Reports from Destroyer Flotillas (Battle Cruiser Fleet)

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Enclosure No. 17 to Battle Cruiser Fleet, Letter No. B.C.F. 01 of 12/6/16. No. 60. HMS Champion 3rd June 1916. Sir, I have the honour to forward the following report of Proceedings of H.M.S. " Champion " and 13th Destroyer Flotilla during the recent action of the 31st May-lst June 1916.

2. At2.50p.m.,31stMay,H.M.S."Onslow"and"Moresby" were detached to join H.M.S. " Engadine," but attacked enemy Battle Cruiser Fleet with remainder of Flotilla, as described in paragraph 5.

3. At commencement cf action station was taken up on the starboard bow of H.M.S. " Lion," Destroyers in comj)any being :

(The last two named Destroyers being temporarily attached.)

4. At 4.30 p.m. Enemy's Battle Fleet was sighted by " Champion " and reported to you.

5. At 4.15 p.m. the whole Flotilla was ordered to attack Enemy Battle Cruiser Fleet. This attack was well carried out, and it is thought that at least two Enemy Destroyers were sunk. I regret to state that H.M.S. " Nestor " (Commander Hon. E. B. S. Bingham) and H.M.S. " Nomad " (Lieutenant Commander Paul Whitfield) did not return from this action, and must be considered to have been sunk.

6. At 7.45 p.m. H.M.S. " Onslow " was reported unable to steam, and was taken in tow by H.M.S. " Defender."

7. No further opportunity of attacking Enemy occurred during the day.

8. At night station was taken astern of Battle Fleet, course South. About 11.30 p.m. heavy jfiring was opened on our starboard beam, apparently at some of our Destroyers between

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the 13th Flotilla and the enemy. I hauled out to the eastward as I was unable to attack with any of our own Flotilla, our own forcesbeingbetweenmeandtheEnemy. Ithenresumedcourse South ; firing was observed at intervals during the night on our starboard beam. Destroyers of the 13th Flotilla, with the exception of H.M.S. " Obdurate " and " Moresby," lost touch with, me during the night. H.M.S. " Narborough " as Senior Officer, reports that he took charge of the remainder, and rejoined the Fleet at 9.45 a.m. on the 1st instant. H.M.S. " Marksman " and " Maenad " joined me at about 2.30a.m. At2.50a.m.coursewasalteredtoNorthtoconform with signal received from the Commander-in-Chief.

9. At 3.25 a.m. four Destroyers, steering southward, were sighted ; owing to the mist I was uncertain at first who they were; but at 3.30 a.m. I made them out to be the enemy, and opened fire, range about 3,000 yards. Two torpedoes were fired at " Champion," the first one passing under our bows, the second just missing close astern. Enemy passed on opposite course, and when sliip had been steadied after avoiding torpedoes, the enemy had disappeared in the mist, and T resumed my same course.

10. At 4.30 a.m. H.M.S. " Obdurate " picked up two survivors, and H.M.S. " Marksman " one survivor, from H.M.S, " Ardent." At 5 a.m. two rafts were sighted, and H.M.S. " Moresby " rescued seven men, and H.M.S. " Maenad " eleven men, survivors from H.M.S. " Fortune."

11. At about 6 a.m. H.M.S. "Marksman" was detached to examine vessel to westward, which appeared to be a disabled Destroyer, and lost touch with me. Nothing further occurred, and I returned to base, by your orders, arriving at 3.30 p.m., 2nd June 1916.

12. Letter of Proceedings from H.M.S. " Narborough." the Senior Officer surviving from Destroyer attack, is attached. Reports have been called for from remainder of Kith Flotilla, and an addendum to this letter will be forw^arded when the reports have been collected.

13. In addition to loss of H.M.S. " Nestor " and " Nomad," H.M.S. " Turbulent " (Lieutenant-Commander Dudley Stuart) is reported by H.M.S. " Narborough " to have been lost sight of at 0.30 a.m. on the 1st instant, and w^as probably rammed, or sunk b}' gunfire.

Total casualties and names have not yet been ascertained.

I have the honour to be. Sir, Your obedient Servant, J. U. FARIE, 13th Flotilla. The Vice-Admiral Commanding Battle Cruiser Fleet, HMS Lion.

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Enclosure No. 18 to Battle Cruiser Fleet, Letter No. B.C.F. 01 of 12/6,10.

ADDENDUM TO LETTER OF PROCEEDINGS NO. 60 OF 3rd JUNE 1916.
H.M.S. " Champion." 7th June 1916. No. 60. Sir, With reference to paragraph 12 of my letter of proceedings No. 60 of 3rd June 1916, I have the honour to forward this addendum, containing extracts from reports received from destroyers of 13th Flotilla, who were engaged in the action, 31st May-1st June 1916. H.M.S. Obdurate, dated 3rd June 1916. On receiving the signal to carry out torpedo attack on enemy battle cruiser fleet, OBDURATE turned towards the enemy and soon became engaged with their destroyers and one light cruiser. Range varied from 6,000 to 3,000 yards, and during the destroyer action one of the enemy's destroyers was blown up and two others badly damaged probably one of these two sank as the guns firing at her lost sight of her. The enemy destroyers and light cruiser were driven back to the protection of their big ships, and OBDURATE was then too far astern to deliver a torpedo attack. OBDURATE was hit twice by a 4.1 shell, but suffered no casualties. H.M.S. Petard, dated 2nd June 1916. On receiving the signal to attack with torpedoes, I attacked with TURBULENT. The first torpedo fired was set for high speed, six feet deep, and was aimed at the head of the German destroyer flotilla, which was crossing over to meet our attack. The track was closely followed, and tube's crew state that they undoubtedly saw it hit a German Destroyer about amidships and explode, I opened fire with my gun on this destroyer a few minutes later, and she was then lying stopped, with her upper deck awash and obviously sinking. PETARD then took part in the general engagement with the German Destroyers, and the three remaining torpedoes were fired at a range of about 7,000 yards on the bow of the German Battle Cruiser Fleet. All these torpedoes must have crossed the track of the German fine. At 12.15 a.m. course was altered to S.W. by W., and ten minutes later the line crossed ahead of a division of German Battleships. I sighted the leading battleship about six points on my starboard bow steering S.E. at about 400 or 500 yards. This ship switched on recognition lights, consisting of two red over one white light and, as some destroyer ahead of me in the line then switched on her "fighting lights," I think the Germans at once knew we were enemy. As PETARD had no torpedoes

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left I could not attack, so I increased to full speed, and altered course slightly to port to avoid being rammed. I passed about 200 yards ahead of the German ship, who appeared to be one of the WITTELSBACH class. As soon as we were clear of her stem, she illuminated us with searchlights, and we came under a heavy fire from her and the next ship in the line. Two salvoes seemed to strike us, and, in all, I think, we received six hits. I regret that I never saw TURBULENT, who was in station astern of PETARD, after passing the German Squadron; according to the evidence of some of my Ship's Company, I am afraid she must have been rammed and sunk. H.M.S. Pelican, dated 4th June 1916. PELICAN was unable to fire torpedoes owing to the other two divisions being engaged by enemy torpedo craft between the fleets, and by a division of the 9th Flotilla, who were coming up in the opposite direction. At about 10.35 p.m. there was heavy firing in N. Westerly direction, and destroyers were seen in the searchlight rays of attacking ships. Shortly afterwards there was a huge explosion in that direction. At 0.40, June 1st, when on a course S.W., speed 30 knots, I observed two ships on starboard quarter, which were at first taken to be our Light Cruisers. They switched on three vertical lights, the upper two being red and lower green, at the same time PELICAN's " stem was lit up by a searchlight which was immediately transferred to PETARD and TURBULENT, who were astern. When sighted position was unfavourable for attack. H.M.S. Nerissa dated 5th June 1916. 4.30 p.m., commenced attack on a northerly course, owing to enemy turning 16 points, this attack had eventually to be carried out on a southerly course, which I did in company with TERMAGANT, but firing two torpedoes, range 7,000 yards. Just previous to this attack NOMAD was observed quite close, stopped and apparently badly damaged in the engine room. One torpedo apparently took effect on rear ship. H.M.S. Onslow,  dated 2nd June 1916.  At about 6.5 p.m., sighting an enemy Light Cruiser, class uncertain, with 3 funnels, with topgallant forecastle only about 6,000 yards from 1st B.C.S., I decided to attack her. All guns engaged enemy Light Cruiser, and 58 rounds were fired at a range of 2,000 to 4,000 yards ; undoubtedly a large number of hits were scored, as they were easily spotted at this range. I then gave orders for all torpedoes to be fired. I saw the first torpedo leave the ship, and immediately was struck by a big shell amidships the starboard side. There was a big escape of steam, completely enveloping both torpedo tubes. Sub-Lieutenant Moore, Leading Signalman Cassin, also several other

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ratings and myself saw the torpedo hit Light Cruiser below conning tower, and explode. Owing to two shells having exploded in No. 2 Boiler room, and badly damaged main feed tank and all the water in the reserve feed tank being now used, at 7.0 p.m. ship stopped and electric current was lost. At 7.15 p.m. DEFENDER closed ONSLOW and asked if assistance was required. On learning DEFENDER could only steam 10 knots, I asked to be taken in tow whilst endeavouring to effect repairs ; this DEFENDER did under very trying circumstances, and with large enemy ships rapidly approaching. In tow of DEFENDER I then proceeded W.by N. Using salt-waterfeed, Engineer Lieutenant Commander Foulkes raised speed for slow speed to enable me to use steering engine, and when weather got worse to lessen strain on towing hawser. Owing to ship's condition I decided to make for the nearest port —Aberdeen— arriving there about 1.0 p.m. the 2nd June. H.M.S. Moresby dated 3rd June 1916. At 5.0 p.m. an enemy Dreadnought squadron then observed steering Northward was attacked. At 5.10 p.m., being two points before the beam of the leading ship 6-8,000 yards, a long range torpedo was fired at the third ship. About 8 minutes later I observed an upheaval due to a torpedo, and am informed it was on the 6th ship. This agrees with the director setting. The enemy were then straddling frequently ; my smoke was bad ; I therefore turned towards the enemy and ran between the lines, in order to clear the range from smoke nuisance. At about 2.35 a.m., four DEUTSCHLAND class ships were seen bearing West, 4,000 yards. I hauled out to port, firing a H.S. torpedo at 2.37 G.M.T. No more could be fired as left tube was empty, and the fore director was pointed skywards when the sight bore of that tube. Mist and smoke prevented the enemy being seen again. H.M.S. Nicator, dated 4th June 1916. At 4.15 p.m. torpedo attack was carried out. Two torpedoes were fired at a range of about 6,000 yards. During this attack enemy's Destroyers were continually engaged with gunfire, and were observed to be retiring, leaving at least two in a disabled condition. A third torpedo was fired at second ship of enemy's Battle Fleet at a range of about 3,000 yards. NESTOR and NICATOR continued to close until within about 2,500 yards, when NESTOR was hit in the region of No. 1 Boiler Room; she immediately altered course 8 points to starboard, and NICATOR was obliged to alter inside her to avoid collision, thereby failing to fire a 4th torpedo. At 3.30 p.m., June 1st, in Lat. 55.50 N., Long. 0.55 W., a torpedo fired by a hostile submarine was observed approaching from abaft the starboard beam at an angle of 30 degrees, running on the surface ; helm was at once put hard a starboard and

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telegraphs to full speed. Torpedo passed ahead. On resuming course a submerged explosion was very distinctly felt all over the ship, but no damage could be found. Submarine was not sighted. - * * * * * I have the honour to be, Sir, Your obedient Servant, J. U. FARIE, Captain (D), 13th Destroyer Flotilla. The Vice-Admiral Commanding Battle Cruiser Fleet. H.M.S. Lion. Enclosure No. 19 to Battle Cruiser Fleet. Letter No. B.C.F. 01 of 12/6/16. From—Captain (D), 13th Destroyer Flotilla, To —The Vice-Admiral Commanding Battle Cruiser Fleet. Date —9th June 1916. No. —60. Submitted. Enclosed are action reports from Destroyers in accordance with your signal of to-day. J. U. FARIE. Captain (D), 13th Destroyer Flotilla. H.M.S. NARBOROUGH, 2nd June 1916. Sir, I HAVE the honour to report in accordance with your orders the following movements of the 13th Flotilla on 31st May and 1st June 1916. Previous to action commencing the Flotilla was stationed ahead of Battle Cruiser Squadron. Shortly after the action had commenced Destroyers were ordered to attack with torpedoes, second and third Divisions drew out to Port of CHAMPION in accordance with orders signalled to get ahead for attacking. Third Division followed second Division down to the attack, but PETARD and TURBULENT were separated by NOTTINGHAM crossing PETARD's bows. PETARD and TURBULENT proceeded independently. Previous to turning, the German High Sea Fleet were observed coming up from the Southward. Before getting into the favourable position to fire Torpedoes, enemy's Light Cruisers and Destroyers, fourteen or fifteen in No., came across towards our Battle Cruiser Squadron, and were

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intercepted by 13th and 9th Flotillas. General firing took place the Third Division were unable to open fire owing to the 9th Flotilla, who had come up in the opposite direction, getting between them and enemy Destroyers. Enemy's flotilla retired to their own Battle Cruiser Squadron after short action. It is thought that at least two enemy Destroyers were sunk. The position of enemy's Battle Cruiser Squadron was then unfavourable for firing Torpedoes, and in view of enemy's Battle Fleet having been sighted, I decided not to fire Torpedoes at long range at Battle Cruiser Squadron, but to retain all Torpedoes for use pending Fleet action. Accordingly NARBOROUGH and PELICAN rejoined CHAMPION. The remaining Destroyers of the 13th Flotilla rejoined CHAMPION except NESTOR and NOMAD, who had been observed badly damaged. Proceeded in company of CHAMPION from 8 p.m. till midnight. Firing was observed to starboard beam at intervals between 10 and 11 p.m. and a heavy action at 11.30 p.m. Several ships were seen on starboard beam about midnight, but it could not be made out whether hostile. At 0.30 a.m., 1st June 1916, a large vessel making much smoke was observed crossing the rear of the Flotilla from starboard to port at a fast speed. This vessel was thought to be one of our Light Cruisers or an Armoured Cruiser of the WARRIOR class, one of whom had been on our starboard quarter during the First Watch. When on starboard quarter at about 1,000 yards vessel switched on two red lights over one green for a few seconds, then switched searchlights on to rear boats and opened heavy fire. PETARD was struck and severely damaged; TURBULENT was either rammed or heavily shelled and no further note of her was obtained. Vessel was immediately lost sight of owing to heavy smoke. Flotilla then proceeded to the Westward. At Daylight it was noticed that Destroyers ahead were not in touch with CHAMPION. I took charge of Destroyers 13th Flotilla, consisting of NARBOROUGH, PELICAN, NERISSA, NICATOR, and PETARD, and placed myself under orders of LYDIARD of 9th Flotilla. TERMAGANT had previously rejoined 9th Flotilla. On receiving orders by W/T to join Battle Cruiser Squadron I proceeded as requisite, rejoining Fleet at 9.45 a.m., having previously despatched PETARD and NICATOR to base as they were running short of fuel. At 7 p.m.. 13th Flotilla were ordered to join BADGER and return to base. Arrived base at 2 p.m. 2nd June 1916. I have the honour to be.