Ships of the Nationalist and Republican Navies during the Spanish Civil War: España-class Battleships

The class was built at El Ferrol between 1910 and 1921. They were the smallest dreadnought-type battleships ever constructed. The completion of Jaime I was considerably delayed by the non-delivery of material, including the main armament, from Britain due to the outbreak of the First World War. España was originally named Alfonso XIII.

Battleship España.

Battleship Jaime I.

Ships' characteristics:

• Displacement: 15,452 tons normal; 15,700 tons maximum
• Dimensions:
• Length: 459’ 2” (140m)
• Beam: 78’ 9” (24m)
• Draught: 25’ 6” (7.8m)
• Speed: 19.5 knots
• Armour: Belt: 8” to 4” (203mm to 102mm); Barbettes: 10” (254mm); Gunhouses: 8” (203mm): Deck: 1.5” (38 mm)
• Armament: 8 x 12” (305mm) (4 x 2); 20 x 4” (102mm) (20 x 1); 4 x 3 pdr (47mm) Anti-Aircraft Guns (4 x 1)
• Complement: 854

España served in the Nationalist Navy and sank after hitting a mine on 30th April 1937.
Jamie I served in the Republican Navy. She was damaged by Nationalist bombing whilst at Cartagena, and was subsequently scuttled there on 17th June 1937 following a fire that was caused by an accidental magazine explosion.