Runs to Port With Gaping Holes

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 296, 15 December 1939, Page 7

Runs to Port With Gaping Holes

Three British Cruisers Waiting Outside Achilles in Epic 18-hour Running Fight United Press Assn.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright. Received Thursday, 7.20 p.m. LONDON, December 14. The Admiralty announces that the cruisers Exeter, Ajax unit Achilles, under the command of Commodore H. H. Harwood, contacted the German poclcet battleship Admiral Graf Spee at 6 a.m. yesterday in the South Atlantic. A heavy running; fight occurred between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., at which time the Exeter, receiving damage and reducing speed, was foroed to drop out of the action. The Ajax and Achilles continued the chase of the Graf Spee, which was repeatedly hit and appeared to be seeking refuge in the River Plate. The New York Times’ correspondent says the Ajax was convoying the French liner Formosa from Rio de Janeiro to Monte Video when the Graf Spee opened fire. A wireless call brought the Exeter and Achilles foaming into action and the Formosa hurried to safety. During the first intense action the Graf Spee tried vainly to outrun and outmanoeuvre the Britishers, while firing continued for four hours. The Exeter's guns inflicted the first heavy damage on the enemy, while the lighter British cruissrs maintained contact fearlessly and effectively. Thereupon the Graf Spee, which was now leading the chase southward, devoted all her attention to the Exeter, whose steering was damaged, forcing her to quit the battle, but during the later engagement tbs raider was so badly crippled that she made full speed towards the coast. The Ajax and Achilles doggedly pursued the German raider. When off Punta del Este, the British ships steamed swiftly westward, taking advantage of the setting sun to get the Graf Spee silhouetted against the reflection in the eastern sky while they were protected by the land’s shadow. This forced the Graf Spee to change her course to her disadvantage, subjecting her to heavy fire. Thus the night fell with the guns biasing. It was a picturesque sight for the many watchers ashore. Finally the Graf Spee managed to reach the entrance of the River Plate and the British ships ceased firing. The Graf Spee at Monte Video debarked 36 dead and 60 wounded, while a few miles away watchfully lay the British cruisers which defeated her in an ?8 hours’ running battle, the biggest and most dramatic engagement of the war. A silent and awed crowd jammed the waterfront to witness the casualties being taken ashore. The vanquished Nasi ship has three gaping holes in her hull, superstructure and forecastle and other scars. The commander was slightly injured and one of the officers is dead. The Graf Spee's damage is such that she is unable to depart immediately. It was indicated that she would be given time for repairs before internment proceedings are instituted. It is reported that the captain and others from six captured British merchantmen would be released here. A message from New York states that, after the Graf Spee anchored at Monte Video, the German Minister arrived at the port prefect’s office shortly after midnight to intern the raider for the duration of the war. An earlier despatch from the United Press of America correspondent at Monte Video said it was not known whether the Graf Spee would leave the port when the customary 24 hours’ limit expired or whether she would be interned. The battleship steamed along the coast after the battle ended, playing her searchlights on the beaches as she was unfamiliar with the harbour entrance. The correspondent adds that the three British cruisers almost immediately followed the Graf Spec into the harbour. The Uruguayan President's Secretary announced, after the authorities had been aboard the battleship, that she is the Admiral Graf Spee and not the Admiral Scheer. Raider May Remain 30 Days to Effect Repairs BRITISH CASUALTIES NOT ANNOUNCED Received Thursday, 11.20 p.m. NEW YORK, December 14. The Monte Video correspondent of the American United Press states that the President’s secretary announced that the Admiral Graf Spee will be allowed to remain 30 days to effect repairs. Several doctors boarded the Exeter, but the British casualties have not been announced. A London message states that the legal position of the Graf Spee is now governed by The Hague Convention of 1907, permitting damaged belligerent warships to remain in a neutral port over 24 hours, but only to carry out essential repairs. It docs not distinguish between damage by weather or damage in battle. A Washington message says informed circles believe there will be no repercussions in connection with the Pan-American neutrality since a naval engagement among belligerents did not affect neutrals.