At 10:54 A.M. submarines were reported on the starboard bow, and I personally observed the wash of a periscope two points on our starboard bow.  I immediately turned to port.

At 11:03 A.M. an injury to the Lion being reported as incapable of immediate repair, I directed Lion to shape course northwest.  At 11:20 A.M.  I called the Attack alongside, shifting my flag to her at about 11:35 A.M.  I proceeded at utmost speed to rejoin the squadron, and met them at noon retiring north-northwest.

I boarded and hoisted my flag on Princess Royal at about 12:20 P.M., when Capt.  Brock acquainted me of what had occurred since the Lion fell out of the line, namely, that Bluecher had been sunk and that the enemy battle cruisers had continued their course to the eastward in a considerably damaged condition.  He also informed me that a Zeppelin and a seaplane had endeavored to drop bombs on the vessels which went to the rescue of the survivors of Bluecher.

The good seamanship of Lieut.  Commander Cyril Callaghan, H.M.S.  Attack, in placing his vessel alongside the Lion and subsequently the Princess Royal, enabled the transfer of flag to be made in the shortest possible time.

At 2 P.M.  I closed Lion and received a report that the starboard engine was giving trouble owing to priming, and at 3:38 P.M.  I ordered Indomitable to take her in tow, which was accomplished by 5 P.M.

The greatest credit is due to the Captains of Indomitable and Lion for the seaman-like manner in which the Lion was taken in tow under difficult circumstances.

The excellent steaming of the ships engaged in the operation was a conspicuous feature.

I attach an appendix giving the names of various officers and men who specially distinguished themselves.

Where all did well it is difficult to single out officers and men for special mention, and as Lion and Tiger were the only ships hit by the enemy, the majority of these I mention belong to those ships.

I have the honor to be, Sir,

Your obedient servant,

(Signed) DAVID BEATTY,
Vice Admiral.

OFFICERS.

Commander Charles A. Fountaine, H.M.S.  Lion.

Lieut.  Commander Evan C. Bunbury, H.M.S.  Lion.

Lieut.  Frederick T. Peters, H.M.S.  Meteor.

Lieut.  Charles M.R.  Schwerdt, H.M.S.  Lion.

Engineer Commander Donald P. Green, H.M.S.  Lion.

Engineer Commander James L. Sands, H.M.S.  Southampton.

Engineer Commander Thomas H. Turner, H.M.S.  New Zealand.

Engineer Lieut.  Commander George Preece, H.M.S.  Lion.

Engineer Lieut.  Albert Knothe, H.M.S.  Indomitable.

Surgeon Probationer James A. Stirling, R.N.V.R., H.M.S.  Meteor.

Mr. Joseph H. Burton, Gunner (T), H.M.S.  Lion.

Chief Carpenter Frederick E. Dailey, H.M.S.  Lion.