Fergus County Democrat. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1904-1919, 1915-01-28
CLAIMS OF
NAVAL MEN
CONFLICT
Official Statements Now Given
By Britain and Germany Of
Sundays Engagement.

LONDON, Jan. 27.-C11:56 p. nj
The admiralty has received the tol-
lowing preliminary telegraphic report
from Vice Admiral Sir David Beatty
regarding the naval action between
the naval action between the British
and German squadrons in the North
sea on Sunday:
"A flotilla of destroyers patrolling
about 1880 o'clock in the morning
sighted and attacked the enemy,
whose force, according to the report
received, consisted Of four battle
cruisers, six light cruisers and some
destroyers. Their position when sight
ed was approximately IA miles east
southeast Of our battle cruiser squad
ron.
Orders were given by signal to the
DESTROYER flotilla to chase the enemy
and to report their movements.
"As it appeared that they at once
commenced to retire to the east
southeast, the battle cruisers were
directed to steer southeast, with
view to securing the lee position
and to cut the enemy off If possible.
The situation developed by degrees
into stern chase.
Speed was worked up to % or 2e
kncts and the enemy were gradually
being overhauled At about $4,000
yards a slow and deliberate fire was
opened and we began to hit at
range of 1900 Yards. Our fire was
returned by the enemy.
The Lion and the Tiger, having
drawn ahead of the remainder of the
squadron, were in action alone Tor
some time and consequently were
subjected to the enemys concentrated
fire, more particularly the Lion, which
ship suffered more as result.
1.-The ether vessels, as they drew
up, engaged the enemy. German
f,ctilla Of destroyers was disposed on
the starboard beam of their cruisers
and an attack by them was driven Off.
''At about II o'clock, unfortunately,
a lucky shot damaged one of the
Lions feed tanks, causing the port en-
CINE to be stopped. At the same time
enemy submarines were observed on
the starboard bow and course was
steered in order to avoid them.
"The Bluecher Germany was now
in critical condition, with her speed
reduced, and the 1ndomitable, which
had now come up, was directed to
complete her destruction.
1.-The rest of the squadron were d.
rected to attack the rear of the en-
emy. The Lion. with escort, steered
to the northwest, steaming with one
engine, and ! transferred my flag
to one of the destrcyers and subse-
ouently to the Princess Royal.
Through the damage to the Lions
feed tank by an unfortunate chance
shot we were undoubtedly deprived OF
a greater victory. The presence OF
the enemy's submarines subsequently
necessitated the action being broken
off.
"The result of the action was that
the Bluecher was sunk and two other
battle cruisers were heavily on fire
and seriously damaged. The German
prisoners reported also that the Kol-
berg had been sunk by other salvos
from our squadron.
"Suhsequently the starb oard engines
of the Lion also developed trouble
from the same cause as the port en-
gines and the Indomitable took her in
tow and brought her into port. The
damage to the Lion and the Tiger
is in neither case serious, and repairs
can be completed in short time. The
remainder OF the squadron were not
hit.
"The casualties were very slight.
The death Of Engineer Captain Taylor,
whose services have been invaluable,
is deeply regretted.
"The behavior of officers and men
was only what was expected and great
credit is due to the engine room staffs
for the fine steaming of the squadron"
The earlier reports of the engage
ment announced that the Lion and
the torpedo boat destroyer Meteor had
been damaged. Vice Admiral Beatty's
report mentions the Lion and Tiger
and omits any reference to the Me-
teor.