Originally protected by a series of block ships and assorted large items and concrete blocks, this wasn't wholly successful as demonstrated by the sinking of the Royal Oak by U-47. As a result, Churchill decided on a more permanent solution.
The result was a series of 5 barriers to close the approaches.Started in 140, they were finally completed in 1944. As they were built by Italian prisoners of war, and as prisoners of war were not supposed to be used to built military works, they were listed as 'improving communictions' and roads were put on top of 4 of them.
Note Wikipaedia claims only 4 were built - forgetting about the one that didn't get a road!
The barriers themselves don't look like much - basically causeways that have closed off direct entry to the sea.
Quite a few of the blockship remains are still present.
Sorry about the photo quality - coach windows in the way!
Interesting - I'm hoping to get there soon myself.
ReplyDeleteWe did it staying nights at John O'Groats and Maxi Day Trip across in between. Went well.
DeleteThat's another one to add to the bucket list. Never thought of it before.
ReplyDeleteYou can tell it's a summer visit as you can nearly see the sun!
Quite a few things of interest - the trip is worth while
DeleteMy son has it beat though - he's dived Scapa twice!
Interesting. Bit like shutting the barn door after.... but if there are inhabitants on any of the islets I'm sure they appreciate the causeways.
ReplyDeleteIt had a few negative aspects - seems that joining up some of the islands was the incentive for younger people to leave!
DeleteIn hindsight, perhaps should have been done earlier, but at least it relieved the boredom for the POWs!