Anstruther in Fife, Scotland, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)
The "Battle" of May Island
On the night of January 31st 1918, a disaster took place just a few miles off Anstruther when the British Grand Fleet left Rosyth for exercises in the North Sea. With wartime news restrictions in force, few if any people onshore were aware of this. At speed and without navigation lights and in radio silence, the leading column of submarines encountered two minesweepers also operating without lights and completely unaware of the Fleet's movements.
In the ensuing confusion two submarines, the K4 and K17, were rammed and sunk with the loss of 108 lives. Four other submarines and a cruiser were severely damaged. Relatives were merely informed that their loved ones were lost on active service.
They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, We will remember them.
Erected by Fife Council.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, World I. In addition, it is included in the Lost at Sea series list. A significant historical date for this entry is January 31, 1918.
Location. 56° 13.302′ N, 2° 41.815′ W. Marker is in Anstruther, Scotland, in Fife. Marker is on East Shore just east of Haddfoot Wynd, on the right when traveling east. The marker is located directly across the street from the tourist information office. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Anstruther, Scotland KY10 3AB, United Kingdom. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 4 other markers are within 14 kilometers of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Lofty Beginnings (approx. 14.3 kilometers away); A Religious Powerhouse (approx. 14.3 kilometers away); The Many Faces of St Andrews Castle (approx. 14.6 kilometers away); Patrick Hamilton (approx. 14.6 kilometers away).
Credits. This page was last revised on January 27, 2022. It was originally submitted on September 23, 2015, by Brandon Fletcher of Chattanooga, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 409 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on September 23, 2015, by Brandon Fletcher of Chattanooga, Tennessee. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.