German Warship ‘Emden’ Bombing Madras In WWI, 1950 Postcard
A 1950 postcard of the German warship ‘Emden’ bombarding Madras in 1914. The scene is from a painting by Professor Willy Stower (1864-1931). He was a German artist and author of some repute. A prolific painter and best known for his nautical paintings on historical maritime events. The most famous of them all is his painting of the sinking of the Titanic. Shown here is the German warship Emden bombing the city of Madras (now Chennai) on the night of Sept 22, 1914.
The warship inflicted absolute terror on the people of the city. Fired shells through the night, in the process they damaged five out of the six oil tankers near the harbour. The other casualties included the damage to the compound wall of the High Court, homes and buildings were hit. Although the Germans ensured that civilian casualties were minimal.
The Emden had fired from 2 km offshore, and the guns’ range was 12 km. The shells landed as far as Nungambakkam and Poonamallee Road. Undoubtedly the Germans were sophisticatedly armed that almost WWI to India’s door. In a single night, the Germans created so much panic and terror which was exactly what they desired. Evoking a daily exodus from the city in thousands. However, even before the British navy could react, the Emden quietly slipped out in the darkness of the night. Leaving behind wondrous awe to this day of their bravery and courage. Click on the photo for better view.
Read more The Untold Story of the ‘Daring’ WW1 German Ship That Became a Word in Tamil! See post Bombing of Madras By Emden WW1 – Old Print 1914.
Did you know- the Emden was a Dresden Class Light Cruiser of 3664 tons, 386ft in length, armed with ten guns and two torpedo tubes. Launched in 1908.
From the collection- 1964 M. Suriyamoorthy Charcoal On Paper Nude (#3)., Taj Mahal Hotel Bombay -1907 Rare Advertisement., British India Era Postman – Old Stereo Photo 1902., The Outskirts Of Delhi Jama Masjid – Old Print 1800s
