Why should a book about a WWI German cruiser which was destroyed in July 1915 interest WWI air enthusiasts? This small but insignificant action in German East Africa – later Tanganyika – was the prelude to all subsequent RNAS and Fleet Air Arm operations. SMS Königsberg was a modern fast cruiser, pride of the small German squadron at Dar-es-Salaam guarding the German colony. After the outbreak of war she sunk a number of British ships culminating with the destruction of HMS Pegasus, a smaller cruiser, caught in the act of boiler cleaning off Zanzibar.

The Royal Navy sent a task force to seek and destroy Koenigsberg, forcing her Captain to seek refuge in the complicated backwaters of the Rufiji delta, German East Africa. To locate the enemy in these ‘uncharted waters’ the Royal Navy hired two Curtiss ‘F’ Hydroplanes used for joyriding in Durban. Only one proved serviceable but after finding Königsberg, engine failure left the pilot a prisoner-of-war. This prompted the Admiralty to send No 4 RNAS Expeditionary Force of two pilots and two Sopwith Type 807 seaplanes and ground crews. Neither aircraft proved serviceable under tropical conditions and a further three pre-war Short Folder Type 81 seaplanes were sent. These also succumbed to tropical conditions but not before Königsberg’s latest position had been discovered.

Two Caudron G.IIIs and two Henri Farman F.27s were next sent, operating from an airstrip from the bush in June 1915. By this time a formidable British force of monitors, cruisers and a battleship were within striking distance of the German cruiser.. Finally, overwhelmed on 6 July 1915 Königsberg was sunk in her river hiding place. Brilliantly operated by her captain, this raider had caused the Royal Navy many problems. She still had teeth. Divers retrieved her main armament which was taken to Dar-es-Salaam railway workshops and mounted upon wheeled carriages. These guns and the remaining Königsberg crew fought out the rest of WWI fighting for the German general Lettow-Vorbeck who was still undefeated on 11 November 1918 in German East Africa. Ironically, HMS Pegasus’ undamaged main armament was retrieved by the British and mounted on wheeled carriages. On one occasion these naval guns were actually engaging each other on dry land.

If such a phrase can be used this was a sporting engagement. Christmas 1914 saw captains on both sides wirelessing Christmas Greetings to each other! The British even engaged a big game hunter with local knowledge to carry out espionage and he actually boarded the Königsberg, disguised as an Arab trader, returning with much intelligence. Both sides acted brilliantly in this war time game of hide and seek. The author, having contacted the family of the late German captain, has brought out much previously unknown information. Likewise his research into HMS Pegasus ‘striking her colours’ has not been revealed before. Excellent maps and photographs make this book a pleasure to read. On top of that – a ripping yarn.

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