| The Three Versions of the Deutschland-Klasse Period photographs prove that several of the Deutschland-Klasse ships had three versions; the as-laid when they were commissioned, a first retrofit, and then a second retrofit in 1909/1910. References claim that all the modifications were done during 1909 to 1910 when all five ships underwent modernization at the Kaiserliche Werft Kiel. However, photographs prove that major upgrades were made prior to this time. Photographs of Deutschland, Pommern, and Schleswig-Holstein all show the three versions as shown with Pommern below, so if Schleswig-Holstein was the final ship commissioned in the Klasse in 1908, then it is probable that Hannover and Schlesien who were commissioned prior to 1908, also had three versions. |
| Pommern 1904 Version When the five ships of the Deutschland class were constructed, they looked very different from the final versions that steamed in to battle at Jutland (Skagerak) in 1916. Here is an early photo of SMS Pommern taken shortly after commissioning in 1904. Note that the top and bottom of all three funnels are the same height, the searchlight platforms are on either side of the ship's cranes, there is only one searchlight on each mast, the upper bridge platform above the Kommandoturm (Command Tower or Armoured Bridge) is quite small, the fore (front) 'crow's nest' has a roof, and both masts only have one primary level with a large cross-spar. |
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| First retrofit (winter 1907/1908 ) This photo shows Pommern after the first retrofit when the the following modifications were made:
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| Second Retrofit (winter 1909/1910) This photo shows SMS Pommern after all five ships underwent modernization at the Kaiserliche Werft Kiel from 1909 to 1910:
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