A DETAILED ACCOUNT.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXV, Issue 10713, 28 December 1914, Page 5

A DETAILED ACCOUNT.

GERMANS REFUSE TO SURRENDER. (Received Last Night, 5.5 o'clock.) NEW YORK, December 26. The Captain of the steamer Orissa states that Admiral Sturdee arrived at Falkland Island on November 7th. On the following morning, whilo some vessels were coaling, and another outside the harbour on guard duty, a German warship was detected ncaring the bay. A few minutes later five vessels were sighted. Admiral'Von Spec, presuming tliat the British cruiser was on guard alone, attempted to out her off. .Sho commenced action while the Germans were coming in. Meanwhile another British ship came up. The Germans, realising that they had "dropped," the Scharnhorst, Gniesenau, and Leipsig into line of battle, whilst the Nurnhurg and Dresden dashed away. The Germans- opened fire at 13 000 metres. Admiral Sturdee did not reply till at 8,000 metres. Soon there was a terrjflic bombai dment, the splendid weather conditions favouring the gunners. While ono cruiser engaged the Leipsig in a riming fight and sank her, the rest engaged the Sclmrnhorst and Gnicsenau. The former sank after a stubborn resistance, lasting an hour. The survivors were drawn up to tho bows, but refused to surrender. Tho Gnieseuau made a desperate effort to escape, but she was a battered, hopeless wreck, and foundered in two hours. The Numburg was overtiken 90 miles from the 'scone of the engagement, and was quickly sent to the uottom. The British failed to overtake tho Dresden. Tho German transport also escaped, but the colliers were sank after tlie crews were taken off. Throughout the action the British were short of coal and everything that would burn, were used as fuei. • One of the British ships was slightly damaged below the water-line. The rest of them were unscathed. Eight British, were killed in action and buried on the 10th. The "commander of the Dyesden informed the captain of the Orissa that when the Germans arrived at Uie Falkland*. Admiral Von Spee detached a ship to discover the facts, concerning the reported presence .of British ships. The cruiser returned and reported the British ships. Admiral Von Spee then prepared for battle. When he discovered that he had underestimated the strength of the British, he persisted in fighting, but ordered the Leips ; g, Dresden, and Nurnhurg to retire beyond range, while the Schamhorst and Gncisriat> gave battle.