JELLICOE'S MESSAGE TO THE FLEET

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2796, 14 June 1916, Page 5

JELLICOE'S MESSAGE TO THE FLEET

ADMIRAL'S HIGH TRIBUTE PULL DETAILS OF THE FIGHT PROMISED By Telegraph-Press Association--C<wyright . , ■. ! , London, June 12. Admiral Jelhcoe, in a message to the i expresses the highest appreciation ?, ii ]n f innor in which it fought in the iiattle ot Jutland. Ho says: "In the a fe on ? e information it is impossible to enter into details, but sufficient is known to enable me to stato definitely that the glorious traditions handed down to us by generations of gallant seamen were most "worthily upheld. "The highly unfavourable weathev conditions robbed the Fleet of tho completo victory which, all ranks expected. Our losses were heavy, and we 'miss many of our most gallant comrades. "Although it is difficult to obtain accurate information as to the enemy's losses, I have no doubt they were not less than ours. Sufficient information has been received to cnablo me to make that statement confidently. I hope to givo the I'lcet the fullest information shortly.

"I do not "wish to delay my expression of keen appreciation for the work of the Fleet, ana of my confidence, in a future complete victory." The Admiral's message concludes: "The wonderful spirit and fortitudo of the wounded filled me with the greatest admiration. I am prouder than ever at the honour of commanding a fleet manned by such officers and men."

THE DEATH-GRIP AT SEA. London, Juno 12. A Cardiff man aboard H.M.S. NewZealand relates that when daylight came after the battle the ship steamed into an area where there were numerous couples of British and German bodies locked in deadly embrace. Apparently two ships sank at close quarters nnd the men fought in the water. ■ ■ , - THE LION IN BATTLE SIR DAVID BEATTY ON THE BRIDGE. ("Times" and Sydney "Sun" Services.) (Kec. June 13, 5.5 ■■p.m.) London, Juno 12. The "Times" Edinburgh correspondent writes.: "The crew of the Lion—flagship ®f the battle-cruiser fleet—extol Sir David Beatty's conduct during the battle. All tlie timo he was on tlio topmost bridge directing the operations. He gloried in the fight; and was as eager, active, and delighted as a schoolboy in a victorious football match. When it was all over ho thanked his officers and. crew for their magnificent work. "The Lion was heavily battered, but gave more than she got, and is quite ready for action again. The German marksmanship was at first admirable, but later deteriorated. , Thus the New Zealand, which for long periods was in the firing line, was only once hit, a shell licking off a piece of armour-plate a yard long 1 by seven inches thick, which fell on the dock. It is being sent to New Zealand as a souvenir."

GERMAN ATTEMPT TO RELEASE COMMERCE-RAIDERS

PEW, IP ANT, ESCAPED PROM . THE BATTLE. ("Times" and Sydney "Sun" Services.) (Req. .Tune 13, 5.5 p.m.) London, June 12. The' "Times" Amsterdam porrespon•dent states that the German Fleet on' May 31 convoyed a large number of fast commerce destroyers, expecting to evade our Grand Fleet, and repeat the exploits of the Emden. It is believed that few, if any, of these returned to port. "MOST GLORIOUS VICTORY SINCE TRAFALGAR." ' (By Telegraph—Special Correspondent.) Napier, June 13. The Hawke's Bay branch of the Navy League have received the following cable message- from their president, Mr. R, D. iTLean, who is now in England: "Tell Navy League friends that the North-Sea battle was the most glorious and decisive naval victory since Trafalgar." '