F. S. Bell 1939. "Exeter's" six eight-inch guns were mainly responsible for seriously damaging the in the Battle of the River Plate in December 1939. In this battle, "Exeter" also incurred severe damage from seven hits by eleven-inch shells and suffered 61 killed and 23 wounded. One salvo from the "Graf Spee" did a great deal of damage to the wheelhouse and killed all but three of the officers in it. Bell survived with minor injuries and he ordered that the remaining turrets should continue firing on the enemy. As damage control parties battled fires and flooding, Bell used a compass from one
HMS Arrow (1796) for his part in the action. "Arrow" was also involved in the wreck and attempted salvage of HMS "Lutine", which sank on 9 October 1799 carrying a large cargo of gold. In November 1799 William Bolton replaced Portlock in command of "Arrow". On 25 July 1800 was part of a squadron that also included , , "Arrow", and the hired armed lugger "Nile". The squadron encountered the Danish frigate HDMS "Freja", which was escorting a convoy of two ships, two brigs and two galliots. Captain Baker of "Nemesis" hailed "Freja" and said that he would send a boat to board