During the First World War, German U-boats terrorized Allied shipping across the North Sea and Atlantic, sinking vital supply ships and threatening Britain with starvation. To combat this deadly menace, the British Royal Navy launched one of the most daring operations of the war — the Zeebrugge Raid of April 23, 1918.
The Belgian port of Zeebrugge was a key German submarine base. From here, U-boats slipped into the English Channel, striking Allied shipping routes. The Royal Navy devised a bold plan: block the canal by sinking obsolete ships filled with concrete, preventing the U-boats from accessing the sea.
On St. George’s Day 1918, British forces attacked Zeebrugge in a combined assault. Old cruisers such as HMS Thetis, HMS Intrepid, and HMS Iphigenia were packed with explosives and scuttled at the harbor entrance. Simultaneously, storming parties of Royal Marines and sailors landed on the massive German-held mole, drawing fire and causing chaos.
Though the raid came at a heavy cost, it was a morale-boosting success. While the canal was not completely sealed, the obstruction hindered U-boat operations and showcased Allied determination. For their bravery, eight Victoria Crosses were awarded, cementing Zeebrugge’s place in military history as one of the war’s most audacious actions.
This documentary explores the planning, execution, and aftermath of the Zeebrugge Raid — a story of courage, sacrifice, and ingenuity in the face of Germany’s deadly U-boat threat.
