 In the meantime, Rear Admiral Sydney Fremantle hoisted his flag in "King Alfred" on 22 September, in relief of the newly promoted Moore.When the Admiralty received word that "Möwe" was loose in the Atlantic in early December, Freemantle ordered his ships to patrol the eastern trade routes, but the raider slipped through the gap between squadrons.When the sweep was concluded, the ship returned to Freetown on 25 December.