The battle of Jutland was the only major clash between the British Grand Fleet and the German High Seas Fleet.
It occurred in the southern North Sea, off the coast of the Jutland Peninsula which gives its name to the battle.
While the British lost more ships than the Germans, it was the pivotal naval battle of the First World War.
Whilst the High Seas Fleet emerged twice more into the North Sea, there was no other major battle and the Royal Navy retained command of the sea, without which Germany could not win the war.
In May 1916, the commanders of both the Highs Seas Fleet and the Grand Fleet had planned offensive operations to draw the other out.
Both plans included the use of aircraft and submarines. The German plan was the most advanced and because of the endurance of the submarines involved, it had to be completed by the end of May, however by the 30th the weather precluded the use of zeppelins and a modified plan was implemented.
The British with the advantage of intelligence from its code-breaking section in Room 40 of the Admiralty were aware that the High Seas Fleet was putting to sea on 30 May.
Admiral Jellicoe in command of the Grand Fleet was informed and ordered Admiral Beatty to take the Battle Cruiser Fleet to sea from Rosyth and sailed himself with the Grand Fleet from Scapa Flow.
