During the First World War, Elisabeta remained at Sulina and reinforced the port's anti-aircraft defence. Her 75 mm guns were adapted for anti-aircraft fire, while the ship retained its torpedo tubes and machine guns for local defence. In spring 1917, her gunners brought down a German Friedrichshafen FF.33C; its pilot landed on the water and was captured. The obsolescent cruiser had found a useful fixed-defence role against a threat that did not exist when she was designed.
Notable Point · 24:23-25:18
An old cruiser adapted for anti-aircraft defence
At Sulina, Elisabeta's 75 mm guns became anti-aircraft weapons, and the ship's gunners were credited with downing a German seaplane in 1917.