After the opening of the general engagement, Admiral Beatty, commanding the battle cruiser squadron, presumably on the old flagship, the Lion, was again at the thick of the action. Every arm of modern naval warfare was employed—battleships, cruisers, torpedo boats, destroyers, submarines, and even Zeppelins. Whether most of the destruction was accomplished by gunfire or torpedoes is not yet known. British officers say that the battle was fought by the methods known and practiced by all navies. There were no surprises and no new devices of weapons or strategy.

How far the Zeppelins contributed to the German successes is a matter of dispute. Only one airship came within sight, according to the British accounts, and she was soon badly damaged and withdrew. But the Germans lay stress on the assistance rendered by the air service, and neutrals report the presence of six Zeppelins in the North Sea. The popular belief among the British public is that scouting Zeppelins kept the German fleet informed by wireless of the approach of their enemy, of his numbers and formation.

From survivors come thrilling stories of horrors and humanities. The British destroyer Shark acted as a decoy to lead the German ships into the engagement. She was battered to pieces by gunfire, and a half-inch gun was fired.  dozen sailors, picked up, clinging to a buoy, by a Danish ship, tell of her commander and two seamen serving hours. When the commander's leg was blown off. 