IN HELIGOLAND BIGHT.

Hokitika Guardian, 23 November 1917, Page 1

IN HELIGOLAND BIGHT.

THE NAVAL BRUSH. [AUSTRALIAN & N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION] LONDON November 21. The Admiralty supplies the following details of Saturday’s action, in the Heligoland Bight:— Towards eight we sighted four light cruisers on a northerly course accompanied by destroyers and minesweepers or patrol vessels . The latter escaped north-east. One was sunk by our destroyers gunfire and a number of survivors rescued. The light cruisers and destroyers turned towards Heligoland and were pursued through the minefield. A running engagement ensued under a heavy 'smoke screen until wo sighted four battleships and battle cruisers. Our advanced forces broke off the engagement and turned hack to meet supports outside the minefield . Owing to these we were compelled to keep to the line taken by the eneby and the consequent area was too restricted for the supporting ships to maneouvre in. The enemy did not follow us outside the minefields. Wo scored a number of hits. A light cruiser was seen afire, and a heavy explosion occurred on another while a third dropped behind damaged. Their

destruction was prevented by the pro senee of the enemy’s larger vessels, and the. proximity of Heligolond. Our damage was slight. There were some casualties among the officers and men in exposed positions.

THE GERMAN STORY.. LONDON November 21. Wireless German official. Besides many small British cruisers and destroyers in the bight on Saturday, six ships of the line and battle cruisers participated. Tho British Admiralty’s report refers only to light cruisers. The 'British advance was quickly opposed with adequate forces causing them to retire.

German aeroplanes bombarded the large warships.