At 6 p.m. vessels, afterwards seen to be our battle-cruisers, were sighted by Marlborough bearing before the starboard beam of the battle fleet.
At the same time the Vice-Admiral Commanding, Battle-cruiser Fleet, reported to me the position of the enemy battle-cruisers, and at 6.14 p.m. reported the position of the enemy battle fleet.
At this period, when the battle fleet was meeting the battle-cruisers and the Fifth Battle Squadron, great care was necessary to ensure that our own ships were not mistaken for enemy vessels.
Battle Fleet in line of battle.
I formed the battle fleet in line of battle on receipt of Sir David Beatty's report, and during deployment the fleets became engaged. Sir David Beatty had meanwhile formed the battle-cruisers ahead of the battle-fleet.
Commanders of the divisions of the Battle Fleet.
The divisions of the battle fleet were led by:
| The Commander-in-Chief. |
| Vice-Admiral Sir Cecil Burney, K.C.B., K.C.M.G. |
| Vice-Admiral Sir Thomas Jerram, K.C.B. |
| Vice-Admiral Sir Doveton Sturdee, Bt., K.C.B., C.V.O., C.M.G. |
| Rear-Admiral Alexander L. Duff, C.B. |
| Rear-Admiral Arthur C. Leveson, C.B. |
| Rear-Admiral Ernest F. A. Gaunt, C.M.G. |
At 6.16 p.m. Defence and Warrior were observed passing down between the British and German Battle Fleets under a very heavy fire. Defence disappeared, and Warrior passed to rear disabled.
Arbuthnot's ships disabled.