HMS 'Vindictive' at Zeebrugge, 23 April 1918
Image information
HMS 'Vindictive' at Zeebrugge, 23 April 1918
The Zeebrugge Raid, which took place on the night of 23 April 1918, was a British attempt to neutralise this key Belgian port, then in use by the German navy as a base for their U-boats and light shipping, and consequently posing a threat in the North Sea and Channel. It was first proposed in 1917 but only effected (after an aborted first attempt) in late April 1918 based on a plan devised by Admiral Sir Roger Keyes. The intention was to prevent use of the harbour by sinking three old cruisers filled with concrete in it ('Thetis', 'Intrepid' and 'Iphigenia') and also doing this to block the entrance to the feeder canal from Bruges. The 'Vindictive' was intended to make a diversionary attack against the Mole enclosing the harbour, then land a force of marines and cover them in an attempt to silence German guns, while two old submarines were exploded under the landward causeway to the Mole to prevent its reinforcement. Because a change of wind made a planned smokescreeen ineffective, 'Vindictive' came under very heavy fire and was forced to put men ashore in the wrong place with the result that German artillery was not silenced either by the marines or her own guns (the ship having been refitted with mortars, flame-throwers and howitzers for such close-range action).
Object number: BHC0669
Artist: Charles John de Lacy
Size: 840 mm x 990 mm
Date: circa 1918
- Image reference: BHC0669
- National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Discover more
More by this artist
Search for similar images
Product images of HMS 'Vindictive' at Zeebrugge, 23 April 1918
Our prints
We use a 240gsm fine art paper and premium branded inks to create the perfect reproduction.
Our expertise and use of high-quality materials means that our print colours are independently verified to last between 100 and 200 years.
Read more about our fine art prints.
Manufactured in the UK
All products are printed in the UK, using the latest digital presses and a giclée printmaking process.
We only use premium branded inks, and colours are independently verified to last between 100 and 200 years.
Delivery & returns
We print everything to order so delivery times may vary but all unframed prints are despatched within 2-4 days via courier or recorded mail.
Due to the coronovirus pandemic and Brexit situation, current shipping times may be longer, particularly for destinations outside the UK.
Delivery to the UK is £5 for an unframed print of any size.
We will happily replace your order if everything isn’t 100% perfect.