Scuttling of the High Seas Fleet at Scapa Flow

102 years ago today, fifty-two ships of the German Imperial Navy were sunk in a single afternoon, in what has been described by the BBC as “the single greatest loss of warships in history.” The loss occurred more than six months after the general cease fire called the Armistice of Eleven November, and just a week before the final peace treaty ending the war.

This is original content based on research by The History Guy. Images in the Public Domain are carefully selected and provide illustration. As very few images of the actual event are available in the Public Domain, images of similar objects and events are used for illustration.

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All events are portrayed in historical context and for educational purposes. No images or content are primarily intended to shock and disgust. Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. Non censuram.

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Script by THG

#history #thehistoryguy #WWI

[TheHistoryGuyChannel]

At 3:25 I say that Germany passed a naval bill in 1808. The bill was dated 1908. I apologize for the error.

[kevinbarry]

Interesting footnote, when NASA was wanting to go to the moon, they used steel from some of these sunken ships. The reason was The steel was of high quality and as it was manufactured before the first atomic bomb explosion it was not contaminated with radioactive elements. This was necessary due to the sensitivity of some instruments being manufactured

[ronkluwe]

My grandfather was a Chief Petty Officer in the Imperial German Navy during WWI and was part of the crew who scuttled his ship at Scapa Flow. One of his last duties was to remove the Imperial German Navy flag from the jackstaff at the stern of the ship prior to leaving the ship. We still have that flag and I feel honored to have such a piece of history. My grandfather was put into an internment camp and upon his release and repatriation to Germany was awarded an Iron Cross for his actions.

[IMBlakeley]

I dived the remnants of the fleet in June 2005 with my daughter, the battle ships are still impressive when you see the size of the guns embedded into the bottom since they upturned when sinking.

[Larpy]

I’d never heard about the German sailors and soldiers mutinying and the repercussions of the mutinies. Thanks. Well done!

[twoheart]

More facts about WWI I didn't know but now I do thanks to The History Guy.

[navyreviewer]

Foch in July 1919: "This (Versailles) isnt peace. This is a 20 years cease fire."
He off by a month and a half.

[patrickmonaghan]

I had the great privilege of diving the High Seas Fleet in 2017. This was a lifelong dream of mine ever since my professor and friend gave lecture on this during a Modern European History Class. I was in my early 20's then. Over thirty years later I was able to touch history. This was great episode! Thank you for posting this!!

[brunoethier]

Another point to know is that those ships steel is really precious in making radiation detrctors, since everything mined since 1945 have a little bit of radioactive isotopes from nuclear bombs, rendering them less precise. This also applies to any coal used to smelt new ore.
Those ships are therefore the best source of low-radiation iron.

[vicguy]

My maternal grandfather served aboard the battlecruiser Moltke. He was injured when the ship was torpedoed. He was sent to the front after recovering from his injuries. He said that they starving to death at the front near the end of the war. One day a horse and cart showed up and a guy dumped some turnips out on the ground. The turnips had worms in them. He said that they ate them anyways because it was better than starving. He never had a good thing to say about submarines for the rest of his life!

[MrLoobu]

I always wondered from the moment I heard this as factoid of the war how exactly it happened. Thanks for covering it.

[woppi]

ooh, i sent this in as a recommended topic for the 100th anniversary. i expected THG would do a spectacular video. not disappointed. well worth the wait !

[MrTumshie]

One of the most fascinating episodes you 've done in a while, which is no mean praise given the generally high standards of the channel. I first heard of this event as a wee boy here in Scotland and always meant to look into it but never seemed to find the time. I doubt reading about it in history books of the time would have been even half as interesting though so I'm glad I waited! Thank you.

[tonyk]

All those sunken ships and not even one pirate involved.

[edschermerhorn]

Fascinating presentation showing how so many things weave together

[matthewwillis]

Even though he was German, have you heard of Count Felix Luckner "The Sea Devil" is a great story of adventure. Not many people Know of this history. I always thought it would make a great movie. You could do a great job with this story. I very much enjoy your presentations.

[janetgrahamtheberge]

Fascinating story! I’m a history buff, but had never come across this story, one of MANY I was unfamiliar with that you have brought to my attention. I have to tell you how VERY MUCH I appreciate your videos, and I want to send you personally a heartfelt thank you!

[stevedietrich]

Good morning THG Kiel is pronounced keel, with long e sound

[acm_]

Again, many thanks for this history lesson. This 15 Minutes teached me more of the end of the "Hochseeflotte" and the both military and political circumstances around it, as my complete school career was able to. I think the scuttling was the best way to end the situation, and I feel proud for the men involved.

[glennloafmann]

Once again, a moment of history not so much "forgotten" as overlooked altogether. Fascinating story, helping me develop a more complete picture and understanding of the situations and events of WWI. Thank you.