The GermanStamps.net Collection

The GermanStamps.net Collection

Germany & Related Areas, 1872 – 1945

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Kiautschou

MSP No. 4 – SMS Irene

SMS Irene was a protected cruiser of the Kaiserliche Marine launched on 23 July 1887 and commissioned on 25 May 1888.

In 1894, SMS Irene was assigned to the Ostasiatische Station in Kiautschou, and made frequent voyages through Germany’s Pacific colonies.  She participated in the initial occupation of Kiautschou in 1897-1898, and in the Philippine Crisis of 1898.

She returned to Germany in 1901, and served in various duties until being converted to a U-boat tender in early 1914.  She was eventually scrapped in 1921.

SMS Irene

Postmark Information

Period of Use on this Ship:

  • October 1895 to 22 September 1901

Approximate Periods of Use in Kiautschou waters:

  • December 1897 to January 1898
  • April 1898
  • July 1898 to September 1898
  • March 1899
  • May 1899 to July 1899
  • September 1899 to October 1899
  • April 1900 to October 1900
  • December 1900
  • February 1901 to March 1901
  • May 1901 to June 1901

Ship Information

Type:  Protected cruiser
Class:  Irene class
Commissioned:  25 May 1888

Album Page(s)

Kiautschou

MSP No. 4 – SMS Irene

Ship Information

Type:  Protected cruiser
Class:  Irene class
Commissioned:  25 May 1888

SMS Irene was a protected cruiser of the Kaiserliche Marine launched on 23 July 1887 and commissioned on 25 May 1888.

In 1894, SMS Irene was assigned to the Ostasiatische Station in Kiautschou, and made frequent voyages through Germany’s Pacific colonies.  She participated in the initial occupation of Kiautschou in 1897-1898, and in the Philippine Crisis of 1898.

She returned to Germany in 1901, and served in various duties until being converted to a U-boat tender in early 1914.  She was eventually scrapped in 1921.

SMS Irene

Postmark Information

Period of Use on this Ship:

  • October 1895 to 22 September 1901

Approximate Periods of Use in Kiautschou waters:

  • December 1897 to January 1898
  • April 1898
  • July 1898 to September 1898
  • March 1899
  • May 1899 to July 1899
  • September 1899 to October 1899
  • April 1900 to October 1900
  • December 1900
  • February 1901 to March 1901
  • May 1901 to June 1901

Album Page(s)