Account of Eric James Patrick Brind at the Battle of Jutland

pp. 123-131., Lorimer papers.

Account

On 31st May I had the afternoon watch, which promised to to be very dull and uneventful. Contrary to usual practice during these sweeps of the North Sea, there were no rumours of our movements or of those of the enemy. We were steaming E. by S. approx., and as usual zigzagging to avoid a possible Fritz. The 5th Battle Squadron,(in the order of Barham, Valiant, Warspite, Malaya) were about 50 N. of Sir David Beattie [sic] and his 6 Battle Cruisers.

The 1st, 2nd and 3rd light cruiser squadrons were spread ahead with the 13th T.B.D. Flotilla.

2.30 p.m. Saw an intercepted signal, from Galatea to Lion stating that a large amount of smoke had been seen, apparently a Fleet under way. Shortly afterwards we heard that Light Cruisers were in touch with enemy L.C's and t.b.d's. As this was our first intimation that any Germans were on the ocean at all, our excitement and surprise may be imagined. Faces at once brightened and glasses scanned the horizon for a sight of the enemy. The pessimists still held out that in all probability, it was some wretched enemy Light Cruisers that would easily escape us.

3.30 p.m. Sounded off 'Action'.

3.15. Passed the Engladine with a seaplane in the water alongside. Officers and men doubled to their stations most of them never even guessing that a German had been sighted, thinking that it was the same old game, i.e., 'Be ready'.

When I arrived in my Turret (B), I knew that the Light Cruisers had been in action and that there was no time to spare. I had a hurried look round to see that all was well, and told the men what I could, viz:—