An item reported that the Russian torpedo cruiser Novik (1) corvette captain Von Essen coming from Colombo, Ceylon arrived in the Sabang Bay, Dutch East Indies to bunker coal and water and provisions which were in sufficient quantities available.(2) With a displacement of 3.200 tons were her dimensions 347 x 41.6 feet and launched at Danzig, Germany in 1900. With a horsepower of 18.000 ihp and 3 screws allowed a speed of 25 miles. She resembled a heavy torpedo boat with 3 heavy funnels en just one mast. Due to a ratio length : beam of 1:8 instead of the usual 1:6 looked she fast and elegant. Her crew numbered 340 men. Her armament consisted of 6-12cm/4.7” guns, 8-1.8” guns and 2-1.4” quick firing guns. The arrival of Russian warships in the Sabang Bay caused always a pleasant liveliness because of usually good music on board of the habit of hoisting the flag (08:00 o’clock) and lowering the flag (18:00 o’clock) with some ceremonial including playing the Dutch and Russian national anthems. Her commanding officer was very pleased with his visit. The Novik departed on to March via Singapore for the mail towards Hong Kong. The large Russian squadron and the escorting torpedo boats were expected to arrive at Sabang on 20th March. Sadly enough was at Sabang just coal and water bunkered and nothing more. There were no facilities for cleaning clothes except for one person who often did not feel like to work. Food, bread, meat and even gin were hardly available and the last Russian squadron even complained about the quality of what was delivered.
Notes
1. Protected cruiser ordered in 1898, laid down by Schichau shipyards, Elbing/Danzig, Germany in February 1900, launched on 2 August 1990, commissioned on 3 May 1901, scuttled on 20 August 1904, salvaged by Japanese forces, repaired and commissioned as the Suzuya on 20 August 1906 and finally broken up in 1913.
2. The Jaarboek van de Koninklijke Nederlandsche Zeemacht Jaarboek 1902-1903 reported a visit between 7-9 March 1903.
Notes
1. Protected cruiser ordered in 1898, laid down by Schichau shipyards, Elbing/Danzig, Germany in February 1900, launched on 2 August 1990, commissioned on 3 May 1901, scuttled on 20 August 1904, salvaged by Japanese forces, repaired and commissioned as the Suzuya on 20 August 1906 and finally broken up in 1913.
2. The Jaarboek van de Koninklijke Nederlandsche Zeemacht Jaarboek 1902-1903 reported a visit between 7-9 March 1903.
