Most of the published narratives have used many charts to trace the events of the action. It has been found possible to indicate all the essentials upon this one chart, which has been so placed that it can be opened outside the pages for use as the text is being read. It should be noted that superimposed indications have been avoided, where ships passed over the same areas (especially in the three German ships-right-about manœuvres). Consequently this chart is diagrammatic only.
I. BATTLE CRUISER ACTION
(1) 3.30 P.M. Beatty sights Hipper.
(2) 3.48 P.M. Battle cruisers engage at 18,500 yds., “both forces opening fire practically simultaneously.”
(3) 4.06 P.M. Indefatigable sunk.
(4) 4.42 P.M. Beatty sights High Seas Fleet, and turns north (column right about).
(5) 4.57 P.M. Evan-Thomas turns north, covering Beatty.
(6) 5.35 P.M. Beatty’s force, pursued by German battle cruisers and High Seas Fleet, on northerly course at long range.
II. MAIN ENGAGEMENT
(7) 5.56 P.M. Beatty sights Jellicoe and shifts to easterly course at utmost speed.