Fourth D.F. (Royal Navy) at the Battle of Jutland

The Fourth Destroyer Flotilla sustained heavy losses in the night action when it met elements of the High Sea Fleet unexpectedly at short range. The flotilla was represented in the battle as follows:

• Tipperary, Flotilla leader (lost), Captain (D) Charles John Wintour
• Broke, flotilla leader, Commander Walter L. Allen
• Achates, Commander Reginald B. C. Hutchinson, D.S.C.
• Porpoise, Commander Hugh D. Colville
• Spitfire, Lieutenant-Commander Clarence W. E. Trelawny
• Unity, Lieutenant-Commander Arthur M. Lecky
• Garland, Lieutenant-Commander Reginald S. Goff
• Ambuscade, Lieutenant-Commander Gordon A. Coles
• Ardent (lost), Lieutenant-Commander Arthur Marsden
• Fortune (lost), Lieutenant-Commander Frank G. Terry
• Sparrowhawk (lost), Lieutenant-Commander Sydney Hopkins
• Contest, Lieutenant-Commander Ernald G. H. Master
• Shark (lost), Commander Loftus W. Jones
• Acasta, Lieutenant-Commander John O. Barron
• Ophelia, Commander Lewis G. E. Crabbe
• Christopher, Lieutenant-Commander Fairfax M. Kerr
• Owl, Commander Robert G. Hamond
• Hardy, Commander Richard A. A. Plowden
• Midge, Lieutenant-Commander James R. C. Cavendish

They fired a total of fifteen torpedoes, claiming seven hits.

Spitfire

On 3 June, Spitfire's captain reported on the Battle of Jutland.

No. 0017/2. Commander-in-Chief, Grand Fleet. Submitted. J. R. P. HAWKSLEY, "Castor," Commodore (F). 6th June 1916. H.M.S. "SPITFIRE," 3rd June 1916. SIR, I HAVE the honour to report that I observed the following damage to enemy ships on night of 31st May, between 11.0 and 11.40 p.m. 1. " Spitfire " torpedoed a 4-funnelled cruiser, class not determinable, between but she had 4 very tall funnels. She was observed to heel over immediately on being struck and appeared to be in a sinking condition. 2. " Spitfire " was rammed by and rammed (port bow to port bow) a cruiser of " Freya, " class (presumably). 20 feet of her skin plating from upper deck to below scuttles is now in "Spitfire." 3. A battle-cruiser of " Moltke " type passed close astern of "Spitfire" " at about the same time. She was going very fast, but appeared to be on fire between her funnels and on her fore mess deck, but there was no flame—only smoke. I have the honour to be, Sir, Your obedient Servant, C. TRELAWNY, Lieut.-Comdr. The S.O., 4th Flotilla.