Reports from Second Battle Squadron

Page 108
Enclosure No. 5 to Submission No. 1415/0022 of 20/6/16 from C.-in-C. Home Fleets.

No. 149/47 D. KING GEORGE V,

5th June 1916.

Sir,

I HAVE the honour to forward herewith a summary of the events occurring during the recent action, compiled from reports made by ships of the Second Battle Squadron, accompanied by plans sent in by KING GEORGE V, ERIN , ORION MONARCH , and THUNDERER, and a diary of events before, during, and after the action, kept on board KING GEORGE V 2. I am unable to supply much detail from personal observation, as it was impossible to gather any general idea of the action, only momentary glimpses of the enemy being obtained. As leading ship, in addition to the hazy atmosphere, I was much hampered by what I imagine to have been cordite fumes from the battle-cruisers after they passed us, and from other cruisers engaged on the bow ; also by funnel gases from small craft ahead, and, for a considerable time, by dense smoke from DUKE OF EDINBURGH, who was unable to draw clear. 3. There is some evidence that submarines were close; DUKE OF EDINBURGH three times made the signal of their presence, and my Flag Lieutenant-Commander is certain that he saw the two periscopes of one vessel. On the other hand, it was obvious to me that a good deal of DUKE OF EDINBURGH'S fire was directed not at a submarine but at the wake of vessels ahead. The right gunlayer and trainer of "Y" turret in KING GEORGE V state that they saw a torpedo break surface 400 yards short of KING GEORGE V. 4. I should like to mention specially that about 9 p.m. I negatived an attack with Whitehead torpedoes ordered by CAROLINE, as I was certain that the vessels seen on our starboard beam were our own battle-cruisers. The Navigating Officer of my Flagship, who has just come from the battle-cruiser fleet, was also certain that they were ours, and saw them sufficiently clearly to give their approximate course, which I reported to you. Shortly afterwards, I told CAROLINE to attack if he was quite certain they were enemy ships, as he was in a better position

Page 109
to see them than I was, but I do not know whether an attack was made.

If they were enemy ships and no attack was made, the fault is mine, and not that of CAROLINE.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your obedient Servant,

T. H. M. JERRAM,

Vice-Admiral,

Commanding Second Battle Squadron.

The Commander-in-Chief,

H.M. Ships and Vessels,

Grand Fleet.

Page 112
Details still to be included

GENERAL REMARKS.
Ajax - It appeared that each enemy ship was accompanied by a destroyer which emitted dense volumes of smoke with the idea of obscuring the target.

Centurion - Submarines were reported on several occasions, and Lieutenant Peet has no doubt that he sighted a submarine with double periscope at 7.40 p.m., bearing 60° green, 2,000 yards.

Orion - Firing was by chrector, which was invaluable.

Thunderer - Just before opening fire there was a very large explosion on starboard quarter, apparently bej^ond Fifth Battle Squadron ; a column of water and debris was thrown up'. No enemy shots fell nearer than 400 yards (short). Objects came into view and disappeared again in about 3 minutes, a quick R.F. reading, used immediately, was the only practicable method. Most of the ranges taken were about 11,000 yards, but for a short period ranges 22,000 to 18,000 were obtained in the fore top. Powder filled common excellent to commence with, i.e., till straddhng is well estabHshed, the bursts being easy to distinguish.

NOTES MADE ON BOARD KING GEORGE V.
Battle-fleet was in divisions in line ahead columns disposed abeam to starboard, 8 cables apart, steering S. 50 E. 31st May, p.m. (1) 2.24. Signal received form GALATEA 2 cruisers probably hostile, in sight (56 — 48 N., 5—26 E.), bearing E.S.E. stopped, later report course of enemy S.S.E. chased at 2.38p.m. (1420 and 1422.)

Page 116
31st May, p.m.

(2) 2.40. GALATEA reported a large quantity of smoke bearing E.N.E. (56.50 N., 5.27 E.). Speed of fleet, 17 knots. (1435.) (3) 3.00 Altered course, leaders together, to S.E. by S. GALATEA reported smoke appeared to be from 7 vessels—Destroyers and cruisers steering North 56.52 N., 5.38 E. (1450.) (4) 3.07. S.O. 3rd L.C.S. reported 3 cruisers bearing E.steeringN.56,-59N.,5.33E. (1500.) ———-
 * 2.45. Guides of columns ordered to bear N.E. by N.
 * 18 knots.
 * 3.08. Cruisers took up cruising disposition No. 1.
 * 3.13. S.O. 1st L.C.S. reported enemy altered course to N.W. Columns opened to 1°. (1507.)

Page 117
———-

Page 118
Next Page