SMS Greif (1914)


 * See SMS Greif for a German light cruiser.

SMS Greif was a converted freighter serving as a merchant raider with Imperial Germany.

Originally named Guben, she was a (4962 GRT) steel-hulled steamship owned by the German-Australian Line (DADG), Hamburg. Greif was converted for military service at Kaiserliche Werft Kiel, in 1915. Greif was commissioned 23 January 1916 and sailed from the Elbe port of Cuxhaven on 27 February 1916 under the command of Fregattenkapitän Rudolf Tietze (born 13 September 1874). The Royal Navy had learned of Greif's sailing and was waiting in the North Sea.

Greif was disguised as the Norwegian Rena bound for Tønsberg, Norway when intercepted by the 15,620-ton armed merchant cruiser Alcantara on the morning of 29 February 1916. Alcantara closed to 2000 yards and slowed to lower a boarding cutter when Greif hoisted the German battle ensign, increased speed, and opened fire. Alcantara returned fire with six 6-inch (15-cm) guns and two 3-pounders. Range was never more than 3000 yards. Alcantara took a torpedo amidships on the port side, and one of Alcantaras shells exploded the ready ammunition for Greifs after gun. Both ships lost speed. Greifs crew abandoned ship 40 minutes after opening fire. Alcantara sank first. The light cruiser Comus and destroyer Munster then arrived to sink the stationary Greif and rescue 210 German survivors.