NAVAL BATTLE

Taranaki Daily News, 5 June 1916, Page 5

NAVAL BATTLE

IN THE NORTH SEA. I HEAVY LOSSES? , CONFLICTING ACCOUNTS. LONDON, June 2. , Reuter reports that the Admiralty announces a battle in the North Sea between British and German fleets. A number of German warships were sunk. London, Later. In the great naval battle offj Jutland on Wednesday the British lost the Queen Mary, Indefatigable and Invincible, two cruisers and five destroyers. Six are missing. ] It is believed the Germans lost A battle-cruiser, a battleship, two light cruisers, and many destroyers. Reuter further reports that two German battle-cruisers were sunk and two light cruisers disabled and probably sunk. A Reuter message states that the German fleet avoided the main British forces and. returned to port seriously damaged. .The evening newspapers published special editions a few minutes after the official announcement, and there was great excitement. Particulars of the casualties have not been published, and a more complete story is eagerly awaited. It is not stated whether the Australia and New Zealand participated, although they belong to this squadron. ADMIRAL JELLICOE'S REPORT. iHGHT BRITISH DESTROYERS LOST. HEAVY GERMAN LOSSES. Received June 3, 7.5 p.m. ' London, June 3. Admiral Sir John Jellicoe, Admiral of the Fleet, reports:— "We lost eight destroyers. The Germans lost a dreadnought battleship of the Kaiser class, which was blown up by destroyers, and it is believed another dreadnought of the Kaiser class was sunk by gunfire. Of three battle-cruisers engaged, including the Lutow and Derfflinger, one was blown up, another disabled, and the third seriously damaged. A German light cruiser and six destroyers were sunk, and at least two light cruisers were disabled. .. A German submarine was rammed and sunk. FURTHER FROM ADMIRAL JELLICOE. Received June 4, 5.5 p.m. London, June 3. Admiral Jellicoe's report commenced: "It is now possible to J form a closer estimate of the j losses and damage sustained by the enemy fleet." Tie'flosses already cabled then followed, and Admiral Jellicoe added: "'Repeated hits were observed on three other German Jjattleships that were engaged."

BATTLE RAGED FOR HOURS.

HOW IT COMMENCED. NINETY SHIPS ENGAGED. EYE-WITNESSES' ACCOUNTS. Received June 3, 7.50 p.m. Copenhagen, June 2. The captain of the Danish steamer Fjord narates that 120 miles west of Hanrholm he was : •stopped by a German destroyer. Four British destroyers arrived and fired on the destroyer. A large German fleet then approached at full speed, and the British torpedoers immediately fled. Hundreds of German shells splashed around the torpedoers without hitting them. The Fjord counted five large ' modern German dreadnoughts, eight cruisers and twenty torpedoers. The Danish! steamer Naisborg witnessed the battle eighty miles off Hanstholm. There were forty German ships, ranging from battleships to torpedo-boats, going at full speed and hidden in smoke. The cannonade began at 3.30. The German fleet, two miles distant, was firing in a southerly direction on the British warships, which were invisible, but British shells were falling steadily and with increasing rapidity among the Germans, who were all firing their guns as rapidly as possible. The cannonade was audible late in the evening. Esbjerg fishermen declare that they saw ninety ships steaming northward on Wednesday evening and a much greater number on Thursday. A violent cannonade at 2 a.m. on Thursday lit the sky. The battle raged for hours, the British and Germans steaming southward. The fishermen saw one cruiser struck, and she sank. They afterwards found three empty lifeboats. The Germans disappeared in the direction of Heligoland and the British departed westwards, A LARGE CRUISER SINKS. Received June 4, 5.5 p.m. London, June 3. Esbjerg fishermen witnessed a large cruiser of unknown nationality strike a mine fifty miles north-west of Blaavandshuk, only a few of the crew being saved. WEATHER THICK AND MISTY THE LINE OF BATTLE. The Morning Post's naval critic points out that the weather was thick, and the range of vision was not more than six miles. Therefore the action was fought at short range, the main secondary armaments being used. As the German battleships mount the most powerful secondary arma- | ments the British were exposed to a tremendous fire. Three British 'battle-cruisers were sunk. They were not designed foir a close fighting line of battle, but for fighting at high speed and at long range at which we were so extraordinarily successful at the Falkland Islands. Despite the losses the British fleet remained on the sea victorious. ( THE DOMINIONS' WARSHIPS. London, June 3. Though" only the ships alreau.mentioned are the casualties i. ports from Edinburgh favor ~ belief that the Australia and - . Zealand participated,

EXCITEMENT IN BRITAIN

A' MORE HOPEFUL IMPRESSION. ,r Received June 4, 5.5 p.m. Loudon, June 3. Britain is aflame with the 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 approaching dismay, the Admiralty, with customary candor, setting out every casualty and under-estimating the enemy's loss. A better impression prevailed when Admiral Jellicoe's report was issued, suggesting that if the Germans lost two dreadnought battleships and a to our three battle-cruisers, the balance of advantage lay with Britain. MORE DETAILS. >-- Latest telegrams show that firing commenced at 4 o'clock on Wednesday afternoon, the maximum taking place between 6 and 8 o'clock. It ceased at 10 o'clock. The battle apparently commenced eight miles south-west of Stavanger (on the west coast of Norway), and moved southerly. STORIES OP fISHERMEN. Danish fishermen who were eye-witnesses narrate that a few small British ships were first seen, pursued by the German fleet. The Britishers suddenly turned westward, and shortly afterwards British dreadnought cruisers appeared from the north and west and began attacking the Germans, who were reinforced by a large number of battleships from Wilhelmshaven, and a violent battle ensued. ASSISTANCE OF ZEPPELINS. Six Zeppelins that were assisting included L 24, which was hit sevei'al times forward, and had many of the- crew wounded, but she managed to reach Schleswig after jettisoning all supplies. GERMAN FLEET SPLITS UP. During the battle the fishermen saw several large warships sink, but it was impossible to ■ say whether they were British or German. The latter finally withdrew, the British pursuing them. Several British battleships appeared from the west, and the German fleet divided into two parts and escaped. PRESS COMMENT. - London, June 3. The Daily Telegraph says that the North Sea engagement took place apparently under conditions favorable to the enemy. The assertion that the enemy fought against superior forces is not borne out by the Admiralty's announcement, and may be dismissed as an invention, put into circulation to minister to the satisfaction of the German public. We are the poorer by the loss of precious lives and valuable ships, but must guard against undue pessimism. Our battle fleet remains to-day in all its magnificent power, and nothing has occurred to affect in any degree that hold our Navy has exercised for two years upon the ocean communications of the world. GERMAN STORY AN INVENTION. ENTICING THE ENEMY. The Daily Chronicle says: Apparently a battle-cruiser squadron was steaming north-west of Schleswig and encountered a greatly superior German force, and was badly mauled before the ships of the British Grand Fleet arrived. Possibly the idea was for the cruiser squadron to entice the enemy and engage him until the battleships arrived. Unhappily, the Germans, content with the damage done, raced back to port. We fear that this policy was directly traceable to the influence of civil alarm on the British east coast, and the demand of some emotional people for the fleet to do something spectacular. Mr. Balfour foreshadowed a change of naval policy early in May, and nothing but harm will result when naval strategy and tactics are overborne by civilians craving for the spectacular. Admiral Jellicoe must be left untrammelled to make his own plans. EVIDENCES OF THE BATTLE. SEA STREWN WITH WRECKAGE. * Received June 4, 5.5 p.m. Copenhagen, June 3. "'''any steamers arriving in Danish harbors report that the sea is i',iwn for miles with evidence of : fearful battle. Wreckage is liick and widespread, mines are I scattered broadcast, and there lire a great number of torpedoes.

A HUGE FLEET.

FIFTY GERMAN WARSHIPS. Amsterdam, June 3. The skipper of a trawler saw a fleet of fifty German vessels, mostly big ones, at 2 o'clock in the afternoon, in misty weather. Suddenly a second great fleet appeared from the north-east, obviously attempting to cut off the German retreat. It was. composed of many warships, hut not of the same big tonnage as the Germans. Later the British were reinforced and the Germans retired, ' •RYES OF THE GERMAN FLEET. London, June 3. The Daily Express states that probably the Zeppelins were largely responsible for the enemy's escape. Their real function was to play the part of "the eyes of the fleet," .and the withdrawal of the Germans before the British dreadnoughts suggests that they had far-seeing eyes. LORD FISHER WANTED BACK. The Daily News demands Admiral Lord Fisher's return to the Admiralty, which must become insistent, A TRAWLER'S EXPERIENCE. London, June 3. The skipper of the trawler John Brown says that two German warships, were sunk in less than an hour after the opening of the action. Later he got into the thick of the battle. The big German battleships, speeded south, with the British in hot pursuit. It was a real pursuit, the British fixing searchlights on the enemy and pouring a rain of shells. The roar was deafening. The air was full of smoke, the outlines of the ships being barely visible, and the air was pierced with the red stabs of the shots. In the evening a German warship fired a light ball, apparently as a signal to flee south, as a quarter of an hour afterwards seven German battleships passed the John Brown, going south and steaming at / about thirty knots. Firing still lit the sky in the distance till, about 2 o'clock in the morning. THE NEWS IN HOLLAND. Received June 4, 5.5 p.m. Amsterdam, June 3. Excitement in Holland was rendered intense by the entire au j sence of English news for twenty four hours after a German communique had been published claiming a brilliant victory. I The Dutch press and the na-j tion were strongly inclined to re ' eeive the German communiqiu' with reserve, and the Rotterdam | Nieusblad asks: "If the German; j fleet had such a victory, why ha;!! it to return from action?" STOCK EXCHANGE PALLfcf 'Received June 4, 5.5 p.m. New York, June 3. The Stock Exchange broke oik to four points following Berlin's! announcement, but the later state-! ment of the facts from London started a recovery, and most losses were made up. ANOTHER STATEMENT. NO BATTLESHIPS SUNK. Received June 3, 5.5 p.m. London, June 2. Official: No British battleships or light cruisers were sunk. The German losses are serious, and at least one big battle-cruiser was destroyed and one severely damaged. ~ • -.Y One battleship is reported to have been sunk by our destroyers during a night attack, and 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 it must have been large. THE COMMANDER OF THE INVINCIBLE. Received June 4, 5.5 p.m. London, June 3. Admiral Horace Hood was aboard the Invincible. MINES DROPPED. During their retreat the German vessels dropped many mines, and an unknown cruiser was seen to strike a mine, a few of the crew being saved. THE DECOY BOAT. SIX SURVIVORS. Received June 4, 5.5 p.m. London, June 3. A Danish steamer landed at Hull six bluejackets who were picked up in the North Sea on Thursday. They . believe themselves to be the only survivors of the destroyer Shark, which 'acted , as deco,y boat in the engagement.

ANOTHER GERMAN VERSION.

(CLAIMS OF LOSSES,- , Received June 4, 5.5 p.m. Amsterdam, June 3. A German semi-official message says that Vice-Admiral Sclieer! commanded a force consisting of the high seas fleet, with dreadnoughts. The order was ships of the line, battle cruisers, all light units, and submarine flotillas. Vice-Admiral Hipper commanded the reconnaisance forces, which were the first to give battle to the British battle-cruisers and light cruisers. Subsequently the whole fleets on both sides participated in the day battle. The enemy lost the Warspite and Queen Mary, one armored cruiser, and several destroyers. The remainder of the enemy losses during the night was due to severe torpedo attacks and cruiser fighting. The German leading vessels alone destroyed six modern' destroyers. All reports from German sources agree in acknowledging the enemy's bravery in an almost continuous battle of twelve hours. DAMAGE DONE BY TORPEDOERS. Received June 4, 5.5 p.m. The Berlin official message continues: According to trustworthy evidence a great number of British battleships suffered iieavy damage from our vessel's artillery and from the attacks of our torpedo-boat flotillas during the day battle and during the night. Prisoners' statements confirm the fact that among other enemy losses our torpedoes hit the great battleship Marlborough. Our vessels picked up portion of the crews of the sunken British vessels, including two sole survivors of the Indefatigable. TWO LOSSES ADMITTED. On our side, during the day battle, the enemy's artillery sank the small cruiser Wiesbaden, and during the night the Pommern was torpedoed. Our high seas fleet returned to our harbors during the course of Friday. AN INTERESTING RUMOR. GERMAN SHIPS IN DANISH • WATERS. „ London, June 3. It is rumored in responsible j City circles"that eight German i warships took refuge in Danish waters, and the twenty-four hours' notice to quit expired at noon to-day. LOSS OF ANOTHER GERMAN CRUISER. SPLIT BY HER OWN GUNS." Received June 4, 5.5 p.m. s* ; " • Amsterdam, June 3. Seventeen of the crew of the cruiser Elbing have landed at Ymuiden. Two 'of the officers state that another German vessel rammed and sank her, and a third officer states that he believes she was split by the heavy firing of her own guns. REJOICINGS' IN BERLIN. By an official army order Berlin houses are beflagged and there are holidays in the schools. BODIES FLOATING ABOUT. APPARENTLY FROM SUBMARINES. Received June 4, 5.5 p.m. Copenhagen, June 3. Fishermen at Esbjerg report having seen several hundred British and German bodies outside Blaavanushuk Point. ■ There is much oil on the surface of the water, which apparently has come from submarines. J DESTRUCTION OF TWO BROUGHT DOWN, Received June 4, 5.5 p.m. Copenhagen, June 3. A fisherman at Leving reports that he saw a Zeppelin afire, and destroyed, forty miles off the Thyboron canal. The entire crew perished. A fisherman at Ringkjobing saw another Zeppelin destroyed. ABOUT 20 TORPEDOERS SUNK. Three Germans who were picked up on a raft belonging to torpedoer 48 declare that they are the sole survivors. Though reticent, they said they believed about twenty torpedoers had been destroyed. MORE ABOUT THE EBLING. Another version of the loss of the Ebling is that the British gunfire had such a terrible effect that that Captain Madling sent off all survivors before scuttling his ship. AN ADMISSION OF LOSS. New York, June 3. The German Admiralty admits the loss of the dreadnought Westfaleu,

GERMAN VERSION.

BIGj GERMAN VICTORY CLAIMS™, LOSSES COMPARATIVELY SMALL. t [ London, June 2. I A German communique admits that the small cruiser Wiesbaden was sunk, the Pommern (13,200 tons) torpedoed, and the Frauenlob (2657 tons) missing, and that some torpedoers have not returned. Berlin issued to-day an official account of the North Sea battle as follows: During an enterprise directed towards the north our High Sea Fleet on Wednesday met the considerably superior main portion of the British Battle Fleet in the course of the afternoon, between the Skagerack and Hornsreef. A number of severe, and for us successful, engagements developed and continued all night. As far as at present ascertained we destroyed the great battleship Warspite, the battle-cruisers Queen Mary and Indefatigable, two armored cruisers of the Achilles class, one small cruiser, and new destroyer leaders named Turbulent,-Nestor, and Alcaster. New York, June 2. Owing to the German version of the North Sea fight reaching the United States first, heavy selling of stocks took place on the New York Exchange. The German report stated that the Warspite and Marlborough sank in addition to those reported by the Admiralty. GERMAN REJOICINGS. GREAT VICTORY CLAIMED. "A CONQUERING BLOW." AGAINST WORLD'S GREATEST FLEET. GREAT LOSSES ADMITTED. Received June 3, 8 p.m. , Amsterdam, June 3. Admiral Stebbinghauss, director of the Gei'man Admiralty, states that there is conclusive news of German damage or losses. The main portion of the fleet re-, turned to their harbors. A part of our ships was considerably damaged. The men had shown a splendid spirit and the ships stood the tests excellently. Copenhagen, June 3. The greater part of the German fleet returned, but straggling, evidently severely damaged. Ten destroyers passed the Little Belt, going very slowly. Six were severely damaged. The Kaiser inspects the fleet at Wilhelmshaven on Saturday. Rotterdam, June 3. There are rejoicings throughout the German Empire. The official communique is accepted at its full face value. Experts declare that the English big ship losses were a hundred thousand tons and the German thirteen thousand tons. Members of the Reichstag Federal Council listened to President Kaempf reading the communique, all standing. Herr Kaempf added: "Several of oiur fine ships were lost and many brave sailors perished, but the enemy losses were several times grater, which is proof that our fleet was able to face the superior British naval force and gain a victory." The King of Saxony telegraphed the Kaiser congratulations, stating that it was a brilliant victory over the main part of the English battle fleet, "This is one of the finest days for the Fatherland. Our fleet has proved absolutely equal to the army." Captain Persius, the German naval writer, writing in the Berliner Tageblatt, states that the German fleet, in an open sea battle and without coastal support, dealt a conquering blow against the strongest fleet in the world. - The Deutsche Tages Zeitung says: "Victory was obtained against superior numbers. Our young navy has shown a tremendous superiority over the first and greatest fleet in the world." ACTIVITY OF THE KAISER. Received June 4, 5.5 p.m. Copenhagen, June 3. The 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. THE ELBING BLOWN UP, Received June 4, 11.10 p.m. Amsterdam, June 4. A Berlin official message says: We were compelled to blow up the Elbing, which was heavily - damaged by collision with another Qmnax. i»r*hig, „