Vice-Admiral Christopher Cradock’s flagship ‘Good Hope’ shown on fire, shortly before she exploded and sank with all hands during at the battle of Coronel. Her opponent 'Scharnhorst is outside the picture, her presence suggested by the splash of a shell. 'Gneisenau' is in the background to the right with the masts of 'Monmouth' seen through the smoke. ‘Good Hope’ was crewed with inexperienced reservists, and in the rough sea in which this action was fought, was effectively outgunned. The sunset sky behind the British ships meant that it was easier for the Germans to target their shells.