The Battle of Coronel was a German Navy victory over the Royal Navy on 1 November 1914 off the coast of central Chile near the city of Coronel. German Kaiserliche Marine forces led by Vice-Admiral Graf Maximilian von Spee met and defeated a Royal Navy squadron commanded by Rear-Admiral Sir Christopher Cradock.
The engagement probably took place as a result of a series of misunderstandings. Neither admiral expected to meet the other in full force. Once the two met, Cradock understood his orders were to fight to the end, despite the odds heavily against him. Although Spee had an easy victory, destroying two enemy armoured cruisers for just three men injured, the engagement also cost him almost half his supply of ammunition, which was impossible to replace. Shock at the British losses led to an immediate reaction and the sending of more ships, which in turn destroyed Spee and the majority of his squadron at the Battle of the Falkland Islands.
This book gives detailed informations about the prelude to the battle, the commanders and their decisions during the battle. It also describes all involved ships with tecnical specifications and history. A lot of historical pictures complete this book about the sea battle at Coronel.
