Enjoy.
King’s County Independent. July, 1916.
Home after Naval Battle.
His many friends in Kilmalogue were delighted to see Wireless Operator William Molloy of the H.M.S. Warspite, home during the week on a short leave, looking fit and well after his recent thrilling experiences in the great naval battle. Mr Molloy is the second son of Sergeant Arthur Molloy, R.I.C., Kilmalogue, and only 17 years of age. He volunteered at the outbreak of the war. Relating his experiences he says the Warspite was amongst the thirteen warships and cruisers under the command of Admiral Beatty. At 5,30 on the evening of the great battle they sighted four German crusiers and immediately attacked them. At the first shots were the whole German fleet came out. The British were at a great disadvantage as a thick mist on the Denmark coast hid the enemy from their view and the enemy were also superior in numbers. Nevertheless they continued a desperate fight for four nhours when what remained of the German fleet returned to port as Admiral Jellicoe’s squadron came up. The Warspite was in the thick of the fight right through—the gear going out of order, the battleship drifted amongst the enemy battleships and was surrounded by nine of the enemy boats. Three withdrew, but the six attacked the Warspite, which, after a hot time, got clear with small casualties. She then went to the assistance of the damaged, and succeeded in saving the whole crew before the latter sank. Subsequently she assisted “The Defence.” Admiral Jellicoe’s fleet came to their assistance at 9.30 when the Germans fled to port. Wireless Operator Molloy considers the enemy losses must have been very heavy. Almost every shell fired from the British ships hit their mark, while about two out of every ten of the enemy’s shells were effective. Returning to port the Warspite was followed by several submarines from which torpedoes were fired in quick success, but the Captain by clever manoeuvring succeeded in evading them. With the small guns many of the submarines were put out of action and the crew of the “Warspite” returned safely with comparatively light casualties. The whole crew, without exception, has been recommended for their bravery by the Commander.