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Source 3

A Public Statement Made by the Navy on the Loss of the Indefatigable 1916 (ADM 137/301)

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A Public Statement Made by the Navy on the Loss of the Indefatigable 1916 (ADM 137/301)

Transcript

In such a conflict as raged continuously for five hours it was inevitable that we should suffer severe losses.  It was necessary to maintain touch with greatly superior forces in fluctuating visability, often very low.  We lost "INVINCIBLE", "INDEFATIGABLE" and "QUEEN MARY", from which ships there were few survivors.  The casualties in other ships were heavy, and I wish to express my deepest regret at the loss of so many gallant comrades, officers and men.  They died gloriously. Exceptional skill was displayed by the Medical Officers of the Fleet.  They performed operations and tended the wounded under conditions of extreme difficulty.  In some cases their staff was seriously depleted by casualties, and the inevitable lack of such esentials as adequate light, hot water, &c., in ships damaged by shell fire, tried their skill, resource and physical endurance to the utmost. As usual, the Engine Room Departments of all shops displayed the highest qualities of technical skill, discipline and endurance.  High speed is a primary factor in the tactics of the squadrons under my command, and the Engine Room Departments never fail.