August's Item of the Month: Heligoland Bight

Important information for visitors

Until summer 2025, there is a new visitor route at the National Maritime Museum while we carry out essential improvements to the Museum's roof. Most galleries will still be open as normal, and special exhibitions are currently free for all visitors. However, the Great Map and AHOY! will be closed for the duration of the works. Find out more.

Essential Information

Location	National Maritime Museum

04 Aug 2014

August's Item of the month looks at the opening naval clash of the First World War, the battle of Heligoland Bight, as seen through the personal papers of David Richard Beatty, first Earl Beatty (1871-1936). Beatty commanded the prestigious, fast and powerful First Battle Cruiser Squadron. While the battle was a morale boosting success over part of the German Imperial navy, the British fleet also encountered poor visibility, bad communication, equipment failures and confusion. One young Lieutenant, George Hatch, helped rescue 348 German sailors from the sinking light cruiser, Mainz. He drew a picture of what he saw for his cousin. It provides a personal and contrasting view to Beatty's strategic analysis of the battle. Take up the story with August's item of the month