[Coming Soon] Light cruiser Köln: with swords behind her back

The German light cruiser Köln stands out for its unique armament configuration, with nearly all of its guns positioned at the stern!

Historical note

KMS Köln, the third and final light cruiser of the Königsberg class, was laid down in 1926 and entered service in 1930. During the Spanish Civil War, KMS Köln patrolled the coastal waters of the Iberian Peninsula, staying out of direct combat. Later, the cruiser was redeployed to the North Sea, where it protected fishing vessels. At the outbreak of World War II, KMS Köln was stationed in the North Sea and Baltic Sea and participated in several operations, including “Weserübung,” the 1940 invasion of Norway. Of the entire battle group involved, Köln was the only ship to survive.

In December 1944, KMS Köln was bombed by Allied forces near the Oslo Fjord, severely damaging its propulsion system, forcing the ship to return to Germany for repairs. Once there, it was attacked again by enemy aircraft and subsequently grounded. Despite this, the cruiser’s guns remained operational, and it was used as an artillery platform to defend Wilhelmshaven until the war’s end. After World War II, KMS Köln was partially dismantled and eventually scrapped in 1956.

KMS Köln (Rank II)

KMS Köln is a German Rank II light cruiser with well-balanced combat characteristics. However, what truly sets it apart and offers unique tactical possibilities for its commanders is the strategic layout of its armament.

The cruiser is equipped with nine 150 mm guns arranged in three turrets—two at the stern and one at the bow. While this configuration limits the ship’s ability to fire directly ahead while on the move, it offers a major advantage: all three turrets have full 360-degree rotation. This means that no matter where the enemy appears, at least two of the turrets can engage the target. For a full broadside, the cruiser only needs a slight hull adjustment, avoiding the need to expose its vulnerable side completely. In close-range combat, the G7a 533-mm torpedoes provide additional firepower.

In terms of defense, survivability, and mobility, the Köln is comparable to other Rank II ships of its class, with no notable advantages or weaknesses compared to its rivals. This balance allows commanders to focus fully on exploring different tactical strategies with KMS Köln.