The HNLMS Soemba was a Flores-class gunboat built in the mid-1920s for the Royal Netherlands Navy to patrol the Dutch East Indies. She had a displacement of only 1,450 tons and was originally armed with three 150 mm guns, supplemented by anti-aircraft and smaller weapons for self-defense. Thanks to her high bow, she was a successful ship with good seaworthiness. She was not heavily armored, but designed for flexibility and maneuverability in coastal waters. The Flores and the Soemba enjoyed impressive careers and became known as the "Terrible Twins" during World War II.
Group
Books (first-hand)
Author
Mulder, Jantinus
Title
Warship. No. 20: Gunboat Soemba
Details
English text, many illustrations, large format. 56 pages.
