The Novik

Famous name in the Russian Navy - the Novik. Here she is wrecked off Korshakov Bay, Sakhalin, following the Battle of the Yellow Sea.

The Novik was built in Germany and caused something of a sensation at the time. Officially, she was designated a 'third rank protected cruiser' but, actually, she represented the first generation light cruisers. She was fast for the day and reasonably well-armed.

The guns were sited inefficiently, like so many warships of the day, but the Russians considered her so successful they built two improved copies, the Izumrud and Zhemchug.

Following the Yellow Sea battle, Novik made off, heading for Vladivostok. Unfortunately, she chose to go East of Japan and so needed to coal to make her destination. Off Sakhalin, she was caught by Admiral Dewa's cruiser squadron, who both outranged and outgunned her.
She was too battered to be worth salvaging.

Don