Gern was born to a Polish noble family of German origin in Vitebsk Governorate, Russia.

After the Franco-Prussian War (1870–1871), he made a comprehensive presentation of the protective construction operations of both sides.

To resolve this situation, Gern came up with the idea of constructing a submarine, which could reach enemy ships undetected and attack them unexpectedly.

[1] A third design displacing 10 tons and powered by a petrol engine was constructed by Izhorskiy yard in Kolpino in 1864.

[3] In 1872, Gern presented a 6-ton torpedo, powered by a compressed-air engine, but tests showed only modest results.