A string of mines was set by the Germans near Cayton Bay as part of the plan to bombard Scarborough in World War One. Dr David Pendleton described the resulting devastation to shipping, some of the ships and sailors involved, and the ongoing research.

At least 20 ships hit mines in a 4 month period. 135 lives were lost but only 5 were buried on land.  As David described it most had “no known grave but the sea”.

There were some lighter moments in David’s talk. The captain of the Orianda was livid that his beloved record collection went down with the ship. Irishman James O’Toole first words after rescue from the cold sea were, “Anyone got a fag?”

David looked at the nationalities of the crews. The majority were British but nearly one fifth were described as Indian. Those sailors lost are commemorated on monuments around the world including the magnificent Minnehallen in Norway.

David is confident that more wrecks will be identified with the help of modern seabed surveys and the Scarborough Sub Aqua Club.

The vote of thanks was given by Bro Chris Langley.