The 10th Cruiser Squadron, having coaled, left to resume the northern patrol; the _Drake_, and the two ships acting with her, were ordered to return to Scapa to coal, and directions were given for the other two ships to rejoin the 10th Cruiser Squadron subsequently. During the day the _Orion_ developed serious condenser defects, necessitating retubing her condensers. A telegram was sent to the Admiralty requesting that new condenser tubes might be sent at once to Loch Ewe, together with dockyard workmen to assist with the retubing. Meanwhile arrangements were made for giving fleet assistance to the _Orion_, and for all suitable spare condenser tubes from the fleet to be sent to her on arrival. The situation as regards the coal supply to the Fleet had by this time become very serious, and was causing me much anxiety; in reply to strong representations to the Admiralty, a telegram was received explaining the position and the efforts being made to rectify matters. The Admiralty also informed me of the great importance that was attached to the efficiency of the northern patrol, and stated that four armed merchant ships were being sent to reinforce the 10th Cruiser Squadron. The constant sea work had by this time shown the inadequacy of the engine-room implements of all ships for war conditions, and, in consequence of representations to this effect, 1,000 R.N.R. firemen were sent to Scapa for distribution amongst the various ships. The benefit derived from this measure was very considerable. Two Fleet messenger vessels, the _Cambria_ and _Anglia_, arrived at Scapa on the 17th. These ships were used for communication between the bases, for carrying mails and despatches, and for boarding duties. _August 18th._--The Dreadnought Battle Fleet arrived at Loch Ewe to fuel early in the afternoon; it was accompanied by the 1st Light Cruiser Squadron which was without the _Falmouth_ and _Liverpool_. The attached cruisers were anchored in suitable positions for defending the entrance against submarine attack, so far as they were capable of doing it, and the armed steamboats of the fleet patrolled the entrance. The 1st Battle Cruiser Squadron had been detached to Scapa at daylight to fuel. A coaling base for the 10th Cruiser Squadron had been by this time established at Lerwick in order to shorten the distance for the ships when proceeding to fuel. The _Alsatian_, an armed merchant ship, joined the 10th Cruiser Squadron. The _Assistance_ arrived at Loch Ewe as base repair ship, and was connected to the shore telegraph system. Aeroplanes were reported off Foula Island, south-west of the Shetlands, during the night of the 18th–19th. Enquiry showed this rumour to be false.