An item reported that the Hr.Ms. Bromo at that moment guard ship at Surabay was to be converted into a reserve ammunition ship for the Java-division as soon as the Koning der Nederlanden had replaced her. The former ironclad Prins Hendrik der Nederlanden at that moment used as an ammunition ship was probably converted into a floating battery to serve in the defence of Surabaya. The De locomotief dated 8 April reported that the ram turret Prins Hendrik was part of the Java division until they arrived North of the Duizend eilanden. She was obvious was not able to keep up the pace of the other ships and decided was that she continued her voyage alone. After her arrival at Surabaya were her engines to be removed and she was to be converted into a floating battery with a sufficient armament.(1)
Note
1. In the Parliament papers 1898-1899 no. 2VI sun no. 45 dealing with the naval budget for 1909 wrote minister for navy Roëll that her boilers were worn out and repairs were only possible with huge costs while on the other hand the aged ship was of minor combat value. Decided was to replace her temporarily by the Hr.Ms. Piet Hein.
