GREAT NAVAL BATTLE.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 15608, 5 June 1916, Page 6

GREAT NAVAL BATTLE.

♦ TERRIFIC ACTION IN THE NORTH SEA. GERMAN HIGH SEAS FLEET ENGAGED. HEAVY LOSSES ON BOTH SIDES. BRITISH SUPREMACY COMPLETELY ASSERTED. ENEMY FLEES FROM GRAND FLEET. TERRIBLE DEATH ROLL. THE KINGS INSPIRING MESSAGE TO THE NAVY. I

The greatest naval action of the war, and the most terrific sea fight since the Battle- of the Straits of Tsushima, in the Russo-Japanese War in 1904-05, was fought on Wednesday in the North Sea. The engagement * opened somewhere off the- Norwegian coast, and was carried on a- high speed to the southward, ending somewhere off the Danish coast. Early in the afternoon the German ships, which evidently comprised a large portion of the High Seas Fleet, were sighted by British 'destroyer!;, cruisers, and battle-cruisers under the command of Sir David Beatty. Action , ra , at once joined by the British ships, despite the huge preponderance of the enemy's strength. Details are lacking, but the British ships were ..„ heavily punished before the Grand Fleet came up. -^ The enemy then avoided a general action, and returned to his bases *"* wifc-i all speed. , , ; m : The British losses were the battle-cruisers Queen Mary, Indefatigable, and Invincible, the armoured cruisers Black Prince, Defence, and Warrior, and the eight destroyers, Tipperary, Turbulent, Nestor, Nomad, Ardent, . Fortune, Shark, and Sparrowhawk. Tube enemy has not disclosed the extent of his Josses, but Sij- John Jellicoe reports that a large Dreadnought battleship was blown up. Another ship of the same type is believed to have been sunk by gun-fire. Of three of the enemy's largest battle-cruisers, one was destroyed, another ' } was seen to be disabled and stopping, and the third was observed to be seriously damaged. A light cruiser, six destroyers, and one submarine were sunk. At least two more light cruisers were seen to be disabled'. v an] also three other German battleships badly damaged. i The loss of life wa s appallingly heavy. Details of the casualties have not been received, but very few of the officers of the British ships sunk were • ' - saved. I

THE OFFICIAL REPORTS. ADMIRALTY'S FIRST ACCOUNT. HEAVY BRITISH LOSSES. VALUABLE SHIPS SUNK. ENEMY SUFFERS SEVERELY. The High Commissioner reports:— LONDON. June 2. Tho Admiralty announce that on tho afternoon of Wednesday, a naval engagement took place off th'c coast of Jutland. The British ships on which the brunt Of the fighting fell were the battlocmiser fleet, some cruisers, and li"ht cruisers, supported hy four fast battleships. Among those the losses were heavy. The German battle fleet, aided by their low visibility, avoided a prolonged action with our main forces, and soon after these appeared on the scene the enemy returned to port, though not befaro receiving severe damage fiom our battleships. The battle-cruisers Queen Mary, Indefatigable, Invincible, and tho cruisers Defence and Black Prince were sunk. Tho Warrior was disabled, and after being towed for some time had to be abandoned by the crew. It is also known that the destroyers Tipperary, Turbulent, Fortune, Sparrowhawk, and Ardent were lost, and ;six others are not yefc accounted for. No British battleships or light cruisers were sunk. Tho enemy losses were serious, at least one battle-cruiser being destroyed, and one seriously damaged. One battleship is reported to hav© been sunk by our destroyers during the fight and' two light cruisers were disabled and probably sunk. The exact number of the enemy destroyers disposed of during the action cannot be ascertained with any certainty, but must have been large :

A LATER REPORT. EIGHT BRITISH DESTROYERS LOST. The High Commissioner rcpbrts: — LONDON, June 3 (10.45 a.m.) A further report from Sir John Jcllicoe, Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Fleet, states: — "It is now ascertained that our total losses in destroj-ers was eight, tho complete list being:—Tippcrary, Turbulent, Nomad, Nostor, Fortune. Ardent, Sparrow-hawk, and Shark.

THE ENEMY'S LOSSES. CAPITAL SHIPS SUNK. CRUISERS. DESTROYERS, AM) SUBMARINE DESTROYED. • i I OTHER SHIPS BADLY DAMAGED. The High Commissioner reports: — LONDON, Juno 3 (10.45 a.m.) A further report from Sir John Jcllicoe savs:— "It is now possible t<o form a closer estimate of the enemy losses. '"A Dreadnought kattleshin of the Kaiser class was blown up, after being attacked by British destroyers. "Another Dreadnought battleship of the Kaiser class is believed to have been sunk by gunfire. "Of throe Gorman battlocruisers — two of which are believed to have been tho Derfflinger, and Lutzow —one was blown up. Another was heavily engaged by our battle fleet, and was seen to be disabled and stopping, whilst a third was observed to be seriously damaged. "A German light cruiser and six German destroyers were sunk. "At least two more German light cruisers were seen to be disabled, and also three other Germr.n battleships that wer<» engaged.

THE GERMAN CLAIMS. SUCCESSFUL EN ;aG.I MENT 3. BA'ITLESHIPS ALLEGED TO V&/.. SUNK. '*' MANY OTHER BRITISH SHIPS . LOST. t BERLIN, Juno 2. Au official account of the North SP battle, issued to-day, says:— % "During an enterprise directed **" ' wards the North, our High Sea, Fleet J* ; "Wednesday met a considerably dupepj • force consisting of the main portion «» the British battlo fleet in the wtf* of the afternoon, botweon tho Skagg£aok and Horn's Reef. ? 'A number of eevere, and, fori* successful engagements developed ff* continued all night. ,' "So far as at present has been aSfitf" tained. wo destroyed the great battW' ship Warspite. the battle cruisers Qu««j Mary and Indefatigable, two arnMM** cruisers of tho Achilles class, one «*** cruiser, and now destroyor-le*""" named Turbulent, Nestor, and Ate*****. 'According to 'trustworthy evident a great number of British battleship (suffered heavy damage from our ve*se» artillery and the attacks of our destroyer flotillas during the day battle and during the night. "Prisoners' statements confirm tk* report that among other enemy lott&t one of our tornodoes hit tho gre»* battleship Marlborough. Our vessel" picked up a portion of tho crews of the sunken British vessels, including *"° two sole survivors of the Indefatigable"On our side, during tho day °* battle, the enemy's artillery sank t«« small cruiser "Wio baden, and during t" e night the Pommern was torpodoed. "Tho High Sea fleet returned to our harbours in the course of Friday. LONDON, June 2. The German communique admits that the small cruiser "Wiesbaden was 8" 0 *' the Pommern torpedoed, and the Frauenlob is missing, and that some torpeO? destroyers have not returned.

"Finally a German submarine was rammed and sunk."

LOSS OF BATTLESHIP ADMITTED. AS SEKTIOXSR^^ BRITIBS >~EW YORK, Juno 3. The German Admiralty admit tin loss of tie Dreadnought battleship Wcstf*Tho German report claims that the battleships Warepito and Marlborough addition to tie losses ad2ted by the British Admiralty. SEMI-OFFIQAL STATEMENTS. EXAGGERATED CLARIS. m~/..ivml Juno 4th, 0.0 p.m.) ( Rcccired A SKTERDAM, Juno 3. A German semi-official report says:— "Vice-Admiral Scheer commanded the flich Seas Fleet, The order of tho f hins W as:-Ships of the line, battlecruisere. all the light unite (light cruisers and destroyers), and the submarine ° Vice-Admiral Hipper commanded the reconnaissance forces, which first gave battle to the British battle-cruisers and light cruisers. Subsequently the whole of the fleets of both sides participated. "In tho daylight battle the enemy lo s t the battleship Warspite the battlecruiser Queen Mary, one armoured cruiser and several destroyers. The remainder of tho enemy's losses were caused during the night and were due io severe torpedo attacks and cruiser fighting. The German leading vessels alone destroyed six modern destroyers." AMSTERDAM, June 3. Admiral Stehbinghauss, Director of the German Admiralty, states: — "No conclusive news of the damage to and losses of German ships has been received. The main porion of the fleet has returned to harbour, "Part of our ships were considerably damaged. The men showed a splendid spirit and the ships stood tho tests excellently."

ENEMY'S CLAIMS REFUTED. BRITISH ADMIRALTY'S CORRECTIONS. (Received June 4 th, 11.10 p.va.} LONDON, June 4. The Admiralty denies the Germax statement that the Warepite and Acastj have been lost. Both have returned t< harbour Tho list of eight destroyer* lost is completed by the names of the Nomad, Nestor, and Shark. The state jr.ent that a submarine torpedoed thre< German merchantmen •without warniDf is officially described as without founda Hon. THE KUNTG'S MESSAGE. A TOUCHING TRIBUTE. LOSS OP BRAVE MEN MOURNED. THE NAVY'S VALOUR AND EFFICIENCY "MY CONFIDENCE AMPLY JUSTIFIED." (By €«Me.—Press Association.—Copyright.) . ;<Receivcd Juno sth. 12.45 a.m.) LONDON, Juno 4. Admiral Sir John Jellicoo sent tho following message to King George on the occasion of his birthday:—"Tho Grand Fleet's humble duty and good Wishes, with tho hop© and determination that, through victory, the bless,fl>gs of peace may bo restored." The King replied:— "I am deeply touched with the message you have sent mo on behalf of tho Grand Fleet. ■ It reaches mo on the morrow of the battle, which onco moro has displayed the splendifl gallantry of the officers and mon under your command. I mourn the less of brave men, many of them personal friends of my own, who have fallen in the country's cause. Yet even more I regret that the Gorman High Seas Fleet, in spite of its heavy losses, was enabled by ... misty weather to evade the fuil "., consequences of the encounter which it has always professed to desire, but for which, when ; the opportunity arrived, it showed no inclination. Though .tho enemy's retirement immediately after tho opening of . a general engagement robbed v Us .of the opportunity of gain- , » n S a decisiro victory, the »:• events of. last Wednesday amply justify my confidence in -: the valour and efficiency of the vjfleets of your command."

TWO FLAG OFFICERS v LOST. /"REAR-ADMIRALS HOOD AND ARBUTHNOT. The Uigh Commissioner reports-— ION-DON, June 3 (10.45 p.m.). R ( JJ** r " Admiral tho Hon. H. L. A J^V 0 * Rear - A <*miral Sir Robt. K. ■wbnthnot, Bt., were lost. ~ (Received June 4th, 5.5 p m ) itL ~ ■ LON DON, June 3. the Hon. Horace LamHood was on board the

TERRIBLE DEATH-ROLL CASUALTIES AMONG OFFICERS VERY FEW SAVED. (Received June 4tL. 11.5 p.m.) LONDON. June 3. The fears of a terrible death-roll are confirmed by the Admiralty's first list of officer casualties. All the officers of the Qneen Mary wero lost except four midshipmen. All the officers of the Invincible were lost except Commander H. E. Dannreuther and four juniors. All the officers of the Indefatigable, the Defence, and the Black Prince were lost. All tho officers of the Warrior were saved except one. Admiral Sir Percy Scofcfs eldest son, John, a midshipman, was drowned in the Defence. DISTRESSING SCENES. PORTSMOUTH'S HEAVY BLOW. LONDON, June 4. Distressing scenes were witnessed m many English ports. At least six of the ships lost were commissioned at Portsmouth, to which place abont 3000 of the men aboard belonged. One account states that when the Germans divided their forces, a British squadron got between the battle fleets and smaller vessels, forcing the latter on to a German minefield, where the majority wer© lost.

THE QUEEN MARY. SUNK BY GUNFIRE. MAGAZINE EXPLODES. (Received June sth, 12.45 a.m.) LONDON, June 4. The Queen Mary was Bunk by gunfire, which the enemy's capital ships concentrated upon her. Her magazine exploded with terrific force, and her forepart was blown away almost bodily. She sank in two minutes.

THE POSITION SURVEYED. THE RESULT OF THE ACTION. ADMIRABLE BY COLONEL CHURCHILL, ENEMY'S LOSSES SERIOUS . BRITISH SUPERIORITY ACCENTUATED. (By Cable.—Prosa Association.—Copyright.) (Received Juno 4th, 11.10 p.m.) LONDON, Juno 4. Colonel Winston Churchill, commenting on tho battle, said:—"l have 'had an opportunity of examining tho Admirals' reports, and, considering tho information in tho Admiralty's possession, tho following facts seem to me to havo been established: — "Firstly, the naval supremacy of tho British Fleet in capital ships depends upon tho super-Droadnoughfc battleships, armed' with 13.5 in and 15in /guns, theso being sufficient by themselves to maintain control of the seas. Of tho vital units in tho first rank, tho Queen Mary alone has been lost. It appears to be an undoubted fact that the Germans havo lost at least ono comparable ship. If it proves to bo tho Lutzow or tho Derfflingor, that vossol is a heavier loss to them actually and relatively than the Queen Mary is to us.

"Secondly, coming to tho vessels in the second order, tho Indefatigable and Invincible are entirely different from super-Dreadnoughts, and though valuable, do not rank as primary units. At tho present time, a Dreadnought battleship of the Westfalen typo wonld bo a loss comparable to either. Wo have a very largo superiority of tho third order of ships, to which tho Black Prince, Defence, and Warrior belonsod. Tho sinking of the brand-new light cruisers Wiesbaden and Elbing is a moro grievous loss to tho enemy. In all those vessels, the most serious feature is tho loss of splendid and irreplaceable crews. "The casualties in destroyers arc about equal. We being the stronger, arc the gainers. Our flotillas have long sought such opportunities.

"Thirdly, the margin of superiority is in no way impaired. Tho despatch of troops to the Continent should continno with the utmost freedom, the battered German fleet being an additional security for us. "Fourthly, tho hazy weather, tho fall of night and tho rotreat of the enemy alono frustrated the persevering efforts of those brilliant commanders, Admiral Sir John Jollicoo and \ ice-Admiral Sir David Bcatty, to force a final decision. Although it was impossible to compel the German main fleet to accept battle, tho conclusions to bo reached are of extreme importance. All classes of vessels of both sides have now been met. We know thero are no surprises or unforeseen features, and accurate measure can bo taken of the strength of the enemy, Tho enemy's definite inferior-

ity has freed us of any clement of uncertainty. The fast division of cruisors of the Queen Elizabeth typo seems to have vindicated all the hopes reposed in them. I cannot record these facts without expressing my profound sympathy with those who have lost dearest ones, many of the most gallantsailors our island lias ever nurtured. Some splendid officers have gone, but they died as they would have wished, in a blue-water action, which, as it is studied, will more and more be found to be a definite step towards a complete victory."

STORIES OF EYE-WITNESSES. j A REAL PURSUIT. i BRITISH RAIN OF SHELLS. | AX APPALLING SPECTACLE. I (By Cab!«.—Pies* Association.—Copyright.) (Received June 4th, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON. Juno 3. The skipper of the trawler John Brown says that two German warships were sunk in less than an hour after the opening of the action. Later on ho got into tlio thick of the battle as the big German battleships speeded south with the British in hot pursuit. It was a real pursuit, the British fixing their searchlights on the enemy and pouring in a rain of shells. The roar was deafening. The air was full of smoke, and the outlines of the ships were barely visible. The gloom was pierced by tho red stabs of the shots. In the evening a German warship fired a light ball, apparently as a signal to the others to flee south, as a quarter of an hour after seven German battleships passed tho trawler steaming southwards at about thirty knots. Tho glare of firing still lit tho sky in the distance at two in the morning. GREAT FLEETS ENGAGED. DESTROYERS OPEN ACTION. A LONG ENGAGEMENT. TERRIFIC GUN-FERE. COPENHAGEN, Juno 2. The master of the Danish steamer Fjord says that when his 6hip was 120 miles west of Hanstholm he was stopped by a German destroyer. Four British destroyers arrived, and opened fire on the German ship. A large German fleet then approached at full speed, and the British destroyers immediately fled. Hundreds of German shells splashed round them, but without hitting them. The master of the Fjord counted five largo modern Gorman Dreadnoughts, eight cruisers, and twenty destroyers. The crew of the Danish steamer Naisberg witnessed tho battle 80 miles off Hanstholm. Forty German ships, ranging from battleships down to torpedo fcoats, were steaming at full speed, almost hidden in smoke. The cannonade began at 3.30 p.m., the German fleet being then two miles distant and firing in a southerly direc tion. The British warships were invisible, but the British shells were falling steadily and with increasing rapidity among tho Germans, who were firing all their guns as rapidly as possible. The cannonade was audible until late in the evening. Esbjerg fishermen declare that they saw 90 ships steaming to tho northward on Wednesday evening, and a much. : greater number on Thursday. There was a violent cannonade at two o'clock on Thursday morning, the flashes lighting up the sky. The battle raged for hours between the British and German ships, as they steamed to the southward. Tho fishermen saw one cruiser struck and sunk. They afterwards found three empty lifeboats. Tho German ships disappeared in tho direction of Heligoland, and the British departed to the westward. AMSTERDAM, June 3. The skipper of a trawler says he saw a, fleet of 50 German vessels, mostly big ships, at two in tho afternoon. The weather was misty. Suddenly a second groat fleet appeared from tho northeast, obviously attempting to cut off tho German retreat. It was composed of many warships, but they were not of the same big tonnage as the Germans. Later on tho British were reinforced, and tho Germans retired.

ZEPPELINS ASSIST. SIX AIESHIPS ENGAGED, ONE BADLY DAMAGED. (Received June 4th. 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, Jane 3. The latest telegrams show that the firing commenced at four o'clock on Wednesday afternoon, reached its maximum between eix and eight, and ceased at ten. The battle apparently commenced eight miles south-west of Stavanger, and moved in a sontherly direction. Danish fishermen who were eye-wit-nesses of the action say that a few small British ships were first seen be-

ing pursued by the German fleet. Tho British ships suddenly turned to tho "westward. Shortly after tho British battJe-crnisers appeared from the west and north and began attacking tho Germans, who were reinforced by a largo number of battleships from Wilhclmshavcn. A Tiolent battle ensued. The six Zeppelins assisting the German ships included LZ 24 % which was hit several times forward. Many of its crew were wounded, but the Zeppelin managed to reach Schleswig after jettisoning all its supplies. During the battle the fishermen sawseveral large warships sink, but it was impossible to say whether they were British or German. The latter finally withdrew, with tho British ships in pursuit. Then several British battleships appeared from tho west and the German Fleet divided into two parts and escaped.

TWO ZEPPELINS DESTROYED DANISH FISHERMEN'S REPORTS. (Received Jane 4th. 5.5 p.m.) COPENHAGEN, June 3. A fisherman at Loving reports that he saw a Zeppelin set on fire and destroyed forty miles off the Thyboron Canal. Th© entire crew perished. Fishermen at Ringkjobing saw another Zeppelin destroyed.

THE PRESS, MONPA FAR-SEEING- EYES. THE ZEPPELINS' PART. LONDON, June 3. The "Daily Express" says:—"Probably the Zeppelins were largely responsible for the enemy's escape, their real function being to play the part of the eyes of the fleet. The withdrawal of the Germans before tho British Dreadnoughts suggests that they are i far>seeing eyes." ! j; GERMAN NAVAL ACTIVITY. THE KAISER'S DEMANDS. (ReceiTed June 4th. 5.5 p.m.) COPENHAGEN, June 3. The activity of the German Fleet is attributed to the Kaiser's energetic demands upon Prince Henry of Prussia and Admiral von Capelle. when the Kaiser was visiting Wilhelmsharen last week.

STRAGGLING HOME. GERMAN SHIPS BADLY DAMAGED. KAISER TO INSPECT FLEET. COPENHAGEN, June 3. The greater part of tho German Fleet has returned, but is straggling and severely damaged. Ten destroyers have passed the Little Belt going very slowly, six being badly damaged. The Kaiser will inspect the Fleet at Wilhelmshaven on Saturday. MINE DROPPING. UNKNOWN CRUISER LOST. (Received J.i::o Ith, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, June 3. During their retreat tbo German submarines dropped many mines. An unknown cruiser was seen to strike & mine and sink. Few of her crow were saved. (Received June 4th, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, Juno 3. Esbjerg fishermen witnessed a large cruiser of unknown nationality strike a mine 50 miles north-west of Blaavandsirok. Only a few. men were saved. LOST GERMAN CRUISER. SURVIVORS LAND IN HOLLAND. (Received June 4th, 5.5 p.m.) AMSTERDAM, Juno 3. Seventeen men of the crew of tho German cruiser Elbing (?) have landed at Ymuiden. Two of the officers state that another German vessel rammed and sank her. A third officer says he believes sho was spKt by the heavy firing of her own guns. (Received June 4th. 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, Juno 3. Another version of tho loss of tho Elbing is that tho British gun-fire had such a terrible, effect that Captain Madling sent off all the survivors before scuttling tho ship. Captain Madling and three officers were saved.

THE SOLE SURVIVORS. BRITISH !DESTROYER SHARK LOST. SIX. SEAMEN SAVED. (Received Juno 4th, 0.0 p.m.) LONDON. Juno 3. A Danish steamer has landed at Hull six bluejackets who woro picked up in the North Sea on Thursday. They believe themselves to bo the only survivors of tho destroyer Shark, which acted as a decoy boat during the engagement. A GALLANT END. FOUGHT TO THE LAST. (Received Juno 4th, LI .5 p.m.) LONDON. June 3. The survivors of the destroyer Shark state Shai their ship was torpedoed in her oil tanks. Her steering gear was damaged. The helpless vessel was swept by gun-fire until only one of her guns remained in action, this being worked by the commander and two men. At the last the commander's leg was blown off and he went down with his ship. GERMAN WRECK SIGHTED. (Received Juno 4th, 11.5 p.m.) LONDON. Juno 3. The steamer Vidar reports that she passed the wreck of a German warship of which only the bow showed above water. RESULT OF THE ACTION j THE BRITISH BATTLE FLEET REPORTED STATEMENT BY THE ADMIRALTY. (Received June 3rd, 11.5 p.m.) LONDON, June 4. Tho British Admiralty is reported to have informed the American Associated Press that the entire British battle fleet except the Marlborough was coaled and refitted for sea service within a few hours of its return to harbour. The same agency '"learns from the Admiralty" that Sir John Jellicoe's and Sir David Beatty's latest reports have caused a feeling of elation. They may bo summarised as follows: —"TVe went within the enemy's waters seeking to fight. Our inferior fleet en- »

gaged the entire German battle fleet and forced it to return to harbour and abandon any enterprise it may have contemplated." (Iteceivcd June 3rd, 11-5 p.m.) LONDON, June 4. The "Star" says the brief story of the battle as told at a British naval port is that Sir David Beatty's battlecruisers on Wednesday afternoon sighted the German battle fleet "with cruisers and lighter vessels off the Dogger Bank, presumably making for the English coast. Admiral Beatty engaged tho enemy. Sir John Jellicoc meanwhile set out under cover of a fog and steamed down the Norwegian coast. Sir David Beatty's squadron was in great danger, tho Germans being discovered to be in great strength. Sir John Jellicoe's ships then appeared on the scene, and a battle on a gigantic scalo ensued. Estimates of the Germans' losses arc varying and indefinite, but all are high. Zeppelins are said to have played a serious part in causing British casualties. Sir David Beatty is safe and believed to be unharmed.

GERMAN DESTKOYEK LOSSES. TWENTY REPORTED SUNK. (Received Juno 4th, 0.0 p.m.) COPENHAGEN, June 3. Three Germans belonging to the destroyer No. 48 havo been picked up on a raft. They declare thai t&ey are the solo survivors of tleir ship. Though they aro reticent, they say they believe that about 20 German destroyers were destroyed. AN INTERESTING REPORT. DAMAGED SHIPS IX DANISH WATERS. (Received June 4th, 0.£5 p.m.) LONDON, June 3. It is rumoured in responsible city circles that eight German warships took refuge in Danish territorial waters and that the 24 hours' notice to leave expired at noon to-day. THE DOMINION SHIPS. THE AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND. (Received June 4th, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, Juno 3. Though the only ships mentioned arc the casualties, reports from Edinburgh favour the belief that the Australia and Now Zealand participated in the action. AFTER THE BATTLE. HUNDREDS OP BODIES SIGHTED. WRECKAGE THICK AND WIDESPREAD. COPENHAGEN, June 3. The fishermen at Esbjerg report having seen several hundred British and German bodies outside Blaavandshuk, and much oil on tho surface of the water, apparently from submarines. COPENHAGEN. Juno 3. Many steamers arriving in Danish harbours report that the sea is strewn for miles with evidence of the fearful battle. Wreckage is thick and widespread, mines have been scattered broadcast, and a groat number of torpedoes have been seen.

THE NEWS IN BRITAIN. TREMENDOUS EXCITEMENT CAUSED. EARLY REPORTS CAUSE DISMAY. THE ADMIRALTY'S CANDOUR. 't June 2. The evening newspapers had special editions on the streots a few minutes after tho official announcement was received. There -was great excitement. Particulars of the casualties hare not beon published. The more complete story is eagerly awaited. (Received Juno 4th. 5.5 JJ-m.) LONDON, Juno 3. Britain is aflame with, the news of tho naval' battle. The last editions of tho evening papers had gone to press ■when tho news camo, but special editions were quickly on the streets. The first impression caused was something approaching dismay, owing to the Admiralty, with their customary candour, setting out every British casualty and under-estimating the enemy's | losses. A better impression prevailed when Sir John Jelliooe's report was i&i sued, suggesting that if the Germans lost two Dreadnought battleships and a battle-cruiser to our three battlecruisers, the balance of advantage was with th<s British. Fleet. BRITISH PRESS COMMENTGRAND FLEET HOLDS THE SEAS. FLGHT AGAINST GREAT ODDS. THE ENEMY'S CANARDS. {Received June 4th., 5.5 p.m.) j LONDON, June 3. Tho "Dairy Telegraph" says:—"The engagement in the North Sea was fought apparently under conditions favourable to the enemy. The assertion of the enemy that his ships fought against superior forces is not borne out by the Admiralty's announcement, and may be dismissed as an invention put into-circulation, in. order to minister

satisfaction to the German public. V,c are the poorer by tho loss of precious lives and valuable ships, but must guard against pessimism. Our battle fleet remains to-day with all its magnificent power. Nothing has occurred to affect in any degreo the hold our Navy has exercised for two years -upon the ocean communications of tho world." The "Daily Chronicle" says: —"Apparently our battle-cruiser squadron was steaming northwards of the coast of Schleswijj when it encountered a greatly superior German force, and was badly mauled before tho ships of the British Grand Fleet arrived. Possibly the idea was that the cruiser squadron should entice the enomy and engage him until tho battleships arrived. Unhappily, the Germans wero content with the damage done by them, and raced back to port. Wo fear this policy is directly traceable to the influence of civil alarm on tho British East Coast, and the demand of some emotional people that the Fleet should do something spectacular. Mr Balfour foreshadowed a change in our naval policy in his recent letter to tho Mayors of the East Coast towns. Nothing but harm can result when naval strategy and tactics are overborne by civilians craving for the spectacular. Sir John Jellicoe must be left untrammelled to make liis own plans."

The letter referred to by the "Daily Chronicle'' was mentioned in a message on May 9th, which said: —"iMr Balfour, First Lord of the Admiralty, in a letter on the subject of .East Coast bombardments, points out that Britain's maritimo position has so improved that, instead, of keeping tho battle, fleets .in the north, as the strategy of the earlier stages of the war required, it was now possible to bring important forces south, reinforced by submarines and monitors, irithout imperilling our preponderance elsewhere. Hence another raid on the Norfolk coast would be far more perilous for the enemy than in the past." (Received June 4th. 11.y p.m.) LONDON, June 4. The "Pall Mall Gazette" points out that the subdued tone of the earlier Press comment on th 0 battle was duo to the absence of Admiral Sir John Jellicoe's second communique, which was issued after ono o'clock in the morning. It adds:—"When both are compared, tho German version leaves no ground for depression respecting the general naval situation." The "Observer" and "Weekly Despatch" demand Admiral Lord Fisher's return to the Admiralty. PANICKY ADVICE. LORD FISHER ONCE MORE. LONDON, June 3. The "Daily News" says tho demand for Lord Fisher's return to the Admiraltv must become insistent.

A CLOSE RANGE ACTION. AVHY THE BATTEE-CRUISEB.S SUFFERED. (Received Juno 4tfi, o.u p.m.) LONDON, June 3. Tho naval critic of the "Morning Post" points out that the weather was thick, the range of vision being not more than six miles. Therefore, the action -was fought at short range, the ships-' main and secondary armaments being -used. As the German battleships mount tho most powerful secondary armaments, the British ships were exposed to a tremendous fire. The three British, battle-cruisers 6unk were not designed for close fighting in tho line of battle, but for fighting at high speed and long range, in which they were extraordinarily successful at tho Falkland Islands. Despito its losses, the British. Fleet remained on the sea victorious.

EXCITEMENT IN HOLLAND. ENEMY CLAIMS BRILLIANT VICTORY. GERMAN STORIES DOUBTED. A3ISTERDAM, Juno 3. The excitement in Holland was rendered intense by tho entire absence of English news for twenty hours after tho German communique had been published, claiming a brilliant victory. The Ihjteh Press and tho nation aro strongly inclined to receivo the German communique with reserve. Tho Rotterdam "Nieuwsblad" asked: —"If the German Fleet had such a victory why had it to return from the action?"

IN NEW YORK. PANIC OX STOCK EXCHANGE I BRITISH VERSION CAUSES i RECOVERY. NEW YORK, Juno 3. Owing to the German version of the North Sea fight reaching ibe United States first, heavy gelling of stocks look place on the New York Exchange. NEW YORK, June 3. The Stock Exchange broke from one to four points following the receipt of the German official announcement, but the later statement of the facts from London started a recovery, and most of the losses were made up. THROUGH GERMAN EYES. IN THE REICHSTAG. HEAVY LOSSES ADMITTED. BRITISH " SEVERAL TIMES GREATER." GREAT "VICTORY" CLAIMED. ROTTERDAM, June 3. The members of the Reichstag and the.. Federal-Council listened to Presi-

dent Kaempf reading the official communique, all standing. Herr Kaempf added: —"Several of our fine ships have been lost, and many bravo sailors havo perished, but the enemy's losses are soveral times greater. Proof has been given that our Fleet is able to face a superior British naval forco and gain tlio victory." The King of Saxony telegraphed to tho Kaiser congratulating him on tho "brilliant victory over tho main x>art of the English battle fleet." Ho added: —"This is one of the finest of days for tho Fatherland. Our Fleet has proved absolutely equal to the Army."

A GERMAN ADMISSION. LOSS OF A NEW CRUISER". (Received June 4th, 11.10 p.m.) AMSTERDAM, June 4. An official German communique says: "We were compelled to blow np the Elbing as slie was lieavily damaged in a collision with anotlier German warship." CELEBRATIONS IX BERLIN. FLAG-WAVING AND SCHOOL HOLIDAY. (Rcceired Juno 4th, 5.5 p.m.) AMSTERDAM, June 3. An official order has been issued in Berlin directing the houses and other buildings to be dressed with flags, and a holiday to be observed in the schools. REJOICINGS EVERYWHERE. GERMAN LOSSES MINIMISED. OFFICIAL REPORT ACCEPTED AT FULL FACE VALUE. ROTTERDAM. June 3. There are rejoicings throughout tho German Empire, the official communique having been accepted at its full face value Experts declare that the English losses in big ships total 100,000 tons, and those of the Germans' 13,000 tons. GERMAN PRESS COMMENT. A "CONQUERING BLOW." YOUNG NAVY'S "TREMENDOUS SUPERIORITY." ROTTERDAM, June 3. Captain Persius, writing in the "Berliner Tageblatt," says:—"Tho German Fleet, in an open sea batHe, without coastal support, has dealt a conquering blow to the strongest fleet in the world." I, Tho "Deutsche Tageszeitung" says: —"Victory has been obtained against superior numbers. Our young Navy has shown tremendous superiority over tho first and greatest fleet in the world." BRITISH BRAVERY. THE ENEMY'S TRIBUTE. AMSTERDAM, Juno 3. All tho reports from German sources agree in acknowledging the enemy's bravery during the battle, which was almost continuous for twelve hours.

STATEMENT BY MR MASSEY. "NO PEACE UNTIE GERMANY IS BROUGHT TO HER KNEES." ENTHUSIASTIC RECEPTION OF PRIME MINISTER. (sPECIAIi TO "THE rUKSS.") WELLINGTON, June 4. A short speech in regard to the war was made by the Prime Minister this afternoon at a religious patriotic service held in the Town Hall. There was a very large -attendance, and hundreds of people -were unable, to secure admission to the building. Mr Massey had gone to the hall in order to toko part in the service, but with no intention of making a speech. On his appearance, however, the crowd outside tho hall, which stretched right across tho street, called upon him to address them. Mr Massey complied with the request, and delivered a few remarks from tho stops of the nail. Ho was greeted witli enthusiasm, and received a most attentive hearing, the absence of the usual interjections being most noticeable. M> Massey, in referring to the naval battle, said that when he expressed tho opinion in the House the other day that we had now reached the most serious stage of the war, ho had no idea that at that very moment hundreds, and perhaps thousands, of gallant sailors were laying down their lives for us in the North Sea. He dealt with the general outlook of the war, taking tho line that the Empire must bo prepared to meet events as they camo along, and to continue tho war to any length, whether it was six months or six years. (Cheers.) Even though it meant hardships, hard times, and even perhaps financial ruin to many people, the war had t 0 g 0 on —all necessary sacrifices must be made; there eonlcl bo no stopping or looking back. (Cheers.) The crisis was such that every man of military age must bo prepared to go into the firing line, whilst those who were too young t>r too old to fight must consider it their duty to assist in connexion with munitions, food supplies, and in any other way required. (Cheers.) Nothing mattered except the winning ©f the war. (Cheers.) Mr Massey created a tremendous impression among the crowd by lifting his right hand and swearing that, as far as he was concerned, there would be no peace or thought of peace until Germany was brought to her knees. The sword would not be sheathed or tho rifle laid down until an honourable and lasting peace was secured for tho British Empire, for the Allies, and for the wholo world. (Loud cheers.) The scene was one of remarkable enthusiasm

At a meeting in tho Town Hall'last night-, Mr Massey was also greeted with cheers, esnedallv when he announced, in connexion with the battle, that so far as could be gathered from the cable messages the balance of victory was on the British side.