Extracts from The Battle of Jutland. Official Despatches mentioning H.M.S. Acasta.
J.R. JELLICOE, Admiral, 19 June 1916:
At 5.40 p.m., the Third Battle-Cruiser Squadron, which until then had been steering about S. by E. sighted enemy cruisers to the westward and turned to about W.N.W. It is apparent that the Rear-Admiral Commanding, Third Battle-Cruiser Squadron was misled by the difference in reckoning between the battlefleet and battle-cruiser fleet and had gone too far to the eastward, actually crossing ahead of the two engaged battle-cruiser squadrons until meeting the enemy advanced cruisers. At 5.52 p.m., the Third Battle-Cruiser Squadron and “Canterbury” engaged three enemy light-cruisers which were then administering heavy punishment to “Chester,” “Shark” (Commander L.W. Jones), “Acasta” (Lieutenant-Commander J.O. Barron), “Ophelia” (Commander L.G.E. Crabbe) and “Christopher” (Lieutenant-Commander F.M. Kerr), and at 6 p.m., one of the enemy light-cruisers was observed by all three ships of the Third Battle-Cruiser Squadron to blow up. During this engagement, “Shark” was sunk, and “Acasta” severely damaged.
[6.54 p.m.]
At this time the destroyer “Acasta” was passed in a disabled condition. She signalled that she was hold fore and aft and unable to move her engines. In spite of her condition her ship’s company were observed to be cheering as the battlefleet passed,
[4.30 p.m. 2nd June]
… If the tugs sent out from Peterhead were not required for “Warrior” they were to be sent to tow “Acasta” who was in tow of “Nonsuch,” a little to the Eastward of “Warrior’s” position.
“NONSUCH” AND “ACASTA.”
(“Acasta” was with “Shark,” “Ophelia” and “Christopher” screening Third Battle-Cruiser Squadron.)
At 9.45 a.m. [1st June], “Nonsuch” reported to Commodore (F) that he was escorting “Acasta” to Aberdeen at 10 knots, the latter being badly damaged.
“Nonsuch” reported her 7.0 p.m. position 57° 16′ N., longitude 4° 8′ E., course W. ½ N., speed about 6 knots.
“Nonsuch” reported later that she had taken “Acasta” in tow about noon in position on 1st 57° 8′ N., longitude 2° 33′ E., speed about 7.5 knots, all well.
At 8.40 p.m., 1st, Rear-Admiral. Peterhead, was requested to end a trawler unit to screen “Nonsuch” and “Acasta” to Aberdeen, and at 6.30 a.m. 2Nd, he was requested to direct “Albion” and tugs which were searching for “Warrior,” to proceed to assist “Acasta” in tow of “Nonsuch.”
“Nonsuch’s” position at 5.0. p.m., 20 miles East of Aberdeen, speed 8 knots, all well.
“Nonsuch” arrived Aberdeen at 8.0 p.m., and “Acasta” at 9.15 p.m.
CECIL BURNEY, Vice-Admiral Commanding First Battle Squadron. H.M.S. “Indomitable,” 2nd June 1916:
I would like to bring to your notice the conduct of the crew of the “Acasta” as mentioned in the report from the Captain of “Hercules”; although badly damaged and apparently in a hopeless state, they cheered the “Hercules” as the latter passed.
F.W. Kennedy, Captain and Senior Officer, 3rd B.C. Squadron. “Inflexible,” 2nd June 1916:
At 5.40 p.m. Flashes of gunfire were seen on a bearing about 215 °, but I could not distinguish any ships. The Rear-Admiral, “Invincible,” altered course to starboard without signal, turning about 9 points, thus bringing the engaged vessels and “Chester” on the port bow of the 3rd Battle Cruiser Squadron, and leaving our destroyers off our port quarter; after a short time we made out the engagement to be between the enemy’s light cruisers and “Chester”. The Rear-Admiral led the squadron between “Chester” and the enemy’s light cruisers whom we engaged; at 5.55 p.m. We opened fire on the enemy with our port guns. Shortly afterwards some more of the enemy’s cruisers were seen following at some distance astern of the light cruisers which we were engaging, and I observed our destroyers developing an attack on them. At the same time these enemy vessels opened a heavy fire on our destroyers, and I am afraid that “Acasta” and another destroyer were either sunk or damaged for I only saw two of them afterwards, nor did I again see either “Chester” or “Canterbury”. I desire to record the fact that, when I saw them, they were heading to make a determined attack.
T.D.W. Napier, Rear-Admiral. H.M.S. “Fearless,” 2nd June 1916:
Here I would like to bring to your notice the action of a destroyer (name unknown, thought to be marked with the number “59,” ? “Acasta” ?) which we passed close in a disabled condition soon after 6.0 p.m. She apparently was able to struggle ahead again and made straight for the “Derfflinger” to attack her. The incident appeared so courageous that it seems desirable to investigate it further, as I am unable to be certain of the vessel’s identity.
C.D. Roper Captain (D.). First Flotilla:
This position was maintained until the “Acasta” was found disabled with the signal “In danger of sinking” flying, “Galatea” was taking her in tow, “Fearless” relieved “Galatea” and would have taken the destroyer in tow, but the latter reported she was not then in danger of sinking and I did not consider I ought to hamper myself with a disabled vessel in the middle of the action. I therefore proceeded and followed after the Battle Fleet…
COPY OF TELEGRAM – CLAIM BY “ACASTA”
From-S.N.O. Aberdeen.
To-R.A. Longhope.
Date-3rd June, 1916.
For “Hecla.” Considered that torpedo hit leading Enemy’s Battle Cruiser at 6.14 p.m. (G.M.T.).
Explosion seen, unable to assess damage caused by gunshot “Acasta.” (1630.)
H.M.S. “ACASTA,”
3rd June 1916.
Sir,
I have the honour to forward the following report of action on 31st May.
In company with “Shark,” “Ophelia” and “Christopher” screening 3rd Battle Cruiser Squadron.
P.M.
5.50 Steering N.W. in line ahead on port quarter of Battle Cruiser Squadron. Enemy Light Cruisers and Destroyers sighted ahead, opened fire at 5,000 yards. Enemy course Westerly.
6. 0 (approximately). Altered course to East.
6. 5. Enemy turned 16 points.
6.10. Division altered to port and “Shark” stopped, so I returned to “Shark’s” assistance as she was badly hit. While doing so “Acasta” was holed forward and aft.
6.12 to 6.18. Fired foremost tube at leading enemy battle Cruiser which apparently hit as explosion was observed by independent witnesses – range 4,500 approximately. “Acasta” was badly hit in engine room, which burst several steam pipes and caused five casualties, one of whom was Engineer-Lieutenant J. Forrest, and engine-room had to be evacuated. Steering gear was shot away and I was unable to steer or stop the engines until 6.30.
Ship was under extremely heavy fire from enemy Light Cruisers and Destroyers and a Battle Cruiser from 6.5 to 6.25.
The moral of the ship’s company was excellent.
At 9.0 p.m. A Cruiser, apparently German, was observed heavily on fire to the S.W. And subsequently seen again after 2 a.m.
* * * * *
At noon, 1st June, “Nonsuch” took me in tow until 2.30pm., 2nd June; his assistance was invaluable as I had no oil left and met heavy weather.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
John O. Barron.
Captain (D), 4th Flotilla. Lt.-Comdr.
In addition the following ships mentioned passing the disabled Acasta: King George V, Benbow, Bellerophon (reported Acasta with 6, flag flying and engines stopped), Colossus, Neptune, Blanche (reported “Acasta” with signal flying “Am in danger of sinking through damage recieved by gun-fire.”), Hercules, Marlborough and Valiant (reported HMS Galatea proceeding alongside to her assistance).