The Von Der Tann which served in World War I. SMS Von der Tann?was the first battlecruiser built for the German Kaiserliche Marine, as well as Germany's first major turbine-powered warship. At the time of her construction, she was the fastest dreadnought-type warship afloat, capable of reaching speeds in excess of 27 knots. Von der Tann participated in a number of fleet actions during the First World War, including several bombardments of the English coast. She was present at the Battle of Jutland, where she destroyed the British battlecruiser HMS Indefatigable in the opening minutes of the engagement. Following the end of the war in November 1918, most of the High Seas Fleet, was interned at Scapa Flow pending a decision by the Allies as to the fate of the fleet. The ship met her end when the fleet was scuttled in 1919 to prevent the ships from falling into British hands. Bain News Service, September 1914.