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
History of the United States Navy After two months, sank ; "Guerriere"s crew were most dismayed to see their cannonballs bouncing off "Constitution"s unusually strong live oak hull, giving her the enduring nickname of "Old Ironsides". On 29 December 1812 "Constitution" defeated off the coast of Brazil and "Java" was burned after the Americans determined she could not be salvaged. On 25 October 1812, captured HMS "Macedonian"; after the battle "Macedonian" was captured and entered into American service. In 1813, commenced a very fruitful raiding venture into the South Pacific, preying upon the British merchant and whaling industry. "Essex" was already known for her capture of