| |
| The Report of Captain John Luce (HMS Glasgow) |
Glasgow left Coronel 9 a.m. on November 1 to rejoin Good Hope (flagship),
Monmouth and Otranto at rendezvous. At 2 p.m. flagship signalled that
apparently from wireless calls there was an enemy ship to northward.
Orders were given for squadron to spread N.E. by E. in the following
order: Good Hope, Monmouth, Otranto, and Glasgow, speed to be worked
up to 15 knots. 4.20 p.m., saw smoke; proved to be enemy ships, one
small cruiser and two armoured cruisers. Glasgow reported to admiral,
ships in sight were warned, and all concentrated on Good Hope. At
5 p.m. Good Hope was sighted.
At 5.47 p.m. squadron formed in line-ahead in following order: Good
Hope, Monmouth, Glasgow, and Otranto. Enemy, who had turned south,
were now in single line ahead 12 miles off, Scharnhorst and Gneisenau
leading. 6.18 p.m., speed ordered to 17 knots, and flagship signalled
Canopus, 'I am going to attack enemy now.' Enemy were now 15,000 yards
away, and maintained this range, at the same time jamming wireless
signals.
By this time sun was getting immediately behind us from enemy position,
and while it remained above horizon we had advantage in light, but
range too great. 6.55 p.m., sun set, and visibility conditions altered,
our ships being silhouetted against afterglow, and failing light mad
e enemy difficult to see. 7.30 p.m., enemy opened fire 12,000 yards,
followed in quick succession by Good Hope, Monmouth, Glasgow. Two
squadrons were now converging, and each ship engaged opposite number
in the line. Growing darkness and heavy spray of head sea made firing
difficult, particularly for main deck guns of Good Hope and Monmouth.
Enemy firing salvos got range quickly, and their third salvo caused
fire to break out on fore part of both ships, which were constantly
on fire till 7.45 p.m. At 7.50 p.m. an immense explosion occurred
on Good Hope amid ships, flames reaching 200 feet high. Total destruction
must have followed. It was now quite dark.
Both sides continued firing at flashes of opposing guns. Monmouth
was badly down by the bow, and turned away to get stern to sea, signalling
to Glasgow to that effect. 8.30 p.m., Glasgow signalled to Monmouth
'Enemy following us,' but received no reply. Under rising moon enemy's
ships were now seen approaching, and as Glasgow could render Monmouth
no assistance, she proceeded at full speed to avoid destruction. 8.50
p.m., lost sight of enemy. 9.20 p.m., observed 75 flashes of fire,
which was no doubt final attack on Monmouth.
Nothing could have been more admirable than conduct of officers and
men throughout. Though it was most trying to receive great volume
of fire without chance of returning it adequately, all kept perfectly
cool, there was no wild firing, and discipline was the same as at
battle practice. When target ceased to be visible, gun layers spontaneously
ceased fire. The serious reverse sustained has entirely failed to
impair the spirit of officers and ship's company, and it is our unanimous
wish to meet the enemy again as soon as possible. |
Back to top |
|
