SS Alcantara (1913)

SS Alcantara (1913)

SS "Alcantara" was an ocean liner that went into service just weeks before the start of World War I, was converted to an armed merchant cruiser in 1915, and was sunk by the German cruiser "Greif" on 29 February 1916.

"Alcantara" was built by Harland & Wolff for Royal Mail Lines, launched in October 1913 and made her maiden voyage in June of 1914, following a Southampton-South America route.

In 1915 the ship was outfitted with six 6-inch guns, anti-aircraft guns and depth charges, and commissioned as HMS "Alcantara".

Battle with "Greif"

"Greif" was disguised as the Norwegian "Rena" bound for Tonsberg, Norway when intercepted by "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 from the port side guns. Range was never more than 3000 yards. One of "Greif"s torpedoes detonated amidships against "Alcantara"s 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.Schmalenbach(1977)p.24]

Notes

References

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External links

* [http://www.ahoy.tk-jk.net/MaraudersWW1/Grief.html Details of the encounter with "Greif"]


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