The _Lion_ of the British fleet was chosen as the target for the
German ships, and by keeping a concentrated fire upon her were
able to do considerable damage. One shell penetrated the bow of
the _Lion_ as it was partly lifted out of the water on account
of the great speed she was making; this shot hit her water tank
and made it impossible for her to use her port engine from that
time on. She slowed down. When she fell out of the line it was
necessary for Admiral Beatty to leave her, and he transferred his
flag to the destroyer _Attack_. But all of this took time and it
was quite long before he was able to rejoin his leading ships. By
twenty minutes past twelve he had got aboard the _Princess Royal_.
Rear Admiral Moore automatically took up command of the British
fleet while his senior officer was making these changes. It is
not known what Admiral Moore's orders had been, but it is known
that he suddenly ordered all ships to cease firing and allowed
the German warships to proceed without further engaging them. By
the time that Admiral Beatty was again on a battle cruiser the
action was virtually over. The _Indomitable_ passed a cable to the
crippled _Lion_ and towed the latter home, the rest of the British
fleet keeping to the rearward to be ready for possible resumption
of fighting.
Much criticism was made by the British press and by laymen on account
of the sudden termination of the fight, and there was great complaint
in England because the career of all the raiding German ships had not
been brought to an end.
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