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Notes

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This painting depicts the largest gathering of warships at any point in history before or since. The Royal Navy ensured that defeat of the enemy was total by insisting on the complete surrender and destruction of the German fleet. This scene shows the moment when the Grand Fleet proceeded to meet the German High Seas Fleet, escorting them to Scapa Flow, Orkney, to be scuttled on 21st June 1919.

Sir Arthur Balfour, the First Lord of the Admiralty, gave permission for the artist to cruise in Royal Navy ships during this time. Although not an official war artist during the First World War, Wyllie had access to many naval bases which informed his works.