In this video, we delve into the dramatic and tragic events of the Battle of Jutland, focusing on the British battlecruiser HMS Queen Mary. On May 31, 1916, at approximately 3:50 PM, the German First Scouting Group opened fire on the British First and Second Battlecruiser Squadrons. The British fleet, led by Admiral Beatty, included HMS Lion, Princess Royal, Queen Mary, Tiger, New Zealand, and Indefatigable. Initially, the British were meant to target corresponding German ships, but a critical error saw Queen Mary mistakenly firing on Seydlitz instead of Derfflinger.
Despite this mistake, Queen Mary was renowned for her gunnery skills, partly due to the rigorous training and dedication of her crew. Petty Officer Ernest Francis, stationed in X turret, exemplified this expertise, managing his team with precision and urgency. During the battle, Queen Mary scored significant hits on Seydlitz, causing considerable damage and nearly incapacitating her.
However, the Germans, particularly the Seydlitz and Derfflinger, retaliated fiercely. At 4:03 PM, HMS Indefatigable was struck and violently exploded due to unsafe ammunition practices. Queen Mary continued to engage, but by 4:17 PM, she became the focus of both Seydlitz and Derfflinger. The intense barrage of shells eventually led to catastrophic damage. At 4:25 PM and 4:26 PM, Queen Mary was struck by multiple salvos, resulting in a massive explosion that split the ship in half and sent debris flying. The ship sank quickly, leaving a towering cloud of smoke.
The devastation was immense, with over 1,200 men perishing and only 20 survivors. Among the dead was the Japanese naval attaché Commander Chiisuke Shimomura. The aftermath of the explosion saw the battlecruisers and escorting destroyers unable to pause, continuing their engagement as Queen Mary slipped beneath the waves.
The personal accounts of survivors like Ernest Francis offer a harrowing glimpse into the chaos and bravery amidst the destruction. Francis, utilizing bowlines he had introduced to his turret, survived the explosions that decimated his crew. His detailed recollections provide a poignant reminder of the human cost of naval warfare.
This video not only recounts the technical and strategic aspects of the Battle of Jutland but also pays tribute to the men who served aboard Queen Mary. Their story is one of skill, courage, and tragic loss, encapsulating the brutal reality of naval combat during World War I. Join us as we explore this pivotal moment in maritime history, examining the tactics, decisions, and fateful errors that led to the loss of the pride of the British fleet, HMS Queen Mary.
Intro 0:00
Leadup to battle 1:40
The battle 3:15
The demise 11:04
The survivors 15:48
Reasons for the demise 27:38
Conclusion 29:56
Sources/Other Reading:
IWM Voices of Jutland: https://www.iwm.org.uk/history/voices...
Wreck of Queen Mary: • Underwater video of the wreck of the battl...
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https://www.iwm.org.uk/history/what-w...
https://www.amazon.com/British-Battle...
https://www.jutland1916.com/
Video Information:
Copyright fair use notice. All media used in this video is used for the purpose of education under the terms of fair use. All footage and images used belong to their copyright holders, when applicable.
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