The Salisbury Civil Service Sub Aqua Club Expedition to Scapa Flow.
An Amesbury based dive club made the long journey to the Orkney Islands in September to dive some of the German high seas fleet scuppered there during the Armistice at the end of World War 1.
During the 9 day expedition, the 8 man team dived many of the fleet, including cruisers like the Karlsruhe, and monstrous battleships like The Crun Prinz Wilhelm. Diving Officer, Andy Brown said "It has not only been a chance to dive on some of the best wrecks in the United Kingdom, but has given us the chance to bring on the skills of the newer members of the club."
Following the German defeat in the First World War, 78 ships of the Kaiserliche Marine's High Seas Fleet were interned in Gutter Sound at Scapa Flow pending a decision on their future in the treaty of Versailles.
On 21 June 1919 Rear Admiral Ludwig von Reuter, the German officer in command at Scapa Flow, gave the order to scuttle the ships to prevent them falling into British hands. Training Officer, Martin Kite said "Due to the large number of wrecks in a small area, Scapa has become a Mecca to divers over the years. Planning the expedition and diving the ships has been an amazing experience."
The Salisbury Civil Service Sub Aqua Club [SCSSAC] meet every Monday evening throughout the year at the Boscome Down Rec Club and offers not only regular diving trips around the UK and overseas suited to all diving levels. The club also has a number of instructors who can take divers through a multitude of diving courses.
Contact the club by email to info@salisburydiveclub.co.uk for more information.
Photos taken by James Hennessey.
Contact James Hennessey via email: james_hennessey@hotmail.com |
Scapa Flow 2010 pictures
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