Built as Guben, she was a 4,962 GRTsteel-hulled ship owned by the German-Australian Line (DADG), Hamburg.[1] She was converted for naval service at Kaiserliche Werft Kiel in 1915 and commissioned as Greif on 23 January 1916.[1]
Greif was disguised as the NorwegianRena bound for Tønsberg, Norway, when intercepted by the 15,620 GRTarmed merchant cruiserAlcantara on the morning of 29 February 1916.[4]Alcantara closed to 2,000 yards (1,800 m) and slowed to lower a boarding cutter when Greif hoisted the German battle ensign, increased speed, and opened fire.[4]Alcantara returned fire with her six 6-inch (152 mm) guns and two 3-pounders.[4] Range was never more than 3,000 yards (2,700 m).[4]
Alcantara was hit by a torpedo amidships on her port side, and one of Alcantara's shells exploded the ready ammunition for Greif's after gun.[4] Both ships lost speed.[4]Greif's crew abandoned ship 40 minutes after opening fire.[4]Alcantara sank first.[4] The C-classlight cruiserComus and M-classdestroyerMunster then arrived to sink the stationary Greif[4] and rescue 120 German survivors.[2] An estimated 187 Germans perished along with 72 Britons.
Poole, Francis (July 1975). "Alcantara vs. Greif: Duel of the Merchant Cruisers". United States Naval Institute Proceedings. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)