On the Sea

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXV, Issue 307, 28 December 1914, Page 5

On the Sea

THE FALKLANDS FIGHT.

United Pbebb Association

London, December 25

Officers of Admiral Sturdee's squadron state that they were coaling when the Germans approached. While steam was being got up the British breakfasted and had a good wash. The squadron then divided in a certain manner, and commenced the pursuit. When the Germans found what

they had run up against, they made off at twenty knots, but were within range after six hours. Finding escape impossible, they turned and accepted the inevitable. They fought gallantly, and went down with colors flying. Admiral Sturdee was' unable to capture any ships, which preferred to' sink with their crews .

The Nurnburg sank after five hours' fighting. Cables state that the British are now off the coast, searching for the Dresden.

New York, December 26.

J Further details of the Falklands 'fight show that two British battle cruisers lay in hiding until the German admiral Von Spee attacked the smaller ships. Then the battcle-cruisers with their 8 and 12-inch guns swung out for action. The German then realised his terrible mistake. Meanwhile the 12-inchers raked the Scharnhorst and Gneisenau from stem to stern, opening gaping holes in their sides. Flames appeared in the upper works of both ships, and they slowly heeled over and sank. When the Seharnhorst sank she was ablaze. Most of the British casualties were sustained when the Leipsig was sinking. The British ceased fire to lower boats, and started to the rescue. Then the Leipsig landed another shell aboard the British vessel. The latter immediately poured a broadside into the enemy. British officrs, however, expressed regret at this, and said it was the outcome of the heat of battle. They were inclined to believe that the Leipsig's last shot was accidental.

The British cruisers stopped to rescue the Nurnburg's survivors, and enabled the Dresden and the transport Prinz Eitel Friedrich to escape.

I The Gneisehau was out of ammunition when she was sunk. Some of 'the' officers i stood at attention while the ship's glee club sang "The Watch on the Rhine" as the ship went down. A large number of the crew were rescued. Both of Admiral Von Spee's sons perished. The British and French colonies at Monte Video gave a brilliant reception in honor of Admiral Sturdee.

AFTER BREAKFAST.

(Received 8.35 a.m.)

Buenos Ayres, December 27

The Germans opened fire at such long range that the Britishers were allowed to finish their breakfast. They could scarcely be induced to remain below so eager were they to fight. They toasted the Germans (giving them a chance) though only tea was available in which to drink the toast. The firing of the Scharnhorst is described as magnificent.- After the destruction of the wardroom, one eight-inch shell struck the deck and scattered the whole length of the vessel but exploded harmlessly. The'British battleships getting tho clear range, poured shells on to the enemy's decks, destroying the guns and decimating the crews. Admiral Sturdee's repeated signals demanding surrender were unheeded.

About one hundred Germans were saved, the captain of the Gneisenati being among the wounded.

BRITISH RAID AT CUXHAVEN.

New York, December 27

Reuter's correspondent at tßerlin says the German Admiralty announces that eight British ships raided an unnamed German bay on TJecember 25th, hydro-aeroplanes accompanying and dropping bombs. The Admiralty declares that the raiders were driven off, with three of their ships damaged. The raid was apparently directed at Cuxhaven, which is named incidentally in the German statement.

AT POLA IN THE ADRIATIC.

London, December 25

Amsterdam publishes official reports from Vienna, stating that batteries at Pola sank the French sub-, marine Curie. The crew was saved.

THE FATE OF THE CURIE.

(Received 8.15 a.m.) London, December 27

A Milan report shows that the Curie in attempting to penewate Pola fouled a protective net and two shots struck her. The Curio stowJy sank, and all but one officer warn clear, and were picked up. ITALIAN BLUEJACKETS AT VALONA. Rome, December 26. Ttalian bluejackets have landed at Valona (Albania). The Giornalo d'ltalia says the action is more an international police measure than a military operation. La Tribuna states (that the landing is due to the unrest jof the population. TRAWLER MINED IN NORTH SEA (Received 8.15 a.m.) London, December ?7. The trawler Ocana was Mown up by a mine in lh« North Sea. Une survivor.