Emergency Steering Maintains Exeter Control13 December 1939
After communications are wrecked, Exeter uses improvised methods, including men relaying orders, to keep steering the damaged cruiser.
Historical person
Frederick Secker Bell Biography
Historical biography and chronological timeline for Frederick Secker Bell, based on 5 World History Database records associated with Great Britain.
5 records1939–19395 events1 places
Chronological biography
1939
Exeter Bridge Devastated by Heavy Shell13 December 1939
An 11-inch hit and splinters devastate Exeter's bridge, killing or wounding most personnel there and injuring Bell.
Exeter Launches Starboard Torpedoes13 December 1939
Bell's cruiser fires a starboard torpedo salvo at Graf Spee, but the German ship's manoeuvre causes the weapons to miss.
Exeter Opens Eight-Inch Fire13 December 1939
Bell's HMS Exeter opens fire with eight-inch guns soon after Graf Spee begins the engagement.
Exeter Withdraws after Severe Damage13 December 1939
With forward turrets disabled, flooding increasing and electrical systems failing, Bell withdraws Exeter from the main action.
Titles and roles
Captain of HMS Exeter
Record provenance
This biography is assembled from World History Database records filtered by country and personal-name fields. Exact duplicate display records are removed. The database is an index rather than a complete narrative biography; formal research should verify entries against relevant primary or specialist sources.