Skip to product information
This Great Harbour
£15.99
This Great Harbour—Scapa Flow
The Orkney anchorage that shaped two world wars of naval history
Access Your Content in Seconds
- Complete your purchase on our store.
- Download The Grey Hill App (free).
- Log in using the same email from checkout.
- Your ebook will appear instantly in your library.
All content is securely delivered through our app and not offered as a Shopify download.
About the Ebook
Known by mariners since Viking times as a safe anchorage in notoriously savage waters, Scapa Flow is the seaway that runs between the Orkney mainland and the island of Hoy. As the northern base of the Royal Navy and Allied fleets in two world wars, it witnessed some of the most seminal events in modern naval history. It was from here that The Grand Fleet set off in 1916 to do battle at Jutland; it was from that Lord Kitchener sailed to his death aboard the Hampshire; it was here that the surrendered German fleet was scuttled in May 1919; and it was here that 800 sailors lost their lives in October 1939 when HMS Royal Oak was torpedoed by a German submarine.
The late W.S. Hewison's book is the ultimate history of this remarkable place. In addition to the military story, he also tells about the impact war had on the native island community as their remote archipelago was transformed into the hub of Britain's naval war machine.
Why You'll Love This Ebook
- Discover the naval history of Scapa Flow across two world wars
- Explore the strategic importance of this vast Orkney anchorage
- Engage with detailed maritime and wartime history
- Read another celebrated title from Origin - an imprint of Birlinn Ltd
About the Author
W.S. Hewison was born in the Midlands of an Orkney family who moved back north when he was sixteen. He joined the Territorial Army in 1938 and later served in the Royal Artillery in the Midlands and the Royal West African Frontier Force in India and Burma. After the war he joined the editorial staff of The Orcadian, where he worked until his retirement in 1983. He wrote a number of books and articles on Orkney. He died in 2001.Publication Details
Publisher: Origin (an imprint of Birlinn Ltd)
Publication Date: 07 May 2020
Print Length: 400 pages (Ebook edition)
ISBN (Ebook): 9781788852692
Format: Ebook
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I access my ebook?
Download The Grey Hill App and log in using the same email you used at checkout. Your ebook will appear instantly in your library.
Can I read it online?
Yes — you can also access your purchases via our online reader at reader.thegreyhill.com.
I can't see my ebook — what should I do?
Tap the refresh button in the app or online reader. If it still doesn't appear, ensure you're logged in with the same email used at checkout. If issues continue, contact us and we'll help right away.
Can I gift this ebook?
Yes — you can purchase a Grey Hill Gift Card here: Buy a Gift Card. The recipient can redeem it on our store, and the ebook will appear in The Grey Hill App.