Aerial View of the Mole with Scuttled Naval Ships Intrepid and Iphigenia

This remarkable aerial photograph, taken in 1918, shows the aftermath of the Zeebrugge Raid with the scuttled British blockships HMS Intrepid and HMS Iphigenia lying across the entrance of the Mole harbour. This view is from above.

A Rare 1918 Aerial Photograph of the Zeebrugge Mole

These vessels were deliberately sunk during the daring allied assault on St George’s Day 1918, forming part of a bold plan to block the Bruges Canal and disrupt German U‑boat operations along the Belgian coast.

This photograph, taken in 1918, shows an aerial view of the Mole off the coast of Zeebrugge with the scuttled naval vessels HMS Intrepid and HMS Iphigenia during the Zeebrugge Raid.


Scuttle Ships Intrepid and Iphigenia during the Zeebrugge Raid

The Blockship Plan and the Fate of HMS Thetis

The Zeebrugge Raid relied on three end-of-the-line cruisers — HMS Thetis, HMS Intrepid, and HMS Iphigenia — repurposed as blockships. Their mission was to enter the narrow canal entrance and scuttle themselves in place, stopping German vessels from accessing the open sea.

However, the plan did not unfold as intended. HMS Thetis, leading the formation, became entangled in German defence nets stretched across the harbour. Immobilised and under fire, she was unable to reach her designated scuttling point, forcing the remaining ships to continue without her.

Intrepid and Iphigenia Reach the Mole Harbour

Despite intense artillery fire from German gun batteries along the Mole, HMS Intrepid and HMS Iphigenia pushed onwards. Both vessels were laden with concrete to ensure they would sink rapidly and remain immovable once scuttled.

Explosive charges were lit to hasten the sinking. 

Incredibly, the sailors escaped in small motor launches and made their way back to the supporting ship HMS Invincible, surviving what was effectively a one‑way mission.

Closing the Harbour: The Impact of the Blockships

Once sunk, the two blockships created a barrier across the Mole harbour entrance. Their presence temporarily hampered German naval movement, forcing U‑boats and destroyers to seek alternative routes.

However, the obstruction was temporary. Within a short time, German engineers dredged a new channel around the wrecks, restoring access to the Bruges Canal. Even so, the raid had significant symbolic value and was celebrated in Britain as an act of great bravery.

The Ships Behind the Mission

Both Intrepid and Iphigenia were second‑class cruisers weighing around 3,600 tons each. By 1918, they were considered expendable, making them ideal candidates for the blockship operation. HMS Intrepid had previously served as a minelayer, deploying naval mines in earlier stages of the war.

HMS Iphigenia had also seen long service and was nearing the end of her operational life. But their final mission at Zeebrugge ensured their place in naval history.

Relevant Links on the Zeebrugge Raid 1918

View the photo gallery menu of the Zeebrugge Raid 1918
A historical overview of the Zeebrugge Raid in 1918

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View Further Images Relating to the Zeebrugge Raid

German guns in camouflaged bunkers on the Mole
HMS Vindictive prior to scuttling
Scuttled HMS Intrepid and Iphigenia in the Mole
Bomb damaged submarine shelters on the Mole
Bomb damage to the Mole after the Zeebrugge Raid