Our naval defence correspondent "Neptune"offers another column from his vantage point at the Empire Lounge, Raffles Hotel (reflecting state of play in our PBEM campaign after nine turns, with much information concealed for the purposes of OPSEC - ref).
SCHARNHORST SUNK!
News has reached us that there has been a battle in the Dutch East Indies, resulting in the destruction of the flagship of the German East Asia Squadron, the Scharnhorst.
Royal Navy sources tell the Sling that the German raider was encounter by ships of Admiral Jerram's China Squadron in a night battle in the Macassar Strait. There was significant damage to the Admiral's flagship, HMS Triumph, as well as to the cruiser HMS Yarmouth, testifying to the severity of the battle. Both ships suffered losses to their crews, including Triumph's Flag Captain, and Admiral Jerram himself was wounded, though he is expected to recover. After a hit on the bridge, killing or wounding most of the men there, the Triumph's First Officer, Commander Peter Ashby, regained control of the situation and cooly directed the remainder of the action. Scharnhorst was finished off by the cruiser HMS Newcastle, and some of her crew were rescued. It is not known yet if Admiral Von Spee himself survived the action, and even should he have escaped somehow, his squadron is surely eliminated as a threat.
It is also reported that Scharnhorst had a prize in tow, the SS Clan MacGregor, which was boarded, her crew rescued, and the German prize crew captured.
PASSAGE INTERRUPTED
Reports have arrived from Manila where the newly arrived passenger vessel SS City of Adelaide has had a harrowing encounter in the Philippine Sea. The ship was stopped and boarded by a German warship, which identified themselves as the dreaded pirate Emden. While the Germans apparently behaved with restraint, the ship was closely examined, and a supply of spirits, tobacco, and newspapers were confiscated, and the ship's wireless was thoroughly wrecked. Only after these indignities was the Adelaide was allowed to proceed to Manila, the nearest safe harbour.
AN EXPEDITION PLANNED?
Our man in Calcutta reports that several regiments of British and Indian Army soldiers, along with their artillery and provisions, have detrained there and marched through the town to the docks. If this is true, then what is the purpose of this troop movement other than an expedition? While the Army is close lipped, the Sling believes that the German colony and port of Dar Es Salaam are ripe fruit waiting to be harvested.
INTRIGUE AND RUMOUR
Your faithful correspondent has maintained a cordial (and highly correct!) relationship with the young lady typist introduced to him by his friend, Kapitan Orlov. Thanks to his friend's employment in diplomatic circles, the Sling now believes that, because of outrages committed by the Boche fleet, it is almost certain that Holland will enter the war on the Allied side. If this is true, then we can expect the assistance of the Dutch fleet in Jakarta to help in capturing the last German pirates in the Pacific.
Your humble correspondent Neptune welcomes all tips and information, especially when accompanied by a drink offer. He can be found most days at the Empire Lounge, at his usual table for the 4pm Happy Hour. Ask Fernando to point him out to you.
Still no news of the Königsberg? 😉
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