New book highlights Shetland’s role in WW1

A NEW book recognising the role Shetland played in determining the outcome of the First World War will be launched in the isles next month.

 Naval historian Steve Dunn will give a lecture in the Shetland Museum and Archives on Saturday 14 May, starting at 2pm.

Dunn’s book Blockade; cruiser warfare and the starvation of Germany in World War One, uses first-hand accounts to provide insight into the long-running battle, which saw the Navy deny Germany access to the sea, to trade and vital raw material.

The book focuses specifically on the little-known story of the 10th Cruiser Squadron, based in Shetland, which was largely manned by Royal Navy Reservists (RNR) and merchant seaman volunteers.

“This wasn’t a fashionable campaign and it didn’t receive much publicity at the time and is almost forgotten today,” said Dunn.

“And yet it was one of the largest and most sophisticated undertakings of the First World War.

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“It literally starved the German people and military into submission, forcing the world’s preeminent land force to seek an armistice.”

Operating from a forward base at Swarbacks Minn, the 10th Cruiser Squadron patrolled the North Atlantic and the northern North Sea, on the lookout for ships day and night, challenging all it found.

Dunn said: “It feels fitting that the book is actually being launched in Shetland and for me it will be an emotional journey to make.

“It was a challenging and moving story to write, but hopefully it will help to make sure that those involved in the Northern Blockage get the recognition they deserve.”

Admission charges will go towards the museum’s funds. Tickets are £3 and are available online at www.thelittleboxoffice.com/smaa or at Shetland Museum and Archives reception, telephone 01595 741562.