H. M. S. “SUPERB” OPENING FIRE AT THE BATTLE OF JUTLAND H. M. S. “CANADA” ASTERN OF “SUPERB”] Conditions which were perhaps difficult ahead of the Battle Fleet were very much accentuated in the Battle Fleet. Vice-Admiral Sir Martyn Jerram, in his report, remarked on this point: “As leading ship, in addition to the hazy atmosphere, I was much hampered by what I imagine must have been cordite fumes from the battle cruisers after they had passed us, and from other cruisers engaged on the bow, also by funnel gases from small craft ahead, and for a considerable time by dense smoke from the _Duke of Edinburgh_, which was unable to draw clear.” The general position at 6.45 P.M. and again at 7.15 P.M. is shown in plans 8 and 9. At 7.10 P.M., according to remarks from the _Minotaur_, flagship of Rear-Admiral W. L. Heath, commanding the 2nd Cruiser Squadron, the position as seen from that ship was as follows: “The 2nd Cruiser Squadron was in single line ahead three to four miles on the port side of the _King George V._, gaining on her slightly, but with all the destroyers and light craft between her and the _King George V._ The battle cruisers were about four miles distant on the starboard bow of the _Minotaur_; owing to their higher speed, the battle cruisers rapidly increased their distance from the Battle Fleet to some eight miles.”[N] [N] Judged by reports from other cruisers the positions here described should be timed at about 6.50 to 7 P.M., and the diagrams show this accordingly. At 7.5 P.M. according to a report from the _Shannon_, of the 2nd Cruiser Squadron, the _Shannon’s_ course was S. 10 W., “the 2nd Cruiser Squadron endeavouring to take station on the engaged bow of the Battle Fleet; the Battle Fleet still engaged, the battle cruisers not engaged and turned slightly to port.” And again at 7.22 P.M. a report says: “The _Duke of Edinburgh_ had now taken station astern of the _Shannon_, the battle cruisers were engaged and had wheeled to starboard. Leading ships of the 2nd Cruiser Squadron were starting to cross the bows of the Battle Fleet from port to starboard. Battle cruisers firing intermittently, light cruisers making their way through the destroyer flotillas to attack the enemy light cruisers.” Rear-Admiral Heath stated: “At 7.11 P.M. I proceeded with the squadron at 20 knots to take up station astern of the Battle Cruiser Fleet, which was then engaged with the enemy.” He added: “One salvo fell short on the starboard bow of the _Minotaur_ and some others in close proximity”; and later says, “even when the salvo referred to in the preceding paragraph fell, no more than the flashes of the enemy’s guns could be seen.” Further remarks from the _Shannon_, at a later stage, were: “At 8 P.M. Battle Fleet altered course to starboard to close the enemy, and by 8.15 was lost to sight, bearing about north by east.” “At 8.15 P.M. Battle Fleet, out of sight from _Shannon_, was heard to be in action.”