Q&A · 1:46:10-1:46:56

Moltke's low stern creates a superfiring appearance

The aft turret sits above a cut-down stern rather than unusually high above the rest of Moltke's main battery.

Question

Why is Moltke's aft superfiring turret pointed toward the stern?

Short answer

The stern is cut down for weight and speed, placing the aft turret on a lower deck while its guns remain near the height of the other main battery.

Notes

Hull form, machinery distribution, weight, and speed explain the aft layout. The stern is cut down, creating an extra lower level for the aftermost turret. Although that mounting can fire over the deck below it, its guns sit at roughly the same height as the other main-battery weapons. A photograph can exaggerate the difference, so reading the hull sheer is essential to understanding the apparent superfiring arrangement.