destroyer flotillas, was cruising in the Skagerrak on May 31 for
the purpose, as on earlier occasions, of offering battle to the
British fleet. The vanguard of the small cruisers at 4.30 o'clock
in the afternoon (German time) suddenly encountered ninety miles
west of Hanstholm, (a cape on the northwest coast of Jutland), a
group of eight of the newest cruisers of the Calliope class and
fifteen or twenty of the most modern destroyers.

While the German light forces and the first cruiser squadron under
Vice Admiral Hipper were following the British, who were retiring
north-westward, the German battle cruisers sighted to the westward
Vice Admiral Beatty's battle squadron of six ships, including four
of the Lion type and two of the Indefatigable type. Beatty's
squadron developed a battle line on a southeasterly course and Vice
Admiral Hipper formed his line ahead on the same general course and
approached for a running fight. He opened fire at 5.49 o'clock in
the afternoon with heavy artillery at a range of 13,000 meters
against the superior enemy. The weather was clear and light, and
the sea was light with a northwest wind.

After about a quarter of an hour a violent explosion occurred on
the last cruiser of the Indefatigable type. It was caused by a
heavy shell, and destroyed the vessel.

About 6.20 o'clock in the afternoon five warships of the Queen
Elizabeth type came from the west and joined the British battle
cruiser line, powerfully reinforcing with their fifteen-inch guns
the five British battle cruisers remaining after 6.20 o'clock. To
equalize this superiority Vice Admiral Hipper ordered the
destroyers to attack the enemy. The British destroyers and small