Scapa Flow was the designated anchorage of the British Royal Navy's Grand Fleet during the First World War. A natural expanse of sea, Scapa Flow was enclosed by the Orkney Islands in Scotland and was capable of holding the Grand Fleet several times over.
When war began Scapa Flow was essentially undefended against the threat of German U-boat attacks. With the Grand Fleet newly relocated to the area from Portsmouth, Plymouth and Chatham high priority was therefore given to securing the area against German assault, the more so once it was discovered that a German submarine had managed to enter the Flow in November 1914.
Thus initial defences were constructed with the sinking of some 21 blockships and the deployment of anti-submarine indicator nets laid at various depths and intended to entangle enemy submarines. Work continued with the laying of defensive minefields and, further supported by gun batteries, Scapa Flow was declared a safe base for the fleet in 1915.
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