Naval History

The Battle of the River Plate

An innovative design and heavy armament was not enough to save the Graf Spee from the British pursuers

Graf Spee after scuttling. Image source: https://www.asisbiz.com/kms/A-Graf-Spee/images/Admiral-Graf-Spee-shortly-after-her-scuttling-17th-Dec-1939-wiki-01.jpg

Why this story?

I’ve had an interest in this battle for many years as I knew Jack Lewis, a humble stoker, who had served on HMS Exeter during the battle. Jack…