(d) Defence, Carnarvon and Cornwall respectively to reach Punta Arenas?
(e) Invincible to reach Abrolhos, Rio, Punta Arenas?
(f) Hizen and Asama to reach Galapagos or Esquimalt?[[85]]
W.S.C.
But I found Lord Fisher in a bolder mood. He would take two battle-cruisers from the Grand Fleet for the South American station. More than that, and much more questionable, he would take a third—the Princess Royal—for Halifax and later for the West Indies in case von Spee came through the Panama Canal. There never was any doubt what ought to be sent. The question was what could be spared. We measured up our strength in home waters anxiously, observing that the Tiger was about to join the 1st Battle-Cruiser Squadron, that the new battleships Benbow, Empress of India and Queen Elizabeth were practically ready. We sent forthwith the following order to the Commander-in-Chief:—
(November 4, 1914, 12.40 p.m.)
Order Invincible and Inflexible to fill up with coal at once and proceed to Berehaven with all dispatch. They are urgently needed for foreign service. Admiral and Flag-Captain Invincible to transfer to New Zealand. Captain New Zealand to Invincible. Tiger has been ordered to join you with all dispatch. Give her necessary orders.
I also telegraphed personally to Sir John Jellicoe as follows:—
(November 5, 12.5 a.m.)
From all reports received through German sources, we fear Cradock has been caught or has engaged with only Monmouth and Good Hope armoured ships against Scharnhorst and Gneisenau. Probably both British vessels sunk. Position of Canopus critical and fate of Glasgow and Otranto uncertain.