Monday, 14 March 2016

Gun Barrel with Firing Mechanism on the Mole Coast near Zeebrugge

This detailed photograph shows the gun barrel, firing mechanism and mounting bolts used by German servicemen in the 1918 Zeebrugge Raid. The Mole coast off Zeebrugge can be seen in the background.

The image below shows the German Gun Emplacement used in the Zeebrugge Raid. Image bottom shows a detailed view of the firing mechanism.




Background on the Zeebrugge Raid

To bring context to the photograph shown, I shall provide a little background.

On St George's Day 1918, the German occupied ports of Zeebrugge and Ostend were stormed by the British Forces. To this point, the German flotilla and taken siege over the English Channel, sinking allied ships. England was starving and British condemnation gathered, for these sinkings seemed to be indiscriminate, particularly after the sinking of the Cunard liner, Lusitania on 7 May 1915.

Sentinels on the Bruges Coast


Prime minister, David Lloyd George agreed on a system where the Grand Fleet would shadow merchant ships across perilous waters. But further sinkings would occur. The situation seemed to be stalemate. Thus, a daring mission to raid the German U-boasts was planned. Here, allied forces converged on a common mission. These forces consisted of those of the sea; the Naval Air Service, the Royal Navy and the Royal Marines.


The German Gun Emplacement Looking out at the British Channel

The photos show the sort of equipment the Germans used to watch the coast. Notice the eyepiece on this heavy gun emplacement, the gun shield breech lights, positioning mechanism and firing apparatus. This is what the British were up against.

The links below lead to further reading.

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