SMS Greif

SMS "Greif" was a converted freighter serving as a merchant raider with Imperial Germany.

Originally named "Guben", she was a (4962 GRT) steel-hulled steamship owned by the German-Australian Line (DADG), Hamburg. "Greif" was converted for military service at Kaiserliche Werft Kiel, in 1915. "Greif" was commissioned 23 January 1916 and sailed from the Elbe port of Cuxhaven on 27 February 1916Poole(July 1975)pp.52-57] under the command of Fregattenkapitän Rudolf Tietze (born 13 September 1874).Schmalenbach(1977)p.16] The Royal Navy had learned of "Greif"s sailing and was waiting in the North Sea.Schmalenbach(1977)p.34]

"Greif" was disguised as the Norwegian "Rena" bound for Tonsberg, Norway when intercepted by the 15620-ton armed merchant cruiser "Alcantara" on the morning of 29 February. "Alcantara" closed to 2000 yards and slowed to lower a boarding cutter when "Greif" hoisted the German battle ensign, increased speed, and opened fire. "Alcantara" returned fire with six 6-inch (15-cm) guns and two 3-pounders. Range was never more than 3000 yards. "Alcantara" took a torpedo amidships on the port side, and one of "Alcantara"s shells exploded the ready ammunition for "Greif"s after gun. Both ships lost speed. "Greif"s crew abandoned ship 40 minutes after opening fire. "Alcantara" sank first. The light cruiser "Comus" and destroyer "Munster" then arrived to sink the stationary "Greif" and rescue 210 German survivors.

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