Germany strengthened its East Asian presence with an improvised force whose 1874 flagship Deutschland twice needed Gefion's mechanical help. This mismatch between global claims and an unreliable flagship shows how thin the supporting force remained. The second division was commanded by Kaiser Wilhelm II's brother Prince Heinrich, who appears to have been a capable officer. Dynastic politics constrained his career because either a major defeat or conspicuous success could damage the regime.
Chapter · 26:35-32:34
Gefion joins Prince Heinrich's East Asia force
Gefion entered the East Asia Squadron under Prince Heinrich while repeatedly assisting the elderly flagship Deutschland.