Originally the Brinio and her sister ships the Friso and Gruno were indicated as ‘pantserboten’ (very small ironclads). All three ships were built at the Navy Yard at Amsterdam conform the budget of 1911. Despite their age all three served in the Second World War!, just like some of the steam gunboats built in 80’s of the 19th century.(1)
The ships were based on a design dating from 1898-1899. Dimensions 52,66 (loadline 52.16m) x 8,52 x 2,75-2,82m (draught). Displacement Brinio 545 (634 fully equipped), Frisio 530 (573 fully equipped) and Gruno 533 tons (581 fully equipped). With a horsepower of 2x600 ahp and 2 screws, their speed was 14 knots. The armour thickness was belt 55mm, turret 50mm and the deck 13mm. The crew numbered 63 men. Armament of the Brinio and Friso existed of 4-10.5cm semi-automatic guns and 2-12.7mm machineguns, of the Gruno 4-10.5cm semi-automatic guns and 2-40mm guns. They were used for the defence of the sea gates and the protection of the mine barriers.
Brinio, ordered 7 March 1911, on stocks 16 October 1911, launched 12 Augusts 1912, trial 5 Augustus 1914 and commissioned 8 September 1914. In May 1940 part of the so-called IJsselmeer-Flottielje. Sunk by her own crew 14 May 1940 on the IJsselmeer to prevent capture by the German service. Was salvaged 12 October 1942 and sold to be broken up.
Friso, ordered 7 March 1911, on stocks 2 November 1911, launched 29 Augustus 1912, trial 5 Augustus 1914 and commissioned 12 July 1915 at Hellevoetsluis. In May 1940 part of the so-called IJsselmeer-Flottielje. Heavily damaged due to a German air attack 12 May 1940 and sunk by gunfire of the Dutch Hr. Ms. Pieter Florisz. Salvaged 15 March 1943 and broken up in the Krabbersgat.
Gruno, ordered 7 March 1911, on stocks 12 February 1912, launched 26 May 1913 and commissioned 15 July 1915. In May 1940 part of the so-called IJsselmeer-Flottielje. Managed to escape to England and was since April 1943 used by the defence of the river Thames, homeport Sheerness. In 1945 returned to the Netherlands and stricken January 1950. Since then used as an accommodation ship at Willemsoord for the crews of minesweepers which were repaired. In 1959 sold to be broken up. Pennant N 2.
Note
1. See the article “Dutch steam gunboats in the 19th-20th century”, published on this web log.
