
On 9th of July 1917 HMS Vanguard exploded in Scapa Flow (the result of an internal explosion of faulty cordite), killing 804 men.
On 9th of July 1917 HMS Vanguard exploded in Scapa Flow (the result of an internal explosion of faulty cordite), killing 804 men.
“I realised it would be a Herculean task to climb those huge cliffs, my body numbed and drained of energy. ” 228580 Leading Seaman William Cashman,
On the 7th of May 1915 the Lusitania was sunk on her 202nd trans-Atlantic crossing, by a German U-boat 11 miles (18 km) off the southern coast of Ireland, killing 1,198 passengers and crew.
“In the last letter that I had from France
You thanked me for the silver Easter egg”
The Scapa Flow Museum is impressive and is a must see for visitors to Orkney and islanders.
On the 1st of March 1917, HMS Pheasant struck a mine just off Rora Head, Hoy, Orkney.
“Christmas Day in Stromness was observed as a public holiday, all places of business being closed. The public bars were not open at any time of the day, as they used to be.”
During World War 1 troops were sent beautiful embroidered cards by family and loved ones back home.
In 1914 the Kirkwall Post Office reported that a large number of parcels were posted on 21st (Monday) and 22nd (Tuesday) of December.
On 4th of December 1915 The Peace Ship, Ocean liner Oscar II, set sail from the USA to Europe.