THE BATTLE OF JUTLAND

31st May - 1st June

Written On 30th June 1916

The Battle of Jutland has been fought and won. Thick weather robbed us of that decisive result which alone gives complete satisfaction. In another place will be found my personal account of this great action, in which upwards of 10,000 men and officers of the British and German Navies went down beneath the waters of this North Sea. Whatever we may think of our enemies in life, let it be said that according to their lights they did their duty, and died bravely for their country's cause. Of our own men, it would be almost impertinence to write words of praise. Another glorious page was added to the history of the Service, a page which bears the closest comparison with any of its predecessorS - more cannot be said.

I personally have had new and in some ways very great experiences. I had been under shell fire before, I had seen ships - German ships - battered to flaming wrecks until they were floating hells, and one longed to see them sink and end their agony. Such were the Mainz and Blücher. But on May 31st I saw British ships, manned by one's own race, destroyed in almost the twinkling of an eye. That was a more personal thing, it brought me closer to the realities of Naval war. But later, on that day, came our Night Action, and then I tasted and experienced war in its elemental state. It was not nice. Then it was that for the first time in my life I had men killed and mangled at my side. One instant they were God's image, the next a mass of bloody flesh. These were men one knew, liked, had lived with for long monotonous months. Until 10.30 p.m. on May 31st I didn't really know what war was. I thought I did, but I didn't.

PERSONAL ACCOUNT OF THE BATTLE

I am writing this at 6 p.m. on the evening of Friday, June 2nd. The ship is at Rosyth, and we reached this base at 2 p.m. to-day, having left it at 9 p.m. on Tuesday 30th May. In the interval a Naval Action of some magnitude has taken place. H.M.S. Southampton played her part in it, and it has been an honourable, if somewhat trying, part to have played. It is, of course, inevitable that one ship, not to mention but one individual like myself, can form but an indifferent opinion of the complete results and actions of a "show" such as this last one. But it so happened that circumstances dictated that this ship should see as much of the Action as any other ship, if not more. Also, my position in the ship as Control officer of the After Control only becomes a busy one under two circumstances.

• 1. If the Lt. (G) is killed.

  2. If we should become engaged both sides at once. Neither of these incidents took place, so that I had time to take notes and observe times, etc. I have judged it best to follow generally the form of a diary, then I can distinguish easily between what I heard and what I saw. (All times are G.M.T.)

FIRST PHASE (2.30 pm - 4.30 p.m). The Battle Cruiser Action.

On the afternoon of Tuesday, the 30th May, we were lying at our base, when the signal came through at about 6 p.m. "Flag, Lion, to B.C.F. and 5th B.S.: Raise steam and report when ready to proceed."

At 9 p.m. we weighed and proceeded, no one in this ship knowing at the time the object of the operation. It does not in fact appear that we had great expectations of seeing them, as we cruised East all Wednesday forenoon at no very high speed. By noon we had steam "full speed" at half an hour's notice, but as we were well over towards the Danish Coast, this order partook more of the nature of routine than of anything else. The course of the Fleet was approximately East, and the light cruiser screen was spread : 1st L.C.S. - 3rd ' 2nd L.C.S. (ourselves) from North to South. At 2.23 Galatea sighted two enemy Light Cruisers and much smoke bearing East. 2.56 they reported German B.C. Fleet. We held on our Easterly Course until 3.55 p.m. our battle cruisers came into line, steering South with the Lion leading, and they at once opened fire on the German B.C.'s.

We were on the Lion's stbd. bow, and on our Port beam were a number of T.B.D.'s and the Champion. As soon as we opened fire (and by "we" I mean our B.C.'s) the Germans opened fire as well, if not before. It must be realised that whilst our own B.C.'s were only a mile or so from us, the Germans were about 20,000 yards away and against a dark grey background, whilst we were silhouetted against the Western sky.

The tactical disadvantage was very great, as it was extremely difficult for our B.C.'s to see the German B.C.'s. It was, of course, still harder for us to see the Germans, in fact, all that we ever saw of the enemy during this first period of action was a series of flashes on the horizon. We were therefore helpless spectators of the severe punishment our own B.C.'s were suffering, without having the consolation of seeing what damage the Germans were experiencing.

As has been the custom before, the German shooting was initially very good. Our B.C.'s were foaming through enormous splashes, and it was evident that our line was being straddled. I was watching the line at 4.15 (approx.) and I had just noted with satisfaction that the Lion was emerging from a collection of huge fountains of water, when I was horrified to see a colossal column of grey white smoke stand on the water, where the Indefatigable had been.

This column of smoke, which I estimate was 700 feet high, expanded on top into a great mushroom. The base of this mushroom's stalk then became a fiery red. I realised the _Indefatigable_had blown up, and the next thing I remember seeing was the next ship in the line apparently coming through the place where she had been.} [A note 'Wrong' has been placed against text between {}. Ed

I cannot attempt to describe my feelings when, the action having proceeded as before, viz. flashes on the horizon, columns of splashes round our Battle Cruisers, salvos from our B.C.'s'at 4.23, in an almost similar manner, the Queen Mary was obliterated by an 800 feet high mushroom of fiery smoke; in this case I remember seeing bits other flying up. As I watched this fiery gravestone, it seemed to waver slightly at the base, and I caught a momentary but clear glimpse of the hull of the Queen Mary sticking out of the water from the stern to the after funnel.

At this moment (i.e. shortly after the Queen Mary sank) we had either sheered across to port, or the B.C.'s had sheered to stbd. to open the range, for I remember noticing that we were but a mile almost right ahead of the Lion. Whilst in this position I saw the shell or shells hit the Lion, which put her midship port turret out of action, also causing a fire.

I hear that this single shell accounted for the greater number of the killed in the Lion (109).

At 4.38 we sighted and reported Light Cruisers followed by the German High Seas Fleet bearing South East, steering about N.E. or N. Either just before or after this Ad. Beatty made the signal to alter course 16 points, which the B.C.'s then did. We did not obey this signal, and held on to the Southward for two reasons :'

• 1. We thought there might be a chance of making a torpedo attack.

  2. We wished to have a good look at them and report them accurately.

With these intentions we held on and on, ever drawing nearer to this formidable line of German battleships. I could see them plainly, and counted 16 of them, led by the four Konigs, with the six older ones in the rear. Every moment it seemed as if they must open fire and obliterate us, but luckily they decided we were not worth ammunition at that stage of the proceedings. Finally, when at a range of 12,000 yards, we discovered we could not get into position for a torpedo attack, so we turned 16 points and steered Northerly, with the German B.C.'s on our stbd. bow, and the German Battle Fleet on our stbd. quarter and beam. This was at 4.45 p.m.

SECOND PHASE (4. 30 pm to 6.00 pm)

Action between B.C.S and 5th B.S and German Grand Fleet.

Meanwhile when the Lion and remaining B.C.'s turned 16 points to North or North by West, the German B.C.'s, seeing their Grand Fleet coming up from the South, also turned 16 points.

The 5th B.S. (less Queen Elizabeth) was meanwhile hurrying South-East, and as soon as they were to the Southward of our B.C.'s they also turned 16 points. The action then developed.

From 5 to 6 p.m :

The B.C.'s were engaged with the German B.C.'s but we could not see much of this; then came a gap of a couple of miles, then the 5th B.S. heavily in action with the leading half of the German line. Close to the last ship of the 5th B.S. was the Southampton; sometimes we were 4-6 cables on their disengaged quarter, at other times we were almost astern. Away on our port quarter were some destroyers and the other ships of our squadron. Then followed an hour (5-6 p.m.) in which I can truthfully say that I thought each succeeding minute would be our last. For a solid weary hour we were under persistent 11 inch shell fire from the rear of the German Battle Fleet, that is to say from all the German battleships who could not quite get the 5th B.S. and therefore thought they might as well while away the time by knocking us out. Needless to say, we could not fire a shot in return, for the range was about 16,000 yards.

I crouched down behind the 1/10th plate of the After Control, with Haworth-Booth (the sub) and the clerk, and we gnawed a bit of bully beef. However, my throat was so dry that I couldn't get much down, and we could not get any water. About once a minute or perhaps thrice in two minutes, a series of ear-splitting reports would indicate that another salvo had burst round the ship. Against my will I could never resist hanging over the edge, and then I saw half a dozen or four muddy and foamy looking circles in the water over which black smoke hung. Sometimes these pools were one side, sometimes on the other. Some were literally absolutely alongside the ship, and these threw masses of water on board, drenching us to the skin.

I should say (and this is a carefully reasoned and considered estimate) that 40 large shells fell within 75 yards of us within the hour, and many others varying distances out. We seemed to bear a charmed life, but it was obvious that such a position could not last for ever. How we escaped for an hour amazes everyone, from the Commodore downwards, but Providence was with us - we did escape until the arrival, at 6.17, of Sir J. Jellicoe and the Battle Fleet caused the Action to enter a 3rd phase.

THIRD PHASE (6.00 pm to 10.00 pm ) - Action between British and German Battle Fleets.

Before proceeding with the third phase of this unique and historic day (a very milestone, if not turning point, in Naval history) I must emphasize one highly important point which belongs of right to both the 1st and 2nd phases of the action.

I refer to the question of light. This highly important factor was very greatly in the enemy's favour during phases one and two (i.e. Phase one, B.C.F. against German B.C.F. Phase two, 5th B.S. and B.C.F. against German B.C.F. and High Seas Fleet). The fact of this being so was, of course, due to our relative positions and the time of the day. Though at 4 p.m. the sun was still high in the heavens, it was to the N.W. of us, and we were to the West of the enemy. As this wonderful afternoon drew on and the sun sank lower towards the N.W. horizon, the British ships were silhouetted against the illumination in the sky. The enemy showed up indifferently against a mass of low lying dark grey and purplish clouds. Having stated this important point, I can now describe how at 6.17 p.m. I heard with the keenest satisfaction that Sir John Jellicoe, who had been hurrying South with the Grand Fleet Battleships and armoured cruisers, had been sighted right ahead.

It is neither my place nor my province to discuss, in a descriptive account such as this, the tactics employed on the 31st May - 1st June, but I cannot allow myself to go any further without expressing my admiration and delight at the masterly manner in which the C.-in-C. worked round the Germans to get good light by putting them to the Westward of him. When one considers that he could not be considered as fully prepared for a General Fleet Action, and that he had been obliged to come rushing South to get us out of a hot corner, his success is still more magnificent. When the Battle Fleet deployed to the Eastward, our B.C.'s, passing across the bows of the Fleet, took up their positions in the van, where were also to be found the 1st, 4th and 3rd L.C.S. and destroyers. The 5th B.S. joined up quite naturally at the tail of the line, and we remained astern of them with the Faulkner and her destroyers.

As our Grand Fleet deployed I saw a terrible sight. I saw a four-funnelled cruiser, apparently steering down between the two Battle lines. She was moving surrounded by splashes and was in hell. At 6.25 that terribly familiar column of smoke rose over the spot where I had last seen her.

It was the end of the Defence. From amidst the welter of confusion a second four-funnelled cruiser appeared, steering about West at seven knots. She was very heavily on fire aft, and seemed in a bad way. Painfully she crept across the end of our Battle line, and drew clear of the inferno which was still lashing the water where the Defence had gone down.

After we had seen the Defence go down and the Warrior hauled across out of it, the line of battle became formed, and action became general. Shortly afterwards we were amazed to see the Warspite suddenly turn to starboard and steer towards the German Fleet. I guessed at once she had been hit in the steering gear. For three or four thousand yards she went over towards them, coming under a hail of huge shells as the German Battle Fleet, or rather portions of it, concentrated on her. I was prepared to see her go up at any moment, as it did not seem possible she could survive, the more so as she seemed to be stopped. This lasted some ten minutes, when to our astonishment she reappeared again from amongst the cascades of splashes and smoke around her, and steaming strongly, came up to the rear of the Fleet again. As a matter of fact she was ordered shortly afterwards to proceed to Rosyth for repairs.

Action may now be said to have become general. Our long line of Battleships, stretching away literally for miles to the N.E. and gradually curving round the Germans (though the speed of the Fleet was only 17 knots) presented an inspiring and heartening spectacle as they proceeded majestically along. Salvo after salvo belched out from the long line of these great ships, now confronted for the first time in their career with the enemy they had waited to see for so many weary months. Firing was not very rapid to begin with, as the light for us was still poor, but as the boot was shifted to the other leg and the Germans became outlined against the Western sky, the Battleships warmed to their work and an almost continuous succession of jets of flame and brown balls of cordite smoke shot out from the British Battle Fleet.

At 6.47 we observed a three-funnelled German Battleship lying between the tail of our line and the German line. She was stopped and on fire. Having nothing particular at that moment on his hands, our Commodore decided to run over towards her and work our wicked will on her. The Fleet at the time was only going 17 knots, so we saw that we should have no difficulty in rejoining the rear of the Battle Fleet. At 6.50 we turned in about S.E. and ran down at high speed, supported by a squadron, to where this three-funnelled German Battleship, probably the Pommern, wallowed in her agony. As soon as we got within range, the squadron opened fire, and we could see several shells, in fact a very large number, burst on her. She also came in for a cross fire from the rear ship of the 5th B.S.

The six rear ships of the German line had, in my opinion, preserved an ominous silence whilst we advanced to batter their helpless brother. It was the calm before the storm, for when we were about 6000 yards from the three-funneller and 12,000 from the German Battle line, the rear ships of the German line opened a very heavy fire on our squadron. We fled helter-skelter to get back to the rear of our own line, pursued by a perfect shower of 11 inch shells, which "crumped" down alongside us in astounding profusion. As an instance of what we had for ten minutes, I may mention that Haworth-Booth and myself were in the After Control together, making feeble jokes about the shells, which were greeted by our Control Party with hysterical laughter of a somewhat forced nature, and at 7 p.m. we observed three salvos of four or three shells in each strike the water together.

We agreed that two salvos aggregating 7 shells fell along the starboard side of the ship, distant about 15 to 50 yards, and one bunch of three fell 40 yards off the port beam. At the same time we heard afterwards that a regular stream of about one every 15 seconds was falling just ahead of the ship or on either bow, drenching people on the bridge with their spray.

At 7.5 we were out of range and astern of the 5th B.S., who were loosing off steady salvos from their 15-inch. The sea, though flat calm as to surface, was heaving with a sullen swell, simply due to the tremendous number of ships of every size and speed which were moving about. It was very difficult for us to steer owing to this.

Over the whole scene hung brown clouds and smoky clouds, not formed of vapour but simply from the hundreds of funnels and guns that smoked and roared over the 100 square miles of sea (10 x 10) in which the main action was being fought.

At about 7.15 the C-in-C. had managed to get to the East-North-East of the enemy, which latter in order to avoid having his "T" crossed, and as he was also being menaced by a destroyer attack, turned to approx. S.E. The light was now in our favour, and during the next 15 minutes the enemy Battle Fleet must have suffered very heavily from our Fleet. I had an impression at the time that German T.B.D. endeavoured to attack our van. The distance was so great that I could not be sure. I have since heard it was so, and, that they were beaten off.

At 7.30 p.m. the Germans had experienced enough, for suddenly saw the rear ships of their line alter course 8 points together. So apparent was this manoeuvre that I sent a written message to the Commodore drawing his attention to it. At the same time his destroyers at the S.E. end (or van) of his line, started a smoke screen, which by 7.35 p.m. was effective, having drifted the length of their line. Under cover of this they retired. Our Battle Fleet held on a Southerly course, as the enemy had been obliged to retire to the S.W. and there seemed a good chance of cutting them off from Germany.

A minor incident which now took place deserves recording. A German destroyer was left in a disabled condition the wrong side of the smoke screen from its own point of view (the North side). As we went past at 7.45 we fired a salvo at 6,400 yards and hit her first time. The Faulkner and a number of destroyers went over to administer the coup-de-grace. It has just occurred to me that if the Marlborough was torpedoed, it might have been this little hornet that did it, for she must have been closer to our line than any other German T.B.D. However, this is only a surmise. 8.25. Birmingham sighted a submarin - perhaps this got the Marlborough. At 8.30 the fleet was in columns of Divisions, we (2nd L.C.S.) were in line ahead on the stbd. beam of the three remaining ships of 5th B.S. (Warspite had gone home).

At 8.50 p.m. we sighted four German T.B.D.'s on our starboard bow, apparently intending an attack on the Battle Fleet, probably 5th B.S.

We opened fire at once, and hit the leading one, though the dusk made shooting very difficult. We drove the others off, and they vanished with their tails down.

9.0. Heavy firing and flashes ahead and to the S.E. (Found out afterwards this was 3rd L.C.S. and our B.C.'s fighting a night action with German B.C.'s, who had been feeling their way to the Eastward to see if our Fleet was trying to get between Germans and their Base. At this stage of proceedings only 3 German B.C.'s were going about together.)

At about 9.15 or 9.30 p.m. we eased to 17 knots. We were 1 mile astern of Battle Fleet and course South. At about this time I drank a little tea which I found. It had no milk or sugar but it was good. Booth also found a slab of chocolate in his cabin.

At approx. 9.45 we suddenly saw a flotilla of destroyers rushing at us; just as we were about to open fire we saw they were our own. As they dashed past our line (how we cursed their haphazard behaviour) one of them fired a 4-inch at us, but didn't hit anyone. I imagine a Gunlayer lost his head. At 10 p.m. searchlights were suddenly switched on away on our stbd. beam. I notice that I keep on using the word "suddenly.'' I can only plead that during these slow dragging hours most of the events did happen "Suddenly." In the glare of these search lights we saw a number of destroyers making an attack, which apparently failed, as the ships with the searchlights opened a very rapid fire and scored at least one hit, a Big Explosion taking place in one T.B.D. We thought they looked like our own T.B.D.'s, but were not sure. Was this the flotilla that passed us half an hour before, and did we see Tipperary sunk?

In a few minutes the lights went out, and we were once more straining our eyes in staring out on all sides.

THE NIGHT ACTION (10.15 pm to midnight)

In this account of the Great Action I take up the threads of the story where we have just left them. In case the reader as become confused by times, courses, and actions, I will briefly state that up to the moment when Part II begins, this squadron, and especially this ship, had been under very heavy big shell fire, most noticeably from 5-6 p.m. when astern of the 5th B.S., and again from 7-7.10 when running away from the rear ships of the German line.

During all this time, from 2.30 p.m. to 10.0 p.m., May 31st, 1916, which is the time when Part I ends, we had, of course, been at Action stations. When it became dark, we went to Night Defence stations, and I went to the Bridge, as our arrangements are that the Gunnery Lieutenant should control one side, and that I control the other.

In conversation with him (Burrough) we had agreed that, as in the event of a Night Action, it was improbable'or at all events devoutly to be hoped'that we should be engaged both sides at once; if we did get into action I should go down into the battery, and preferably the waist, Quarter-Deck and after end generally, as owing to their distance from the Bridge, communications to these positions and the guns there are precarious. It is therefore advisable to have an officer on the spot if possible, for coolness in a night action is absolutely essential.

The time of which I am now writing is 10 p.m., 31st May. Having watched the action, described at the end of Part I, I decided to rest for a little. I was on the Bridge at the time, and looking round I discovered the canvas cover of a searchlight. Curling myself up in this I lay down at the base of the steering compass.

The narrative will now assume a distinctly personal character, but this is inevitable, for did I attempt to give a general description of our Night Action, I should be bound to fail. It would be impossible for one individual to do so. I can simply record what I experienced, and what I saw, together with what I heard immediately afterwards.

At 10.15 I heard someone say that a line of cruisers had been seen on the beam. Getting up I went aft and looked in on my way at the After Control, where I found Mr. Corbidge (B'sun) and Booth, who declared they could see German Cruisers on the beam. It was a German Scouting Group consisting of :

Furst Bismarck or Roon, Augsburg, Kolberg, Rostock ?

At this moment, 10.20, a ship astern of us, either the Dublin or Nottingham, fired out to starboard, and almost at once I saw the shell detonate on a ship on the beam.

I dashed down into the waist and stood behind F.3 gun. Instantly we were dazzled by a mass of searchlight beams. We switched on our own lights and opened fire. I have a distinct recollection of seeing a line of cruisers, but I can only remember one, a four-funnelled craft of the Rostock class, distant 1000 yards (German account 600 metres). I remember thinking, "Well, we can't miss each other at this range, we are in for it this time." I think F.3 had fired two rounds, and already a hail of shells had enveloped the ship, though I didn't realise it at the time, when there was a blinding flash, and I seemed to be standing in a fire. I staggered back and stumbled round the superstructure and passing aft along the port side, came round to the point marked "A" on the sketch, [sketch no longer available] where I observed that a fire was in full blast at "B" between the gun and the corner of the superstructure at "H." The Sergeant-Major gallantly dashed forward to turn on the fire main at "H" but no water came, as the pipe below had been pierced by shell No. 1. (Shells are not necessarily numbered in the order in which they struck the ship).

As I have already said, I was standing behind the gun at a position "K," between the gun and "H." I ran round the superstructure as shown by the dotted line when shell No. 1 hit. This shell on bursting against the side killed the breech-worker of the gun near me, and also the loading number standing just to my left front. It also knocked out and wounded the whole of the rest of the gun's crew, except three men. There were left, these three or two, I'm not sure exactly, the Sergeant-Major (severely burnt) and myself, slightly singed. When we saw that the fire main would not work, we managed to get a hose up the hatch "F," and bring it round; whilst doing this I looked up to the boat deck and saw a sight which almost paralysed me with horror. An enormous fire was raging between the 2nd and 3rd funnels. Every now and then it showed signs of dying away, only to flare up again as high as the top of the funnel. It lit up the whole ship, and one could feel its heat. It quite obscured another fire, which I found out afterwards was going on under the fore-bridge. Every moment I thought, as did everyone else on board and also the people in the next ship to us, that we should blow up. I must explain that, though I hardly realised it at the time, an armoured cruiser (either the Roon or Prinz Heinrich} and four light cruisers were concentrating on us. With the exception of one or two shells which did some damage in the Dublin (she had the Navigator and one man killed, 9 wounded) none of the rest of the squadron were touched.

To get back to the story. Whilst we were putting out the fire at "B," another shell burst on the stbd. after searchlight and, killing 2 or 3 men up there, hurled the remains of it down on top of us in the waist. As far as I know it killed no one.

When we had put out fire "B" I dragged a hose from "F" up the port ladder to the boat deck, falling over a heap of about three dead men on the way. When I got to the central fire it was being got under. I met the Commander there, also Booth, and saw most of P2 gun's crew dead by their gun, as were also S.6's. They were lying on deck. Whilst this fire had been raging we were lit up from stem to stern, and the enemy let drive at us for all they were worth.

As this fire died down the enemy put out their lights, and sheered off. Either this was due to the punishment they had received, or some other cause. (Note : Alien had fired a torpedo and blown up Frauenlob'} At all events, we held our course, they turned away. Darkness succeeded light, and groping my way forward I passed a number of dead men, and came across a boy (Mellish) a splendid little chap; one arm and a leg were off. He was bleeding to death, quite conscious, and most plucky. I had him taken below, as well as many others. Mellish died 1 hour afterwards. On reaching the Bridge I met the Commodore, who sent me to report casualties.

I went down aft, stopping to see some dead put over the side, and then went down the hatch "F" to the central passage way, which was in places running with blood. The doctors were operating in the stokers' bathroom; they were doing an amputation when I arrived.

Having obtained rough information there, I went aft to the Wardroom, which was full of serious cases, one of which died as I arrived. Not a murmur rose, not a sound, not groan came from these wrecks of humanity lying on the deck the tables and the side-board. A whispered request for cigarette was all I heard.

Going up to the Bridge again, I told the Commodore what I could, and then went down to the battery, where the Lt. (G) and the Commander were making up sufficient gun crews with stokers to man one side, if required. We also did our best to test and restore communications, which in most cases were blown to atoms.

Having done what one could, Booth and myself went to the Bridge and lay down on the searchlight cover, there was nothing else we could do. We found a lot of blood there, so we shifted ground. Suddenly firing started right astern, supposed to be Battle Cruisers in action. I prayed Heaven we should not run up against them with only enough men left to man one side, and even then leading numbers were stokers. We were in no state to fight.

We increased to 20 knots, and when dawn was breaking we sighted a number of battleships right ahead; such is the uncertainty of night work that for one or two painful moments we were not sure of their identity, but luckily they were our own.

The scene on the upper deck defies description, and in places was so horrible that I will not describe it. The funnels were riddled with holes large and small, and most of the upper deck casing and the boats were coloured a bright yellow from the melinite fumes. Of the boats only one was fit to put in water. Down below, the smoking room flat presented an extraordinary appearance. Marsden's cabin and Stoddart's, on the stbd. side, were utterly wrecked, as two shells had passed through here; one had carried on into the ward-room, and the other had made its way across the ship into mine, doing a good deal of damage, and smashing the scuttle. All my gear was on the deck, and there was about six to nine inches of water (chiefly through my broken scuttle) everywhere.

A shell went into the commodore's cabin high up, but did nothing. Another entered Booth's cabin and, smashing through his bunk, entered the ward-room and fetched up with some violence against the soda-water machine.

A 5.9-inch entered the ship's side through the carpenter's cabin, killed two men in the flat, and did the damage I have already described in the waist overhead.

The funnels were hit repeatedly, and there were several direct hits on the deck, which did tremendous execution amongst the guns' crews near them.

Two or three direct hits under the bridge, causing a fire and deaths under and on the bridge itself.

There were further hits along the side, some of which were kept out by our three inch armour, but one big one penetrated and wrecked the 1st Lt.'s cabin. Others came in and smashed up the gunners' (T) and (G)'s cabins.

A big one entered the stokers' number two mess-deck, and killed some men there. It also gave some trouble, as it was on the water line. This one and the one in the carpenter's cabin were the only ones which leaked at all badly, once we had plugged and shored them all up. The main suction kept the water from these in hand.

AFTER THE ACTION

As to our movements during the 1st of June, and also as to a detailed list of our injuries, they are not really of great general interest. The Germans probably doubled back on their tracks, and though we were between them and their base, the weather was misty, and they escaped the C-in-C.

We passed some very large mines, and a T.B.D. bottom up, whilst we were cruising about in the Bight looking for Germans. At 12 noon, we packed up action stations, having been at them 23 hours. We then returned to base; on the way in we had to heave to once during the night, as a small gale caused some of the shores to carry away, and we began to leak rather badly. We also buried some wounded who died of their wounds. One poor chap has just died to-day in the hospital ship after surviving a week. He was one of the frightfully burnt cases.

I will now describe to the best of my recollection the events which took place after the action. We were about the last ship to get in, I suppose, on the British side, as we did not arrive until noon on Friday. Certainly we were the last to arrive at Rosyth. This fact, which was due to our experiencing a certain amount of trouble with shot holes in a fresh breeze then blowing, caused much anxiety ashore. When we arrived, a number of hospital lighters came alongside, and we hoisted about 40 wounded cases out in cots. Some of the burnt cases were frightfully serious, and one man died (L. S. Wainscott) in the Hospital ship.

We then endeavoured to clear up a little of the extraordinary mess below. The wardroom was fearful. A mass of bloodstained bandages, discarded dressings reeking with chemicals, etc., etc.

The smoking room flat also presented a very remarkable appearance. The cabin partitions were riddled with holes, most of the cabins, of which mine sad to relate was one, were utterly wrecked. The flat itself was littered with sodden books, photos, clothes, bits of furniture, broken glass, and every imaginable kind of debris. At one time we had about a foot or more of water in this flat, which ruined a great deal of stuff, as during the action things in cabins which did not actually have shells into them were thrown to the deck, and fell into this turgid water.

All officers were more or less picnicing in the W.O.'s mess. This meant that each meal had to be served three times. By this time a certain reaction had begun to set in (it was now 48 hours since the action). Everyone was extremely irritable and snappy to each other. I personally felt miserable, largely due I think to lack of sleep, and to the fact that, the wardroom being uninhabitable, and my cabin wrecked, I had nowhere I could go to. There was also a feeling of pessimism amongst a good many of the officers, as at this time we had not heard any estimates of the damage done to the enemy, and what we had actually seen with our own eyes was damage to our own side. There was also great uncertainty as to where and when we should be repaired.

Everyone was hoping we should get some leave, and the most conflicting reports were current as to whether we should or should not get any. Once or twice during the afternoon I nearly burst into tears for no particular reason, except I suppose I was a bit shaken. The Commander and the 1st Lt. were always making pessimistic remarks as to the battle, Medd and myself were blindly optimistic, and I nearly hit the Commander on the Q.D. at one time. Finally at 5 p.m. something happened.

We went into the basin, and the mere fact of something definite having taken place made me feel quite cheerful. The Warspite, Tiger, Lion and Princess Royal were already in. As we passed through the lock gates, a large crowd from the various ships gathered to look at us. Amongst them were many survivors from various craft, principally the Warrior. They were dressed in all sorts of quaint rigs. The Warrior (see my account) had been towed for ten hours by the Engadine, when she had been abandoned in a water-logged condition. At 5 p.m. we saw the 3rd L.C.S. going out to look for her.

We were placed alongside the basin wall, near the Crescent, and hundreds of sightseers from the other injured ships came round to gaze at us. Our stbd. side, which was pierced in twelve places, presented an imposing spectacle. I went over to the Tyne after dinner, and had a yarn with Capt. Bateman-Champain. Whilst over there I met Lapage, the torpedo officer of the Tiger, who was very optimistic as to the scrap and full of stories of the damage done to the Huns. Armed with these tales, Alien and myself hastened back to the ship, where we found the mess crammed with fellows from the Tiger, Warspite, etc. All very optimistic. Great cheeriness now prevailed, and we were soon howling rag-time round the piano.

Next day the restrictions as to people going in and out of the Yard were removed, and I went to Dunfermline, where much excitement reigned. Was it due to the Action ? No ! The cause of it all, I discovered, was a Football Match, in which Dunfermline and Cowdenbeath strove in a League Semi-Final ! ! ! !.

We were busy all Sunday (4th June), continuing to clean up the ship, and also in striking the Main Top and T'gallant masts, which had been shot through. As most of the rigging had gone as well, they were swaying about in a very dangerous manner, so we got 'em down. This evening it was decided we should be repaired here, at Rosyth. It was also announced that the ship's company would proceed on ten days' leave next evening. I volunteered to remain behind and look after the ship, as I had done on two previous refits.

HMS Southampton

c/o GPO

Tuesday 6th June

Dearest Father and Mother,

All well, etc. I get so tired of putting this that I shall leave it out in future, unless I'm not well, when I'll say so. I had better say nothing at present about events, but I can say this.

Sir David Beatty was on board yesterday, and in a highly complimentary speech he said, amongst other things:

" Southamptons! You and your ship played your part nobly and gallantly. You played it and you paid the price to the hilt; I'm proud of you. When you write to your friends, and when you write to the relations of the messmates you have lost, I wish you to say that I'm proud to have such a ship's company and ship in my command."

I think we did do well, but as the Vice-Adm said, "we, paid the price." I was wonderfully saved through God's mercy. Please let anyone know I'm all right, whom you think is interested.

Yours with love,

Stevie.

H.M.S.Southampton,

c/o G.P.O

Tuesday 6th June

Dearest Parents,

I am at present doing my old job of being Captain of the ship, whilst all hands and the cook are on ten days' leave. I expect to get mine a day or two after they return, and should be home about Monday the 19th or thereabouts, which will be very pleasant.

At present I am living in a depot ship practically alongside the Southampton, as the old ship is uninhabitable. Amongst many other things a 6-inch shell, or rather 5.9 inch, went off in my cabin, and two more in Stoddart's, and another one in Booth's, and another in Marsden's, all in our cabin flat, which got properly chewed up.

We (S' ton) were in action at night with 1 armoured cruiser and three Light cruisers at a range of 1500 yards! Sounds quite archaic, doesn't it, but my word, you get it pretty hot at that range. Our casualties were extremely heavy, I won't put figures on paper beyond saying that over 70 per cent. of the personnel on the Upper Deck were hit. I myself had a complete gun's crew of 9, except three men, knocked out round me, and was actually standing in flames for a fraction of a second, and got out of it all with singed eye-brows and slightly burnt clothes !

About 30 seconds later, a complete searchlight was hurled down on us where I was superintending the putting out of a fire aft (we had three big fires). The searchlight missed by inches. We expected to blow up any minute, but as things happened, we actually, assisted by our squadron who were not under fire (except one of them from the 5th ship), drove them off in confusion. We think we tin-fished one.

I'll tell you all about the whole show, which I saw from. start to finish, and took continuous notes of, when we meet. We were at Action Stations for 23 hours. It was a remarkable experience. Only one officer wounded, serious, but not dangerous, but our seamen suffered cruelly.

Prince Louis and Fred Hamilton were on board yesterday. Send this letter on to Uncle B.

Yours,

Stevie.

In the Crescent on the 7th.

H.M.S. Southampton.

Dear Parents,

I am a very busy person, as a draft of 60 men have just dropped down on me, and instead of having a mere guard on board I find myself C.O., 1st Lt, M.A.A. and heaven knows what other functions I am carrying out, to what in reality is a very respectable little ship's company. Amongst other functions is that of guide to swarms of people, from Lords of the Admiralty, through flag officers, to mere captains and commanders at the head of large parties of warrant officers and men, who stream on board from an early hour to sight- see and also to take notes on our experiences and profit thereby.

At this very moment a secret package has arrived on board entailing much office work, as the Lion appears to be under the delusion that I have a large staff of writers at my disposal. As I have told you, I am the only officer on board, save an engineer and two W.O.'s who are not of great value to me, though excellent fellows.

As an example of what is going on, as I was writing this letter a party of captains and commanders tracked me down, announced they were from the Vernon, and, producing note-books and pencils, bombarded me with questions ; they are coming back later to have another lap at me. I must stop now, as I must go over to the Lion and have a strafe with the Admiral's office re this matter of snowing me under with paper work. Of course, being captain of one's own ship, one can adopt a much stronger line than that usually taken by a humble lieutenant. There is a frightful lot of work, but the experience is unique ' Oh, Lor', I have just heard that two constructors from the Admiralty are after me, I'm off.

Yours with love, expect me about the 18th. Stevie.

AT ROSYTH

On Monday 5th June the bulk of the officers and men went on leave, and the Commodore shifted his Pennant to the Birmingham. Beatty made us a fine speech.

From the 5th till the 17th I lived in the Crescent, as our ship was uninhabitable. I had a very busy time, as besides watching the refit, on Tuesday 6th, a draft of 60 men arrived from the South, so that I had quite a respectable little ship's company of 80 souls under my command. We were also overwhelmed with sightseeing parties. Nearly all the ships in the stream sent over large parties of officers and men every forenoon to look round and gain experience. Admirals Prince Louis of Battenberg, Sir Frederick Hamilton, Tudor, etc., and parties from the Admiralty, Whale Island, and the Vernon also came round.

One afternoon Asquith and a party of politicians came round. The Commodore and myself showed them over the ship. Asquith looked wonderfully well. The next day H.M. the King came up North to see the Fleet, and arrived in the Dockyard at 11 a.m. He then made a very fine speech, thanking us for what had been done. It was most inspiriting after the pessimistic atmosphere which had greeted us on our arrival. H.M. then visited the Warspite, the Tiger and us, afterwards lunching in the Lion. He stayed on board us about 25 minutes, and took the greatest interest in everything, asking many questions. I was pointed out to him, and he was shewn the place where I had such a narrow escape.

One day I dined in the Warspite with Long, and had a good look at all her damage. The shot which jambed her steering gear was the nastiest. It had smashed its way in aft and caused much damage. All her after compartments were flooded, and when she came in she had 500 tons of water in her. Notwithstanding this she touched 15 knots when attacked by two submarines !

The submarines outside, I may mention, were very active the two days after the Action. It is known there were five out there trying to bag us on our return. Of course, every patrol that could float was there, keeping them down. I also spent some time in the Lion with Burghersh, and saw her damage. The shot that knocked her so badly penetrated through the roof of Q, turret, and the charges in the loading hoists caught fire. Every man in the turret, working chamber, and trunk, was killed or burnt to death. They were all marines. Before he died, the Major of the turret ordered the Magazine doors to be closed, thereby probably saving the ship. This is known, as one man left the turret working chamber with a message before a flash from above finally finished off everyone. The exact sequence in which, working down from above, the flames got everyone is a long story, and it appears, as far as I heard, that ten minutes after the shell burst overhead the people in the working chamber below were to a certain extent all right. No doubt the exact details will come out one day. I had a very strenuous time on board, and was not sorry to go on leave about 17th June. My uncle (Herbert) was North with Admiral Napier, and I went South with him. I came back to the ship on the 30th, I think it was, and found several changes. The Commodore is now Rear-Admiral, with Peters and Medd on the staff. Rushton is Flag Capt. (Act.)

Our new Commander is one Mulock; he seems a very excellent fellow. He is a D.S.O., and was with Scott in the Antarctic. From what I've seen of him I like him immensely.

We are very busy at present shaking the New Draft into their places, and getting back our efficiency. Things Naval seem fairly quiet, though there is much activity outside in the submarine line. I anticipate some cunning move on sea in the near future by the Hun. I should not be surprised if a few Mowes try and get out.

Wednesday 5th July

Sea trials.

Monday, 10th July

The 1st and 3rd are out to-day for some purpose. The 5th B.S. have also sailed. To-day we sold the effects of the men who were killed. The Bags realised quite good prices. It was sad to see thirty or more bags heaped up on the upper deck, and to think that their owners were sleeping on the Little Fisher Bank.

Up at Scapa we did our shooting, and saw our friends in the Battle Fleet. I was much struck by the general state of ignorance of the average fellow in the Battle Fleet on the subject of what happened at the Jutland affair. Most of the people were astonished to hear what a warm time this ship had experienced and to see our scars, and few of them had any idea as to what the Battle Cruisers did. It is curious, because we all know what the Battle Fleet's movements, etc., were, and most people can quote experiences of individual Battleships at dodging torpedoes, etc. Whilst we were there, official news of the Captain's and Commander's promotions came through.

On our arrival at Rosyth, a very quiet time supervened. The whole of the B.C.F., less us, and the 1st L.C.S. went up to Scapa to shoot. This left our Rear-Admiral S.N.O. afloat. With much pomp we moved down to the flagship's buoy, and picked up the telegraph wire to the Admiralty. There is a good deal of routine work attached to this position, and for ten days both Medd and Peters had their hands full.

The only minor event of interest which took place was a sudden revival of golf in the ship. I went out to the North Queensferry links two or three times, and I now find all my ancient ardour in the game has got hold of me again.