SCAPA AND A CAMERA
[Illustration: COUNTRY LIFE]
_First published in 1921._
[Illustration: "THE SURE SHIELD OF BRITAIN AND OF HER EMPIRE."
(_Extract from His Majesty the King's message to his Navy at the
outbreak of war._)]
SCAPA
AND A CAMERA
PICTORIAL IMPRESSIONS OF FIVE YEARS SPENT
AT THE GRAND FLEET BASE.
BY
C. W. BURROWS
WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY
VICE-ADMIRAL F. S. MILLER, C.B.
REAR-ADMIRAL SCAPA FLOW, 1914-1916
LONDON
PUBLISHED AT THE OFFICES OF COUNTRY LIFE, LTD.,
20, TAVISTOCK STREET, COVENT GARDEN, W.C. 2, AND BY
GEORGE NEWNES, LTD., 8-11, SOUTHAMPTON STREET, STRAND, W.C. 2
NEW YORK: CHARLES SCRIBNER'S SONS
MCMXXI
DEDICATED (BY PERMISSION)
TO
ADMIRAL OF THE FLEET EARL BEATTY, O.M., G.C.B.,
AND THE
OFFICERS AND MEN OF THE GRAND FLEET
AND AUXILIARIES
PREFACE
The Author desires to express his indebtedness to the undermentioned,
who, by the loan of photographs or in other ways, have assisted in the
production of this book:
THE PHOTOGRAPHIC BUREAU, Imperial War Museum.
O. BAIRD, Esq., Admiralty.
P. GOODYEAR, Esq., Senior Constructor, Admiralty.
Lieut.-Commander N. A. K. MONEY, R.N., O.B.E., Admiralty.
Paymaster-Lieut. HUMPHREY JOEL, R.N.R., H.M.S. "Excellent."
T. KENT, Esq., Kirkwall.
A. H. DOMINEY, Esq., late Junior Army and Navy Stores, Ltd.,
S.S. "Borodino."
JAS. MACKINTOSH, Esq., Kirkwall.
GUIBAL HOUSE,
LEE, S.E. 12,
_March, 1921_.
INTRODUCTION
It was my privilege to be in administrative charge of the Naval Base at
Scapa from August, 1914, to May, 1916, until relieved by Rear-Admiral
Prendergast.
The Author, Mr. C. W. Burrows, assumed duty as Cashier of the Dockyard
Section at the Base in May, 1915, and was so employed until March,
1920, and thus had a long and intimate knowledge of local doings and
surroundings.
He has compiled a unique and profusely illustrated book, which should
prove of surpassing interest, not only to those who only know of Scapa
by hearsay, but particularly to the thousands of officers and men of
the Naval, Marine, and Civil Services of the Crown, the Mercantile
Marine, and others who were employed in and near Scapa Flow. To the
latter it will serve as a remembrance of the incidents, many joyous
and some sad and tragic, associated with their sojourn in the northern
mists which shrouded Scapa from the public eye. Part IV., dealing with
the German ships at Scapa Flow, their dramatic sinking on 21st June,
1919, and the subsequent salvage operations of several of them, is an
exceptionally fine pictorial record.
Owing to the lack of facilities, practically the whole of the Base
Establishment had to be accommodated afloat, and until the arrival of
H.M.S. "Victorious" in March, 1916, as accommodation ship and workshop
for the Dockyard Staff and workmen, the officers and men experienced
considerable discomfort. The men usually found quarters on board the
ships upon which they were working, and, owing to the shortness of
notice, they were frequently taken to sea.
A very marked feature throughout the war was the spirit of loyalty,
good comradeship, and emulation which evinced itself among all ranks,
ratings, and grades, whether on duty or in recreations. It was
this spirit that lightened the discomforts and difficulties which
necessarily occurred, maintained the Grand Fleet and Base in a healthy
state of efficiency, and brought about the breakdown of the German
morale, resulting in the ignominious surrender of the German ships in
November, 1918, and their ultimate transfer to Scapa Flow.
The Author is to be congratulated in providing such a delightful
souvenir of the Great War.
F. S. MILLER.
LONG HOPE,
SHORTHEATH,
FARNHAM,
SURREY.
CONTENTS
PART I
PAGE
THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE BASE 1
PART II
SCENES AROUND SCAPA FLOW 29
PART III
THE NAVY AT SCAPA FLOW 59
PART IV
THE GERMAN SHIPS AT SCAPA FLOW 97
ILLUSTRATIONS
"THE SURE SHIELD OF BRITAIN AND OF HER EMPIRE" _Frontispiece_
PAGE
MAP OF SCAPA FLOW AND THE ORKNEY ISLANDS _To face_ XX
H.M.S. "CYCLOPS" AT LONG HOPE 1
ST. JOHN'S HEAD, HOY 5
DRIFTER NET-BOOM DEFENCE AT HOUTON 7
SUNKEN SHIPS BETWEEN ST. MARGARET'S HOPE AND BURRAY 7
THE GRAND FLEET BASE AT LONG HOPE, 1916, LOOKING TOWARDS
WEDDEL SOUND 9
CLOSER VIEW OF THE BASE SHIPS AT LONG HOPE 9
H.M.S. "IMPERIEUSE" AT LONG HOPE 11
H.M.S. "VICTORIOUS" AT SCAPA FLOW 12
R.F.A. "RUTHENIA" 13
TORPEDO SUB-DEPÔT SHIP "SOKOTO" LYING IN THE INNER HOPE 14
THE BROUGH OF BIRSAY, OFF WHICH H.M.S. "HAMPSHIRE" WAS LOST ON
6TH JUNE, 1916 14
DRIVING OFF FROM THE FIRST HOLE ON FLOTTA 15
CHILDREN'S RACE AT LONG HOPE SPORTS 16
WATCHING THE SPORTS 16
A BOXING MATCH ON FLOTTA 17
A SHIP'S GARDEN AT CROCKNESS 18
U.S.S. "NEW YORK" LEADING THE 6TH BATTLE SQUADRON INTO SCAPA AFTER
CROSSING THE ATLANTIC 19
HARVEST FESTIVAL 20
THE "GREEN ROOM" OF A BATTLESHIP; OFFICERS MAKING UP FOR A SHOW 21
GERMAN BATTLESHIP "KAISER" ENTERING THE BOOM AT SCAPA FLOW FOR
INTERNMENT AT DAWN ON 26TH NOVEMBER, 1918 23
THE GERMAN SHIPS INTERNED AT SCAPA 23
GERMAN BATTLE CRUISER "DERFFLINGER" FOUR MINUTES BEFORE FINALLY
SINKING, 2.45 P.M., 21ST JUNE, 1919 24
VICE-ADMIRAL SIR R. J. PRENDERGAST MAKING HIS FAREWELL ADDRESS ON
H.M.S. "VICTORIOUS," 15TH FEBRUARY, 1920 25
GOOD-BYE TO SCAPA! 26
VIEW LOOKING SOUTH FROM HOUTON BAY 29
WIDEFORD HILL AND THE "PEERIE SEA" 32
LOADING STORES AT SCAPA PIER 32
KIRKWALL HARBOUR FROM THE CATHEDRAL TOWER 33
ALBERT STREET, KIRKWALL 34
ST. MAGNUS CATHEDRAL FROM THE EARL'S PALACE 35
OLD HOUSES IN KIRKWALL 36
STROMNESS FROM THE SEA 37
HOUTON BAY AIR STATION 38
THE CLESTRON BARRIER, STROMNESS 39
THE STANDING STONES OF STENNIS 40
THE RING OF BRODGAR 40
THE TUMULUS OF MAESHOWE 41
THE ENTRANCE TO MAESHOWE 41
A WINDING ROAD IN HOY 42
WARD HILL AND GRAEMSAY ISLAND FROM THE SEA 43
WARD HILL--THE ROAD TO RACKWICK 44
WARD HILL FROM THE EAST 44
THE OLD MAN OF HOY 45
THE DWARFIE STONE 46
THE NEW STONE WALL AND PIER, LYNESS 47
CROFTS NEAR LYNESS 47
EXCAVATIONS AT LYNESS IN CONNECTION WITH THE BUILDING OF THE WHARF 48
THE FIRST TRAIN IN ORKNEY 48
SUNSET OVER THE MARTELLO TOWER, CROCKNESS 49
THE MARTELLO TOWER, CROCKNESS 49
VIEW LOOKING THROUGH THE MARTELLO TOWER, CROCKNESS, TOWARDS
LONG HOPE 50
MELSETTER--ON THE ROAD FROM LYNESS TO LONG HOPE 51
LONG HOPE PIER AND POST OFFICE 52
LONG HOPE HOTEL 52
KIRK HOPE, SOUTH WALLS 53
CANTICK LIGHTHOUSE, SOUTH WALLS 53
DIGGING THE PEATS--HOY 54
CARTING HOME THE PEATS 54
HORSE AND OX HARROWING 55
LOADING SEA-WEED FOR MANURE 55
AN ORKNEY CART 55
MAKING STRAW-BACKED CHAIRS, ORKNEY 56
INTERIOR OF AN ORKNEY COTTAGE 57
SPINNING 58
BATTLE SQUADRON EXERCISING IN THE FLOW 59
ADMIRAL OF THE FLEET EARL BEATTY ON THE QUARTERDECK OF
H.M.S. "QUEEN ELIZABETH" 62
H.M.S. "QUEEN ELIZABETH" 63
H.M.S. "REVENGE" AND SHIPS OF THE FIRST BATTLE SQUADRON AT SCAPA 64
H.M.S. "RAMILLIES" 64
H.M.S. "RESOLUTION" 64
H.M.S. "ROYAL OAK" 64
FOURTH BATTLE SQUADRON EXERCISING IN THE FLOW 65
BATTLESHIPS "ORION," "MONARCH," AND "CONQUEROR" IN THE FLOW 66
BATTLESHIPS "COLOSSUS," "ST. VINCENT," AND "BELLEROPHON" EXERCISING
IN THE FLOW 66
H.M.S. "RENOWN" 67
H.M.S. "TIGER": A FAMOUS SHIP OF THE BATTLE CRUISER SQUADRON 67
H.M.S. "EMPEROR OF INDIA" 68
H.M.S. "WHITSHED" 68
H.M.S. "BARHAM" 68
LIGHT CRUISER "CALLIOPE" AT SCAPA 69
"MAKE AND MEND" ON LIGHT CRUISER "YARMOUTH" 69
THE DECK OF AN AEROPLANE CARRIER, H.M.S. "FURIOUS" 70
SUBMARINE "G 13" ALONGSIDE H.M.S. "QUEEN ELIZABETH" 71
SUBMARINE "K 16" UNDER WAY IN THE FLOW 71
OFFICERS OF SUBMARINE "K 7" IN THE CONNING TOWER 71
MARINES DRILLING ON THE QUARTERDECK OF A BATTLESHIP 72
GENERAL VIEW OF CAPTAIN'S SUNDAY MORNING INSPECTION 73
"TIDYING UP" FOR INSPECTION 74
OFFICERS AND MEN EXERCISING ON THE QUARTERDECK 75
"HOLYSTONING" 76
WASHING DOWN DECKS 77
STOKERS AT WORK 78
CHURCH SERVICE ON H.M.S. "QUEEN ELIZABETH" 79
HOSPITAL SHIPS AT SCAPA FLOW 80
H.M. HOSPITAL SHIP "MAGIC II.," AFTERWARDS RENAMED "CLASSIC" 80
TRANSFERRING A "COT CASE" FROM A BATTLESHIP TO THE HOSPITAL SHIP
DRIFTER 81
DENTIST AT WORK ON A BATTLESHIP (H.M.S. "COLLINGWOOD") 82
H.M.S. "IMPERIEUSE" WITH FLEET MAIL STEAMER "ST. NINIAN" AND MAIL
DRIFTERS FROM THE FLEET ALONGSIDE 83
MAIL BOAT "ST. OLA" COMING ALONGSIDE H.M.S. "VICTORIOUS" 83
SORTING MAILS FOR THE FLEET ON H.M.S. "IMPERIEUSE" 84
DISTRIBUTING NEWSPAPERS FOR THE FLEET (H.M.S. "IMPERIEUSE") 85
DOCKYARD WORKMEN LEAVING H.M.S. "VICTORIOUS" FOR WORK IN THE
FLEET 86
REPAIRING A STEAM PINNACE ON THE SLIPWAY AT LYNESS 86
SCHOOL CHILDREN'S ENTERTAINMENT ON H.M.S. "VICTORIOUS" 87
THREE OF THE YOUNG ORCADIAN GUESTS 87
"NO COUPONS REQUIRED" 88
CREW OF DRIFTER "SHALOT" 89
LIFTING CHAIN CABLES 89
MOORING VESSEL "RECOVERY" AT SCAPA FLOW 89
U.S.S. "PATUXENT" AND "272" ALONGSIDE H.M.S. "VICTORIOUS" FOR
REPAIRS 90
AMERICAN MINESWEEPERS IN THE FLOATING DOCK FOR REPAIRS 90
A DAMAGED BRITISH DESTROYER BEING REPAIRED IN THE DOCK 90
S.S. "BORODINO," JUNIOR ARMY AND NAVY STORES' STORE-SHIP WITH THE
GRAND FLEET 91
INTERIOR OF SHOP ON S.S. "BORODINO" 91
A CORNER OF AN OFFICER'S CABIN 92
FISHING FOR SEA-TROUT 93
A SHIP'S PICNIC 93
A BATHING PARTY 93
THE NAVAL CEMETERY AT LYNESS 94
THE "HAMPSHIRE" MEMORIAL 94
AN INTERESTING STONE TO THE MEMORY OF A CHINAMAN WHO DIED AT
SCAPA 94
THE "MALAYA" MEMORIAL 95
THE "VANGUARD" MEMORIAL 95
MAKING FOR HOME 96
THE SCUTTLING OF THE GERMAN SHIPS 97
H.M.S. "LION" ENTERING HOXA BOOM, SCAPA FLOW, AT HEAD OF GERMAN
BATTLE CRUISERS, 25TH NOVEMBER, 1918 100
H.M.S. "REPULSE," "RENOWN," "PRINCESS ROYAL," AND "TIGER"
ESCORTING GERMAN BATTLE CRUISERS THROUGH HOXA BOOM,
25TH NOVEMBER, 1918 100
GERMAN BATTLE CRUISER "SEYDLITZ" ENTERING HOXA BOOM,
25TH NOVEMBER, 1918 102
GERMAN BATTLE CRUISER "VON DER TANN" ENTERING HOXA BOOM,
25TH NOVEMBER, 1918 102
GERMAN BATTLE CRUISER "MOLTKE" ENTERING HOXA BOOM,
25TH NOVEMBER 1918 103
THE INTERNED GERMAN SHIPS AT SCAPA 103
GERMAN BATTLE CRUISER "SEYDLITZ" 104
GERMAN BATTLE CRUISER "MOLTKE" AT SCAPA FLOW 105
GERMAN BATTLE CRUISER "DERFFLINGER" AT SCAPA FLOW 106
GERMAN BATTLE CRUISER "HINDENBURG" AT SCAPA FLOW 106
GERMAN BATTLESHIP "FRIEDRICH DER GROSSE" 107
GERMAN BATTLESHIP "KAISERIN" 107
GERMAN LIGHT CRUISER "KÖLN" 108
GERMAN DESTROYERS AT LYNESS, WITH BATTLESHIPS IN THE DISTANCE 108
PLAN OF THE ANCHORAGE OF GERMAN SHIPS AT SCAPA FLOW 110
A PARTY OF FRENCH OFFICERS VISITING THE GERMAN SHIPS 111
GERMAN BATTLESHIP "BAYERN" SINKING BY THE STERN, 2 P.M.,
21ST JUNE, 1919 112
THE FINAL PLUNGE OF THE "BAYERN" 113
GERMAN DESTROYERS SINKING OR BEACHED OFF THE ISLAND OF FARA 114
GERMAN SAILORS TAKING TO THE BOATS 115
BRITISH BOARDING PARTY ALONGSIDE SINKING GERMAN DESTROYER 116
GENERAL VIEW SHOWING GERMAN DESTROYERS SINKING ON THE RIGHT AND
BATTLESHIPS IN THE DISTANCE, AT 3.30 P.M., 21ST JUNE, 1919 117
GERMAN BATTLE CRUISER "HINDENBURG" AS SHE NOW RESTS AT SCAPA 118
WHALER "RAMNA" STRANDED ON GERMAN BATTLE CRUISER "MOLTKE"
23RD JUNE, 1919, TAKEN JUST BEFORE "RAMNA" REFLOATED 119
GERMAN CRUISER "NURNBERG" IMMEDIATELY AFTER BEING REFLOATED AT
2 P.M. ON 3RD JULY, 1919 120
SALVAGE OPERATIONS ON BATTLESHIP "BADEN" AND CRUISER "FRANKFURT"
BEACHED AT SMOOGROO 121
SALVAGE WORK ON THE "BADEN" 122
PUMPING OUT THE "FRANKFURT" 123
CRUISER "BREMSE," WHICH CAPSIZED WHILST BEING BEACHED 124
BATTLE CRUISER "SEYDLITZ," LYING ON HER STARBOARD SIDE IN SHALLOW
WATER 124
HOISTING THE UNION JACK ON A SINKING GERMAN DESTROYER 125
ON THE "SEYDLITZ" 125
"BADEN" BEING TOWED SOUTH TO INVERGORDON 125
SALVING GERMAN DESTROYER "G 102" 126
SALVAGE PARTY WORKING ON A GERMAN DESTROYER 127
VIEW SHOWING SALVED EX-GERMAN CRUISERS AND DESTROYERS AT LONG
HOPE, OCTOBER, 1919 128
THE SALVED GERMAN CRUISERS "NURNBERG" AND "EMDEN" IN LONG HOPE
BAY 129
VIEW LOOKING AFT FROM AFTER-CONTROL TOP OF "FRANKFURT" 130
VIEW LOOKING FORWARD FROM THE SAME POSITION 130
EXPANSION RING MARKING ON 6-INCH GUN "NURNBERG" 131
A HUMOROUS EFFORT ON THE PART OF ONE OF OUR SAILORS 131
THE PROPELLER BLADE OF THE "SEYDLITZ" 131
RANGE-FINDER AND SEARCHLIGHT PLATFORM, "NURNBERG" 132
88-MM. GUNS, "NURNBERG" 132
6-INCH GUN ON "NURNBERG" AFTER-TURRET 133
5·9-INCH AFTER-BREECH, "NURNBERG" 133
SEARCHLIGHT CONTROL PLATFORM, "FRANKFURT" 133
10·5-CM. GUN ON A GERMAN DESTROYER 134
TORPEDO TUBES ON A DESTROYER 135
ENGINE-ROOM CONTROL BOARD, "EMDEN" 136
LOWER CONNING TOWER, "EMDEN" 137
GERMAN DESTROYER BEING TOWED SOUTH TO ROSYTH, MARCH, 1920 138
BLOWING UP THE MINEFIELDS 140
CLOSER VIEW OF MINE EXPLOSION 140
SALVAGE OPERATIONS ON S.S. "AORANGI" 142
SUNSET OVER THE HILLS OF HOY 144
[Illustration: To face p. xx. MAP OF SCAPA FLOW AND THE ORKNEY ISLANDS.]
PART I
THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE BASE
[Illustration: H.M.S. "CYCLOPS" AT LONG HOPE.]
SCAPA AND A CAMERA
THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE BASE
Some slight apologia seems necessary to-day for the publication of a
book of war reminiscences (even though they be mainly photographic),
when so many personages, from Admirals and Generals downwards to the
humbler ranks of W.A.A.C.'s and lady typists in Government offices,
have seen fit to record in print their experiences during the Great
War. This little album is being published at the suggestion of various
friends in the Naval Service, with whom the writer has come into
contact during the five years he has been associated with the Royal
Navy at the Grand Fleet Base at Scapa Flow, and, it is hoped, may reach
a wider circle of those to whom the name "Scapa Flow" has hitherto
conveyed but a hazy notion of islands shrouded in perpetual northern
mist--somewhere north of Scotland, c/o G.P.O., where for five years the
Grand Fleet kept its monotonous vigil in readiness for "the Day," and
where finally it had its reward when, in November, 1918, the German
Fleet was ignominiously escorted into the waters of the Flow, whose
defences its submarines had more than once endeavoured, unsuccessfully,
to penetrate.
Various writers--_e.g._, "Bartimaeus" and the author of "In the
Northern Mists"--have written vivid pen pictures of the everyday life
of the Navy, and the photographs reproduced in the following pages,
besides recalling many monotonous--and some pleasant--times to those
who served at Scapa during the war, may help to supplement these books
by presenting the actual environment and life of those whose "lawful
occasions" necessitated so long a sojourn in these northern waters.
To many "Scapa" is a name (judging from the warmth of their remarks
when the subject is mentioned) that they would like to eradicate for
ever from their book of remembrance. Their feelings are expressed in a
parody of a well-known song which appeared in the _Orcadian_ of the 5th
December, 1918, entitled--
SCAPA FLOW
(A HYMN OF HATE).
Have you ever heard the story of how Scapa got its name?
If you haven't then you're slow, because it's earned a world-wide
fame.
It has caused a lot of howling amongst our tars at sea,
So I'll tell to you the story as a sailor told it me:
Sure a little bit of wastage fell from out the sky one day,
And it fell into the ocean in a spot up Scotland way.
And when the Sea Lords saw it, sure! it looked so bleak and bare
They said, "Suppose we start to build a Naval Base up there."
So they dotted it with colliers, to provide the tars with work,
With provision boats and oilers, that they dared not dodge or shirk.
Then they sprinkled it with raindrops, with sleet and hail and snow,
And when they had it finished, sure, they called it Scapa Flow.
Now the Navy's been at Scapa ever since we've been at war,
And whenever it is over, they won't want to see it more.
But for years and years to come, whenever sailors congregate
You may bet your life you may hear them sing that Scapa hymn of hate.
Curiously enough, the weather forecast given in the _Orcadian_
immediately below read: "Showers or drizzling rain; local mist."
Certainly even the most enthusiastic Orcadian has to admit that the
islands have few natural features to commend them, and even less of the
artificial amenities of civilisation: country practically bare of trees
and vegetation, days in winter when the sun hardly seems to rise at
all, and a climate that seems to hold the record for rainfall, storms,
and unreliability.
[Illustration: ST. JOHN'S HEAD, HOY. (The Highest Cliff in Great
Britain.)]
Yet, in spite of all the unkindness of Nature, to many there hangs a
cloud of romance over these far-away northern islands. To those who
have the observing eye, they are rich in the remains of a prehistoric
past, with a history extending far back into the centuries. They
possess a coast of unsurpassed grandeur of form and beauty of
colouring, and as they are approached from the south, or seen from one
of the hills of Hoy on a fair day, appear like some "fairy archipelago
set in a summer sea," whilst a distant mirage often heightens the
effect of unreality. In few places does one see such wonderful sunsets
and cloud effects as in Orkney, followed often a little later by the
"searchlight" rays of the Aurora Borealis. But mainly will those who
spent long months and years in Orkney look back, not without regrets,
on the spirit of comradeship which made exile endurable, and which,
in face of a common danger, united even the most varied personalities
to work in harmony for a common cause. Many friendships were made
which will long survive the war; many a "cheery night" in the wardroom
will recall pleasant memories of those who are now scattered over the
Seven Seas; and few of the many thousands who returned to civil life
after serving in the Navy during the war but will have some regrets
for the days when they took the rough and the smooth together (it was
mostly rough) in the northern mists of Scapa Flow. Not a few married
into Orcadian families, and the writer recalls his embarrassment on
one occasion when in Stonehouse Naval Hospital recovering from an
operation, in discussing somewhat freely various Kirkwall acquaintances
with a naval officer invalided from the Northern Base, he happened to
mention a certain lady's name as one of the fairest of the Orcadian
maidens, whom he understood had married a naval officer. "Yes," was the
reply, "she is my wife."
Until quite recently Scapa Flow and the Orkneys were practically
unknown to the majority of Englishmen, and even to-day very few could
point out the exact location of Scapa Flow on the map. In a well-known
London newspaper of 23rd June, 1919 (after the scuttling of the German
Fleet), Scapa Flow was marked on a map as north of Kirkwall, whereas it
will be seen from the map reproduced in this volume that it is actually
south of that town.
It is recalled also that on one occasion a travelling claim of a
certain officer at the Base was returned from the Admiralty with a
query as to the car hire claimed, and the inquiry was made as to why
more use had not been made of the railway facilities!
[Illustration: T. Kent. DRIFTER NET-BOOM DEFENCE AT HOUTON.]
Scapa Flow was used as an exercise ground for the Home Fleet many years
before the war, with headquarters at the north-eastern corner of the
Flow; but no preparations appear to have been made for its use as a
permanent war Base prior to 1914, and consequently an enormous amount
of pioneer work was needed to render it a safe and efficient harbour
for the Grand Fleet and its auxiliaries. The magic growth of the Base
from a few ships to many hundreds of vessels of all types--battleships,
cruisers, destroyers, submarines, depôt ships, oilers, colliers, store
and ammunition ships, hospital ships, etc.--constituting the most
powerful Fleet ever assembled in one place, was a gradual process,
in which many novel situations arose and many difficulties had to be
met and contended with. The absence of railway communication, the
difficulties of local transport in weather conditions which at times
even large vessels could not face, were additional obstacles to the
hurried improvisation of arrangements, both ashore and afloat, which
were essential to the effectual working of the Grand Fleet.
[Illustration: J. Phillips. SUNKEN SHIPS BETWEEN ST. MARGARET'S HOPE
AND BURRAY.]
When Admiral Jellicoe succeeded Sir George Callaghan as
Commander-in-Chief of the newly-named "Grand Fleet" on 4th August,
1914, there were practically no defences whatever on any of the
islands, with the exception of a few 12-pounder guns landed from the
Fleet, whilst there were, of course, no booms or obstructions across
the numerous entrances (Hoxa, Switha, Hoy, and Holm Sounds) to the
Flow. It was not until the end of 1914 and the beginning of 1915 that
sunken ships were placed across the narrower channels, such as Burra,
Water, and Holm Sounds, and that net-boom defence drifters were placed
across the larger ones, and 4-inch and 6-inch guns landed at various
batteries, which were erected to command these entrances. Consequently,
during these early months of the war, the Grand Fleet could not remain
in harbour in the Flow for more than a very brief period, owing to the
danger of submarine attack; indeed, as Jellicoe remarks in his book on
the Grand Fleet, it is a wonder that the Germans did not make a more
determined attack on our Fleet during this period. It was on 16th/17th
October, 1914, that the "Battle of Scapa Flow" took place, when a
report that a submarine was in the Flow caused great excitement, and
every available type of craft got under way in the endeavour to locate
and sink it, firing at anything remotely resembling a periscope, and
at night-time sweeping the seas with their searchlights. It was, I
believe, never actually ascertained whether a submarine was present,
but, as a result, the Grand Fleet moved further westwards to Lough
Swilly, and did not return to Scapa until a few months later when
the defences were somewhat more secure. Meantime the organisation
of the Base proceeded apace, and H.M.S. "Cyclops" and "Assistance,"
Fleet repair ships, were joined by a large and increasing number
of vessels, with Rear-Admiral F. S. Miller in command of the Base.
Even so, continued difficulty was felt to accommodate the even more
rapidly expanding personnel, and Admiral Jellicoe writes regarding the
"Cyclops" at this period: "The manner in which the great demands on
her accommodation were met was a standing wonder to me. In the early
part of the war, officers on Admiral Miller's Staff and others were
obliged to make their sleeping berths as best they could on the deck
or on top of their writing-tables, and it was surprising that the
overcrowding in all directions did not affect health."
[Illustration: THE GRAND FLEET BASE AT LONG HOPE, 1916, LOOKING TOWARDS
WEDDEL SOUND.]
[Illustration: "Cyclops." "Victorious." "Assistance." "Imperieuse."
"Ruthenia." CLOSER VIEW OF THE BASE SHIPS AT LONG HOPE.]
Towards the end of October, 1914, the Base, owing to weather
conditions, was moved from Scapa Bay to Long Hope, where it remained
until April, 1919, when it was transferred to Lyness, where a
substantial sea-wall was in process of completion, and where the
Floating Dock was moored. Here it still remains, though of it "Ichabod"
must be written, for it retains only a shadow of its former activities.
The Fleet itself lay north of Weddel Sound, and the auxiliaries were
disposed between Long Hope and Gutter Sound (see map).
[Illustration: H.M.S. "IMPERIEUSE" AT LONG HOPE.]
One of the earliest arrivals at the Base was H.M.S. "Imperieuse"
(previously "Fisgard I."). She left Portsmouth in September, 1914, in
company with "Fisgard II.," with a party of dockyardmen who were coming
up for work in the Grand Fleet; unfortunately "Fisgard II." capsized
off Portland Bill with the loss of several lives, but "Fisgard I."
arrived safely at Scapa Flow, and was renamed "Imperieuse." During the
war she discharged many useful and important functions, and there are
few naval officers who served any length of time at Scapa who did not
at some time pass through her. Primarily she was the receiving and
distributing centre for the mails for the Fleet, and some idea of the
enormous number of letters, etc., dealt with may be gleaned from the
fact that when the Fleet was present some 50,000 items were sorted
and despatched daily. "Imperieuse" was also the headquarters of the
staffs of the Admiralty Port Officer (or King's Harbour Master, as
he would be styled at a dockyard port), Fleet Coaling Officer, Naval
Store Officer, Victualling Store Officer, Naval Ordnance Officer,
Cashier, Base Censor, and also accommodated the dockyard working
parties, until at a later stage other vessels arrived which relieved
her of some of these functions. In spite of the limited office and
cabin accommodation, it was an interesting time: the work and the
conditions were novel, and there was always plenty to be done in
straightening out the various problems that arose. One could write a
small volume on the personalities one met at the Base at that time: of
a certain genial captain, addicted to forcible but effective speech;
of "V.O.S.O.," equally proficient in supplying flour and potatoes, and
music; of "N.O.S.O.," who insisted on a duly receipted, countersigned,
and approved voucher (in triplicate) before he would part with a
minute brass screw; of the "Drifter King," whose knowledge of Scotch
drifter-men and their idiosyncrasies was profound; of a certain
officer in charge of Water Boats, sent to the Base by the Admiralty as
a "gentleman of affairs," whose versatility flowed into such diverse
channels as the organisation of a band, sports, the edition of a
ship's magazine, the supervision of gifts forwarded by the Fresh Fruit
and Vegetables Fund, and in numerous other directions; of W---- and
B---- (the "Bullion Brokers"), who could give you _the_ very latest
tip straight from the horse's mouth: these are but a few of those who
enlivened the Base in 1915-1916.
[Illustration: H.M.S. "VICTORIOUS" AT SCAPA FLOW.]
One of the next noteworthy arrivals at the Base was that of H.M.S.
"Victorious," early in 1916. A "dockyard ship" had been awaited for
nearly a year to relieve the congestion on "Imperieuse," and in
September, 1915, the "Caribbean," duly fitted out for the purpose, left
Liverpool for Scapa, but, like "Fisgard II.," sank on the journey north
off Cape Wrath. H.M.S. "Victorious" was then taken in hand, and reached
the Base safely in March, 1916. She was well provided with workshops
and accommodation--being indeed a miniature "floating dockyard"--and
at times over 500 dockyard artisans were accommodated, although these
usually lived afloat on the ships of the Grand Fleet. The presence of
such a large body of civilian workmen on a ship officered and manned
by Service ranks and ratings presented several novel problems, and it
was largely due to the tact and consideration of both parties that the
experiment, on the whole, was justified by the results. The possession
of such a ship at the Base, by enabling defects to be adjusted and
installations, such as director firing gear, protective deck plating,
flying-off platforms, etc., to be fitted by skilled workmen at the Base
instead of at a southern dockyard, added considerably to the fighting
strength of the Fleet at a time when ships were badly needed, and when
our numerical superiority over the enemy fleet was less marked than at
a later period of the war.
[Illustration: R.F.A. "RUTHENIA."]
Early in 1917 the addition of a small Floating Dock enabled much useful
work to be done in carrying out minor refits and emergency repairs, and
over 200 keels were docked whilst it remained at Scapa.
The Fleet repair ships, H.M.S. "Cyclops" and "Assistance," have already
been referred to, and they should not be overlooked in this connection;
both these vessels carried out, with naval ratings, valuable repairs in
connection with the maintenance of the machinery, etc., of the ships of
the Grand Fleet.
[Illustration: TORPEDO SUB-DEPÔT SHIP "SOKOTO" LYING IN THE INNER
HOPE.]
[Illustration: THE BROUGH OF BIRSAY, OFF WHICH H.M.S. "HAMPSHIRE" WAS
LOST ON 6TH JUNE, 1916.]
Meantime the duties of "Imperieuse" were still further relieved by
the arrival of other vessels. R.F.A. "Ruthenia," previously a dummy
battleship, became the storeship and headquarters of the Victualling
and Naval Store Officers, and the Fleet Coaling Officer took up his
quarters in R.F.A. "Perthshire" in the secluded waters of Pegal
Bay; whilst the "Sokoto" (a depôt ship for the storing and repair of
torpedoes) and M.F.A. "Zaria" (repair ship for small craft, such as
drifters, trawlers, etc.) were already at Long Hope.
[Illustration: DRIVING OFF FROM THE FIRST HOLE ON FLOTTA.]
Once the early work of organisation was over, life at Scapa, especially
for the Base ships, settled down to a somewhat monotonous routine,
varied by spasms of excitement when the Grand Fleet received orders
to proceed to sea, and one wondered if _this_ time it was actually
a "stunt," or merely once more "P.Z." The summer of 1916 was not,
however, without incident. The return of the Fleet from Jutland, on
the morning of 2nd June, was an exciting moment, followed a few days
later by the dramatic news that Lord Kitchener had been lost in H.M.S.
"Hampshire" off Marwick Head, and later in the month the King paid a
short visit to the Fleet. Just over a year later, in July, 1917, the
battleship "Vanguard" blew up with the loss of practically the entire
ship's company. The explosion occurred late at night (about eleven
o'clock), and the vivid flames which illumined the twilight sky (it was
still fairly light) were followed by a dense column of smoke rising
about half a mile into the sky. Everyone rushed on deck clad in a
varied assortment of night attire, every available craft was rushed
to the scene of the disaster, and anti-submarine precautions were
ordered to be taken. Some idea of the force of the explosion may be
gathered from the fact the "Vanguard's" pinnace was blown clean over
the next ship in the line, and landed in the water on the other side,
practically undamaged, whilst it was reported that a packet of Treasury
notes was picked up intact next day on the neighbouring island of
Flotta.
[Illustration: CHILDREN'S RACE AT LONG HOPE SPORTS.]
[Illustration: WATCHING THE SPORTS.]
[Illustration: Imperial War Museum. A BOXING MATCH ON FLOTTA.]
[Illustration: A SHIP'S GARDEN AT CROCKNESS.]
Towards the end of December, 1917, our Fleet was strengthened by the
arrival of four U.S. battleships, which were incorporated into the
Grand Fleet as the Sixth Battle Squadron. The presence of the Americans
contributed some new features into the life of the Base, notably in
the domain of sport, and baseball became for a time quite a popular
game. The importance of games and sport, incidentally, has always been
recognised in the Navy, and nowhere was the need for recreation more
essential for the maintenance of morale and fitness than at Scapa.
Football was played all the year round (there being no summer to speak
of in these northern latitudes) on Flotta (the playing ground of the
Grand Fleet), and at Long Hope and Lyness by the Base ships, whilst
two or three rough golf courses were laid out for the use of officers.
Admiral Jellicoe used often to be seen playing a hurried game round the
course at Flotta in the few moments of relaxation he was able to snatch
from his work on the "Iron Duke." Tennis was hardly a possible game,
owing to the inclement weather and the continual winds, but one or two
ash and gravel courts were made at the shore batteries. Sailing and
pulling matches were frequently arranged, and the sports of the Base
ships at Long Hope became an annual event greatly looked forward to
by the local inhabitants as well as by the ships' companies. Another
annual event of great interest was the Grand Fleet Boxing Championship
Contest, held outside the Y.M.C.A. Hut at Flotta. These competitions
were witnessed by as many as 10,000 men, and the writer recalls an
inspiring speech made by Admiral Beatty to this great gathering of
sailors in July, 1917, after he had distributed the prizes. Prince
Albert, incidentally, was present on this occasion.
[Illustration: Humphrey Joel. U.S.S. "NEW YORK" LEADING THE 6TH BATTLE
SQUADRON INTO SCAPA AFTER CROSSING THE ATLANTIC.]
[Illustration: "HARVEST FESTIVAL. "]
The work of the Y.M.C.A. Huts, at Flotta and Long Hope, and of the
Church Army Hut later at Lyness, was of great value in providing
almost the only recreation and social amusement obtainable outside of
one's ship, and the ladies who volunteered for service in these lonely
islands deserve every praise for the way in which they cared for the
comfort and entertainment of the men during the war.
[Illustration: Imperial War Museum. THE "GREEN ROOM" OF A BATTLESHIP:
OFFICERS MAKING UP FOR A SHOW.]
Gardening became at one period quite a popular, as well as profitable,
recreation amongst many of the men and officers, and although neither
the soil nor the climate was very promising, some remarkably good crops
of vegetables were obtained, which were especially welcome in view of
the difficulties of obtaining fresh fruit and vegetables on board
ship. One enterprising ship actually raised chickens and pigs on one
of the islands, although the uncertain movements of the ships made the
feeding question a difficult problem at times.
A variety of indoor amusements was provided on board ship. The "movies"
were always a standing attraction, whilst billiards proved a popular
war-time innovation, the movement of the ship adding a fascinating
element of uncertainty to the game! Some excellent "shows" were
organised, and an improvised stage, with the necessary accessories,
was rigged up on the Frozen Meat Ship "Gourko," which proved an ideal
"theatre ship," although it was advisable to come warmly clad, as the
auditorium was over the refrigerating room!
Very little of interest occurred at the Base in the early part of
1918, and the Grand Fleet spent a considerable time in this year at
Rosyth, where the completion of the boom defences permitted exercises
and firing to be carried out with almost the same degree of safety and
convenience as at Scapa. The progress of the war was, as elsewhere,
watched with great excitement towards the end of the year, and the
signing of the Armistice on the 11th November, 1918, came as a great
relief after four years of strain and effort. One of the most welcome
of the minor changes effected by the Armistice was the removal of the
Censorship which had been rigorously maintained during the war, and for
the first time the general public became aware of the jealously guarded
secret of the location of the Northern Base of the Grand Fleet.
[Illustration: THE GERMAN SHIPS INTERNED AT SCAPA. (Battle-cruisers
"Hindenburg" and "Derfflinger" in the foreground.)]
[Illustration: GERMAN BATTLESHIP "KAISER" ENTERING THE BOOM AT SCAPA
FLOW FOR INTERNMENT AT DAWN ON 26TH NOVEMBER, 1918.]
The entry of the German ships into Scapa Flow for internment towards
the end of the month was a memorable sight, which will not soon be
forgotten by those who witnessed it. The vessels came north from Rosyth
in detachments, and each group of ships entered the Flow in the grey
dawn of an autumn morning, escorted by our own ships. Little groups
of spectators who had gathered at points of vantage on the islands
identified the various ships as they entered with great interest, and
more especially in the case of those who had last met them in action.
It was some compensation for those who had spent so many months and
years at Scapa that "the Day" should have culminated in such a dramatic
and complete surrender of the German Fleet, although it seemed then
almost unthinkable that such a surrender should have been made without
at least an effort to strike a last blow, or in the last resort to
scuttle their ships in port. That some, at any rate, of the officers of
the German Navy had these feelings was evident from the destruction
of one of their submarines just before the Armistice in the act of
entering the Flow, whose outer defences it had indeed penetrated. There
seems little doubt that this was a last desperate attempt to sink as
many as possible of our Fleet before the final and then inevitable
surrender, and one cannot but acknowledge the spirit and the bravery of
those who took part in such a forlorn hope.
[Illustration: GERMAN BATTLE CRUISER "DERFFLINGER" FOUR MINUTES BEFORE
FINALLY SINKING, 2.45 P.M., 21ST JUNE, 1919.]
[Illustration: VICE-ADMIRAL SIR R. J. PRENDERGAST MAKING HIS FAREWELL
ADDRESS ON H.M.S. "VICTORIOUS," 15TH FEBRUARY, 1920.]
Even more dramatic was the afternoon of Saturday, 21st June, 1919, when
the large majority of the interned vessels sank beneath the waters of
the Flow.
[Illustration: N. A. K. Money. GOOD-BYE TO SCAPA!]
In accordance with the terms of the Armistice German crews were allowed
to remain on board the interned ships, and after the preliminary
inspection, there was practically no communication with our own ships
except for essential matters of duty. This rather aided the preparation
of the plans made by the Germans, and shortly after noon on the 21st
the sea-cocks of all the vessels were simultaneously opened, and
ensigns, and in some cases the Red Flag, hoisted. The First Battle
Squadron, which was then at the Base, was exercising in the Pentland
Firth at the time, and was not able to return until later in the
afternoon, but all available tugs and small craft were immediately
ordered to the sinking ships, and as many as possible were run ashore
on the surrounding islands. It was a clear afternoon, and probably no
more wonderful sight has ever been witnessed than that of these huge
vessels on all sides heeling over and plunging headlong--some with
their sterns almost vertical above the water, others listing over
to port or starboard, with steam and oil and air pouring out of the
vents and rising to the surface long after the ships had completely
disappeared beneath the water. Débris of all sorts, boats, hammocks,
lifebelts, chests, etc., littered the sea for miles round. Small craft
of all descriptions were variously engaged: here a drifter would be
seen picking up Germans from the water, there a pinnace towing a long
string of boats and Carley floats full of prisoners to the Flagship,
whilst other craft were occupied heading off parties of Germans who
were endeavouring to make for the shore. One or two amusing incidents
occurred during the scuttling. One of our water-boats was busily
engaged supplying water to one of the ships as she was sinking, and
whilst the Germans were actually leaving the ship on the other side.
Some school children from Stromness in the tug "Flying Kestrel" had the
unique experience of a trip round the ships in the morning, which on
their return journey were sinking or had disappeared.
By five or six o'clock the whole of the ships had sunk, except the
battleship "Baden," which was boarded in time to save her, and three
cruisers, which were run ashore or beached. The battle cruisers
"Hindenburg" and "Seydlitz" drifted into shallow water, and with the
cruiser "Bremse," which turned turtle as she was being beached, are
resting on the bottom, and present a spectacle of interest to visitors
as they pass in the Mail Boat to Stromness.
Such was the inglorious end of the German Fleet, and with its
disappearance the Base began slowly to break up. One by one the ships
went south, and the acquaintances of many years were severed. On 15th
February, 1920, the Base reverted to a peace-time status, and the
Admiral commanding the Orkneys and Shetlands (Vice-Admiral Sir R. J.
Prendergast) hauled down his flag. Towards the end of the month and
during March the salved German cruisers and destroyers were towed south
to Rosyth for distribution amongst the Allied Powers, and on 25th March
the last of the Base ships remaining, H.M.S. "Imperieuse" and H.M.S.
"Victorious," left for Rosyth and Devonport respectively.
To-day not a vessel remains of that vast assemblage of ships which
were gathered at the Base during the war, and Scapa will probably in
future be an exercising base only for the Fleet as in pre-war times.
But, whatever its future, the name of Scapa is one that has earned an
undying fame in the history of the British Empire and of the world, and
it will remain as an enduring memory to those who were destined by the
chances of war to be exiled in those lonely islands of the North.