H.Q. R.F.C.

G/122/34

SUMMARY OF INFORMATION, 20/11/14.

======================

S of the LYS.

                        No movement reported.

N. of the LYS.

R.F.C. reported large quantities of rolling stock in stations.

General.

Two German 21 cm. mortars have been recovered by the Allies from the front of RAMSCAPPELLE and two more are still there besides some 16 cm. howitzers.

RUSSIA.

The following communication is issued by the Naval General Staff:-

”On November 18^th a division of our vessels of the line of the Black Sea Fleet, on their return to SEVASTAPOL from a cruise along the Anatolian coast, sighted a Turkish squadron consisting of the Goben and Breslau 25 miles off the Chersonese lighthouse.

The Russian Fleet at once manoeuvred into battle order, bringing the enemy on to their starboard, and opened fire at a distance of 40 cables.  The first discharge of the 12-inch guns from the flagship Svyatoi Evstafii struck the Goben and caused an explosion on board her which gave rise to an out-break of fire.

The Russian flagship and other vessels continued to make excellent practice, and further explosions occurred in the Goben.

The Goben opened fire after some delay, the enemy very apparently being taken by surprise.

The Germans fired broadsides with their heavy guns, concentrating their fire upon the Russian flagship.

The action lasted 14 minutes, after which the Goben disappeared in the mist.

The Breslau, taking advantage of her speed, did not take part in the action, but kept in the offing.

The Svyatoi Evstafii was the only Russian vessel to suffer any damage, and that was insignificant.

Our casualties were a lieutenant, 3 midshipmen, and 29 sailors killed; one lieutenant and 19 sailors seriously wounded, and 5 sailors slightly wounded”.

W. Salmond

Major, G.S.

H.Q. R.F.C.

10-30 a.m.

21/11/14