In view of reported sinking of Good Hope and Monmouth by Scharnhorst and Gneisenau off Coronel, November 1, armoured ships on S.E. Coast America must concentrate at once. Carnarvon, Cornwall should join Defence off Montevideo. Canopus, Glasgow, Otranto have been ordered if possible to join you there. Kent from Sierra Leone also has been ordered to join your flag via Abrolhos. Endeavour to get into communication with them. Enemy will most likely come on to the Rio trade route. Reinforcements will meet you shortly from England.
Acknowledge.
From Admiralty to Canopus.
(November 4, 1914.)
In view of reported sinking of Good Hope and Monmouth by Scharnhorst and Gneisenau on 1st November you should make the best of your way to join Defence near Montevideo. Keep wide of track to avoid being brought to action by superior force.
If attacked, however, Admiralty is confident ship will in all circumstances be fought to the last as imperative to damage enemy whatever may be consequences.
Admiralty to ‘Glasgow,’ ‘Otranto’
(November 4, 1914.)
You should make the best of your way to join Defence near Montevideo. Keep wide of track to avoid being brought to action by superior force.
Admiralty to Governor, Falkland Islands.