11 November marks the end of the First World War with the signing of an Armistice between the Allied Powers and Germany. The terms of the Armistice came into effect at 11am – the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. This brought the fighting to an end and suspended hostilities until a peace treaty had been signed.
From a naval perspective, the greatest victory came 10 days later with the surrender of the German High Seas Fleet. Operation ZZ, the code name for the surrender of the German Navy took place on the morning of 21 November, 1918. Der Tag or ‘The Day’ saw the largest gathering of warships the world had ever seen. There was no battle. Germany delivered her warships to the British without a shot being fired.
These artefacts from the Museum’s collection provide a snapshot view of the time at sea and then later at home. Click on each image to enlarge it and read more about it.
More to explore.
Clothing in the Collection
Collections Assistant Lori has been working hard on a project to rehouse the museum’s extensive clothing collection.
New Collection Items – Autumn 2024
Uncovering the latest acquisitions to the collection.
First Aid at Sea in the Second World War
Medical personnel played a vital role at sea during the Second World War.
Vietnam War Propaganda Leaflets – Artefact Unpacked
We uncover some Vietnam war propaganda leaflets.
Grave Marker – Artefact Unpacked
Uncover a 178-year-old Grave Marker donated to the Navy Museum.
The Wartime Artwork of Owen (Miles) Spence
A selection of drawings from Owen (Miles) Spence from the Navy Museum collection.
New Collection Items – Winter 2023
View a selection of new items added to the Collection during Winter 2023.
Looking back on the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II
Looking back on coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.
New Collection Items – Autumn 2023
View a selection of new items added to the Collection.
Fleet Air Arm Flight Jacket
Artefact Unpacked – Fleet Air Arm jacket made from leather and sheepskin.