An item reported that the rear admiral hoisted on 7 March his flag on board of the British HMS Asia (1) lying in the Caspian Sea. The Bolshevik members part of the crews of the Russian flotilla were in the meantime detained, the other crew members released. The rear admiral suggested to take the former Russian ships Lieutenant Schmidt, Orlionok and Jupiter into service and seek crews for them. The Kars, Ardagan and Astrabad were not to be taken into service probably due to the problems with the ammunition supply. The Lieutenant Schmidt had a crew of 65 men, a speed of 5 knots, armament of 5-4.5” guns and 2-4” guns and was fitted out with W/T equipment. The Orlionok was armed with 3-3” high angle guns and capable of horizon fire. The Jupiter was just armed with 1-12pd guns but it was assumed that she and the Orlionok were to be rearmed. Totally 160 officers and sailors were needed.
Note
1. Auxiliary cruiser part of the British Caspian Flotilla between 1918-1919. Coastal freighter amed with 4-10.16cm/4”guns?
Source
The National Archives, Kew Gardens, England CAB-23-76-100
No comments:
Post a Comment