Overview of trench warfare in WWI with effects it had on the war and the soldiers involved. At the end, it includes an assignment for students to practice writing a "primary" document.
The last presentation for this part of the USN's rise to the leading maritime power. The period 1919-1945 was treated earlier in the posts titled USN in WW II. Next I plan to take the story from 1945.
Overview of trench warfare in WWI with effects it had on the war and the soldiers involved. At the end, it includes an assignment for students to practice writing a "primary" document.
The last presentation for this part of the USN's rise to the leading maritime power. The period 1919-1945 was treated earlier in the posts titled USN in WW II. Next I plan to take the story from 1945.
In 1916, the last great line battle of the First World War. Now the naval war will concentrate on Britain's vital shipping and the U-boat war against it.
Introducing the second series on the growth of the US Navy, post-Civil War. This is an introduction to the second half of the 19th century when Britain still ruled the waves. The focus is on Imperialism.
We Shall Fight on the Beaches June 4, 1940House of C.docxcelenarouzie
We Shall Fight on the Beaches
June 4, 1940
House of Commons
The position of the B. E.F had now become critical As a result of a most skillfully conducted retreat and German errors, the bulk of the British Forces reached the Dunkirk bridgehead. The peril facing the British nation was now suddenly and universally perceived. On May 26, "Operation Dynamo "--the evacuation from Dunkirk began. The seas remained absolutely calm. The Royal Air Force--bitterly maligned at the time by the Army--fought vehemently to deny the enemy the total air supremacy which would have wrecked the operation. At the outset, it was hoped that 45,000 men might be evacuated; in the event, over 338,000 Allied troops reached England, including 26,000 French soldiers. On June 4, Churchill reported to the House of Commons, seeking to check the mood of national euphoria and relief at the unexpected deliverance, and to make a clear appeal to the United States.
From the moment that the French defenses at Sedan and on the Meuse were broken at the end of the second week of May, only a rapid retreat to Amiens and the south could have saved the British and French Armies who had entered Belgium at the appeal of the Belgian King; but this strategic fact was not immediately realized. The French High Command hoped they would be able to close the gap, and the Armies of the north were under their orders. Moreover, a retirement of this kind would have involved almost certainly the destruction of the fine Belgian Army of over 20 divisions and the abandonment of the whole of Belgium. Therefore, when the force and scope of the German penetration were realized and when a new French Generalissimo, General Weygand, assumed command in place of General Gamelin, an effort was made by the French and British Armies in Belgium to keep on holding the right hand of the Belgians and to give their own right hand to a newly created French Army which was to have advanced across the Somme in great strength to grasp it.
However, the German eruption swept like a sharp scythe around the right and rear of the Armies of the north. Eight or nine armored divisions, each of about four hundred armored vehicles of different kinds, but carefully assorted to be complementary and divisible into small self-contained units, cut off all communications between us and the main French Armies. It severed our own communications for food and ammunition, which ran first to Amiens and afterwards through Abbeville, and it shore its way up the coast to Boulogne and Calais, and almost to Dunkirk. Behind this armored and mechanized onslaught came a number of German divisions in lorries, and behind them again there plodded comparatively slowly the dull brute mass of the ordinary German Army and German people, always so ready to be led to the trampling down in other lands of liberties and comforts which they have never known in their own.
I have said this armored scythe-stroke almost reached Dunkirk-almost but not quite. Boulogne a.
Sea power session 4-glorious revolution and beachy head for pdfJim Powers
The Second Hundred Years War begins as the Glorious Revolution aligns England and the Netherlands against Louis xiv under the same monarch William iii of Orange. Revised version
The French Revolution, which began in 1789, was a period of radical social and political upheaval in France. It marked the decline of absolute monarchies, the rise of secular and democratic republics, and the eventual rise of Napoleon Bonaparte. This revolutionary period is crucial in understanding the transition from feudalism to modernity in Europe.
For more information, visit-www.vavaclasses.com
Biological screening of herbal drugs: Introduction and Need for
Phyto-Pharmacological Screening, New Strategies for evaluating
Natural Products, In vitro evaluation techniques for Antioxidants, Antimicrobial and Anticancer drugs. In vivo evaluation techniques
for Anti-inflammatory, Antiulcer, Anticancer, Wound healing, Antidiabetic, Hepatoprotective, Cardio protective, Diuretics and
Antifertility, Toxicity studies as per OECD guidelines
Operation “Blue Star” is the only event in the history of Independent India where the state went into war with its own people. Even after about 40 years it is not clear if it was culmination of states anger over people of the region, a political game of power or start of dictatorial chapter in the democratic setup.
The people of Punjab felt alienated from main stream due to denial of their just demands during a long democratic struggle since independence. As it happen all over the word, it led to militant struggle with great loss of lives of military, police and civilian personnel. Killing of Indira Gandhi and massacre of innocent Sikhs in Delhi and other India cities was also associated with this movement.
Palestine last event orientationfvgnh .pptxRaedMohamed3
An EFL lesson about the current events in Palestine. It is intended to be for intermediate students who wish to increase their listening skills through a short lesson in power point.
Instructions for Submissions thorugh G- Classroom.pptxJheel Barad
This presentation provides a briefing on how to upload submissions and documents in Google Classroom. It was prepared as part of an orientation for new Sainik School in-service teacher trainees. As a training officer, my goal is to ensure that you are comfortable and proficient with this essential tool for managing assignments and fostering student engagement.
Acetabularia Information For Class 9 .docxvaibhavrinwa19
Acetabularia acetabulum is a single-celled green alga that in its vegetative state is morphologically differentiated into a basal rhizoid and an axially elongated stalk, which bears whorls of branching hairs. The single diploid nucleus resides in the rhizoid.
How to Make a Field invisible in Odoo 17Celine George
It is possible to hide or invisible some fields in odoo. Commonly using “invisible” attribute in the field definition to invisible the fields. This slide will show how to make a field invisible in odoo 17.
Embracing GenAI - A Strategic ImperativePeter Windle
Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies such as Generative AI, Image Generators and Large Language Models have had a dramatic impact on teaching, learning and assessment over the past 18 months. The most immediate threat AI posed was to Academic Integrity with Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) focusing their efforts on combating the use of GenAI in assessment. Guidelines were developed for staff and students, policies put in place too. Innovative educators have forged paths in the use of Generative AI for teaching, learning and assessments leading to pockets of transformation springing up across HEIs, often with little or no top-down guidance, support or direction.
This Gasta posits a strategic approach to integrating AI into HEIs to prepare staff, students and the curriculum for an evolving world and workplace. We will highlight the advantages of working with these technologies beyond the realm of teaching, learning and assessment by considering prompt engineering skills, industry impact, curriculum changes, and the need for staff upskilling. In contrast, not engaging strategically with Generative AI poses risks, including falling behind peers, missed opportunities and failing to ensure our graduates remain employable. The rapid evolution of AI technologies necessitates a proactive and strategic approach if we are to remain relevant.
The Roman Empire A Historical Colossus.pdfkaushalkr1407
The Roman Empire, a vast and enduring power, stands as one of history's most remarkable civilizations, leaving an indelible imprint on the world. It emerged from the Roman Republic, transitioning into an imperial powerhouse under the leadership of Augustus Caesar in 27 BCE. This transformation marked the beginning of an era defined by unprecedented territorial expansion, architectural marvels, and profound cultural influence.
The empire's roots lie in the city of Rome, founded, according to legend, by Romulus in 753 BCE. Over centuries, Rome evolved from a small settlement to a formidable republic, characterized by a complex political system with elected officials and checks on power. However, internal strife, class conflicts, and military ambitions paved the way for the end of the Republic. Julius Caesar’s dictatorship and subsequent assassination in 44 BCE created a power vacuum, leading to a civil war. Octavian, later Augustus, emerged victorious, heralding the Roman Empire’s birth.
Under Augustus, the empire experienced the Pax Romana, a 200-year period of relative peace and stability. Augustus reformed the military, established efficient administrative systems, and initiated grand construction projects. The empire's borders expanded, encompassing territories from Britain to Egypt and from Spain to the Euphrates. Roman legions, renowned for their discipline and engineering prowess, secured and maintained these vast territories, building roads, fortifications, and cities that facilitated control and integration.
The Roman Empire’s society was hierarchical, with a rigid class system. At the top were the patricians, wealthy elites who held significant political power. Below them were the plebeians, free citizens with limited political influence, and the vast numbers of slaves who formed the backbone of the economy. The family unit was central, governed by the paterfamilias, the male head who held absolute authority.
Culturally, the Romans were eclectic, absorbing and adapting elements from the civilizations they encountered, particularly the Greeks. Roman art, literature, and philosophy reflected this synthesis, creating a rich cultural tapestry. Latin, the Roman language, became the lingua franca of the Western world, influencing numerous modern languages.
Roman architecture and engineering achievements were monumental. They perfected the arch, vault, and dome, constructing enduring structures like the Colosseum, Pantheon, and aqueducts. These engineering marvels not only showcased Roman ingenuity but also served practical purposes, from public entertainment to water supply.
3. The First World war was the first truly global conflict, involving countries from every
continent on earth. But most of the fighting actually took place in Europe.
4. But the war at sea was what took the fighting around the world. Significant actions that
would affect the course of the war took place in every ocean in every corner of the globe.
5. The first year of the war
was dominated by
‘cruiser warfare’. Isolated
German warships based
at foreign ports in
Germany’s young empire
began to attack British
and Commonwealth
merchant ships around
the world.
6. SMS Emden, a German
cruiser, was one such
ship, which successfully
captured or sank 26 ships
in the Indian Ocean
before it was caught and
defeated by the
Australian cruiser HMAS
Sydney in November
1914.
7. In the Pacific Ocean, a
small squadron of vessels
under Admiral Graf von
Spee defeated a British
Squadron off Chile,
sinking two British
cruisers with all hands. It
was the first defeat
suffered by the Royal
Navy in 100 years and
1,600 men were lost.
Already the war at sea
had produced a disaster
on a worse scale than the
loss of the Titanic two
years earlier.
8. The Royal Navy, shocked
and stunned by the
defeat, sent a new force
to find von Spee’s
squadron. Less than a
month later, at the
Falkland Islands, the
German force was
annihilated with the loss
of 1,900 men.
9. In home waters, both
Britain and Germany
tried to blockade their
enemy.
10. In home waters, both
Britain and Germany
tried to blockade their
enemy.
In 1914 Britain
established a distant
blockade of the North
Sea and situated the
Grand Fleet at Scapa
Flow.
11. In home waters, both
Britain and Germany
tried to blockade their
enemy.
In 1914 Britain
established a distant
blockade of the North
Sea and situated the
Grand Fleet at Scapa
Flow.
Merchant traffic to the
North Sea would have to
pass through the Dover
Straits where it could be
searched for contraband.
12. The German High Seas
Fleet was based in its
ports on the north coast.
13. The German High Seas
Fleet was based in its
ports on the north coast.
Each side wanted to use
their fleet to force a
battle where they would
have an advantage in
numbers. In 1914 and
1915 this created a series
of skirmishes in the
North Sea.
14. The German High Seas
Fleet was based in its
ports on the north coast.
Each side wanted to use
their fleet to force a
battle where they would
have an advantage in
numbers. In 1914 and
1915 this created a series
of skirmishes in the
North Sea.
In 1916, both fleets
found themselves facing
each other at the Battle
of Jutland.
15. Jutland was the largest
battleship encounter in
history. Whilst many
Second World War
battles involved more
ships, in terms of
tonnage committed to
direct action with one
another, Jutland is the
largest.
However, although the
German fleet sank more
British ships than it lost,
it was unable to break
Britain’s blockade.
16. But Germany had an
alternative weapon with
which to fight a blockade:
the U-boat.
17. But Germany had an
alternative weapon with
which to fight a blockade:
the U-boat.
At the outbreak of the
war, neither side had
expected much from U-
boats and only expected
that they may serve as
scouts for the big
battleship fleets.
18. But Germany had an
alternative weapon with
which to fight a blockade:
the U-boat.
At the outbreak of the
war, neither side had
expected much from U-
boats and only expected
that they may serve as
scouts for the big
battleship fleets.
That changed when one
U-boat sank three British
cruisers in 90 minutes,
with the loss of 1,500
lives.
19. In 1915 and 1916, Germany
used its U-boats to attack
merchant ships, in an effort to
force Britain to lift its blockade,
which was starting to impact on
the German population and
industry.
Both campaigns were supposed
to be conducted according to
the rules of war, and merchant
crews were to be made safe
before ships were sunk. This
was not always observed.
However, neither campaign
succeeded.
20. In 1917, Germany tried a
new tactic. They declared
all of the seas around
Britain a war zone within
which ANY ship – military
or civilian, British or
neutral, would be
attacked without
warning.
Germany hoped that by
sinking as much
merchant shipping as
possible, Britain would be
starved out of the war by
the end of 1917.
21. The U-boat campaign had
a very serious impact on
British merchant trade.
British politicians and
admirals became worried
that without more
supplies reaching the
country, Britain would
not be able to continue
the war into 1918.
23. New Technology
New weapons like the
depth charge, invented in
Britain in 1915, had
started to become more
advanced and more
successful.
Britain finally had a
weapon with which to
fight under water.
24. New Tactics
In 1917, the Allies started
to group their ships into
convoys. This made it
harder for U-boats to find
isolated ships, and easier
for the Royal Navy to
protect them.
25. The U-boats were
defeated in 1918, but
even so their impact was
spectacular.
They were even more
successful in the First
World War than they
were in the Second
26. And Britain was the
maritime power that
suffered the most. By
1922, with the loss of so
many vessels and as a
result of treaties
designed to govern the
size of fleets around the
world, the US overtook
Britain to become the
worlds leading maritime
superpower.
27. It is difficult to put any sort
of number on the lives lost
in the war at sea.
For Britain and her Empire
(today’s Commonwealth)
the best way to establish the
cost is by looking at the
Commonwealth War Graves
Commission figures.
28. The Merchant Navy
memorial in London lists
more than 12,100 names
of merchant seamen and
women who died in the
war.
Commonwealth War
Graves Commission
29. The three Royal Navy
memorials in Chatham,
Portsmouth and
Plymouth list 25,500
names of those lost at
sea.
Commonwealth War
Graves Commission
30. In Southampton the
Hollybrook memorial lists
1,900 names of soldiers
and airmen lost at sea.
Commonwealth War
Graves Commission
31. Around the world are the
graves of another 17,600
men and women from
Britain and the
Commonwealth who
died at sea.
Commonwealth War
Graves Commission
33. The German Navy suffered more than 78,000 casualties, including 21,000 deaths.
34. Fur ther Information
Please visit our website
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Editor's Notes
These PowerPoints have been prepared as part of the Heritage Lottery funded Forgotten Wrecks of the First World War project for the use of groups and teachers. More information about the project can be found at: http://forgottenwrecks.maritimearchaeologytrust.org/
This PowerPoint was created by the Maritime Archaeology Trust as part of the Forgotten wrecks of the First World War Project. Fully funded by the Heritage Lottery, this project coincides with the centenary of the First World War, exploring and raising the profile of the wrecks and related coastal sites along the south coast of England, dating to the First World War.
The maritime war was what made the First World War truly global conflict. Despite the range of nations from every continent involved in the war, actual extent of conflict was quite narrow, mostly in Europe.
Contrast with the extent of naval encounters over the four years of war, and you can see how it was the maritime war that spread war around the globe.
In the Cruiser War, Germany attempted to use its overseas squadrons to threaten Britain’s Empire. The German cruiser Emden caused chaos in the Indian Ocean, sinking 2 Allied warships, sinking or capturing 23 Allied merchant ships, and attacking shore installations in Malaya and India. All in just two months.
Her presence was such a threat that merchant shipping was almost totally stopped, until she was finally destroyed by Australian warship HMAS Syndey in November 1914.
November 1914, in the Pacific, a German cruiser squadron under Admiral Graf von Spee defeated a Royal Navy squadron at the Battle of Coronel; the first RN defeat for a century. Two cruisers were lost with all hands – 1600 men, more than were lost on Hood or Titanic – and their commander Admiral Craddock.
The uproar in Britain and the threat posed by von Spee forced the Navy to despatch two of its most modern battle cruisers, who restored Navy honour by defeating von Spee’s squadron at the Battle of the Falklands where 1900 Germans were killed.
The story of Coronel and the Falklands makes an interesting comparison with the loss of Hood and the pursuit of Bismarck which followed a similar story (public response to loss of Hood, Churchill’s command to sink the Bismarck, the massive redirection of resources to hunt down Bismarck and its eventual loss). The Bismarck story is well known, but the Coronel/Falklands less so.
Most conflict occurred in the North Sea. The Royal Navy tried to maintain a distant blockade of Germany and declared the North Sea a war zone. Merchant traffic was only allowed in via the Dover Straits where it could be searched for contraband. Contraband quickly evolved from military supplies to any supply bound for Germany and soon no maritime trade (including food for the civil population) was allowed into the North Sea. This was an illegal policy according to the 1909 Declaration of London and put Britain at odds with neutral countries.
Most conflict occurred in the North Sea. The Royal Navy tried to maintain a distant blockade of Germany and declared the North Sea a war zone. Merchant traffic was only allowed in via the Dover Straits where it could be searched for contraband. Contraband quickly evolved from military supplies to any supply bound for Germany and soon no maritime trade (including food for the civil population) was allowed into the North Sea. This was an illegal policy according to the 1909 Declaration of London and put Britain at odds with neutral countries.
Most conflict occurred in the North Sea. The Royal Navy tried to maintain a distant blockade of Germany and declared the North Sea a war zone. Merchant traffic was only allowed in via the Dover Straits where it could be searched for contraband. Contraband quickly evolved from military supplies to any supply bound for Germany and soon no maritime trade (including food for the civil population) was allowed into the North Sea. This was an illegal policy according to the 1909 Declaration of London and put Britain at odds with neutral countries.
The blockade also kept the German fleet hemmed in the North Sea and throughout 1914 and 1915 several small skirmishes occurred as each side tried to force a fight on their terms, where they could bring their full fleet to bear on a smaller force.
The blockade also kept the German fleet hemmed in the North Sea and throughout 1914 and 1915 several small skirmishes occurred as each side tried to force a fight on their terms, where they could bring their full fleet to bear on a smaller force.
Eventually this led to the confrontation at Jutland, the largest battleship encounter in history. Many other battles claim to be larger, but in terms of a battleship battle, and in terms of tonnage committed to direct action with one another, Jutland is clear winner over Philippine Sea (1944) and Leyte Gulf (1944).
The battle was somewhat inconclusive. Tactically the Germans won by inflicting more casualties on the Royal Navy than the British did on the German fleet. But strategically the status quo was maintained and Britain maintained command of the North Sea.
Eventually this led to the confrontation at Jutland, the largest battleship encounter in history. Many other battles claim to be larger, but in terms of a battleship battle, and in terms of tonnage committed to direct action with one another, Jutland is clear winner over Philippine Sea (1944) and Leyte Gulf (1944).
The battle was somewhat inconclusive. Tactically the Germans won by inflicting more casualties on the Royal Navy than the British did on the German fleet. But strategically the status quo was maintained and Britain maintained command of the North Sea.
But Germany had a different weapon it could use to break the deadlock. Neither side thought much use would be found for subs, perhaps only as scouts for the fleet.
In September 1914, the German Imperial Navy demonstrated the potential of new technology when one submarine (U-9) sank three British cruisers (Hogue, Abukir and Cressy) in just over an hour. This caught the Royal Navy on the back foot and they were unprepared for this new form of warfare. Whilst their fleet moved to the west side of Scotland in fear of attack, Germany began building more subs for the coming years.
But Germany had a different weapon it could use to break the deadlock. Neither side thought much use would be found for subs, perhaps only as scouts for the fleet.
In September 1914, the German Imperial Navy demonstrated the potential of new technology when one submarine (U-9) sank three British cruisers (Hogue, Abukir and Cressy) in just over an hour. This caught the Royal Navy on the back foot and they were unprepared for this new form of warfare. Whilst their fleet moved to the west side of Scotland in fear of attack, Germany began building more subs for the coming years.
But Germany had a different weapon it could use to break the deadlock. Neither side thought much use would be found for subs, perhaps only as scouts for the fleet.
In September 1914, the German Imperial Navy demonstrated the potential of new technology when one submarine (U-9) sank three British cruisers (Hogue, Abukir and Cressy) in just over an hour. This caught the Royal Navy on the back foot and they were unprepared for this new form of warfare. Whilst their fleet moved to the west side of Scotland in fear of attack, Germany began building more subs for the coming years.
Merchant shipping was particularly at risk. Germany, hamstrung by the blockade imposed by Britain, mounted its own blockade using U-boats, as these could slip past the Royal Navy undetected. The first U-boat penetrated the Dover strait in the 2nd week of August 1914 and they continued to pass through and into the English Channel throughout the war, despite the British attempts to mount a barrage. Germany instigated submarine commerce war three times in the war:
1915: an attempt to target merchant traffic in the hope of forcing Britain to lift its own blockade. Attacks were to be carried out according to rules of war (i.e. giving crew time to abandon ship). Stopped shortly after Lusitania incident.
1916: another attempt to reduce merchant traffic around UK.
In 1917, realising that in order to force Britain out of the war they would need to fully destroy the British merchant fleet, the seas around Britain were declared a war zone. Germany commenced true unrestricted submarine warfare – attacking merchant ships without warning. The maps shows the ‘war zones’ declared by Germany. Note their impact on maritime trade that Britain was reliant on.
And they were very nearly successful. This is a table of British merchant ship losses in the war. In 1917 Britain was losing these vessels at an average of more than 3 a day.
These heavy losses were only turned around by the evolution of new technology and the late introduction of a major tactical change.
USS Alywin firing depth charges, 1918. Depth Charges are famous in the Second World War but were first used in 1915. At first they were a primitive weapon, but prior to their introduction, there had been no effective weapon with which to attack under water targets. By 1917 they had evolved to be more deadly weapons.
Along with depth charges and a range of other technologies, the use of convoys saved Britain’s merchant fleet. The idea of convoys had been rejected earlier in the war. The Royal Navy feared that grouping merchant ships together would make it easier for U-boats to sink them en-masse. In fact, by gathering them in one formation, it made it harder for U-boats to find them, and easier for the Navy to escort them.
The U-boats played a massive role in the war at sea; more than is usually realised. Various authoritative sources place overall losses to U-boats at between 5,800 (post war totals) and 6,800 (total derived from modern records and including losses to mines laid by U-boats, and submarines of the Austro-Hungarian navy). Compare this to approximately 3 to 4 thousand in the Second World War.
And of all the nations involved in the war, it was Britain that suffered the most damage to its fleets. On top of the massive number of merchant vessels, the Royal Navy lost heavily as well.
Notice also the losses of fishing vessels, who had no choice but to continue their work in war time.
It’s very difficult, if not impossible, to put a figure on the number of men lost at sea during the war. Some useful statistics are provided by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. However, it’s important to remember that these are just war losses, so most of the crew of War Knight aren’t listed here, nor are any other victims of accidents deemed to have been hazards of the sea.
The CWGC has records for 15,591 men and women of the Mercantile Marine. 12,185 of these are commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial to Merchant Seamen, but this only lists men and women lost at sea (ie. with no known grave).
Also expanded after Second World War, although the figure on this slide is only First World War losses. 25,564 names are commemorated on the three Royal Naval Memorials to the missing in Portsmouth, Plymouth and Chatham.
Just First World War. It’s impossible to account for all men and women of the RFC or army lost at sea, but Hollybrook Memorial in Southampton lists 1,902 names of soldiers and airman with no known grave.
Total numbers lost at sea (ie. no known grave):
Chatham Naval Memorial: 8,558
Portsmouth Naval Memorial: 9,711
Plymouth Naval Memorial: 7,295
Royal Navy Total: 25,564
Hollybrook Memorial (Soldiers lost at sea): 1,902
Tower Hill Memorial (Merchant Navy): 12,185
Total Total: 39,651
Not all those who died at sea were lost at sea. Many bodies were brought back on damaged warships and still more men and women died of their wounds after sea battles. Many of these casualties were buried on land.
Many merchant seamen are buried ashore; some may have died in land engagements, but this number is expected to be quite small. Charles Fryatt for example was captured at sea, executed by German soldiers in Belgium and reburied in England after the war.
The CWGC lists 50,059 Royal Naval servicemen who died during the war. However, not all of these died at sea. The Jack Clegg Memorial Database of Royal Naval Division Casualties of The Great War lists 10,231 men of the Royal Naval Division, the majority of whom will have died on land in places like the Western Front, Antwerp and Gallipoli. Subtracting this form the CWGC figure arrives at 39,828. 25,564 of these are commemorated on the three Royal Naval Memorials to the missing in Portsmouth, Plymouth and Chatham, suggesting approximately 14,200 Royal Navy servicemen who died at sea are buried ashore in Commonwealth War Graves. Merchant losses take the total to over 17,000.
Total deaths in war at sea (rounded up):
Royal Navy: 50,000 minus 10,200 = 39,800
Merchant Navy: 15,500
Other services: 1,900
Total: 57,200
A few considerations: These are commonwealth figures, not just Britain. Although the vast majority commemorated are men, some women appear on these memorials. Wilhelmina Burton, a stewardess on the South Western, is commemorated at Tower Hill for instance. Also, these are just WWI figures. The memorials also contain names from other wars, so the total number of names on each of the memorials is considerably higher.
Statistics of the military effort of the British Empire during the Great War, 1914-1920, published by The War Office in 1920, gives figures obtained from a “report published by a Majority Socialist organ, Berlin, 6th January, 1920.” These give the following totals:
Casualties in the Navy: 78,342, including 21,112 killed.
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