Post by wlbjork on Feb 7, 2020 15:46:40 GMT -6
On 8th June 1903, Commander David Smythe, officer commanding the Mariner-Class Sloop (KE)HMS Acorn intercepted a German communication vessel, ordering ships to the East African Coast to undertake convoying duties.
With no time to summon other vessels, HMS Acorn proceeded at cruising speed to the marshalling point. En route, she encountered and exchanged fire with a Bismarck Class Corvette (CL) which is believed to be SMS Stosch. Breaking past this vessel, the crew of HMS Acorn found a convoy of between fifteen (15) and twenty (20) transports plus two (2) destroyers as close escort.
As the convoy scattered, HMS Acorn successfully disabled a number of Merchant Ships. Turning back to hunt down more ships, she again found herself engaging SMS Stosch. With careful handling and excellent gunnery SMS Stosch was reduced to a sinking condition by gunfire with minimal damage to HMS Acorn, allowing the crew and vessel to return to hunting further merchants. Shots were exchanged with the escorting destroyers to little effect before HMS Acorn encountered an Armed Merchantman. In conjunction with SMS Furst Bismarck HMS Acorn was reduced in effectiveness due to heavy damage with ammunition running low and forced to withdraw.
Intelligence has reported that eight (8) merchantmen were sunk with one (1) further requiring some repair. The Armed Merchant Cruiser was heavily damaged requiring extensive repair time. SMS Stosch was sunk.
Sir, I have no hesitation in recommending Commander David Smythe for the award of a DSO and fully expect a number of his crew will, on further inspection, require awards themselves.
(edit: This game was using the excellent Historic 1900s Fleet mod, by Seawolf)
With no time to summon other vessels, HMS Acorn proceeded at cruising speed to the marshalling point. En route, she encountered and exchanged fire with a Bismarck Class Corvette (CL) which is believed to be SMS Stosch. Breaking past this vessel, the crew of HMS Acorn found a convoy of between fifteen (15) and twenty (20) transports plus two (2) destroyers as close escort.
As the convoy scattered, HMS Acorn successfully disabled a number of Merchant Ships. Turning back to hunt down more ships, she again found herself engaging SMS Stosch. With careful handling and excellent gunnery SMS Stosch was reduced to a sinking condition by gunfire with minimal damage to HMS Acorn, allowing the crew and vessel to return to hunting further merchants. Shots were exchanged with the escorting destroyers to little effect before HMS Acorn encountered an Armed Merchantman. In conjunction with SMS Furst Bismarck HMS Acorn was reduced in effectiveness due to heavy damage with ammunition running low and forced to withdraw.
Intelligence has reported that eight (8) merchantmen were sunk with one (1) further requiring some repair. The Armed Merchant Cruiser was heavily damaged requiring extensive repair time. SMS Stosch was sunk.
Sir, I have no hesitation in recommending Commander David Smythe for the award of a DSO and fully expect a number of his crew will, on further inspection, require awards themselves.
(edit: This game was using the excellent Historic 1900s Fleet mod, by Seawolf)