That despatch was sent in under constant pressure for its early receipt and at a time when I, in common with my Staff, was very fully occupied with the arrangements connected with the repair of damaged ships, the constructive alterations which the action had shown to be necessary in our ships, and the various committees which I had formed to report on different subjects in the light of our experience. I was not, therefore, able to give the personal attention to the reports which later opportunities have afforded me, and such slight modifications as I have made are due to a closer study of these reports, and of the signals received during May 31st. * * * * * One of my first acts on returning to Scapa was to send to the King on the morning of June 3rd a message of humble duty, respectful and heartfelt wishes on His Majesty’s birthday. The following reply was received from His Majesty, and communicated to the Fleet: “I am deeply touched by the message which you have sent me on behalf of the Grand Fleet. It reaches me on the morrow of a battle which has once more displayed the splendid gallantry of the officers and men under your command. I mourn the loss of brave men, many of them personal friends of my own, who have fallen in their country’s cause. Yet even more do I regret that the German High Sea Fleet in spite of its heavy losses was enabled by the misty weather to evade the full consequences of an encounter they have always professed to desire, but for which when the opportunity arrived they showed no inclination. Though the retirement of the enemy immediately after the opening of the general engagement robbed us of the opportunity of gaining a decisive victory, the events of last Wednesday amply justify my confidence in the valour and efficiency of the fleets under your command. “GEORGE R. I.” The simple duty remained of acknowledging this gracious message, and I added in my telegram to His Majesty that it was “a matter of the greatest gratification to all ranks to receive such an expression of Your Majesty’s approval and sympathy for the loss of our gallant comrades.” CHAPTER XV REFLECTIONS ON THE BATTLE OF JUTLAND There has been some discussion on the tactics of the Jutland Battle, and no doubt there will be more. I have endeavoured to give the facts, so that future discussions may take place with adequate knowledge. It is as well, first, to dispel the illusion, which I have seen expressed, that the Grand Fleet was divided with the object of enticing the enemy out to attack the weaker portion in order to provide the opportunity for a Fleet action. There was no such intention. On May 31st the Battle Cruiser Fleet was scouting to the southward of the Battle Fleet in pursuance of the policy which had been frequently carried out on previous occasions.