description HMS Royal Oak Overview
HMS Royal Oak was a Revenge-class battleship of the British Royal Navy that served in both world wars. On 14 October 1939, the German submarine U-47 penetrated the defenses of Scapa Flow and torpedoed the ship at anchor, causing it to sink with the loss of 833 crew members. The wreck remains in Scapa Flow as a protected war grave and is marked by a memorial ceremony held above it each year.
insights Ranking position
HMS Royal Oak ranks #44 of 186 in the Shipwreck ranking, behind USAT Liberty, ahead of USS Gambier Bay (CVE-73).
help HMS Royal Oak FAQ
How did U-47 get into Scapa Flow and sink HMS Royal Oak?
German submarine U-47, commanded by Günther Prien, slipped through the defenses of Scapa Flow during the night of 13 to 14 October 1939. Its torpedoes struck Royal Oak while the battleship was anchored, and the ship capsized and sank rapidly.
How many people died when HMS Royal Oak sank?
The sinking killed 833 members of Royal Oak's crew. Many of those lost were young sailors, and the wreck remains their final resting place.
Can recreational divers visit the HMS Royal Oak wreck?
No ordinary recreational diving is permitted because Royal Oak is a protected war grave in Scapa Flow. Authorized teams may visit it for tasks such as archaeological surveys, environmental monitoring, or removing oil from the hull.
Did HMS Royal Oak fight in the First World War?
Yes. The Revenge-class battleship entered service during the First World War and fought at the Battle of Jutland in 1916 before serving again in 1939.
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