War chronicle · 31 May–1 June · North Sea
The Battle of Jutland
The biggest single naval action of the war sees 14 British and 11 German ships sunk.
British light cruisers open fire on German torpedo boats, starting the biggest single naval action of the war.
The Battle of Jutland is fought off the coast of Denmark in the North Sea. Visibility deteriorates and communications are muddled. After some 12 hours of chaotic and confused fighting, the German fleet leaves the battle at around 2am.
Both sides claim victory. But the battle comes at an ultimate cost for the 6091 British and 2551 Germans killed at sea.
Of the 14 British ships sunk, the HMS New Zealand is not one of them. The battle confirms its reputation as a lucky ship, having already survived two previous clashes without losing a man. Some attribute this luck to the captain always wearing his piupiu (flax skirt) and heitiki (ornamental neck pendant) to battle.
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