On 5 June 1916, HMS Hampshire left the Royal Navy’s anchorage at Scapa Flow, Orkney, bound for Russia. The Secretary of State for War, Lord Kitchener, was on board as part of a diplomatic and military mission aimed at boosting Russia’s efforts on the Eastern Front.
At about quarter to nine in the evening, in stormy conditions and within two miles of Orkney’s northwest shore, she struck a mine laid by German submarine U-75. Only twelve survived.
The full lists of names of those who were lost on both vessels, along with the list of survivors, are listed on this website.
Go to our Casualties page to see the individual lists. Further information and updates on progress can be found on our blog:
kitchenerhampshire.wordpress.com
Any relatives of those who were lost who would like to get in touch, or anyone with any enquiries please email:
or write to Orkney Heritage Society, PO Box 6220, Kirkwall, KW15 9AD.
The Award honours work which deepens understanding of maritime issues and particularly Britain’s dependence on the sea.
‘HMS Hampshire: A Century of Myths and Mysteries Unravelled’
To help commemorate the centenary, twelve authors with local knowledge have pooled their expertise to sort fact from fiction with an objective review of the many books, press cuttings and copious unpublished records now available.
The book is now available for sale online from the Orkney Heritage Society’s online bookshop. The proceeds from this publication, including the authors’ royalties, will go to the Orkney Heritage Society for the Kitchener-HMS Hampshire Memorial Refurbishment Project.
Reviews:
“This is a terrific piece of deeply felt work. Buy it, borrow it, steal it if you must, – but read it! The people of the HAMPSHIRE and of Birsay deserve no less.”
Rear Admiral John Burgess, RN, in ‘The Naval Review’.
“A magnificent historiography, bridging the gulf between local and national history.”
Dr Ray Fereday
“Succeeds in its goal admirably, deserves a place on any bookshelf.”
Sigurd Towrie
“An in-depth study, highly recommended.”
Cdr. John Bingeman
“A darned good read.”
Professor Tom Stevenson
