The Battles of Coronel and the Falklands, 1914

by Geoffrey Bennett

The defeat that Rear-Admiral Sir Christopher Cradock suffered at Coronel in 1914 at the hands of Maximilian Graf von Spee, one of Germany's most brilliant naval commanders, was the most humiliating blow to British naval prestige since the 18th century and a defeat that had to be avenged immediately. On 8 December 1914, the German squadron steamed towards Port Stanley, unaware that in the harbour lay two great British battle-cruisers, the Invincible and Inflexible. Realising this, Spee had no option but to turn and flee. Hour by hour during that long day, the British ships closed in until, eventually, Spee was forced to confront the enemy. With extraordinary courage, and against hopeless odds, the German cruisers fought to the bitter end. At 5:30 that afternoon, the last ship slowly turned and rolled to the bottom. Cradock and Britain had been avenged.

Genres: World War I, Naval History, History, War, Military History

281 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1962

About the author

Captain Geoffrey Martin Bennett DSC, FRHS (1908–1983) was a British Royal Navy officer and author. He also wrote fiction as "Sea-lion".

Reviews

[JD · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very detailed look at the events surrounding these two sea battle at the start of World War 1. Admiral Von Spee and his Asiatic Cruiser Squadron with his modern warships posed a massive threat to Allied shipping in the Indian, Pacific and southern Atlantic Oceans if he was not dealt with at the start of hostilities. He slipped the net and his movements was not known for a time. Admiral Cradock with his untrained and obsolete ships was ordered to stop him from reaching the Atlantic before he rounded Cape Horn, and suffered a heavy defeat at the Coronel. Von Spee's force was later destroyed by a much stronger and well-prepared force lead by Admiral Sturdee.

The battle descriptions and ship movement are well described in this book, but too much of the book is about decisions taken, or not taken by the key players in these sagas. Blunders were made and heroes were formed during these early days of the war that was unlike anyone had ever experienced and the author tries to put blame at many places, especially at Winston Churchill's door, which makes this read a bit of a drag in the end. Not a very enjoyable read.

[Philip Kerr · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting and very detailed account of two largely forgotten World War I naval battles. Coronel and the Falklands took place in late 1914, off the coast of Chile, and in the South Western Atlantic.

Bennett uses very useful maps and diagrams to help illustrate the account and also photographs of the ships and principle commanders. He also employs primary sources extensively.

Well worth a read.

[Blake Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Descriptions of the naval battles that occurred at the beginning of World War I. Good book.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really detailed account of 2 naval engagements between Brittain and Germany. Both happened in 1914 the first at Coronel and the Second at the Falklands.
The book is well balanced with information on ships involved and their commanders.
Great detail in the engagements, damage sustained etc. Well worth a read to learn of this often overlooked battle.