2-492-195 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

German pocket battleship 'Admiral Graf Spee', 1937. The 'Graf Spee' attending the Fleet Review for the coronation of King George VI at Spithead, Hampshire. Launched in 1934, 'Graf Spee' was deployed in the Atlantic as a commerce raider when the Second World War broke out. After sinking nine Allied merchant ships she was tracked down by three Royal Navy cruisers, HMS 'Exeter', HMS 'Ajax' and HMS 'Achilles'. In the ensuing engagement, the Battle of the River Plate, 'Graf Spee' was damaged and sought refuge in the neutral Uruguayan port of Montevideo. Faced with having to leave within 72 hours and believing a heavier British force was on the way, 'Graf Spee's' captain, Hans Langsdorff, opted to scuttle his ship.