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{{Short description|First naval battle of the Second World War}}
{{About|the naval battle|the film depiction|The Battle of the River Plate (film)}}
{{Use British English|date=January 2021}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2021}}
{{Infobox military conflict
| partof = the [[American Theater (World War II)|American Theatre]] of [[World War II]]
| image = HMS Achilles (70).jpg
| image_size = 300px
| caption = {{HMS|Achilles|70|6}} as seen from {{HMS|Ajax|22|6}} during the battle
| date = 13 December 1939
|
| coordinates = {{Coord|32|S|47|W|source:enwiki-plaintext-parser|display=inline,title}}
|
| combatant2 = {{flagcountry|Nazi Germany}}
| combatant1 = {{flagcountry|United Kingdom}} <br /> {{flagcountry|Dominion of New Zealand}}
| commander2 = {{flagdeco|Nazi Germany|naval}} [[Hans Langsdorff]]{{KIA|Suicide}}
| commander1 = {{flagdeco|United Kingdom|naval}} [[Henry Harwood]]
| strength2 = [[German cruiser Admiral Graf Spee|Panzerschiff ''Admiral Graf Spee'']]
| strength1 = Heavy cruiser {{HMS|Exeter|68|2}}<br /> Light cruiser {{HMNZS|Achilles|70|2}}<br /> Light cruiser {{HMS|Ajax|22|2}}
| casualties2 = 36 killed <br /> 60 wounded <br /> ''Admiral Graf Spee'' critically damaged, later scuttled as a result
| casualties1 = 72 killed <br /> 28 wounded <br /> ''Exeter'' heavily damaged <br /> ''Achilles'' moderately damaged <br /> ''Ajax'' moderately damaged
| campaignbox = {{Campaignbox Atlantic Campaign}}{{North American Theater}}
}}
The '''Battle of the River Plate''' was fought in the [[South Atlantic]] on 13 December 1939 as the first British naval battle of the [[Second World War]].
The [[Kriegsmarine]] heavy cruiser {{ship|German cruiser|Admiral Graf Spee||2}}, commanded by Captain [[Hans Langsdorff]], engaged a [[Royal Navy]] squadron,<ref name="Gotta-pt2">{{cite journal |first1=César |last1=Gotta |first2=Alfredo E. |last2=Buzzi |publication-place=[[Buenos Aires]], Argentina |publisher=Sociedad Argentina de Radiología |title=Samuel Stuart Pennington y la Batalla del Río de la Plata. Segunda parte. |journal=Revista Argentina de Radiología |volume=72 |issue=1 |date=1 January 2008 |pages=33–40 |issn=0048-7619 |editor1-first=Alberto |editor1-last=Surur |editor2-first=Carolina |editor2-last=Mariluis |editor3-first=Cristián |editor3-last=Daher |editor4-first=Raúl |editor4-last=Simonetto |editor5-first=Rodrigo |editor5-last=Re |editor6-first=Andrés |editor6-last=Kohan |via=[[Redalyc]] |url=https://www.redalyc.org/pdf/3825/382538460002.pdf |access-date=28 August 2021 |language=Spanish }}</ref><ref name="Gotta-pt1">{{cite journal |first1=César |last1=Gotta |first2=Alfredo E. |last2=Buzzi |publication-place=[[Buenos Aires]], Argentina |publisher=Sociedad Argentina de Radiología |title=Samuel Stuart Pennington y la Batalla del Río de la Plata. Primera parte. |journal=Revista Argentina de Radiología |volume=71 |issue=4 |date=1 December 2007 |pages=387–393 |issn=0048-7619 |editor1-first=Alberto |editor1-last=Surur |editor2-first=Carolina |editor2-last=Mariluis |editor3-first=Cristián |editor3-last=Daher |editor4-first=Raúl |editor4-last=Simonetto |editor5-first=Rodrigo |editor5-last=Re |editor6-first=Andrés |editor6-last=Kohan |via=[[Redalyc]] |access-date=28 August 2021 |url=https://www.redalyc.org/pdf/3825/382538456002.pdf |language=Spanish}}</ref> commanded by Commodore [[Henry Harwood]],{{sfn|Konstam|2016|loc=[https://books.google.com/books?id=nLShDAAAQBAJ&pg=PT17 3. Opposing Commanders]|pp=17–20}} comprising the [[light cruiser]]s {{HMS|Ajax|22|6}}, {{HMNZS|Achilles|70|6}} (on loan to the [[New Zealand Division of the Royal Navy|New Zealand Division]]) and the [[heavy cruiser]] {{HMS|Exeter|68|6}}.{{sfn|Konstam|2016|loc=[https://books.google.com/books?id=nLShDAAAQBAJ&pg=PT21 4. Opposing Forces]|pp=17–20}}
''Graf Spee'' had sailed into the South Atlantic in August 1939, before the war began, and had begun [[commerce raiding]] after receiving the appropriate authorisation on 26 September 1939.<ref>{{cite book |title=The Battle of the Atlantic |first1=Terry |last1=Hughes |first2=John |last2=Costello |editor1-first=J. |editor1-last=Wade |isbn=978-0-8037-6454-5 |year=1977 |oclc=464381083 |publisher=[[The Dial Press]] |publication-place=[[New York City]] |editor2-first=Lincoln |editor2-last=MacVeagh |editor2-link=Lincoln MacVeagh }}</ref> Harwood's squadron was one of several search groups sent in pursuit by the [[British Admiralty]] and sighted ''Graf Spee'' off the [[estuary]] of the [[Río de la Plata|River Plate]] ({{AKA}} the {{lang|es|Río de la Plata}}) near the coasts of [[Argentina]] and [[Uruguay]].{{sfn|Grove|2013|loc=[https://books.google.com/books?id=yc5EAQAAQBAJ&pg=PT1 I. The Chase and Destruction of the Graf Spee (including the Battle of the River Plate, 13 December 1939) – Plans 1, 2, 3, 4, 4A, 5 and 6]|pp=1–56}}
In the ensuing battle, ''Exeter'' was severely damaged and forced to retire, making for the [[Falkland Islands|Falklands]]; ''Ajax'' and ''Achilles'' suffered moderate damage. Damage to ''Graf Spee'', although not extensive, was critical because her fuel system was crippled. ''Ajax'' and ''Achilles'' shadowed the German ship until she entered the port of [[Montevideo]], the capital of [[neutrality (international relations)|neutral]] Uruguay, to effect urgent repairs. Langsdorff was told that his stay could not be extended beyond 72 hours. Apparently believing that the British had gathered a superior force to await his departure, he ordered for the ship to be [[scuttling|scuttled]].<ref name="rust">{{cite journal |first=Eric C. |last=Rust |url-access=subscription |title=Command Decisions: Langsdorff and the battle of the River Plate |pages=492–494 |doi=10.1080/00253359.2013.848587 |volume=99 |issue=4 |journal=[[The Mariner's Mirror]] |date=1 October 2014 |access-date=27 August 2021 |url=https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00253359.2013.848587 |editor1-first=Martin |editor1-last=Bellamy |issn=0025-3359 |publisher=[[Society for Nautical Research]]/[[Taylor & Francis]] |s2cid=110238416 |publication-place=[[London]], United Kingdom of Great Britain }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |first=Diego |last=Fischer |title=Tres hombres y una batalla: Historias desconocidas que rodearon a Millington-Drake y al Graf Spee |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=AXRzCQAAQBAJ |via=[[Google Books]] |editor1-first=Fernando |editor1-last=Bonilla |date=2015 |edition=3rd |access-date=28 August 2021 |isbn=978-9974-723-18-4 |publication-place=[[Montevideo]], Uruguay |publisher=enguin Random House Grupo Editorial Uruguay |language=Spanish}}</ref><ref name="woodman">{{cite book |first=Richard |last=Woodman |isbn=978-1-4738-4573-2 |collaboration=Graphics by John Morris and Christopher Summerville |title=The Battle of the River Plate: A Grand Delusion |publisher=[[Pen and Sword Books|Pen & Sword Books Limited]] |series=Campaign Chronicles Series |date= 2008 |edition=2nd |publication-place=[[Barnsley]], United Kingdom of Great Britain |via=[[Google Books]] |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=z7fNDwAAQBAJ}}</ref> Langsdorff then committed suicide three days later.{{sfn|Grove|2013|loc=[https://books.google.com/books?id=yc5EAQAAQBAJ&pg=PT1 I. The Chase and Destruction of the Graf Spee (including the Battle of the River Plate, 13 December 1939) – Plans 1, 2, 3, 4, 4A, 5 and 6]|p=1-56}}{{sfn|Landsborough|2016|loc=[https://books.google.com/books?id=fHGrDAAAQBAJ&pg=PT135 Chapter 24: Langsdorff's Death]|pp=132–135}}
== Background ==
''Admiral Graf Spee'' had been at sea at the start of the [[Second World War]] in September 1939 and had sunk several merchantmen in the [[Indian Ocean]] and [[South Atlantic Ocean]] without loss of life because of her captain's policy of taking all crews on board before sinking the victim.<ref name="webeneth" />{{sfn|Landsborough|2016|loc=[https://books.google.com/books?id=fHGrDAAAQBAJ&pg=PT1 Chapter 1: The First Victim]|pp=1–5}}
[[File:Panzerschiff Admiral Graf Spee in 1936.jpg|thumb|upright=1.35|left|{{ship|German cruiser|Admiral Graf Spee||2}}]]
The [[Royal Navy]] assembled nine forces to search for the surface raider:{{sfn|Landsborough|2016|loc=[https://books.google.com/books?id=fHGrDAAAQBAJ&pg=PT6 Chapter 2: The Hunt Begins]|pp=6–15}} Force G, the South American Cruiser Squadron, comprised the {{sclass2|County|cruiser|0}} heavy cruiser {{HMS|Cumberland|57|6}} of {{convert|10570|LT|lk=on}} with eight {{convert|8|in|mm|0|adj=on}} guns in four turrets, the {{Sclass|York|cruiser|0}} heavy cruiser HMS ''Exeter'' of {{convert|8390|LT}} with six {{convert|8|in|mm|0|adj=on}} guns in three turrets, and two {{sclass|Leander|cruiser|0||1931}} [[light cruiser]]s, HMS ''Ajax'' and HMNZS ''Achilles'', both of {{convert|7270|LT|t}} with eight {{convert|6|in|mm|adj=on}} guns. Although technically a heavy cruiser because of the calibre of her guns, ''Exeter'' was a scaled-down version of the County class. The force was commanded by Commodore [[Henry Harwood]] whose flagship was ''Ajax'', captained by [[Charles Woodhouse]].{{sfn|Konstam|2016|loc=[https://books.google.com/books?id=nLShDAAAQBAJ&pg=PT17 3. Opposing Commanders]|pp=17–20}} ''Achilles'' was on loan to the New Zealand Division (precursor to the [[Royal New Zealand Navy]]) and captained by [[Edward Parry (Royal Navy officer)|Edward Parry]]. ''Exeter'' was commanded by [[F. S. Bell|Captain Frederick Secker Bell]].
During the period before and at the immediate time of the battle, ''Cumberland'' (commanded by Captain Walter Herman Gordon Fallowfield) was refitting in the [[Falkland Islands]] but was available for sea at short notice. Force G was supported by the [[Replenishment oiler|oilers]] RFA ''Olna'', RFA ''Olynthus'', and RFA ''Orangeleaf''. ''Olynthus'' replenished HMS ''Ajax'' and ''Achilles'' on 22 November 1939, and ''Exeter'' on 26 November, at [[San Borombon Bay]]. ''Olynthus'' was also directed to keep observation between Medanos and [[Cape San Antonio, Argentina|Cape San Antonio]], off Argentina south of the River Plate estuary (see chart below).{{sfn|Konstam|2016|loc=[https://books.google.com/books?id=nLShDAAAQBAJ&pg=PT21 4. Opposing Forces]|pp=17–20}}
[[File:HMSO Graf Spee cruise.jpg|thumb|upright=1.25|left|The route of ''Admiral Graf Spee''{{'}}s cruise, from the British HMSO report.]]
Regarding strategy, the British combat instructions for engaging a pocket battleship with a cruiser squadron had been devised by Harwood himself during his period at the [[Royal Naval College, Greenwich|Royal Naval War College]] between 1934 and 1936. The strategy specified an attack at once, day or night. During the day, the ships would attack as two units, in this case with ''Exeter'' separate from ''Ajax'' and ''Achilles''.{{sfn|Grove|2013|loc=[https://books.google.com/books?id=yc5EAQAAQBAJ&pg=PT1 I. The Chase and Destruction of the Graf Spee (including the Battle of the River Plate, 13 December 1939) – Plans 1, 2, 3, 4, 4A, 5 and 6]|pp=1–56}} At night, the ships would remain in company, but in open order. By attacking from two sides, Harwood hoped to give his lighter warships a chance of overcoming the German advantage of greater range and heavier broadside by dividing the enemy's fire. By splitting his force, Harwood would force the Germans to split their fire and reduce its effectiveness, or to keep it focused on one opponent and allow the other vessels to attack with less fear of return fire.<ref name="rust" /><ref name="harwood40" />
Although outgunned by ''Admiral Graf Spee'' and therefore at a tactical disadvantage, the British had the upper hand strategically since any raider returning to Germany would have to run the blockade of the [[North Sea]] and might reasonably be expected to encounter the [[Home Fleet]].{{sfn|Grove|2013|loc=[https://books.google.com/books?id=yc5EAQAAQBAJ&pg=PT1 I. The Chase and Destruction of the Graf Spee (including the Battle of the River Plate, 13 December 1939) – Plans 1, 2, 3, 4, 4A, 5 and 6]|pp=1–56}} For victory, the British had only to damage the raider enough so that she was either unable to make the journey or unable to fight a subsequent battle with the Home Fleet (by contrast, the Germans would have to destroy the British force without being severely damaged). Because of overwhelming numerical superiority, the loss of even all three cruisers would not have severely altered Britain's naval capabilities, but ''Admiral Graf Spee'' was one of the [[Kriegsmarine]]'s few [[capital ship]]s. The British could, therefore, afford to risk a tactical defeat if it brought strategic victory.<ref name="rust" />
== Battle ==
[[File:HMNZS Achilles SLV AllanGreen.jpg|thumb|right|HMS ''Achilles'']]
On 13 December at 05:20, the British squadron was proceeding on a course of 060° at 14 knots with ''Ajax'' at {{coord|34|34|S|48|17|W}}, {{convert|390|nmi|km|abbr=on}} east of Montevideo. At 06:10, smoke was sighted on a bearing of Red-100, or 320° (to the north-west). Harwood ordered the ''Exeter'' to investigate. She swung out of line, and at 06:16, she signaled by lamp: "I think it is a pocket-battleship". Captain Bell ordered Flag N hoisted to the yard arm – "Enemy in sight".<ref name="thom77">{{cite magazine |date=1 January 1977 |title=Battle of the River Plate |first=David |last=Thomas |page=3 |magazine=War Monthly |issue=34 |volume=3 |publication-place=London |publisher=Marshall Cavendish Ltd |editor1-first=Len |editor1-last=Cacutt |editor2-first=William |editor2-last=Moore |editor3-first=Dennis |editor3-last=Branigan |editor4-first=Chaz |editor4-last=Boywer }}</ref> ''Graf Spee'' had already sighted mastheads and identified ''Exeter'' but initially suspected that the two light cruisers were smaller destroyers and that the British ships were protecting a merchant convoy, the destruction of which would be a major prize. Since ''Graf Spee''{{'}}s reconnaissance aircraft was out of service, Langsdorff relied on his lookouts for that information. He decided to engage despite having received a broadly accurate report from the German naval staff on 4 December. It outlined British activity in the River Plate area and included information that ''Ajax'', ''Achilles'', ''Cumberland'' and ''Exeter'' were patrolling the South American coast.{{sfn|Landsborough|2016|loc=[https://books.google.com/books?id=fHGrDAAAQBAJ&pg=PT36 Chapter 9: H.M.S. ''Exeter'' Sighted]|pp=36–44}}
[[File:HMS Ajax.jpg|thumb|left|HMS ''Ajax'']]
Langsdorff realised too late that he was facing three cruisers.<ref name="rust" /> Calling on the immediate acceleration of his diesel engines, he closed with the enemy squadron at {{convert|24|kn|mph km/h|lk=in|abbr=on}} in the hope of engaging the steam-driven British ships before they could work up from cruising speed to full power.<ref name="thom77" /> An alternative strategy would have been keeping the British ships at a distance to destroy them with his {{convert|283|mm|in|abbr=on}} guns and remaining out of range of their smaller 6-inch and 8-inch guns. However, Langsdorff knew the British cruisers had a {{convert|4|–|6|kn|mph km/h|abbr=on}} speed advantage over ''Graf Spee'' and could stay out of range while calling for reinforcements.<ref name="harwood40" />
[[File:HMS Exeter off Sumatra in 1942.jpg|thumb|right|HMS ''Exeter'']]
The British executed their battle plan: ''Exeter'' turned north-west, and ''Ajax'' and ''Achilles'', operating together, turned north-east to spread ''Graf Spee''{{'}}s fire.<ref>{{cite journal |title=The battle of the River Plate: Excerpts from the diary of Surgeon Commander Jack Cussen RN, PMO of HMS ''Exeter''|issue=3 |volume=27 |issn=1835-1271 |journal=Journal of Military and Veterans Health |date=1 July 2019 |access-date=27 August 2021 |pages=57–63 |first=Seán G. |last=Bennett |publisher=Australian Military Medical Association |publication-place=[[Hobart]] |editor1-first=Andy |editor1-last=Robertson |editor2-first=Martin |editor2-last=Richardson |editor3-first=David |editor3-last=Robertson |url=https://www.jmvh.org/article/the-battle-of-the-river-plate-excerpts-from-the-diary-of-surgeon-commander-jack-cussen-rn-pmo-of-hms-exeter }}</ref> ''Graf Spee'' opened fire on ''Exeter'' at {{convert|19000|yd|m|abbr=on}} with her six {{convert|283|mm|in|abbr=on}} guns at 06:18. ''Exeter'' opened fire at 06:20, ''Achilles'' at 06:21, ''Exeter''{{'}}s aft guns at 06:22 and ''Ajax'' at 06:23. Lieutenant-Commander Richard Jennings, ''Exeter''{{'}}s gunnery officer remembers:{{sfn|Arthur|2004|p=29}}{{sfn|Arthur|2012|loc=[https://books.google.com/books?id=BRPKD2pCxWwC&pg=PT213 Part Three: Chapter 4. Convoys, submarines and battleships, 1941–42]|p=213}}
<blockquote>As I was crossing the compass platform [to his Action Station in the Director Control Tower], the captain hailed me, not with the usual rigmarole of "Enemy in sight, bearing, etc", but with "There's the fucking ''[[German cruiser Admiral Scheer|Scheer]]''! Open fire at her!" Throughout the battle the crew of the ''Exeter'' thought they were fighting the [sister ship] ''Scheer''. But the name of the enemy ship was of course the ''Graf Spee''.</blockquote>
From her opening salvo, ''Graf Spee'''s gunfire proved fairly accurate, her third salvo straddling ''Exeter''. At 06:23, a {{convert|283|mm|in|abbr=on}} [[shell (projectile)|shell]] burst just short of ''Exeter'', abreast the ship. Splinters from the shell killed the torpedo tubes' crews, damaged the ship's communications, riddled the ship's funnels and searchlights and wrecked the ship's [[Supermarine Walrus|Walrus]] aircraft just as it was about to be launched for gunnery spotting. Three minutes later, ''Exeter'' suffered a direct hit on her "B" turret, putting it and its two guns out of action. Shrapnel swept the bridge, killing or wounding all bridge personnel except the captain and two others.{{sfn|Landsborough|2016|loc=[https://books.google.com/books?id=fHGrDAAAQBAJ&pg=PT74 Chapter 13: Exeter is Pounded]|pp=68–74}} Captain Bell's communications were wrecked. Communications from the [[aft]] conning position were also destroyed. The ship had to be steered via a chain of messengers for the rest of the battle.{{sfn|Arthur|2004|p=29}}
[[File:HMS Exeter River Plate.jpg|thumb|Painting depicting the cruisers HMS ''Exeter'' (foreground) and HMS ''Achilles'' (right centre background) in action with the German heavy cruiser ''Graf Spee'' (right background)]]
Meanwhile, ''Ajax'' and ''Achilles'' closed to {{convert|13000|yd|m|abbr=on}} and started making in front of ''Graf Spee'', causing her to split her main armament at 06:30 and otherwise use her {{convert|150|mm|in|abbr=on}} guns against them. Shortly after, ''Exeter'' fired two [[torpedo]]es from her [[starboard]] tubes but both missed. At 06:37, ''Ajax'' launched her [[Fairey Seafox]] spotter [[floatplane]] from her [[Aircraft catapult|catapult]]. At 06:38, ''Exeter'' turned so that she could fire her [[port (nautical)|port]] torpedoes and received two more direct hits from {{convert|283|mm|in|abbr=on}} shells. One hit "A" turret and put it out of action, the other entered the hull and started fires. ''Exeter'' was severely damaged, having only "Y" turret still in action under "local" control, with Jennings on the roof shouting instructions to those inside.{{sfn|Arthur|2004|pp=29–30}} She also had a 7° [[List (watercraft)|list]], was being flooded and being steered with the use of her small boat's [[compass]]. However, ''Exeter'' dealt the decisive blow; one of her 8-inch shells had penetrated two decks before exploding in ''Graf Spee''{{'}}s funnel area, destroyed her raw fuel processing system and left her with just 16 hours fuel, insufficient to allow her to return home.
At this point, nearly one hour after the battle had started, ''Graf Spee'' was doomed since she could not make fuel system repairs of that complexity under fire. Two thirds of her anti-aircraft guns were knocked out, as well as one of her secondary turrets. There were no friendly naval bases within reach or reinforcements available. She was not seaworthy and could make only the neutral port of Montevideo.{{sfn|Maier|Rohde|Stegemann|Umbreit|1991|p=166}}
[[File:HMSO Graf Spee battle map.jpg|thumb|left|HMSO chart of the engagement]]
''Graf Spee'' hauled round from an easterly course, now behind ''Ajax'' and ''Achilles'', towards the north-west and [[smoke screen|laid smoke]]. That course brought Langsdorff roughly parallel to ''Exeter''. By 06:50, ''Exeter'' listed heavily to starboard and took water forward. Nevertheless, she still steamed at full speed and fired with her one remaining turret. Forty minutes later, water splashed in by a {{convert|283|mm|in|abbr=on}} near miss short-circuited her electrical system for that turret. Captain Bell was forced to break off the action.{{sfn|Landsborough|2016|loc=[https://books.google.com/books?id=fHGrDAAAQBAJ&pg=PT75 Chapter 14: Ordered Out of Battle]|pp=75–81}} That would have been the opportunity to finish off ''Exeter''. Instead, the combined fire of ''Ajax'' and ''Achilles'' drew Langsdorff's attention as both ships closed the German ship.{{sfn|Landsborough|2016|loc=[https://books.google.com/books?id=fHGrDAAAQBAJ&pg=PT36 Chapter 9: H.M.S. ''Exeter'' Sighted]|pp=36–44}}
Twenty minutes later, ''Ajax'' and ''Achilles'' turned to starboard to bring all their guns to bear, causing ''Graf Spee'' to turn away and lay a [[smoke screen]]. At 07:10, the two light cruisers turned to reduce the range from {{convert|8|mi|nmi km|lk=on|abbr=on}} even though that meant that only their forward guns could fire. At 07:16, ''Graf Spee'' turned to port and headed straight for the badly damaged ''Exeter'',{{sfn|Landsborough|2016|loc=[https://books.google.com/books?id=fHGrDAAAQBAJ&pg=PT74 Chapter 13: Exeter is Pounded]|pp=68–74}} but fire from ''Ajax'' and ''Achilles'' forced her at 07:20 to turn and fire her {{convert|283|mm|in|abbr=on}} guns at them, while they turned to starboard to bring all their guns to bear. ''Ajax'' turned to starboard at 07:24 and fired her torpedoes at a range of {{convert|4.5|mi|nmi km}}, causing ''Graf Spee'' to turn away under a smoke screen. At 07:25, ''Ajax'' was hit by a {{convert|283|mm|in|abbr=on}} shell that put "X" turret out of action and jammed "Y" turret, causing some casualties. By 07:40, ''Ajax'' and ''Achilles'' were running low on resources, and the British decided to change tactics and move to the east under a smokescreen. Harwood decided to shadow ''Graf Spee'' and try to attack at night, when he could attack with torpedoes, better use his advantages of speed and manoeuvrability and minimise his deficiencies in armour. ''Ajax'' was again hit by a {{convert|283|mm|in|abbr=on}} shell that destroyed her mast and caused more casualties. ''Graf Spee'' continued to the south-west.<ref name="webeneth" />
=== Pursuit ===
[[File:Exeter'sDamage1939.jpg|thumb|Damage received by ''Exeter'' during the Battle of the River Plate]]
The battle now turned into a pursuit. [[Edward Parry (Royal Navy officer)|Captain Parry]] of ''Achilles'' wrote afterwards: "To this day I do not know why the ''Admiral Graf Spee'' did not dispose of us in the ''Ajax'' and the ''Achilles'' as soon as she had finished with the ''Exeter''".{{sfn|Pope|1999|p=ix}} The British and New Zealand cruisers split up, keeping about {{convert|15|mi|nmi km|abbr=on}} from ''Admiral Graf Spee''. ''Ajax'' kept to the German's port and ''Achilles'' to the starboard. At 09:15, ''Ajax'' recovered her aircraft. At 09:46, Harwood signalled to ''Cumberland'' for reinforcement and the Admiralty also ordered ships within {{convert|3000|mi|nmi km|abbr=on}} to proceed to the River Plate.{{sfn|Landsborough|2016|loc=[https://books.google.com/books?id=fHGrDAAAQBAJ&pg=PT44 Chapter 10: The River Plate]|pp=44–46}}
At 10:05, ''Achilles'' had overestimated ''Admiral Graf Spee''{{'}}s speed and came into range of the German guns. ''Admiral Graf Spee'' turned and fired two three-gun salvoes with her fore guns. ''Achilles'' turned away under a smokescreen.<ref>{{cite book |title=German Capital Ships and Raiders in World War II: Volume I: From Graf Spee to Bismarck, 1939–1941 |series=Naval Staff Histories |first=Eric |last=Grove |editor1-first=Mike |editor1-last=Moran |collaboration=Introduction by Eric Grove, foreword by the First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Nigel Essenhigh |year=2013 |orig-year=2002 |volume=I |publisher=[[Routledge]] ([[Taylor & Francis]]) |edition=3rd |pages=50–60 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yc5EAQAAQBAJ |via=[[Google Books]] |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yc5EAQAAQBAJ&pg=PA51 |chapter=III. The Chase and Sinking of the Bismarck |isbn=978-1135283223 }}</ref>
According to [[Dudley Pope]], a merchant ship was sighted at 11:03 close to ''Admiral Graf Spee''.{{sfn|Pope|1999|p=ix}} After a few minutes, ''Admiral Graf Spee'' called ''Ajax'' on W/T, probably on the international watchkeeping frequency of 500 kHz, and used both ships' pre-war call signs, with the signal: "please pick up lifeboats of English steamer".{{sfn|Landsborough|2016|loc=[https://books.google.com/books?id=fHGrDAAAQBAJ&pg=PT52 Chapter 12: ''Graf Spee'' Could No Longer Avoid Battle]|pp=52–67}} The German call sign was DTGS, confirming to Harwood that the pocket-battleship he had engaged was indeed ''Admiral Graf Spee''. ''Ajax'' did not reply, but a little later, the British flagship closed with SS ''Shakespeare'' with her lifeboats still hoisted and men still on board. ''Admiral Graf Spee'' had fired a gun and ordered them to stop but when they did not obey orders to leave the ship, Langsdorff decided to continue on his way, and ''Shakespeare'' had a lucky escape. The shadowing continued for the rest of the day until 19:15, when ''Admiral Graf Spee'' turned and opened fire on ''Ajax'', which turned away under a smokescreen.{{sfn|Landsborough|2016|loc=[https://books.google.com/books?id=fHGrDAAAQBAJ&pg=PT52 Chapter 12: ''Graf Spee'' Could No Longer Avoid Battle]|pp=52–67}}
It was now clear that ''Admiral Graf Spee'' was entering the River Plate estuary. Since the estuary had [[sandbank]]s, Harwood ordered ''Achilles'' to shadow ''Admiral Graf Spee'' while ''Ajax'' would cover any attempt to double back through a different channel. The sun set at 20:48, with ''Admiral Graf Spee'' [[silhouette]]d against the sun. ''Achilles'' had again closed the range and ''Admiral Graf Spee'' opened fire, forcing ''Achilles'' to turn away. During the battle, a total of 108 men had been killed on both sides, including 36 on ''Admiral Graf Spee''.<ref name="webeneth">{{cite web |website=[[Avalanche Press]] |publisher=Avalanche Press Ltd. |first=James P. |last=Webeneth |date=1 April 2018 |title=The voyage of the Graf Spee, part 2 |url=http://www.avalanchepress.com/graf_spee_2.php |access-date=27 August 2021 |publication-place=[[Irondale, Alabama|Irondale]], [[Alabama]], US|editor1-first=Mike |editor1-last=Bennighof |editor1-link=Mike Bennighof |editor2-first=Brian |editor2-last=Knipple }}</ref>
''Admiral Graf Spee'' entered Montevideo in [[neutral country|neutral]] Uruguay and dropped anchor at about 00:10 on 14 December.{{sfn|Landsborough|2016|loc=[https://books.google.com/books?id=fHGrDAAAQBAJ&pg=PT88 Chapter 16 Battle in Uruguayan Territorial Waters]|pp=88–90}} That was a political error since Uruguay, while neutral, had benefited from significant British influence during its development and favoured the Allies.{{sfn|Landsborough|2016|loc=[https://books.google.com/books?id=fHGrDAAAQBAJ&pg=PT91 Chapter 17: Diplomatic Battle Begins]|pp=91–94}} The [[British Hospital (Montevideo)|British Hospital]], for example, where the wounded from the battle were taken, was the leading hospital in the city. The port of [[Mar del Plata]] on the Argentine coast and {{convert|200|mi|nmi km|abbr=on}} south of Montevideo would have been a better choice for ''Admiral Graf Spee''.{{sfn|Millington-Drake|1965|pp=226–228}} Also, had ''Admiral Graf Spee'' left port at the time, she would have encountered no British warships in the area except for the damaged ''Ajax'' and ''Achilles''.
=== Trap of Montevideo ===
[[File:Graf Spee Seetakt.jpg|thumb|''Admiral Graf Spee'' in [[Montevideo]], with battle damage]]
[[File:HMSO Graf Spee map of River Plate.jpg|thumb|Map of the [[Río de la Plata|River Plate]] showing possible exit channels.]]
In Montevideo, the 13th [[Hague Conventions (1899 and 1907)|Hague Convention]] came into play. Under Article 12, "belligerent war-ships are not permitted to remain in the ports, roadsteads or territorial waters of the said Power for more than twenty-four hours".<ref>{{cite act |publication-place=[[The Hague]], [[Netherlands]] |type=International treaty |department=Hague Conventions and Declarations of 1899 and 1907 |language=fr, en|article=12 |page=20 |date=18 October 1907 |legislature=Second Hague Conference |title=(Hague XIII) Convention concerning the Rights and Duties of Neutral Powers in Naval War |index=XIII.12 |url=https://avalon.law.yale.edu/20th_century/hague13.asp |via=The Avalon Project: Documents in Law, History and Diplomacy ([[Yale Law School]]) }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |issn=2172-6884 |pages=12–16 |first=José Antonio |last=Perea Unceta |volume=4 |issue=1 |url=http://www.revistareduca.es/index.php/reduca-derecho/article/download/1765/1781 |format=PDF |language=es |editor1-first=Ana |editor1-last=García Moreno |journal=Reduca (Derecho Internacional Público) |title=La batalla del río de la plata. Práctica de Derecho internacional público |date=1 January 2013 |series=Serie Derecho Internacional Público |publication-place=[[Madrid]] |publisher=Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas de la [[Complutense University|Universidad Complutense de Madrid]] |access-date=16 August 2021}}</ref> Under Article 14, a "belligerent war-ship may not prolong its stay in a neutral port beyond the permissible time except on account of damage".<ref>{{cite act |type=International treaty |department=Hague Conventions and Declarations of 1899 and 1907 |language=fr, en|article=14 |page=20 |date=18 October 1907 |legislature=Second Hague Conference |publication-place=[[The Hague]], [[Netherlands]] |title=(Hague XIII) Convention concerning the Rights and Duties of Neutral Powers in Naval War |index=XIII.14 |url=https://avalon.law.yale.edu/20th_century/hague13.asp |via=The Avalon Project: Documents in Law, History and Diplomacy ([[Yale Law School]])}}</ref> British diplomats duly pressed for the speedy departure of the ''Graf Spee''. Also relevant was Article 16 of which part reads, "A belligerent war-ship may not leave a neutral port or roadstead until twenty-four hours after the departure of a merchant ship flying the flag of its adversary".<ref>{{cite act |type=International treaty |department=Hague Conventions and Declarations of 1899 and 1907 |language=fr, en |article=16 |page=20 |date=18 October 1907 |legislature=Second Hague Conference |title=(Hague XIII) Convention concerning the Rights and Duties of Neutral Powers in Naval War |index=XIII.16 |url=https://avalon.law.yale.edu/20th_century/hague13.asp |via=The Avalon Project: Documents in Law, History and Diplomacy ([[Yale Law School]]) |publication-place=[[The Hague]], [[Netherlands]] }}</ref>
In accordance with their obligations, the Germans released 61 captive British merchant seamen who had been on board. Langsdorff then asked the Uruguayan government for two weeks to make repairs. Initially, the British diplomats in Uruguay, principally [[Eugen Millington-Drake]], made several requests for ''Admiral Graf Spee'' to leave port immediately.<ref name="Gotta-pt2" /> After consultation with London, which was aware that there were no significant British naval forces in the area, Millington-Drake continued to demand for ''Admiral Graf Spee'' to leave.{{sfn|Landsborough|2016|loc=[https://books.google.com/books?id=fHGrDAAAQBAJ&pg=PT91 Chapter 17: Diplomatic Battle Begins]|pp=91–94}} At the same time, he arranged for British and French merchant ships to steam from Montevideo at intervals of 24 hours, whether they had originally intended to do so or not, thus invoking Article 16. That kept ''Admiral Graf Spee'' in port and allowed more time for British forces to reach the area.<ref name="woodman" />
At the same time, the British attempted to feed false [[military intelligence|intelligence]] to the Germans that an overwhelming British force was being assembled, including [[Force H]] (the [[aircraft carrier]] {{HMS|Ark Royal|91|6}} and the [[battlecruiser]] {{HMS|Renown|1916|6}}) by broadcasting a series of signals, on frequencies known to be intercepted by German intelligence. In fact, the two cruisers had been joined only by ''Cumberland'', which had arrived at 22:00 on 14 December, after steaming {{convert|1,014|nmi}} from the Falkland Islands in 34 hours, at an average of over 90% of her full trials speed attained over much shorter distances. The older and larger ''Cumberland'' was more powerful than ''Exeter'', with an additional aft turret containing two more 8-inch guns, but it was no match for ''Admiral Graf Spee'' whose guns had significantly longer range and fired much heavier shells (660 lb against 256 lb). Overwhelming British forces (HMS ''Renown'', ''Ark Royal'', {{HMS|Shropshire|73|2}}, {{HMS|Dorsetshire|40|2}}, and {{HMS|Neptune|20|2}}) were ''en route'' but would not assemble until 19 December although they could intercept earlier if ''Admiral Graf Spee'' headed north or north-east from Montevideo shadowed by ''Cumberland'' and her smaller consorts. For the time being, the total force comprised the undamaged ''Cumberland'' with a full ammunition load, and the damaged ''Ajax'' and ''Achilles'' with depleted stocks of shells. To reinforce the propaganda effect, these ships, which were waiting just outside the [[three-mile limit]], were ordered to make smoke, which could be clearly seen from the Montevideo waterfront.{{sfn|Landsborough|2016|loc=[https://books.google.com/books?id=fHGrDAAAQBAJ&pg=PT88 Chapter 16: Battle in Uruguayan Territorial Waters]|pp=88–90}}
On 15 December 1939, ''Olynthus'' refuelled ''Ajax'', which proved a difficult operation. The ship had to use hurricane [[hawser]]s to complete the replenishment. On 17 December ''Achilles'' was replenished from ''Olynthus'' off Rouen Bank.
The Germans were entirely deceived and expected to face a far superior force on leaving the River Plate.<ref name="woodman" /> ''Admiral Graf Spee'' had also used two thirds of her {{convert|283|mm|in|abbr=on}} ammunition and had enough left for approximately only a further 20 minutes of firing.{{sfn|Grove|2013|loc=[https://books.google.com/books?id=yc5EAQAAQBAJ&pg=PT1 I. The Chase and Destruction of the ''Graf Spee'' (including the Battle of the River Plate, 13 December 1939) – Plans 1, 2, 3, 4, 4A, 5 and 6]|pp=1–56}} Such a reduced ammunition stock was hardly sufficient for the ship to fight her way out of Montevideo against the large force expected, let alone get back to Germany. Even the only actual British newcomer, the previously unengaged ''Cumberland'', could fight at full capacity for about 90 minutes and pursue at equal or higher speed for at least another {{convert|2,000|nmi}} before she required replenishment at sea.
Meanwhile, as the ''Graf Spee'' remained in the bay, British diplomatic personnel based in Montevideo and Buenos Aires carefully watched her from shore 24 hours a day, and the expectation of a potential breakout and resumption of the battle caused tensions and anxiety to surge to enormous levels among British sailors and diplomats.{{sfn|Landsborough|2016|loc=[https://books.google.com/books?id=fHGrDAAAQBAJ&pg=PT121 Chapter 22: Hysteria Ashore]|pp=121–124}}
On the German side, while the ship was prevented from leaving the harbour, Captain Langsdorff consulted with his command in Germany.{{sfn|Landsborough|2016|loc=[https://books.google.com/books?id=fHGrDAAAQBAJ&pg=PT88 Chapter 16: Battle in Uruguayan Territorial Waters]|pp=88–90}} He received orders that permitted some options but not internment in Uruguay. The Germans feared that Uruguay could be persuaded to join the Allied cause. Ultimately, he chose to [[scuttling|scuttle]] his ship in the River Plate estuary on 17 December to avoid unnecessary loss of life for no particular military advantage, a decision that infuriated [[Adolf Hitler]].<ref>{{cite news |title=WWII: Germany grapples with honoring ''Graf Spee'' captain |date=1 November 2019 |access-date=16 August 2021 |url=https://www.dw.com/en/wwii-germany-grapples-with-honoring-graf-spee-captain/a-50655056 |first=David |last=Crossland |publication-place=[[Berlin]] |archive-date=1 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191001211529/https://www.dw.com/en/wwii-germany-grapples-with-honoring-graf-spee-captain/a-50655056 |editor1-first=Manuela |editor1-last=Kasper-Claridge |editor2-first=Peter |editor2-last=Limbourg |editor2-link=Peter Limbourg |website=[[Deutsche Welle]] (DW) |publisher=[[Federal Government of Germany]] }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Michael D. |last=Hull |title=RIP ''Graf Spee'': How Hitler's pocket battleship was sunk |date=29 September 2018 |access-date=15 August 2021 |url=https://www.nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/rip-graf-spee-how-hitlers-pocket-battleship-was-sunk-32257 |oclc=225234688 |issn=0884-9382 |publication-place=[[Washington, D.C.]] |work=[[The National Interest]] |publisher=[[Center for the National Interest]] |archive-date=30 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180930124052/https://www.nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/rip-graf-spee-how-hitlers-pocket-battleship-was-sunk-32257 |editor1-first=Dimitri |editor1-last=Simes |editor1-link=Dimitri Kostantinovich Simes |editor2-first=Jacob |editor2-last=Heilbrunn |editor2-link=Jacob Heilbrunn |editor3-first=Harry |editor3-last=Kazianis |series=Warfare History Network}}</ref>
The crew of ''Admiral Graf Spee'' were taken to [[Buenos Aires]], [[Argentina]], where Captain Langsdorff shot himself on 19 December. He was buried there with full military honours, and several British officers attended. Many of the crew members made their homes in Montevideo with the help of local people of German origin.{{sfn|Landsborough|2016|loc=[https://books.google.com/books?id=fHGrDAAAQBAJ&pg=PT97 Chapter 19: The Prisoners are Freed]|pp=97–104}} The German dead were buried in the [[Cementerio del Norte, Montevideo]].{{sfn|Konstam|2016|loc=[https://books.google.com/books?id=nLShDAAAQBAJ&pg=PT88 6. The Aftermath]|pp=88–91}}
== Aftermath ==
[[File:Admiral Graf Spee Flames.jpg|thumb|''Admiral Graf Spee'' in flames after being scuttled in the River Plate estuary]]
[[File:Hans Langsdorff.jpg|thumb|Captain Langsdorff at the funeral of crew members who were killed in the battle.]]
The German [[propaganda]] machine had reported that ''Admiral Graf Spee'' had sunk a heavy cruiser and heavily damaged two light cruisers and had been only lightly damaged herself.{{sfn|Landsborough|2016|loc=[https://books.google.com/books?id=fHGrDAAAQBAJ&pg=PT105 Chapter 20: A Propaganda War]|pp=105–117}} The scuttling of ''Admiral Graf Spee'', however, was a severe embarrassment and difficult to explain on the basis of publicly available facts. The battle was a major victory for the British, as the damage to ''Ajax'' and ''Achilles'' was not sufficient to reduce their fighting efficiency, and ''Exeter'', as badly damaged as she was, had managed to reach the Falkland Islands for emergency repairs.
Lieutenant Atwill, who wrote an account of the battle in which he served on ''Exeter'', detailed the damage done and the emergency repairs to make the ship seaworthy enough to reach [[Stanley, Falkland Islands]]. There were rumours that she would remain there and become a rusting hulk until the end of the war, but [[First Lord of the Admiralty]] [[Winston Churchill]] wrote to the [[First Sea Lord]] and others, "We ought not readily to accept the non-repair during the war of ''Exeter''. She should be strengthened and strutted internally as far as possible . . . and come home".<ref name=atwill>{{cite web | last=Atwill | first=Ron| title=HMS Exeter at the Battle of River Plate | website=Naval Historical Society of Australia | date=30 March 1977 | url=https://navyhistory.au/hms-exeter-at-the-battle-of-river-plate/}}</ref> ''Exeter'' returned to [[HMNB Devonport|Devonport]] for a 13-month refit, enhancing Churchill's reputation.{{sfn|Landsborough|2016|loc=[https://books.google.com/books?id=fHGrDAAAQBAJ&pg=PT136 Chapter 25: The Victors Return Home]|pp=136–143}}
While highly praised for his excellent performance in battle, Harwood received criticism directed towards his lack of initiative and for not employing a more aggressive approach; those criticisms are mostly due to ''Admiral Graf Spee'' being allowed to escape though outnumbered by ships able jointly to make a more damaging rate of fire.<ref>{{cite journal |first=Alan D. |last=Zimm |volume=33 |issue=4 |title=A Battle Badly Fought |date=1 August 2019 |url=https://www.usni.org/magazines/naval-history-magazine/2019/august/battle-badly-fought |journal=Naval History Magazine |publisher=Naval History and Heritage Command/[[United States Naval War College]] ([[United States Department of the Navy]]) |publication-place=[[Newport, Rhode Island|Newport]], [[Rhode Island]], US |editor1-first=Peter H. |editor1-last=Daly |editor2-first=A. Denis |editor2-last=Clift |editor3-first=Bill |editor3-last=Hamblet |editor4-first=Adam |editor4-last=Kane |editor5-first=Mary |editor5-last=Ripley |editor6-first=Brendan |editor6-last=Stickles |pages=37–41|quote=Combining rate of fire and shell effectiveness, the British had a firepower advantage of 125 percent... the British had a 60 percent tonnage advantage.}}</ref>
Prisoners taken from merchant ships captured by ''Admiral Graf Spee'' who had been transferred to her supply ship ''Altmark'' were freed by a boarding party from the British destroyer {{HMS|Cossack|F03|6}} in the [[Altmark incident|''Altmark'' incident]] (16 February 1940) in [[Jøssingfjord]], at the time neutral [[Norway|Norwegian]] waters. Prisoners who had not been transferred to ''Altmark'' had remained aboard ''Admiral Graf Spee'' during the battle; they were released on arrival in Montevideo.{{sfn|Landsborough|2016|loc=[https://books.google.com/books?id=fHGrDAAAQBAJ&pg=PT97 Chapter 19: The Prisoners are Freed]|pp=97–104}}
On 22 December 1939, over 1,000 sailors from ''Admiral Graf Spee'' were taken to Buenos Aires and interned there;{{sfn|Dick|2014|loc=[https://books.google.com/books?id=7_miBQAAQBAJ&pg=PT151 Chapter X. Internment: The worst of times, the best of times]|pp=151–158}}{{sfn|Landsborough|2016|loc=[https://books.google.com/books?id=fHGrDAAAQBAJ&pg=PT97 Chapter 19: The Prisoners are Freed]|pp=97–104}} at least 92 were transferred during 1940 to a camp in [[Rosario]], some were transferred to [[Club Hotel de la Ventana]] in [[Buenos Aires Province]] and another group to [[Villa General Belgrano]], a small town founded by German [[immigration in Argentina|immigrants]] in 1932. Some of these sailors later settled there.{{sfn|Dick|2014|loc=[https://books.google.com/books?id=7_miBQAAQBAJ&pg=PT151 Chapter X. Internment: The worst of times, the best of times]|pp=151–158}} After the war many German sailors settled permanently in various parts of Uruguay, some returning after being repatriated to Germany.{{sfn|Dick|2014|loc=[https://books.google.com/books?id=7_miBQAAQBAJ&pg=PT176 Chapter XII. Return to Germany]|pp=176–192}} Rows of simple crosses in the Cementerio del Norte, in the north of the city of Montevideo, mark the burial places of the German dead. Three sailors killed aboard ''Achilles'' were buried in the British Cemetery in Montevideo, while those who died on ''Exeter'' were [[burial at sea|buried at sea]].
=== Intelligence gathering and salvage ===
[[File:Graf Spee Wreck USNphoto 3.jpg|thumb|''Admiral Graf Spee''{{'}}s Number Four 15.0 cm/55 gun mount (second gun in the forward port side group). Twin gun barrels at upper left are those of the ship's Number Two 10.5 cm/65 anti-aircraft gun mount]]
Immediately after her scuttling, the wreck of ''Admiral Graf Spee'' rested in shallow water, with much of the ship's superstructure remaining above water level,<ref name="harwood40">{{cite report |year=1940 |title=The Battle of the River Plate: An account of events before, during and after the action up to the self-destruction of the Admiral Graf Spee |first1=Henry |last1=Harwood |first2=Frederick |last2=Bell |author2-link=F. S. Bell |first3=WE |last3=Parry |editor=[[Admiralty (United Kingdom)|Department of the Admiralty]] |publisher=His Majesty's Stationery Office |publication-place=London |via=HathiTrust Digital Library |url=https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015027908964 |format=PDF
}}</ref> but over the years, the wreck has subsided into the muddy bottom, and only the tip of the mast remains above the surface.<ref name="Reyes" />
A radar expert was sent to Montevideo shortly after the scuttling and reported a rotating aerial, probably for gunlaying, transmitting on either 57 or 114 centimetres. In February 1940, the wreck was boarded by United States Navy sailors from the light cruiser {{USS|Helena|CL-50|6}}.{{sfn|Konstam|2016|loc=[https://books.google.com/books?id=nLShDAAAQBAJ&pg=PT88 6. The Aftermath]|pp=88–91}}
Pieces and parts of the ship have also been displayed in museums and studied by scientists who have carried out tests like metallurgical analyses of the ''Graf Spee''.<ref>{{cite journal |title=Caracterización metalúrgica de una tapa de guerra del acorazado "Graf Spee" |journal=Revista de Arqueología Americana |pages=241–253 |jstor=27768538 |publisher=Pan American Institute of Geography and History |language=Spanish |first1=Tulio |last1=Palacios |first2=Segundo Ismael |last2=Nuñez Pettinari |first3=María Rosa |last3=Epps |first4=Atilio |last4=Nasti |issn=0188-3631 |date=1 January 2012 |publication-place=[[Mexico City]], [[Distrito Federal]] |editor1-first=Albert |editor1-last=Prieto |editor2-first=Atilio |editor2-last=Nasti |editor3-first=Ernesto |editor3-last=Vargas |editor4-first=Ivan |editor4-last=Brizi Godino |editor5-first=José |editor5-last=Echeverría |editor6-first=Miguel Antonio |editor6-last=Cornejo Guerrero |editor7-first=Nelsys |editor7-last=Fusco Zambetogliris |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/261775362 |via=[[ResearchGate]] |issue=26 |volume=16 }}</ref>
In 1964 a memorial to the ship was erected in Montevideo's port. Part of it is ''Admiral Graf Spee''{{'}}s anchor.
In 1997, one of ''Admiral Graf Spee''{{'}}s {{convert|150|mm|in|abbr=on}} secondary gun mounts was raised and restored; it can now be seen outside Montevideo's National Maritime Museum.
In February 2004, a salvage team began work raising the wreck. The operation is being funded in part by the government of Uruguay, in part by the private sector, as the wreck is now a hazard to navigation. The first major section, the {{convert|27|LT|t|abbr=on}} heavy gunnery control station, was raised on 25 February 2004. It is expected to take several years to raise the entire wreck. [[James Cameron]] filmed the salvage operation. After she has been raised, it is planned that the ship might be restored and put on display at the National Marine Museum.{{sfn|Konstam|2016|loc=[https://books.google.com/books?id=nLShDAAAQBAJ&pg=PT37 5. The Campaign]|pp=32–87}}{{sfn|Konstam|2016|loc=[https://books.google.com/books?id=nLShDAAAQBAJ&pg=PT92 7. The Battlefield Today]|pp=92–93}}
Many German veterans did not approve of the restoration attempt, as they considered the wreck to be a [[war grave]] and an underwater historical monument that should be respected. One of them, Hans Eupel, a former specialist torpedo mechanic, 87 years old in 2005, said that "this is madness, too expensive and senseless. It is also dangerous, as one of the three explosive charges we placed did not explode".<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/25/world/americas/25ship.html |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=25 August 2006 |title=A Swastika, 60 Years Submerged, Still Inflames Debate |first=Larry |last=Rohter |access-date=16 August 2021 |archive-date=19 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151119031506/https://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/25/world/americas/25ship.html |publication-place=New York City, New York, United States of America |editor1-first=A.G. |editor1-last=Sulzberger |editor2-first=Dean |editor2-last=Baquet |editor2-link=Dean Baquet |editor1-link=A.G. Sulzberger |editor3-first=Meg |editor3-last=Louttit }}</ref>
[[File:HMS Achilles (HMNZS from 1941) (15333552416).jpg|thumb|right|HMS ''Achilles''; this painting by Frank Norton is part of the National Collection of War Art held by [[Archives New Zealand]]]]
On 10 February 2006, the {{convert|2|m|ftin|abbr=on}}, 400 kg eagle and [[Swastika#Use in Nazism|swastika]] crest of ''Admiral Graf Spee'' was recovered from the [[stern]] of the ship.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/4702832.stm |title=Graf Spee's eagle rises from deep |work=BBC News |publisher=BBC |___location=London |date=10 February 2006 |access-date=20 January 2021}}</ref> The spread-wing statue of a Nazi eagle with a wreath in its talons containing a swastika was attached to the stern, not the bow like traditional figureheads. It was a common feature of prewar German warships. In other cases, it was removed for a variety of practical reasons on the outbreak of the war, but because ''Admiral Graf Spee'' was already at sea when the war began, she went into action and was scuttled with it attached, which permitted its recovery. To protect the feelings of those with painful memories of [[Nazi Germany]], the swastika at the base of the figurehead was covered as it was pulled from the water. The figurehead was stored in a Uruguayan naval warehouse after German complaints about exhibiting "Nazi paraphernalia".<ref name="Reyes">{{cite news |archive-date=15 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141215123939/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-30471063 |work=[[BBC News]] |title=What should Uruguay do with its Nazi eagle? |date=15 December 2014 |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-30471063 |publisher=[[BBC|British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)]] |editor1-first=James |editor1-last=Harding |editor1-link=James Harding (journalist) |access-date=16 August 2021 |first=Ignacio |last=de los Reyes }}</ref>
[[File:Graves of sailors H.M.S. Achilles, Battle of the River Plate.jpg|thumb|right|Graves of the sailors from HMS ''Achilles'' in The British Cemetery, Montevideo]]
== Legacy ==
[[File:Graf Spee telémetro 01.jpg|thumb|left|''Admiral Graf Spee''{{'}}s salvaged [[rangefinding telemeter|rangefinder]] in Montevideo]]
In 1956, the film ''[[The Battle of the River Plate (film)|The Battle of the River Plate]]'' (US title: ''Pursuit of the Graf Spee'') was made of the battle and ''Admiral Graf Spee''{{'}}s end, with [[Peter Finch]] as Langsdorff and [[Anthony Quayle]] as Harwood. Finch portrays Langsdorff sympathetically as a gentleman. The ''Achilles'', which had been recommissioned in 1948 as [[INS Delhi (C74)|HMIS ''Delhi'']], flagship of the Royal Indian Navy, played herself in the film. <!-- RIN Delhi: http://www.rjerrard.co.uk/royalnavy/sutton/sutton.html --> HMS ''Ajax'' (twin turrets) was "played" by HMS ''Sheffield'' (triple turrets), HMS ''Exeter'' (twin turrets) by HMS ''Jamaica'' (triple turrets) and HMS ''Cumberland'' by herself (although de-gunned as a trials platform). ''Admiral Graf Spee'' (two turrets) was portrayed by the U.S. heavy cruiser {{USS|Salem|CA-139|6}} (three turrets).
The incomplete [[Battle-class destroyer]] HMS ''River Plate'' was named after the battle.
The battle was for many years re-enacted with large-scale model boats throughout the summer season at [[Peasholm Park]] in the English seaside resort of [[Scarborough, North Yorkshire|Scarborough]]. The re-enactment now portrays an anonymous battle between a convoy of British ships and an unspecified enemy in possession of the nearby shore.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.peasholmpark.com/about/naval-warfare.html |title=Naval Warfare |publisher=Friends of Peasholm Park |___location=Scarborough |date=2017 |access-date=20 January 2021}}</ref>
After the battle, the new town of [[Ajax, Ontario]], in Canada, constructed as a Second World War munitions production centre, was named after HMS ''Ajax''. Many of its streets are named after Admiral Harwood's crewmen on ''Ajax'', ''Exeter'' and ''Achilles''.<ref name="ontario">{{cite web |title=The Second World War created Ajax. Here's how |url=https://www.tvo.org/article/the-second-world-war-created-ajax-heres-how |first=Daniel |last=Kitts |date=10 November 2015 |access-date=16 August 2021 |work=[[TVOntario]] (TVO) |publication-place=[[Toronto]], [[Ontario]], Canada |publisher=Ontario Educational Communications Authority (OECA) |archive-date=29 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190929063605/https://www.tvo.org/article/the-second-world-war-created-ajax-heres-how }}</ref> Its main street is named after Admiral Harwood, while a small street was named (after some controversy) for Captain Langsdorff. According to an article in the German language paper ''Albertaner'' on 6 October 2007, Steve Parish, the mayor of Ajax, defended the decision, declaring that Langsdorff had not been a typical Nazi officer. An accompanying photograph (in the "Aftermath" section above) from the funeral of crew members shows Langsdorff paying tribute with a traditional naval salute, while people beside and behind him{{snd}}even some clergymen{{snd}}are giving the Fascist salute.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Commander Langsdorf and German ministers at the burial of the German...|url=https://www.gettyimages.com.au/detail/news-photo/commander-langsdorf-and-german-ministers-at-the-burial-of-news-photo/3069916|access-date=2021-08-15|website=Getty Images|language=en-gb}}</ref> The street name was changed in 2021 in response to public opposition.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-03-12|title=New name for Ajax street that had been named after captain of Nazi war ship|url=https://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/local-ajax/news/council/2021/03/12/new-name-for-ajax-street-that-had-been-named-after-captain-of-nazi-war-ship.html|access-date=25 January 2022|website=St. Catharines Standard|language=en}}</ref>
Also in Canada, the names of the ships, and the commander of Force G, have been used for Cadet Corps. The Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps (RCSCC) Ajax No. 89 in Guelph, Ontario; the Navy League Cadet Corps (NLCC) Achilles No. 34 in Guelph, Ontario; the Navy League Wrenette Corps (NLWC) Lady Exeter (now disbanded) and the camp shared by all three corps, called Camp Cumberland (this camp no longer exists; it was decommissioned around 1999). RCSCC Harwood No. 244 and NLCC Exeter No. 173 are situated in Ajax, Ontario.<ref name="ontario" />
A number of streets in [[Nelson Bay, New South Wales]], have been named after the battle including Montevideo Parade, Achilles Street, Ajax Avenue, Harwood Avenue, and Exeter Road (now called Shoal Bay Road).<ref>{{cite report |publisher=Cardno Pty Ltd/Council Local Government Area (LGA) |department=Port Stephens Council/Tomaree Planning District |publication-place=[[St Leonards, New South Wales|St Leonards]], [[Australia]] |title=Port Stephens Pedestrian Access and Mobility Plan – Tomaree Planning District |chapter-format=PDF |chapter=2. Policy and planning framework |pages=5–6 |postscript=<br />2.2 Port Stephens Council policies and plans |date=25 October 2017 |access-date=27 August 2021 |chapter-url=https://www.portstephens.nsw.gov.au/trim/other?RecordNumber=20%2F171652 |first1=Bahman |last1=Mehrpour |first2=Rachel |last2=Kohan |first3=Elizabeth |last3=Muscat |first4=Asith |last4=Nagodavithane |editor1-first=Koosha |editor1-last=Dehghan |editor2-first=Larissa |editor2-last=Miller |editor3-first=Mitchell |editor3-last=Lee }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Battle of the River Plate NZ re-union |first=Len |last=Loceht |publication-place=[[Canberra]], [[Australia]] |newspaper=Vetaffairs |publisher=Australian Department of Veterans' Affairs |date=1 November 1989 |editor1-first=Theo |editor1-last=Benet |via=Trove (National Library of Australia) |volume=57 |issue=7 |issn=0819-8934 |url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-1087898526/view?sectionId=nla.obj-1297370212&partId=nla.obj-1087948582 }}</ref> In [[Auckland]], home port of the [[Royal New Zealand Navy]], streets have been named for ''Achilles'', ''Ajax'' and ''Exeter''.<ref name="ontario" /> Three streets in [[North Wollongong]], New South Wales, are named Ajax Avenue, Exeter Avenue and Achilles Avenue.<ref>{{cite news |title=Poppies to adorn street signs in Whangamata |date=2 May 2021 |access-date=27 August 2021 |first=Don |last=Mackay |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/bay-of-plenty-times/news/poppies-to-adorn-street-signs-in-whangamata/T7K6EJNYJAGZNLEQH3STIY7ZIA |archive-date=3 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210503030748/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/bay-of-plenty-times/news/poppies-to-adorn-street-signs-in-whangamata/T7K6EJNYJAGZNLEQH3STIY7ZIA |issn=1170-0777 |editor1-first=Shayne |editor1-last=Currie |editor2-first=Matthew |editor2-last=Wilson |editor3-first=Michael |editor3-last=Boggs |website=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |publication-place=[[Auckland]], [[New Zealand]] }}</ref>
The battle is also significant as it was the first time the [[Flag of New Zealand]] was flown in battle, from HMS ''Achilles''.{{sfn|Konstam|2016|loc=[https://books.google.com/books?id=nLShDAAAQBAJ&pg=PT88 6. The Aftermath]|pp=88–91}}<ref>{{cite news |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/auckland-star/1940/2/23/9 |title=Captain Parry's Story of the Battle |newspaper=[[Auckland Star]] |via=Papers Past ([[National Library of New Zealand]]) |volume=LXXI |issue=46 |date=23 February 1940 |page=9 |access-date=3 November 2014 |publication-place=[[Auckland]], New Zealand |quote=The "Diggers' " flag, the New Zealand Ensign, flying at the masthead of Achilles during the naval battle}}</ref> Also in New Zealand, four mountain peaks in the [[Two Thumb Range]] region of the South Island are named in commemoration of the battle. These are Achilles<ref>{{Cite web|title=Antarctica Detail|url=https://geonames.usgs.gov/apex/f?p=GNISPQ:5:::NO::P5_ANTAR_ID:45|access-date=2021-05-06|website=geonames.usgs.gov}}</ref> (2,544 m), Exeter (2,327 m), Ajax<ref>{{Cite web|title=Antarctica Detail|url=https://geonames.usgs.gov/apex/f?p=GNISPQ:5:::NO::P5_ANTAR_ID:162|access-date=2021-05-06|website=geonames.usgs.gov|archive-date=12 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200712112049/https://geonames.usgs.gov/apex/f?p=GNISPQ:5:::NO::P5_ANTAR_ID:162|url-status=dead}}</ref> (2,319 m) and Graf Spee (2,267 m).
== References ==
{{Reflist|20em}}
==
* {{cite book |first=Max |last=Arthur |title=Lost Voices of The Royal Navy |publication-place=London |date=2012 |edition=4th |publisher=Hodder and Stoughton (Hachette UK) |isbn=978-1-84894-830-3 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BRPKD2pCxWwC |via=[[Google Books]] }}
* {{cite book |last=Arthur |first=Max |title=Forgotten Voices of the Second World War |publisher=Random House |___location=London |year=2004 |isbn=978-0-09-189734-5 }}
* {{cite book |last1=Maier |first1=Klaus |last2=Rohde |first2=Horst |last3=Stegemann |first3=Bernd |last4=Umbreit |first4=Hans |year=1991 |title=Germany and the Second World War: Germany's initial conquests in Europe |publisher=Clarendon |___location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-822885-1}}
* {{cite book |last=Millington-Drake |first=Eugen |title=The Drama of Graf Spee and the Battle of the Plate: A Documentary Anthology, 1914–1964 |publisher=Peter Davies Ltd |___location=London |date=1965 |asin=B000QSV7M6 |editor1-first=Peter |editor1-last=Davies |edition=2nd |collaboration=Foreword by admiral of the fleet [[Earl Mountbatten of Burma]] and preface by admiral of the fleet Sir [[Philip Vian]] }}
* {{cite book |last=Pope |first=Dudley |title=The Battle of the River Plate |publisher=Chatham Publishing |___location=London |year=1999 |orig-year=1956 |isbn=978-1-86176-089-0}}
* {{cite book |title=River Plate 1939: The sinking of the Graf Spee |first=Angus |last=Konstam |editor1-first=Marcus |editor1-last=Cowper |collaboration=Illustrations by Tony Bryan |publication-place=Oxford, UK |publisher=Osprey Publishing (Bloomsbury Publishing) |date= 2016 |isbn=978-1472817969 |edition=2nd |access-date=27 August 2021 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nLShDAAAQBAJ |via=[[Google Books]] }}
* {{cite book |isbn=978-1-138-87363-6 |first=Eric |last=Grove |series=Naval Staff Histories |volume=1 |title=German Capital Ships and Raiders in World War II: From Graf Spee to Bismarck, 1931–1941
|via=[[Google Books]] |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yc5EAQAAQBAJ |issn=1471-0757 |editor1-first=Eric |editor1-last=Grove |editor2-first=Mike |editor2-last=Moran |date=31 March 2015 |orig-year=2002 |edition=4th |publisher=[[Routledge]] ([[Taylor & Francis]]) |publication-place=[[Abingdon-on-Thames]], UK |collaboration=Foreword by Admiral Sir Nigel Essenhigh, First Sea Lord }}
* {{cite book |title=In the Wake of the Graf Spee |first=Enrique |last=Dick |translator=Marilyn Myerscough |publisher=WIT Press ([[Wessex Institute of Technology]]) |publication-place=[[Ashurst, Hampshire|Ashurst]], UK |date= 2014 |edition=2nd |isbn=978-1-84564-932-6 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7_miBQAAQBAJ |access-date=27 August 2021 |via=[[Google Books]] |editor1-first=Alexander Carlos |editor1-last=Brebbia }}
* {{cite book |first=Gordon |last=Landsborough |title=The Battle of the River Plate: The First Naval Battle of the Second World War |date=2016 |access-date=27 August 2021 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fHGrDAAAQBAJ |via=[[Google Books]] |isbn=978-1-4738-7897-6 |orig-year=1956 |publisher=Frontline Books |publication-place=[[Barnsley]], UK |edition=5th }}
== Further reading ==
* {{cite book |last=Churchill |first=Winston |author-link=Winston Churchill |title=The Gathering Storm: From War to War, 1919–1939 |series=The Second World War |volume=I |edition=9th |year=1967a |orig-year=first published 1948 |publisher=Cassell & Co. Ltd |___location=London}}
== External links ==
{{Commons category|Battle of the River Plate}}
* {{cite web |url=https://www.nzhistory.govt.nz/war/battle-of-river-plate |publisher=New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage |publication-place=[[Wellington]], [[New Zealand]] |date=27 November 2014 |access-date=27 August 2021 |website=New Zealand History (NZ History) |page=1 |title=Battle of the River Plate |archive-date=14 April 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170414070954/https://nzhistory.govt.nz/war/battle-of-river-plate |first1=Neill |last1=Atkinson |first2=Elizabeth |last2=Cox |first3=Tim |last3=Shoebridge |first4=David |last4=Green |editor1-first=Julia |editor1-last=Vodanovich |editor2-first=Jamie |editor2-last=Mackay |editor3-first=Gareth |editor3-last=Phipps }}
* {{cite report |title=The Battle of the River Plate: An account of events before, during and after the action up to the self-destruction of the Admiral Graf Spee |publication-place=[[London]], United Kingdom of Great Britain |editor2-first=Charles |editor2-last=Woodhouse |editor2-link=Charles Woodhouse |editor3-first=Frederick Secker |editor3-last=Bell |editor3-link=F. S. Bell |editor4-first=Edward |editor4-last=Parry |editor4-link=Edward Parry (Royal Navy officer) |editor5-first=Walter Herman Gordon |editor5-last=Fallowfield |date=15 February 1940 |first1=Jack |last1=Harker |first2=David |last2=Jasper |editor1-first=Henry |editor1-last=Harwood |editor1-link=Henry Harwood |publisher=His Majesty's Stationery Office |department=British Department of the Admiralty |url=http://www.rnzncomms.net.nz/jackharker/achillesindex.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=5 December 2004 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041205092630/http://www.rnzncomms.net.nz/jackharker/achillesindex.html }}
* {{cite web |website=Juan Jose Flores Weblog |url=https://www.juanjoseflores.com/2004/12/los-tripulantes-del-graf-spee.html |title=Los tripulantes del Graf Spee |date=7 December 2004 |access-date=27 August 2021 |first=Juan José |last=Flores |editor1-first=Juan José |editor1-last=Flores |archive-date=1 September 2016 |publisher=Juan José Flores |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160901213756/https://www.juanjoseflores.com/2004/12/los-tripulantes-del-graf-spee.html |publication-place=[[Necochea]]. [[Buenos Aires Province]], [[Argentina]] }} – reminiscences
* {{cite web|url= https://www.ngataonga.org.nz/search-use-collection/search/155715/ |title= Graf Spee and the Battle of the River Plate (Audio recordings, 1960s) |publisher= Nga Taonga (NZ) |date= 2023}}
{{Latin America during World War II}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:River Plate, Battle of The}}
[[
[[Category:1939 in Uruguay]]
[[Category:Argentina in World War II]]
[[Category:Conflicts in 1939]]
[[Category:December 1939]]
[[Category:Maritime incidents in Uruguay]]
[[Category:Naval battles of World War II involving Germany]]
[[Category:Naval battles of World War II involving New Zealand]]
[[Category:Naval battles of World War II involving the United Kingdom|River Plate]]
[[Category:Nazis in South America]]
[[Category:Uruguay in World War II]]
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