The Blocking of Zeebrugge: Operation Z-O 1918

On the night of 22-23 April 1918 the Royal Navy carried out a raid on the German held ports of Zeebrugge and Ostend operation Z-O. Under the cover of clouds and smoke, over 70 ships and an assault force of 1,800 Royal Marines embarked on a daring mission which involved a vicious battle of incredible intensity. However, despite the gallant and courageous efforts of the attackers, 11 of whom were later awarded the Victoria Cross, the raid was only partly successful. Discover the successess and failures of this dramatic operation in this in-depth account, and how the raid demonstrated to Germany that Britain was still capable of offensive action, even as its armies were forced back.