THE LONG-EXPECTED GREAT SEA FIGHT

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2788, 5 June 1916, Page 5

THE LONG-EXPECTED GREAT SEA FIGHT

BRITISH BATTLE CRUISERS GALLANT ACTION ENEMY CHASED BY OUR BATTLESHIPS London, June 2, 7.5 p.m. . Tho High Commissioner reports: 'Tie Admiralty announces.that on Wednesday afternoon a naval , engagement #ok place off the ceast of Jutland. The British ships on which the brunt of the fighting fell were of the Battle-cruiser. Fleet, some cruisers, and light cruisers, Supported by four fast battleships. Among these the losses were lieavy. The German Battle Fleet, aided by low visibility, avoided a prolonged action .with our main'forces, and soon after these appealed on the scene the enemy returned to port, though not before receiving severe damage from'our battleships. 'The battle-cruisers Queen Mary, Indefatigable, Invincible, and the cruisers Defence and Black Prince were sunk. The WaTrior was disabled, and, after being towed for .some time,.she had to be abandoned by the crew. It is also known, that the destroyers Tipperary, Turbulent, Fortune, Sparrowhawk, and Ardent wero lost, and six others missing, and not yet accounted for. No British battleships or; ;Sght cruisers were sunk. ' "The.enemy's losses were serious, at least one battle-cruiser being destroyed and one severely damaged. One battleship is reported sunk by our destroyers timing a night attack. Two light cruisers were disabled, and probably sunk. • The exact number of enemy destroyers disposed of during the action cannot"be ascertained with any certainty, but must have been large." LATEREPORT FROM SIR JOHN v A CLOSER ESTIMATE OF THE ENEMY'S LOSSES. / London, June 3, 1.45 a.m. Tlie High Commissioner reports: "A further report from the Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Fleet (Sir John Jellicoe) states: "It has now been ascertained that our total losses in, destroyers was eight. ' ' , . • • ■ "It is also now possible to form a closer estimate of the enemy's losses. "A Dreadnought, battleship of the Ii aiser class was blown up, after being attacked by British destroyers. i "Another Dreadnought battleship of the Kaiser class is believed" to have been sunk by gun-fire. 1 "Of three German battle-cruisers, two of which are believed to, be the Derf- . flinger and the Lutzow, one' was blown up, another, heavily engaged by our battle fleet, was seen to be disabled, and was stopping, whilst a third was observed to be seriously damaged. "A; German light cruiser and sis German destroyers, weire sunk, and at least two more German light cruisers woro seen to be disabled, as well as three other German battleships that were engaged. "Finally, a German submarine was rammed and sunk," DEATH ROLL OP OFFICERS ' London, June 3, 5.35 p.m. The High Commissioner reports:— t The Admiralty's resort on the naval losses, states that all officers were lost on the battle-cruiser Queen Mary except four midshipmen; on the Invincible, all. were lost except five; on the Defence nil were lost except one; on the Black Prince, all were lost, and on the Warrior all were saved except one. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright * (Bee. Juno 4, 11.5 p.m.) London, June 3. Fears of a terrible death'-roll are confirmed by the Admiralty's first list. The officers' casualties show that all the Queen Mary's officers were lost except four midshipmen; all the Invinciblo's were lost except Commander Dannreuther and one lieutenant; all'the Indefatigable's, the Defence's, and the Black Prince's were lost; all the Warriors were saved except one. Sir Percy Scott's eldest son, John, a midshipman, was drowned in tho Defence. It is believed that Admiral Sir David Beatty is safe and. unharmed. STIRRING MESSAGE FROM HIS MAJESTY THE KING 1 CKec. June 5, 0.45 ft.m.) . London, June 4. On the occasion of His Majesty's Birthday, Sir John Jellicoe sent the King the Grajid Fleet's humble duty and good wishes, with the hope and determination that through victory the blessings of peace in ay be restored. The King replied: "I am deeply touched by the message you sent me on behalf of the Grand Fleet, which Teaches me on tho morrow of the battle which once more displayed tho splendid gallantry of the officers and men under your command. I mourn the loss of bravo men, many of them personal friends of my own, who havo fallen in the country's cause. Yet even more I regret that the German High Seas Fleet, in spite of heavy losses, were enabled by misty weather to evade tho full consequences of the.encounter which they always professed to desire but' for whicli when opportunity* arrived they showed no inclination. Though the enemy's retirement immediately after opening the general engagement robbed us of the opportunity of gaining a decisive victory, the events of last Wednesday amply justify my confidence in the valour and efficiency of the fleets under your command." VARIOUS ACCOUNTS OF THE BATTLE AS SEEN BY TRAWLER SKIPPERS AND OTHERS. (Tiee. June 4, 5.5 p.m.) London, June 3. Latest telegrams show that firing commenced at four o'clock on Wednesday, reached its maximum between six o clock and eight o'clock, and ceased at ten o'clock. The battle apparently commenced eight miles south-west of Stavanger (Norwegian coast) and moved, southerly. Danish fishermen and other eye-witnesses state that a few small British ships were first seen, pursued by the German Fleet. The Britishers suddenly turned westward and shortly after, a British Dreadnought and cruisers appeared from the west and north and began to attack the Germans," who were reinforced by a Jarge number of battleships from Wilholmshaven. ; A violent battle ensued, six Zeppelins assisting, including L 24. This airship was bit several times forward, many of tho crew being wounded, but she managed to reach Schlcswig after jettisoning all supplies.

During the battle tho fishermen saw several large warships sViik, but it was impossible to say whether they were British or German. Tlio latter finally m " l ~ drew, the British pursuing. Then several British battleships appeared lrom tno west and tho German Fleet divided into two parts aiul escaped. How tho Enemy was Drawn, Tho captain of tho Danish steamer Fjord states that wlieiv ho was 120 miles west of Hanstiiolm he was stopped by a German destroyer. Four British destroyers arrived and opened fire on the .destroyer. A largo German fleet ihen approached at full speed, and the British torpedo-boats immediately fled 1 .. Hundreds ot German shells splashed round tho torpedo-boats without hitting Ihcm. 'Ihp I'jord counted fivo largo modern Dreadnoughts, eight cruiscrs, and twenty torpedoboats. „ Tho Danish steamer Naisborg witnessed the battlo when eighty miles of! Hanstiiolm. Forty German ships, ranging from battleships to torpedo-boats, went at full speed, and wero hidden by smoke. Tho cannonade began at 3.30 p.m. Jhe German fleet was two miles distant, firing in a southerly direction. The British warships were invisible, but the British shells wero falling steadily and increasing in rapidity among the Germans, who wero firing all their guns as rapidly as possible. The cannonade was audible until lute in the evening. Esbjorg fishermen declare they saw ninety ships steaming northward on Wednesday evening, and a much greater number on Thursday. A violent casnonaed was heard at two o'clock on Thursday morning, which lit tho sky. .^" 0 battlo raged for hours, tho British and Germans steaming southward. The fishermen saw a cruiser struck and sunk. They afterwards found three empty lifeboats. The Germans disappeared in tho direction of Heligoland, and the British departed westwards. a Germans were Hotly Pursued. . ' The skipper of t'lie trawler John Bron;n says: "Two German warships wero sunk in less than an hour after the opening of the fight. Later he got in the thick of the battle. The big German battleshi ps speeded south, with tho British in hot pursuit. It was a real pursuit, tho British fixing their searchlights on the enemy and pouring a rain of shells on them. The roar was deafening, and the air was full of smoke. The outlines of tho ships, barely visible, were pierced with ral stalls of shots. In the evening n German warship fired a ball, apparently a signal to flee south. Fifteen minutes later German battleships passed him, bound southwards, steaming at about thirty knots. Firing still lit tlie skv for a distance until 2 o'clock in the morning." The skipper of a trawler saw a fleet of fifty German vessels, mostly big, at 2 o'clock in the afternoon, in misty weather. Suddenly a second great fleet appeared from tlie north-east, obviously attempting to cut off the German retreat. It was composed of many warships, but not of the same big tonnage as the Germans. Later the British were reinforced, and the Germans retired. Mines Dropped in the Wake of the Fugitives. Admiral Horace Hood, who was on board the Invincible, says that daring their retreat the German submarines dropped many mines, ajid an unknown cruiser was seen to strike a mine. Few were 6aved. Esbjorg fishermen withessed a large of unknown nationality strike a mine fifty" miles north-west of Blaavand shuk. ■ Only a few of tho crew wero saved. T (Rec. June 4, 11 p.m.) London, June 3. Tho steamer Vidar reports 'thnt she passed the wreck of a German warship, bow above water, GERMANS REPORTED TO HAVE RUN. FOR DANISH WATERS. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Rec, June i, 5.5 p.m.) London, June 3. . ;It is rumoured, in responsible city circles, that eiglit German warships toolc refuge in Danish waters, and received twenty-four hours' notice, which expired at noon to-day. A STRAGGLING HOMEWARD PROCESSION. (Rec, Juno 3, 7.5 p.m.) Copenhagen, June 2. The greater part of the Gerninn Fleet returned, but straggling, being severely damaged. Ten destroyers passed tho Little Belt going very slowly. Six were severely damaged. The Kaiser will inspect the, fleet at Wilhelmsbafen on Saturday. TOLD IN THE WRACK-STREWN SEA '' EVIDENCE OFX FEARFUL BATTLE. • '' (Rec. June 4, 5,5 p.m.) , Copenhagen, June 3. Many steamers arriving in Danish harbours report that tlie sea is strewn for miies, giving evidence of the fearful battle. The wreckage is thick and widespread. Mines are scattered broadcast, also a great number of torpedoes. Fishermen at Esbjerg report that they had seen several hundred British and German bodies outside Blaavandshuk, also mueli oil on the surface of tho water, apparently from submarines. Three Germans wero picked up on a raft belonging to torpedo-boat No. 48. They declare that they are the sole survivors. Though reticent;, they said they i believed that about twenty torpedo-boats- had been destroyed. A fisherman at Leving reports that he saw a Zeppelin on fire and destroyed, forty miles off Thyboron Canal. The entire orew perished. Fishermen at Ringkjobing saw another Zeppelin destroyed. WE ENGAGED THE ENTIRE GERMAN BATTLE FLEET The American Associated Press learns from the Admiralty that Sir John Jellicoe's and Sir David Beauty's latest reports caused a feeling of elation. They may be summarised as follows:—"Wo wont out within the enemy's waters seeking a fight. Our inferior fleet engaged tho entire German battle fleet, and forced them to return to harbour and abandon any enterprise they may have contemplated." This is widely commented upon. AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND IN ACTION Though'only the ships aTO mentioned, casualty reports from Edinburgh favour the belief that the Australia and New Zealand participated in tho battle. THE MAGAZINE QF THE QUEEN MARY EXPLODED. (Rec. Juno 5, 0.45 a.m.) London, Juno 4. The Queen Mary was sunk by gun-fire, which the enemy's capital ships concentrated upon her. Tho magazine exploded with terrific force, and the forepart was blown .away almost bodily. She sank in two minutes. ADMIRALTY DENIAL OF A GERMAN STATEMENT (Rec. June 4, 11.10 p.m.) London, Juno '4. The Admiralty denies the German statement that the Warspite and tho Acasta tvere lost. Both returned to harbour. The list of eight destroyers lost is completed with the names of tho Nomad, Nestor, and Shark. The'statement thaf a submarine torpedoed three German merchantmen without warning ip officially described as without foundation. THE BATTLE FROM THE'ENEMY'S SIDE - GERMAN OFFICIAL COMMUNIQUE London, June 2. ■ReVlin ksiifid to-day an official account of the North Sea battle, which states : "Durin" an enterprise directed towards tho North our High Sea Fleet, on Wednesday! met a considerably superior squadron ot the main portion of tha British Battle Fleet in the course of tho afternoon, between the Skager Rack ond. the Horns Reef. A number of severe, and for us euccessl'ull, engagements, developed, and continued all night. . "As far as at present ascertained, wn destroyed the great battleship Warsnite and the tattle-cruisers Queen, Mary and Indefatigable; two armoured cruisers of the Achilles class, one small cruiser, and the new destroyer leaders named Turbulent, Nestor, and Alcaster. . "\ccording to trustworthy evidence a great number of. British battleships Buffered =eavy damage from our vessels' artillery and tho attacks of our torpedoboat flotillas during tho day battle, and during the night. Prisoners' statements confirm the report that among other enemy losses our torpedo hit tho rrreat battleship Marlborough. Our vessels picked up a portion of the crews of the sunken British vessels, includin? two of, the sole survivors of tho Indefatigable. "On our side, 'during the day battle the enemy s artillery sank tho small cruiser Wiesbadem. "Durins the :aight tho battleship Pommern was torpedoed. "The High Sen Fleet returned to our harbours in tho course of Friday. STATEMENT BY THE GERMAN NATAL CHIEF. (Roc. June 3, 7.5 p.m.) ' Amsterdam, June 3. Admiral Stebbitighauss, Director of the German Admiralty, states: There is no conchtsivo news of the German damage and losses. The main portion of the fleet has returned to- our harbours. Part.of our ships had been considerably damaged. The men have shown splendid spirit, and the ships have stood the 'tests excellently. A G2ERMAN SEMI-OFFICIAL ACCOUNT ■ AN ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF BRITISH GALLANTRY. (Rec. June 4, 5.5 p.m.) Amsterdam, June 3. A German seini-oScial message says Vice-Admiral Seheer commanded a force consisting of the Highs Sea Fleet, witli Dreadnoughts, other ships of tho line, battle-cruisers, all light units, and submarine flotillas. Vice-Admiral Hipper comjnanded reconnaissance forccs, which first, save battle to the [British battle-crinsers and light cruisers, and .subsequently the whole of the fleets of both sides participated in a day battle. TTio enemy lost tho Warspite, Queen' Mary, one armoured cruiser, anil several destroyers. , , , "The remainder of the enemy losses occurred during the uight, due to severe torpedo attacks and cruiser fighting. The Gorman leading vessels alone destroyed six modem destroyers. All reports from German sources agree in acknowledging j the enemy's bravery dini'ing an almost continuous battle of twelve hours." 1 1 | SPLIT OPEN .BY HER OWN GTJNFIKE. (Rec. June +, 5.5 p.m.) Amsterdam, June 3. Seventeen of the crew of the cruiser Elbling have landed at Ymitiden. Two of tho officers state that another German vessel rammed and sank her. A third officer, however, states that he believes she was split by tho heavy firing of her own Another version of th» sinking of the Hlbling is that the British gun-fire had such a terrible effect that Ointa'"i> Msdliug sent off all the survivors before scuttling tho ship. Captain Madling and three oflicei'3 were saved. (Rec. June 4, 11 p.m.) London, June 4. [ Berlin communiques not mentioned the loss of the light cruiser Elbling.

(Reo. June 4, 11.10 p.m.) /Amsterdam, Juno i. A Berlin official message says: We were oompolled to blow up tho Sibling, as she bad been heavily damaged iu collision with another Germain warship. REJOICINGS IN THE ENEMY'S COUNTRY A BOASTFUL SPEECH IN THE REIjCHSTAG. (Rec. Juno 3, 7.5 p.m.) Rotterdam, June 3. There are rejoicings throughout the Gorman Empire, thei official communique being accepted at full face value. Experts declare that the English big ship losses total a Bkundred thousand tons and the German thirteen thousand. Members of tho Reichstag and Federal Council listened to President Kaempf reading the communique, all standing. Dr. Kaernpf aifdedi "Several of our fine ships have been lost and many bravo sailors have perished, out tho enemy's losses are several times greater, and proof is thus given that our fleet is able to face a superior British naval force and gain a victory." The King of Saxony telegraphed to the Kaiser his. congratulations on the brilliant victory over the main part of the English buttle ilect. "This is one of the finest days for the Fatherland. Our fleet has proved itnelf to be absolutely equal to tho Army." Amsterdam, June 3. By an official Army Order, Berlin houses were beflagged, :and the schools were granted a holiday. GERMAN OPINION ON THE BATI|LE. (Eec. June 3, 7.5 p.m.) ißotterdam, June 3. Captain' Persius (the German naval writer), writing in -tho '"Berliner Tageblatt," says: "The German Fleet, in an open-sea battle without coastal support, lias dealt a conquering blow to the strongest fleet in the world." ' The "Deutsche Tages Zeitung" says: "Victory was obtained against superior numbers. Our young Navy has shown, tremendous superiority over the first and greatest fleet in the world." LOSS OF GERMAN BATTLESHIP. ADJ/fITTED. (Eec. Juno <!•, 5.5 p.m.) JNew York, Juno 3. Tlio German Admiralty admits fclio loss of the Dreadnought Westfalen. i . THE NEWS IN BRITAIN PRESS AND PUBLIC OPINION (Bee. June i, 5.5 p.m.) Xondon, June 3. Britain was aflame with tho news of the battle. The last editions of the evening papers had gone to press, but "specials" were quickly in the streets. The first impression was something approacliing dismay, the Admiralty, with customary candour, setting out every casualty, and underestimating tUo enemy's loss. A better impression, was created when Sir John Jellicoe's report was issued suggesting that if' the Germans lost two Dreadnought battleships and a battle cruiser to our three battle-cruisers the balance of the advantage was with Britain. The "Morning Post's" naval critic points out that the weather was thick and tho range of vision not more than six miles, therefore the action was fought at short range. Bo.fch main and secondary armaments were usedi, and as" German battleships mount more powerful secondary armaments the British were exposed to a tremendous fire, and three British battle-cruisers were sunik. They were not designed for close fighting in line of battle, but for fighting aH high speed and at long range, in which they were extraordinarily successful, afc the Falkland Islands. Despite these losses, tho British Fleet remained at sea,- victorious. Tho "Daily Chronicle" says:—"Apparently the battle-cruiser 6quadron steaming north-west of. Schleswig encountered a greatly superior German force, and was badly mauled! before the'ships of the British Grand Fleeit arrived. Possibly the idea was cruiser squadron would entice the eneray and engage him until the battleships'arrived. Unhappily the Germans were content with the damage done, and Taced back to port. We,fear the policy is directly traceable to the influence of civil ailarm on the British East Coast and the demand of some emotional people that the Fleet should do something spectacular. Mr. Balfour (First Lord of the Admiralty) foreshadowed a change of naval policy in a recent Nothing bui harm," says the "Chronicle," "can result when naval strategy and tactics are overborne by civilians craving for the spectacular. Sir John Vfollicoe must be left untrammelled to make his own plans.' |' e Mr. A. J. Bid four (First lord of the Admiralty), in tho course of a letter on the subject of the East Coast bombardments, pointed out that the maritime position had so improved that instead of keeping our battle fleets m the North, as the strategy of tiho earlier stages of the tar required, it was now possible to bring important forces south, reinforced by submarines and .monitors, without imperilling our preponderance elsewhere. Hence another Norfolk; raid would be far moro perilous to the enemy than in the past.] The "Daily Express" says: "Probably the Zeppelins are largely responsible for the enemy's esoape. Their real function is to play the part of eyes of the fleet. The withdrawal of ihe Germans before the British Dreadnoughle suggests that they have far-seeing eyes." . - - The "Daily News" says: "The demand that Lord Fisher should return to the Admiralty must become insistent." Tho "Daily TelegTaph" says: "The North Sea engagement was apparently under conditions favourable to the enemy. The German assefuon that the enemy fought against superior forces is not borne out by the Admiralty announcement, and may be dismissSH as an invention put into circulation in order to minister to the satisfaction o£ the German public. We are. poorer for tEe loss of precious Eves and valuable sliips, but we moBF guard against undue pessimism; lhe Battle Fleet remains to-day in all iU m ngnificent power, and nothing has occurred to affect in- any degree the hold our Navy has exercised for two years upon tho ocean communications of the world," i ■ GREAT EXCITEMENT IN HOLLAND. (Rec. Juno <t, 5.5 p.m.} Amsterdam, June 3. Excitement in Hoßand was rendered intenso by the entire absence of English news which came twenty hours after the German communique was published claiming a brilliant victory. Tho Dutch P'ess and nation were strongly inclined to receive the German communique with reserve. The "Rotterdam Nieuwsblad" asks: "If the German fleet gained such a victory, why. had it to return from action?" / I GERMANS GET TO WALL STREET FIRST. New York, June 2. Owing to the, German version of the North Sea fight reaching the United States first, heavy selling of stocks look place on the Neiv York Stock Exchange. (Kec. June 4, 5.5 p.m.) / New York, Juno 3. ■ Tho Stock' Exchange broke ouo to four points following Berlin's announcement, but the later statement of facts from London started a recovery, and most of the losses were made up. . \ WHO FORCED THE GERMANS OUT OF THEIR RETREAT? (Rec. June 4, 5.5 p.m.) Copenhagen, June 3. Tho German Fleet's activity is attributed to the Kaiser's energetic demands upon Prince Henry of Prussia and Admiral von Capelle when the Kaiser was visiting Wilhelmshaven, last week. HOW THE SHARK WENT DOWN (Rec. June 4, 5.5 p.m.) v • London, June 3. . A Danish steamer landed at Hull 6ix bluejackets vilio were picked up in the North Sea on Thursday. They believe themselves to be the only survivors of the destroyer Shark, which ac.fced as decoy boat in tho engagement, i (Eec. Juno 4, 11 p.m.)The survivors of the destroyer Shark state that the ship was torpedoed, and liei' oil tanks and steering gear were damaged. In her helpless state the vessel was swept by gun fire until only one gun remained, which .tho commander and two I men worked till the last. Ijhe commander's leg was blown off, and he went down I vtith the ship. MR. MASSEY'S GOOD NEWS , I There must have been nearly 3000 people in the Town Hall on Saturday evenin" when at a little after 9 p.m. the Prime Minister returned from the telephone to announce to the bdg audience that better news had arrived. He had taken the cable message over the telephone, so could not vouch for it being strictly accurate but it was not far out. They had heard of tho British losses during tho

morning. Now ho was going to tell thorn of tho German losses. (Prolonged demonstration —Applause and cheers.) They (Gerjnany) were known to have lost two battleships, two battle-cruisers, one light cruiser, sis destroyers, and ono submarine, and it was also believed that they had lost ono more battle-cruiser and a light cruiser, and threo battleships were known to have been seriously damaged. (Uproarious applause.) ' . The Mayornskcd the Prime Minister to read tho messago again, and with the remark that good news did not loso by twice telling, tho talo of our enemy's losses were read out again. : "X thought our men would givo a good account of themselves," added Sir. Mas- I gey. "If this is right tho British ships had the bost of it. I say again, as wo said just noiv, ■ Britannia still rules the waves, and will rule the waves for all time!" , Olico again tho l'rimo Minister returned to the front of the platform to remark that an American report had 6tated that tho AVarspite and Marlborough had gone <lown. Ho liad reasons for believing that both those vessels were afloat to-day, and if they had been in tho fight liad given a good account of themselves. A DEFINITE STEP TOWAUDS COMPLETE VICTORY (R-ec. June 4, 11.10 p.m.) London, Juno 4. Colonel Churchill, formerly First Lord of the Admiralty, commenting on the battle, said: "I had an opportunity of examining tho Admiral's reports and considering the information in the Admiralty's possession, and the following facts Mem to me to be establishes!;— "Firstly, the naval supremacy of the British Meet in capital 6hips depends on super-Dreadnoughts, armed with 13.bin. and 15iu. guns. This would be sufficient by themselves to maintain control of tlie seas. Of vital units in the first lank, the Queen Mary alono was lost, l'hero appears to be no doubt that the Germans lest at least one comparable ship; if the Lutzow or the Derft'lingcr, that vessel was the heavier loss to them actually and relatively than the Queen Mary to us. "Secondly, "om.ng to tho vessels ot the second order, 'i'o iiidetuimblo and Invincible aro entirely ilill-Jrenr. from the Breadnougnts, and though valuable do net rank as primly unit? al the present tiiue Tho Dread fiig'.t ln!ili-liip if tlie AVestfalen type \, T vild he a loss -omp-iisible to either. We rav« i> vc;y large superiority of the third order of ships, to which the Black Prince, the Defence, and AVor> l'ior belong. Sinking of the brand new light cruisers Wiesbaden-and Blbling is r t more grievous loss to the enemy. In all those vessels tho most serious feature o) the loss is the splendid and irreplaceable crews. The destroyers' casualties are about equal, but we, being stronger, are gainers. Our flotillas long sought such opportune ties. ' "Thirdly, tho margin of superiority is in no way impaired. The dispatch of troops to the Continent should continue with the utmost freedom. Tho battered German fleet is an additional security for us. "Fourthly, the hazy weather, tho fall of night, and the retreat of the enemy alono frustrated the persevering efforts of tho brilliant commanders, Sir John J ell ico e and Admirixl Beatty, to force a final decision, although it is impossible to compel the German Main Fleet to acccpt battle. -I "The conclusions reached are tho extreme importance of all classes of vessels. ; When both sides now meet we know there will bo no surprises or unforeseen features; an accurate measure can be taken of the strength of the enemy. Tho enemy's definite inferiority is freed of any element of uncertainty. Tlie fast .division of Queeu Elizabeths seems vindicated, and' all hopes are reposed ill them! "I cannot record these facts without expressing profound sympathy with thosa •who lost their dearest ones, many yf whom were the most gallant sailors tho island ever nurtured. Some splendid officers liave gone, but they have died as they would have wished, in a blue-water action which, as it is studied, will more and more be found to be a definite step towards complete victory." BRIEF STORY OF THE BATTLE AS TOLD IN A BRITISH NAVAL PORT (Roc. Juno 4, 11 p.m.) London, June i. The "Star" states that the brief story of the battle as told in a British naval port is that Admiral Beatty*s battle-cruisers on Wednesday afternoon sighted the ;i German battle fleet, with cruisers and lighter vessels, off the Dogger Bank, presumably making for the English Coast. Admiral Beatty engaged the enemy. Ad- ■ miral Jellicoe meanwhile set out under cover of a fog, and steamed down tho Norwegian coast. Admiral Beatty's squadron was in great danger, the Germans being discovered in great strength. When Admiral Jellicoe appeared on the. 6cene a battle on a gigantic scale ensued.. Estimates of the German losses aro varying and indefinite, but all are high. Zeppelins aro said to have played a serious part. ENTIRE BRITISH BATTLE FLEET READY AGAIN FOR' SEA SERVICE j • (Rec, Juno i, 11 p.m.) • London, June 4. The British Admiralty has informed the American. Associated Press that tks entire British Battle Fleet, except the Marlborough, coaled and refitted for sea service within a few hours of, its re.turn to harbour. .. DISTRESSING SCENES IN MANY ENGLISH PORTS. , (Rec. June 4, 11.10 p.m.) , London, June i. There were distressing scenes in many English ports. At least six of the losf Bhips were commissioned at Portsmouth, to which place about three thousand aboard belonged. 1 NO CAUSE FOR DEPRESSION ON THE NAVAL SITUATION, (Rec. June 5, 0.45 a.m.) London, June 4. The "Pall Mall Gazette" points out that the subdued tone of tho earlier Press comment on the battle was due to tho absence of Sir John Jellicoe's second communique, which was issued after 1 o'clock in tlie morning, and adds:— "When both are compared with the German version there is no ground for ' depression respecting the general naval situation." ' f The "Observer" and "Weekly Dispatch" demand Lord Fisher's return to the Admiralty. HOW THE SMALLER VESSELS WERE LOST. (Rec. Juno i, 11.10 p.m.) ' One account states that when the Germans divided their forces" . squadron got between the battle fleets and the smaller vessels, forcing th'e latter on tne German minefield, where the majority were lost. . COMPARATIVE TABLE OF LOSSES : BRITISH, Displacement ' • Battle Cruisers— ' TQSS ' Built " SpECd " Gmls ' Complement. Queen Mary ;..... 27,000 '1912 28 ff 13.5fn. 16 4-in. 1000 Indefatigable ....j..-, 18,750 1911 25 B 790 Invincible 17,250 1909 26 8 760 Armoured Gnusers— _ andsmallir ".600 1909 23 '4 9.2 in. 107.5&.' 850' Warrior 13,550 1907 22.9 6 "wTSrSta. 704 Black Prince 13,500' 1906 25.65 C tj&btt'tL. 104 - GERMAN. andSmallCr - Battleships— ' , Kaiser Class 24,310 1912 23.6 10 12in. 14 59in 107} Westfalen 18,600 1909 20.2 12 llSi 12 sS 96 _ Pommern « 13,040 1907 19.21 4 llin. 14 6.7 in. 736 Battle-cruisers— (EutZOW KCr 28,000 1915 27 8 12h1, 12 ®- Sin - 11C0 ' BIIITISH. _ GEBJTA.X. Seriously; SerinncTv' Battleships Sunk. DisaUefl. d aj n a£ ed. Sunk. Disabled, damaged. . Battle-cruisers S — — 1 1 ' 1 ' Cruisers ■ 3 —• — 1 > Light cruisers — — — 1 2 —■ Destroyers 8 — • — J< . •*•«'• Submarines — — — 1' _ 14 - - "Tl 6 ~ UPLIFTING MORAL OF A GREAT OCCASION Before beginning his sermon at St. Paul's Anglican Pro-Cathedral yesterdaV morning, tho Key. A. 11. Johnson made reference to what ho described a? tho 1 "greatest :navaUnsagenient in all history." He said we did not yet know nartin. lars regarding the manner m which our cruiser squadron stood up against tlm ' ■ leviathans of Germany, and went down ono by one until the big ships arrived- bi,ft we knew that something had happened which would go down in hi='torv as Um : greatest sea battle ever fought, pur losses must 'have been very great "Wo stood overawed'when-we thought of those bravo tnen who had Riven their'live* t nr \!o They had waited for that day of battle and had gladly offered and gladly -iven ' themselves. Those gallant sailors were not all saints, but thev were British 4a men. Nelson himself, the greatest British sailor, was not a saint but he fth« ; preacher) would rather stand with Nelson at the judgment seat of God than with' : those who would point the finger of scorn at him for his one particular sin. Nclsoft ' stood for .England, God, and duty, and duty linked him up through England with ■ God, and the Idea ot duty could not be separated. Liko Christ, the sailors who i . died in battle on Wednesday last gave their lives for others, and they would surely < nave their part with Him. God rest them and keep them. History would tell what ; fcifect the action off Jutland would have for the uplifting of our race. - I