Interned german destroyers in gutta sound, scapa flow, 1918
inscribed and signed with initials by the artist. 'hun destroyers wl. Gutta sound'. The specific vessels shown are not identifiable, but after the formal surrender of the german fleet on 21 november 1918, 51 german destroyers were eventually interned in scapa flow , where they were anchored in gutta sound. They were all scuttled with the rest of fleet on the orders of its commander, rear-admiral ludwig von reuter, on 21 june 1919, though british boarding parties and the fact that some were in shallow water beached 18, rather than seeing them sink completely. When refloated a few were later used as gunnery targets rather than scrapped. At least two here are steamed up, which suggests the view represents them about the time of their main arrival at the end of november 1918 rather than later. Wyllie was present at the surrender and internment of the german fleet, as guest (for a month) of admiral sir charles madden on hms 'revenge', and this was no doubt painted on the spot. Date: 1918. Dimensions: 317 mm x 451 mm. Collection: Fine art.
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