Orkney Image Library

Is this on the B 98?

When the B98 was being towed South from Scapa Flow,to Rosyth, how did she come to be at Lopness, Sanday, 40 miles North?
A Sanday man saw her being towed South past the Start when her tow broke, and watched her drift ashore. As far as he could see no attempt was made to reconnect the tow.

It is. Did not wish to be too specific in these jaded days of island curiosities disappearing from beaches/fields/ruined crofts/gardens...

In the 80's at a very low tide I was able to go right around her and found that 2 of the guns were still there. I managed to persuade the Museums to have one recovered and taken to Lyness Museum. I hope Tris does not consider this too much of a crime. I think the reason for her being in the Sanday area was that the navy were comparing her with the V and W class destroyers. She compared badly. The turbines are historically very important. They were being built by B and V for Russian destroyers and when war broke out they were seized by Germany and had a completley new class of big destroyers built around them so starting a new 'arms race'

William,
From what you understand then, the B98 was being trialled under her own steam in the Sanday area? I have heard the story that Tommy relates also. It would be interesting to know exactly how she ended up where she is.
was the B98 involved in the "Grand Scuttle"? I thought she was never involved in conflict and only ever sailed post-hostilities as the mailboat for the fleet, but I see from internet searching she did have a fairly colourful career..

it's a great site for snorkelling over on a calm day.

B98 was very much involved in the WW1 sea conflict. She was leader of the II torpedo boat flottilla at Jutland and was involved in the attack on the Baltic Islands in Operation Albion and I read somewhere she had her bows blown off by a mine.