Rescuing the crew of the German light cruiser 'Mainz' at the Battle of the Heligoland Bight, 28 August 1914 (sketch) RMG PV1043, William Lionel Wyllie, circa 1914

Rescuing the crew of the german light cruiser 'mainz' at the battle of the heligoland bight, 28 august 1914 (sketch) inscribed by the artist, below image, 'com keys' and 'mintz sinking' [sic]. This preliminary pencil sketch shows the destroyer 'lurcher' (1912), flagship of commodore roger keyes, alongside the disabled german light cruiser 'mainz' (1909) at about 12. 25 during the battle of the heligoland bight on 28 august 1914. The 'mainz' had been in action with the light cruiser 'arethusa', the destroyers of the 3rd flotilla and the ships of commodore goodenough's 1st light cruiser squadron. Completely disabled by shells and a torpedo, and with her captain killed, she was ordered to be abandoned and scuttled. The 'lurcher' came alongside and rescued the wounded crewmen while other ships rescued men from the sea. A total of 348 of the crew of the 'mainz' were saved and she eventually sank at 13. 08. For a more developed wash version, see pae3448. Date: circa 1914. Dimensions: 309 mm x 460 mm. Collection: Fine art.