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Mountbatten Medallic History of Great Britain and the Sea Medal: The raid on Zeebrugge
Mountbatten Medallic History of Great Britain and the Sea Medal: The raid on Zeebrugge
Mountbatten Medallic History of Great Britain and the Sea Medal: The raid on Zeebrugge
Mountbatten Medallic History of Great Britain and the Sea Medal: The raid on Zeebrugge

Mountbatten Medallic History of Great Britain and the Sea Medal: The raid on Zeebrugge

Associated (Frogmore House, Windsor, England, 1900 - 1979)
Medallist
DateMay 2004
Object NameMedal
MediumSterling Silver
ClassificationsMedals
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDMS072500.85
About MeDuring the earlier part of the year 1918, which saw some of the heaviest fighting of the First World War, the Army suffered serious reverses in France and Flanders. The sailors, who had not been engaged in any important surface action since Jutland, were eager to encourage their brothers-in-arms ashore by a daring feat, and at the same time to strike a blow against one of the bases from which German submarines were emerging with deadly effect against Britain's merchant shipping.

A raid was planned against Zeebrugge, on the Belgian coast, with a secondary one on Ostend. The admiral in command was Sir Roger Keyes, and his idea was to storm the Zeebrugge mole, sink blockships in the navigation channel, and otherwise damage the port. The operation took place on St. George's Day, 23rd April,1918, and the greatest gallantry was shown by all who took part.

Unfortunately, only limited success was achieved; as the attacks on Ostend failed, U-boats continued to operate from Belgium almost as before. British losses were a destroyer and two motor launches, light under the circumstances; the casualties were 170 killed, 400 wounded and 45 missing. The losses were particularly heavy in HMS Vindictive, the cruiser which bore the brunt of the German fire. The ship survived the operation and was later sunk as a blockship at Ostend.

The real value of the raid was in its effect on morale. The daring conception, and the courage shown by all concerned, gave an uplift to the nation in one of its darkest hours. In this respect, Zeebrugge was a triumph.

The Mountbatten Medallic History of Great Britain and the Sea, John Pinches Medallists Ltd.

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