Konigsberg, Severn, Mersey action, Rufuji Delta, German East AFrica

Tuesday 4 August 1914

German Warships at Sea, including

East African Waters - light cruiser Königsberg 3,814t, 10-4.1in, sank one merchant ship of 6,601grt and old protected cruiser Pegasus

SMS Königsberg (Photo Ships)

HMS Pegasus (Photo Ships)

Sunday 20 September

PEGASUS, 3rd class or light cruiser, Pelorus-class, 2,135t, 1897, 8‑4in/8-3pdr QF/2-18in tt, 20kts, c224 crew, Cape of Good Hope Station in August 1914, sent to East Africa, Capt John Alexander Ingles, during searches for Königsberg (10-4.1in), Pegasus had developed machinery defects and put into Zanzibar to repair them, also partly to protect the port. Although there was no indication Königsberg was in the vicinity, armed tug Helmuth patrolled the South Channel, Pegasus's men slept at their guns at night and steam was kept at two hours notice as she lay off the town. Helmuth saw a vessel approaching at 0525, steamed out to warn her off and received two blank rounds, Königsberg opened fire from 9,000yds and straddled the outranged Pegasus, within 8min all engaged guns were disabled but after a five minute pause the shelling continued. Königsberg ceased fire at 0555 and withdrew having done little damage to the town itself. Although badly holed on the water line, Pegasus was still afloat with engines untouched, attempts were made to beach her, but she turned over and sank in Zanzibar harbour around 1415; 1 officer and 31 ratings killed, 1 officer and 1 rating DOW the same day, followed by one rating each on 26th, 27th, 6/10, 8/10, a total of 38 (Rn - 2 officers DOW, 24 crew killed, five more DOW, 55 wounded; ke - 31 lost), survivors rescued by boats from collier Banffshire. Königsberg returned to the Rufuji River delta and was not discovered there until the end of October (+J/C/Cn/D/dk/ke/kp; ADM.1/8394/326)

Some of the HMS Pegasus wounded in hospital

(thanks to Alison Drewery, whose Great Grandfather

Herbert Whitton can be seen standing in the centre (3/10/11))

Saturday 31 October

Light cruiser Königsberg located in Rufuji River delta by HMS Chatham.

Tuesday 10 November

NEWBRIDGE (1)(right - Photo Ships), Admiralty blockship, ex-collier, 3,737/1906, 342ft, Temperley SS Co, London-reg, purchased 1914, originally for use at Dover, sent to East Africa, filled with crushed rock and dynamite charges, 14 volunteer crew, Cdr Raymond Fitzmaurice. This was the first operation against the trapped German cruiser Königsberg. In the early morning, under fire but under cover of 6in cruiser gunfire, reached scuttling position 8 miles down the Ssuninga channel of the Rufuji river delta where it met the Ssimba-Uranga arm, swung across the river and anchored bow and stern, charges fired at 0550 and settled to the bottom. This still left two navigable channels - the northern Kikunja and the southern Kiomboni - by which Königsberg could reach the sea 10 miles away (L/Lr/Rn/D/dx/kp)

Saturday 6 February 1915

ADJUTANT, patrol vessel, ex-German tug, 231/1905, captured 10 October 1914 in East Africa by light cruiser Dartmouth, armed with 1-3pdr, took part in capture of Mafia Island 12 January, now with force blockading light cruiser Königsberg in Rufiji delta, Sub‑Lt Wilfred Price in command, carrying out reconnaissance of one of the entrances. Heavily shelled from the shore by German forces protecting approaches to Königsberg, steam-pipe cut, drifted ashore and recaptured; 1 ratings lost, rest of crew taken prisoner. Salvaged by the Germans, got through British naval blockade, steamed to Dar-es-Salaam, taken to pieces by railway engineers and carried by train to Kigoma, reassembled for operations on Lake Tanganyika. Hepper, possibly in error, reports that “light cruiser Pyramus later closed and destroyed her where she lay” (Rn/C/Cn/D/ap/dk/kp)

Wednesday 14 April

German supply ship Kronburg, ex-British SS Rubens detained at Hamburg 8/14, now carrying supplies for light cruiser Königsberg still lying in the Rufuji River delta, sunk by old light cruiser Hyacinth in the Indian Ocean.

ACTION IN OUTLINE

Tuesday 6 July

Mersey (Cdr R Wilson) and Severn, river monitors, Humber-class, 1,520t, 2-6in/2-4.7in/4-3pdr, 140 crew, after operations off Belgian coast, both ships were due for service in the Dardanelles in March 1915. Sailed 28 April from Malta with fleet messenger Trent, four tugs and a collier, reached Aden 15 May and Mafia Island 3 June, made good defects, fitted with extra protection and exercised with spotting aircraft. German light cruiser Königsberg moored down the Kikunja channel, northernmost tributary of Rufuji delta and 10 miles from the sea. Mersey and Severn entered the channel at 0520 on 6th, immediately came under 3pdr, pom-pom and machine gun fire from shore defences, both hit, but undamaged, whalers Echo, Fly, Childers swept and sounded ahead, light cruisers Weymouth and Pyramus followed in support. By 0630, 6 miles or 11,000yds from Königsberg, anchored, waited for spotting aircraft and opened fire, Königsberg also had spotting station nearby and replied with salvoes. Neither monitor hit for an hour until at 0740, shell struck Mersey's foremost 6in gun shield and put gun out of action, shortly holed near the waterline and pulled back 1,000yds. Severn continued for half an hour, then both ships waited until a second spotting aircraft arrived at 1330, returned to original position and fired until 1530, Königsberg hit around 6 times. Withdrew to prepare for next attempt five days later; Mersey’s casualties were 4 ratings killed, 2 DOW and 2 wounded (Rn/Cn/dk)

Sunday 11 July

Mersey and Severn, river monitors, Humber-class, some damage and badly worn by shoot on the 6th, only now ready to resume attempt to destroy the Königsberg assisted by aircraft spotting. (dx - 15th) - Again fired on when entering the Rufuji River, both hit but little damage, starting at 1230 they took turns to fire although Königsberg fired back, at 1252 there was a large explosion, Königsberg was then apparently blown up and scuttled at 1346, firing continued until 1420 to complete her destruction, monitors recalled at 1430; two men slightly wounded on Mersey. Other ships taking part included light cruisers Chatham, Dartmouth, Challenger, Hyacinth, Pioneer (RAN), Pyramus, Weymouth, and armed merchant cruiser Laconia (Cn/Rn/dx)

(click for source abbreviations)

the wrecked, abandoned and also disarmed SMS Königsberg. Her guns, especially the 4.1in went on to play an important part in the German land campaign in East Africa (CyberHeritage/Terry Phillips)

LONDON GAZETTE NAVAL DESPATCH

With thanks to the London Gazette

Gazette No. 29395 - 7 DECEMBER 1915

DESTRUCTION OF GERMAN CRUISER “KÖNIGSBERG”

NAVAL DESPATCH dated 15 July 1915

Admiralty, 8th December, 1915.

The following Despatch has been received from the Commander-in-Chief, Cape of Good Hope Station:

"Challenger,"15th July, 1915.

Sir: Be pleased to lay before their Lordships the following report of the operations against, the "Konigsberg" on the 6th and 11th instant:

In accordance with orders issued by me, the various vessels concerned took up their appointed stations on the 5th July, in readiness for the operations on the following day.

At 4.15 a.m. on the 6th July, H.M.S. "Severn," Captain Eric J. A. Fullerton, R.N., and H.M.S. "Mersey," Commander Robert A. Wilson, weighed and proceeded across the bar into the Kikunja branch of the Rufiji river, which they entered about 5.20 a.m.

The "Severn" was anchored head and stern and fire was opened on the "Konigsberg" by 6.30 a.m. The "Mersey" was similarly moored and opened fire shortly after.

Both Monitors were fired on with 3-pounders, pom-poms and machine-guns when entering the river and on their way up, and they replied to the fire.

At 5.25 a.m. an aeroplane, with Flight-Commander Harold E. M. Watkins as pilot, and carrying six bombs, left the aerodrome on Mafia Island. The bombs were dropped at the "Konigsberg" with the intention of hampering any interference she might attempt with the Monitors while they were getting into position.

At 5.40 a.m. another aeroplane, with Flight-Commander John T. Cull as pilot, and Flight Sub-Lieutenant Harwood J. Arnold as observer, left the aerodrome for the purpose of spotting for the Monitors.

At 5.45 a.m. I transferred my Flag to the "Weymouth," Captain Denis B. Crampton, M.V.O., and at 6.30 a.m. proceeded across the bar, with the Whalers "Echo" and " Fly " sweeping, and the "Childers" sounding ahead; the "Pyramus," Commander Viscount Kelburn, being in company.

The "Weymouth" grounded on the bar for a few minutes on the way across, but soon came off with the rising tide, and advanced as far as the entrance to the river, where she anchored.

Fire from small guns was opened on her, and on the Whalers, from the shore, but beyond one shell, which struck the "Fly," no damage was sustained. A few rounds from the 6-inch guns put a stop to the firing, although it was impossible to locate the position of the guns owing to their being concealed amongst the trees and dense undergrowth.

After anchoring, the "Weymouth" did what was possible to assist the Monitors by bombarding at long range a position at Pemba, where a spotting and observation station was supposed to be, and by keeping down the enemy's fire at the aeroplanes. This was done very effectively.

At the same time the "Pioneer," Commander (Acting) Thomas W. Biddlecombe, R.A.N., under the orders of "Hyacinth," Captain David M. Anderson, M.V.O., engaged the defences at the Ssimba Uranga Mouth, her fire being returned until the defences were silenced.

Returning to the operations of the Monitors; fire was opened, as before stated, at 6.30 a.m., but as the "Konigsberg" was out of sight it was very difficult to obtain satisfactory results, and the difficulties of the observers in the aeroplanes in marking the fall of the shots which fell amongst the trees were very great, and made systematic shooting most difficult.

There being only two aeroplanes available, considerable intervals elapsed between the departure of one and the arrival of its relief from the aerodrome 30 miles distant, and this resulted in a loss of shooting efficiency.

At 12.35 one of the aeroplanes broke down, and at 3.50 the second one also. I signalled to Captain Fullerton to move further up the river, which he did, until about 12.50 the tops of the "Konigsberg's" masts were visible.

The "Konigsberg" kept up a heavy fire on the Monitors until about 12.30, when her fire slackened. At 2.40 p.m. she ceased firing, having for some time limited her fire to one gun. At 3.30 p.m. the Monitors ceased fire, and retired out of the river, rejoining my Flag off Koma Island at 6 p.m. On their way out they were again attacked by the small guns from the banks.

I had returned over the bar in "Weymouth" at 12.30 p.m., and transferred to "Hyacinth" at 3.0 p.m.

The "Mersey" had four men killed and four wounded, two of whom have since died, and her foremost 6-in. gun, at which most of the casualties occurred, was put out of action. The "Severn" fortunately suffered no losses or damage.

The various ships, whalers, tugs, &c., anchored for the night off the Delta, and proceeded to their various stations for coaling, &c., the following morning.

In view of the many difficulties in the way, and the heavy and accurate fire to which the monitors were subjected, I consider that the operations on 6th July, though not a complete and final success, are creditable to Captain Fullerton and Commander Wilson.

As it was necessary to make a fresh attack on the "Konigsberg" to complete her destruction, further operations were carried out on the 11th July, by which date the aeroplanes were again ready for service, and the monitors had made good certain defects and completed with coal.

I reinforced the crew of the "Severn" by Acting Sub-Lieutenant Arthur G. Mack, with six Petty Officers and men; and the crew of the "Mersey" by Lieutenant Richard Ussher and Lieutenant Rundle B. Watson, with six Petty Officers and men. All the above were drawn from "Hyacinth."

The attack was carried out on the same lines as on the previous occasion, and the same mouth of the river was used.

The monitors crossed the bar at 11.45 a.m., followed up to the entrance by ''Weymouth'' and "Pyramus," the latter proceeding three miles inside, and both searching the banks. "Hyacinth" and "Pioneer" bombarded the Ssimba Uranga entrance.

On this occasion the monitors did not fire simultaneously; the "Mersey" remained under way, and fired while "Severn" moored, and ceased fire when "Severn" commenced.

The "Severn" was moored in a position 1,000 yards closer to the enemy than on the 6th July, which made her fire much more effective.

The observers in the aeroplanes, by their excellent spotting, soon got the guns on the target, and hit after hit was rapidly signalled. At 12.50 it was reported that the "Konigsberg" was on fire.

As previously arranged with Captain Fullerton, as soon as they had got the situation well in hand, the monitors moved up the. River, and completed the destruction of the ''Konigsberg" by 2.30 p.m., when I ordered them to withdraw.

The "Konigsberg" is now a complete wreck, having suffered from shells, fire and explosions, several of which latter were observed.

The only casualties sustained were three men slightly wounded in the "Mersey." There were no casualties in "Severn."

By 8.0 p.m. all ships, except those detached on patrol, had returned.

I have much pleasure in bringing to the notice of their Lordships the names of the following Officers and men:

Captain Eric J. A. Fullerton, H.M.S. "Severn."

Commander Robert A. Wilson, H.M.S. "Mersey."

Captain Denis B. Crampton, M.V.O., H.M.S. "Weymouth."

Commander The Hon. Robert O. B. Bridgeman.

Squadron Commander Robert Gordon, in command of the Air Squadron.

Flight Commander John T. Cull.

Flight Lieutenant Vivian G. Blackburn.

Flight Sub-Lieutenant Harwood J. Arnold.

Flight Lieutenant Harold E. M. Watkins.

Assistant Paymaster Harold G. Badger, H.M.S. "Hyacinth." This Officer volunteered to observe during the first attack on the "Konigsberg," though he had had no previous experience of flying.

Acting Lieutenant Alan G. Bishop, Royal Marine Light Infantry, of H.M.S. "Hyacinth." This Officer volunteered to observe during the second attack on the " Konigsberg," though he had had no previous experience of flying.

Air Mechanic Ebenezer Henry Alexander Boggis, Chatham 14849, who went up on the 25th April with Flight Commander Cull, and photographed the "Konigsberg" at a height of 700 feet. They were heavily fired on, and the engine of the machine was badly damaged.

Most serious risks have been run by the officers and men who have flown in this climate, where the effect of the atmosphere and the extreme heat of the sun are quite unknown to those whose flying experience is limited to moderate climates. "Bumps" of 250 feet have been experienced several times, and the temperature varies from extreme cold when flying at a height to a great heat, with burning, tropical sun, when on land.

In the operations against the "Konigsberg" on the 6th July both the personnel and materiel of the Royal Naval Air Service were worked to the extreme limit of endurance. The total distance covered by the two available aeroplanes on that date was no less than 950 miles, and the time in the air, working watch and watch, was 13 hours.

I will sum up by saying that the Flying Officers, one and all, have earned my highest commendations.

Chief Carpenter William J. Leverett, H.M.S. "Hyacinth." This Officer was in charge of the fitting out of the two Monitors.

I also desire to bring to their Lordships' notice the Master of the tug "Revenger," John Osment Richards, and the following members of her crew, who most readily volunteered to serve in their tug and to proceed into the river to the assistance of the Monitors and tow them out if necessary:

Frank Walker, Navigating Master.

George Edward Milton, Mate.

Frederick James Kennedy, Chief Engineer.

Lewis John Hills, Second Engineer.

Sidney Robert Rayner, Third Engineer.

The four tugs "Blackcock," "Revenger," "Sarah Joliffe," and " T. A. Joliffe" were manned by Naval Officers and men, with the exception of the above named, and although their services were not called for I consider the example they set was most praiseworthy.

I have the honour to be, Sir, Your obedient servant,

H. KING HALL, Vice-Admiral, Commander in Chief.

____________________

See also "The Navy Everywhere" by Conrad Gato. Click the title for the story - Chapter 2

ROYAL NAVY CASUALTIES - Killed and Died

With thanks to Don Kindell

Not all casualties directly linked to the destruction of the Königsberg have been identified.

Sunday, 20 September 1914



HMS Pegasus (Photo Ships)

Pegasus, old light cruiser, sunk by German light cruiser Konigsberg off Zanzibar, four men died of wounds on 26, 27 September, 6, 8 October

ADAMS, James, Private, RMLI, 8638 (Ply)

BOSLEY, Henry, Leading Stoker, K 13867 (Dev)

BURNS, George A, Ordinary Seaman, J 15443 (Dev)

BURROWS, Gilbert F, Able Seaman, 219216 (Dev)

BUTLER, Harry J, Leading Stoker, 308768 (Dev)

COLE, Edgar T, Stoker Petty Officer, 303260 (Dev)

CONNOLLY, Richard, Able Seaman, J 4765 (Dev)

DRAKE, John H, Lieutenant, RNR

FARLIE, Edgar J, Private, RMLI, 10266 (Ply)

FINEGAN, Joseph P, Stoker 1c, K 5600 (Dev)

FRAMPTON, Alfred G, Armourer's Crew, M 6421 (Dev)

GILL, James, Able Seaman, 234368 (Dev), died of wounds

GLANVILLE, John H, Chief Engine Room Artificer 1c, 269246 (Dev)

HANCOCK, James, Stoker 1c, K 13530 (Dev)

HARDING, Benjamin C, Stoker 1c, K 13531 (Dev)

HARPER, Lancelot L, Ordinary Seaman, J 15515 (Dev)

HIGHAMS, Ernest E, Petty Officer, 162971 (Dev)

HODGETTS, John W, Able Seaman, J 521 (Dev)

HORILL, Ernest J, Petty Officer, 163249 (Dev)

JENKINS, John, Leading Stoker, 311808 (Dev)

MACEY, James W, Painter 2c, M 899 (Dev)

MAY, William, Stoker 1c, 301157 (Dev)

MCINTYRE, Thomas W, Corporal, RMLI, 14645 (Ply)

NELIGAN, Maurice C, Chief Stoker, 172311 (Dev)

NICHOLSON, James, Stoker 1c, K 14411 (Dev)

O'SHEA, Edward, Blacksmith, 340351 (Dev)

PATTLE, Alfred F, Ship's Cook, 344527 (Dev)

PLASKETT, Herbert, Stoker 1c, K 13538 (Dev)

ROWBERRY, George E, Leading Seaman, 22187 (Dev)

SMITH, James, Able Seaman, 180994 (Dev)

TONKS, Thomas, Signalman, J 9090 (Dev)

TURNER, Richard C, Lieutenant Commander, died of wounds

VAUGHAN, Alfred G, Able Seaman, 220217 (Dev)

WRIGHT, Douglas H, Ordinary Seaman, J 15969 (Dev)

Saturday, 26 September 1914



Pegasus, old light cruiser, lost 20th

RIDEWOOD, James B, Armourer's Mate, 345905 (Dev), DOW

Sunday, 27 September 1914

Pegasus, old light cruiser, lost 20th

THOMSON David Private RMLI 12483 (Ply) DOW

Tuesday, 6 October 1914

Pegasus, old light cruiser, sunk 20 September

GOODWIN, William J, Petty Officer 1c, 184201 (Dev), DOW

Thursday, 8 October 1914

Pegasus, old light cruiser, sunk 20 September

MCCARTHY, Daniel, Leading Carpenter's Crew, 346759 (Dev), DOW

Saturday, 6 February 1915



Adjutant, patrol vessel, ex-German tug, damaged by shore fire and recaptured by Germans

PIDDOCK, Edward R, Able Seaman, J 592 (Ch)

Friday, 5 March 1915

Kinfauns Castle, armed merchant cruiser (took part in operations against Königsberg)

RITCHIE, William, Seaman, RNR, 3416 C, died in Tanganyika

Tuesday, 6 July 1915

HMS Mersey (CyberHeritage)

Mersey, river monitor, damaged by return gunfire from German light cruiser Konigsberg, 2 men died of wounds on 10 and 17 July

HAINES, Henry G, Able Seaman (RFR B 6513), 215246 (Po)

MACDONALD, Colin, Able Seaman (RFR B 4604), 228314 (Po)

OSMOND, John, Able Seaman (RFR B 4227), 198849 (Po)

RANSOM, Jack G, Chief Petty Officer, 155141 (Po)

Saturday, 10 July 1915

Mersey, river monitor, damaged on 6th

ROLLS, Reginald J, Sick Berth Steward, 350785 (Po), DOW

Saturday, 17 July 1915

Mersey, river monitor, damaged on 6th

HENDERSON, Alexander W, Able Seaman (RFR B 746), 164842 (Po), DOW

ROYAL NAVY GALLANTRY AWARDS

With thanks to the London Gazette

Many of the honours and gallantry awards listed in the London Gazette, do not identify ships or battles/campaigns. Therefore the following listings will be incomplete

Gazette No. 29395 - 7 DECEMBER 1915

His Majesty The KING (is) pleased to give orders for the appointment of the following Officers to the Distinguished Service Order, in recognition of their services, as mentioned, on the occasion of the operations against the "Konigsberg":

Captain Eric John Arthur Fullerton, R.N. Was in charge of the two Monitors, and conducted the operations in the river with complete success.

Commander Robert Amcotts Wilson, R.N. These two Officers had to deal with a very difficult task, entering a river of which very imperfect information was obtainable, against an unknown and invisible defence, which might well have been very serious, and there is no doubt that the Monitors were most fortunate in not being more severely handled by the enemy.

Squadron Commander Robert Gordon, R.N.A.S. (Captain, temporary Major, R.M.). Was in command of the Air Squadron. Was indefatigable in his work, and ran great risks in spotting and reconnoitring.

Flight Commander John Tulloch Cull, R.N.A.S. (Lieutenant, R.N.).

Flight Sub-Lieutenant Harwood James Arnold, R.N.A.S.

Flight Commander Cull and Flight Sub-Lieutenant Arnold were spotting on the 11th July, under fire, in a Biplane, when the enemy's fire damaged it so that it descended in a quarter of an hour from 3,200 feet to 2,000 feet. During this time no attempt was made to return to Headquarters at Mafia, although it was obvious that this could not be done unless a start was made at once. Flight Sub-Lieutenant Arnold continued to send his spotting signals the whole time, and when a quarter of an hour later the machine was again hit and forced to descend, Flight Commander Cull controlled the machine and Flight Sub-Lieutenant Arnold continued to send spotting corrections to the last, after warning the Monitors that they were coming down, and would endeavour to land near them. The aeroplane finally came down in the river, turning over and over. Flight Commander Cull was nearly drowned, but was assisted by Flight Sub-Lieutenant Arnold, and both were rescued by a boat from the "Mersey."

____

The following Petty Officers and men have been awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for their services on the same occasion:

H.M.S. "Severn."

Chief Petty Officer William J. Sercombe, O.N. 163215.

Able Seaman George A. Hogg, O.N. 202097 (R.F.R.).

Leading Telegraphist Percival Jacobs, O.N. J34831.

Shipwright (2nd Class) William Sheppherd, O.N. 346098.

Private Edward Redhead, R.M.L.I. (R.F.R., Plym. 9481.

H.M.S. "Mersey."

Chief Yeoman of Signals E. W. Pettingale, O.N. 148718.

Able Seaman H. J. Carter, O.N. 217542.

Able Seaman William Corry, O.N. 190507 (R.F.R. Ch.B. 7705).

Stoker (2nd Class) Richard Thompson, O.N. 105721.

Royal Naval Air Service.

Air Mechanic Ebenezer Henry Alexander Boggis, O.N. 14849.

29423 - 31 DECEMBER 1915

The KING (is) pleased to give orders for the appointment of the undermentioned Officers to be Companions of the Distinguished Service Order:

Commander Raymond Fitzmaurice, R.N. For his services in charge of the operation of blocking the Rufigi river to prevent the escape of the Konigsberg on the 10th November, 1914. Commander Fitzmaurice was on board the collier "Newbridge," which was sunk up the river, and was exposed to heavy fire at short range from both banks both when entering the river and again when returning in the steam cutter of H.M.S. "Chatham."

29886 - 29 DECEMBER 1916

Officer Noted for Accelerated Promotion for War Service.

Fleet Surgeon Alfred James Hewitt, R.N., has been noted for accelerated promotion in recognition of the conspicuous gallantry and very exceptional professional ability which he displayed as Medical Officer of H.M.S. "Pegasus" when that ship was sunk by the "Königsberg'' in September, 1914.

31452 - 11 JULY 1919

To receive the Distinguished Service Cross:

Payr. Lieut, (now actg. Payr. Lieut.-Cdr.) Harold Gordon Badger, R.N. For distinguished services as Observer in one of the seaplanes employed on spotting duties during the attack on the German Cruiser "Königsberg " on the 6th and 11th July 1915.

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