THE FALKLAND ISLANDS SLIGHT.

Wanganui Chronicle, Issue 2027, 28 December 1914, Page 5

THE FALKLAND ISLANDS SLIGHT.

HOW THE GERMANS WERE MADE TO FIGHT,

GALLANTLY ACCEPTED THE INEVITABLE.

Received December 27 355 p m LONDON, Decem ikr 25 " Officers of Vice-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 m a certain manner and commenced the pursuit. When the Germans found what they had run up against they made off at 20 knots, but were within range after six hours. Finding escape impossible they turned and accepted the inevitable and fought gallantly till they went down with colours flying.

Vice-Admiral Sturdee was unable to capture any of the ships which preferred to sink with their crews The Nurnburg was sunk after five hours' fighting.

The cables state that the British are now off the coast searching for the Dresden.

NEW YORK, December 26 Further details of the Falkland Islands light show that two British battle cruisers lay in hiding un til Yon Spec attached \the smaller ships. Then the battle cruisers came tearing along, each with eight 19. inchers swung out for action Yon Spec realised his terrible mistake and meanwhile the 12-inchers raked the Scharnhorst and Gneisenau from stem to stern, opening gaping holes in the sides. Flames appeared in the underworks of both ships. They slowly heeled over and sunk. The Scharnhorst sank ablaze In the. fight with the Leipzig mos t ot the British casualties were sustained when the Leipzig was sinking. The British ceased to fire and lowered the boats to rescue the men. Then the Leipzig landed another shell aboard the British vessel which immediately poured a broadside into the enemy.

British officers, however, expressed resrrst at this and said it was Ihe outcome of the heat of the battle. They were inclined to believe the Leipzig s last shot was accidental. Ihe British cruisers stopped to *•?<'- cue the Nurnburg's survivors Vnabhng the Dresden and the transport Princeitel Frederich to escape Ihe Gneisenau was without ammunition when she sunk.

Some officers stood at attention and the ship's glee club sang the Watch on the Rheine" as they we nt down.. A large number of her crew wero rescued.

Both Yon Spec's sons perished The British and Frencn <■.Monies at Monte Video gave a brilliant ieception in honour of Viea-Admiral Sturdea