Reports from Fourth Light Cruiser Squadron and Abdiel, Oak, and Active

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REPORT FROM COMMANDING OFFICER— H.M.S. ABDIEL.
Enclosure No. 16 to Submission No. 1415/0022 of 20/6/16 from C.-in-C, Home Fleets. H.M.S. Abdiel 7th June 1916. Sir, I HAVE the honour to forward herewith report of ABDIEL's " proceedings during the action with the German Fleet on 31st May and until arrival at Queensferry, 8 p.m., on 1st June. During the day and until coming in contact with the enemy at 5.40 p.m., ABDIEL was in company with the 4th Light Cruiser Squadron, who were acting as a screen from four to five miles ahead of the Battle Fleet and spread ¾ of a mile apart

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to starboard ABDIEL being of a mile on the port beam of the Commodore's ship CALLIOPE - the port wing ship. P.M. 5.45. Steering S.E. by S. at 19½ knots, observed ships in action bearing South and steering East. Closed CALLIOPE on her ordering the 4th L.CS. to close and form single line ahead. Remained close the CALLIOPE, conforming as far as possible to the movements of the Squadron without geeting in their way until the Battle Fleet had deployed at about 6.15 p.m., when I proceeded to the centre of the disengaged side of the Fleet according to orders, and remained there during the action. 10.15. Having received orders by W/T from C.-in-C. to lay mines as directed in Operation Memo. "M" of 31st May, proceeded S.S.E. at 31 knots. 1st June. A.M. 0.30. Sighted Horns Reef Light Ship ; bearing E. by S. 1.24. Arrived at a position 15 miles 215° from Vyl Lightship; reduced speed and ran a line of 80 mines, 10 to the mile, set for 15 ft. deep at low water, steering S. 9 E. (mag.) for the first 40 and S. 34 W. (mag.) for the remainder, zig-zagging on each course. 2.4. Finished laying mines and proceeded North at 30 knots. 2.20. A/c to N. 77 W. 2.55. A/c to S. 79 W. 3.50. Heard heavy firing S.W. about 10 miles off. 4.30. Reduced to 25 knots. 7.40. A/c to N. 46 W., having passed round the South of Area 1 Minefield according to orders. 4.40. Passed four of 8th Flotilla Patrol and arrived at Queensferry at 8 p.m., having met or seen nothing else. While laying the mines the lights of 3 Fishing Vessels were seen, but I am of opinion that they did not observe ABDIEL or what she was doing, as it was not daylight and visibility was very low owing to drizzling rain and overcast sky. No mines were seen to remain on the surface. The ship was not hit during the action.

I have the honour to be, Sir, Your obedient Servant, B. CURTIS, Commander in Command. The Commander-in-Chief, Grand Fleet, H.M.S. Iron Duke.

C17/1. II. Commander-in-Chief, Grand Fleet. Submitted. C.E.C.M., Commodore, 4th Light Cruiser Squadron.

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CAPTAIN'S REPORTS, H.M.S. ACTIVE.
Enclosure No. 18 to Submission No. 1415/0022 of 20/6/16 from C.-in-C. Home Fleets. H.M.S. Active, 9th June 1916.

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