Furious, both Courageous-class battlecruisers that were later converted into aircraft carriers.
- The Imperial German Navy added significant firepower with the commissioning of the Baden (Bayern-class battleship) and the Hindenburg (Derfflinger-class battlecruiser).
- Specialized vessels, including colliers (ships that carry coal) and submarines, were integrated into fleets to support logistics and stealth operations.
Naval Developments by Operator
United States Navy
The U.S. Navy focused heavily on versatility and coastal security. A significant number of section patrol craft—small vessels used for local defense and surveillance—were commissioned between April and December. Notable larger additions included the Mississippi, a New Mexico-class battleship commissioned in December, and several destroyers such as the Allen, Shaw, Manley, and Caldwell.
Submarine capabilities were also expanded with the commissioning of L-class (e.g., L-6, L-7, L-8) and N-class (N-1, N-2, N-3) vessels.
Royal Navy and Allies
The Royal Navy continued to innovate, commissioning the Ramillies (Revenge-class battleship) in September. The Anzac, a Parker-class destroyer leader, was commissioned in April before being transferred to the Royal Australian Navy in 1919. The Royal Netherlands Navy also expanded its fleet with Z 5-class torpedo boats and the H-class submarine O 8 (formerly HMS H6).
Imperial German Navy
Germany's naval additions in 1917 were characterized by heavy tonnage. The Baden, a Bayern-class battleship, entered service in March, followed by the Derfflinger-class battlecruiser Hindenburg in May and the Königsberg-class cruiser Nürnberg in February.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Summary of 1917 Commissionings
| Date | Operator | Ship | Class/Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January 24 | US Navy | Allen | Sampson-class destroyer | - |
| February | Royal Navy | Glorious | Courageous-class battlecruiser | Converted to aircraft carrier |
| March 14 | Imperial German Navy | Baden | Bayern-class battleship | - |
| June 26 | Royal Navy | Furious | Courageous-class battlecruiser | Converted to aircraft carrier |
| September 1 | Royal Navy | Ramillies | Revenge-class battleship | - |
| December 18 | US Navy | Mississippi | New Mexico-class battleship | - |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a section patrol craft?
A section patrol craft is a small naval vessel designed for local surveillance, coastal defense, and patrolling specific sections of a coastline.
Which ships were converted into aircraft carriers?
The Glorious and Furious, both Courageous-class battlecruisers commissioned by the Royal Navy, were converted into aircraft carriers.
What was the role of a collier in 1917?
A collier, such as the US Navy's Cyclops and Abarenda, was a specialized ship used to transport coal to fuel other steam-powered naval vessels.
Which German battleship was commissioned in 1917?
The Baden, a Bayern-class battleship, was commissioned by the Imperial German Navy on March 14, 1917.
Were any ships transferred to other nations or agencies?
Yes. The Anzac was transferred to the Royal Australian Navy in 1919, while several US Navy patrol craft, such as the Advance and Apache, were transferred to the US Coast Guard, and others to the US Coast and Geodetic Survey.