Description:

REPORT OF H.M.S. AJAX ON THE BATTLE OF THE RIVER PLATE
A most important historic document, the original report from the light cruiser H.M.S. AJAX on action against the Kriegsmarine pocket battleship ADMIRAL GRAF SPEE during the Battle of the River Plate, December 13, 1939, from the wartime file of Captain Douglas H. Everett, commander of the H.M.S. AJAX. The 65pp. legal 4to. report was submitted to Admiral Henry Harwood, Commander of the South America Division, on December 31, 1939, one of three copies, and is stamped 'SECRET' in red ink at top. It is titled: 'REPORT OF H.M.S. 'AJAX' ON ACTION BETWEEN H.M. SHIPS 'AJAX', 'EXETER', 'ACHILLES' AND GERMAN ARMOURED SHIP 'ADMIRAL GRAF SPEE'. The incredibly detailed document cannot be easily summarized here. The report, primarily concerned with the AJAX, offers an in-depth chronology of the battle over the first six pages and includes torpedo fire on both sides as well. Commentary is made on a wide variety of subjects, including fire effectiveness, engine room performance, communications, damage control, casualties, etc. There follows narratives, chronologies, and much more careful examinations of gunnery and fire control, observation, gunners' fatigue, spotting, turrets, magazines, ammunition handling, damage caused by enemy fire, use of aircraft, torpedo employment, engineering, communications, with a complete list of damage, actions of fire and repair parties, and much more, all set forth in minute detail. There are also descriptions of named wounded and dead, and treatments administered, Finally, a few sections conclude with: 'Lessons Learnt'. This historic report makes vividly clear the incredible bravery and determination of the crew of the AJAX in its battle against an adversary of greatly superior strength. Light foxing and a paperclip stain to the first page, else very good.

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July 28, 2022 10:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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