Item 01: Bordeaux diary, 29 July 1914-3 January 1915 / Franz Bordeaux - Page 75

[Page 75]

and 30 men were taken prisoner. In the evening papers the leading article described the career of "Emden"

12th Nov 1914
News from "Emden" whilst she was in action with "Sydney" the landing party consisting of 1st officer Captain Lieutenant, von Honieke, Lieut Schmidt and Gissling and about 40 men are said to have captured "Ayesha" a motor boat, on the other side of the Cocos Is., provided themselves with provisions and escaped. Our commander and the Prince are said to be safe. "Konigsberg" is said to be blocked up in a river in German East Africa after having sunk a boat in the entrance.

13 November 1914
Dutch papers bring the following news: "Three of the survivors of the "Emden" are to be granted the Iron cross. Konigsberg, according to the local papers, as good as lost" (nonsense)

14 November 1914
Nothing unusual

15 November 1914
ditto

16 Nov
The Emden crew arrives.
Papers bring the news "The strait Dover – Calais is blocked by mines" I write home as follows.
My Lovest
This letter is a sign of life. I am healthy and a prisoner of war at Singapore. I hope that this letter will reach you and that the answer will bring good news from you.
Your Franz

17 Nov 1914
The engl .cruiser "Invenerable" has been sunk in the north sea by a german U boat. It is said that the "Sydney" has arrived here.