aN OFFICIAL STATEMENT.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 15669, 6 June 1916, Page 6

aN OFFICIAL STATEMENT.

RESULTS QUITE PLAIN. GRAND FLEET REMAINS SUPREME. high seas FLEET DRIVEN TO PORT. ENEMY'S LOSSES HEAVIER THAN BRITISH. (By Cable.—Press Association.— Copyright.) (Received June sth, 8.20 p.m.) LONDON, Juno 5. The Admiralty announces that until Sir John Jellicoe, Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Fleet, is able to supply a full despatch, any attempt to give details or tho history of tho engager meut is premature, but the results are quite plain. Tho Grand. Fleet came into toucli with tho German High Seas, Fleet at 3.30 on tho afternoon of Wednesday, May 31st. The loading ships of the two Fleets engaged in a vigorous fight, in which battle-cruisers fast battle-ships, and subsidiary craft took an activo part. , The losses were severe on both sidesENEMY SEVERELY PUNISHED. When tho main body of the British Fleet got into contact with tho Gorman High Seas Fleet, a very brief period sufficed to compel tho latter, who had' been severely punished, to seek refuge in its protected waters. This manoeuvre was rendered possible by the low visibility and the mist. Although tho Grand Floet was now and then able to get into momentary contact with its opponents, no continuous action was possible. A NIGHT PURSUIT. Tho British ships continued their pursuit until tho light wholly failed, whilo tho British destroyers successfully attacked the enemy during the.jiigbt. Meanwhile Sir Jolui Jellicoe, having driven the enemy into port, returned to tho main scene of the action and 6coured tho sea searching for disabled vessels. By noon on Thursday it was evident that there "was nothing more to bo done. Sir John Jellicoe then returned to his ba6© 400 mile? away, and refuelled his ships, the Fleet being again ready for sea on Friday evening. BRITISH LOSSES FULLY STATED. There is nothing to add to, or subtract from, the Admiralty's account. Tho British losses have already been fully stated. THE ENEMY'S LOSiSES. The enemy's losses are less easy to determine. The accounts they have given are false. From tho evidence in the possession of the Admiralty tho opinion is that the German losses were heavier than thoso of the British, not merely relatively to the strength of the two fleets but absolutely. There seems to be the strongest grounds for supposing that included in the German losse.s are: — Two battleship®. Two Dreadnought battle-cruisers of tho most powerful type. Two of tho latest light cruisers, Wiesbaden and Elbing. A light cruiser of the Rostock type. The light cruiser Frauenlob. At least nine destroyers. At least one submarine.