The Gathering Storm Part 14

This represented the highest professional advice, and of course is just the kind of thing that pa.s.ses easily through a grave, wise Cabinet. Events swept it away; but not until a great deal of money had been spent. The barrage mines came in handy later on for other tasks.

Presently a new and formidable danger threatened our life. During September and October, nearly a dozen merchant s.h.i.+ps were sunk at the entrance of our harbours, although these had been properly swept for mines. The Admiralty at once suspected that a magnetic mine had been used. This was no novelty to us; we had even begun to use it on a small scale at the end of the previous war. In 1936, an Admiralty Committee had studied counter-measures against magnetic-firing devices, but their work had dealt chiefly with countering magnetic torpedoes or buoyant mines, and the terrible damage that could be done by large ground-mines laid in considerable depth by s.h.i.+ps or aircraft had not been fully realised. Without a specimen of the mine, it was impossible to devise the remedy. Losses by mines, largely Allied and neutral, in September and October had amounted to fifty-six thousand tons, and in November Hitler was encouraged to hint darkly at his new "secret weapon" to which there was no counter. One night when I was at Chartwell, Admiral Pound came down to see me in serious anxiety. Six s.h.i.+ps had been sunk in the approaches to the Thames. Every day hundreds of s.h.i.+ps went in and out of British harbours, and our survival depended on their movement. Hitler's experts may well have told him that this form of attack would compa.s.s our ruin. Luckily he began on a small scale, and with limited stocks and manufacturing capacity.

Fortune also favoured us more directly. On November 22 between 9 and 10 P.M P.M., a German aircraft was observed to drop a large object attached to a parachute into the sea near s...o...b..ryness. The coast here is girdled with great areas of mud which uncover with the tide, and it was immediately obvious that whatever the object was it could be examined and possibly recovered at low water. Here was our golden opportunity. Before midnight that same night two highly skilled officers, Lieutenant-Commanders Ouvry and Lewis from H.M.S. Vernon, Vernon, the naval establishment responsible for developing underwater weapons, were called to the Admiralty, where the First Sea Lord and I interviewed them and heard their plans. By 1.30 in the morning, they were on their way by car to Southend to undertake the hazardous task of recovery. Before daylight on the twenty-third, in pitch darkness, aided only by a signal lamp, they found the mine some five hundred yards below high-water mark, but as the tide was then rising, they could only inspect it and make their preparations for attacking it after the next high water. the naval establishment responsible for developing underwater weapons, were called to the Admiralty, where the First Sea Lord and I interviewed them and heard their plans. By 1.30 in the morning, they were on their way by car to Southend to undertake the hazardous task of recovery. Before daylight on the twenty-third, in pitch darkness, aided only by a signal lamp, they found the mine some five hundred yards below high-water mark, but as the tide was then rising, they could only inspect it and make their preparations for attacking it after the next high water.

The critical operation began early in the afternoon, by which time it had been discovered that a second mine was also on the mud near the first. Ouvry with Chief Petty Officer Baldwin tackled the first, whilst their colleagues, Lewis and Able Seaman Vearncombe, waited at a safe distance in case of accidents. After each prearranged operation, Ouvry would signal to Lewis, so that the knowledge gained would be available when the second mine came to be dismantled. Eventually the combined efforts of all four men were required on the first, and their skill and devotion were amply rewarded. That evening Ouvry and his party came to the Admiralty to report that the mine had been recovered intact and was on its way to Portsmouth for detailed examination. I received them with enthusiasm. I gathered together eighty or a hundred officers and officials in our largest room, and made Ouvry tell his tale to a thrilled audience, deeply conscious of all that was at stake. From this moment the whole position was transformed. Immediately, the knowledge derived from past research could be applied to devising practical measures for combating the particular characteristics of the mine.

The whole power and science of the Navy were now applied; and it was not long before trial and experiment began to yield practical results. Rear-Admiral Wake-Walker was appointed to co-ordinate all technical measures which the occasion demanded. We worked all ways at once, devising first active means of attacking the mine by new methods of mine-sweeping and fuse-provocation; and secondly, pa.s.sive means of defence for all s.h.i.+ps against possible mines in unswept, or ineffectually swept, channels. For this second purpose a most effective system of demagnetising s.h.i.+ps by girdling them with an electric cable was developed. This was called "degaussing," and was at once applied to s.h.i.+ps of all types. Merchant s.h.i.+ps were thus equipped in all our major ports without appreciably delaying their turn-round; in the Fleet progress was simplified by the presence of the highly trained technical staffs of the Royal Navy. The reader who does not shrink from technical details will find an account of these developments in Appendix H, Book II.

Serious casualties continued; the new cruiser Belfast Belfast was mined in the Firth of Forth on November 21, and on December 4, the battles.h.i.+p was mined in the Firth of Forth on November 21, and on December 4, the battles.h.i.+p Nelson Nelson was mined whilst entering Loch Ewe. Both s.h.i.+ps were, however, able to reach a dockyard port. Two destroyers were lost, and two others, besides the minelayer was mined whilst entering Loch Ewe. Both s.h.i.+ps were, however, able to reach a dockyard port. Two destroyers were lost, and two others, besides the minelayer Adventure, Adventure, were damaged on the east coast during this period. It is remarkable that German Intelligence failed to pierce our security measures covering the injury to the were damaged on the east coast during this period. It is remarkable that German Intelligence failed to pierce our security measures covering the injury to the Nelson Nelson until the s.h.i.+p had been repaired and was again in service. Yet from the first many thousands in England had to know the true facts. until the s.h.i.+p had been repaired and was again in service. Yet from the first many thousands in England had to know the true facts.

Experience soon gave us new and simpler methods of degaussing. The moral effect of its success was tremendous, but it was on the faithful, courageous, and persistent work of the minesweepers and the patient skill of the technical experts, who devised and provided the equipment they used, that we relied chiefly to defeat the enemy's efforts. From this time onward, despite many anxious periods, the mine menace was always under control and eventually the danger began to recede. By Christmas Day I was able to write to the Prime Minister: December 25, 1939. 25, 1939.Everything is very quiet here, but I thought you would like to know that we have had a marked success against the magnetic mines. The first two devices for setting them off which we have got into action have both proved effective. Two mines were blown up by the magnetic sweep and two by lighters carrying heavy coils. This occurred at Port A [Loch Ewe], where our interesting invalid [the Nelson Nelson] is still waiting for a clear pa.s.sage to be swept for her to the convalescent home at Portsmouth. It also looks as if the demagnetisation of wars.h.i.+ps and merchant s.h.i.+ps can be accomplished by a simple, speedy, and inexpensive process. All our best devices are now approaching [completion]. The aeroplanes and the magnetic s.h.i.+p the is still waiting for a clear pa.s.sage to be swept for her to the convalescent home at Portsmouth. It also looks as if the demagnetisation of wars.h.i.+ps and merchant s.h.i.+ps can be accomplished by a simple, speedy, and inexpensive process. All our best devices are now approaching [completion]. The aeroplanes and the magnetic s.h.i.+p the Borde Borde will be at work within the next ten days, and we all feel pretty sure that the danger from magnetic mines will soon be out of the way. will be at work within the next ten days, and we all feel pretty sure that the danger from magnetic mines will soon be out of the way.We are also studying the possible varying of this form of attack, viz., acoustic mines and supersonic mines. Thirty ardent experts are pursuing these possibilities, but I am not yet able to say that they have found a cure....

It is well to ponder this side of the naval war. In the event a significant proportion of our whole war effort had to be devoted to combating the mine. A vast output of material and money was diverted from other tasks, and many thousand men risked their lives night and day in the minesweepers alone. The peak figure was reached in June, 1944, when nearly sixty thousand were thus employed. Nothing daunted the ardour of the merchant navy; and their spirits rose with the deadly complications of the mining attack and our effective measures for countering it. Their toils and tireless courage were our salvation. The sea traffic on which we depended for our existence proceeded without interruption.

The first impact of the magnetic mine had stirred me deeply, and apart from all the protective measures which had been enforced upon us, I sought for a means of retaliation. My visit to the Rhine on the eve of the war had focused my mental vision upon this supreme and vital German artery. Even in September, I had raised discussion at the Admiralty about the launching or dropping of fluvial mines in the Rhine. Considering that this river was used by the traffic of many neutral nations, we could not, of course, take action unless and until the Germans had taken the initiative in this form of indiscriminate warfare against us. Now that they had done so, it seemed to me that the proper retort for indiscriminate sinkings by mines at the mouths of the British harbours was a similar and if possible more effective mining attack upon the Rhine.

Accordingly, on November 17, I issued several minutes of which the following gives the most precise account of the plan: Controller [ [and others].1. As a measure of retaliation it may become necessary to feed large numbers of floating mines into the Rhine. This can easily be done at any point between Strasbourg and the Lauter, where the left bank is French territory. General Gamelin was much interested in this idea, and asked me to work it out for him.2. Let us clearly see the object in view. The Rhine is traversed by an enormous number of very large barges, and is the main artery of German trade and life. These barges, built only for river work, have riot got double keels or any large subdivision by bulkheads. It is easy to check these details. In addition there are at least twelve bridges of boats recently thrown across the Rhine upon which the German armies concentrated in the Saarbrueck-Luxemburg area depend.3. The type of mine required is, therefore, a small one, perhaps no bigger than a football. The current of the river is at most about seven miles an hour, and three or four at ordinary times, but it is quite easy to verify this. There must, therefore, be a clockwork apparatus in the mine which makes it dangerous only after it has gone a certain distance, so as to be clear of French territory and also so as to spread the terror farther down the Rhine to its confluence with the Moselle and beyond. The mine should automatically sink, or preferably explode, by this apparatus before reaching Dutch territory. After the mine has proceeded the required distance, which can be varied, it should explode on a light contact. It would be a convenience if, in addition to the above, the mine could go off if stranded after a certain amount of time, as it might easily spread alarm on either of the German banks.4. It would be necessary in addition that the mine should float a convenient distance beneath the surface so as to be invisible in the turgid waters. A hydrostatic valve actuated by a small cylinder of compressed air should be devised. I have not made the calculations, but I should suppose forty-eight hours would be the maximum for which it would have to work. An alternative would be to throw very large numbers of camouflage globes tin sh.e.l.ls into the river, which would spread confusion and exhaust remedial activities.5. What can they do against this? Obviously nets would be put across; but wreckage pa.s.sing down the river would break these nets, and except at the frontier, they would be a great inconvenience to the traffic. Anyhow, when our mine fetched up against them, it would explode, breaking a large hole in the nets, and after a dozen or more of these explosions the channel would become free again, and other mines would jog along. Specially large mines might be used to break the nets. I cannot think of any other method of defence, but perhaps some may occur to the officers entrusted with this study.6. Finally, as very large numbers of these mines would be used and the process kept up night after night for months on end, so as to deny the use of the waterway, it is necessary to bear in mind the simplification required for ma.s.s production.

The War Cabinet liked this plan. It seemed to them only right and proper that when the Germans were using the magnetic mine to waylay and destroy all traffic, Allied or neutral, entering British ports, we should strike back by paralysing, as we might well do, the whole of their vast traffic on the Rhine. The necessary permissions and priorities were obtained, and work started at full speed. In conjunction with the Air Ministry we developed a plan for mining the Ruhr section of the Rhine by discharge from airplanes. I entrusted all this work to Rear-Admiral FitzGerald, serving under the Fifth Sea Lord. This brilliant officer, who perished later in command of an Atlantic convoy, made an immense personal contribution. The technical problems were solved. A good supply of mines was a.s.sured, and several hundred ardent British sailors and marines were organised to handle them when the time should come. All this was in November, and we could not be ready before March. It is always agreeable in peace or war to have something positive coming along on your side.

8.

The Action off the River Plate

Surface Raiders - The German Pocket Battles.h.i.+p - - Orders of the German Admiralty Orders of the German Admiralty - - British Hunting Groups British Hunting Groups - - The American Three-Hundred-Mile Limit The American Three-Hundred-Mile Limit - - Offer of Our Asdics to the United States Offer of Our Asdics to the United States - - Anxieties at Home Anxieties at Home - - Caution of the "Deutschland" - Daring of the "Graf Spee" Caution of the "Deutschland" - Daring of the "Graf Spee" - Captain Langsdorff's Manoeuvres - Commodore Harwood's Squadron off - Captain Langsdorff's Manoeuvres - Commodore Harwood's Squadron off the Plate - His Foresight and Fortune the Plate - His Foresight and Fortune - - Collision on December Collision on December 13 13 - Langsdorff's Mistake - The "Exeter" Disabled - Retreat of the German Pocket Battles.h.i.+p - Langsdorff's Mistake - The "Exeter" Disabled - Retreat of the German Pocket Battles.h.i.+p - - Pursuit by "Ajax" and "Achilles" Pursuit by "Ajax" and "Achilles" - - The "Spee" Takes Refuge in Montevideo The "Spee" Takes Refuge in Montevideo - - My Letter of December My Letter of December 17 17 to the Prime Minister to the Prime Minister - - British Concentration on Montevideo British Concentration on Montevideo - - Langsdorff's Orders from the Fuehrer Langsdorff's Orders from the Fuehrer - - Scuttling of the "Spee" Scuttling of the "Spee" - - Langsdorff's Suicide Langsdorff's Suicide - End of the First Surface Challenge to British Commerce - End of the First Surface Challenge to British Commerce - - The "Altmark" The "Altmark" - - The "Exeter" The "Exeter" - - Effects of the Action off the Plate Effects of the Action off the Plate - - My Telegram to President Roosevelt. My Telegram to President Roosevelt.

ALTHOUGH it was the U-boat menace from which we suffered most and ran the greatest risks, the attack on our ocean commerce by surface raiders would have been even more formidable could it have been sustained. The three German pocket battles.h.i.+ps permitted by the Treaty of Versailles had been designed with profound thought as commerce-destroyers. Their six eleven-inch guns, their twenty-six-knot speed, and the armour they carried had been compressed with masterly skill into the limits of a ten-thousand-ton displacement. No single British cruiser could match them. The German eight-inch-gun cruisers were more modern than ours, and if employed as commerce-raiders, would also be a formidable threat. Besides this, the enemy might use disguised heavily armed merchantmen. We had vivid memories of the depredations of the it was the U-boat menace from which we suffered most and ran the greatest risks, the attack on our ocean commerce by surface raiders would have been even more formidable could it have been sustained. The three German pocket battles.h.i.+ps permitted by the Treaty of Versailles had been designed with profound thought as commerce-destroyers. Their six eleven-inch guns, their twenty-six-knot speed, and the armour they carried had been compressed with masterly skill into the limits of a ten-thousand-ton displacement. No single British cruiser could match them. The German eight-inch-gun cruisers were more modern than ours, and if employed as commerce-raiders, would also be a formidable threat. Besides this, the enemy might use disguised heavily armed merchantmen. We had vivid memories of the depredations of the Emden Emden and and Koenigsberg Koenigsberg in 1914, and of the thirty or more wars.h.i.+ps and armed merchantmen they had forced us to combine for their destruction. in 1914, and of the thirty or more wars.h.i.+ps and armed merchantmen they had forced us to combine for their destruction.

There were rumours and reports before the outbreak of the new war that one or more pocket battles.h.i.+ps had already sailed from Germany. The Home Fleet searched but found nothing. We now know that both the Deutschland Deutschland and the and the Admiral Graf Spee Admiral Graf Spee sailed from Germany between August 21 and 24, and were already through the danger zone and loose in the oceans before our blockade and northern patrols were organised. On September 3, the sailed from Germany between August 21 and 24, and were already through the danger zone and loose in the oceans before our blockade and northern patrols were organised. On September 3, the Deutschland, Deutschland, having pa.s.sed through the Denmark Straits, was lurking near Greenland. The having pa.s.sed through the Denmark Straits, was lurking near Greenland. The Graf Spee Graf Spee had crossed the North Atlantic trade route unseen and was already far south of the Azores. Each was accompanied by an auxiliary vessel to replenish fuel and stores. Both at first remained inactive and lost in the ocean s.p.a.ces. Unless they struck, they won no prizes. Until they struck, they were in no danger. had crossed the North Atlantic trade route unseen and was already far south of the Azores. Each was accompanied by an auxiliary vessel to replenish fuel and stores. Both at first remained inactive and lost in the ocean s.p.a.ces. Unless they struck, they won no prizes. Until they struck, they were in no danger.

The orders of the German Admiralty issued on August 4 were well conceived: Task in the Event of WarDisruption and destruction of enemy merchant s.h.i.+pping by all possible means.... Enemy naval forces, even if inferior, are only to be engaged if it should further the princ.i.p.al task....Frequent changes of position in the operational areas will create uncertainty and will restrict enemy merchant s.h.i.+pping, even without tangible results. A temporary departure into distant areas will also add to the uncertainty of the enemy.If the enemy should protect his s.h.i.+pping with superior forces so that direct successes cannot be obtained, then the mere fact that his s.h.i.+pping is so restricted means that we have greatly impaired his supply situation. Valuable results will also be obtained if the pocket battles.h.i.+ps continue to remain in the convoy area.

With all this wisdom the British Admiralty would have been in rueful agreement.

On September 30, the British liner Clement, Clement, of five thousand tons, sailing independently, was sunk by the of five thousand tons, sailing independently, was sunk by the Graf Spee Graf Spee off Pernambuco. The news electrified the Admiralty. It was the signal for which we had been waiting. A number of hunting groups were immediately formed, comprising all our available aircraft carriers, supported by battles.h.i.+ps, battle cruisers, and cruisers. Each group of two or more s.h.i.+ps was judged to be capable of catching and destroying a pocket battles.h.i.+p. off Pernambuco. The news electrified the Admiralty. It was the signal for which we had been waiting. A number of hunting groups were immediately formed, comprising all our available aircraft carriers, supported by battles.h.i.+ps, battle cruisers, and cruisers. Each group of two or more s.h.i.+ps was judged to be capable of catching and destroying a pocket battles.h.i.+p.

In all, during the ensuing months the search for two raiders entailed the formation of nine hunting groups, comprising twenty-three powerful s.h.i.+ps. We were also compelled to provide three battles.h.i.+ps and two cruisers as additional escorts with the important North Atlantic convoys. These requirements represented a very severe drain on the resources of the Home and Mediterranean Fleets, from which it was necessary to withdraw twelve s.h.i.+ps of the most powerful types, including three aircraft carriers. Working from widely dispersed bases in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, the hunting groups could cover the main focal areas traversed by our s.h.i.+pping. To attack our trade the enemy must place himself within reach of at least one of them. To give an idea of the scale of these operations, I set out the full list of the hunting groups at their highest point on page 514.

Organisation of Hunting Groups - October 31, 1939 31, 1939 [image]

At this time it was the prime objective of the American Governments to keep the war as far from their sh.o.r.es as possible. On October 3, delegates of twenty-one American Republics, a.s.sembled at Panama, decided to declare an American security zone, proposing to fix a belt of from three hundred to six hundred miles from their coasts within which no warlike act should be committed. We were anxious to help in keeping the war out of American waters to some extent, indeed, this was to our advantage. I therefore hastened to inform President Roosevelt that, if America asked all belligerents to respect such a zone, we should immediately declare our readiness to fall in with their wishes subject, of course, to our rights under international law. We should not mind how far south the security zone went, provided that it was effectively maintained. We should have found great difficulty in accepting a security zone which was to be policed only by some weak neutral; but if the United States Navy was to take care of it, we should feel no anxiety. The more United States wars.h.i.+ps there were cruising along the South American coast, the better we should be pleased; for the German raider which we were hunting might then prefer to leave American waters for the South African trade route, where we were ready to deal with him. But if a surface raider operated from the American security zone or took refuge in it, we should expect either to be protected, or to be allowed to protect ourselves from the mischief which he might do.

[image]

At this date we had no definite knowledge of the sinking of three s.h.i.+ps on the Cape of Good Hope route which occurred between October 5 and 10. All three were sailing homeward independently. No distress messages were received, and suspicion was only aroused when they became overdue. It was some time before it could be a.s.sumed that they had fallen victims to a raider.

The necessary dispersion of our forces caused me and others anxiety, especially as our main Fleet was sheltering on the west coast of Britain.

First Sea Lord and Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff.

21.X.39.

The appearance of Scheer Scheer off Pernambuco and subsequent mystery of her movements, and why she does not attack trade, make one ask, did the Germans want to provoke a widespread dispersion of our surplus vessels, and if so, why? As the First Sea Lord has observed, it would be more natural they should wish to concentrate them in home waters in order to have targets for air attack. Moreover, how could they have foreseen the extent to which we should react on the rumour of off Pernambuco and subsequent mystery of her movements, and why she does not attack trade, make one ask, did the Germans want to provoke a widespread dispersion of our surplus vessels, and if so, why? As the First Sea Lord has observed, it would be more natural they should wish to concentrate them in home waters in order to have targets for air attack. Moreover, how could they have foreseen the extent to which we should react on the rumour of Scheer Scheer in South Atlantic? It all seems quite purposeless, yet the Germans are not the people to do things without reason. Are you sure it was in South Atlantic? It all seems quite purposeless, yet the Germans are not the people to do things without reason. Are you sure it was Scheer Scheer and not a plant, or a fake? and not a plant, or a fake?I see the German wireless boast they are driving the Fleet out of the North Sea. At present this is less mendacious than most of their stuff. There may, therefore, be danger on the east coast from surface s.h.i.+ps. Could not submarine flotillas of our own be disposed well out at sea across a probable line of hostile advance? They would want a parent destroyer perhaps to scout for them. They should be well out of our line of watching trawlers. It may well be there is something going to happen, now that we have retired to a distance to gain time.I should be the last to raise those "invasion scares," which I combated so constantly during the early days of 1914/15. Still, it might be well for the Chiefs of Staff to consider what would happen if, for instance, twenty thousand men were run across and landed, say, at Harwich, or at Webburn Hook, where there is deep water close insh.o.r.e. These twenty thousand men might make the training of Mr. h.o.r.e-Belisha's ma.s.ses very much more realistic than is at present expected. The long dark nights would help such designs. Have any arrangements been made by the War Office to provide against this contingency? Remember how we stand in the North Sea at the present time. I do not think it likely, but is it physically possible?

The Deutschland, Deutschland, which was to have hara.s.sed our lifeline across the Northwest Atlantic, interpreted her orders with comprehending caution. At no time during her two and a half months' cruise did she approach a convoy. Her determined efforts to avoid British forces prevented her from making more than two kills, one being a small Norwegian s.h.i.+p. A third s.h.i.+p, the United States which was to have hara.s.sed our lifeline across the Northwest Atlantic, interpreted her orders with comprehending caution. At no time during her two and a half months' cruise did she approach a convoy. Her determined efforts to avoid British forces prevented her from making more than two kills, one being a small Norwegian s.h.i.+p. A third s.h.i.+p, the United States City of Flint, City of Flint, carrying a cargo for Britain, was captured, but was eventually released by the Germans from a Norwegian port. Early in November, the carrying a cargo for Britain, was captured, but was eventually released by the Germans from a Norwegian port. Early in November, the Deutschland Deutschland slunk back to Germany, pa.s.sing again through Arctic waters. The mere presence of this powerful s.h.i.+p upon our main trade route had, however, imposed, as was intended, a serious strain upon our escorts and hunting groups in the North Atlantic. We should in fact have preferred her activity to the vague menace she embodied. slunk back to Germany, pa.s.sing again through Arctic waters. The mere presence of this powerful s.h.i.+p upon our main trade route had, however, imposed, as was intended, a serious strain upon our escorts and hunting groups in the North Atlantic. We should in fact have preferred her activity to the vague menace she embodied.

The Graf Spee Graf Spee was more daring and imaginative, and soon became the centre of attention in the South Atlantic. In this vast area powerful Allied forces came into play by the middle of October. One group consisted of the aircraft carrier was more daring and imaginative, and soon became the centre of attention in the South Atlantic. In this vast area powerful Allied forces came into play by the middle of October. One group consisted of the aircraft carrier Ark Royal Ark Royal and the battle cruiser and the battle cruiser Renown, Renown, working from Freetown, in conjunction with a French group of two heavy cruisers and the British aircraft carrier working from Freetown, in conjunction with a French group of two heavy cruisers and the British aircraft carrier Hermes, Hermes, based on Dakar. At the Cape of Good Hope were the two heavy cruisers based on Dakar. At the Cape of Good Hope were the two heavy cruisers Suss.e.x Suss.e.x and and Shrops.h.i.+re, Shrops.h.i.+re, while on the east coast of South America, covering the vital traffic with the River Plate and Rio de Janeiro, ranged Commodore Harwood's group, comprising the while on the east coast of South America, covering the vital traffic with the River Plate and Rio de Janeiro, ranged Commodore Harwood's group, comprising the c.u.mberland, Exeter, Ajax, c.u.mberland, Exeter, Ajax, and and Achilles. Achilles. The The Achilles Achilles was a New Zealand s.h.i.+p manned mainly by New Zealanders. was a New Zealand s.h.i.+p manned mainly by New Zealanders.

The Spee's Spee's practice was to make a brief appearance at some point, claim a victim, and vanish again into the trackless ocean wastes. After a second appearance farther south on the Cape route, in which she sank only one s.h.i.+p, there was no further sign of her for nearly a month, during which our hunting groups were searching far and wide in all areas, and special vigilance was enjoined in the Indian Ocean. This was in fact her destination, and on November 15 she sank a small British tanker in the Mozambique Channel, between Madagascar and the mainland. Having thus registered her appearance as a feint in the Indian Ocean, in order to draw the hunt in that direction, her Captain Langsdorff, a high-cla.s.s person promptly doubled back and, keeping well south of the Cape, re-entered the Atlantic. This move had not been unforeseen; but our plans to intercept him were foiled by the quickness of his withdrawal. It was by no means clear to the Admiralty whether in fact one raider was on the prowl or two, and exertions were made, both in the Indian and Atlantic Oceans. We also thought that the practice was to make a brief appearance at some point, claim a victim, and vanish again into the trackless ocean wastes. After a second appearance farther south on the Cape route, in which she sank only one s.h.i.+p, there was no further sign of her for nearly a month, during which our hunting groups were searching far and wide in all areas, and special vigilance was enjoined in the Indian Ocean. This was in fact her destination, and on November 15 she sank a small British tanker in the Mozambique Channel, between Madagascar and the mainland. Having thus registered her appearance as a feint in the Indian Ocean, in order to draw the hunt in that direction, her Captain Langsdorff, a high-cla.s.s person promptly doubled back and, keeping well south of the Cape, re-entered the Atlantic. This move had not been unforeseen; but our plans to intercept him were foiled by the quickness of his withdrawal. It was by no means clear to the Admiralty whether in fact one raider was on the prowl or two, and exertions were made, both in the Indian and Atlantic Oceans. We also thought that the Spee Spee was her sister s.h.i.+p, the was her sister s.h.i.+p, the Scheer. Scheer. This disproportion between the strength of the enemy and the counter-measures forced upon us was vexatious. It recalled to me the anxious weeks before the actions at Coronel and later at the Falkland Islands in December, 1914, when we had to be prepared at seven or eight different points, in the Pacific and South Atlantic, for the arrival of Admiral von Spee with the earlier edition of the This disproportion between the strength of the enemy and the counter-measures forced upon us was vexatious. It recalled to me the anxious weeks before the actions at Coronel and later at the Falkland Islands in December, 1914, when we had to be prepared at seven or eight different points, in the Pacific and South Atlantic, for the arrival of Admiral von Spee with the earlier edition of the Scharnhorst Scharnhorst and and Gneisenau. Gneisenau. A quarter of a century had pa.s.sed, but the puzzle was the same. It was with a definite sense of relief that we learnt that the A quarter of a century had pa.s.sed, but the puzzle was the same. It was with a definite sense of relief that we learnt that the Spee Spee had appeared once more on the Cape-Freetown route, sinking two more s.h.i.+ps on December 2 and one on the seventh. had appeared once more on the Cape-Freetown route, sinking two more s.h.i.+ps on December 2 and one on the seventh.

From the beginning of the war, Commodore Harwood's special care and duty had been to cover British s.h.i.+pping off the River Plate and Rio de Janeiro. He was convinced that sooner or later the Spee Spee would come towards the Plate, where the richest prizes were offered to her. He had carefully thought out the tactics which he would adopt in an encounter. Together, his eight-inch cruisers would come towards the Plate, where the richest prizes were offered to her. He had carefully thought out the tactics which he would adopt in an encounter. Together, his eight-inch cruisers c.u.mberland c.u.mberland and and Exeter, Exeter, and his six-inch cruisers and his six-inch cruisers Ajax Ajax and and Achilles, Achilles, could not only catch but kill. However, the needs of fuel and refit made it unlikely that all four would be present "on the day." If they were not, the issue was disputable. On hearing that the could not only catch but kill. However, the needs of fuel and refit made it unlikely that all four would be present "on the day." If they were not, the issue was disputable. On hearing that the Doric Star Doric Star had been sunk on December 2, Harwood guessed right. Although she was over three thousand miles away, he a.s.sumed that the had been sunk on December 2, Harwood guessed right. Although she was over three thousand miles away, he a.s.sumed that the Spee Spee would come towards the Plate. He estimated with luck and wisdom that she might arrive by the thirteenth. He ordered all his available forces to concentrate there by December 12. Alas, the would come towards the Plate. He estimated with luck and wisdom that she might arrive by the thirteenth. He ordered all his available forces to concentrate there by December 12. Alas, the c.u.mberland c.u.mberland was refitting at the Falklands; but on the morning of the thirteenth, was refitting at the Falklands; but on the morning of the thirteenth, Exeter, Ajax, Exeter, Ajax, and and Achilles Achilles were in company at the centre of the s.h.i.+pping routes off the mouth of the river. Sure enough, at 6.14 were in company at the centre of the s.h.i.+pping routes off the mouth of the river. Sure enough, at 6.14 A.M A.M., smoke was sighted to the east. The longed-for collision had come.

Harwood in the Ajax, Ajax, disposing his forces so as to attack the pocket battles.h.i.+p from widely divergent quarters and thus confuse her fire, advanced at the utmost speed of his small squadron. Captain Langsdorff thought at the first glance that he had only to deal with one light cruiser and two destroyers, and he too went full speed ahead; but a few moments later, he recognised the quality of his opponents, and knew that a mortal action impended. The two forces were now closing at nearly fifty miles an hour. Langsdorff had but a minute to make up his mind. His right course would have been to turn away immediately so as to keep his a.s.sailants as long as possible under the superior range and weight of his eleven-inch guns, to which the British could not at first have replied. He would thus have gained for his undisturbed firing the difference between adding speeds and subtracting them. He might well have crippled one of his foes before any could fire at him. He decided, on the contrary, to hold on his course and make for the disposing his forces so as to attack the pocket battles.h.i.+p from widely divergent quarters and thus confuse her fire, advanced at the utmost speed of his small squadron. Captain Langsdorff thought at the first glance that he had only to deal with one light cruiser and two destroyers, and he too went full speed ahead; but a few moments later, he recognised the quality of his opponents, and knew that a mortal action impended. The two forces were now closing at nearly fifty miles an hour. Langsdorff had but a minute to make up his mind. His right course would have been to turn away immediately so as to keep his a.s.sailants as long as possible under the superior range and weight of his eleven-inch guns, to which the British could not at first have replied. He would thus have gained for his undisturbed firing the difference between adding speeds and subtracting them. He might well have crippled one of his foes before any could fire at him. He decided, on the contrary, to hold on his course and make for the Exeter. Exeter. The action, therefore, began almost simultaneously on both sides. The action, therefore, began almost simultaneously on both sides.

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Commodore Harwood's tactics proved advantageous. The eight-inch salvos from the Exeter Exeter struck the struck the Spee Spee from the earliest stages of the fight. Meanwhile, the six-inch cruisers were also hitting hard and effectively. Soon the from the earliest stages of the fight. Meanwhile, the six-inch cruisers were also hitting hard and effectively. Soon the Exeter Exeter received a hit which, besides knocking out B turret, destroyed all the communications on the bridge, killed or wounded nearly all upon it, and put the s.h.i.+p temporarily out of control. By this time, however, the six-inch cruisers could no longer be neglected by the enemy, and the received a hit which, besides knocking out B turret, destroyed all the communications on the bridge, killed or wounded nearly all upon it, and put the s.h.i.+p temporarily out of control. By this time, however, the six-inch cruisers could no longer be neglected by the enemy, and the Spee Spee s.h.i.+fted her main armament to them, thus giving respite to the s.h.i.+fted her main armament to them, thus giving respite to the Exeter Exeter at a critical moment. The German battles.h.i.+p, plastered from three directions, found the British attack too hot, and soon afterwards turned away under a smoke screen with the apparent intention of making for the River Plate. Langsdorff had better have done this earlier. at a critical moment. The German battles.h.i.+p, plastered from three directions, found the British attack too hot, and soon afterwards turned away under a smoke screen with the apparent intention of making for the River Plate. Langsdorff had better have done this earlier.

After this turn the Spee Spee once more engaged the once more engaged the Exeter, Exeter, hard hit by the eleven-inch sh.e.l.ls. All her forward guns were out of action. She was burning fiercely amids.h.i.+ps and had a heavy list. Captain Bell, unscathed by the explosion on the bridge, gathered two or three officers round him in the after control station, and kept his s.h.i.+p in action with her sole remaining turret until at 7.30 failure of pressure put this, too, out of action. He could do no more. At 7.40 the hard hit by the eleven-inch sh.e.l.ls. All her forward guns were out of action. She was burning fiercely amids.h.i.+ps and had a heavy list. Captain Bell, unscathed by the explosion on the bridge, gathered two or three officers round him in the after control station, and kept his s.h.i.+p in action with her sole remaining turret until at 7.30 failure of pressure put this, too, out of action. He could do no more. At 7.40 the Exeter Exeter turned away to effect repairs and took no further part in the fight. turned away to effect repairs and took no further part in the fight.

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The Ajax Ajax and and Achilles, Achilles, already in pursuit, continued the action in the most spirited manner. The already in pursuit, continued the action in the most spirited manner. The Spee Spee turned all her heavy guns upon them. By 7.25 the two after turrets in the turned all her heavy guns upon them. By 7.25 the two after turrets in the Ajax Ajax had been knocked out, and the had been knocked out, and the Achilles Achilles had also suffered damage. These two light cruisers were no match for the enemy in gun-power, and finding that his ammunition was running low, Harwood in the had also suffered damage. These two light cruisers were no match for the enemy in gun-power, and finding that his ammunition was running low, Harwood in the Ajax Ajax decided to break off the fight till dark, when he would have better chances of using his lighter armament effectively, and perhaps his torpedoes. He, therefore, turned away under cover of smoke, and the enemy did not follow. This fierce action had lasted an hour and twenty minutes. During all the rest of the day the decided to break off the fight till dark, when he would have better chances of using his lighter armament effectively, and perhaps his torpedoes. He, therefore, turned away under cover of smoke, and the enemy did not follow. This fierce action had lasted an hour and twenty minutes. During all the rest of the day the Spee Spee made for Montevideo, the British cruisers hanging grimly on her heels with only occasional interchanges of fire. Shortly after midnight, the made for Montevideo, the British cruisers hanging grimly on her heels with only occasional interchanges of fire. Shortly after midnight, the Spee Spee entered Montevideo and lay there repairing damage, taking in stores, landing wounded, transs.h.i.+pping personnel to a German merchant s.h.i.+p, and reporting to the Fuehrer. entered Montevideo and lay there repairing damage, taking in stores, landing wounded, transs.h.i.+pping personnel to a German merchant s.h.i.+p, and reporting to the Fuehrer. Ajax Ajax and and Achilles Achilles lay outside, determined to dog her to her doom should she venture forth. Meanwhile, on the night of the fourteenth, the lay outside, determined to dog her to her doom should she venture forth. Meanwhile, on the night of the fourteenth, the c.u.mberland, c.u.mberland, which had been steaming at full speed from the Falklands, took the place of the utterly crippled which had been steaming at full speed from the Falklands, took the place of the utterly crippled Exeter. Exeter. The arrival of this eight-inch-gun cruiser restored to its narrow balance a doubtful situation. The arrival of this eight-inch-gun cruiser restored to its narrow balance a doubtful situation.

It had been most exciting to follow the drama of this brilliant action from the Admiralty War Room, where I spent a large part of the thirteenth. Our anxieties did not end with the day. Mr. Chamberlain was at that time in France on a visit to the Army. On the seventeenth I wrote to him: December 17, 1939. 17, 1939.If the Spee Spee breaks out, as she may do tonight, we hope to renew the action of the thirteenth with the breaks out, as she may do tonight, we hope to renew the action of the thirteenth with the c.u.mberland, c.u.mberland, an an eight eight eight-inch-gun s.h.i.+p, in the place of the six-gun eight-inch-gun s.h.i.+p, in the place of the six-gun Exeter. Exeter. The The Spee Spee knows now that knows now that Renown Renown and and Ark Royal Ark Royal are oiling at Rio, so this is her best chance. The are oiling at Rio, so this is her best chance. The Dorsets.h.i.+re Dorsets.h.i.+re and and Shrops.h.i.+re, Shrops.h.i.+re, who are coming across from the Cape, are still three and four days away respectively. It is fortunate that the who are coming across from the Cape, are still three and four days away respectively. It is fortunate that the c.u.mberland c.u.mberland was handy at the Falklands, as was handy at the Falklands, as Exeter Exeter was heavily damaged. She was. .h.i.t over a hundred times, one turret smashed, three guns knocked out, and sixty officers and men killed and twenty wounded. Indeed the was heavily damaged. She was. .h.i.t over a hundred times, one turret smashed, three guns knocked out, and sixty officers and men killed and twenty wounded. Indeed the Exeter Exeter fought one of the finest and most resolute actions against superior range and metal on record. Every conceivable precaution has been taken to prevent the fought one of the finest and most resolute actions against superior range and metal on record. Every conceivable precaution has been taken to prevent the Spee Spee slipping out un.o.bserved, and I have told Harwood (who is now an Admiral and a K.C.B.) that he is free to attack her anywhere outside the three-mile limit. We should prefer, however, that she should be interned, as this will be less creditable to the German Navy than being sunk in action. Moreover, a battle of this kind is full of hazard, and needless bloodshed must never be sought. slipping out un.o.bserved, and I have told Harwood (who is now an Admiral and a K.C.B.) that he is free to attack her anywhere outside the three-mile limit. We should prefer, however, that she should be interned, as this will be less creditable to the German Navy than being sunk in action. Moreover, a battle of this kind is full of hazard, and needless bloodshed must never be sought.The whole of the Canadians came in safely this morning under the protection of the main fleet and [are] being welcomed by Anthony, Ma.s.sey, and I trust a good part of the people of Greenock and Glasgow. We plan to give them a cordial reception. They are to go to Aldershot, where no doubt you will go and see them presently.There have been ten air attacks today on individual s.h.i.+ps along the east coast from Wick to Dover, and some of the merchant s.h.i.+ps have been machine-gunned out of pure spite, some of our people being hit on their decks.I am sure you must be having a most interesting time at the Front, and I expect you will find that change is the best kind of rest.

From the moment when we heard that action was joined, we instantly ordered powerful forces to concentrate off Montevideo, but our hunting groups were naturally widely dispersed and none was within two thousand miles of the scene. In the north, Force K, comprising the Renown Renown and and Ark Royal, Ark Royal, was completing a sweep which had begun at Capetown ten days before and was now six hundred miles east of Pernambuco, and twenty-five hundred miles from Montevideo. Farther north still, the cruiser was completing a sweep which had begun at Capetown ten days before and was now six hundred miles east of Pernambuco, and twenty-five hundred miles from Montevideo. Farther north still, the cruiser Neptune Neptune with three destroyers had just parted company with the French Force X and were coming south to join Force K. All these were ordered to Montevideo; they had first to fuel at Rio. However, we succeeded in creating the impression that they had already left Rio and were approaching Montevideo at thirty knots. with three destroyers had just parted company with the French Force X and were coming south to join Force K. All these were ordered to Montevideo; they had first to fuel at Rio. However, we succeeded in creating the impression that they had already left Rio and were approaching Montevideo at thirty knots.

On the other side of the Atlantic, Force H was returning to the Cape for fuel after an extended sweep up the African coast. Only the Dorsets.h.i.+re Dorsets.h.i.+re was immediately available at Capetown and was ordered at once to join Admiral Harwood, but she had over four thousand miles to travel. She was followed later by the was immediately available at Capetown and was ordered at once to join Admiral Harwood, but she had over four thousand miles to travel. She was followed later by the Shrops.h.i.+re. Shrops.h.i.+re. In addition, to guard against the possible escape of the In addition, to guard against the possible escape of the Spee Spee to the eastward, Force I, comprising the to the eastward, Force I, comprising the Cornwall, Gloucester, Cornwall, Gloucester, and the aircraft carrier and the aircraft carrier Eagle Eagle from the East Indies station, which at this time was at Durban, was placed at the disposal of the Commander-in-Chief, South Atlantic. from the East Indies station, which at this time was at Durban, was placed at the disposal of the Commander-in-Chief, South Atlantic.

Meanwhile, Captain Langsdorff telegraphed on December 16 to the German Admiralty as follows: Strategic position off Montevideo. Besides the cruisers and destroyers, Ark Royal Ark Royal and and Renown. Renown. Close blockade at night; escape into open sea and break-through to home waters hopeless.... Request decision on whether the s.h.i.+p should be scuttled in spite of insufficient depth in the Estuary of the Plate, or whether internment is to be preferred. Close blockade at night; escape into open sea and break-through to home waters hopeless.... Request decision on whether the s.h.i.+p should be scuttled in spite of insufficient depth in the Estuary of the Plate, or whether internment is to be preferred.

At a conference presided over by the Fuehrer, at which Raeder and Jodl were present, the following answer was decided on: Attempt by all means to extend the time in neutral waters.... Fight your way through to Buenos Aires if possible. No internment in Uruguay. Attempt effective destruction, if s.h.i.+p is scuttled.

As the German envoy in Montevideo reported later that further attempts to extend the time limit of seventy-two hours were fruitless, these orders were confirmed by the German Supreme Command.

Accordingly, during the afternoon of the seventeenth the Spee Spee transferred more than seven hundred men, with baggage and provisions, to the German merchant s.h.i.+p in the harbour. Shortly afterwards Admiral Harwood learnt that she was weighing anchor. At 6.15 transferred more than seven hundred men, with baggage and provisions, to the German merchant s.h.i.+p in the harbour. Shortly afterwards Admiral Harwood learnt that she was weighing anchor. At 6.15 P.M P.M., Watched by immense crowds, she left harbour and steamed slowly seaward, awaited hungrily by the British cruisers. At 8.54 P.M P.M., as the sun sank, the Ajax's Ajax's aircraft reported: aircraft reported: "Graf Spee "Graf Spee has blown herself up." The has blown herself up." The Renown Renown and and Ark Royal Ark Royal were still a thousand miles away. were still a thousand miles away.

Langsdorff was broken-hearted by the loss of his s.h.i.+p. In spite of the full authority he had received from his Government, he wrote on December 19: I can now only prove by my death that the fighting services of the Third Reich are ready to die for the honour of the flag. I alone bear the responsibility for scuttling the pocket battles.h.i.+p Admiral Graf Spee. Admiral Graf Spee. I am happy to pay with my life for any possible reflection on the honour of the flag. I shall face my fate with firm faith in the cause and the future of the nation and of my Fuehrer. I am happy to pay with my life for any possible reflection on the honour of the flag. I shall face my fate with firm faith in the cause and the future of the nation and of my Fuehrer.

That night he shot himself.

Thus ended the first surface challenge to British trade on the oceans. No other raider appeared until the spring of 1940, when a new campaign opened, utilising disguised merchant s.h.i.+ps. These could more easily avoid detection, but on the other hand could be mastered by lesser forces than those required to destroy a pocket battles.h.i.+p.

As soon as the news arrived of the end of the Spee, I Spee, I was impatient to bring our widely scattered hunting groups home. The was impatient to bring our widely scattered hunting groups home. The Spee's Spee's auxiliary, the auxiliary, the Altmark, Altmark, was, however, still afloat, and it was believed that she had on board the crews of the nine s.h.i.+ps which had been sunk by the raider. was, however, still afloat, and it was believed that she had on board the crews of the nine s.h.i.+ps which had been sunk by the raider.

First Sea Lord.

17.XII.39.

Now that the South Atlantic is practically clear except for the Altmark, Altmark, it seems of high importance to bring home the it seems of high importance to bring home the Renown Renown and and Ark Royal Ark Royal together with at least one of the eight-inch-gun cruisers. This will give us more eas.e.m.e.nt in convoy work and enable refits and leave to be accomplished. I like your plan of the two small s.h.i.+ps anchoring tomorrow in Montevideo inner harbour, but I do not think it would be right to send Force K so far south. Moreover, perhaps so many wars.h.i.+ps would not be allowed in at one time. It would be very convenient if, as you proposed, together with at least one of the eight-inch-gun cruisers. This will give us more eas.e.m.e.nt in convoy work and enable refits and leave to be accomplished. I like your plan of the two small s.h.i.+ps anchoring tomorrow in Montevideo inner harbour, but I do not think it would be right to send Force K so far south. Moreover, perhaps so many wars.h.i.+ps would not be allowed in at one time. It would be very convenient if, as you proposed, Neptune Neptune relieved relieved Ajax Ajax as soon as the triumphal entry [into Montevideo harbour] is over; and it would be very good if all the returning forces could scrub and search the South Atlantic on their way home for the as soon as the triumphal entry [into Montevideo harbour] is over; and it would be very good if all the returning forces could scrub and search the South Atlantic on their way home for the Altmark. Altmark. I feel that we ought to bring home all that are not absolutely needed. The Northern Patrol will require constant support in two, or better still three, reliefs from the Clyde as long as we stay there. I agree with Captain Tennant that the German Admiralty will be most anxious to do something to get their name back. I feel that we ought to bring home all that are not absolutely needed. The Northern Patrol will require constant support in two, or better still three, reliefs from the Clyde as long as we stay there. I agree with Captain Tennant that the German Admiralty will be most anxious to do something to get their name back.Perhaps you will let me know what you think about these ideas.

I was also most anxious about the Exeter, Exeter, and could not accept the proposals made to me to leave her unrepaired in the Falkland Islands till the end of the war. and could not accept the proposals made to me to leave her unrepaired in the Falkland Islands till the end of the war.

First Sea Lord, Controller and others.

17.XII.39.

This preliminary report of damage to Exeter Exeter shows the tremendous fire to which she was exposed and the determination with which she was fought. It also reflects high credit on the Constructors' Department that she should have been able to stand up to such a prolonged and severe battering. This story will have to be told as soon as possible, omitting anything undesirable [i.e., what the enemy should not know]. shows the tremendous fire to which she was exposed and the determination with which she was fought. It also reflects high credit on the Constructors' Department that she should have been able to stand up to such a prolonged and severe battering. This story will have to be told as soon as possible, omitting anything undesirable [i.e., what the enemy should not know].What is proposed about repair? What can be done at the Falklands? I presume she will be patched up sufficiently to come home for long refit.

First Sea Lord, D.C.N.S., Controller.

23.XII.39.

We ought not readily to accept the non-repair during the war of Exeter. Exeter. She should be strengthened and strutted internally as far as possible, and should transfer her ammunition, or the bulk of it, to some merchant s.h.i.+p or tender. Perhaps she might be filled up in part with barrels or empty oil drums, and come home with reduced crew under escort either to the Mediterranean or to one of our dockyards. If nothing can be done with her then, she should be stripped of all useful guns and appliances, which can be transferred to new construction. She should be strengthened and strutted internally as far as possible, and should transfer her ammunition, or the bulk of it, to some merchant s.h.i.+p or tender. Perhaps she might be filled up in part with barrels or empty oil drums, and come home with reduced crew under escort either to the Mediterranean or to one of our dockyards. If nothing can be done with her then, she should be stripped of all useful guns and appliances, which can be transferred to new construction.The above indicates only my general view. Perhaps you will let me know how it can be implemented.

Controller and First Sea Lord.

29.XII.39.

I have not seen the answer to the telegram from the Rear Admiral, South America, about it not being worth while to repair Exeter, Exeter, on which I minuted in the contrary sense. How does this matter now stand? I gathered from you verbally that we were all in agreement she should come home and be thoroughly repaired, and that this need not take so long as the R.A. thought. on which I minuted in the contrary sense. How does this matter now stand? I gathered from you verbally that we were all in agreement she should come home and be thoroughly repaired, and that this need not take so long as the R.A. thought.What is going to happen to Exeter Exeter now? How is she going to be brought home, in what condition, and when? We cannot leave her at the Falklands, where either she will be in danger or some valuable s.h.i.+p will be tethered to look after her. I shall be glad to know what is proposed. now? How is she going to be brought home, in what condition, and when? We cannot leave her at the Falklands, where either she will be in danger or some valuable s.h.i.+p will be tethered to look after her. I shall be glad to know what is proposed.

My view prevailed. The Exeter reached this country safely. I had the honour to pay my tribute to her brave officers and men from her shattered deck in Plymouth Harbour. She was preserved for over two years of distinguished service, until she perished under j.a.panese guns in the forlorn battle of the Straits of Sunda in 1942.

The effects of the action off the Plate gave intense joy to the British nation and enhanced our prestige throughout the world. The spectacle of the three smaller British s.h.i.+ps unhesitatingly attacking and putting to flight their far more heavily gunned and armoured antagonist was everywhere admired. It was contrasted with the disastrous episode of the escape of the Goeben Goeben in the Straits of Otranto in August, 1914. In justice to the admiral of those days it must be remembered that all Commodore Harwood's s.h.i.+ps were faster than the in the Straits of Otranto in August, 1914. In justice to the admiral of those days it must be remembered that all Commodore Harwood's s.h.i.+ps were faster than the Spee, Spee, and all except one of Admiral Troubridge's squadron in 1914 were slower than the and all except one of Admiral Troubridge's squadron in 1914 were slower than the Goeben. Goeben. Nevertheless, the impression was exhilarating, and lightened the dreary and oppressive winter through which we were pa.s.sing. Nevertheless, the impression was exhilarating, and lightened the dreary and oppressive winter through which we were pa.s.sing.

The Soviet Government were not pleased with us at this time, and their comment on December 31, 1939, in the Red Fleet Red Fleet is an example of their factual reporting: is an example of their factual reporting: n.o.body would dare to say that the loss of a German battles.h.i.+p is a brilliant victory for the British Fleet. This is rather a demonstration, unprecedented in history, of the impotence of the British. Upon the morning of December 13, the battles.h.i.+p started an artillery duel with the Exeter, Exeter, and within a few minutes obliged the cruiser to withdraw from the action. According to the latest information the and within a few minutes obliged the cruiser to withdraw from the action. According to the latest information the Exeter Exeter sank near the Argentine coast, en route for the Falkland Islands. sank near the Argentine coast, en route for the Falkland Islands.

On December 23, the American Republics made a formal protest to Britain, France, and Germany about the action off the River Plate, which they claimed to be a violation of the American security zone. It also happened about this time that two German merchant s.h.i.+ps were intercepted by our cruisers near the coast of the United States. One of these, the liner Columbus Columbus of thirty-two thousand tons, was scuttled and survivors were rescued by an American cruiser; the other escaped into territorial waters in Florida. President Roosevelt reluctantly complained about these vexations near the coasts of the Western Hemisphere; and in my reply I took the opportunity of stressing the advantages which our action off the Plate had brought to all the South American Republics. Their trade had been hampered by the activities of the German raider and their ports had been used for his supply s.h.i.+ps and information centres. By the laws of war the raider had been ent.i.tled to capture all merchant s.h.i.+ps trading with us in the South Atlantic, or to sink them after providing for their crews; and this had inflicted grave injury on American commercial interests, particularly in the Argentine. The South American Republics should greet the action off the Plate as a deliverance from all this annoyance. The whole of the South Atlantic was now clear, and might perhaps remain clear, of warlike operations. This relief should be highly valued by the South American States, who might now in practice enjoy for a long period the advantages of a security zone of three thousand, rather than three hundred, miles. of thirty-two thousand tons, was scuttled and survivors were rescued by an American cruiser; the other escaped into territorial waters in Florida. President Roosevelt reluctantly complained about these vexations near the coasts of the Western Hemisphere; and in my reply I took the opportunity of stressing the advantages which our action off the Plate had brought to all the South American Republics. Their trade had been hampered by the activities of the German raider and their ports had been used for his supply s.h.i.+ps and information centres. By the laws of war the raider had been ent.i.tled to capture all merchant s.h.i.+ps trading with us in the South Atlantic, or to sink them after providing for their crews; and this had inflicted grave injury on American commercial interests, particularly in the Argentine. The South American Republics should greet the action off the Plate as a deliverance from all this annoyance. The whole of the South Atlantic was now clear, and might perhaps remain clear, of warlike operations. This relief should be highly valued by the South American States, who might now in practice enjoy for a long period the advantages of a security zone of three thousand, rather than three hundred, miles.

I could not forbear to add that the Royal Navy was carrying a very heavy burden in enforcing respect for international law at sea. The presence of even a single raider in the North Atlantic called for the employment of half our battle-fleet to give sure protection to the world's commerce. The unlimited laying of magnetic mines by the enemy was adding to the strain upon our flotillas and small craft. If we should break under this strain, the South American Re