In this manner the German Army and the British Navy first came into contact with one another.
Here are a few of our messages at that time:—
October 17, 1914, 1.2 p.m.
Admiralty to Rear-Admiral Hood, Dover.
Most important to send the scouts at once and some destroyers to Dunkirk to work along the coast to Nieuport to support the Belgian left, now being attacked by the Germans; also monitors as soon as weather permits.
Acknowledge.
7.20 p.m.
Admiralty to Rear-Admiral Hood, H.M.S. ‘Attentive.’
Belgian Army is on line River Yser left bank, from Nieuport to Dixmude, with advanced posts on E. bank at Lombartzyde Rattevalle and Mannekensvere.
King is at La Panne, the last village on French coast.