An item reported that the German cruiser 2nd class Hansa (1) which arrived the 18th at Tandjong-Priok, Dutch East Indies was expected to arrive on 7th February in the Emmahaven. On board was rear admiral Fritze (2) who recently replaced prince Heinrich of Prussia (3) as commanding officer of the German East Asia squadron in the Chinese waters. Commanding officer of the Hansa was captain Pohl and which an etat major of 3 staff officers and 21 officers. Crew numbered totally 510 men. Before continuing her voyage were first exercises executed on the Java Sea.(4)
She was launched at Stettin in 1898, built of steel, a displacement of 5.900 tons, a length of 345 and a draught of 21.8”. Her engines delivered 19.000hp enough for a speed of 19 knots. The armament consisted of 3 torpedo launchers,2-21cm quick firing guns, 8-15cm guns, 10-9cm guns, 10-3,7cm guns and 4 Maxims. The nickel steel armour had a thickness of 4cm for deck and gunshields.
Notes
1. Of the Victoria Louise-class protected cruisers, consisting of the Victoria Louise, Hertha, Freya, Hansa and Vineta, preceded by the Kaiserin Augusta and succeeded by the Fürst Bismarck, laid down by the Stettiner Maschinenbau AG Vulkan in 1896, launched on 12 March 1898, commissioned on 29 April 1899, stricken on 6 December 1919 and broken up in 1920.
2. Ernst Fritze (20 April 1850-27 February 1941), promoted to vice admiral on 27 January 1904.
3, Prince Albert Wilhelm Heinrich von Preussen (14 August 1862 Berlin, Prussia-20 April 1929 Barkelsby, Germany), ended his naval career 1872-1919 in the rank of Grand Admiral.
4. The Jaarboek van de Koninklijke Nederlandsche Zeemacht 1899-1900 confirmed her visiting Tandjong Priok, Dutch East Indies on 18 January and Probolingo, Dutch East Indies between 26-31 January 1900.
