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:[1][2]
- 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.[3]
Spitfire
On 3 June, Spitfire's captain reported on the Battle of Jutland.[4]
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.
See Also
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