Skagerrak: The Battle of Jutland Through German Eyes

by Gary Staff

Overview

"This is an excellent addition to one's library, to see a different side and take on the events of the battle.” — A Wargamers Needful Things

In January 1916 Vizeadmiral Scheer took command of the High Sea Fleet. This aggressive and pugnacious leader embarked upon a vigorous offensive program which culminated in the greatest clash between dreadnought capital ships the world had seen. Although outnumbered almost two to one, Vizeadmiral Scheer conducted a provocative operation on 31 May 1916. Who would prevail: the massive preponderance of British heavy caliber cannon, or the aggressive tactics of the street fighter Scheer?

Manning the ships of both sides were the technically skilled and talented seamen who were prepared to carry out their duties loyally and courageously until the very end. Over 8,500 men perished in less than 10 hours of fighting, a horrendous loss, even by World War One standards. This book gives voice to many of the German Navy participants, from a German perspective, on this tumultuous battle fought over 100 years ago. These men gave their all and are gone now, but not forgotten.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781399077163
Publisher:	Pen and Sword
Publication date:	01/19/2023
Pages:	288
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.20(h) x (d)

About the Author

Gary Staff is a former airline pilot but he has been fascinated with naval history, and specifically with the Imperial German Navy (Kaiserlischmarine) for decades. He has visited archives in Britain, Germany and elsewhere to study, and often translate for the first time, official documents relating to this subject. His previous books for Pen & Sword are The Battle for the Baltic Islands 1917; Battle on the Seven Seas and German Battlecruisers of World War One. He lives in Australia.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 The War Year 1916 1

Chapter 2 Operational Plans 28

Chapter 3 Admirals Beatty and Hipper Engage 42

Chapter 4 Vizeadmiral Scheer Intervenes 71

Chapter 5 The Fleets Collide 102

Chapter 6 Vizeadmiral Scheer Attacks 125

Chapter 7 The Evening and Final Fleet Contacts 159

Chapter 8 The Night and Battle of the Destroyers 174

Chapter 9 1 June and Disengagement 211

Chapter 10 The Outcome 238

Notes 252

Appendices 259

Index 269

Editorial Reviews

"[Staff] often provides interesting counterpoints to the Anglocentric perspectives of most of the English language histories of the battle."

National Maritime Historical Society

"The material for this fascinating work has been culled from archives in Britain and Germany. Many of those too have been translated for the first time and published here. A volume thoroughly to be recommended to students of the naval history of WWI."

November/December 2016 Ships in Scale

"...an exceptionally well written, organized and presented account that is an inherently fascinating read..."

Midwest Book Review

The book goes through the battle with a minute by minute description of the events of the battle. It is also heavily populated with maps (an absolute necessity for naval battles)… This is an excellent addition to one's library, to see a different side and take on the events of the battle.

A Wargamers Needful Things

The book goes through the battle with a minute by minute description of the events of the battle. It is also heavily populated with maps (an absolute necessity for naval battles)… This is an excellent addition to one's library, to see a different side and take on the events of the battle.

A Wargamer's Needful Things

"The material for this fascinating work has been culled from archives in Britain and Germany. Many of those too have been translated for the first time and published here. A volume thoroughly to be recommended to students of the naval history of WWI."

Nov/Dec 2016 Ships in Scale