WWII 1939-1940

On December 13, 1939 the two British cruisers the Ajax and the Achells were at the mouth of the River Plate and cornered the Graf Spee who had six 11 inch guns, eight 5.9 inch guns and six 4.1 inch guns.
Then on December 17 the Graf Spee was scuttled by the Ajax and the Achells and the much more powerful Cumberland, which had just arrived to give them support.
Hitler told the Captain of the Graf Spee that he could only do two things, scuttle or fight in the open sea.
Just before the three mile limit to the open sea came, the ships stopped and the crowd on land saw the crew take to the life boats. Minutes later, came a series of explosions and flames lit up the sky. The ship settled on the riverbed, her upper decks above water and still burning.

By Adam E. Heironimus as told to Elizabeth M. Heironimus

Source: DK World War II Day by Day.