The War at Sea
The North Sea was a vital strategic position for the forces fighting the First World War. With both Britain and Germany at the technical cutting edge of what was possible at sea, the naval battles waged there were unlike anything seen before. Historian David Hayman investigates the use of the naval forces during World War I, including how German U-boats brought the USA into the conflict.
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The War at Sea on BBC Select
Episode 1: The Dreadnoughts of Scapa Flow
As the First World War began, allies realized the importance of a small Scottish harbor.
As the Great War began, the Royal Navy rushed to Scotland and Orkney’s great natural harbor, Scapa Flow. Historian David Hayman uncovers the compelling characters involved in this little-known naval war, including the cautious Admiral Jellicoe and the playboy Admiral Beatty. This is the story of great technologies and epic battles for ultimate control of the North Sea and the wider war itself.
Episode 2: The Battle of The U-Boats
The fascinating and dastardly ploys Britain used against German U-Boat submarines.
In April 1917, German U-Boats were sinking a dozen British ships every day. The First Sea Lord, Admiral Jellicoe, warned that Britain might not be able to carry on fighting into 1918 and World War I could be lost. Historian David Hayman explores Germany’s U-Boat threat and the fascinating and dastardly ploys Britain used to sink the submarines and turn the tide of the Great War.
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