Three 160 hp folders were sent to Durban in March 1915 to take part in operations against the German cruiser "Königsberg", blockaded in the Ruji Delta in German East Africa. The Shorts struggled in the hot and humid conditions of East Africa, being unable to carry any bombload, but were used to carry out reconnaissance of the "Königsberg" before being replaced in June that year by a Caudron G.III and two Farman F.27s.