Scapa Flow
Given its favorable strategic position, during World War I the extensive Scapa Flow Bay was used as a base for the British navy. When the Germans surrendered, the remaining ships of the German navy, including 74 battleships, cruisers etc. were interned in the western half of Scapa Flow Bay to await the final peace treaty. For seven months the crews waited on board their ships as they were not allowed to go ashore.
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On June 21, 1919 Admiral von Reuter gave the order to all the German captains to scuttle their vessels. The valves were opened and the men rowed ashore, whereupon the pride of the German Kaiser sank to the bottom of the bay - to the great displeasure of the Allied commanders. The action turned out to be a tragic mistake, as the admiral believed that the Germans had not signed the peace treaty. In fact the signing had only been postponed for two days but the news had not reached Scapa Flow. Most ships were raised and scrapped but seven German warships are still rusting on the sea bed.
In World War II the British Home Fleet was anchored in Scapa Flow. On October 14, 1939 the German U-boat U47 managed to enter the bay and sink the British battleship "Royal Oak". Over 830 of the 1200-strong crew lost their lives. A memorial plaque in St Magnus Cathedral and the Memorial Garden on Scapa Flow beach remember the victims. The British government blocked access to the bay by sinking decommissioned vessels between Mainland and the islands of Burray and South Ronaldsay. Italian prisoners-of-war later built Churchill's Barrier, a fixed cement barrage which now links these two islands to Mainland. The masts of the sunken vessels can still be seen projecting from the sea. Every year large numbers of divers descend on Scapa Flow to pick over the wrecks. For information on diving permits, consult the local tourist offices.
In World War II the British Home Fleet was anchored in Scapa Flow. On October 14, 1939 the German U-boat U47 managed to enter the bay and sink the British battleship "Royal Oak". Over 830 of the 1200-strong crew lost their lives. A memorial plaque in St Magnus Cathedral and the Memorial Garden on Scapa Flow beach remember the victims. The British government blocked access to the bay by sinking decommissioned vessels between Mainland and the islands of Burray and South Ronaldsay. Italian prisoners-of-war later built Churchill's Barrier, a fixed cement barrage which now links these two islands to Mainland. The masts of the sunken vessels can still be seen projecting from the sea. Every year large numbers of divers descend on Scapa Flow to pick over the wrecks. For information on diving permits, consult the local tourist offices.
