Fleet Ledger

Naval wars from the age of sail to the present day

First World War
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Battle of Zanzibar

Battle of Zanzibar

20 September 1914, Zanzibar harbour

German victory

Königsberg surprised the old cruiser Pegasus at anchor in Zanzibar harbour, with her boilers opened up for repair, and sank her in about 45 minutes. Königsberg then withdrew into the Rufiji delta with engine trouble.

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A Royal Marine holding up the British White Ensign during the Battle of Zanzibar on September 20, 1914. First World War antique black and white book plate. published c.1916-18 Paper size 10.5 inches x 8.5 inches (27cm x 22cm) Image: Royal Navy, Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

Royal Navy

1 ship, 1 lost

ShipTypeOutcome
HMS Pegasus

At anchor, under repair

Protected cruiser

Sunk

Imperial German Navy

1 ship, none lost

ShipTypeOutcome
SMS Königsberg

Light cruiser

Survived

Map

  • Königsberg raids Zanzibar and hides in the Rufiji September 1914