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At 2.20 p.m. reports were
received from Galatea, the light cruiser stationed on the eastward flanks,
indicating the presence of enemy vessels. The direction of advance was
immediately altered to S. S. E., the course for Horn Reef, so as to place
my force between the enemy and his base. At 2.35 p.m., a considerable
amount of smoke was sighted to the eastward. This made it clear that the
enemy was to the northward and eastward and that it would be impossible
for him to round the Horn Reef without being brought to action. Course was
accordingly altered to eastward and northeastward, the enemy being sighted
at 3.31 p.m. They appeared to be five battle cruisers.
After the first report of the enemy the 1st and 3rd Light Cruiser
Squadrons changed their direction and without waiting for orders spread to
the east, thereby forming a screen in advance of the Battle Cruiser
Squadrons and 5th Battle Squadron by the time we had hauled up to the
course of approach. They engaged enemy light cruisers at long range. In
the meantime the 2nd Light Cruiser Squadron had come in at high speed and
was able to take station ahead of the battle cruisers by the time we
turned E.S.E., the course on which we first engaged the enemy. In this
respect the work of the light cruiser squadrons was excellent and of great
value.
From a report from Galatea at 2.25 p.m. it was evident that the enemy
force was considerable and not merely an isolated unit of light cruisers,
so at 2.45 p.m. I ordered Engadine to send up a seaplane and scout to
N.N.E. At 3.08 p.m. a seaplane was well under way; her first reports of
the enemy were received in Engadine about 3.30 p.m. Owing to clouds it was
necessary to fly very low, and in order to identify four enemy light
cruisers the plane had to fly at a height of 900 feet within 3,000 yards
of them, the light cruisers opening fire on her with every gun that would
bear. This in no way interfered with the clarity of reports, which
indicate that seaplane under such circumstance are of distinct value.
At 3.30 p. m. I increased speed to 25 knots and formed line of battle, the
2nd Battle Cruiser Squadron forming astern of the 1st Battle Cruiser
Squadron, with destroyers of the 13th and 9th Flotillas taking station
ahead. I turned to E.S.E., slightly converging on the enemy, who were not
at a ran ge of 3,000 yards, and formed the ships on a line of bearing to
clear the smoke. The 5th Battle Squadron, who had conformed to our
movements, were now bearing N.N.W., 10,000 yards. The visibility at this
time was good, the sun behind us, and the wind S.E. Being between the
enemy and his base, our situation was both tactically and strategically
good.
At 3.48 p.m. the action commenced at a range of 18,500 yards, both forces
opening fire practically simultaneously. Course was altered to the
southward, and subsequently the mean direction was S.W.E., the enemy
steering a parallel course distant about 18,000 to 14,500 yards.
It would appear that at this time we passed through a screen of enemy
submarines. The destroyer Landrail of 9th Flotilla, who was on our port
beam trying to take station ahead, sighted the periscope of a submarine on
her port quarter. Though causing considerable inconvenience from smoke,
the presence of Lydiard and Landrail undoubtedly preserved the battle
cruisers from closer submarine attack. Nottingham also reported a
submarine on the starboard beam.
Eight destroyers of the 13th Flotilla, Nestor, Nomad, Nicator, Narborough,
Pelican, Petard. Obdurate. Nerissa, with Moorsom and Morris of 10th
Flotilla, Turbulent and Termagant of the 9th Flotilla, having been ordered
to attack the enemy with torpedoes when opportunity offered, moved out at
4.15 p.m. simultaneously with a similar movement on the part of the enemy.
The attack was carried out in the most gallant manner and with great
determination. Before arriving at a favorable position to fire torpedoes,
they intercepted an enemy force consisting of a light cruiser and 15
destroyers. A fierce engagement ensued at close quarters, with the result
that the enemy was forced to retire on their battle cruisers, having lost
two destroyers sunk, and having their torpedo attack frustrated. (Some
torpedoes were fired by the enemy two of which crossed the track of the
5th Battle Squadron, which had been turned away to avoid the attacks.) Our
destroyers sustained no loss in this engagement, but their attack on the
enemy battle cruisers was rendered less effective owing to some of the
destroyers having dropped astern during the fight. Their position was
therefore unfavorable for torpedo attack.
Nestor, Nomad and Nicator pressed home their attack on the battle cruisers
and fired two torpedoes at them at a range of 6,000 and 5,000 yards, being
subjected to a heavy fire from the enemy's secondary armament. Nomad was
badly hit and apparently remained stopped between the lines. (She was sunk
later by the German Battle Fleet.) Subsequently Nestor and Nicator altered
course to the S.E., and in a short time the opposing battle cruisers
having turned 16 points, found themselves within close range of a number
of enemy battleships. Nothing daunted, though under a terrific fire, they
stood on, and their position being favorable for torpedo attack, fired a
torpedo at the second ship of the enemy line at a range of 3,000 yards.
Before they could fire their fourth torpedo, Nestor was badly hit and
swung to starboard, Nicator altering course inside her to avoid collision
and thereby being prevented from firing the last torpedo. Nicator made
good her escape and subsequently rejoined the 13th Flotilla. Nestor
remained stopped, but was afloat when last seen. (She was sunk later by
the German Battle Fleet.) Moorsom also carried out an attack on the
enemy's Battle Fleet.
Petard, Nerissa, Turbulent and Termagant also pressed home their attack on
the enemy battle cruisers, firing torpedoes at 7,000 yards after the
engagement with enemy destroyers Petard reports that all her torpedoes
must have crossed the enemy's line, while Nerissa states that one torpedo
appeared to strike the rear ship. These destroyer attacks were indicative
of the spirit pervading His Majesty's Navy, and were worthy of its highest
traditions.
From 4.15 to 4.43 p.m. the conflict between the opposing battle cruisers
was a very fierce and resolute character. The 5th Battle Squadron was
engaging the enemy's rear ships, unfortunately at very long range. Our
fire began to tell, the accuracy and rapidity of that of the enemy
depreciating considerably. At 4.18 p.m. the third enemy ship was seen to
be on fire. The visibility to the north-eastward had become considerably
reduced and the outline of the ships very indistinct.
At 4.26 p.m. there was a violent explosion in Queen Mary ; she was
enveloped in clouds of gray smoke and disappeared. Eighteen of her
officers and men were subsequently picked up by Laurel.
At 4.38 p.m. Southampton reported the enemy's Battle Fleet ahead. The
destroyers were recalled, and at 4.42 p.m. the enemy's Battle Fleet was
sighted S.E. Course was altered 16 points in succession to starboard. and
I proceeded on a northerly course to l ead them towards the Grand Fleet.
The enemy battle cruisers altered course shortly afterwards, and the
action continued. Southampton with the 2nd Light Cruiser Squadron held on
to the southward to observe. They closed to within 13,000 yards of the
enemy battle fleet and came under a very heavy but ineffective fire.
Southampton's reports were most valuable.
The 5th Battle Squadron were now closing on an opposite course and
engaging the enemy battle cruisers with all guns. The position of the
enemy Battle Fleet was communicated to them, and I ordered them to alter
course 16 points. Led by Rear Admiral Hugh Evan-Thomas, M.V.O., in Barham,
this squadron supported us brilliantly and effectively.
At 4.57 p.m. the 5th Battle Squadron turned up astern of me and came under
the fire of the leading ships of the enemy Battle Fleet. Fearless, with
the destroyers of 1st Flotilla, joined the battle cruisers, and, when
speed admitted, took station ahead. Champion, with 13th Flotilla, took
station on the 5th Battle Squadron. At 5 p.m. the 1st and 3rd Light
Cruiser Squadron, which had been following me on the southerly course,
took station on my starboard bow; the 2nd Light Cruiser Squadron took
station on my port quarter.
The weather conditions now became unfavorable, our ships being silhouetted
against a clear horizon to the westward, while the enemy were for the most
part obscured by mist, only showing up clearly at intervals. These
conditions prevailed until we had turned their van at about 6 p.m.
Between 5 and 6 p.m. the action continued on a northerly course, the range
being about 14,000 yards. During this time the enemy received very severe
punishment, and undoubtedly one of their battle cruisers quitted the line
in a considerably damaged condition. This came under my personal
observation and was corroborated by Princess Royal and Tiger. Other enemy
ships also showed signs of increasing injury.
At 5.05 p.m. Onslow and Moresby who had been detached to assist Engadine
with the seaplane, rejoined the battle cruiser squadrons and took station
on the starboard (engaged) bow of Lion. At 5.10 p.m. Moresby, being 2
points before the beam of the leading enemy ship. fired a torpedo at the
3rd in their line. Eight minutes later she observed a hit with a torpedo
on what was judged to be the 6th ship in the line. Moresby then passed
between the lines to clear the range of smoke, and rejoined Champion. In
corroboration of this, Fearless reports having seen an enemy heavy ship
heavily on fire at about 5.10 p.m., and shortly afterwards a huge cloud of
smoke and steam similar to that which accompanied the blowing up of Queen
Mary and Indefatigable.
At 5.35 p.m. our course was N.N.E. and the estimated position of the Grand
Fleet was N. 16 W., 80 we gradually hauled to the northeastward keeping
the range of the enemy at 14,000 yards. He was gradually hauling to the
westward, receiving severe punishment at the head of his line, and
probably acting on information received from his light cruisers which had
sighted and were engaged with the Third Battle Cruiser Squadron. Possibly
Zeppelins were present also. At 5.50 p.m. British cruisers were sighted on
the port bow, and at 5.56 p.m. the leading battleships of the Grand Fleet
bearing north 5 miles. I thereupon altered course to east and proceeded at
utmost speed. This brought the range of the enemy down to 12,000 yards. I
made a report to the Commander-in-Chief that the enemy battle cruiser bore
southeast. At this time only three of the enemy battle cruisers were
visible, closely followed by battle ships of the Konig class.
At 6.25 p.m. I altered course to the E.S.E. in support of the Light Battle
Cruiser Squadron, who were at this time only 8,000 yards from the enemy's
leading ship. They were pouring a hot fire into her, and caused her to
turn to the westward of south. At the same time, I made a visual report to
the Commander-in-Chief of the bearing and distance of the enemy Battle
Fleet. At 6.33 p.m. Invincible blew up.
After the loss of the Invincible, the squadron was led by Inflexible until
6.50 p.m. By this time the battle cruisers were clear of our leading
battle squadron, then bearing about N.N.W. 3 miles, and I ordered the
Third Battle Cruiser Squadron to prolong the line astern and reduced to 18
knots. The visibility at this time was very indifferent, not more than 4
miles, and the enemy ships were temporarily lost sight of.
From the report of Rear-Admiral T. D. W. Napier, M.V.O., the Third Light
Cruiser Squadron, which had maintained its station on our starboard bow
well ahead of the enemy, at 6.25 p.m. attacked with the torpedo. Falmouth
and Yarmouth both fired torpedoes at the leading enemy battle cruiser, and
it is believed that one torpedo hit, as a heavy under-water explosion was
observed. The Third Light Cruiser Squadron then gallantly attacked the
heavy ships with gunfire, with impunity to themselves, thereby
demonstrating that the fighting efficiency of the enemy had been seriously
impaired. Rear Admiral Napier deserves great credit for his determined and
effective attack. Indomitable reports that about this time one of the
Derfflinger class fell out of the enemy's line.
Meanwhile, at 6 p.m. Canterbury had engaged enemy light cruisers which
were firing heavily on the torpedo-boat destroyers Shark, Acasta and
Christopher ; as a result of this engagement the Shark was sunk.
At 6.16 p.m. Defense and Warrior were observed passing down between the
British and German Battle Fleets under a very heavy fire. Defense was seen
to blow up and Warrior passed to the rear disabled. It is probable that
Sir Robert Arbuthnot, during his engagement with the enemy's light
cruisers and in his desire to complete their destruction, was not aware of
the approach of the enemy's heavy ships, owing to the mist, until he found
himself in close proximity to the main fleet, and before he could withdraw
his ships they were caught under a heavy fire and disabled. It is not
known when Black Prince, of the same squadron, was sunk, but as a wireless
signal was received from her between 8 and 9 p.m. reporting the position
of a submarine, it is possible that her loss was the result of a torpedo
attack. There is much strong evidence of the presence of a large number of
enemy submarines in the vicinity of the scene of the action.
At about 6.05 p.m. Onslow, being on the engaged bow of Lion, sighted an
enemy light cruiser at a distance of 6,000 yards from us, apparently
endeavoring to attack with torpedoes. Onslow at once closed and engaged
her, firing 58 rounds at a range of from 4,000 to 2,000 yards, scoring a
number of hits. Onslow then closed the enemy battle cruisers, and orders
were given for all torpedoes to be fired. At this moment she was struck
amidships by a heavy shell, with the result that only one torpedo was
fired. Thinking that all his torpedoes had gone, the commanding officer
proceeded to retire at slow speed. Being informed that he still had three
torpedoes, he closed the light cruiser previously engaged and torpedoed
her. The enemy's Battle Fleet was then sighted, and the remaining
torpedoes were fired at them; having started correctly, they must have
crossed the enemy's attack. Damage then caused Onslow to stop.
At 7.15 p.m. Defender, whose speed had been reduced to 10 knots, while on
the disengaged side of the battle cruisers, was struck by a shell which
damaged her foremost boiler, but closed Onslow and took her in tow. Shells
were falling all round them during this operation, which, however, was
successfully accomplished. During the heavy weather of the ensuing night
the tow parted twice, but was resecured. The two struggled on together
until 1p.m. 1st June, when Onslow was transferred to tugs. I consider the
performances of these two destroyers to be gallant in the extreme, and I
am recommending Lieutenant-Commander J. C. Tovey of Onslow, and Lieutenant
Commander Palmer of Defender, for special recognition....
Here I should like to bring to your notice the action of a destroyer (name
unknown) which we passed close in a disabled condition soon after 6 p.m.
She apparently was able to struggle ahead again; and made straight for the
Derfflinger to attack her. The incident appeared so courageous that it
seems desirable to investigate it further.
Between 7 and 7.12 p.m. we hauled round gradually to S.W. by S. to regain
touch with the enemy and at 7.14 p.m. again sighted them at a range of
about 15,000 yards. The ships sighted at this time were two battle
cruisers and two battleships, apparently of the Konig class. No doubt more
continued the line to the northward, but that was all that could be seen.
The visibility having improved considerably as the sun descended below the
clouds, we re-engaged at 7.17 p.m. and increased speed to 22 knots. At
7.32 p.m. my course was S.W., speed 18 knots, the leading enemy battleship
bearing N.W. by W. Again after a very short time the enemy showed signs of
punishment, one ship being on fire while another appeared to drop right
astern. The destroyers at the head of the enemy's line emitted volumes of
gray smoke, covering their capital ships as with a pall, under cover of
which they undoubtedly turned away, and at 7.45 p.m. we lost sight of
them.
At 7.58 p.m. I ordered the First and Third Light Cruiser Squadrons to
sweep to the westward and locate the head of the enemy's line, and at 8.20
p.m. we altered course to west in support. We soon located two battle
cruisers and battleships, and more heavily engaged at a short range of
about 10,000 yards. The leading ship was hit repeatedly by Lion and turned
away 8 points, emitting very high flames and with a heavy list to port.
Princess Royal set fire to a three-funneled battleship; New Zealand and
Indomitable report that the third ship, which they both engaged, hauled
out of the line, heeling over and on fire. The mist which now came down
enveloped them, and Falmouth reported they were last seen at 8.38 p.m.
steaming to the westward, an explosion on board a ship of the Kaiser class
being seen at 8.40 p.m. |