Iles war diary, 1914-1919 / G. H. Iles - Page 190
Primary tabs
Transcription
[Page 190]
eventually proved when the Germans landed over the bulk of their navy to our fleet – These massive ships of war gave to one that feeling of serenity as they lay peacefully at anchor, with always steam ready to proceed to sea at a few minutes notice, and as they had to do on very many occasions for various stunts.
Oct 26th [1916] At 1.30 PM. we departed (that is the 2nd Light Cruiser Squadron) to sea with five attendant destroyers to patrol the North Sea as far as Flamborough Head [On the Yorkshire coast]
Oct 27th At 7.30 am. we returned to our usual anchorage, after which we coaled ship.
Oct 31st We again coaled ship, (as no ship of war was allowed to be short of coal in harbour more than 10% in case of emergency) after which at 4.30 PM we again proceeded to sea, but this time in company with the Grand Fleet
Nov 1st At daybreak we were able to witness for the first time the Great Fleet at sea at least as much as we could see of it