WWIINaval Archives
13 December 1939 • South Atlantic

Battle of the River Plate

Allied Victory

Background

The German pocket battleship Admiral Graf Spee had been raiding merchant shipping and was intercepted by a British cruiser squadron.

Naval Forces

Allies: 1 heavy cruiser, 2 light cruisers. Germany: 1 pocket battleship.

Historical Significance

First major naval battle of WWII and a significant propaganda victory for the Allies.