London, Dec. 16.
The Admiralty and War Office announce that German men-of-war shelled West Hartlepool this morning and were driven off. They also fired at Scarborough and Whitby. They have been engaged by our ships.
Later.
The Press Bureau states that the Admiralty announces that a German cruiser force made a demonstration against the coast of Yorkshire in the course of which they shelled Hartlepool, Whitby and Scarborough. A number of their fastest ships were employed. They remained for about one hour on the coast and were engaged by the British patrol vessels on the spot.
As soon as the presence of the enemy was reported, the British Patrolling Squadron endeavoured to cut them off. Sighting the British men-of-war the Germans returned at full speed to Germany. Favoured by the mist, they succeeded in escaping. The losses on both sides were small, but full reports have not yet been received.
The Admiralty points out that such a demonstration, though not difficult to accomplish provided certain amount of risk is accepted, is devoid of military significance. Tt may cause some loss among civilians and some damage to property, which is much to regretted, but it must not, in any circumstances, be allowed to modify the general naval policy which is being pursued.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.