THE GREAT SEA FIGHT.

Taranaki Daily News, 10 June 1916, Page 5

THE GREAT SEA FIGHT.

ANOTHER FINE STORY. FROM A GUN-LAYER ON THE TIGER. INCIDENTS OP THE BATTLE. London, June 8. A gun-layer of the Tiger, interviewed, said that the Lion opened fire at 18,000 yards (10 milesj. The shooting of neither squadron was good at the outset, but soon the British battle-cruisers commenced in earnest and the speed of each salvo waa remarkable. The Germans then began to get the range, and one shot cut away part of the Indefatigable's fire-control. Everyone, about four o'clock, realised that the Germans, besides a preponderance in guns, had more than double the number of vessels. They then commenced concentrated fire. Every gun was first turned on the Lion, but hardly a shell hit, but two asphyxiating projectiles fell behind the bridge. The two squadrons approached each other for twenty minutes, then the enemy suddenly bore away, seemingly breaking off the action.

We turned also, manoeuvring for fifteen minutes. When the German squadron again approached the guns concentrated on the Queen Mary. They had been vainly seeking the range when, strengcly enough, every shell seemed to strike the Queen Mary at once like a whirlwind. She rolled slowly to starboard with a huge hole in her side and disappeared beneath the water, which rushed in overturning her within a minute and a half. Only the keel was visible, then-that disappeared. We were engaged by two battleships at 15,000 yards, besides half-a-dozen submarines, which kept popping up everywhere. Two submarines were sunk within ten minutes of the loss of the Queen Mary. A battleship rammed the first and the New Zealand's quickfirers blew the second to pieces. There was a remarkable change when Che Valiant, Barham and Warspite came up and concentrated their fire on the end vessel of the German line. Within tivo minutes this vessel, which was a three-funneled battle-cruiser, disappeared, only dense smoke and steam indicating the spot. She had put a lucky shot through the Barham. We saw another huge German vessel lying helpless with disabled engines, but she continued to fire salvoes with deadly effect till the Barham and Valiant, at 4000 yards, literally crumpled her up. Her gun-turrets aft disappeared in sixty seconds, Iher masts followed, and then slowly and horribly methodically the great ton shells of the British vessel hit her in the same place at the same time with wonderful precision and dug holes until she blew up. Subsequently fifteen destroyers in arch formation attacked us. Our secondary armament sank three one after the other and another was crippled. It was curious to see one which had lost her mast and bridge still travelling at 15 knots, with the decks a mass of flame.

The Tiger did not escape lightly. The superstructure was riddled and the decks ploughed up, bui the fatalities were few. GERMANS ADMIT MORE LOSSES. Amsterdam, June 8. A German official message explains that the Luizow and Rostock sank en route to harbour, but the loss was not admitted previously for military reasons. The Telegraff declares that the admission should be a warning to neutrals to accept German communiques cautiously. GERMANY'S MISFORTUNE. A CHARACTERISTIC PIECE OF BLUSTER. Amsterdam, June S. A German account contests the Kritislt assertion that they vainly tried to ovei'r take the Germans, and says it is contradicted by Admiral Jellicoe's statement that the Grand Fleet returned to Scapa Flow, in the Orkneys, on June 1. Our numerous torpedo flotillas sent out after the battle for the nigbt attack to, the northward of the battle field failed to ftnd the British main Fleet, despite ks»n search. They also rescued survivtw.* from various sunken vessels. The participation of the British main Fleet is proved by the admission that the Marlborough was disabled, also by the fact that one of our submarines sighted a vessel of the Iron Duke class heavily damaged. We did not use either mines or submarines, for mines are equally dangerous to our fleet as to the enemy's. German airships were exclusively used for reconnaisances.

The account continues: The nival victory was gained by leadership, and effective gunnery and torpedoing. Hitherto we liave not contradicted any of the British allegations as to the German losses, also the allegation that the lost IPommern was not the 1906 vessel, but a modern dreadnought. We actually lost the Lutzow, Pommern, Wiesbaden, Elbing, Frauenlnh, and Rostok, and Ave torpedoers. The German losses are hereby closed. The statement repeats the allegation, denied by the British Admiralty, that the British lost the Warspite, Princess Royal, and Birmingham, and also that the Marlborough sank before she reached port. It concludes: The battle of Skager Back remains a Germany victory even on the British admissions, since they lost 117,750 tons, compared with our 60,720 tons.

MORE LIES. Amsterdam, Jure 8. The German' official report' on the Jutland battle denies the British official and semi-official reports, and states that these have been systematically circulated in order to deny the greatness of the British defeat. It adds: "The British assert that the German Ueet quitted the field, of which the British remained masters. Actually our torpedoers made many effectual attacks on the evening of the battle, and forced the British main fleet to turn round. It never sighted our forces, and did not attempt to come into touch with us. Despite reinforcements of twelve vessels from the south, the British main fleet did not attempt to continue the battK

RETURN OF THE SHIPS. A MEMORABLE SCENE. INSPIRING PEN PICTURE. A HEARTENING EFFECT. Received June !), f).20 p.fn. London, June !). The Scotsman say, that the return of the ships from the greatest naval battle that has been fouj.'hl w.is a memorable scene. In the forefront came the mighty battleship which the Germans claim to be lying at the bottom. She had great rents in her funnels, but she came four hundred miles by her own steam. There is some ground for the German feeling that if she was not destroyed she ought to have been, for she had withstood the fire from the Kaiser's most powerful ships and sent two of her adversaries to the bottom. This line vessel of the Elizabeth class was well named, and she lives in spite of the worst that naval warfare has devised. The wonderful procession of returning ships which followed her to liarbor had a heartening effect on the people, who had been previously told nothing but what foreboded disaster. The battle cruisers told another tale, their decks being crowned with gallant men who had fought at great odds and won. Another vessel displayed a great dent amidships. The funnels of another had been peppered by shell fragments. This ship was the pride of a great colony, and was one of the best known ships in the harbors of the world. THE INTREPID DESTROYERS. A "DO OR DIE" RUSH.

Of all the stories that are told, there is not one so thrilling as that of the destroyers' wild charge upon the whole German battle-fleet, which drew rousing cheers from the fleet. To see this slotilla line up and head full speed for the Germans in a "do or die" rush made one thank God that he was a Britisher.

"DEATH OR GLORY." ATTACK HURLED HOME. GRAND FLEET'S ARRIVAL. DISMAY OF GERMANS. Received June 9, 10.40 p.m. London, June 9. Continuing the story the Scotsman says: It was a great sacrifice. Every man knew it was a case of death or glory, as the vessels went racing into the veritable hell. But they got in great work. We saw them pounded and smashed, but they hurled home their attack. The Germans know haw veil they did it, for in their wild dash they have not been excelled on the waters of the world. Cheers went up for the Grand Fleet racing to the action which the battlecruisers had solidly upheld. There was joy in the squadron, and dismay in the German lines when Admiral Jellicoe's three great lines were discerned bearing down upon the enemy, who did not stay kng to consider the situation,

WAITING FOR THEM. BRITISH STIL PATROLLING. Received June 9, 9.5 p.m. Copenhagen, June 9. Merchantmen report that'large squadrons are in the North Sea, including several of the participants in last week's battle. Germans were seen off the Jutland coast, but Zeppelins are daily patrolling this region. GERMAN BRAGGADOCIO. THE TRUTH COMING OUT. ABOUT THE ENEMY'S LOSSES. Received June 0, 5.5 p.m. London, June 9. The newspapers attach the utmost significance to the Lutzow admission and the fatuous explanation of the German Admiralty as to having refrained from making the announcement for military reasons. It is believed the admission is only the first of a series, and that it must create a deep impression on neutrals, particularly after the Kaiser's braggadocio stating that fear would creep into Britain's bones. COMPARISON OF LOSSES. Received June 9, 5 p.m. Paris, June 8. Le Journal estimates that the Germans in the engagement off the Jutland coast lost 10 per cent, of their tonnage, while the British only lost 4 per cent. As regards the damage to the vessels afloat, the British -loss appears to be 7 per cent, and the Germans 43 per cent. REASON FOR GERMAN LIES.

Received June 9, 9.5 p.m. Amsterdam, June 9. __ The Telegraaf believes that it was financial and not military reasons that were behind the German suppression of tlie truth with regard to the naval battle, and the losses were minimised in order to obtain the new war credit.

END OF THE HINDENBURG. THE MALAYA'S EXPERIENCE. London, June 8. A member of the Malaya's crew states that a 14-inch shell struck one of the guns and killed every man in the battery; not an atom of five men remained. Another shell struck a turret, disabling the ammunition hoist, but the work was carried on by hand. A shell entered the canteen, killing four. The Malaya's splendid speed enabled her to settle the Hindenburg. "We put shell after s'liell into her and saw her turn over and sink. One of our officers was decapitated by a shell splinter. A quantity of cordite ignited, but a sailor threw himself on the heap and rolled oh it until the flames were extinguished." A survivor of the destroyer Fortune says: "The German battleships let rip at us with 11-inchers. All the boats were shot away and we took to rafts. Of 23 rafts only seven survived the terrors of the night."

A SCENE IN HAMBURG HARBOR. THE SEYDLITZ IX IFORT. Received June fl, 8.50 p.m. Amsterdam, June 8. A traveller from Germany states that Hamburg harbor is filled with severely damaged war vessels. Among others he saw the Seydlitz. Her after part was torn away, and everything on deck was completely battered down. He learned that the majority of the crew were killed. THE NEW ZEALAND. MESSAGE FROM MR. MASSE?. _, . „ Wellington, Yesterday. .the following cablegram has been sent by the Premier to the captain of E.M.S. New Zealand.— "New Zealand has just received news of the prominent part taken by H.M S New Zealand in the great naval battle oft the Jutland coast. The whole Dominion is thrilled with pride at the conspicuous bravery and gallantry displayed by her officers and men. We rejoice that the New Zealand was in the battle and played a magnificent part. Whatever happens, the Dominion knows that British sailors can be depended upon worthily to uphold the fighting traditions of his Majesty's navy. When the war is over it will be found that every man has done his duty and that Britain continues to rule the waves. Convey to all on board our salutations and best wishes. Kia Ora." THE NEW ZEALAND'S CHARMED LIFE. Times and Sydney Sun Services. London, June 8. At the British Imperial Council of Commerce and Trade Conference, Sir A. Spicer read a lettor from his son, who U flag-lieutenant on the Now Zealand battleship, saying: "This ship bore a charmed life and suffered the least through right in it the whole time."

MESSAGE FROM FRANCE. DEEP ADMIRATION. London, June 8. President Poincare has sent a message to the King:—"Now that full and authentic information has been received, the importance of the result of the fight of your Majesty's brave sailors appears in a brilliant light. The Admiralty's loyal regard for truth makes tlie success evident. Convey the deep admiration of the French to the victorious fighters.'' GERMAN DISCREPANCIES. Wellington, June 9. The High Commissioner reports under date London, June 8, G. 30 p.m.: The Admiralty announces that the German official account of the Jutland engagements admits this morning the loss of the Lutzaw, Rostock, and Elbing, besides the Pommorn and the Frauenlob announced in the German official communique of June 1. But the'loss of the Wiesbaden and Hindenburg is now withheld. CONGRATULATIONS FROM RUSSIA. ALSO FROM JAPAN. Received June 9, 5 p.m. London, June 8. The Russian Navy telegraphed its congratulations on the brilliant success of the British fleet. The Japanese Minister of Marine telegraphed: "I learnt with deep gratification of the brilliant and stubbornlyfought battle in which splendid results were received. I beartily congratulate my British comrades in having the entire command of the seas, and forcing the enemy, after great losses, to their own ports, thus frustrating their plans." TBE NEW ZEALAND LAUDED. Newspapers are giving prominence to the accounts of the New Zealand's exploits in the Jutland battle. A fine painting of the New Zealand, which is on exhibition at the High Commissioner's office, is attracting much public attention in the Strand.

THE PVERSEAS .UNITS. Times and Sydney Sun Services. Received June 9, 5.5 p.m. London, June 8. The IPress Bureau says that the Secretary for the Colonies, at the Admiralty's request, thanks New Zealand and the Malay States for placing valuable units in the fighting line. * PARTICULARS OF THE DEATH ROLL Received June 9, 9.5 p.m. London, June 9. The total of those lost on the Indefatigable and Black Prince was 1751. WIESBADEN' IS LOST. Received June !), 8.20 p.m. London, June 8. The Admiralty announces a correction. The full text of the communique shows that the Germans admit the loss of tile Wiesbaden,