31 May 2016 marks the centenary of The Battle of Jutland. The Battle of Jutland was the biggest naval battle of the First World War. Over 8,000 men lost their lives and its impact on the rest of the war was significant. Jutland ensured that Britain’s naval blockade of Germany remained in place, forcing Germany to fight on in the face of hunger and raw material shortages. Both sides claimed victory at Jutland, but whilst the Germans lost fewer ships, after the battle the British could put as many as 24 dreadnoughts to sea, in comparison to Germany’s ten ships fit to fight. The Germans failed to significantly challenge the British again at sea throughout the rest of the war.
The Centenary is an opportunity for people in the UK to come together to remember those, on both sides, who lost their lives at Jutland and to recognise the pivotal role of the Royal Navy in the First World War.
The First World War Centenary Partnership, led by Imperial War Museums (IWM) is presenting a series of exhibitions, events and concerts throughout May and June to commemorate the Jutland centenary. For further details visit: www.1914.org