The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1916-06-05
GERMAN LOSSES
ARE HEAVIER
THAN BRITAIN'S''
Is Statement Made By British Admiralty
in Supplementing Other Reports of
the Great Naval Battle--De-
clares German Stories False.

London, June "a statement issued
last night by the British admiralty, con-
irming previous accounts of the battle
between the British and German fleets,
reiterates that the German accounts of
the German losses are false, and that
although the, evidence is still incom-
plete, enough is known to Justify stating
that the German losses were greater than
the British mot merely relatively to the
strength of the two fleets, but absolute
ly"
There is the strongest ground for
believing, says the statement, that the
German losses include two battleships,
two dreadnought battle cruisers Of the
most powerful type and two of the latest
light cruisers, in addition to smaller
craft, including submarine.
The text of the statement follows:
Until the commander chief has had
time to consult the officers engaged and
write a full dispatch any attempt to
give detailed history OF the naval en-
gagement which began on the afternoon
OF the thirtyfirst of May and ended in
the morning hours of the first of June,
would evidently be premature. But the
results are quite plain.
'lhe grand fleet came in touch with
the German high sea fleet at 3 80 on the
afternoon of May 81. The leading ships
of the two fleets carried on vigorous
fight, in which the battle cruisers, fast
battleships and subsidiary craft all took |
an active part.
The losses were severe on both sides |
but when the main body of the British |
fleet came into contact with the German /
high sea feet very brief period sufficed |
to compel the latter, who had been Sc
verely punished to seek refuge in their |
protected waters. This manpuvre was
rendered possible by low visibility and
mist, and although the grand fleet were /
now and then able TO get in moment
ary contact with the opponents no con
tinuous action was possible.
"They continued the pursuit until the
light had wholly failed, while the British
destroyers were able to make a success
ful attack upon the enemy during the
night.
Meanwhile, Admiral Sir John Jelli-
coe, having driven the enemy into port,
returned to the main scene OF the action
and secured the sea in search of disabled
vessels By noon the next day, June |, u
it became evident there was nothing
more to be done. He returned therefore
TO his bases, 400 miles away, refueled his
feet and in the evening of June was
again ready to put to sea.
'The British losses have already been
fully stated There is nothing to add to
or subtract from the latest account pub
lished by the admiralty. The enemy J
losses are less easy TO determine. That ,
the accounts they have given TO the ,
world are false is certain and we can !
not vet be sure of the exact truth But :
from such evidence as has come to our {
knowledge the admiralty entertains no !
doubt that the German losses are heavi- !,
er than the British not merely relative ]
IL to the strength OF the two fleets. but :
absolutely.
There seems to be the strongest :
ground for supposing that included in :
the German losses are two battleships. :
two dreadnoughts, battle cruisers of the !
most powerful type. two of the latest a
light cruisers. the Wiesbaden and Elbing, /,
a light cruiser Of the Rostock type. the
light cruiser Frsuenlob nine destroyers {
and submarine \
The pessimism which prevailed as a re- \
suit Of the admiralty's original state
ment Of losses, which is now considered
10 have been needlessly candid and con
servatiye in under er-estimating the extent
n the German losses as compared with =
hose of Great Britain has been great :
v lessened BY the latest statement Il
A dispatch from Copenhagen saws ru- Z
nors are current in Hamburg that two =
additional German warships than those u
lnnounoed in the German communication Z
the Westfalen and the battle cruiser Z
sunk in the hattie. AIy'
sirelsss dispatch received here Saturday =
rom Bsrlin sid the German admiralty
omitted the loss OF the Westfslen.