Introduction

The Battle of Jutland took place between the British Grand Fleet and the German High Seas Fleet on the 31st May 1916 in the North Sea, off the mainland of Denmark.

Although it was the only major naval battle of World War I, it became the largest sea battle in naval warfare history in terms of the numbers of battleships and battlecruisers engaged, bringing together the two most powerful naval forces in existence at that time.

You can follow the events of the Battle of Jutland step-by-step using maps, graphics, photographs and animations on how the battle unfolded. As well as a description of the events that took place, we will also be trying to explain the actions of Admiral Sir John Jellicoe, commander of the British Grand Fleet.

Why - despite leading the most powerful naval force in the world - did Admiral Jellicoe turn away from the German High Seas Fleet at the Battle of Jutland?