Prior to this, in view of the rapid decrease in visibility, I had directed Captain Dreyer, my Flag-Captain, to cause the range-finder operators to take ranges of ships on bearings in every direction and to report the direction in which the visibility appeared to be the greatest. My object was to ascertain the most favourable bearing in which to engage the enemy should circumstances admit of a choice being exercised. Captain Dreyer reported that the visibility appeared to be best to the southward. At 5.45 P.M. the _Comus_ (Captain Hotham), of the 4th Light Cruiser Squadron, which was stationed three miles ahead of the Battle Fleet, reported heavy gunfire on a southerly bearing, i.e., three points from ahead, and shortly afterwards flashes of gunfire were visible bearing south-south-west although no ships could be seen. At about 5.50 P.M. I received a wireless signal from Sir Robert Arbuthnot, of the 1st Cruiser Squadron, reporting having sighted ships in action bearing south-south-west and steering north-east. There was, however, no clue as to the identity of these ships. It was in my mind that they might be the opposing battle cruisers. At 5.55 P.M. a signal was made by me to Admiral Sir Cecil Burney, leading the starboard wing division in the _Marlborough_, inquiring what he could see. The reply was: “Gun flashes and heavy gunfire on the starboard bow.” This reply was received at about 6.5 P.M. The uncertainty which still prevailed as to the position of the enemy’s Battle Fleet and its formation caused me to continue in the Battle Fleet on the course south-east by south at a speed of 20 knots, in divisions line ahead disposed abeam to starboard, the _Iron Duke_ at 6 P.M. being in Lat. 57.11 N., Long. 5.39 E. [Illustration: H. M. S. “IRON DUKE” AND 3RD DIVISION OF THE BATTLE FLEET DEPLOYING AT THE BATTLE OF JUTLAND] The information so far received had not even been sufficient to justify me in altering the bearing of the guides of columns from the _Iron Duke_ preparatory to deployment, and they were still, therefore, on the beam. The destroyers also were still disposed ahead in their screening formation, as it was very desirable to decide on the direction of deployment before stationing them for action. At 5.56 P.M. Admiral Sir Cecil Burney reported strange vessels in sight bearing south-south-west and steering east, and at 6 P.M. he reported them as British battle cruisers three to four miles distant, the _Lion_ being the leading ship.