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

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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]

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.

Ambuscade

On 3 June, Ambuscade's captain reported on the Battle of Jutland.[5]

H.M.S. "AMBUSCADE,"
SIR, 3rd June.
I HAVE the honour to forward the account of " Ambuscade's "
part in the night action between the 4th Flotilla and
the enemy's Battle Fleet on the night of 31st May.
The flotilla was in single line ahead, the 1st half under
" Tipperary " leading, followed by "Broke," " Achates," " Ambuscade,"
"Ardent," "Fortune," " Porpoise " and "Unity,"
steering South, five miles astern of the second Battle Squadron.
At 11.30 p.m. enemy cruisers were observed on the starboard
bow steering South-east at high speed. " Tipperary " drew
enemy's fire, and was passed about 5 cables on starboard beam,
apparently in a sinking condition.
I attacked with 2 torpedoes, and from a violent explosion
shortly afterwards, consider a hit may have been obtained. It
is believed "Fortune " was sunk about this time. I then hauled
off to the Eastward, following " Achates," eventually turning
South.
At about 11.55 p.m. we encountered enemy's Battle Fleet
steering South East. The third torpedo was fired at ships whose
fire was concentrated on "Ardent." A red flash was observed
at water line between searchlights of centre ship, and these
momentarily went out, giving the possibility of a bit, observing
that, though improbable, " Ardent " may also have been able
to fire. The " Ardent " was not seen after this.
All torpedoes were now discharged, and by smoke screen, and
continual alteration of helm, I got away to the Eastward, and
failing to keep in touch with the " Achates," turned North, and
eventually South, joining Commodore (F) at 3.0 a.m. on
June 1st.
The enemy's fire and working of searchlights was extremely
accurate, while their use of star shells rendered a surprise torpedo
attack almost impossible.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
GORDON A. COLES,
Lieut. Commander.

Ardent

On 3 June, Ardent's captain reported on the Battle of Jutland from a hospital ship.[6]

M.F.A. "China," - Hospital Ship No. VI, 3rd June 1916.

SIR,
I REGRET to report the loss through enemy gunfire of
H.M.S. " Ardent " at about 12.30 a.m. (G.M.Z) June 1st.
Single line ahead was formed astern of the Battle Fleet after
dark on 31st May. As far as I could judge, the line " Ardent "
was in consisted of : " Achates," "Ambuscade," "Ardent,"
"Fortune," and several other Torpedo Boat Destroyers in rear,
Course South, speed 17 knots. " Tipperary's " line appeared to
be well out to the Starboard of us.
2. Various other ships were seen dimly and much firing going
on, on either side until just after midnight, when fourlarge ships
appeared closing in on our Starboard hand, Course about S. by E.
The leader challenged by switching on and off several groups of
Green and Red lamps. Almost immediately they switched on
Searchlights, picked up " Fortune " and opened fire. " For-
tune " was hit at once. I altered to Starboard and endeavoured
to assist "Fortune," and from a very favourable position from
about 2,000 yards on her port beam fired a torpedo at the leading
enemy's ship, which undoubtedly scored a hit, the explosion was
seen, and the enemy ship's foremost searchlights went off and
she turned to Starboard. The second Ship in the line then
fixed her searchlights and opened fire on "Ardent," so I increased
speed and turned away to Port. I could see the " Fortune "
badly hit, on fire, and apparently sinking, but still firing her
guns in a most gallant manner at her big adversary.
A few minutes after this I altered course to South to try to
pick up "Ambuscade." steered for what I thought was her
smoke, to find I was rapidly closing four large German Ships
crossing my bows from Starboard to Port, course about N.N.E.
at a high speed. It was too late to get away, so I attacked
immediately and fired a torpedo from a favourable position at
the leader, I could not see if it hit, as at once a most devastating
fire was poured in on the " Ardent" from the two leading Ships,
who both had their searchlights on us. This bombardment
continued for about five minutes when the enemy ceased fire
and switched off, after which period the Ship was a total wreck,
and appeared to be sinking. I then sank the Secret books, etc.,
and went aft to try and make a Raft, all our boats, Carley floats,
Sze. being smashed to bits. At this moment the enemy
recommenced firing from point blank range, I gave the order
"save yourselves," and about forty survivors jumped into the
sea, with no support beyond lifebelts, waistcoats, &c., and
shortly after the Ship sunk with her colours flying.
I was in the water about five hours before being picked up
by "Marksman," and regret that up to date have heard of no
more survivors. It is perhaps unnecessary for me to add that
the Officers and Ship's company of the " Ardent " behaved
according to the highest traditions of the British Navy. All
Ranks and Ratings fought the Ship until every gun was out of
action with the utmost determination. -
When all did their duty it is impossible for me to name any
individual for special recommendation.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your Obedient Servant,
A. MARSDEN,
- The Captain (D), Lieut. Commander, H.M.S. "Ardent."
Fourth Flotilla,
H.M.S. " Hecla."

Porpoise

On 3 June, Porpoise's captain reported on the Battle of Jutland.[7]

H.M.S. "PORPOISE,"
3rd June.

REPORT ON FLEET ACTION

Sir,
I HAVE the honour to report the following :—
The various phases of the action and actions can be better
ascertained from large ship accounts up to 9.47 p.m. 31st, when
4th Flotilla was steering N. and N.N.E. 18 knots in 2 columns—
" Tipperary," "Spitfire," " Sparrowhawk," and " Garland,"
"Contest," to starboard ; "Broke," 2nd division, "Porpoise
and "Unity." Course, South, 18 knots.
At 10.54. D 4 ordered 2nd half flotilla to take station astern
of 1st half flotilla, at same time " Porpoise " and " Unity
reported enemy destroyers astern, steering east.
About midnight, actions were going on all round us, chiefly
to westward. An enemy armoured cruiser came up abaft the
starboard beam, challenged, opened fire on " Fortune " and
"Porpoise." " Fortune " was at once hit badly. I had to star-
board my helm to clear her and was hit by an 8-in, projectile
which hit base of the after funnel, killed one man at midship
gun, stunning gun's crew, killing the L.T.O. at Foremost tube,
wounding No. 2. The air chamber of spare torpedo exploded,
blowing the deck in and bending and bursting main steam pipe.
The forebridge wheel and telegraphs having gone, I went aft,
and from the top of E.R. hatch got the helm to starboard from
its being 10° to port. H.M.S. " Fortune " was lying between
" Porpoise " and the enemy, emitting clouds of smoke and
steam, both ships being shelled, but enemy searchlights being
somewhat screened by " Fortune's " smoke and steam. We
connected after steering position and telegraphs and got ship's
head N. by W., steaming about 100 revolutions, but losing water
rapidly, so stopped main engines with Fin. in boiler gauge glasses
and ton in R.F.W.T. We plugged exhaust pipe and ran down
Nos. 3 and 4 boilers to R.F.W.T. and eventually got under way,
gradually working up from 100 revs. to 145 revs, in the course
of the day and following night.
Fell in with H.M.S. " Garland ". and " Contest " in Lat.
56.40 N., 3.50 E. at -11 a.m. who escorted " Porpoise " to the
Tyne. H.M.S. " Contest " having a broken stem, H.M.S.
" Garland " (Lieut.-Comdr. Goff) took " Porpoise " alongside and
took her up the River Tyne in a most seamanlike manner.

I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
H. D. COLVILLE,
Commander.

Unity

On 3 June, Unity's captain reported on the Battle of Jutland.[8]

H.M.S. "UNITY,"
SIR, 3rd June 1916,
I HAVE the honour to report the part taken by H.M.S.
" Unity " in the night action on 31st May-1st June and
subsequent proceedings :—
At about 10 p.m. on 31st May, when in company with
4th Flotilla, station was taken 5 miles astern of Battle Fleet,
Course South, speed 18 knots. " Unity " was the last ship in
the line of 12 destroyers.
At 10.45 p.m. observed three enemy destroyers approaching
on the starboard quarter ; the leading boat fired a torpedo and
immediately altered course away. I avoided the torpedo by
going full speed and turning towards it, using full helm.
At 11.30 p.m. sighted two enemy destroyers on starbd. beam ;
fire was opened on them and they turned away.
About the same time " Tipperary " and leading destroyers
of our line appeared to be in action with large ships. I observed
the destroyers ahead alter course to port on a S.Ely course,
and therefore increased speed to get into position for a torpedo
attack.
About midnight I realised I was following a strange British
Flotilla, and having lost sight of my own, decided to remain with
them.
At 1 a.m., 1st June, course was altered to S.W. by the. leading
T.B.D. and speed increased to 28 knots. No large vessels were
seen at any time which I could have attacked.
At daylight I found myself in company with " Lydiard " and
10 destroyers of the 9th and 13th Flotillas. I parted company
at 5.45 a.m. to look for the fleet as the other destroyers were
apparently returning to their base to oil. At 7.45 a.m. I
searched for " Achates," but as I could not find her, and being
short of oil, decided to make for Aberdeen to complete.
Arrived Aberdeen at 10 p.m., 1st June, and proceeded at
3 a.m., 2nd June, after oiling, to make further search for the
Fleet, in the event of being required for screening duty.
Owing to bad weather, returned at 5 p.m., 2nd June, to
Aberdeen for further instructions.
I sailed again at 6 a.m., 3rd June, and returned to the
Northern Base.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
A. M. Lecky
Lieut.-Commander.
The Captain "D,"
4th Destroyer Flotilla.

Garland

On 2 June, Garland's captain reported on the Battle of Jutland.[9]

H.M.S. "GARLAND,"
2nd June 1916.
Sir,
I BEG to forward the following report of my proceedings
on the night of 31st May–lst June :—
P. M .
9. 2. Sighted 4 German T.B.D.'s, ship was in the midst of a
16 pt. turn at the time. Germans closed and showed
recognition lights. Then red lights vertical. I at
once opened fire on them. The two leaders turned,
fired a torpedo each and made off at full speed to
westward. The torpedoes missed me astern. I at once
reported German T.B.D.'s presence to Captain " D."
10.35. Sighted a German Cruiser of " Graudenz " class hearing
W., course S., estimated speed, 17 knots. This was
reported to Captain " D."
11.25. A line of German ships appeared on starboard beam of
flotilla, on a slightly converging course and opened
fire on Destroyers. We returned their fire.
11.28. Being in a favourable position, I turned and fired
torpedo from after tube at a 3 funnelled Cruiser, the
third ship in enemy's line. Torpedo was seen to
explode abreast of Cruiser's mainmast, but as I was
thereafter engaged in avoiding collision with other
Destroyers, I did not see if vessel sank and was unable
to find her again later.
11.40. Closed "Tipperary," whose fore part was burning
previously, in order to render her assistance ; but as
soon as I eased down close astern of her, two enemy
cruisers steamed across her bows at close range and
opened fire on both of us, so I had to leave her and
was chased away to eastward.
11.55 . Joined up with "Achates," " Fortune " and "Porpoise."
12. 0. Sighted a line of German Battleships on stbd. bow,
steering south.
Leading Battleship switched on recognition lights
and then searchlights and opened fire on us.
12. 5. Turned to port and fired torpedo from fore tube at
leading ship, which appeared to be one of the
" Deutschland " class. Range about 800 yards. Tor-
pedo hit and was seen to explode abreast of the two
foremost funnels, ship was seen to take on a heavy
list to port, but whether she sank or not I was unable
to ascertain as I was chased to the N.B.
I was unable, after this, to again find remainder
of flotilla, but later, fell in with " Contest," who
could only steam 20 knots. We with sighted several German
T.B.D.'s, who all made off at full speed on seeing us.
 2.25. Sighted four German T.B.D.'s heading S.S.E. at full
speed. Altered course to cross their bows and opened
fire at about 5,000 yards. Germans at first began to
turn on to a parallel course and returned our fire, and
then thought better of it and turned away. At least
one shot was seen to take effect on the stern of one
German T.B.D.
As there was now no possibility of finding rest of
Flotilla, I shaped course for Tyne, with "Contest," and
later searched for and found "Porpoise," both of
whom I escorted to the Tyne.
With the exception of one boat, which was hit by
a 6-in, shell, no damage was sustained and no
casualties.

Details on recommendation, personnel &c. omitted from the Report
as reproduced in the Official Despatches.

I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
R. S. GOFF,
Lieut.-Comdr.
The Captain " D,"
4th Destroyer Flotilla.

Christopher

On 2 June, Christopher's captain reported on the Battle of Jutland.[10]

H.M.S. " CHRISTOPHER,"
2nd June 1916.
REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS ON 31st MAY 1916.

In accordance with orders received, H.M.S. " Christopher "
left Scapa at 8.50 p.m. on the 30th May, forming screen for
3rd Battle Cruiser Squadron.
At 5.45 p.m. on the 31st May, being then in position on port
quarter of 3rd Battle Cruiser Squadron, steering North, the
enemy were sighted on the port bow, consisting of three light
cruisers (three funnels) and a destroyer flotilla with a Flotilla
Cruiser. The division then attacked destroyer flotilla, coming
under heavy fire from light cruisers and destroyer flotilla, and
shortly afterwards from three Battle Cruisers. The division
then turned sixteen points to regain position ahead of
3rd Battle Cruiser Squadron. Thirty rounds were fired, but the
range was about 10,000 yards and visibility low and no direct
hits could be observed. The enemy destroyers turned away,
" Christopher " and " Ophelia " then took station ahead of
Battle Cruisers. Only one opportunity of firing a torpedo at the
leading Battle Cruiser occurred, but range was then masked by
light cruisers. H.M.S. " Christopher " again came under fire at
8.30 p.m. from three Battle Cruisers while screening engaged side
of Battle Cruisers (" New Zealand "). No damage was sustained
and no casualties occurred. H.M.S. " Christopher " remained
screening 1st Battle Cruiser Squadron, and no further action
took place.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
F. M. KERR,
Lieutenant-Commander.

See Also

Footnotes

  1. ↑ Naval Operations. Volume III. p. 432.
  2. ↑ Battle of Jutland Official Despatches. p. 44.
  3. ↑ Grand Fleet Gunnery and Torpedo Orders. p. 35.
  4. ↑ Battle of Jutland Official Despatches. p. 306.
  5. ↑ Battle of Jutland Official Despatches. pp. 309-10.
  6. ↑ Battle of Jutland Official Despatches. pp. 310-11.
  7. ↑ Battle of Jutland Official Despatches. pp. 311-12.
  8. ↑ Battle of Jutland Official Despatches. pp. 312-13.
  9. ↑ Battle of Jutland Official Despatches. pp. 314-15.
  10. ↑ Battle of Jutland Official Despatches. pp. 313-14.

Bibliography

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