January 24th 1915 (Battle of Dogger Bank)

Action Stations at 7.0.a.m. Sighted enemy on port bow about 7.45. Gave chase. Enemy making away. Engine department did fine work enabling us to reduce distance from 15 – 8 miles in 3/4 of an hour. Started firing at 9.0.am. 4″ guns crews returning. Very anxious time on mess deck. Could feel shells hitting us and ship trembling but did not know what damage was done. ‘Lion’ had five ships firing at her. Attacked rearmost ship and fought them one by one until foremost ship was reached. About 11.15.a.m. terrific bump. Engine stopped suddenly and ship began to heel slowly to port. Thought all was up. Fires reported aft of foreward. Mess deck stiffling with fumes. Had to soak our handkerchieves in water and hold them over our mouths to prevent fumes going down. Then firing ceased. 4″ guns crews closed up. Did not fire. “Lion” out of action shell having pierced port feed tank. Lovely to get into fresh air again. Action hell while it lasted. Destroyer “Attack” came alongside and took Admiral Beatty and his staff to “Priness Royal” as other ships were still carrying on the action.

Zeppelin appeared over destroyers which were picking up survivors of “Blucher” and dropped bombs. “Lion” only steaming about 10 knots. Bake house ships galley blown to smithereens. Shell pierced Body-room & which was flooded. Plate taken clean out of port side under after 4 in deck and numerous other hits. “Lion” very fortunate in casualties. No one killed. About 14 wounded 8 seriously. Most serious case left trainder of “A” turret. Taken in tow by “Indomitable” after dinner. Working hand at pumps but water gaining on us. Had good escort of destroyers 30 or 40 round us and so pretty safe from submarine attack. Action broken off and other ships of squadron passed us on their way back to port during the afternoon. All Search Lights out of action and so had all night in.