BATTLE OF JUTLAND

Gisborne Times, Volume LIII, Issue 5666, 21 December 1920, Page 5

BATTLE OF JUTLAND

JELLICOE’S COMMENT

AUNES AND SUBMARINES MUST BE CONSIDERED IN FUTURE.

REMARKABLE PROPHECY BY BRITISH ADMIRAL.

(United Press Association— Copyright.) LONDON, Dec. 19. Lord Jellicoe’s covering despatch about the Jutlamd battle says that the German gunnery secured hits within two ;or three minute’s at a 10-mile range. The enemy had no time to lay a prepared mine area, and not much time to place his submarines, although many were present. It is. not likely that in future actions we shall be so favored, and the element of time will therefore ho still more important. It might actually bo necessary purposely to delay the close of an action on account of the possibilities afforded by mines and submarines for preparing a trap on a large scale. This possibility will increase as enemy submarines increase. “The result af the' action,” continues Lord Jellicoe, “particularly the knowledge of the unexpected speed of the enemy’s third squadron, must influence our future tactics. ” The volume includes a report of the German Admiral Von Scheer, who says that a decisive factor in the success he claims was both directly and indirectly the range and heavy armament of his larger vessels, which caused the greater part of the known loss inflicted on the enemy, and enabled flotillas successfully to attack the main fleet. Von Scheer concludes that the large warship, battleship, and cruiser, remain the foundation of sea power, and should be further developed.—Times. Appendices to the report include a striking letter to Admiral Ward from Lord Jellicoe, written in, October, 1914. outlining his policy, and saying he would attempt to fight an action in the northern part of the North Sea, because then he would be nearer the British bases,' hospitals, and coal stores. The letter contains a remarkable prophecy of later events. Lord Jellicoe says: If the enemy battlefleet turns away from an advancing fleet I should assume his intention was to lead us ever his mines and submarines, and I would decline I to he drawn. I would particularly j draw the attention of the Admiralty to this point, because such an act may he deemed a refusal, and indeed might result in failure to bring the enemy to action. Such a result would be absolutely repugnant to the feelings of British officers and men, hut new tactics must he devised to meet new and untried methods, of warfare, though these may bring odium upon me.” Lord Jellicoe mentioned his fear that half the battlefleet might lie disabled by an underwater attack, mid said that the_ safeguard against sub-, marines consisted in the battlefleet moving at a very high speed to flank. The Admiralty replied, approving of his views, and expressing full con- j fidence in his contemplated conduct, j Commentators point out that Lord Jellicoe’s fear of a submarine attack proved unjustified, as the Germans state that they had no submarines present.—A. and N.Z.C.A.

COAIMENT BY “THE TIMES.”

REPORT MAY ONLY ADD TO

CONTROVERSY

LONDON, Dec. IS.

The Times, in a leader, declares that the Jutland report, will not limp in the dissipation of the impression that it was a British reverse. The report is too voluminous and too mechanical to command public understanding. The only result may be to add fresh fuel to fan the flames ot controversy.—Times.