The First World War - Jutland Timeline

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The Battle of Jutland 31st May 1916 - Timeline

Brief summary

On 28th May 1916 British intelligence intercepted radio signals between elements of the High Seas Fleet. These signals were de-coded on the 29th. It became apparent that the German Fleet was about to make a sortie into the North Sea. The British , however, failed to recognize that it was the whole of the High Seas Fleet that would participate, thinking that it was just the battle cruisers under Hipper that would be at sea. This would prove to be a serious error, as Jellicoe, the Grand Fleet C in C, would not be expecting a full fleet action and would be inclined to mistrust further intelligence reports. Jellicoe and Beatty were ordered to put to sea and were actually at sea before the German High Seas Fleet.

The Battle cruiser fleets met first with Beatty chasing Hipper south into the path of the oncoming High Seas Fleet. The engagement was disastrous for the British, losing two battle cruisers: Indefatigable and Queen Mary. On sighting the High Seas Fleet Beatty turned north to lead the German ships to the approaching Grand Fleet.

Admiral Hood and the 3rd Battle Cruiser Squadron enters the engagement. HIs flagship, Invincible is hit and becomes the third British battle cruiser to explode, but only after inflicting severe damage to Hipper's flagship, Lutzow, which later has to be scuttled.

Not expecting the British Grand Fleet to be at sea, the High Seas fleet steamed straight into their path. Sheer executed a 'Battle About Turn', a maneuver only practiced by the High Seas Fleet, and escaped relative unscathed. Jellicoe continued to head south to cut off the High Seas Fleet escape route. Sheer executed another 'Battle About Turn', presumably thinking that the Grand Fleet was in pursuit rather than heading south, and ran straight back into the Grand Fleet. Sheer ordered a third 'Battle About Turn' but this time he had to commit his Battle Cruisers and Destroyers to, what must have appeared to be, a suicidal charge at the Grand Fleet to cover his retreat. By this time night was falling and Sheer managed to get behind the Grand fleet, neither side wishing for, or even prepared for, a night action.

Sheer managed to get his fleet home. The outcome, in terms of tonnage lost, was in favor of the German High Seas Fleet, and the German government and press publically made the most of it. However, privately Sheer knew, and advised the Kaiser so, that the Grand Fleet would not be beaten in an open full scale fleet action. The Royal Navy continued to blockade the German coast and Germany focused on it's U-Boat offensive in attempt to blockade the United Kingdom. The High Seas fleet effectively remained in harbour, with many of it's best officers and men transferring to the U-Boat service.

29th May 1916

British Admiralty decodes intercepted radio messages between German forces. Indications are that the German Fleet will be making for the Skagerrak, a position in the North Sea between Norway and Jutland in Denmark.

30th May 1916

31st May 1916

1st June 1916