Europe Cruise
In June and July 1903 the USS Kearsarge served as flagship of the Navy's European Squadron. Accompanied by other ships of the squadron, among them the cruisers Chicago and San Francisco, she visited ports in northern Europe.
While at Kiel, Germany, on 25 June, Kaiser Wilhelm II came on board for lunch.
This is a picture of the USS Kearsarge visiting Kiel, Germany, circa 25 June 1903, while serving as flagship of the U.S. European Squadron.
The SMS Hohenzollern, the German imperial yacht, is at left, with USS Chicago (1889-1936) partially visible beyond her stern.
This is a picture of the crew manning the rails and superstructure, with arms linked, as German Kaiser Wilhelm II leaves the ship following lunch on board, at Kiel, Germany, 25 June 1903.
The Kaiser is seated in the stern of the rowing cutter, in the center of the photograph.
Three weeks later, on 13 July, Kearsarge hosted the Prince of Wales (later King George V) at Portsmouth, England.
This is a picture of the USS Kearsarge leads ships of the U.S. European Squadron past a line of British Battleships, during a visit to an English port in 1903. The two ships immediately astern of Kearsarge are USS Chicago and USS San Francisco.
Note the Kearsarge's figurehead and anchor, and the sailors manning the rails and bridges on all ships present.
The USS Kearsarge steams past a pair of British Majestic class battleships, during a visit to an English port in 1903. Crewmen are manning the rails and superstructures of all three ships.
USS Kearsarge receives the cheers of crewmen on board a British battleship, during her visit to Spithead, England, in July 1903. USS Chicago is in the extreme left background.
Note the British ship's steam picket boat and pulling boats
The USS Kearsarge illuminated with electric lights, while visiting Portsmough, England in July 1903.
Note the ship of the line (possibly HMS Victory) in the right background, also illuminated.
Returning to the United States late in July, the battleship again took up her normal duties as flagship of the North Atlantic Fleet.
The next instalment will be the Crane Ship career of the USS Kearsarge
Regards
Sean
