Night action at the Battle of Jutland Hipper succeed in sinking two British battlecruisers during the chase. Once the German fleet came in sight, the British ships reversed course, now intending to lead the German fleet in pursuit of them back towards the main British fleet. Despite minimal information, Admiral John Jellicoe managed to deploy his ships to good advantage across the path of the approaching German fleet, so that some success was gained in the short battle before the Germans in turn reversed course and withdrew. Vice-Admiral Reinhard Scheer was now in a difficult position, because his smaller force was cut off from Germany by the
Order of battle at Jutland fast s, intended to act as the vanguard of the main battle line. At the Battle of Jutland, it operated with the Battlecruiser Fleet, and was escorted by the 1st Destroyer Flotilla. The commander of the 5th Battle Squadron was RAdm Hugh Evan-Thomas, M.V.O. 1st Destroyer Flotilla 1st Division/1st D.F. 2nd Division/1st D.F. The High Seas Fleet was the main body of the German surface navy, principally based at Wilhelmshaven, on the Jade River in North-West Germany. 3rd Battle Squadron" (III. Geschwader)" (Battleships) : RAdm Paul Behncke; flag lieutenant: Lt Cdr Frhr Ernst von Gagern 5th Division: RAdm Behncke 6th