At 9.20 A.M. the two leading ships of the enemy (_Gneisenau_ and _Nürnberg_), with guns trained on the wireless station, came within range of the _Canopus_, who opened fire at them across the low land at a range of 11,000 yards. The enemy at once hoisted their colours and turned away. At this time the masts and smoke of the enemy were visible from the upper bridge of the _Invincible_ at a range of approximately 17,000 yards across the low land to the south of Port William. A few minutes later the two cruisers altered course to port, as though to close the _Kent_ at the entrance to the harbour, but about this time it seems that the _Invincible_ and _Inflexible_ were seen over the land, as the enemy at once altered course and increased speed to join their consorts. The _Glasgow_ weighed and proceeded at 9.40 A.M. with orders to join the _Kent_ and observe the enemy's movements. At 9.45 A.M. the squadron--less the _Bristol_--weighed, and proceeded out of harbour in the following order: _Carnarvon_, _Inflexible_, _Invincible_, and _Cornwall_. On passing Cape Pembroke Light, the five ships of the enemy appeared clearly in sight to the south-east, hull down. The visibility was at its maximum, the sea was calm, with a bright sun, a clear sky, and a light breeze from the north-west. At 10.20 A.M. the signal for a general chase was made. The battle-cruisers quickly passed ahead of the _Carnarvon_ and overtook the _Kent_. The _Glasgow_ was ordered to keep two miles from the _Invincible_, and the _Inflexible_ was stationed on the starboard quarter of the flagship. Speed was eased to 20 knots at 11.15 A.M. to enable the other cruisers to get into station. At this time the enemy's funnels and bridges showed just above the horizon. Information was received from the _Bristol_ at 11.27 A.M. that three enemy ships had appeared off Port Pleasant, probably colliers or transports. The _Bristol_ was therefore directed to take the _Macedonia_ under his orders and destroy transports. The enemy were still maintaining their distance, and I decided, at 12.20 P.M., to attack with the two battle-cruisers and the _Glasgow_. At 12.47 P.M. the signal to "Open fire and engage the enemy" was made. The _Inflexible_ opened fire at 12.55 P.M. from her fore turret at the right-hand ship of the enemy, a light cruiser; a few minutes later the _Invincible_ opened fire at the same ship. The deliberate fire from a range of 16,500 to 15,000 yards at the right-hand light cruiser, who was dropping astern, became too threatening, and when a shell fell close alongside her at 1.20 P.M. she (the _Leipzig_) turned away, with the _Nürnberg_ and _Dresden_ to the south-west. These light cruisers were at once followed by the _Kent_, _Glasgow_, and _Cornwall_, in accordance with my instructions.