Naval action in South America at the start of the First World War: LS of British battleship. CU of map of South America. Various shots of battleships in the distance, of main batteries firing, much smoke is seen. LSs of ships sinking. Sequence showing British officers under the guns of the forward battery: Rear Admiral Sir Justin Sturdee shaking hands, the battleships "Invincible" and "Inflexible" at sea and two other battleships seen head-on. CU of South American map. MS of battleship crashing through the waves. HAS of Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands, LS of ships at sea. Shipboard shot of British navy men racing to battle stations. Various shots of sea battle showing main batteries firing, shells exploding on or near distant ships, MSs of ships cutting through swell, engine room crew working furiously, CUs of whirling crankshaft and engine room telegraph, gunners struggling to re-load their batteries and a great deal of smoke. CUs of smoking funnels tipping over as enemy ship sinks. View of stern of ship going under, of ship sinking in the distance as a British sailor watches in foreground. MS of British Naval Ensign flying.