he
nearest cruiser to her.
Owing to the excellent and strenuous efforts of the engine room
department, the Kent was able to get within range of the Nuernberg at 5
P.M. At 6:35 P.M. the Nuernberg was on fire forward and ceased firing.
The Kent also ceased firing and closed to 3,300 yards; as the colors
were still observed to be flying on the Nuernberg, the Kent opened fire
again. Fire was finally stopped five minutes later on the colors being
hauled down, and every preparation was made to save life. The Nuernberg
sank at 7:27 P.M., and, as she sank, a group of men were waving a German
ensign attached to a staff. Twelve men were rescued, but only seven
survived.
The Kent had four killed and twelve wounded, mostly caused by one shell.
During the time the three cruisers were engaged with the Nuernberg and
Leipzig, the Dresden, which was beyond her consorts, effected her escape
owing to her superior speed. The Glasgow was the only cruiser with
sufficient speed to have had any chance of success. However, she was
fully employed in engaging the Leipzig for over an hour before either
the Cornwall or Kent could come up and get within range. During this
time the Dresden was able to increase her distance and get out of sight.
The weather changed after 4 P.M., and the visibility was much reduced;
further, the sky was overcast and cloudy, thus assisting the Dresden to
get away unobserved.
(D)--ACTION WITH THE ENEMY'S TRANSPORTS.
A report was received at 11:27 A.M. from H.M.S. Bristol that three ships
of the enemy, probably transports or colliers, had appeared off Port
Pleasant. The Bristol was ordered to take the Macedonia under his orders
and destroy the transports.
H.M.S. Macedonia reports that only two ships, steamships Baden and Santa
Isabel, were present; both ships were sunk after the removal of the
crews.
I have pleasure in reporting that the officers and men under my orders
carried out their duties with admirable efficiency and coolness, and
great credit is due to the engineer officers of all the ships, several
of which exceeded their normal full speed.
The names of the following are specially mentioned:
OFFICERS.
Commander Richard Herbert Denny Townsend, H.M.S. Invincible.
Commander Arthur Edward Frederick Bedford, H.M.S. Kent.
Lieut. Commander Wilfred Arthur Thompson, H.M.S. Glasgow.
Lieut. Commander Hubert Edward Danreuther, First and Gunnery Lieutenant,
H.M.S. Invincible.
Engineer Comman
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