Orkney to host Battle of Jutland centenary commemoration events

Orkney will be at the centre of events to commemorate the largest and most significant naval battle of the First World War.

The Battle of Jutland brought together the two most powerful naval powers of the time — the Royal Navy’s Grand Fleet and the German High Seas Fleet — in the most pivotal naval engagement of the war.

The battle, which raged between May 31 and June 1, 1916, involved 250 ships and claimed the lives of 6,000 British and 2,500 German personnel.

Next year, on the 100th anniversary of the battle, nationwide events are being held to honour those on both sides who lost their lives.

In Orkney this will include a service at St Magnus Cathedral, and a commemorative event at the Royal Navy Cemetery at Lyness, Hoy, on May 31.

According to the UK Government’s culture secretary John Whittingdale, who announced the plans today, the impact that the battle had on Orkney and the role the islands played in hosting the Grand Fleet throughout the war will also be recognised.

He said: “These commemorations will be an opportunity for the country to come together to honour those who lost their lives during the Battle of Jutland.

“The pivotal role that the Royal Navy played in the war effort cannot be underestimated and we owe a great to debt to those brave souls who gave their lives.

“But behind the scenes of conflict there are also the contribution of Scotland and the people of Orkney who supported the war effort — we must remember their sacrifice too and ensure their stories are told for generations to come.”