Scapa Flow
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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. 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.
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Rays of sunlight shine upon Scapa Flow in the Orkney Islands.
