German Imperial Navy . SMS Von Der Tann 1914 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 , Von der Tann was the fastest dreadnought - type warship afloat , capable of reaching speeds of more than 27 knots . Von der Tann was the workhorse of the High Seas Fleet Scouting Squadron .