Reports from Destroyer Flotillas (Battle Fleet)

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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

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" 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."

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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)

To Commander-in-Chief, Grand Fleet.

Enclosure 21 to Submission No. 1415/0022 of 20/6/16 from C.-in-C, Home Fleets
From— The Captain (D), 4th Destroyer Flotilla. To— The Commodore (F), Grand Fleet Flotillas. No. 0110. Date— 6th June 1916. Submitted with reference to your general signal 1800 of 2nd instant, I attach reports which have been received from Destroyers of 4th Flotilla relative to the action with the enemy on 31st May and 1st June 1916.

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The report from H.M.S. BROKE will be forwarded as soon as it has been received. E. O. GLADSTONE, HECLA Captain (D). 4th Destroyer Flotilla. II No. 0017/2. Commander-in-Chief, Grand Fleet. Submitted. J. R. P. HAWKSLEY, Commodore (F). CASTOR, 6th June 1916. SPITFIRE, 3rd June 1916. Sir, I HAVE the honour to report that I observed the following damage to enemy ships on night of 31st May, between 11.0 and 11.40 p.m.

1. " Spitfire " torpedoed a 4-funnelled cruiser, class not. determinable, but she had 4 very tall funnels. She was observed to heel over immediately on being struck and appeared to be in a sinking condition.

2. "Spitfire"was rammed by and rammed (port bow to port bow) a cruiser of " Freya " class (presumably). 20 feet of her skin plating from upper deck to below scuttles is now in " Spitfire."

3. A battle-cruiser of " Moltke " type passed close astern of " Spitfire " at about the same time. She was going very fast, but appeared to be on fire between her funnels and on her fore mess deck, but there was no flame—only smoke. I have the honour to be. Sir, Your obedient Servant. C. TRELAWNY, Lieut.-Comdr.

The S.O.. 4th Flotilla.

COPY OF NAVAL SIGNAL CONTAINING SUMMARY OF REPORTS OF CERTAIN DESTROYERS.
From — The Naval Depot, North Shields. To — R.A. " Cyclops " for " Hecla," 4 a.m.

" Spitfire " reports position unknown owing to loss of Bridge times approximate was next astern " Tipperary " about 11 p.m. 3 1st May when attacked by four enemy's Cruisers from North West which sank " Tipperary " (stop) " Spitfire " fired torpedo at second in line seen to hit (stop). Had noticed list badly, believed sunk (stop) Had four very tall funnels (stop) " Spit- fire " rammed port boA^- to port boAV enemy's cruiser with

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3 perpendicular funnels 1 red band on every funnel 2 crane (stop) SPITFIRE carried off 20 feet of enemy's side plating (stop) About 11.30 p.m. enemy Battle Cruiser with 2 funnels far apart passed close astern of SPITFIRE steering between South and West observed on fire between funnels and on girdle(?) (stop) PORPOISE reports saw one large ship blow up at 3 a.m. 1st June position unknown (stop) CONTEST reports Blank ( ?) (stop) Report of BROKE will follow to-morrow Sunday. (2240) 4th June 1916.

COPY OF TELEGRAM—CLAIM BY ACASTA.
From — S.N.O. Aberdeen. To — R.A. Longhope. Date — 3rd June, 1916.

For HECLA. Considered that torpedo hit leading Enemy's Battle Cruiser at 6.14 p.m. (G.M.T.). Explosion seen, unable to assess damage caused by gunshot. ACASTA (1630.) ACASTA, 3rd June 1916. Sir<>br> I HAVE the honour to forward the following report of action on 31st May. In company vdih. " Shark," " OpheUa " and " Christopher " screening 3rd Battle Cruiser Squadron. P.M. 5.50. Steering N.W. in line ahead on port quarter of Battle Cruiser Squadron. Enemy Light Cruisers and De- stroyers sighted ahead, opened fire at 5,000 yards. Enemy course Westerl5^ 6. (approximately). Altered course to East. 6. 5. Enemy turned 16 points. 6.10. Division altered to port and "Shark" stopped, so I returned to " Shark's " assistance as she was badly hit. While doing so " Acasta " was holed forward and aft. 6.12 to 6.18. Fired foremost tube at leading enemy battle Cruiser which apparently hit as explosion was observed by independent witnesses—range 4,500 approximately. " Acasta " was badly hit in engine room, which burst several steam pipes and caused five casualties, one of whom was Engineer-Lieutenant J. Forrest, and engine- room had to be evacuated. Steering gear was shot awav and I was unable to steer or stop the engines until 6.30.

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)Ship was under extremely heavy fire from enemy Light Cruisers and Destroyers and a Battle Cruiser from 0.5 to 6.25. The moral of the ship's company was excellent. At 9.0 p.m. a Cruiser, apparently German, was observed heavily on fire to the S.W. and subsequently seen again after 2 a.m. - *  *  *  *  * At noon, 1st June, " Nonsuch " took me in tow until 2.30 p.m., 2nd June ; his assistance was invaluable as I had no oil left and met heavy weather.  I have the honour to be, Sir, Your obedient Servant, JOHN O. BARRON, Lt.-Comdr. Captain (D), 4th Flotilla.

COPY OF TELEGRAM—REPORT BY CONTEST.
From — Naval Depot, North Shields. To — Cyclops, for Hecla. Date — 4th June, 1916. CONTEST now reports she fired Torpedo at large 3 funnelled ship 11.35 p.m., seen to hit. (1520).

H.M.S. ACHATES. 3rd June 1916. Sir, I HAVE the honour to forward an account of " Achates' " part in the action on the night of Wednesday, 31st May. Orders having been received, shortly after 10 p.m., for 4th Flotilla to take station 5 miles astern of the Battle Squadron, single line ahead in the following order was assumed at about 10.50 p.m. : 1st Half Flat. : "Tipperary," " Spitfire," " Sparrow- hawk," " Garland " and " Contest " Flot. : "Fortune,""Porpoise"and "Unity." followed by 27id Half " Broke," " Achates," " Ambuscade," " Ardent," OurcoursewasthenSouth,speed18knots. Position(approx.) at 11.15 : Lat. 55° 48' N., Long. 6° 23' E. At approx. 1 1.30 p.m., heavy firing Avas observed on our starbd. bow and directed towards the head of our fine, and shortly afterwards the " Tipperary ' was observed to haul out of the fine to starboard, badly hit and burning furiously. Shortly after this the " Broke " hauled out of the line, apjjarently hit and not under control, and " Achates," narrowly avoiding coUision

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with her, endeavoured to join up with 1st Half Flotilla. Firing at this time was general in the enemy's line on our starbd. bow and beam and the range close, the order to fire was passed to the tubes as sights came on. I subsequently cancelled the order to fire torpedoes being under the impression that our Cruisers were engaging the enemy between us and the enemj^'s line and fearing that mj' torpedoes would cross the line of our own ships. I re.spectfullj' submit that in future the maximum amount of information may be given to destroyers as to the disposition of our own forces, observing the difficulty of recognition by night. At approx. midnight the " Achates " and " Ambuscade " were chased by enemy's cruisers to the Eastward, and failing to cross ahead of the enemy's line (Enemj^'s course appeared to be S.E.), 1 worked round to the North and eventually West and (South passing in rear of their line and endeavouring to join Commo- dore (F). I lost touch with " Ambuscade " about 12.30 a.m. and continued to search until 5 a.m., when I intercepted a signal from"Porpoise'" thatherequiredassistance,andIendeavoured to join him. " Porpoise " was eventually joined by " Garland," and as I was by this time running short of fuel, I proceeded to Rosyth, arriving there at 4 a.m., 2nd June, and after fuelling returned to this base arriving at 9 p.m., 2nd June. I wish to bring to your notice the excellent manner in which all destroyers of my division were handled during the daj' and night action on the 31st, and I am of the opinion that the Commanding Officer of " Ambuscade " in particular, who Avas more immediately under my notice, by skilful handhng, brought his ship undamaged out of action. I have the honour to be, Sir, Your obedient Servant, R. B. C. HUTCHINSON, Commander. Captain (D.), 4th Flotilla.