View source for Sturdee Report of the Battle of the Falkland Islands

A copy of the report submitted by Vice-Admiral [[Frederick Charles Doveton Sturdee, First Baronet|Sir F. C. Doveton Sturdee]] following the British victory at the [[Battle of the Falkland Islands]] on 8 December, 1914.<ref>Sturdee to the Secretary of the Admiralty, letter of 19 Dec., 1914. {{TNA|ADM 137/304.}} ff. 23-24.</ref>

==Report==
{| align=right 
| "INVINCIBLE" at Sea.
|-
| 19 December 1914.
|}



Sir,

I have the honour to report that at 8.0 a.m. on 8 December 1914, an attack on Port Stanley, Falkland Islands, was attempted by a German Squadron consisting of two Cruisers and three Light Cruisers accompanied by two Colliers.

2. The Squadron which I have the honour to command was coaling in Port at the time.<ref>In the margin:<br>"INVINCIBLE".<br>"INFLEXIBLE".<br>"CARNARVON".<br>"CORNWALL".<br>"KENT".<br>"GLASGOW".<br>"BRISTOL".<br>"MACEDONIA".</ref>

3. H.M.S. "CANOPUS", stationed in Port Stanley for its defence, opened fire with her 12" gun when the leading Ships of the Enemy cane within sight and range over the low land. This unexpected resistance and the simultaneous observation of the tripod masts over the land caused the Enemy to turn away at speed without
opening the entrance to the harbour.

4. The Squadron weighed. A General Chase ensued, followed by an Action with the result that the ships named in the margin were sunk, the "DRESDEN" alone escaping.<ref>In the margin:<br>"SCHARNHORST".<br>"GNEISENAU".<br>"LEIPZIG".<br>"NURNBERG".<br>Colliers:-<br>"BADEN".<br>"SANTA ISABEL".</ref>

5. It gives me great satisfaction to be able to report that I was most ably assisted by Rear Admiral Stoddart and all the Captains who, knowing my intentions, carried them out without further orders, thus reducing signalling to a minimum.

6. The zeal and steadiness under fire of all hands during the hotly contested action was most noticeable, and has been brought to my attention by each Captain.

7. The Officers and the whole Engine Room Department in every ship greatly distinguished themselves by their energy in meeting a sudden demand when, after long periods at sea, the ships of the Squadron were coaling and overhauling machinery during the short time it was intended to remain in harbour.

8. Where everyone did their duty according to the highest traditions of the Naval Service, it is not easy to
individualise, but I attach a list of Officers and Men who shewed merit.

9. I deeply regret the needless sacrifice of so many lives by an enemy who displayed such bravery, and endurance; after the ships were defeated and and in no position to make any further defence, they did not surrender. Notwithstanding this, every practicable effort was made to save life.

S.M.S. "SCHARNHORST" with the Admiral and all hands sank in the middle of the engagement.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your obedient servant,

<signed>[[Frederick Charles Doveton Sturdee, First Baronet|FCD Sturdee]]

VICE ADMIRAL

COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF

==Footnotes==
{{reflist}}

==Primary Sources==
{{refbegin}}
*{{TNA|ADM 137/304.}}
{{refend}}