Anstruther in Fife, Scotland, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)
The "Battle" of May Island
Photographed by Brandon Fletcher, April 5, 2011
1. The "Battle" of May Island Marker
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 these topic lists: War, World I • Waterways & Vessels. 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,
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Scotland’s Kingdom of Fife. Globally, it is on the Atlantic Ocean, in the North Atlantic Region, in Europe, on the Celtic Fringe, in Atlantic Europe, on one of the British Isles, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere.
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).
Photographed by Brandon Fletcher, April 5, 2011
2. The "Battle" of May Island Marker
Photographed by Brandon Fletcher, April 5, 2011
3. The "Battle" of May Island Marker
Photographed by Brandon Fletcher, April 5, 2011
4. Commemoration Isle of May Marker
To commemorate those members of the ships' companies of His Majesty's submarines K4 & K17 who gave their lives in the service of their country off the Isle of May on 31st January 1918
Photographed by Brandon Fletcher, April 5, 2011
5. Anstruther Coast looking toward the Isle of May
Isle of May (yellow arrow)
Photographed by Brandon Fletcher, April 5, 2011
6. Isle of May
In the distance (yellow arrow)
Photographed by Brandon Fletcher, April 5, 2011
7. Anstruther Town
Credits. This page was last revised on May 31, 2024. It was originally submitted on September 23, 2015, by Brandon Fletcher of Chattanooga, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 630 times since then and 58 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.
