The Orkney Image Library
Help us get organised! If we haven't correctly identified which area this picture is best listed under, please select it below and click Done!
A small section of one of Tom Kent's incredibly sharp pictures.
This shows the unveiling of the memorial by General Lord Horne on 17th October 1927.
Picture added on 17 March 2005
See also picture #9695 and picture #10392
Added by Sandy on 31 March 2008
After being asked by an American visitor and having to admit I didn't know - can somebody please explain why the date on the memorial is 1914 - 1919, rather than 1918. Excuse my ignorance but I know I will get a knowledgable answer from folk on here.
Added by Tina Meldrum on 29 May 2011
Would it be because the Treaty of Versaille wasn't signed until 28th June 1919, so that while war was not being waged after the armistice, it was technically just a ceasefire and conflict could have resumed - hence the scuttling of the German Fleet?
Added by Steven Heddle on 30 May 2011
I think the memorial was unveiled in 1923. I have seen other photos of the unveiling dated 1923. Steven you are correct in your surmise. Technically the war ceased at 11am on 11th November 1918 so there was no further firing. It did take some time to agree the Versailles Treaty and the allies were prepared to use the German ships in the flow should the treaty not be signed hence its sinking
Added by David Partner on 31 May 2011
Kirkwall
