Reports from Destroyer Flotillas (Battle Fleet)

REPORTS OF COMMODORE (F)
Page 303 Enclosure No. 20 to Submission No. 1415/0022 of 20/6/10 from C.-in-C, Home Fleets. N. 0017/2. H.M.S. Castor, 3rd June 1916. Sir, I have the honour to forward the following report of my movements on the night of 31st May-lst June. At about 8.30 p.m. on 31st May the Enemy's Destroyers were sighted on starboard bow of our van, and the " Castor " and Half Flotilla proceeded to attack, the Commodore of 4th Light Cruiser Squadron detaching 3 Cruisers to support. 2. The enemy (iestroyers did not develop their attack, and " Castor " returned to her position ahead of the Fleet, com'se S.W. 3. At about 9.0 p.m. the Battle Fleet turned, leaders together, to South, the Flotilla remaining on Starboard bow of Second Battle Squadron, and a Une of Battle Cruisers was then sighted on the Starboard quarter closing Fleet. They appeared very much like enemy Battle Cruisers, but by an intercej^ted signal from Vice-Admiral 2nd B.S. to the Commodore, 4th L.C.S., the Vice-Admiral 2nd B.S. was apparently satisfied they were our own. Soon after sighting them these Battle Cruisers ojDened tire on two of the 4th L.C.S. ahead of the Flotilla. I turned the Flotilla away from the Battle Cruisers, and expected the Fleet to open fire on them. The leading Battle Cruiser then fired a star shell, which appeared to justify the opinion that they were enemy ships but as the Fleet still held their fire I could not attack, as it was not dark enough to make an attack unsupported by fire from the Fleet. The Battle Cruisers turned off to starboard and were lost sight of. 4. At 9.45 p.m. Flotillas were ordered to take station astern of Battle Fleet. 5. At about 10.5 p.m., when on the starboard quarter of the Fleet, ships were sighted on the starboard bow. They challenged us by the first two signs of the challenge of the day. They then made T, followed by R. When about 2,500 yards away the two leading sliips switched on search hghts and opened fire on " Castor." " Castor " oiDcned fire, and was seen hitting A^ith range on guns of 2,000 yards. The bursting of shells from the 6-in. guns was the most noticeable. " Castor " then fired a torpedo, high speed setting, and turned to Port. 6. With regard to the eight Destroyers which " Castor " was leading, two destroyers fired torpedoes, but the remainder of them which were near " Castor " say they were so bhnded by Page 304 " Castor's " guns they could not see anything, and the others were so certain in their own minds that a mistake had Ijeen made, and that we were being fired on by our own ships that tliey decidetl not to fire their torpedoes. 7. ThreeCaptainsofDestroyersinfoimmethattheirEngineer Lieutenants reported feehng a violent detonation under water at the time " Castor " " Magic " and " Marne " fired their torpedoes, and that they themselves observed the lights of the second ship go out and the glow of an explosion on her side ; but this was not felt in " Castor," probably as she was receiving other shocks at the time. 8. The Flotilla then proceeded South after the Battle Fleet, my object being to be within reach of the Fleet at daybreak should the Fleet have found the enemy and a Fleet action take place. 9. At about 12.15 a.m. I sighted a Torpedo Boat on the starboard bow. As soon as it was distinguished as an enemy craft, " Castor " turned to ram her and opened fire. The torpedo boat Mas too quick on the helm, and just avoided being rammed, but received the fire of all guns at point blank range, and was not seen again. A flare, probably from shell explosion was seen on her deck aft. Beheving her to be sunk, " Castor " turned again to South to follow the Fleet. There \vould appear to be no doubt that she was sunk, as she was not seen by any of the destroj^ers who passed the spot where she was fired on by " Castor." 10. With reference to paragraph 5, the Enemy consisted of three or more cruisers, of which the leading ship appeared to be a large cruiser. Their firing was not really very good, and though " Castor " was straddled by the first salvo this was not remarkable considering the range. " Castor " drew the whole fire of the two cruisers, and it is unfortunate that this element of doubt existed in the minds of the Captains of the Destroyers as to whether the ships were enemj% as a good opportunity of firing torpedoes was lost. "Castor" could make no signals to the destroyers, as her communication and wires were cut and W/T temporarily out of action. The handhng of the destroyers was remarkably good, considering no signals could be made. 14. I would mention that some ship ahead of the Second Battle Squadron at about 9.0 p.m. made the signal by searchlight : " Please give me the Challenges and Rephes for the day, as I have lost mine." Page 305 I did not see a reply made, but evidently the signal was taken in by one of our ships, and the Captain of the " Manneis " informs me he saw the reply being made. It is possible that this was one of the enemy's ships asking, and may account for " Castor " being challenged by at any rate part of the correct challenge for the day. 15. The effect of fire on " Castor " Mas as follows : —A large hole, 4 ft. by 4 ft. 6 in. Starboard side under No. 2 4-in. gun, evidently high explosive shell which burst in the heads, splinters passing through the bulkhead into the Recreation Space, destro3dng Fire Main service, Ventilation service, and Voice Pi])es to 4-in. guns. Two men were killed in the heads, and three of the ammunition supply party in Recreation Space. (2) One shot passed through Upper Mess Deck just above the water line, cut through an iron ladder, and passed out tlirough the Port side, evidently exploding whilst passing out. (3) Three shells struck Fore Bridge, doing extensive damage to bridge, cutting all electric circuits and damaging Bridge SteeringGear(whichwasnotbeingused). .Fivemenwerekilled on the Bridge. (4) One shell exploded on the Forecastle, kilhng two men but not doing any material damage to speak of. (5) Several shells hit the ship's side on the armoured plating, fragments passing up and causing damage to after 4-in. guns, Funnels, After Control, Casings and Boats. (6) One shell struck Motor Boat, which set Jier on fire and completely shattered her. (7) In all there were 23 wounded. These men were chiefly forward ammunition supplj'' parties, and others consisted of men stationed at foremost and after 4-in. Guns and First Aid Party. I have the honour to be. Sir, Your obedient Servant, J. R. P. HAWKSLEY, Commodore (F)