HMS Royal Oak
HMS Royal Oak was sunk whilst anchored in Scapa Flow on 14th October 1939, with the loss of 834 lives. The sinking was a result of a torpedo attack from German U-boat U47 under the command of Kapitänleutnant Günther Prien, who had penetrated the inadequate defences of the anchorage, and subsequently made good his escape.
Now lying almost upside-down in 100 feet (30 m) of water with her hull 16 feet (5 m) beneath the surface, Royal Oak is a designated war grave. In an annual ceremony to mark the loss of the ship, Royal Navy divers place a White Ensign underwater at her stern. Unauthorised divers are prohibited from approaching the wreck at any time.
Mystery Stein Picture taken a couple of days ago. Object approaching 70 yrs old. The same German stein as in pho...
Oil removal barges at Royal Oak Barges near the Royal Oak in Scapa Bay. Oil removed from the wreck during "clean-up" operations are ...
Royal Oak oil removal Topside activity during the process of removing fuel oil from the Royal Oak. Standby safety diver on...
Royal Oak oil removal Divers being recovered in the lift. Helmets hold torches and video equipment. 09-13-09.
Royal Oak oil removal The end of a dive. The cliffs at Gaitnip, in the background, indicate how close inshore the Royal Oa...
Royal Oak oil removal Diver being prepared. 09-13-09.
Royal Oak oil removal Divers being prepared. A real study in concentration from all those involved. 09-13-09.
Royal Oak oil removal Diver leaving the lift. The top of the hull lies just a few metres below the surface. Notice the sma...
Royal Oak oil removal Ministry of Defence Dive Supervisor monitoring operations on HMS Royal Oak. 09-13-09.
HMS Royal Oak Memorial The HMS Royal Oak group doesn't seem to include a pic of the memorial in St Magnus cathedral. Here's...Latest Pics
