Reports from Second Battle Squadron

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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.,"i " Erin,"^ " Orion,"' " Monarch,"^ and " Thunderer,"* and a diary of events before, during, and after the action, kept on board " King Geogre V." 2. I am unable to supply much detail from personal observation, as it was mipossible to gather any general idea of the action, only momentary gUmpses 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 " CaroHne," 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 " Carohne " to attack if he was quite certain they were enemy ships, as he was in a better position

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

If they were enemy ships and ho 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.