SMS Emden (1908) - Independent Raider in The Indian Ocean

Independent Raider in The Indian Ocean

In 1914, the Indian Ocean was frequently referred to as a "British lake" because of British domination of the surrounding ports and the heavy traffic of British and Dominion merchant vessels in that ocean’s shipping lanes. On 10 September, the Emden began to prey upon the hundreds of unescorted British and Allied merchant ships. In September 1914, the Emden captured seventeen ships, all British except for two, which were neutral Italian and Norwegian vessels, and duly released. Most of the captured British ships were quickly sunk, either by fire from Emden's 10.5 cm (4.1 in) guns or by placing explosive charges deep in their hulls. Captain Müller was always gentlemanly to the captains and passengers of the ships he captured, and he made certain that every captured British sailor was treated well and kept safe.

The British Admiralty did not learn of the Emden's presence until 14 September, at which time it stopped all British shipping on the Colombo-Singapore route. This caused panic among the British and Allied shipping offices in the Indian Ocean. Insurance rates for merchant ships skyrocketed, shipping companies could not afford to leave harbour. It was a source of much embarrassment to the British and other Allies that a single German cruiser could effectively shut down the entire Indian Ocean.

Several warships from the British Australian and Far East squadrons, as well as a few French, Japanese and Russian cruisers, were dispatched to hunt down the Emden, but von Müller eluded them all. Some captains of British merchant ships, seeing the Emden approach, would salute her, mistaking her for the Yarmouth. Instead, the Emden would fire a shot over the bow, hoist the German naval ensign, and signal "stop at once – do not wireless."