The star-independent. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1904-1917, 1915-01-27

overhauled and smashed a second broad
side into the German line, according to
the men interviewed, saw that the fight
was likely TO be prolonged right up to
the mine fields. The Tiger, Princess
Royal and Indomitable were now with
in range of the large vessels, and the
men in their interviews are credited
with expressing the belief that they
wrought terrible havoc on the German
battle cruisers.
Derffiinger Set on Fire
The fire of the Derfilinger and Seyd.
itz, it is asserted, grew weaker and
weaker as the running fight proceeded.
Within half an hours run of the
mined area, - said one Of the men, "the
Derffiinger was on fire. Masses of
flames were sweeping her forward deck
her decks were strewn with wreckage
of the shattered upper works and when
she reached the shelter of the mines
she had no answer to give to the hail
of projectiles which followed her home.
She must have suffered serious loss of
life.
1.-The third vessel in the line was
believed to be the Seydlitz. but possibly
was the Moltke. 1t suffered even
worse. 1t came under the Lions fire
and, besides. received something from
the fire of the Tiger, the Princess Royal
and the Indomitable. She was in a
terrible plight One after another. her
guns were smashed and put out of ac-
tion and there was great execution
among her crew. She was silent ship.
steaming desperately for shelter, with
the whole of her deck ablaze.
Ships Succeed in Escaping
Meantime the Lion was devoting
her attention to the struggle between
the light cruisers using her speed and
gun power with great effect. She
worked in an endeavor to head off the
German light cruisers and drive them
down upon the British vessels, which
were in hot pursuit. 1t was difficult
task. Having regard for the large
number of ships engaged, the Lion did
great damage among them, but they
succeeded in escaping.
1.-The Bluecher made gallant fight.
but, as ship after ship turned their
guns upon her with deadly effect. her
doom was sealed from the first Her
upper works were smashed out of all
recognition and virtually every gun
was put out of action.
Just at the close of the action the
Arethusa fired a torpedo at the Bleuch-
er, which took effect. Her crew leaped
overheard as she suddenly heeled over.
She sank steadily with a slight keel
until her decks were awash and then,
with a sudden roar, turned over and
sank with her flag still flying.
British Turn to Rescue
THE British vessels turned their at
tention to rescue and large numbers of
men were picked up. More might have
been saved but for a new factor.
''From the direction of Heligoland
came huge Zeppelin and number of
aeroplanes, which began dropping
bombs upon the destroyers engaged in
the work of rescue and which, there
fore, had to abandon their task. There
upon the air craft followed the disabled
ships homeward.
=" A slight temporary arrangement in
the running gear of one of the British
warships may have led to the observers
in the air craft to the conclusion that
serious damage had been inflicted and
given the Germans a basis for thei r
LAIN that British battIeship had
been destroyed
1.-THE vessels have come out of the
fighting bearing uudoubted marks of
he conflict, but in no case mas the
damage been other than slight
First Shot at 10 Miles
According to other accounts from
members of the crew, the British
squadron first sighted the Germans
about 80 miles off the British coast
Fhe light was good and the sea fairly
smooth. The Germans could be seen
miles away and when the Lion fred the
first shot from starboard the fleets were
about Is miles apart
The British graluaily oScrhs he'd tie
Germans, despite the fact that they
were dropping mines as they steamed
away.
The accounts vary concerning the
aircraft attack Some say one of sew.
eral aeroplanes took part, while Others
state that an airship also took part
Cne action.