Battle of Zanzibar
1914 Anglo-German naval battle during WWI
About
The Battle of Zanzibar was an encounter between the German Kaiserliche Marine and the British Royal Navy early in the First World War. While taking on coal in the delta of the Rufiji River in German East Africa, the German cruiser SMS Königsberg learned that a British cruiser, HMS Pegasus, which had been part of the Royal Navy's Cape Squadron sent to counter Königsberg, had put in at Zanzibar for repairs. Königsberg's captain, Commander Max Looff, decided to attack Pegasus while she was in port.
On 20 September 1914 Königsberg sailed past the picket ship HMS Helmuth at the entrance to Zanzibar harbour. Helmuth was unable to warn Pegasus of Königsberg's approach, with the result that when Konigsberg opened fire she took Pegasus entirely by surprise. As a result, Pegasus suffered severe damage before she was even able to return fire.
Nearby
More to see within walking distance
Zanzibar Revolution
1964 overthrow of the Sultan of Zanzibar
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Stone Town
Old town of Zanzibar City, Tanzania
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House of Wonders
Landmark building in Stone Town, Zanzibar
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HMS Pegasus (1897)
Pelorus-class cruiser
Old Dispensary (Zanzibar)
Historic building in Stone Town, Zanzibar
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Sultan's Palace, Zanzibar
Museum in Zanzibar
0.8 mi awayPlaces to eat nearby
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