The Battle of Jutland Overview 31 May–1 June 1916

The British Battle Fleet was determined to prevent the Germans from achieving a successful outcome at the Battle of Jutland (31 May–1 June). German success would end the British blockade of goods to Germany, as well as enabling them to get access to the Atlantic. By 9.00 pm on the 31 May, after a stalemate where both sides had incurred extensive loss of lives and ships, the German fleet commander, Vice-Admiral Scheer, attempted to return to port in Germany. During the night of 1 June, with the weather deteriorating, the fleet of the British commander, Admiral Jellicoe, followed the German fleet to block Scheer’s entry to Horn’s Reef. Both sides ended up engaging in torpedo exchanges. Scheer managed to pass through Horn’s Reef and back to Germany. On June 2, the Germans declared themselves the victors, as they lost less ships and men than the British.