Battle of Penang facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Penang
Part of World War I
Emden
Date 28 October 1914 Location off Penang, Straits Settlements Result German victory
Belligerents
Russia  France	Germany
Commanders and leaders
I. A. Cherkassov Félix Théroinne   †	Karl von Müller
Strength
1 protected cruiser 1 cruiser 2 destroyers	1 light cruiser
Casualties and losses
1 protected cruiser 88 killed, 121 wounded 1 destroyer 47 killed, 36 wounded	none

The Battle of Penang was a naval fight that happened on October 28, 1914, during World War I. It took place in the Strait of Malacca. In this battle, the German warship SMS Emden sank two Allied ships.

What Happened Before the Battle?

Penang's Role in World War I

At the time of the battle, Penang was an important British Crown colony. It is an island off the west coast of Malaya, which is now part of Malaysia. The main town, George Town, has a busy harbour. In the early days of World War I, many Allied navy and merchant ships used this harbour.

The German Raider Emden

When World War I began, the German East Asia Squadron left its base in Tsingtao, China. Most of the squadron headed back to Germany. However, one ship, the light cruiser SMS Emden, was sent on a special mission. Its job was to attack enemy ships and trade routes on its own. This ship was commanded by Lieutenant Commander Karl von Müller.

The Battle of Penang Begins

Emden's Surprise Attack

Around 4:30 AM on October 28, the German ship Emden appeared near George Town harbour. Captain von Müller had cleverly disguised his ship. He added a fake smoke stack to make the Emden look like a British warship. This trick helped him get into the harbour without being noticed.

Once inside, he quickly raised the German navy flag. This showed everyone who he really was. He then fired a torpedo at the Russian warship Zhemchug. After the torpedo, he fired many shells, hitting the Russian ship hard.

Sinking of the Zhemchug

The Zhemchug tried to fight back, but it was too late. Captain von Müller fired a second torpedo. This torpedo hit the Zhemchug's front ammunition storage area. It caused a huge explosion that quickly sank the Russian ship. Out of 250 crew members on the Zhemchug, 88 were killed and 121 were injured.

French Ships Attacked

Other ships in the harbour, like the old French cruiser D'Iberville and the French destroyer Fronde, started shooting at the Emden. But their shots missed. Captain von Müller simply ignored them and began to leave the harbour.

As the Emden was leaving, it met the French destroyer Mousquet. The Mousquet was returning from a patrol and was caught by surprise. The German cruiser's guns quickly sank the French ship.

What Happened After the Battle?

Consequences for the Zhemchug's Captain

The Russian ship Zhemchug was not ready for battle. Its captain, Commander Baron I. A. Cherkassov, had gone ashore that night. The keys to the ship's ammunition storage were not on board, and no lookouts were watching. Captain Cherkassov watched from a hotel as his ship sank.

He later faced serious consequences for not being ready. He was sentenced to prison and removed from the navy. His second-in-command, Lieutenant Kulibin, also received a prison sentence. However, Tsar Nicholas II later reduced their sentences. Both men were ordered to serve as regular sailors. They later showed great bravery in other battles and received awards.

Fate of the Mousquet's Crew

Lieutenant Félix Théroinne, who commanded the Mousquet, was among those killed. The Emden rescued 36 survivors out of the destroyer's crew of 80. Three of these French sailors died from their injuries and were buried at sea with military honours.

Two days after the battle, the Emden stopped a British ship called Newburn. The remaining French prisoners were transferred to the Newburn. The British ship was then allowed to go, taking the prisoners to Sabang, Sumatra. This area was part of the neutral Dutch East Indies at the time.

Emden's Final Battle

The Emden continued its successful mission for another 10 days. However, it was then found by a more powerful ship, the Royal Australian Navy light cruiser Sydney. The Sydney had bigger guns that could shoot farther. It badly damaged the Emden. The Emden had to be run aground (beached) and surrendered at the Battle of Cocos.

Legacy of the Battle

Zhemchug memorial at the Western Road Cemetery, Penang

Mousquet memorial at the Church of the Assumption (Penang)

Today, 12 Russian sailors are buried on Jerejak and Penang island. A monument honours the sailors of the Russian cruiser Zhemchug. This monument was repaired by Soviet sailors in 1972 and 1987. The battle was mentioned many times by Vladimir Putin during his visit to Malaysia in 2003. The Russian embassy in Malaysia holds memorial services twice a year to remember the fallen sailors.

Images for kids

• 

  Zhemchug, after 1909

• 

  Mousquet, undated

• 

  Route taken by Emden during her commerce raiding operations

See also

• Bombardment of Madras
• Battle of Cocos
• Weeratunge Edward Perera