The principal work of the destroyers in this connection--officers and men showing a fine spirit in carrying out what were frequently fruitless searches--was as follows: _May 1st–3rd._--The 2nd Flotilla was engaged in operations against enemy submarines reported, first, in the Fair Island Channel and, then, to the eastward and south-eastward of the Pentland Firth. The flotilla did not succeed in gaining touch with the submarines. _May 5th–7th._--One half of the 1st Flotilla was searching for a submarine off the Aberdeenshire coast, without result. _May 7th._--One division of the 2nd Flotilla was acting against a submarine reported in the Fair Island Channel, and then proceeded to work down the shipping route west of the Hebrides and Ireland in the hope of catching a submarine attacking trade. _May 8th._--Half the 4th Flotilla was searching for submarines off the east coast of the Orkneys. _May 10th–11th._--A division of the 4th Flotilla was searching for a submarine reported to be off North Ronaldshay; later, this division was reinforced by all available destroyers from Scapa, with orders that the force was to continue the search during the night, burning searchlights to assist the work and cause the submarine to submerge, thus exhausting her battery power. _May 13th._--Six destroyers were searching for a submarine reported west of Thurso. _May 15th._--A division of the 1st Flotilla left Rosyth to operate against a submarine off Aberdeen. _May 16th._--A division of the 4th Flotilla was searching for a submarine reported approaching the Fair Island Channel. _May 19th–20th._--A division of the 4th Flotilla was acting against a submarine reported west of the Orkneys. The principal Fleet movements during the month were: _May 2nd to May 5th._--Two forces, each consisting of two light cruisers and eight destroyers, were engaged in carrying out a thorough examination of all vessels, especially fishing craft, found in the areas usually traversed by the Fleet during southerly sweeps in order to ascertain whether any were acting as German look-out ships under neutral colours. A considerable number of vessels were examined, especially trawlers, and some were sent in for more detailed examination at the bases, but nothing incriminating was discovered. Between May 5th and 10th the 3rd Battle Squadron and 3rd Cruiser Squadron cruised in the northern portion of the North Sea, being screened out from Rosyth by a half flotilla. On the return towards Rosyth in Lat. 56.49 N., Long. 0.39 E., and before being met by the screening destroyers, the 3rd Battle Squadron, two torpedoes were fired by a submarine; they were aimed apparently at the _Dominion_, but both missed. The squadron was in division in line ahead, steaming at 15 knots, and was zigzagging at the time.