"Battle of the Falkland Islands - Dec 8, 1914" Topic

One hundred years ago today:

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I'm thinking about playing this one out using Castles of Steel, or possibly Grand Fleets 3, should it come out sometime soon!

-Tim

Might have been interesting if von Spee had aggressively rushed the harbor where the Brits were refueling. All honor to the brave.

Spee actually was supposedly trying to take out the HMAS Australia at Apia, Samoa. He arrived late for the party, and unfortunately for him, Patey had left early.

I suppose Spee failed to do so at Port Stanley because he didn't know where those 12" shells were coming from (the Canopus). Probably thought Sturdee was more prepared than he actually was.

I got about 3 turns into a game using Naval Thunder on the anniversary – but the need for sleep won out. Will have another go on the weekend.

flic.kr/p/qmh6vh

The impression I got about Spee's actions at Stanley, was that the Gneisenau and Nūrnberg (having been sent on ahead) spotted enough smoke over the harbour to suggest a sizeable force was there and the lookouts in the high tops went on to identify eight ships masts of which three were the tripod masts of dreadnoughts or battlecruisers. So the plan to raid Stanley was no longer viable.

It was only after that HMS Canopus sent over her two salvos firming up their decision. At that distance the Gneisenau and Nūrnberg were not to know that the British were still coaling – and decided it best to rejoin the main body and make the run for open sea.