Battle of the Falkland Islands - Von Spee's Last Stand

After Coronel, one last roll of the dice awaiting von Spee, but a mixture of bad luck and politics had sent of the RN's best Admiral's to opposed him...
Sources:
www.amazon.co.uk/Battles-Coronel-Falklands-1914/dp/1783462795/
www.naval-histo...
www.amazon.co.uk/Coronel-Falkland-Barrie-Pitt/dp/179069650X
www.amazon.co.uk/Great-War-Sea-Naval-History/dp/1107036909
www.amazon.co.uk/Great-War-Sea-Naval-1914-1919/dp/184832183X
www.amazon.co.uk/Fighting-Great-War-Sea-Technology-ebook/dp/B00SGC4WYY
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[@Drachinifel]

Pinned post for Q&A :)

[@Cbabilon675]

In your opinion, what was Admiral Von Spee best option?

[@marcusfranconium3392]

Here is one question ,what if due to some unforseen circomstances , the netherlands join the new german state in 1860s How would the german navy have unfolded.

[@thehandoftheking3314]

I was reading about the Royal Navy development in the 20th century till the 50s. There were several conclusions made by the writers 1. The Royal Navy was wrong not to scrap or sell the existing carriers and replace them with Malta class. 2. The Royal Navy was wasteful to build the R class. The theory being that they were to win an arms race already won. They should have built more Queen Elizabeth's instead. 3. The pre ww2 modernisation program was badly organised. 4. The King George Vths were a waste of resources and those should have been delayed to modernise existing ships. Do you agree, disagree with any of these? Please don't throw binoculars at me...

[@philipprucz3099]

The german Amored Cruisers seemed to have lastes pretty long against superior and much more modern Battlecruisers, who expended a lot of their main ammo stock to sink the German cruisers. What was the reason for this? Quality of British shells? Poor Gunnery? Pretty sturdy German ships? A combination of things? And what was the british reaction to the german amored cruisers lasting so long and the need to expend such a wast amount of amunition?

[@theodoresmith5272]

Your battle series are the best. How about one with the Korean admiral that smoked the Japanese in battle after battle?

[@SynchroScore]

There is a story I've read that, after the battle, the Governor of the Falklands hosted the British captains to a dinner, and proposed a toast, declaring "Damnation to the German Navy!" The captains all remained seated and silent. Then a senior officer (possibly Sturdee) proposed another toast, "We drink to the memory of brave sailors who had gone to the bottom" and the other captains joined him.

[@mdiciaccio87]

Awwwwwkwaaaaard!

[@SynchroScore]

@@mdiciaccio87 Similarly, after the Battle of the North Cape, Admiral Fraser sent out a message that went like "If any of you finds yourself faced with overwhelming odds, I hope that you conduct yourself as well as the _Scharnhorst_ did today."

[@kennethdeanmiller7324]

Although being relieved to have fought a battle & won is most understandable. It is never a good thing to celebrate the misfortune of your enemies, especially considering that misfortune could just as easily have been your own. And that misfortune can easily come visit you for celebrating such things!!! Also, war is never a good thing. In war all types of people die, good & evil, honorable & maybe not so honorable. But when faced with kill or be killed, it's not like you can get to know that person before you are faced with having to kill them.

[@opfor_8876]

Because it's Royal Navy, not Primate Navy

[@gerarddelmonte8776]

There is a fact that after Coronel, von Spee was toasted with a similar toast versus the English. He said much the same thing.

[@bRiAn55549]

The British officers record of becoming friends with the germans and talking about how they did not want to fight each other but had to adds an important level of humanity to these naval engagement that is normally lost due to their scale. Really appreciate those additions from crew experiences.

[@brucelownhole]

Officers chat Stokers die The British picked up the Officers and left the other ranks to die. Let's not pretend the humanity extended through class or rank barriers.

[@gokbay3057]

@@brucelownhole Except for the fact that Drach mentioned only a few officers being rescued, with rest being sailors (probably not stokers and rather people working at the upper levels but still) And while the officers were certainly treated better British did pick up regular crew and treated and fed them too. Maybe they got regular rations in the mess hall rather than dine fine food with the officers but British did not just ignore them and let them die because they were of lesser rank.

[@GARDENER42]

@@brucelownhole Fabricated rot. The truth is humanity extended both ways & only a dedicated "class warrior" would claim otherwise.

[@epicninja2378]

@@brucelownhole Ok commie sure.

[@baabbo]

I seem to remember reading, that pre-war, when British and German officers met socially, the Germans would propose a toast of "Der Tag", to the day when the fleets would meet in combat.

[@ladyofolyas]

That French ship coming upon an active naval engagement and just saying "nope" had me crying.

[@purplefood1]

Not just that but a sail powered vessel coming across a fight between at least two modern steam powered battlecruisers and a pair of modern armoured cruisers both from countries with a reasonably close relationship with no context whatsoever, it must have seemed like the world was ending.

[@jacobwatts202]

Wonder if they thought it was the flying dutchman

[@myview5840]

Just remembered they left the baguette oven on back home

[@KennyDodge-of2sp]

Whew,you know they were,"run Forrest,run"!!!

[@stacyhamilton2619]

​@@purplefood1 At least a pair?!

[@austinlange7210]

Not even halfway through and it’s already sounding like “Bismarck: The Prequel”. German admiral kicks hornet’s nest, Royal Navy responds with “ok, send _all_ the ships”.

[@gokbay3057]

River Plate too

[@HMSConqueror]

and the super duper uber mega german ships got a massive brazzers without hitting any RN unit.

[@stanrogers5613]

We have dispatched His Majesty's Ships Curmudgeonly, Irascible, Quite Cross, Apoplectic, and Right I've Had Enough Of This.

[@austinlange7210]

@@stanrogers5613 unfortunately the rest of the I-class - Irritable, Indignant, and Incensed - were on duty elsewhere

[@olivergoodridgeify]

@@stanrogers5613 if Monty python had a navy, these would be the lead ships of each class 😂😂

[@Gothmog2266]

What a devastating moment it must have been when the German squadron saw the tripod masts rising from the harbor . . . they had traveled half way around the world, smashed a comparable British force, the first British first naval defeat in over a century, and now in that one instant, Spee knew their fate was sealed.

[@ericamborsky3230]

Still better than facing down Kongo and Hiei

[@simonrisley2177]

Very good, as usual. Winston Churchill later wrote of von Spee "He was like a cut flower in a vase: beautiful to look at, but bound to die."

[@jamesrandall1979]

What a quote

[@Alex-cw3rz]

That is just such a funny image, of just pottering about on a boat to stumble on a major naval battle, during a war you didn't know existed

[@rashkavar]

Can you imagine how the poor sailors on that ship felt seeing that? They're in this archaic wooden hulk that pretty much goes where the wind tells it to go and they wind up sailing straight towards a battle like that....poor guys would've been scared out of their wits! There's also the issue of figuring out how to get around a battle like that - the wind would only give them noteworthy speed in a fairly narrow arc (generally not bad if there's a decent wind to work with, but much more limited than the steamers whose only wind issue was one of visibility).

[@colindunnigan8621]

@@rashkavar I believe a similar incident occurred during the battlecruiser action at Jutland, with a schooner sailing between the two squadrons.

[@christopherreed4723]

It's somewhat of a foreshadowing of some of the Russian villages the Germans captured during Operation Barbarossa. No resistance at all, just a bunch of Russian peasants in traditional clothing watching the German tanks. Then the elder timidly approaches a German officer and, through an interpreter, asks if the "Little Father" - the Tsar - was a war with Germany. Shock and denial upon being told that the Tsar and his entire family were dead, executed in Yekaterinburg more than twenty years before.

[@Alex-cw3rz]

@@christopherreed4723 did you make up that story, as I'm not sure how that is even possible

[@christopherreed4723]

@@Alex-cw3rz No. It's out of either Panzer Aces or Infantry Aces by Franz Kurowski, iirc. I have both, but it's been a while since I read them.

[@glennricafrente58]

"A no win scenario is a possibility every commander may face." Von Spee's turn to face a Kobayashi Maru scenario.

[@michaelkovacic2608]

And he faced it with great courage and dignity.

[@Stay_at_home_Astronaut81]

"A prayer, Mr Saavik, Klingons don't take prisoners. Lights."

[@drcovell]

In *Star Trek* it was the “Kobayshi Maru” test.

[@mikebaker2436]

A no win scenario is a possibility every person may face.

[@Smethells2023]

I am reminded of an incident when Admiral von Spee was in Chile, during this final voyage. A woman gave him flowers, and he was heard to remark: “These flowers will do nicely for my grave.” He knew the odds were wildly against them getting back home. RIP❤

[@josephthomas8318]

Drach. My life has taken a serious downturn the last few weeks and it's been really rough. But when I see these Wednesday specials pop up in my notifications, I feel a rare bit of genuine happiness. Thank you.

[@karlbrundage7472]

Stay strong, Brother. You will get through this................

[@robertmatch6550]

Not to respond with some bland cliche-ridden coat of false bonhomie; you have company. You may feel horrible now, but the time that passed and led you to feel worse will pass and something better will turn up. And ask for help and bring a new face into your life. El luta continua.

[@GenocideWesterners]

My week has been worse. I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes on September 29th and I am only 18 years old. But my family and youtube helps me adjust to this new reality of my life.

[@michaelleslie2913]

In my prayers tonight brother .

[@notshapedforsportivetricks2912]

I'm sorry to hear of your misfortunes, but I'm glad that this channel lightens the gloom a bit for you. Remember the old saying "and this too shall pass". Not even the really bad stuff can last forever.

[@hmshood9212]

Here we have an example of Battlecruisers doing things within their mission profile. That being smashing up cruisers. The polar opposite of this is Jutland outside their mission profile engaging other capital ships with explosive results.

[@spirz4557]

Emphasis on "explosive".

[@mikereger1186]

Even then, it was more due to the imbecile Beatty’s squadron completely ignoring all ammunition handling safety procedures. Had they done the job properly, would this still even be a conversation?

[@Iain1957]

Agreed - also note that the presence of HMAS Australia in the Indian Ocean may Von Spee move into the Pacific away from the trade routes - which is exactly what a battle cruisers was supposed to do.

[@stuartdollar9912]

Agreed, but a pair of cruisers can do the same job just about as cheaply. Part of the reason the US Navy never completed a battlecruiser.

[@Cailus3542]

@@stuartdollar9912 The Alaska-class cruisers basically were battlecruisers in all but name, but yes, pretty much. After HMS Hood was built, the British adopted that philosophy as well (cruisers, cruisers, more cruisers, all the cruisers), although Hood was more like a fast battleship than an actual battlecruiser. A battlecruiser was still an invaluable weapon of war in WW1, mind you, so long as they were used properly. And honestly, it's just as well that the Americans converted the Lexingtons. They made far better fleet carriers than battlecruisers.

[@L.J.Kommer]

Imagine what the crew of that French merchant ship must've been thinking. Thousands of tonnes of steel are slugging it out around you and all you have to escape is some giant cloths tied to a pole.

[@Kiev_The_Great]

Can white sails double for white flags? I like to imagine the crew on the bridge of the respective warships receiving reports of a potential new combatant having a chuckle when it's identified as a sail boat.

[@Thirdbase9]

Captain: I hope the friendly side wins. First Officer: Which side is that? Captain: I don't know, so lets be elsewhere.

[@stanleyrogouski]

If the French ship left port in July they knew about the assassination of Franz Ferdinand (June 28).

[@Kiev_The_Great]

@@stanleyrogouski I guess their reaction then was, "Boy! That escalated quickly!"

[@L.J.Kommer]

@@stanleyrogouski "Gee, that's terrible, but there's no way that will cause a four year long global war that causes over twenty million deaths." What happened next was a four year long global war that caused over twenty million deaths.

[@wildancrazy159]

Once again you have more than excited any expectations. When I see you have posted a new Battle after action report/post it fills me with joy. Not because of the death and destruction, but the concise but entertaining, humorous but not loss of humanity, university level historical documentary. Every damn time. No one else comes close to this channel, and it will be a dark day for all if and when this treasure ends. Thank you drachinifel, for all you do.

[@sputnikjones2477]

I agree . well spoken.

[@tomhumphries912]

My personal favourites are the engineering videos. Drach has a really effective method of explaining concepts to the right level without giving you too much or too little

[@3vimages471]

Drach is a machine, don`t you know. The treasure will never end.

[@philippepanayotov9632]

Totally agree 👍

[@falklandsgamer9156]

An interesting extra if anyone’s interested: The hill Canopus fired over was granted its name shortly after this engagement (Canopus Hill), and is the site of a shore battery originally built to protect the islands against further attack in ww1. The guns there now are not ones mounted on Canopus, but from Lancaster, another Monmouth cruiser. Also I’m genuinely surprised at the lack of troll comments so far, they must be sleeping in today.

[@hazchemel]

Thanks for that. You meant, those guns of Lancaster are there still?

[@falklandsgamer9156]

They are, they got a spruce-up in 2006 to preserve them for a while longer. These ones are a pair in their mid-ships deck mounts, with a nice big shield around them. Lancaster originally had these moved from their lower positions in the hull because of their susceptibility to general oceanic intrusion.

[@The_Modeling_Underdog]

@@falklandsgamer9156 "Susceptibility to general oceanic intrusion" is a fine Drachism, I reckon. What trolls, you mean?

[@-red-5089]

Gibble your billboy 🤤

[@juliewinstanley9678]

Koo Jul

[@johnfisher9692]

Thanks Drach It is strange just how similar the fates of Craddock and Von Spee are. Both faced opponents with vastly superior ships and numbers and displayed outstanding courage and determination to do their duty. This battle also proved that Jackie Fishers "Dreadnought Armoured Cruisers" were excellent ships when used for the role they were designed for, not against the fast Battleships that was Hipper's 1stSG. Wonder how faster the battle would have been if the British ships had fully working AP shells? A flaw Jellicoe noted when he was 3rd Sea Lord but sadly did not pursue the matter after he left that position.

[@alephalon7849]

The rusting but still floating hulk of SS Great Britain is a great cameo.

[@Wombat1916]

Now, of course, the restored SS Great Britain is in Great Western Dockyard, Bristol, UK.

[@adamcarreras-neal4697]

@@Wombat1916 whichis the dock that she was built. Very worth a visit if you're in the area

[@Billy_Annizarry]

When presented with flowers after his victory at Coronel, Von Spee remarked "this will do nicely for my grave". CMIIW

[@falloutghoul1]

Man, even if Von Spee managed to get past this blockade, it would've been impossible for him to make it home like this.

[@johnlavery3433]

At best he could have stopped in Spain to be interned

[@falloutghoul1]

@@johnlavery3433 I was thinking more of the Caribbean Sea.

[@WALTERBROADDUS]

As that old line goes; "ours is not to wonder why. Ours is to do or die. "😔

[@jakobming4831]

His best chance would have been to skip the Falklands run Gibraltar at night and make it to turkey

[@gavinmclaren9416]

@@jakobming4831 There was still one battle cruiser in the Mediterranean, Indomitable, I think, that was standing by the Dardenelles in case of a sortie by Goeben. So possibly if von Spee was able to get past Gibraltar cleanly (unlikely) he would still have to run the whole length of the Mediterranean, with British and French assets, and then face Indomitable. Perhaps a move by Goeben back out into the Agean sea would have occupied Indomitable, but it was around that time that Goeben hit a Russian mine off the Bosphorus and was damaged. The damage was severe enough that the Goeben was thought to be a last forlorn hope in the sea of Marmara if the British & French had succeeded in penetrating the Dardenelles in March 1915. Without assistance from Goeben von Spee would have been driving towards Indomitable with the French and British Mediterranean fleets hard on his tail. After the Goeben fiasco at the start of the war the British would have no doubt as to where von Spee was heading after he was in the Mediterranean. So while a move to Constantinople might have been less suicidal than trying to run the Grand Fleet, I still think it would have failed.

[@chiron14pl]

In the battle, the von Spee family lost not only the husband and father, but two sons as well.

[@lablackzed]

Bit like donzit.

[@daveweiss5647]

Absolutely devastating, kind of like the commanding General for the Japanese in the Russo Japanese War, both his sons died under his command during the war, he and his wife committed Sepuku together three years after the war.

[@z1az285]

i remember reading about it. Heinrich and otto

[@simoncampbell-smith6745]

While I was in the Falklands I visited Port Stanley and the memorial to this battle. Now all but forgotten, Coronel and the Falklands are battles that are an important part of the history of WW1.

[@abrahamdozer6273]

Who'd have thought that there would be another significant naval battle fought there near the end of the 20th century. It's stranger than fiction.

[@RCAvhstape]

@@abrahamdozer6273 It does seem odd that a couple of islands in the middle of nowhere are the scene of so many battles.

[@thekinginyellow1744]

@@RCAvhstape "Strategically located" islands. Just like Midway and the Solomons. I expect at some point in the future there will be a famous "Battle of Diego Garcia"

[@kyleJohn1997]

I say the Falklands War of 1982 greatly overshadows the Battle of the Falklands Island 1914

[@abrahamdozer6273]

@@thekinginyellow1744 Located at the tip of South America which was a really big strategic deal before the completion of the Panama Canal. Diego Garcia (British at the time) was part of my father's Coastal Command patrol area during WWII It was a backwater because the Japanese were not successful in the Indian Ocean. It could have had major importance back then.

[@SNP-1999]

A lovely dedication at the end of the video to the men who died during the battle, on both sides. How tragic such conflicts between former befriended nations is can be taken from the sentiments spoken by the Royal Naval officers to the survivors of von Spee's ships.

[@samrobinson566]

Major surgery means I've had time to revisit some older videos, and was about to watch your superb Jutland series again, when I remembered that today is Story Time, and yes! So pleased to see it's a video I have been waiting for 🙂 your work is helping speed my recovery, so thank you very much Sir 👍🏻

[@adenkyramud5005]

Wishing you a very speedy recovery.

[@samrobinson566]

@@adenkyramud5005 thanks buddy; it's gonna be a long road, but I'm taking one step at a time, and positivity is always helpful and appreciated 🙂👍🏻

[@pvccannon1966]

@@samrobinson566 Well wishes and prayers from the south, usa rest up and enjoy the videos. :)

[@samrobinson566]

@@pvccannon1966 thanks from across the pond buddy - take care and stay safe 👍🏻🙂

[@darrellsmith4204]

Wisconsin, USA will NOT be outdone when it comes to wishing a fellow Drachophile best wishes for an uneventful and complete recovery!

[@oteliogarcia1562]

What a lonely voyage that must have been for von Spee. He learns of the SMS Emden's fate, learns of the loss of Tsingtao, and after he deals the RN an embarassing defeat, realizes he's depleted his ammunition and that his squadron probably wouldn't last long out there. and then he finds himself in the same situation as Cradock, but just like his counterpart, bravely faces his doom.

[@IRLangmaid25]

So much so that when he is presentes with flowers he remarks 'they will go nicely upon my grave'

[@briannicholas2757]

Drach, this was one of your finest videos. I felt like I was aboard a zeppelin, circling above and watching the fight. As usual your humor ( common among soldiers/sailors in tough situations) kept this from becoming maudlin. Thanks again

[@dylanjohnston5848]

Absolutely a heart felt story to tell about this battle. Seeing the British and German navies slugging it out and then the heart breaking recounts of sailors struggling for survival, I can say I've read about the battle and the previous encounter and destruction of the royal navy ships at Cornell, it's something of both bravery and valor that the Officers, sailors, and men fought to the bitter end for each others respected side. I say Drachinifel, please continue to share these accounts of these battles, because it adds emotions and that historical punch that is needed when telling these battles.

[@hisdadjames4876]

Agree, especially as in WW1 (unlike WW2) there was not much to choose between the values and morality of the two sides... ‘just’ two nations sacrificing millions of ordinary people’s lives on the altars of their respective imperial ambitions. Tragic.

[@Token_Civilian]

Wow! Drach....that was an excellent presentation of the battle. Each stage could be followed easily. Well done.

[@WalterReimer]

One can imagine the "Ach, scheisse" running through von Spee's mind when he learned what ships were waiting for him.

[@highlypolishedturd7947]

That, and a big GULP!

[@taggartlawfirm]

Ach, scheisse, ach, scheisse, ach, scheisse….

[@jacaredosvudu1638]

​@@taggartlawfirm ZATHS BULLSCHEIßE!!!

[@danielscheurwater2466]

Finally!!!! I have waited since Coronel for this (just like the British).

[@tobiasGR3Y]

Castles of Steel was my first introduction to this battle; it formerly owned by my late USN-Serving Grandfather, but it really doesn't do justice to how hemmed in Graf Spee was. Bismarck stood a chance to escape until the torpedo hit, there was no escape for the East-Asia squadron. The water made sure of it when the ships were gone. 😞

[@papajohnloki]

I really liked that book also particularly the Jutland section on Drac's favorite Beatty

[@temerityxd8602]

I'm reading castles of steel right now, I just finished the Von Spee section and now I get a Drach video as well.

[@mikereger1186]

Excellent book.

[@IRLangmaid25]

Agreed it's one of my favourites too and I recommend Dreadnought as well by Robert K Massie which comes before it

[@rileyosteen6470]

Big fan of the use of models to demonstrate position and environmental effects on the battle!

[@jayadkisson2075]

The Robert Massie books Dreadnought and Castles of Steel are required reading, and describe -- among other things -- the close relationship between the Royal Navy and the Imperial Navy just a few years before the war, as well as an excellent account of this particular battle. The trial, tribulations, and ultimate revenge of the Canopus (at least in surprising the German fleet with a couple of salvos seemingly out of the blue) is an interesting story of its own.

[@michaelleslie2913]

When I read the Emden story a while back I thought then when on the China station the relationship between the two Navy's was remarkable and nothing like the daggers drawn attitude that we are sometimes led to believe.

[@bigblue6917]

I have read several accounts of this battle and watched at least one documentary on it and I have to say this version is definatelly the best I've come across by far.

[@budwyzer77]

It's crazy to realize that Von Spee would have saved more men by suicidally charging into the Falklands for a knife fight. It would have been much easier to rescue survivors so close to the shore.

[@Paciat]

Not when you realize that this nation elected Hitler who clearly said that casualties in future war wont matter, only the outcome will.

[@budwyzer77]

@@Paciat An extremely close-range fight would also have produced a better outcome for the Germans. They could have gotten close enough to penetrate the battlecruisers' and armored cruisers' armor and fire torpedoes at nearly immobile targets. Perhaps he could have even detached the Nurnberg to escape with the Dresden.

[@tenarmurk]

@@Paciat whats wrong about that statement ?

[@GM-fh5jp]

Von Spee had his chance for a dramatic victory but failed to rise to the occasion as would have been expected from Commanders Beatty or Nelson. He could have sailed his fleet within gun and torpedo range against a stationary row of ships scrambling to raise steam and get underway. Kent could have been dealt with as it patrolled the outer harbor and then...boom. Point blank gun and torpedo attack.

[@The_Modeling_Underdog]

Yes. And no. Hindsight being a benefit, we must put ourselves in von Spee's shoes. He doesn't now if the narrow is mined. Wether the RN ships have already raised steam or not. He doesn't have an accurate picture of the squadron's composition. Further more, there's enemy fire raining down on him from God knows where. Yes, it's Canopus. Tossing shells like a drunken metal throws beer bottles at punks. But, he's not aware of that. For all he knows, it can be yet another battlecruiser. Why run the gauntlet in a confined space when you can use your expertise in open waters? Of course, we'll never know what was going through his head. Just some random thoughts put together. Cheers.

[@lafeelabriel]

Just going to say that that final panel was a nice touch.

[@geoffhalstead1811]

Ditto from an ex-navy man of the ‘60s 👍👏

[@deltavee2]

Thank you Drach for yet another well researched and well told episode in the history of the world's navies. Your voice, style of speech and dry British asides make for any time spent with you considered to be time well spent. One of the few instances, one imagines, in which pissing off the Admiral of the Fleet turned out to be a very good thing, given the presence of Sturdee (Sp. verif.), a good tactician, in the right place at the right time with resources to prosecute his mission. One cannot easily absorb the deaths of 2,100 German sailors at a stroke, as it were. It is a small number in comparison to the hundreds of thousands that were lost in days going "over the top" into the torrents of machine gun fire on land but naval battles seem more...personal, perhaps orderly, at least at that time in history, witness the post battle communications between the Admirals.

[@jamieknight326]

This is really informative and moving. I didn’t know about these battles. I am impressed by the way the victors acted but sad that so many people lost their lives in such a brutal way.

[@loveaction12]

Drachinfel, I wanted to thank you for all of these amazing and informative videos !! I have been a long time fan of the air and land wars of the 19th and 20th centuries, but only recently got into naval warfare, mostly by proximity as I live in Britain :D. Your videos are amazing source of information for a new starter like me, thank you again !

[@exidy-yt]

I love hearing about some of the lesser known naval battles of WW1, it seems all anyone ever covers was Jutland when I was in school, even the books available to us. Much appreciate your videos, Drachinifel.

[@BrianWMay]

What a superbly timed and narrated presentation. Thank you SO much. So many narrators (especially American ones) gabble as if they need to supercharge the word count. This was excellent. Having been to the Falklands and Port Stanley I feel for those 'in the water'. RIP gentlemen.

[@mENTALdRIFTER]

Yes, its 6am in the states and I have to get my kid ready for the school bus, but Drach has a new battle breakdown video

[@charlesziel1997]

Thank you. I have been waiting for this since the one on Coronel. I have two books that had chapters that covered this battle and neither one has as much detail. I had no idea about the false telegraph. Great as usual. Your research is suberb and naration great.

[@johngreally9599]

Storytelling is . That was a beauty.

[@falloutghoul1]

Legend has is that the French sailing vessel sailed away to large cries of "Sacre Bleu!"

[@riverraven7359]

The skill and courage of ww1 era officers is impressive. How many modern navies would stomach 90% casualties to put up a fight they cannot win just so the homeland isn't ashamed of them?

[@alexrennison8070]

I assume the CCP wouldn’t mind 99.99% casualties 😂

[@riverraven7359]

@@alexrennison8070 only if the public found out.

[@thekinginyellow1744]

No one asked the ratings what they thought.

[@riverraven7359]

@@thekinginyellow1744 true but they did sign up and you cant sweet talk thousands of sailors in to staying on sinking ships.

[@thekinginyellow1744]

@@riverraven7359Because of their rapid pre-war expansion, I was assuming that many of the ratings would have been conscripted, as opposed to "signing up". Unfortunately I could not find definitive evidence confirming or denying that the Kaiserliche Marine relied on conscription, so probably you are right.

[@johnlavery3433]

Out of curiosity, would you ever be interesting in doing something about the Franklin expedition or the Crabb disappearance?

[@mikepette4422]

oh those are good ones indeed

[@abrahamdozer6273]

BTW, The Franklin Expedition (cannibalism and all) .... our newest Arctic ice breaking warship just sailed right through the strait where Franklin came acropper about a month ago.

[@richardmalcolm1457]

@@abrahamdozer6273 The Healy, right? Once upon a time, that was a lethal strait for any ship, but now...

[@abrahamdozer6273]

@@richardmalcolm1457 The "Healy"? That's a Yank Coast Guard ship that sails in Canadian waters with the permission of the Canadians.The Canadian Coast Guard sails those straits every year (has had to rescue Healy at least once)but for the the first time since the 1950s, the Royal Canadian Navy has returned to those waters with a fleet of six 5000 ton dedicated armed ice breaking ships that will guard sovereign Canadian waters from unauthorized intrusions by vessels such as Healy. I was referring to the HMCS Harry deWolf which is currently circumnavigating North America.

[@johnjephcote7636]

Franklin would be interesting, especially the 'intention to find the NW Passage' - I thought the intention was to complete magnetic observations, but a great part of the programme could be on F's wife's subsequent efforts to send out search parties (using the NW Passage bit as a popular, heroic 'washing line'). In the course of the search efforts, much of the area became mapped.

[@cartmann94]

Graf Spee: At least my descendants will avenge me and show the true mettle of the German Navy. Captain Langsdorff: Umm, about that.

[@alanhughes6753]

Unfortunately, Admiral Spee's descendents (his sons) were serving on board his flagship at the Battle of the Falklands. They went down with their father.

[@stanleyrogouski]

To be fair, the Germans did blow the Invincible to kingdom come at Jutland.

[@stanleyrogouski]

Wouldn't the Battle of the River Platte be the negation of Fisher's tactics? Three small British cruisers hunt down a German battlecruiser (which was operating as a commerce raider).

[@TheSchultinator]

@@stanleyrogouski Arguably the Graf Spee wasn't truly a battle cruiser

[@dovetonsturdee7033]

@@stanleyrogouski The Graf Spee wasn't a battlecruiser, her armour barely compared to that of a County class cruiser.

[@chrisdebeyer1108]

Outstanding detail, and such a poignant review of this important history.. Quite amazing to see the size and scope of the Royal Navy. I am greatly appreciating Von Spee was running away from HMAS Australia. ⭐

[@chemiker494]

One of the most fascinating aspects of WW I was how medieval views of chivalry confronted with mass murder on an industrial scale. This episode really brings it to the point

[@agesflow6815]

Thank you, Drachinifel.

[@Guderian2]

25:05: A wild french Sail-Merchantman appears German and British Navy are confused The wild french Merchantman flees

[@The_Modeling_Underdog]

Pure Gilbert & Sullivan.

[@johnjephcote7636]

I am desperately trying to remember a reading from years and years ago of two European armies heavily engaged until the moment when a passenger train steamed innocently along the rails between the opposing sides. Eastern Europe-Great War?

[@drcovell]

“Mon Capitan” didn’t want to become another *Flying Dutchman* in the 20th Century! 😊

[@M.M.83-U]

Wonderfull! The combination of voice and models make it so clear, so easy to follow the action in detail. The final panel is a very appropriate reminder. Thanks for your great wotk.

[@Daedalus1701]

Excellent video. I really like how you showed the humanity of the combatants.

[@raphaelcolella1983]

There's some beautiful sentiment in the attitudes of the men towards each other. Their compassion towards eachother afterword is inspiring, yet crushing that they were made to fight eachother. The pain of that war was unimaginable.

[@jonsimpson9640]

Absolutely tremendous! I have been awaiting this one for a long time, brilliant research and presentation as ever 👌🏻

[@unbearifiedbear1885]

The manoeuvre aspect of naval warfare is absolutely fascinating! All war is "Timing and Position" but these retrospectives really drive home the idea that its usually the decisions you have _already made_ that determine outcomes Cheers ❤

[@mflashhist500]

You really have to feel for Von Spee, his reaction at being told of the sighting of Battlecruiser Tripod Masts would have been priceless! A real naval oh crap moment ….

[@SoshoKozadokaGojiraChargedUp]

*"Oh fuck..."*

[@ethanjacques-n9p-catch21luck7]

you've outdone yourself I've been waiting on this video for over a year so because of that bravo I might be willing to be a Patreon supporter for you in about 6 months

[@jochenheiden]

Outstanding presentation sir. I’ve always wanted to know about this battle.

[@lancethompson6839]

I've read several accounts of this battle, but your explanation provides great background to Von Spee's decisions. As always, thanks for posting!

[@pilgrimpaulo]

Really appreciate the scholarship and rendition of your detailed research. It is illuminating that there is so much calculation around knowing your enemies capabilities.... At that time Britain ruled the waves....

[@santiago5388]

Ah yes, a battle report, my favorite content on this channel. Thanks a lot Drach =)

[@ModellingforAdvantage]

Battlecruisers doing exactly what they were designed to do. Great coverage of the topic. Thanks.

[@Dave-jd9qn]

It's hard to make sense of the details of naval battles, but you have done it. Great job! Yes, brave men.

[@bunyip7343]

Excellent! I know that you primarily do WW1-WW2.... but as a follow up to this, maybe do a 1982 Falklands War special?

[@JohnSmith-kg2rt]

Drach has said before that he does not cover modern stuff eg post 1950

[@gokbay3057]

I think Drach said that latest ship he would cover was the cancelled USS United States aircraft carrier.

[@bunyip7343]

@@JohnSmith-kg2rt I have also said that I would never drink another gin and tonic..... but I have learned to be flexible. He he he. Although Drach has said he would not do modern stuff.... the Falklands Conflict with a Drach approach to the story would be entertaining and I suspect very insightful. PLUS the light cruiser ARA General Belgrano sunk during the conflict was originally USS Phoenix - a Brooklyn class light cruiser that saw service throughout WW2..... so a slight bend to the rules could conceivably be possible?

[@JohnSmith-kg2rt]

@@bunyip7343 I doubt it he would however cover it on blidge pumps

[@MrIvanhow]

Perfect timing with the WW1 coverage as I am just going through the week by week on The Great War channel :D

[@martinevans9757]

Excellent account of this very one-sided action. What an incredible, tragic toll for the men of the Kaiserliche Marine.

[@anselmdanker9519]

Thank you for the great presentation on the Falklands .Thoroughly enjoyed it.

[@sergarlantyrell7847]

When the German cruiser squadron had crossed 2 oceans to get away from HMAS Australia only to run into 2 more battlecruisers, I bet there was a lot of expletives exchanged among the German ships.

[@aussiejezza]

Angry Australian battlecruisers are a lot of trouble

[@bkjeong4302]

They were also running from the Kongos. Had they somehow survived the Falklands they’d have run into even more battlecruisers.

[@johnallen7807]

As always an excellent account, I cannot imagine the courage required on both sides to know that you are facing certain death but you still do your duty.

[@Big_E_Soul_Fragment]

The End of Admiral von Spee's wild ride RIP Sequel with the pocket battleship bearing his name that also sank close where he died, when?

[@octavia2]

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_the_River_Plate

[@Big_E_Soul_Fragment]

@@octavia2 uh yeah...that's...what I'm referring to in the first place

[@jaspergood2091]

Drach has already made one of those ages ago

[@TheShrike616]

The gallantry in those post operation messages is chilling.

[@andrewfanner2245]

Have you seen the black and white silent film made in the 1920s that tells the tale? Some wonderful footage of ships of the era standing in for their predecessors.

[@shawnmoore9980]

I like the dedication at the end of the video. Just respect to both sides. Thank you

[@Robert53area]

I find it ironic his last stand would not be far from where the ship with his name sake would also make its stand.

[@jamesd3472]

One of your classic, extremely good videos. Thank you

[@kpdubbs7117]

So many of these stories of picked up survivors talking with their rescuers remind me of the Looney Tunes sheep dog and wolf cartoons. Bitter enemies fighting tooth and nail, but when the whistle blows to end their shift at work, they are just old friends doing their jobs.

[@baabbo]

If I remember correctly, in the book "Battlecruiser Invincible", it stated Sturdee invited the surviving German officers on the Invincible to dine with he and his staff after the battle. It has been over 30 years since I have read that book, but, I remember thinking "This is how it should be done".

[@notshapedforsportivetricks2912]

"Morning Ralph." "Morning Sam." And of course, the cartoon's ending.... "You don't look so good, Ralph. I'll cover for you tomorrow."

[@dublin4570]

This is still one of my favorites in your now vast catalog. I revisit it whenever I have a long flight or drive. This would make an excellent print edition if you ever decided to put out a book.

[@Eulemunin]

The definition of a rock and a hard place. Canopus made a mighty fine rock. And the battle cruises are a mighty hard place.

[@stevenfarrall3942]

I am very pleased you emphasised the human tragedy in this documentary. It's often overlooked.

[@thekinginyellow1744]

25:26 what are you talking about? That's clearly a Japanese torpedo boat. Here, look through... damnit,! Where are my binoculars?

[@Xchainz_69]

This is my favorite type of video on KZbin. Battles are always so fun to hear and watch

[@tankgirl2074]

This battle decimated von Spee's family. Admiral von Spee was killed on Scharnhorst while his two sons died on Gneisenau and Nurnberg.

[@stephenrodenbough2186]

So,Spee did scatter his family to other of his fleet.

[@samcruickshanks6856]

Great episode, much thanks for making this and sharing it with us all 👍

[@AsbestosMuffins]

25:04 "EGHAD! ITS Napoleon! SHOOT IT!" "sir...we're allied with the french." "right right....for now........"

[@Firehawk95]

Excellent presentation as always, thank you.

[@Almond19912]

I just love the idea that mid battle, as they are getting pummeled, Von Spee is there bantering with the captain of Gneisenau "yeah it was probably a good shout to not go Falklands, looking a bit sticky this" Also can't get over just how out-matched each individual engagement was, the casualty numbers for each side are so insanely disproportionate. You have to give props to Sturdy there he executed a game plan to ensure each fight was just so one sided.

[@murrayscott9546]

Thanks for another excellent production

[@silverhost9782]

30 years of intermittent naval combat between the UK and Germany and it so frequently went the same way: 1. Germans win a minor engagement 2. British send a large task force to the area 3. British win the resulting engagement Rinse and repeat

[@bkjeong4302]

So common that the British started to preemptively counter German task forces with a superior force to block them off before they could even leave port (see: most of WWI, with the Germans trying to counter this by killing a few British ships at a time in a game of attrition, except the British didn’t take the bait most of the time)....and the Germans took to taking advantage of this by sending otherwise useless warships into a position where the British would overreact to their presence and expend resources countering something that didn’t really needy to be countered (see: Tirpitz, a case study in misplaced priorities)

[@jansix4287]

4. Germans win the trade competition One wonders why the Brits won’t just give up? 🤷

[@silverhost9782]

@@jansix4287 Germany wins at trade, Britain wins at world wars. We all have our strengths and weaknesses eh

[@jansix4287]

@@silverhost9782 It was the Russians who "won" the war. Britain focused on some minor sea battles while their empire slipped away.

[@silverhost9782]

@@jansix4287 Oh, you're one of those people, alright then. Whatever you say.

[@SmilefortheJudge]

Some of the best cotton ball sculptures I’ve seen all day. You sir, are an *artiste* .

[@TheZombifiedGuy]

17:10 "This is getting out of hand. Now there are two of them!" - von Spee, probably

[@canadianmmaguy7511]

Now witness the power of a fully operational royal navy

[@mycroft1905]

Excellent review of the battle. Some very interesting detail. Thanks for posting.

[@volrosku.6075]

Brave to the last he was. Fighting a losing fight with such vigor as to be permanently remembered in the tombs of great Admirals

[@dillank3240]

That was very moving. War is terrible. Thank you for this respectful presentation.

[@limeychefboy]

Von Spee knew all he could do was do as much damage before he was put down, he was under no illusions about surviving.

[@buonafortuna8928]

Thanks Drach. Liked the graphics added a lot of clarity.

[@GM-fh5jp]

A nicely told account of an interesting engagement. Poor Chris Craddock's death at Coronel was avenged with interest at the Falklands. The sight of those tripod masts in the harbor must have been chilling. Still, in this case, Admiral Fisher's battlecruisers lived up to their original purpose. To hunt down and kill enemy cruisers. Vice-Admiral Beatty would have done well to remember that when he led his battlecruisers into hell against the heavy battleships of the High Seas Fleet at Jutland.

[@ijendr0995]

Superb work as always Mr. Drach.

[@eoyguy]

"...and do destruction." That would be a great ships motto!

[@maxdalhaus8555]

I don't know how, but some of your videos are among the funniest I have ever seen😂

[@princeoftonga]

2:53 ah the classic tactic of just buying the thing you’re enemy needs before they get the chance. A similar thing happened in 1982. Argentina were short of Exocet missiles so British agents just started buying up all the Exocets that were on sale anywhere! Including all of Aérospatiales stock and from some less reputable sources!

[@thekinginyellow1744]

The cheque book is mightier than the sword!