Chapter XVII: The Submarine Peril, to Merchant Shipping; Recall to the Admiralty (2)

8. Meanwhile, at 6 P.M., _Canterbury_ (Captain Percy M. R. Royds)
had engaged enemy light cruisers which were firing heavily on
the torpedo-boat destroyer _Shark_ (Commander Loftus W. Jones),
_Acasta_ (Lieutenant-Commander John O. Barron), and _Christopher_
(Lieutenant-Commander Fairfax M. Kerr); as a result of this
engagement the _Shark_ was sunk.

9. At 5.45 P.M. the report of guns had become audible to me, and at
5.55 P.M. flashes were visible from ahead round to the starboard
beam, although in the mist no ships could be distinguished and the
position of the enemy’s battle fleet could not be determined. The
difference in reckoning between _Iron Duke_ and _Lion_ mentioned in
paragraph 6 added to the uncertainty of the general situation.

10. Shortly after 5.55 P.M. some of the cruisers ahead, under
Rear-Admirals Herbert L. Heath and Sir Robert Arbuthnot, were seen
to be in action, and reports received show that _Defence_, Flagship
(Captain Stanley V. Ellis), and _Warrior_ (Captain Vincent B.
Molteno), of the First Cruiser Squadron, engaged an enemy light
cruiser at this time, which subsequently sank.

11. At 6 P.M. vessels, afterwards seen to be our battle cruisers,
were sighted by _Marlborough_ bearing before the starboard beam of
the battle fleet.

At the same time the Vice-Admiral Commanding, Battle Cruiser Fleet,
reported to me the position of the enemy battle cruisers, and at
6.14 P.M. reported the position of the enemy battle fleet.

At this period, when the battle fleet was meeting the battle
cruisers and the Fifth Battle Squadron, great care was necessary to
ensure that our own ships were not mistaken for enemy vessels.

12. I formed the battle fleet in line of battle on receipt of Sir
David Beatty’s report, and during deployment the fleets became
engaged. Sir David Beatty had meanwhile formed the battle cruisers
ahead of the battle fleet.

The divisions of the battle fleet were led by:

The Commander-in-Chief,
Vice-Admiral Sir Cecil Burney,
Vice-Admiral Sir Thomas Jerram,
Vice-Admiral Sir Doveton Sturdee,
Rear-Admiral Alexander L. Duff,
Rear-Admiral Arthur C. Leveson,
Rear-Admiral Ernest F. A. Gaunt.

13. At 6.16 P.M. _Defence_ and _Warrior_ were observed passing down
between the British and German Battle Fleets under a very heavy
fire. _Defence_ 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_ (Captain Thomas P. Bonham), 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.

14. The First Battle Squadron, which was in the rear on deployment,
became engaged during deployment, the Vice-Admiral opening fire
at 6.17 P.M. on a battleship of the “Kaiser” class. The centre
squadron, which had previously been firing at an enemy light
cruiser, opened fire at 6.30 P.M. on a battleship of the “König”
class, and the van squadron commenced immediately afterwards.

At 6.6 P.M. the Rear-Admiral Commanding, Fifth Battle Squadron,
then in company with the battle cruisers, had sighted the starboard
wing division of the battle fleet on the port bow of _Barham_,
and the first intention of Rear-Admiral Evan-Thomas was to form
ahead of the remainder of the battle fleet, but on realising the
direction of deployment he was compelled to form astern, a manœuvre
which was well executed by the squadron under a heavy fire from
the enemy battle fleet. An accident to _Warspite’s_ steering gear
caused her helm to become jammed temporarily and took the ship
in the direction of the enemy’s line, during which time she was
hit several times. Clever handling enabled Captain Phillpotts to
extricate his ship from a somewhat awkward situation.

Owing principally to the mist, but partly to the smoke, it was
possible to see only a few ships at a time in the enemy’s battle
line. Towards the van only some four or five ships were ever
visible at once. More could be seen from the rear squadron, but
never more than eight to twelve.

The action between the battle fleets lasted intermittently from
6.17 P.M. to 8.20 P.M. at ranges between 9,000 and 12,000 yards,
during which time the British Fleet made alterations of course from
S.E. by E. to W. in the endeavour to close. The enemy constantly
turned away and opened the range under cover of destroyer attacks
and smoke screens as the effect of the British fire was felt, and
the alterations, of course, had the effect of bringing the British
Fleet (which commenced the action in a position of advantage on
the bow of the enemy) to a quarterly bearing from the enemy battle
line, but at the same time placed us between the enemy and his
bases.

At 6.55 P.M. _Iron Duke_ passed the wreck of _Invincible_ with
_Badger_ standing by. I was not aware of the loss of _Queen Mary_
and _Indefatigable_ until the following day.

15. During the somewhat brief periods that the ships of the High
Sea Fleet were visible through the mist, the heavy and effective
fire kept up by the battleships and battle cruisers of the Grand
Fleet caused me much satisfaction, and the enemy vessels were
seen to be constantly hit, some being observed to haul out of the
line, and at least one to sink. The enemy’s return fire at this
period was not effective, and the damage caused to our ships was
insignificant.

THE BATTLE CRUISERS IN THE VAN

16. Sir David Beatty reports:

“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
‘König’ 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 grey 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-funnelled 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.

“At 8.40 P.M. all our battle cruisers felt a heavy shock, as if
struck by a mine or torpedo, or possibly sunken wreckage. As,
however, examination of the bottoms reveals no sign of such an
occurrence, it is assumed that it indicated the blowing up of a
great vessel. This seems a very probable explanation in view of the
condition in which the enemy was last seen.”

17. As was anticipated, the German Fleet appeared to rely very much
on torpedo attacks, which were favoured by the low visibility and
by the fact that we had arrived in the position of a “following” or
“chasing” fleet. A large number of torpedoes were apparently fired,
but only one took effect (on _Marlborough_), and even in this case
the ship was able to remain in the line and to continue the action.
The menace of effective torpedo attack on a long line, however, in
weather conditions which were ideal for the purpose, contributed to
the difficulty of keeping within effective gun range of the enemy.
Two separate destroyer attacks were made by the enemy.

DETAILS OF BATTLE FLEET ACTION

18. The First Battle Squadron, under Vice-Admiral Sir Cecil Burney,
came into action at 6.15 P.M. with the enemy’s Third Battle
Squadron, at a range of about 11,000 yards, and administered severe
punishment, both to the battleships and to the battle cruisers and
light cruisers which were also engaged. The fire of _Marlborough_
(Captain George P. Ross) was particularly rapid and effective. This
ship commenced at 6.17 P.M. by firing seven salvoes at a ship of
the “Kaiser” class, then engaged a cruiser, and again a battleship,
and at 6.54 she was hit by a torpedo and took up a considerable
list to starboard, but re-opened at 7.3 P.M. at a cruiser and at
7.12 P.M. fired fourteen rapid salvoes at a ship of the “König”
class, hitting her frequently until she turned out of the line. The
manner in which this effective fire was kept up, in spite of the
disadvantages due to the injury caused by the torpedo, was most
creditable to the ship and a very fine example to the squadron.

The range decreased during the course of the action to 9,000 yards.
The First Battle Squadron received more of the enemy’s return fire
than the remainder of the battle fleet, with the exception of
the Fifth Battle Squadron. _Colossus_ was hit but not seriously
damaged, and other ships were straddled with fair frequency.

In the Fourth Battle Squadron--in which squadron my Flagship _Iron
Duke_ was placed--Vice-Admiral Sir Doveton Sturdee, leading one
of the divisions, the enemy engaged was the Third Squadron and
some of the battle cruisers, as well as disabled cruisers and
light cruisers. The mist rendered range-taking a difficult matter,
but the fire of the squadron was effective. _Iron Duke_, having
previously fired at a light cruiser between the lines, opened fire
at 6.30 P.M. on a battleship of the “König” class at a range of
12,000 yards. The latter was very quickly straddled, and hitting
commenced at the second salvo, and only ceased when the target
ship turned away. The rapidity with which hitting was established
was most creditable to the excellent gunnery organisation of the
flagship so ably commanded by my Flag Captain, Captain Frederic C.
Dreyer.

The fire of other ships of the squadron was principally directed
at enemy battle cruisers and cruisers as they appeared out of the
mist. Hits were observed to take effect on several ships.

The ships of the Second Battle Squadron, under Vice-Admiral Sir
Thomas Jerram, were in action with vessels of the “Kaiser” or
“König” classes between 6.30 and 7.20 P.M., and fired also at an
enemy battle cruiser which had apparently dropped back severely
damaged.

19. During the action between the battle fleets, the Second Cruiser
Squadron, ably commanded by Rear-Admiral Herbert L. Heath, with
the addition of _Duke of Edinburgh_ of the First Cruiser Squadron,
occupied a position at the van of the battle fleet and acted as a
connecting link between the battle fleet and the battle cruiser
fleet. This squadron, although it carried out useful work, did not
have an opportunity of coming into action.

The attached cruisers _Boadicea_, _Active_, _Blanche_, and
_Bellona_ carried out their duties as repeating ships with
remarkable rapidity and accuracy under difficult conditions.

The Fourth Light Cruiser Squadron, under Commodore Charles E.
Le Mesurier, occupied a position in the van until ordered to
attack enemy destroyers at 7.20 P.M. and again at 8.18 P.M. when
they supported the Eleventh Flotilla, which had moved out under
Commodore James R. P. Hawkesley to attack. On each occasion the
Fourth Light Cruiser Squadron was very well handled by Commodore
Le Mesurier, his captains giving him excellent support, and their
object was attained, although with some loss in the second attack,
when the ships came under the heavy fire of the enemy battle fleet
at between 6,500 and 8,000 yards. The _Calliope_ was hit several
times but did not sustain serious damage, although, I regret to
say, she had several casualties. The light cruisers attacked the
enemy’s battleships with torpedoes at this time, but were not able
to observe the result; an explosion on board a ship of the “Kaiser”
class was seen, however, at 8.38 P.M.

During these destroyer attacks, four enemy torpedo-boat destroyers
were sunk by the gunfire of battleships, light cruisers and
destroyers.

NIGHT DISPOSITIONS

20. At 9 P.M. the enemy was entirely out of sight, and the threat
of torpedo-boat destroyer attacks during the rapidly approaching
darkness made it necessary for me to dispose the fleet for the
night with a view to its safety from such attacks whilst providing
for a renewal of action at daylight. I accordingly manœuvred to
remain between the enemy and his bases, placing our flotillas in a
position in which they would afford protection to the fleet from
destroyer attack and at the same time be favourably situated for
attacking the enemy’s heavy ships.

NIGHT ATTACKS BY FLOTILLAS

21. During the night the British heavy ships were not attacked,
but the Fourth, Eleventh, and Twelfth Flotillas, under Commodore
Hawkesley and Captains Wintour and Stirling, delivered a series of
very gallant and successful attacks on the enemy, causing him heavy
losses.

22. It was during these attacks that severe losses in the Fourth
Flotilla occurred, including that of _Tipperary_ with the gallant
leader of the Flotilla, Captain Wintour. He had brought his
flotilla to a high pitch of perfection, and although suffering
severely from the fire of the enemy, a heavy toll of enemy vessels
was taken and many gallant actions were performed by the flotilla.

Two torpedoes were seen at least to take effect on enemy vessels as
the result of the attacks of the Fourth Flotilla, one being from
_Spitfire_ (Lieutenant-Commander Clarence W. E. Trelawny), and the
other from either _Ardent_ (Lieutenant-Commander Arthur Marsden),
_Ambuscade_ (Lieutenant-Commander Gordon A. Coles), or _Garland_
(Lieutenant-Commander Reginald S. Goff).

23. The attack carried out by the Twelfth Flotilla (Captain Anselan
J. B. Stirling) was admirably executed. The squadron attacked,
which consisted of six large vessels besides light cruisers,
comprised vessels of the “Kaiser” class, and were almost completely
surprised. A large number of torpedoes was fired, including some at
the second and third ships in the line; those fired at the third
ship took effect, and she was observed to blow up. A second attack
made twenty minutes later by _Mænad_ (Commander John T. Champion)
on the five vessels still remaining resulted in the second ship in
the line being also hit and blown up.

The destroyers were under a heavy fire from the light cruisers on
reaching the rear of the line, but _Onslaught_ was the only vessel
which received any material injuries. In _Onslaught_ Sub-lieutenant
Harry W. A. Kemmis, assisted by Midshipman Reginald G. Arnot,
R.N.R., the only executive officers not disabled, brought the ship
successfully out of action and reached Rosyth.

24. During the attack carried out by the Eleventh Flotilla,
_Castor_ (Commodore John R. P. Hawkesley) leading, the flotilla
engaged and sank an enemy torpedo-boat destroyer at point blank
range.

The 13th Flotilla under the command of Captain James U. Farie in
_Champion_ took station astern of the battle fleet for the night.
At 0.30 A.M. on Thursday, 1st June, a large vessel crossed the rear
of the flotilla at high speed. She passed close to the _Petard_
and _Turbulent_, switched on searchlights, and opened a heavy fire
which severely damaged _Petard_ and disabled _Turbulent_. At 3.30
A.M. _Champion_ was engaged for a few minutes with four enemy
destroyers. _Moresby_ reports four ships of “Deutschland” class
sighted at 2.35 A.M. at whom she fired one torpedo. Two minutes
later an explosion was felt by _Moresby_ and _Obdurate_.

_Abdiel_, ably commanded by Commander Berwick Curtis, carried out
her duties with the success which has always characterised her work.

There were many gallant deeds performed by the destroyer flotillas;
they surpassed the very highest expectations that I had formed of
them.

Apart from the proceedings of the flotillas, the Second Light
Cruiser Squadron in the rear of the battle fleet was in close
action for about fifteen minutes at 10.20 P.M. with a squadron
comprising one enemy cruiser and four light cruisers, during which
period _Southampton_ and _Dublin_ suffered rather heavy casualties,
although their steaming and fighting qualities were not impaired.
It is reasonable to suppose that they inflicted considerable damage
on their opponents.

PROCEEDINGS ON 1ST JUNE

25. At daylight, 1st June, the battle fleet being then to the
southward and westward of the Horn Reef, turned to the northward in
search of enemy vessels, and for the purpose of collecting our own
cruisers and torpedo-boat destroyers. At 2.30 A.M. Vice-Admiral Sir
Cecil Burney transferred his flag from _Marlborough_ to _Revenge_,
as the former ship had some difficulty in keeping up the speed
of the squadron. _Marlborough_ was detached by my direction to a
base, being unsuccessfully attacked _en route_ by enemy submarines.
The visibility early on 1st June (three to four miles) was less
than on 31st May, and difficulty was experienced in meeting all
ships, the torpedo-boat destroyers not rejoining until 9 A.M.
The waters from the latitude of the Horn Reef to the scene of
the action were thoroughly searched, and some survivors from the
destroyers _Ardent_, _Fortune_, and _Tipperary_ were picked up, and
the _Sparrowhawk_, which had been in collision and was no longer
seaworthy, was sunk after her crew had been taken off. A large
amount of wreckage was seen, but no enemy ships, and at 1.15 P.M.,
it being evident that the German Fleet had succeeded in returning
to port, course was shaped for our bases, which were reached
without further incident on Friday, 2nd June. A cruiser squadron
was detached to search for _Warrior_, which vessel had been
abandoned whilst in tow of _Engadine_ on her way to the base owing
to bad weather setting in, and the vessel becoming unseaworthy, but
no trace of her was discovered, and a further subsequent search by
a light cruiser squadron having failed to locate her, it is evident
that she foundered.

26. The fleet fuelled and replenished with ammunition, and at 9.30
P.M. on 2nd June was reported ready for further action.

LOSSES

27. The conditions of low visibility under which the day action
took place, the approach of darkness and the tactics adopted by
the enemy of retiring under cover of torpedo attacks, enhance the
difficulty of giving an accurate report of the damage inflicted,
or the names of the ships sunk by our forces, but after a most
careful examination of the evidence of all officers, who testified
to seeing enemy vessels actually sink, and personal interviews
with a large number of these officers, I am of opinion that
the list shown in the enclosure gives the minimum in regard to
numbers, though it is possibly not entirely accurate as regards
the particular class of vessel, particularly those which were sunk
during the night attacks. In addition to the vessels sunk it is
unquestionable that many other ships were very seriously damaged by
gunfire and by torpedo attack.

28. The enemy fought with the gallantry that was expected of him,
and showed humanity in rescuing officers and men from the water.
I particularly admired the conduct of those on board a disabled
German light cruiser which passed down the British line shortly
after deployment, under a heavy fire which was returned by the
only gun left in action. But after the arrival of the British
Battle Fleet, there appeared to be no desire on the part of the
High Sea Fleet to continue the engagement. The battleships turned
away on each occasion of being sighted soon after fire was opened,
and although the British Fleet remained in the proximity of the
battlefield and near the line of approach to German ports until 11
A.M. on 1st June, in spite of the disadvantage of long distances
from fleet bases and the danger incurred in waters adjacent to
enemy coasts from submarines and torpedo craft, the enemy made no
sign, and I was reluctantly compelled to the conclusion that the
High Sea Fleet had returned into port. Subsequent events proved
this assumption to have been correct. Our position must have been
known to the enemy, as at 2.50 A.M. the fleet engaged a Zeppelin
for quite five minutes, during which time she had ample opportunity
to note and subsequently report the position and course of the
British Fleet.

29. I deeply regret to report the loss of H. M. Ships mentioned in
this despatch, and still more do I regret the resultant heavy loss
of life. The death of such gallant and distinguished officers as
Rear-Admiral Sir Robert Arbuthnot, Bart., Rear-Admiral The Hon.
Horace Hood, Captain Charles F. Sowerby, Captain Cecil I. Prowse,
Captain Arthur L. Cay, Captain Thomas P. Bonham, Captain Charles
J. Wintour, and Captain Stanley V. Ellis, and those who perished
with them, is a serious loss to the Navy and to the country. They
led officers and men who were equally gallant and whose death is
mourned by their comrades in the Grand Fleet. They fell doing their
duty nobly, a death which they would have been the first to desire.

THE PERSONNEL OF THE FLEET

30. The conduct of officers and men throughout the day and night
actions was entirely beyond praise. No words of mine could do
them justice. On all sides it is reported to me that the glorious
traditions of the past were most worthily upheld--whether in heavy
ships, cruisers, light cruisers, or destroyers--the same admirable
spirit prevailed. Officers and men were cool and determined, with
a cheeriness that would have carried them through anything. The
heroism of the wounded was the admiration of all.

I cannot adequately express the pride with which the spirit of the
Fleet filled me.

31. I have now given details of the work of the various ships
during action. It must never be forgotten, however, that the
prelude to action is the work of the engine-room department,
and that during action the officers and men of that department
perform their most important duties without the incentive which a
knowledge of the course of the action gives to those on deck. The
qualities of discipline and endurance are taxed to the utmost under
these conditions, and they were, as always, most fully maintained
throughout the operations under review. Many ships attained speeds
that had never before been reached, thus showing very clearly
their high state of steaming efficiency. Failures in material were
conspicuous by their absence, and many instances are reported of
magnificent work on the part of the engine-room departments of
injured ships.

32. The work of the medical officers of the Fleet, carried out
very largely under the most difficult conditions, was entirely
admirable and invaluable. Lacking in many cases all the essentials
for performing critical operations and with their staff seriously
depleted by casualties, they worked untiringly and with the
greatest success. To them we owe a deep debt of gratitude.

33. It will be seen that the hardest fighting fell to the lot
of the Battle Cruiser Fleet, the Fifth Battle Squadron, and the
flotillas. This was inevitable under the conditions, and the
squadrons and flotillas mentioned as well as the individual vessels
composing them were handled with conspicuous ability, as were also
the 1st, 2nd, and 4th Squadrons of the battle fleet and the 2nd
Cruiser Squadron.

34. In paragraph 3 of this despatch I have named the Commanding
Officers of all the ships mentioned above, and I desire to place
on record my high appreciation of the manner in which all vessels
were handled. The conditions were such as to call for great skill
and ability, quick judgment and decisions, and this was conspicuous
throughout the day.

I beg also to draw special attention to the services rendered by
Vice-Admiral Sir Cecil Burney (Second in Command of the Grand
Fleet), Vice-Admiral Sir Thomas Jerram, Vice-Admiral Sir Doveton
Sturdee, Rear-Admiral Hugh Evan-Thomas, Rear-Admiral Alexander
L. Duff, Rear-Admiral Arthur C. Leveson, and Rear-Admiral Ernest
F. A. Gaunt, commanding squadrons or divisions in the battle fleet.
They acted throughout with skill and judgment. Sir Cecil Burney’s
squadron owing to its position was able to see more of the enemy
battle fleet than the squadrons ahead, and under a leader who has
rendered me most valuable and loyal assistance at all times the
squadron did excellent work. The magnificent squadron commanded by
Rear-Admiral Evan-Thomas formed a support of great value to Sir
David Beatty during the afternoon, and was brought into action
in rear of the battle fleet in the most judicious manner in the
evening.

Sir David Beatty once again showed his fine qualities of gallant
leadership, firm determination, and correct strategic insight. He
appreciated the situation at once on sighting first the enemy’s
lighter forces, then his battle cruisers and finally his battle
fleet. I can fully sympathise with his feelings when the evening
mist and fading light robbed the Fleet of that complete victory for
which he had manœuvred and for which the vessels in company with
him had striven so hard. The services rendered by him, not only on
this, but on two previous occasions, have been of the very greatest
value.

Sir David Beatty brings to my notice the brilliant support afforded
him by Rear-Admiral Hugh Evan-Thomas; the magnificent manner in
which Rear-Admiral The Hon. Horace Hood brought his squadron into
action, the able support afforded him by Rear-Admiral William
C. Pakenham and Rear-Admiral Osmond de B. Brock, and the good
work performed by the Light Cruiser Squadrons under the command
respectively of Rear-Admiral Trevylyan D. W. Napier, Commodore
William E. Goodenough and Commodore Edwyn S. Alexander-Sinclair. He
states that on every occasion these officers anticipated his wishes
and used their forces to the best possible effect. I most fully
endorse all his remarks, and I forward also the following extract
from his report regarding the valuable services rendered by his
staff:

“I desire to bring to your notice the great assistance that I
received on a day of great anxiety and strain from my Chief
of the Staff, Captain Rudolf W. Bentinck, whose good judgment
was of the greatest help. He was a tower of strength. My
Flag-Commander, The Hon. Reginald A. R. Plunkett, was most
valuable in observing the effect of our fire, thereby enabling
me to take advantage of the enemy’s discomfiture; my secretary,
Frank T. Spickernell, who made accurate notes of events as
they occurred, which proved of the utmost value in keeping
the situation clearly before me; my Flag Lieutenant-Commander
Ralph F. Seymour, who maintained efficient communications under
the most difficult circumstances despite the fact that his
signalling appliances were continually shot away. All these
officers carried out their duties with great coolness on the
manœuvring platform, where they were fully exposed to the
enemy’s fire.”

35. I cannot close this despatch without recording the brilliant
work of my Chief of the Staff, Vice-Admiral Sir Charles Madden,
K.C.B., C.V.O. Throughout a period of twenty-one months of war
his services have been of inestimable value. His good judgment,
his long experience in fleets, special gift for organisation, and
his capacity for unlimited work, have all been of the greatest
assistance to me, and have relieved me of much of the anxiety
inseparable from the conduct of the Fleet during the war. In the
stages leading up to the Fleet action and during and after the
action he was always at hand to assist, and his judgment never at
fault. I owe him more than I can say.

My special thanks are due also to Commodore Lionel Halsey, C.M.G.,
the Captain of the Fleet, who also renders me much assistance in
the working of the fleet at sea, and to whose good organisation
is largely due the rapidity with which the fleet was fuelled and
replenished with ammunition on return to its bases. He was of much
assistance to me during the action.

Commander Charles M. Forbes, my flag-commander, and Commander Roger
M. Bellairs of my staff, plotted the movements of the two fleets
with rapidity and accuracy as reports were received; Commander
the Hon. Matthew R. Best, M.V.O., of my staff, acted as observer
aloft throughout the action, and his services were of value. These
officers carried out their duties efficiently during the action.

The signals were worked with smoothness and rapidity by Commander
Alexander R. W. Wood, assisted by the other signal officers, and
all ships responded remarkably well under difficult conditions. My
Flag-Lieutenant, Lieutenant-Commander Herbert Fitzherbert, was also
of much service to me throughout the action.

The high state of efficiency of the W.T. arrangements of the Fleet
and the facility with which they were worked before, during, and
after the action is a great testimony to the indefatigable work
carried out by Commander Richard L. Nicholson. His services have
been invaluable throughout the war.

A special word of praise is due to the wireless departments in all
ships.

My Secretaries, Fleet Paymasters Hamnet H. Share, C.B., and Victor
H. T. Weekes, recorded with accuracy salient features of the
action. Their records have been of much assistance.

To the Master of the Fleet, Captain Oliver E. Leggett, I am
indebted for the accuracy with which he kept the reckoning
throughout the operations.

36. In a separate despatch I propose to bring to the notice of
their Lordships the names of other officers and men who did not
come under my personal observation, but who had the opportunity of
specially distinguishing themselves.

I am, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
(_Signed_) J. R. JELLICOE,
_Admiral_, _Commander-in-Chief_.

Enclosure in Home Fleets Letter No. 1395, H.F. 0022, dated 18th June, 1916.

LIST OF ENEMY VESSELS CONSIDERED TO BE SUNK, 31st May–1st June, 1916.

_Battleships or Battle Cruisers._

2 Battleships, “Dreadnought” type Certain.
1 Battleship, “Deutschland” type Certain.

1 Battleship or Battle Cruiser Probable.
1 Battleship, “Dreadnought” type Probable.

_Light Cruisers._

4 Light Cruisers Certain.
1 Heavy ship or Light Cruiser Certain.

_Torpedo-boat Destroyers._

6 Torpedo-boat Destroyers Certain.
3 Torpedo-boat Destroyers Probable.

_Submarines._

1 Submarine Certain.
3 Submarines Possible.

Appendix II

ACTION IN THE NORTH SEA, ON SUNDAY, 24th JANUARY, 1915

ADMIRALTY,
_3rd March, 1915_.

The following despatch has been received from Vice-Admiral Sir David Beatty, K.C.B., M.V.O., D.S.O., commanding the First Battle Cruiser Squadron, reporting the action in the North Sea on Sunday, the 24th of January, 1915:--

_H.M.S. Princess Royal,
2nd February, 1915._

SIR,--I have the honour to report that at daybreak on 24th January,
1915, the following vessels were patrolling in company:

The Battle Cruisers _Lion_, Captain Alfred E. M. Chatfield,
C.V.O., flying my flag; _Princess Royal_, Captain Osmond de B.
Brock, Aide-de-Camp; _Tiger_, Captain Henry B. Pelly, M.V.O.; _New
Zealand_, Captain Lionel Halsey, C.M.G., Aide-de-Camp, flying the
flag of Rear-Admiral Sir Archibald Moore, K.C.B., C.V.O.; and
_Indomitable_, Captain Francis W. Kennedy.

The Light Cruisers _Southampton_, flying the broad pendant of
Commodore William E. Goodenough, M.V.O.; _Nottingham_, Captain
Charles B. Miller; _Birmingham_, Captain Arthur A. M. Duff; and
_Lowestoft_, Captain Theobald W. B. Kennedy, were disposed on my
port beam.

Commodore (T) Reginald Y. Tyrwhitt, C.B., in _Arethusa_, _Aurora_,
Captain Wilmot S. Nicholson, _Undaunted_, Captain Francis G. St.
John, M.V.O., _Arethusa_, and the Destroyer Flotillas were ahead.

At 7.25 A.M. the flash of guns was observed S.S.E. Shortly
afterwards a report reached me from _Aurora_ that she was engaged
with enemy’s ships. I immediately altered course to S.S.E.,
increased to 22 knots, and ordered the Light Cruisers and Flotillas
to chase S.S.E. to get in touch and report movements of enemy.

This order was acted upon with great promptitude; indeed, my wishes
had already been forestalled by the respective Senior Officers, and
reports almost immediately followed from _Southampton_, _Arethusa_,
and _Aurora_ as to the position and composition of the enemy, which
consisted of 3 Battle Cruisers and _Blücher_, 6 Light Cruisers, and
a number of Destroyers, steering N.W. The enemy had altered course
to S.E. From now onwards the Light Cruisers maintained touch with
the enemy, and kept me fully informed as to their movements.

The Battle Cruisers worked up to full speed, steering to the
southward. The wind at the time was N.E., light, with extreme
visibility. At 7.30 A.M. the enemy were sighted on the port bow
steaming fast, steering approximately S.E. distant 14 miles.

Owing to the prompt reports received we had attained our
position on the quarter of the enemy, and so altered course to
S.E. parallel to them, and settled down to a long stern chase,
gradually increasing our speed until we reached 28.5 knots.
Great credit is due to the Engineer Staffs of _New Zealand_ and
_Indomitable_--these ships greatly exceeded their normal speed.

At 8.52 A.M., as we had closed to within 20,000 yards of the rear
ship, the Battle Cruisers manœuvred to keep on a line of bearing so
that guns would bear, and _Lion_ fired a single shot, which fell
short. The enemy at this time were in single line ahead, with Light
Cruisers ahead and a large number of Destroyers on their starboard
beam.

Single shots were fired at intervals to test the range, and at 9.9
A.M. _Lion_ made her first hit on the _Blücher_, No. 4 in the line.
The _Tiger_ opened fire at 9.20 A.M. on the rear ship, the _Lion_
shifted to No. 3 in the line, at 18,000 yards, this ship being
hit by several salvoes. The enemy returned our fire at 9.14 A.M.
_Princess Royal_, on coming into range, opened fire on _Blücher_,
the range of the leading ship being 17,500 yards at 9.35 A.M. _New
Zealand_ was within range of _Blücher_, which had dropped somewhat
astern, and opened fire on her. _Princess Royal_ shifted to the
third ship in the line, inflicting considerable damage on her.

Our flotilla cruisers and destroyers had gradually dropped from a
position broad on our beam to our port quarter, so as not to foul
our range with their smoke; but the enemy’s destroyers threatening
attack, the _Meteor_ and “M” Division passed ahead of us, Captain
the Hon. H. Meade, D.S.O., handling this Division with conspicuous
ability.

About 9.45 A.M. the situation was as follows: _Blücher_, the fourth
in their line, already showed signs of having suffered severely
from gunfire; their leading ship and No. 3 were also on fire.
_Lion_ was engaging No. 1, _Princess Royal_ No. 3, _New Zealand_
No. 4, while the _Tiger_, who was second in our line, fired first
at their No. 1, and when interfered with by smoke, at their No. 4.

The enemy’s destroyers emitted vast columns of smoke to screen
their battle cruisers, and under cover of this the latter now
appeared to have altered course to the northward to increase their
distance, and certainly the rear ships hauled out on the port
quarter of their leader, thereby increasing their distance from our
line. The battle cruisers, therefore, were ordered to form a line
of bearing N.N.W., and proceed at their utmost speed.

Their destroyers then showed evident signs of an attempt to attack.
_Lion_ and _Tiger_ opened fire on them, and caused them to retire
and resume their original course.

The Light Cruisers maintained an excellent position on the port
quarter of the enemy’s line, enabling them to observe, and keep
touch, or attack any vessel that might fall out of the line.

At 10.48 A.M. the _Blücher_, which had dropped considerably
astern of enemy’s line, hauled out to port, steering north with
a heavy list, on fire, and apparently in a defeated condition.
I consequently ordered _Indomitable_ to attack enemy breaking
northward.

At 10.54 A.M. submarines were reported on the starboard bow, and
I personally observed the wash of a periscope, two points on our
starboard bow. Immediately turned to port.

At 11.3 A.M. an injury to the _Lion_ being reported as incapable
of immediate repair, I directed _Lion_ to shape course N.W. At
11.20 A.M. I called the _Attack_ alongside, shifting my flag to
her at about 11.35 A.M. I proceeded at utmost speed to rejoin the
Squadron, and met them at noon retiring N.N.W.

I boarded and hoisted my flag in _Princess Royal_ at about 12.20
P.M., when Captain Brock acquainted me of what had occurred since
the _Lion_ fell out of the line, namely, that _Blücher_ had been
sunk and that the enemy Battle Cruisers had continued their course
to the eastward in a considerably damaged condition. He also
informed me that a Zeppelin and a seaplane had endeavoured to drop
bombs on the vessels which went to the rescue of the survivors of
_Blücher_.

The good seamanship of Lieut.-Commander Cyril Callaghan, H.M.S.
_Attack_, in placing his vessel alongside the _Lion_ and
subsequently the _Princess Royal_, enabled the transfer of flag to
be made in the shortest possible time.

At 2 P.M. I closed _Lion_ and received a report that her starboard
engine was giving trouble owing to priming, and at 3.38 P.M. I
ordered _Indomitable_ to take her in tow, which was accomplished by
5 P.M.

The greatest credit is due to the Captains of _Indomitable_ and
_Lion_ for the seamanlike manner in which the _Lion_ was taken in
tow under difficult circumstances.

The excellent steaming of the ships engaged in the operation was a
conspicuous feature.

I attach an appendix giving the names of various officers and men
who specially distinguished themselves.

Where all did well it is difficult to single out Officers and Men
for special mention, and as _Lion_ and _Tiger_ were the only ships
hit by the enemy, the majority of these I mentioned belong to those
ships.

I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
(_Signed_) DAVID BEATTY,
Vice-Admiral.

INDEX

_Abdiel_, 289, 373, 433, 465, 484

Aberdeenshire coast, a U-boat rammed and sunk off, 209

_Aboukir_, loss of, 15, 37, 105, 132

_Acacia_, 233

_Acasta_, 9, 176, 464
in Jutland battle, 332, 333, 356, 387, 476

_Achates_, 9, 464

_Acheron_, 466

_Achilles_, 8, 88, 212, 419
accident on, 163
sinks a German raider, 276

_Acorn_, 9

_Active_, 9, 134, 144, 145, 318, 380, 381, 439, 464, 482

Admiralty, adopt Scapa Flow as main Fleet Base, 15
Intelligence Division of, 187
naval policy of, 34, 302
vigorous mine-laying policy adopted by, 249

Adriatic, battleships withdrawn from, 303

Aeroplane attacks 2nd Cruiser Squadron, 165

Aeroplanes over the Orkneys, 95
substituted for seaplanes, 222, 283

_Africa_, 8, 266

Agadir crisis, 91

_Agamemnon_, 10

_Agincourt_, 108, 152, 241, 308, 318, 463
in Jutland battle, 357, 360
joins 4th Battle Squadron, 121

Aircraft carriers, development of, 72
in warfare, 70, 153

Airships as scouts, 37, 450

_Ajax_, 8, 93, 98, 107, 135, 152, 241, 290, 318, 463

_Alarm_, 9, 142

_Albemarle_, 10, 93, 98, 212, 237, 249, 266

_Alcantara_, 272, 273
sinking of, 273

Alderson, Captain, 207

Alexander-Sinclair, Commodore E. S., 203, 320, 466, 489

Alison, Lieut.-Commander Roger V., 466

Allen, Commander Walter L., 464

Allsup, Commander Claude F., 464

_Alsatian_, 73, 105, 107, 109, 127, 131, 135, 169
captures concealed Germans, 138

_Ambuscade_, 9, 176, 286, 464
in Jutland battle, 376, 483

America enters the War, 303

American battleships join Grand Fleet, 303

_Amethyst_, 10

Ammunition, for Army use, 114
ships, 84

_Amphion_, 10

_Amsterdam_, 217

_Andes_, 272, 273
rescues German survivors, 274

_Andromache_, 11

_Anglia_, 104

Anti-submarine defences, German, 30
obstructions, 144, 146
obstructions damaged by gales, 247, 267
operations, British, 146, 218 _et seq._, 282

_Antrim_, 8, 89, 138, 159, 211, 419, 424

_Apollo_, 11

_Arabis_, sinking of, 269

Arbuthnot, Rear-Admiral Sir Robert, 8, 191, 334, 342, 410, 463, 477
death of, 335, 410, 487

_Ardent_, 9, 483
in collision, 250, 286
loss of, 376, 385, 485

_Arethusa_, 111
in action, 493, 494

_Argyll_, 8, 89, 223
aground off Scottish coast, 252

_Ariel_, 209, 466
sinks a submarine, 214

_Arlanza_, 253, 431

_Arley_, 233

Armour piercing shells, a new type of, 69, 417
Committees’ investigations on, 69
limitations of British, 306

Armour protection, improved, 417
question of, 394 _et seq._, 468

Arnot, Midshipman R. G., 484

Asquith, Right Hon. H. H., visits the Fleet, 237, 241

_Assistance_, 8, 80, 83, 105, 114, 116, 138, 143, 186, 197

Atkins, Acting-Lieut. P. S., 239, 240

Atlantic, Von Spee’s squadron in, 24, 157, 161

_Attack_, 466, 496

_Attila_, capture of, 108

_Audacious_, 8, 135, 149, 150, 151
loss of, 148 _et seq._

_Aurora_, 194, 493, 494

_Australia_, 24, 203, 204, 210, 290, 418
in collision, 285

Austrian steamer captured, 108

Back, Captain Eric, 260

Backhouse, Captain Oliver, 463

Backhouse, Commander Roger, 7

Bacon, Vice-Admiral Sir Reginald, 154

_Badger_, 467
rescues survivors, 338, 356, 479

Baird, Captain George H., 463

Balfour, Right Hon. A. J., becomes First Lord, 453
offers Admiral Jellicoe post of First Sea Lord, 458

Baltic, the, British submarines in, 434
proposed operations in, 129

_Barham_, 249, 320, 325, 328, 345, 348, 352, 360, 463, 472, 478
in collision, 258

Barron, Commander J. O., 333, 356, 464, 476

Bashmakoff, M., 275

Bate, Lieut.-Commander C. L., 465

Battle Cruiser Fleet, aircraft attached to, 71
Instructions to, 53
organisation of, 203
title altered, 204

Battle Cruiser Fleet’s action, 316 _et seq._

Battle Cruiser Squadron, reorganisation of, 418

Battle cruisers, function of, 304
question of armour, protection of, 305, 306

Battle Fleet, composition of, 7
aircraft provided for, 71

Battleships, “all-big-gun” type of, 34
and Battle Cruisers, British and German, 307 _et seq._

Battleships, British and German, 31
dummy, 171

_Bayano_ sunk by submarine, 210

Bayly, Vice-Admiral Sir Lewis, commands 1st Battle Squadron, 7, 85,
149
discusses question of blocking Zeebrugge, 154
exchange of command, 180, 182

Beamish, Captain Tufton P. H., 466

Bear Island, reported enemy base and wireless station at, 233

Beattie, Lieut.-Commander Kenneth A., 466

Beatty, Vice-Admiral Sir David, 8, 111, 177, 178, 203, 285, 322, 466,
477, 494

Beatty, Vice-Admiral Sir David, and Jutland battle, 320, 321, 325,
341, 345, 369, 440, 442, 468, 480
despatch on North Sea battle, 493 _et seq._
tribute to, 411, 489

Belgian coast, sweeping the, 170

Bellairs, Lieut.-Commander R. M., 7, 359, 490

_Bellerophon_, 8, 110, 318, 463

_Bellona_, 7, 88, 94, 97, 98, 173, 202, 318, 442, 463, 482
in collision, 180

_Benbow_, 169, 173, 186, 318, 352, 355, 463

Bentinck, Captain Rudolf W., 2, 7, 41, 465
tribute to, 489

Beresford, Lord, 35

_Berliner Tageblatt_, Captain Persius’ admissions in, 408

Bernard, Captain V. H. G., 463

Best, Commander the Hon. Matthew R., 7, 490

Betty, Captain, 185

_Biarritz_, 292

Bingham, Commander the Hon. E. B. S., 324, 463, 470
awarded V. C., 325

Bircham, Lieutenant, 77

_Birkenhead_, 246, 251, 255, 319, 466

_Birmingham_, 8, 88, 178, 182, 203, 223, 319, 466, 493
sinks a submarine, 93, 119

_Black Prince_, 171, 187, 244, 290, 318, 336, 380, 463
uncertainty of her end, 336, 337, 478

Blackett, Captain Henry, 463

Blake, Lieut.-Commander C. P., 467

_Blanche_, 8, 88, 175, 202, 207, 272, 273, 318, 463, 482

Blockade, Ministry of, 76
work of the Fleet, 73 _et seq._, 96, 97, 189
[_see also_, Cruiser Squadron (10th)]

Block-ships sunk in Scapa Flow entrances, 167

_Blonde_, 8, 88, 202, 290
goes ashore, 433

_Blūcher_, 152, 494, 495
sinking of, 195, 197, 496

Blunt, Captain W. F., 10, 466

_Boadicea_, 4, 8, 88, 202, 318, 438, 463, 482
damaged by heavy seas, 175

Boarding steamers, increased force of, 171

Bonham, Captain Thomas P., 463, 478
death of, 487

Borrett, Captain George H., 463

_Botha_, 225, 267, 457

Boxer campaign, 62, 63

Boxer, Lieut.-Commander Henry P., 465

Boyle, Captain the Hon. Algernon D. E. H., 466

Bradford, Vice-Admiral E. E., 8, 48, 108, 176, 179, 208
and Dogger Bank action, 196

_Brandenburg_, 132
interned by Norwegian Government, 133

_Brisk_, 9

_Britannia_, 8, 199
aground in Firth of Forth, 198

British Expeditionary Force, transport of, 22, 23, 37

British Fleet, anxiety for safety of, 28, 31

British Navy (_see_ Navy)

“Broad Fourteens,” patrolling the, 37, 127, 132

Brock, Rear-Admiral O. de B., 203, 319, 465, 489, 493, 496

_Broke_, 180, 293, 375, 387, 464

Brooke, Lieut.-Commander Edward, 467

Browning, Rear-Admiral M. E., 8

Bruen, Captain Edward F., 463

Bryce, Lord, 2

Bullen, Lieut.-Commander, 278

_Bulwark_, 10

Burney, Lieutenant Dennis, 60
clever device by, 61

Burney, Vice-Admiral Sir Cecil, 10, 16, 36, 207, 358, 459, 462, 477,
480
and Heligoland, 129
and Jutland battle, 319, 342, 343, 362, 381
exchange of command, 180, 181
flagship damaged, 355, 485
illness of, 182
joins Grand Fleet, 36
resumes command of 1st Battle Squadron, 185
tribute to, 410, 488

_Caldaff_, mining of, 150

Callaghan, Admiral Sir George, 55
gives up the command, 5
his Service record, 1
improvises defences at Scapa, 27
strikes his flag, 6

Callaghan, Lieut.-Commander Cyril, 496

_Calliope_, 227, 272, 277, 365, 464, 482

_Cambria_, 104, 114, 148

_Cameleon_, 9

Cameron, Captain John E., 466

_Campania_, 71, 221, 222, 229, 230, 231, 238, 282, 283, 428, 446

Campbell, Commander G. W. McC., 465

_Canada_, 308, 318, 463
joins Grand Fleet, 250

Canadian troops, a convoy for, 134, 136

_Canterbury_, 317, 318, 330, 332, 339, 464, 476

Cantlie, Lieutenant, 232

_Caribbean_, 211, 246
sinking of, 246

_Carnarvon_, 10

_Caroline_, 203, 464

Carpenter, Lieut.-Commander (N.) A. F. B., 2

Carter, Lieut.-Commander Eric Q., 465

Casement, Captain John M., 463

_Castor_, 374, 464

Cavendish, Lieut.-Commander J. R. C., 464

Cay, Captain Arthur L., 337, 338, 463
death of, 487

_Centurion_, 2, 8, 95, 140, 198, 318, 463

_Champion_, 319, 329, 378, 463, 472, 484

Champion, Commander J. P., 377, 465, 484

Channel Fleet, 15, 16, 36
change in command of, 182
squadrons manned with nucleus crews, 36
strengthened, 155

Chatfield, Captain A. E. M., 465, 493

_Chatham_, 443

_Cheerful_, 135

_Chester_, 317, 318, 330, 339, 415, 441, 464, 475
her boy hero, Jack Cornwell, 332, 410
in action, 330 _et seq._

China, conference of Allied naval officers in, 63

Christian, Rear-Admiral, 101, 105
his command, 105

_Christopher_, 9, 236, 245, 331, 332, 464, 476

Chukovsky, M., 275

Churchill, Right Hon. Winston, 3, 35
and Heligoland, 128
and position of Commander-in-Chief, 3
attends conference at Loch Ewe, 127
interview with Sir J. Jellicoe, 3

_Circe_, 9

_City of Oxford_, 171

_Clan McNaughton_, loss of, 205

_Cleopatra_, 279, 433

Clinton-Baker, Captain Lewis, 462

Coaling the Fleet, 83, 92, 104, 108, 109

Coal strike, a Welsh, 229, 230, 235

Coast lights, extinction of, 121, 136

Coast towns, enemy bombardment of, 25, 287, 456

Cobbe, Captain M. H., 11

_Cochrane_, 8, 88, 318, 419, 463

_Cockatrice_, 9, 173

Cole, Commander John F. H., 242

Coles, Lieut.-Commander G. A., 376, 464, 483

Colliers at the Fleet Base, 83
insufficient number of, 84, 92, 98

_Collingwood_, 7, 319, 361, 462

_Colossus_, 7, 38 (_note_), 60, 318, 319
and battle of Jutland, 351, 353, 357, 360, 381, 462, 481

_Columbella_, 233, 272

Colville, Commander Hugh D., 464

Colville, Vice-Admiral Sir Stanley, 81, 82, 122, 143, 159, 166, 231,
234, 243
assumes temporary command of 1st Battle Squadron, 182

_Comet_, 9, 107, 217

_Commonwealth_, 8, 186, 199

_Comus_, 272, 273, 277, 278, 342, 426, 464

_Conqueror_, 8, 31 (_note_), 152, 184, 193, 199, 318, 463

_Conqueror II._ torpedoed, 446

_Constance_, 426, 432, 464

_Contest_, 9, 464

_Cordelia_, 203, 319, 320, 466

Corlett, Lieut.-Commander Geoffrey, 466

_Cornwallis_, 10

Cornwell, Jack, of _Chester_, heroism of, 332, 410

Cowan, Captain Walter H., 465

Crabbe, Commander L. G. E., 464

Craig, Captain Arthur W., 466

_Crescent_, 11, 205, 255, 277

_Cressy_, loss of, 15, 37, 105

Cromarty, a fleet practice base at, 64, 65
a floating dock transferred to, 79, 80, 106, 122
and submarine menace, 64
Naval Base at, 28
Rear-Admiral Pears in charge of Base at, 97
rendered secure from submarine attacks, 77, 146

Crooke, Captain H. Ralph, 464

Cruiser Squadron (3rd), disbandment of, 245

Cruiser Squadron (6th), broken up, 210

Cruiser Squadron (10th) augmented, 181
blockade work of, 73, 158, 193, 201, 205, 214, 220, 228, 233, 243,
247, 253, 257, 261, 268, 275, 281, 288, 294, 427, 431, 444,
448, 452, 458
paid off, 163
patrol areas of, 96, 98, 103, 137, 145, 181, 192, 206, 213, 272, 283

Cruiser Squadrons, reorganisation of, 418, 419

Culme-Seymour, Captain Michael, 463

_Cumberland_, 198

Currey, Rear-Admiral Bernard, 10

Curtis, Commander Berwick, 373, 465, 484

Cuxhaven, enemy battleships at, 97

_Cyclops_, 7, 80, 83, 98, 117, 143

D’Aeth, Captain Arthur C. S. H., 464

_Dahlia_ strikes a mine, 245

Dampier, Captain, 149

Danehenko, M., 275

Dannreuther, Commander, 337

Dardanelles operations, kite balloons in, 71

“Dark night” patrols, 261, 264, 432

_Dartmouth_, 185

Day, Commander Selwyn, 276

De Chair, Rear-Admiral Dudley, 11, 73, 96, 169

Decoy ships (Q-ships), 262

_Defence_, 191, 318, 334, 335, 337, 339, 340, 463
loss of, 306, 336, 477

_Defender_, 340, 387, 467, 474

_Derfflinger_, 197, 357, 437, 474

Destroyer Flotilla (15th), formation of, 447

Destroyer flotillas, 9, 118
detailed orders for, 52
fine work in Jutland battle, 378

Destroyers, Battle Orders for, 52, 54
German, 29, 50, 62
German superiority in number of, 396–7
German _v._ British, 29
importance attached by Germany to attack by, 393
in action, 176, 323–5, 339, 340
inadequate number of British, 17, 18, 29, 175, 179, 200, 201, 397
in collision, 245, 246, 280, 286
used for mine-sweeping, 244
welcome additions to force of, 204
work of, 215

_Devonshire_, 8, 90, 135, 180, 282, 419, 424

Dick, Captain James D., 463

_Digby_, 233

Director-firing, system of, 66

Displacement, question of, 307

Dobson, Lieut.-Commander, 232

Dock accommodation, absence of, 315, 316
the Kaiser’s comments on, 315

Dockyard men, fine work by, 129, 417

Dogger Bank action, 187 _et seq._
Admiral Beatty’s despatch on, 493 _et seq._
battle cruiser fleet, composition of, 203
battle fleet engaged in, 199
(_See also_ North Sea Battle)

_Dominion_, 8, 108, 119, 217

Donaldson, Sir F., 421

_Donegal_, 198, 255, 256, 290, 292, 419, 424, 458

Doughty, Captain Henry M., 463

Dover, Straits of, mining the, 249

_Drake_, 10, 96, 97, 98, 103, 106, 108, 116, 131, 134, 159, 164, 198

_Dreadnought_, 8, 34, 93, 207, 208, 290, 308
rams a submarine, 207

Dreadnought Squadron, captains of, in conference, 114

Dreyer, Captain, 7 (_note_), 342, 416, 417, 462, 481
tribute to, 416, 481

_Dryad_, 166

_Dublin_, 319, 362, 375, 384, 436, 442, 466, 485

Duff, Captain A. A. M., 93, 466, 493

Duff, Rear-Admiral A. L., 60, 61, 62, 169, 318, 463, 477, 488
tribute to, 488

_Duke of Albany_, 223, 433

_Duke of Clarence_, 270, 433

_Duke of Cornwall_, 430

_Duke of Edinburgh_, 171, 318, 336, 368, 419, 463, 482

Dumaresq, Captain John S., 463

_Duncan_, 10

_Duncombe_, 262

Dundas, Commander Harold V., 464

_Dundee_, 270, 276, 432, 433

Dunnet Bay, a German mine ashore at, 266

Dutton, Captain Arthur B. S., 463

East Coast, bombardment of undefended towns on, 25
raids on, 156

_Ebro_, 267

_Edgar_, 11, 141

Edinburgh, Zeppelin attack on, 282

Edwards, Captain John D., 466

_Elbing_, 374

Ellershaw, Brigadier-General, 421

Ellis, Captain Stanley V., 463, 477
death of, 487

_Emperor of India_, 169, 173, 186

_Ems_ sunk by submarine, 426

_Endymion_, 11

_Engadine_, 71, 289, 320, 321, 386, 467, 469, 472, 485

England, possibility of invasion of, 23, 456
raids on south-east coast of, 287

English Channel, destroyers in, 455

_Erin_, 129, 152, 308, 318, 463

_Erne_, wreck of, 205

Esbjerg, enemy sighted from, 131

Evan-Thomas, Rear-Admiral H., 7, 320, 466
and Jutland battle, 326, 345, 349, 363, 369, 410, 467, 472, 476, 478
new command for, 243
tribute to, 488, 489

Everett, Commodore A. F., 7, 219

_Exmouth_, 10, 93, 135, 148, 150

Eyre, Lieut.-Commander Ralph V., 465

Falkland Islands battle, 24, 157, 161, 204, 205

_Falmouth_, 10, 16, 88, 94, 95, 97, 98, 104, 115, 134, 185, 319, 338,
466
and Jutland battle, 366, 441, 476, 479
sinking of, 441

Farie, Captain (D.) James U., 378, 466, 484

Faroe Islands, a search for enemy bases in, 96, 97

Farrington, Captain, 262

_Faulknor_, 208, 377, 457, 465

Faviell, Lieut.-Commander Douglas, 465

Fawckner, Rear-Admiral W. B., 228

_Fearless_, 10, 111, 132, 204, 245, 319, 449, 466
and Jutland battle, 328, 378, 381, 472, 473

Fergusson, Captain James A., 463

Field, Captain Frederick L., 463

Filleul, C., awarded D. S. M., 334

Fire control instruments, 68

Fire correction methods, improved, 417

_Firedrake_, 112

Fisher, Captain William W., 463

Fisher, Lieut.-Commander Leslie, 242

Fisher, Lord, becomes First Sea Lord, 34, 155
destroyer programme of, 408
energy as First Sea Lord, 187
improvements in Fleet organisation by, 35
Mr. Schwab’s visit to, 151
naval policy of, 34
supports Director System, 67

Fishermen’s bladders as “floating mines,” 126

Fishing areas, question of restriction of, 121, 136

Fishing vessels attacked by submarines, 228

FitzGerald, Colonel, 421

Fitzherbert, Lieut.-Commander Herbert, 2, 490

Flamborough Head, enemy mines off, 110

Fleet, the, a vital factor to existence of the Empire, 308
concentration of, at outbreak of War, 38
disposition of, 15
(_See also_ Grand Fleet, Navy)

Fletcher, Lieut.-Commander H. U., 465

Floating storage, advantages of, 84

Flotta, Island of, 81

_Flying Condor_, 148

Food question, the, 453

Forbes, Commander Charles M., 7 (_note_), 490

_Formidable_, 10

Forth, Firth of, obstructions against submarines in, 78
submarine activity in, 185