The moon had risen about 6.30 P.M. and was now well up, but it was too overcast to see much. According to von Spee the squadrons had closed in to about 5,400 yards, which caused him to sheer off, fearing torpedo attack. It seems certain that although firing was continued it could not have been effective, for three minutes after the _Good Hope_ blew up the Germans ceased fire altogether. Shortly afterwards von Spee ordered the _Leipzig_, _Dresden_, and _Nürnberg_--the last-named having joined the squadron during the action--to make a torpedo attack. The _Monmouth_ ceased firing just before the explosion on board the _Good Hope_, and was then steering roughly N.W. It was clear she was on her last legs, as her list had increased and she was down by the bows. She now suddenly altered course to the N.E. in the direction of the oncoming enemy. Captain Luce was senior naval officer, being senior to Captain Brandt, of the _Monmouth_. He saw the Germans approaching and signalled the _Monmouth_ at 8.30, "Enemy following us," but received no reply. Clearly there was no alternative left him but to save his ship, if he was not to make a needless sacrifice of his men, as it was obvious that he could be of no further assistance to his doomed consort. In addition, it was essential that the _Canopus_ should be warned in time to avert a further calamity, a task not so simple as it sounds, for the Germans were jamming our wireless messages. It is said that when last seen the gallant _Monmouth_ turned and made straight for the enemy in a heroic attempt to ram one of their ships. Von Spee reports that the _Nürnberg_ sank the _Monmouth_ at 9.28 P.M. by bombardment at point-blank range; this accounts for the seventy-five flashes of gunfire as well as the play of the beams of a search-light, which were observed by the _Glasgow_ after leaving the scene of action. It must have been brutal work. Thus perished Admiral Cradock together with 1,600 gallant officers and men. In fairness to the Germans it should be stated that our own officers considered it too rough for boats to be lowered with any safety.