This is how we would suggest that the news should
have been set forth :—
On the afternoon of Wednesday, May 31st, the greatest naval action of the present war took place off the coast of Jutland. Though only a portion of our Fleet was in action, while the whole, or almost the whole, of the German High Sea Fleet was opposed to it, we were able, owing to the gallantry and hardihood of our officers and, men, the proficiency of their gunnery, and the able manceuvring of the squadrons and individual ships, (1) to prevent the enemy carrying out the design to accomplish which he had brought out his whole naval force into the North Sea ; and (2) to drive the German ships back to their ports. It was only by breaking off the encounter and taking advantage of the oncoming of night that the enemy were able to escape destruction. The proof of the complete. ness of our victory is to be found in the fact that our ships were left in command of the waters in which the battle took place. Results so momentous as those involved in the frustration of the enemy's attempt to break out in force and carry out a scheme whieh at present remains obscure and their precipitate retreat were bound to involve heavy losses on both sides. Our losses were chiefly in the Battle-Cruiser Fleet, which, supported by cruisers, light cruisers, and four fast battleships, had to endure the brunt of the fighting. The battle-cruisers 'Queen Mary,' 'Indefatigable,' Invincible, and the cruisers 'Defence' and Black Prince' were sunk. The ' Warrior ' was disabled, and after being towed for some time had to be aban. doned by her crew. It is also known that the destroyers 'Tipperary,' 'Turbulent,' 'Fortune,' Sparrowhawk,' and 'Ardent' were lost, and six others are not yet accounted for. No British battleships or light cruisers were sunk. Owing to the conditions of distance under which modern sea battles take place, the losses of the enemy cannot be quickly ascertained. We know, however, that they were serious, and it will be surprising if, when they are exactly known, the rule does not hold good that those who are vanquished and break off an encounter invariably suffer more than the victors. Already we know that at least one battle. cruiser was destroyed, and one severely damaged ; one battleship was reported sunk by our destroyers during a night attack ; two light cruisers were disabled, and probably - sunk. The exact number of enemy destroyers disposed of during the action cannot be ascertained with any certainty, but it must have been large. The public should be war nod that we have been careful only to enumerate losses in regard to whioh there is practically no doubt. As soon as a further record of German losses has been obtained it will be published. Fuller detail!, of the battle will be reported later. Even if the German losses should prove to be no greater than our own, it will be found that we have not paid too heavy a price in frustrating what the Germans have officially described as their "enterprise." No credence should be given to the official version of the—battle sent through the . wireless stations by the German Government.
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