At the age of just 15 William Payne, of Romsey Road, Shirley, Southampton, underwent a baptism of fire in the midst of one of the great sea battles of the First World War.

William, who was serving on HMS Invincible, survived the Battle of the Falkland Islands and was able to write home to his family and tell them of his experiences.

“I suppose you have heard all about the German ships which we sank,” wrote William. “There were two big ones and three smaller ones.

“We were coaling when it was reported that five German ships had appeared outside the harbour. As soon as we heard this the Commander ordered us to stop coaling and clear the ship for action. You should have heard us cheer!

“When we steamed out of the harbour they saw us and turned round and steamed away from us as fast as they could. That did it. Away we went at 28 knots.

“We started chasing them at nine o’clock and we fired our first shot at 11.40. We sank the fourth ship at six o’clock; the fifth ran away but she was only a small one.

“I shall never forget the sight in all my life. As soon as the last shot was fired we were allowed to come up on deck. As soon as I got on deck I could not see anything for the smoke but when it cleared I was surprised.

“There were hundreds of men in the water, clinging to pieces of wood and tubes. They were shouting for help and groaning and struggling for their lives.

“The captain lowered all the boats and hung ropes over the side to pick them up. It was a sad sight. Some of them were dead and some of them got up to our ship and sank. We watched them go right under the ship.

“By eight 0’clock we had picked up 94. They were frozen stiff for the water was colder than ice. Fourteen of them died and we buried them the next day.

“The captain said: ‘Remember your mothers and fathers lads. If you want to see them again do away with the Germans.

“I’ll be home quicker than you think, mother.

Cheer up, we will win.”