Scapa Flow: The Reminiscences of Men and Women Who Served in Scapa Flow in the Two World Wars

by Malcolm Brown, Patricia Meehan

Scapa Flow, a vast, natural harbour in the Orkney Islands, served as the Royal Navy’s main base during the two world wars, from where ships sailed to the Battle of Jutland in the First and in convoy to northern Russia in the Second. Thousands of men and women saw service in and around this remote anchorage, including soldiers and sailors who crewed the ships and manned the lonely batteries, and Wrens, nurses and civilians who were posted there. Scapa Flow brings together their memories – the bleak isolation, its implacable winds and glorious sunsets, the camaraderie and good humour – forming a compelling portrait of a unique war station that left its mark on all who served there.

Genres: History

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1968

About the author

Malcolm Brown is a best-selling popular military historian. Originally a television producer specialising in military documentaries, he has been a freelance historian at the Imperial War Museum since 1989. Brown has researched and written extensively on the First and Second World Wars. He is a regular contributor to BBC History Magazine, and lives in Reading.

Reviews

[Pam Baddeley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this history of the remote base in the Orkneys, used by the Royal Navy in both World Wars, and told through the recollections of ordinary people who served there (the book was reprinted from the late 1960s). It brought to life the hardships and also the way life was lived aboard the various ships of the time. So a well deserved 5 stars.

[Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book, providing a detailed history of the Royal Navy’s major fleet anchorage during both World Wars. Rarely are actual naval bases written about, more often it is the story of the Sailors, the Ships, or the battles which we read. This book is unique in that the central character is the large body of water, and the islands surrounding it, which was the home of the Royal Navy’s main battle fleet in both World Wars. The book covers all the main elements, to include the weather, the geography, descriptions of life ashore & afloat, and many other sundry aspects of a Fleet Anchorage. The words of those who were there make up most of the work, the author making very heavy use of memoirs, journals, and letters. Through these words you can understand the many emotions that Scapa caused to the Sailors, Soldiers, and Airman stationed there. As Scapa plays such an important role in 20th century naval history, it was great to read a book that had the place itself as the center of the story. A great book for any naval history buff. Highly recommended for those wanting to better understand how a fleet’s Anchorage will play a role on the fighting crews’ character and outlook.

[Ian Manson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the recollections from a military history stand point but, as someone who grew up in the northen isles, it's the little details that really raise this book up to exceptional.

So much of what they experienced of life in Orkney resonates - modern travellers will find that crossing the Pentland firth is still largely the same, much to their discomfort.

[Martin Noutch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent popular history spanning 1914-1945, told largely through a wide range of first-hand accounts.

[Rick Long · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book on the monotony, desolation and occasional horrors of wartime life in Scarpa

[Martin Empson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent oral history.

[Chris S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this while travelling around Orkney last summer.

I got interested in Scapa Flow after reading about it in relation to WW2 and 'cos it's mentioned in a song by a band I like ('British Sea Power' ... can't remember the name of the song - 'carrion'???). Anyway, this is an interesting overview of Scapa and some of the interviews by people that ere based there during the two world wars are fascinating.

[Richard Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

More than a history of a special area, this goes into detail on a unique place in Britain