H.M.S. Neptune at the Battle of Jutland: Difference between revisions
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Portions of the following have been processed by optical character recognition. While some editing (without the source at hand) has improved affairs, some errors may remain. | |||
==Report of Proceedings== | ==Report of Proceedings== | ||
H.M.S. " Neptune," | [[H.M.S. Neptune (1909)|H.M.S. "Neptune,"]] | ||
10th June 1916. | 10th June 1916. | ||
| Line 17: | Line 19: | ||
| 5.56 p.m.— || One of our cruiser squadrons, either First or Second, was observed on Port bow, engaging enemy, the latter being out of sight of "Neptune." | | 5.56 p.m.— || One of our cruiser squadrons, either First or Second, was observed on Port bow, engaging enemy, the latter being out of sight of "Neptune." | ||
|-valign="top" | |-valign="top" | ||
| 6. 1 p.m.— || Signal " 9 Pdt. E— G.18 " was hauled down. | | 6. 1 p.m.— || Signal "9 Pdt. E— G.18" was hauled down. | ||
|-valign="top" | |-valign="top" | ||
| 6. 6 p.m.— || The inspiring signal— | | 6. 6 p.m.— || The inspiring signal— | ||
" Remember the traditions of the glorious First of June—avenge Belgium " | "Remember the traditions of the glorious First of June—avenge Belgium" | ||
was received and transmitted to all on board. | was received and transmitted to all on board. | ||
|} | |} | ||
About this time the First Battle Cruiser Squadron (3 in number) and one " New Zealand " were observed steering to the Eastward across our bow. They were engaging an enemy invisible to " Neptune." The Fifth Battle Squadron appeared some distance astern of them. | About this time the First Battle Cruiser Squadron (3 in number) and one "New Zealand" were observed steering to the Eastward across our bow. They were engaging an enemy invisible to "Neptune." The Fifth Battle Squadron appeared some distance astern of them. | ||
The signal " Equal speed Pdt. C.L." (S.E. by S.) was hoisted. | The signal "Equal speed Pdt. C.L." (S.E. by S.) was hoisted. | ||
6.16 p.m.—Signal hauled down. Formed into line. | 6.16 p.m.—Signal hauled down. Formed into line. | ||
| Line 34: | Line 36: | ||
About this time the flashes of enemy's guns were seen on Starboard beam and quarter, and the splashes of his projectiles were observed on Starboard side. | About this time the flashes of enemy's guns were seen on Starboard beam and quarter, and the splashes of his projectiles were observed on Starboard side. | ||
Enemy appeared to be firing on our cruisers, some of which appeared out of the mist. One of " Warrior " class was seen to be badly hit and set on fire; she passed across to Port quarter. Another cruiser, | Enemy appeared to be firing on our cruisers, some of which appeared out of the mist. One of "Warrior" class was seen to be badly hit and set on fire; she passed across to Port quarter. Another cruiser, apparently "Defence," was observed to be hit, and was reported to have blown up. | ||
A third cruiser of same type [''Warrior''], though surrounded with shells, managed to make her escape. | A third cruiser of same type [''Warrior''], though surrounded with shells, managed to make her escape. | ||
| Line 40: | Line 42: | ||
{| | {| | ||
|-valign="top" | |-valign="top" | ||
| 6.32 p.m.— || " Collingwood " opened fire. About this time 5th Division got somewhat bunched up, and " St. Vincent " came up on " Neptune's " beam, masking her fire and interfering with view of enemy. " St. Vincent " opened fire, which now became general in our line. | | 6.32 p.m.— || "Collingwood" opened fire. About this time 5th Division got somewhat bunched up, and "St. Vincent" came up on "Neptune's" beam, masking her fire and interfering with view of enemy. "St. Vincent" opened fire, which now became general in our line. | ||
|-valign="top" | |-valign="top" | ||
| 6.40 p.m.— || " St. Vincent " having dropped astern, " Neptune " opened fire on one of enemy's battleships, which appeared to be unfired on. Owing to the mist, enemy could only be indistinctly seen. Fire was opened at 11,000 yards, but after two salvoes, both of which appeared to be short; owing to the impossibility of spotting and gradual disappearance of the target firing was discontinued. Enemy appeared to fire one or two salvoes in our direction and then to discontinue. | | 6.40 p.m.— || "St. Vincent" having dropped astern, "Neptune" opened fire on one of enemy's battleships, which appeared to be unfired on. Owing to the mist, enemy could only be indistinctly seen. Fire was opened at 11,000 yards, but after two salvoes, both of which appeared to be short; owing to the impossibility of spotting and gradual disappearance of the target firing was discontinued. Enemy appeared to fire one or two salvoes in our direction and then to discontinue. | ||
|-valign="top" | |-valign="top" | ||
| 6.44 p.m.— || Course altered to S.E. | | 6.44 p.m.— || Course altered to S.E. | ||
|-valign="top" | |-valign="top" | ||
| 6.50 p.m.— || Passed " Acasta " hove to and putting | | 6.50 p.m.— || Passed "Acasta" hove to and putting collision mats over two holes, one on Starboard quarter and one on Port bow. | ||
|-valign="top" | |-valign="top" | ||
| 6.55 p.m.— || " 9 Pdt. E.—G. 17 " hauled down. | | 6.55 p.m.— || "9 Pdt. E.—G. 17" hauled down. | ||
|} | |} | ||
About this time a three-funnel cruiser (" Moraves " class), apparently disabled, was observed to come out of the mist on Starboard beam. She possibly fired the torpedo which hit " Marlborough." | About this time a three-funnel cruiser ("Moraves" class), apparently disabled, was observed to come out of the mist on Starboard beam. She possibly fired the torpedo which hit "Marlborough." | ||
First Battle Squadron opened fire on her. " Neptune " fired one salvo at her, but as so many other ships were firing at this cruiser, I ceased fire. She was observed to be hit several times, and was lost sight of astern. She did not return the fire. | First Battle Squadron opened fire on her. "Neptune" fired one salvo at her, but as so many other ships were firing at this cruiser, I ceased fire. She was observed to be hit several times, and was lost sight of astern. She did not return the fire. | ||
About 7.4 p.m.—" Neptune " opened fire on the leading of two battle cruisers, " | About 7.4 p.m.—"Neptune" opened fire on the leading of two battle cruisers, "Lutzow" class. The first salvo was fired at a range of 10,200 yards and | ||
salvo was fired at a range of 10,200 yards and | |||
fell over. * * * i—fire." Salvo short. "Up | fell over. * * * i—fire." Salvo short. "Up | ||
* * * 1 ". Straddle and hit. "Up * * * ^ | * * * 1 ". Straddle and hit. "Up * * * ^ | ||
| Line 67: | Line 68: | ||
our ships. She appeared to stop and to settle down in the water. | our ships. She appeared to stop and to settle down in the water. | ||
Believed to have sunk. | Believed to have sunk. | ||
^ See note on p 381 | ^ See note on p 381 | ||
^0 BATTLE OF JUTLAND : | ^0 BATTLE OF JUTLAND : | ||
7.10 p.m.—About six or eight German destroyers commenced an | 7.10 p.m.—About six or eight German destroyers commenced an | ||
attack on our line from a position about 2 points | attack on our line from a position about 2 points | ||
| Line 76: | Line 79: | ||
on one destroyer, which was not being fired at, | on one destroyer, which was not being fired at, | ||
and hit her three times, then opened fire on another | and hit her three times, then opened fire on another | ||
(the second in the | (the second in the line) and she was hit too, believed | ||
by " Neptune," but might have been | by "Neptune," but might have been another | ||
ship. Both are believed to have sunk. The | ship. Both are believed to have sunk. The | ||
remaining destroyers were driven off, but not | remaining destroyers were driven off, but not | ||
without torpedoes being fired at our | without torpedoes being fired at our line. The | ||
tracks of three torpedoes were clearly seen from | tracks of three torpedoes were clearly seen from | ||
the fore-top, one of which passed very close to | the fore-top, one of which passed very close to | ||
" Neptune," and was avoided by use of helm. | "Neptune," and was avoided by use of helm. | ||
Two submarines—one on the surface about three miles on | Two submarines—one on the surface about three miles on | ||
Starboard quarter, and the other in diving trim about two miles | Starboard quarter, and the other in diving trim about two miles | ||
a point before the Starboard beam—are believed to have been | a point before the Starboard beam—are believed to have been | ||
seen from fore-top about this time. | seen from fore-top about this time. | ||
About 7.5 p.m. a badly damaged vessel, apparently a German | About 7.5 p.m. a badly damaged vessel, apparently a German | ||
light cruiser, was passed about a mile on Port beam. She was | light cruiser, was passed about a mile on Port beam. She was | ||
| Line 93: | Line 98: | ||
stern above the surface. She seemed to have been abandoned. | stern above the surface. She seemed to have been abandoned. | ||
From subsequent information this appears to have been | From subsequent information this appears to have been | ||
" Invincible." | "Invincible." | ||
About 10.40 p.m. heavy firing, apparently from an engagement | About 10.40 p.m. heavy firing, apparently from an engagement | ||
between light cruisers and destroyers, was observed to the North- | between light cruisers and destroyers, was observed to the North- | ||
West, about four or five miles off. One ship appeared to be set | West, about four or five miles off. One ship appeared to be set on fire. | ||
on fire. | |||
Flashes were observed to the Northward at intervals during | Flashes were observed to the Northward at intervals during | ||
the night. | the night. | ||
About 3.45 a.m. on 1st instant a | |||
About 3.45 a.m. on 1st instant a Zeppelin was observed on | |||
Port quarter. She passed over to Starboard beam. A round | Port quarter. She passed over to Starboard beam. A round | ||
was fired at her from " X " turret, after which she turned away | was fired at her from "X" turret, after which she turned away | ||
and made off. | and made off. | ||
The white ensign flown by our ships did not seem to stand | The white ensign flown by our ships did not seem to stand | ||
out clearly at a distance in the white misty weather, nor the | out clearly at a distance in the white misty weather, nor the | ||
union jack either. | union jack either. | ||
It is not known why the red ensign was abandoned, but it is | It is not known why the red ensign was abandoned, but it is | ||
considered that red shows up better than any other colour against | considered that red shows up better than any other colour against | ||
| Line 112: | Line 121: | ||
flown in a conspicuous position, such as the foretopmast head, | flown in a conspicuous position, such as the foretopmast head, | ||
is recommended. | is recommended. | ||
In the case of most of the Officers and men of " Neptune," | In the case of most of the Officers and men of " Neptune," | ||
this was the first occasion on which they had been in any kind | this was the first occasion on which they had been in any kind | ||
| Line 117: | Line 127: | ||
opportunity of coming in contact with the enemy being much | opportunity of coming in contact with the enemy being much | ||
appreciated. | appreciated. | ||
OFFICIAL DESPATCHES | |||
'''OFFICIAL DESPATCHES''' | |||
The behaviour of all during the short and disappointing | The behaviour of all during the short and disappointing | ||
engagement was most creditable, all orders being rapidly and | engagement was most creditable, all orders being rapidly and | ||
accurately carried out | accurately carried out without undue excitement. | ||
Separate reports giving names of Officers and men recommended | Separate reports giving names of Officers and men recommended | ||
are being forwarded. | are being forwarded. | ||
Revision as of 20:34, 10 July 2012
Portions of the following have been processed by optical character recognition. While some editing (without the source at hand) has improved affairs, some errors may remain.
Report of Proceedings
10th June 1916.
SIR,
I HAVE the honour to forward the following report on the action with the German fleet on 31st ultimo.
| At 5.46 p.m., | when steering S. 50° E. in columns of divisions line ahead, disposed abeam, one mile apart, (Organisation No. 5) flashes from gun-fire were observed on Starboard bow. |
| 5.51 p.m.— | Gun-fire heard on Starboard bow. |
| 5.56 p.m.— | One of our cruiser squadrons, either First or Second, was observed on Port bow, engaging enemy, the latter being out of sight of "Neptune." |
| 6. 1 p.m.— | Signal "9 Pdt. E— G.18" was hauled down. |
| 6. 6 p.m.— | The inspiring signal—
"Remember the traditions of the glorious First of June—avenge Belgium" was received and transmitted to all on board. |
About this time the First Battle Cruiser Squadron (3 in number) and one "New Zealand" were observed steering to the Eastward across our bow. They were engaging an enemy invisible to "Neptune." The Fifth Battle Squadron appeared some distance astern of them.
The signal "Equal speed Pdt. C.L." (S.E. by S.) was hoisted.
6.16 p.m.—Signal hauled down. Formed into line.
About this time the flashes of enemy's guns were seen on Starboard beam and quarter, and the splashes of his projectiles were observed on Starboard side.
Enemy appeared to be firing on our cruisers, some of which appeared out of the mist. One of "Warrior" class was seen to be badly hit and set on fire; she passed across to Port quarter. Another cruiser, apparently "Defence," was observed to be hit, and was reported to have blown up.
A third cruiser of same type [Warrior], though surrounded with shells, managed to make her escape.
| 6.32 p.m.— | "Collingwood" opened fire. About this time 5th Division got somewhat bunched up, and "St. Vincent" came up on "Neptune's" beam, masking her fire and interfering with view of enemy. "St. Vincent" opened fire, which now became general in our line. |
| 6.40 p.m.— | "St. Vincent" having dropped astern, "Neptune" opened fire on one of enemy's battleships, which appeared to be unfired on. Owing to the mist, enemy could only be indistinctly seen. Fire was opened at 11,000 yards, but after two salvoes, both of which appeared to be short; owing to the impossibility of spotting and gradual disappearance of the target firing was discontinued. Enemy appeared to fire one or two salvoes in our direction and then to discontinue. |
| 6.44 p.m.— | Course altered to S.E. |
| 6.50 p.m.— | Passed "Acasta" hove to and putting collision mats over two holes, one on Starboard quarter and one on Port bow. |
| 6.55 p.m.— | "9 Pdt. E.—G. 17" hauled down. |
About this time a three-funnel cruiser ("Moraves" class), apparently disabled, was observed to come out of the mist on Starboard beam. She possibly fired the torpedo which hit "Marlborough."
First Battle Squadron opened fire on her. "Neptune" fired one salvo at her, but as so many other ships were firing at this cruiser, I ceased fire. She was observed to be hit several times, and was lost sight of astern. She did not return the fire.
About 7.4 p.m.—"Neptune" opened fire on the leading of two battle cruisers, "Lutzow" class. The first salvo was fired at a range of 10,200 yards and fell over. * * * i—fire." Salvo short. "Up
- * * 1 ". Straddle and hit. "Up * * * ^
" and hit again They then turned away, the leader on fire aft, and rapidly disappeared in a cloud of smoke. An enemy light cruiser was now seen steering to Northward. She was soon hit, while turning to Port, by a salvo from one of our ships. She appeared to stop and to settle down in the water. Believed to have sunk.
^ See note on p 381 ^0 BATTLE OF JUTLAND :
7.10 p.m.—About six or eight German destroyers commenced an attack on our line from a position about 2 points before the Starboard beam. A salvo from 12-in. was fired at them while 4-in. guns were being manned. " Neptune " opened fire with 4-in. guns on one destroyer, which was not being fired at, and hit her three times, then opened fire on another (the second in the line) and she was hit too, believed by "Neptune," but might have been another ship. Both are believed to have sunk. The remaining destroyers were driven off, but not without torpedoes being fired at our line. The tracks of three torpedoes were clearly seen from the fore-top, one of which passed very close to "Neptune," and was avoided by use of helm.
Two submarines—one on the surface about three miles on Starboard quarter, and the other in diving trim about two miles a point before the Starboard beam—are believed to have been seen from fore-top about this time.
About 7.5 p.m. a badly damaged vessel, apparently a German light cruiser, was passed about a mile on Port beam. She was very badly crumpled up, Avith waist below water, and bow and stern above the surface. She seemed to have been abandoned. From subsequent information this appears to have been "Invincible."
About 10.40 p.m. heavy firing, apparently from an engagement between light cruisers and destroyers, was observed to the North- West, about four or five miles off. One ship appeared to be set on fire.
Flashes were observed to the Northward at intervals during the night.
About 3.45 a.m. on 1st instant a Zeppelin was observed on Port quarter. She passed over to Starboard beam. A round was fired at her from "X" turret, after which she turned away and made off.
The white ensign flown by our ships did not seem to stand out clearly at a distance in the white misty weather, nor the union jack either.
It is not known why the red ensign was abandoned, but it is considered that red shows up better than any other colour against any background likely to be met with, and a large red flag, flown in a conspicuous position, such as the foretopmast head, is recommended.
In the case of most of the Officers and men of " Neptune," this was the first occasion on which they had been in any kind of an action. It had an exhilarating and beneficial effect, the opportunity of coming in contact with the enemy being much appreciated.
OFFICIAL DESPATCHES
The behaviour of all during the short and disappointing engagement was most creditable, all orders being rapidly and accurately carried out without undue excitement.
Separate reports giving names of Officers and men recommended are being forwarded.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
Captain.
The Vice-Admiral Commanding
First Battle Squadron.
Footnotes
Bibliography
