Henry Harwood Biography

Ajax & Achilles shadow the Graf Spee into the neutral port of Montevideo

Commands the HMS Achilles during the Battle of the River Plate

Ajax & Achilles shadow the Graf Spee into the neutral port of Montevideo

Ajax & Achilles shadow the Graf Spee into the neutral port of Montevideo

Harwood uses Doric Star's distress report to estimate the likely movements of the German raider.

From recent merchant losses, Harwood calculates that the raider could reach the River Plate focal area around 13 December.

Harwood orders Ajax, Achilles and Exeter to concentrate off the River Plate before his predicted arrival of the German raider.

Harwood's three cruisers conduct manoeuvres and rehearse the tactics intended for an encounter with a German pocket battleship.

Harwood presses the two light cruisers closer to bring their six-inch guns effectively into action against Graf Spee.

Around 07:40 Harwood turns away, intending to shadow Graf Spee and renew the fight later under more favourable conditions.

Harwood separates Exeter from Ajax and Achilles so Graf Spee must divide its fire or leave one British group less engaged.

Harwood detaches Exeter to investigate smoke on the horizon before the contact is identified as Admiral Graf Spee.

Harwood keeps Ajax and Achilles in contact as the damaged German ship steams toward the River Plate estuary.

When Graf Spee turns toward the badly damaged Exeter, Harwood orders Ajax and Achilles to close and draw German fire away.

Harwood seeks additional warships while maintaining a naval watch outside the neutral port where Graf Spee has taken refuge.

HMS Cumberland reaches Harwood's force off Montevideo, strengthening the cruisers waiting for Graf Spee to leave port.