The Times History of the War - The Navy's work completed

The Navy's work completed

This chapter contains a survey of the sea war, Germany's false reckoning, loss of her oversea squadrons and colonies, adoption of submarine war on commerce, North Sea episodes, Jutland, a decisive victory, allied navies in the Adriatic, naval and military cooperation, the navies' share in the enemies' collapse, internment of the hostile fleets, historic surrender of the German Navy in the North Sea, November 21, 1918, scuttling of the German ships at Scapa, King George's tribute to his fleet

"Ever since that fateful Fourth of August, 1914, I have remained steadfast in my confidence that, whether fortune frowned or smiled, the Royal Navy would once more prove the sure shield of the British Empire in the hour of trial. Never in its history has the Royal Navy, with God's help, done greater things for us, nor better sustained its old glories and the chivalry of the seas." George V

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This Week in History - The Armada Campaign (8 August 1588)

https://ospreypublishing.com/thisweekhistory/

Early on 8 August, Lord Howard's fireship attack drove the Spanish Armada from its anchorage off Calais. Most ships had to abandon their best and heaviest anchors as they manoeuvred rapidly to escape the threat and so were unable to return to the French coast where it had been planned that the Duke of Parma's invasion force would board. The Spanish were now widely scattered with the English fleet poised to windward and about to engage for the final, decisive battle of Gravelines. Superior English gunnery and a change in the wind ultimately overcame determined resistance and the Armada was driven up into the North Sea to sail home round Scotland. It was still intact as a fleet and a threat for the future, but in September Atlantic storms sweeping onto the west coast of Ireland destroyed around 45 of the 110 ships that had set sail from Lisbon five months earlier. Philip II did plan a second attempt to invade England with a new Armada, but, in 1596 and 1597, bad weather again defeated him and preserved the Reformation.

Further reading

Campaign 86: The Armada Campaign 1588 The Great Enterprise against England (see extract) is a detailed and gripping account of the 10 days of action between the first sighting of the Armada off the Devon coast and the battle at Gravelines and also covers the build-up to the invasion and the aftermath of its failure, all in the context of the national and religious politics of the time, and naval technology, tactics and strategy. Elite 15: The Armada Campaign 1588 focuses on the organisation, troops and equipment of the opposing sides while Elite 70:Elizabethan Sea Dogs 1560-1605 (extract below) goes into more detail on the swashbuckling English sea captains of the era, notably Drake, Grenville, Hawkins and Frobisher who were all involved in the action against the Armada. It also includes background on the Elizabethan art of war and on the ships that defeated the Armada. 

The Times Archive - The Allies in the Mediterranean

The Allies in the Mediterranean

This week's chapter examines the Mediterranean problem, Allies operating in sectors, Allied Naval Council, submarine hunting, allied bases, the French Navy's work, Italy and the Austrian fleet, Italian heroes, arrival of the Americans, their submarine chasers, the Otranto barrage, drifters at work, Venice defences, the Japanese Navy, allied cooperation in the air raids, the allied achievement

Some of the most thrilling deeds of the Great War are associated with the motor scouts - craft so small that it seems incomprehensible that they could do such great damage. And yet a 30ft boat can lay claim to sinking a Dreadnought

Reinhard Hardegen, U-boat commander and ‘ace of the deep’ – obituary

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/obituaries/2018/06/20/reinhard-hardegen-u-boat-commander-ace-deep-obituary/

Reinhard Hardegen in a wartime propaganda photograph, climbing out of the hatch of a U-boat 

Korvettenkapitän Reinhard Hardegen, who has died aged 105, was the last of the so-called “aces of the deep”, U-boat commanders who sank more than 100,000 tons of Allied shipping.
On December 23 1941 Hardegen sailed from Lorient on the French Atlantic coast in U-123, one of five boats destined for Operation Drumbeat, the German attack on shipping on the East Coast of the US.
Three weeks later, after having negotiated continuously appalling weather in the crossing, he waited on the seabed for a night before entering the mouth of New York harbour, where, despite warnings of his arrival from British naval intelligence (who were analysing German radio messages), ships were silhouetted against the bright lights of the city.
Hardegen, who had visited New York as a cadet, saw the lights from houses and cars on Coney Island. From there to Cape Haterras, North Carolina, between January 12 and 19 1942, Hardegen sank eight ships of 48,396 tons, of American, British, Latvian, Norwegian and Panamanian registry.
One of his last victims was the US steam tanker Malay, which, despite being shelled and torpedoed, reached New York five days later and was refitted for service.
Three times Hardegen heard via public radio broadcasts that he had been sunk by American planes. But with all torpedoes expended, and the port diesel engine malfunctioning, he recrossed the Atlantic, finding two more victims, which he sank with a 105mm gun on the fo’c’sle.

On this day in 1919: The German Fleet is scuttled at Scapa Flow

On this day in 1919: The German Fleet is scuttled at Scapa Flow
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/06/21/day-1919-german-fleet-scuttled-scapa-flow/

The SMS Bayern sinking Credit: Royal Navy official photographer

Following the Armistice at the end of World War One, there were conflicting views about what to do with the High Seas Fleet (Hochseeflotte) of the German Imperial Navy.Pending a final decision at Versailles, the vessels were ordered to be interned at the vast natural Royal Navy harbour at Scapa Flow in the Orkneys.
Seventy German ships arrived on 21 November 1918 under an escort of 100 Royal Navy vessels. Four more joined them soon after, making a total of 74 interned ships, with some 20,000 German sailors.

100 Years Ago - Zeebruegge, Red Baron and Villers-Bretonneux

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/register/the-german-tanks-kz939vcjd

April 26, 1918

The German tanks

The severe fighting in the Villers-Bretonneux area continued through the night. Yesterday morning, after a terrific bombardment lasting about four hours, the Germans attacked on a front of between four and five miles. The first attacks were beaten off, but later the enemy succeeded in forcing back the left of the British line and last evening saw them in possession of Villers-Bretonneux.
By noon today it appears to have been again in our hands. The attack which rewon the village was made by Australians, with some British battalions cooperating. Savage fighting went on in the streets and on the roads, and it is the kind of fighting at which one Australian is better than many Germans. We are closing in and reducing the last enemy nests in the village, and by evening I believe the original positions will be restored.

One interesting feature in this attack has been the first employment of the much-talked-of German Tanks. It is not known that more than five were engaged, but these assisted in the attack on Villers-Bretonneux. They came round on our positions in the village from south and west. Eye-witnesses say that they are bigger than ours, with large turrets. At least one passed clear over a trench held by men of the Middlesex Regiment, who fired at it with rifles and revolvers as it went. Four or five enemy Tanks fell in with two of ours, and the first engagement between land ironclads took place. One of our machines was crippled, when a third British Tank hove in sight and joined in the attack. The newcomer knocked out one of the enemy, and the rest appear to have made their escape. Elsewhere on the battlefield British light Tanks were engaged and did fine work, some of them coming back with sides splashed with blood, for, besides using their guns, they were able to ram the enemy, and managed in several cases to get into bunches of Germans.
Besides this severe fighting on the south of the British front, the Germans this morning began the long-expected renewal of their attacks in the Kemmel area. With other troops in reserve, they are in strength enough for very heavy fighting, but we have complete confidence in the French, who hold the most critical positions, and in the cooperation of the two Armies.

This Week in History - ANZAC Day (24 - 30 April)

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Oficer Dywizji Morskiej uzbrojony w rewolwer Webley Mk.VI oraz żołnierz z karabinem Lee-Enfield Mk.III

Piechur australijski z karabinem Lee Enfield SMLE Mk III

Żołnierz piechoty tureckiej uzbrojony w karabin Mauser wz. 1890

In the autumn of 1914, the Allies realised that Turkey, crucial because of its control over routes of contact between Russia and the Allies in the west, was not going to remain neutral as had been hoped, and action would have to be taken.

Two days before the outbreak of war, Germany and Turkey had agreed on an alliance against Russia, although this did not commit Turkey to military action. Events in the next few months, however, including the British requisitioning of two battleships built for the Turkish Navy in Britain, meant that the entry of Turkey into the war seemed increasingly likely. By September 1914, German command had been extended to the Turkish Navy, and the Bosphorus waterway had been closed in contravention of international law. Turkey was now firmly in the German camp. Following an ultimatum to the Turkish government, hostilities officially began on 31 October 1914. By early 1915, it was obvious that the war would be protracted, and that Russia was stretched fighting on two fronts. Into this context was born the plan to attack the Dardanelles.

Simply, the original plan was the forcing of the Dardanelles by a squadron of battleships, which were considered expendable. This would open the waterway for Russian ships and hopefully cause the downfall of the Turkish government. This would be followed by landings on the peninsulas. Plans developed, and a large number of powerful ships, with a force of British, French, Australian and New Zealander divisions (ANZAC forces), were allocated for the campaign.

The Anti-submarine War, 1915-1918

A DEPTH CHARGE EXPLODING

A "CAMOUFLAGED" FRENCH TRANSPORT

CREATING A SMOKE-FOG

TOWING AN OBSERVA 'PION BALLOON INTO POSITION


https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/disguise-at-sea-vbcg85wzp?utm_source=newsletter&utm_campaign=newsletter_118&utm_medium=email&utm_content=118_04.04.2018%20submarines%20(1)&CMP=TNLEmail_118918_3117876_118

Disguise at sea

The theory of rendering ships invisible at sea by painting them various colours is no longer tenable

January 14, 1918

An official statement declares that it has been stated at various times in the Press that the Admiralty have not realized the value of carmounage as a means of assisting to defeat the attacks of enemy submarines on mercantile shipping, and that such camouflage as has been tried is not of British origin. The statements referred to have not appeared in The Times.
The official document continues: lt can be stated that the Admiralty are fully alive to its value, and several months ago a system of camouflage was originated. The principles governing it cannot be divulged at present, but it may be said that it has not invisibility for its basis.
The theory of rendering ships invisible at sea by painting them various colours is no longer tenable. Endless endeavours have been made in this direction, and numerous schemes have been given fair trial by the Admiralty under actual conditions at sea. The results of these trials have invariably been disappointing, and it has been finally established that unless a vessel and her smoke can be rendered absolutely invisible no useful purpose is served.

The application of Thayer’s Law is most commonly put forward as a means of obtaining invisibility. This, broadly speaking, is an adoption of Nature’s means for eliminating shadows and so reducing the visibility of birds and animals at close quarters either for purposes of attack or defence, and it is stated that this can be applied to ships by painting the ceilings of promenade decks or other projecting structures white, in order to eliminate all shadows. Actual experiences at sea have proved that this is a fallacy, and that the paint itself, being dependent on the light of the sky, will not overcome shadows.
The scheme now in use has been extensively taken up, not only by the British, but also by the Allied Governments, and no stone is being left unturned to utilize this important asset, which is only one of the many devices which are used to combat the enemy’s submarine activity.

This Week in History - Constantinople, 1453 (3-10 April)

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Constantinople was built by the first Christian Roman Emperor, Constantine, in AD 325 as the Christian equivalent in the east to Rome, the capital of the western empire. Built on the strategically crucial site of ancient Byzantium, it controlled the entrance to the Black Sea as well as the east-west route from Europe to Asia Minor (modern Turkey). Surrounded by water on three sides, it was easy to defend and difficult to cut off entirely in a siege. Springs provided fresh water inside the walls, and fields between the circuits of walls provided food throughout attacks. Successive emperors of the eastern Roman Empire improved and added to the circuits of walls and defences. It was attacked on many occasions, by Roman and barbarian forces, but was only taken twice, once by the Latins in the Fourth Crusade, who held it for 50 years before the Nicaeans regained it, and then in 1453. The importance of Constantinople as an impregnable capital grew after the collapse of the western Roman Empire in the 5th century, as the eastern Roman Empire found itself with few allies. The Byzantine Empire fought its way through the centuries, sometimes on the offensive, often on the defensive, until it eventually went into a final slow decline in the 14th and 15th centuries, threatened by Serbia’s growing power, and then that of the Ottoman Turks.

Sułtan Murad II ćwiczy strzelanie z łuku, miniatura turecka, XVI w.

This Week in History - The Falklands War, 1982 (19 March)

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Żołnierze argentyńscy lądują na Falklandach 2 kwietnia 1982 r.

Argentyńscy żołnierze piechoty morskiej przed domem gubernatora w Port Stanley

Sea harriery w locie bojowym na Falklandach

Francuska rakieta Exocet

Śmigłowiec transportowy CH-47 Chinook dostarcza zaopatrzenie dla wojsk brytyjskich na Falklandach

Brytyjskie okręty desantowe podczas lądowania pod San Carlos

Okręty brytyjskie opuszczają port w Portsmouth

Brytyjski okręt podwodny HMS Conqueror

Argentyński krążownik „General Belgrano”

Lotniskowiec HMS „Hermes”

Żołnierze brytyjskiej piechoty morskiej lądujący na Falkandach

Start samolotu Sea Harrier z lotniskowca

Fregata HMS „Antelope” tonie pod San Carlos, 23 maja 1982 r.

Starszy sierżant argentyńskiej piechoty morskiej w hełmie amerykańskim, w ocieplanej parce, uzbrojony w belgijski karabin szturmowy FAL PARA i pistolet Browning

Brytyjski marine w kamuflażowej parce uzbrojony w karabin FAL L4A2. W powietrzu myśliwce Sea Harrier

Oddział brytyjskiej piechoty morskiej na pokładzie lotniskowca HMS „Hermes” przed desantem na Falklandach

Argentyńska propaganda nie przebierała w środkach, nazywając premier Margaret Thatcher piratką, wiedźmą, i morderczynią

Leopoldo Fortunato Galtieri (1926 – 2003)

John Forster „Sandy” Woodward (1932)

Brytyjscy marines wieszają flagę przed domem gubernatora w Port Stanley 15 czerwca 1982 r.

Jeńcy argentyńscy w prowizorycznym obozie pod Port Stanley

Książę Andrew, pilot śmigłowca na HMS „Hermes”, podczas uroczystego powitania floty brytyjskiej powracającej z Falklandów





An extract from Essential Histories 15: The Falklands War 1982Race to the islands: Argentina and Britain deploy their forces
Britain’s official position in April 1982 was that she preferred to resolve the crisis through diplomatic negotiation, and would only employ the task force if peaceful means failed. In fact, it was the exigencies of military operations that set the timetable, not the requirements of the diplomats. This is not to say there were not elements within Britain who were working desperately for a peaceful outcome. The new Foreign Secretary, Francis Pym, laboured earnestly for a compromise, though it was rumoured within some sections of the Conservative Party that his real purpose was to inflict political damage on his arch rival, the Prime Minister. Al Haig, the US Secretary of State, an old friend of Pym’s, conducted a frenetic ‘shuttle diplomacy’, which attempted to address both Argentine and British requirements, and in the end satisfied neither. Mrs Thatcher was much more in tune with the mood of the British people than was Francis Pym and other Conservative grandees. She sensed that they were not much interested in a peaceful compromise and nor was she. Nothing less than an Argentine departure from the islands with British sovereignty fully restored would do, and this was a price she strongly suspected the Junta could not afford to pay.

100 Years Ago - Victoria Cross

AN ENEMY OBSERVATION BALLOON BROUGHT DOWN IN FLAMES.

PIPER JAMES RICHARDSON,

Late Manitoba Regt

MAJOR W. G. BARKER, R.A.F.

A "Q" SHIP,

Having a concealed gun in the collapsible boat between funnel and mast


https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/vcs-for-machine-gun-exploits-xhd7ht82x?utm_source=newsletter&utm_campaign=newsletter_118&utm_medium=email&utm_content=118_14.03.2018%20VCs7%20(1)&CMP=TNLEmail_118918_3042415_118

VCs for machine-gun exploits

After proceeding about 200 yards Piper Richardson remembered that he had left his pipes behind. Although strongly urged not to do so, he insisted on returning to recover his pipes. He has never been seen since

October 23, 1918

War Office, Oct 22. The King has been pleased to approve of the award of the Victoria Cross to the following Non-commissioned Officers, and Men.
No. 358 Sgt Thomas James Harris, MM, late RW Kent R (Lower Halling, Kent).
For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty in attack when the advance was much impeded by hostile machine-guns concealed in crops and shell-holes. Sgt Harris led his section against one of these, capturing it, and killing seven of the enemy. Later, on two successive occasions, he attacked single-handed two enemy machine guns which were causing heavy casualties and holding up the advance. He captured the first gun and killed the crew, but was himself killed when attacking the second one. It was largely due to the great courage and initiative of this gallant NCO that the advance of the battalion was continued without delay and undue casualties. Throughout the operations he showed a total disregard for his own personal safety, and set a magnificent example to all ranks.

No. 4/100 Sgt Samuel Forsyth, late NZ Engrs.
For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty in attack.4 On nearing the objective his company came under heavy machine-gun fire. Through Sgt Forsyth’s dashing leadership and total disregard of danger three machine-gun positions were rushed and the crews taken prisoner before they could inflict many casualties on our troops. During the subsequent advance his company came under heavy fire from several machine-guns, two of which he located by a daring reconnaissance. In his endeavour to gain support from a Tank he was wounded, but after having the wound bandaged he again got in touch with the Tank, which, in the face of very heavy fire from machine-guns and anti-Tank guns, he endeavoured to lead with magnificent coolness to a favourable position. The Tank, however, was put out of action. Sgt Forsyth then organized the Tank crew and several of his men into a section, and led them to a position where the machine-guns could be out-flanked. Always under heavy fire, he directed them into positions which brought about a retirement of the enemy machine-guns and enabled the advance to continue. This gallant NCO was at that moment killed by a sniper. From the commencement of the attack until the time of his death Sgt Forsyth’s courage and coolness, combined with great power of initiative, proved an invaluable incentive to all who were with him, and he undoubtedly saved many casualties among his comrades.

No. 51396 Cpl. (L/Sgt.) Edward Smith, DCM, Lan. Fus. (Maryport).
For most conspicuous bravery, leadership and personal example during an attack and in subsequent operations. Sgt Smith, while in command of a platoon, personally took a machine-gun post, rushing the garrison with his rifle and bayonet. The enemy, on seeing him advance, scattered to throw hand-grenades at him. Regardless of all danger, and, almost without halting in his rush on the post, this NCO shot and killed at least six of the enemy. Later, seeing another platoon requiring assistance, he led his men to them, took command of the situation, and captured the objective. During the enemy counter-attack on the following day he led a section forward and restored a portion of the line. His personal bravery, skill, and initiative were outstanding, and his conduct throughout exemplified magnificent courage and skill, and was an inspiring example to all.
No. 40684 Pte. (A./Sat.) Harold John Coley, MM, Late Lan Fus (Smethwlck).
For most conspicuous bravery and initiative when in command of a platoon in support of forward platoons which had been ordered to hold on at all costs. When the enemy counter-attacked in force, he rushed forward on his own initiative to help the forward line, rallying and controlling the men holding it. The enemy by this time were advancing quickly, and had already obtained a footing in the trench. Sgt Coley then formed a defensive flank and held it. Out of the two platoons only three men remained unwounded, and he himself was dangerously wounded. It was entirely due to Sgt Colley’s action that the enemy were prevented from breaking through, and were eventually driven off. His courage and tenacity saved a very critical situation.
No. 2S930 Pte. (Piper) James Richardson, late Manitoba R.
For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty when, prior to attack, he obtained permission from his Commanding Officer to play his company - “over the top”. As the company approached the objective, it was held up by very strong wire, and came under intense fire, which caused heavy casualties and demoralized the formation for the moment. Realizing the situation, Piper Richardson strode up and down outside the wire, playing his pipes with the greatest coolness. The effect was instantaneous. Inspired by his splendid example the company rushed the wire with such fury and determination that the obstacle was overcome and the position captured. Later, after participating in bombing operations he was detailed to take back a wounded comrade and prisoners. After proceeding about 200 yards Piper Richardson remembered that he had left his pipes behind. Although strongly urged not to do so, he insisted on returning to recover his pipes. He has never been seen since, and death has been presumed accordingly owing to lapse of time.

Museo Maritimo Genoa - Il Sommergibile S-518 Nazario Sauro

Повоєнний італійський підводний човен, названий на честь австрійського підданого італійського походження, офіцера-підводника в італійському флоті під час Першої світової. Його човен налетів на камені, екіпаж було взято в полон, і Сауро як зрадник був страчений за вироком військового трибуналу.

100 Years Ago - The Navy’s work in 1918

THE VINDICTIVE'S CREW ON THEIR RETURN FROM ZEEBRUGGE

FIRING INTO THE BATTERIES ON THE DUNES.

The ship has been given a list to increase the range of her guns

 The sinking of the Mary Rose

General view of the attack on Zeebrugge

january 22, 1918

The Goeben and the Breslau

So far as can be gathered, the naval action near the entrance to the Dardanelles on Sunday ended in an eminently satisfactory way. The light cruiser Breslau was sunk, and the battle cruiser Goeben, after making her way back through the Straits, has been beached at Nagara Point, close to the exit into the Sea of Marmora. The stranded Goeben has already been attacked by naval aircraft, and it may prove possible to destroy her by long-range fire across the Gallipoli Peninsula. Our losses consist of the monitor Raglan and a smaller craft. Captain Viscount Broome, commander of the Raglan, and a nephew of the late Lord Kitchener, is, it is hoped, among the large number of those rescued. The details issued last night by the Admiralty show that on coming out the enemy steamed north-westward and engaged our naval forces to the north of the island of Imbros. They sank the two monitors, and then came south of the island, where the Breslau was sunk by a mine, whereupon the Goeben steamed off at full speed for the Dardanelles, thereby maintaining her unique and unbroken record of flight from every action in which she has been engaged. Near the entrance to the Straits she struck a mine, and presumably was beached to avoid sinking, only to become an excellent target for our aircraft. The two vessels were accompanied by Turkish destroyers, but it seems unlikely that they had in view any larger purpose than a brief raid. On the other hand, it is conceivable that the Turks are not sorry to see these warships disappear. Their guns dominated Constantinople, and were meant to back up a waning influence which is now detested.

No two warships have had such an important effect upon the war as the Goeben and the Breslau. The story of their escape from Messina represents one of the greatest of our blunders. It is also the first of a series of unfortunate episodes about which the public have been told that no one was to blame, while the suppression of the facts has prevented any opportunity of forming an independent judgment. The mistake made outside the Straits of Messina led straight to the splendid failure at Gallipoli and to the siege of Kut. Very rarely in war has a single error had more far-reaching consequences.