Reports from First Battle Cruiser Squadron

REAR-ADMIRAL'S REPORT.—1st BATTLE CRUISER SQUADRON
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Enclosure No. 2 to Battle Cruiser Fleet Letter No. B.C.F. 01 of 12/6/16 No. 011 PRINCESS ROYAL, 3rd June 1916. SIR, I BEG to forward a narrative of events of the engagement of 31st May; the times given and the sequence are approximate only. A track chart is also attached. The First Battle Cruiser Squadron followed the LION during the engagement and conformed to her movements.

2. During the greater part of the engagement the conditions of light were most unfavourable, the German Fleet were

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partially obscured by mist which made spotting very difficult, whereas our own line were showing up against a clear horizon.

3. The QUEEN MARY was hit by a plunging salvo near "Q" turret which apparently penetrated the armoured deck and ignited the magazine. A bright flame was observed to shoot up as she was hit, followed almost immediately by a mass of cordite smoke in which the ship disappeared. I deeply regret the loss of Captain Prowse and an exceptionally fine company of Officers and men.

4. Further reports on the damage sustained, lists of killed and wounded will be forwarded.

I have the honour to be, Sir, Your obedient Servant, O. de B. BROCK, Rear-Admiral.

The Vice-Admiral Commanding Battle Cruiser Fleet.

NOTES ON ACTION -- 31st MAY 1916.
The first news of the enemy being in the vicinity was a report from the Commodore Commanding First Light Cruiser Squadron, at 2.25 p.m., who reported two Cruisers. He then reported a large amount of smoke, bearing E.S.E., at 2.40 p.m., and at 3.0 p.m. GALATEA further reported that the smoke appeared to be from 7 vessels, besides Destroyers and Cruisers, and that they had turned to the Northward. Fleet then altered course, leading ships together, remainder in succession, to S.E.

At 2.59. Altered course to East.

At 3.10. Altered course to N.E., speed increased to 23 knots.