Plan of the Zeebrugge Raid, 23 April 1918 RMG PV1015

Plan of the Zeebrugge Raid, 23 April 1918
Titled by the artist, lower right, 'time chart N II / Situation at 0010' and bearing many other identtifying inscriptions. This is a good representation of the position, soon after midnight on 23 April 1918, of the British forces involved in the raid on Zeebrugge aimed at blocking the Bruges Canal. The large dredger and German destroyers that were berthed on the inside of the curving mole are not shown. The plan was drawn some time after the event. Wyllie has added the name 'Captain R R Rosoman DSO / Guernsey' in pencil at bottom right of the drawing. At the time of the planning of the raid Lieutenant-Commander R. C. S. Rosoman was the 1st Lieutenant of HMS 'Vindictive' (which is shown being held alongside the mole by the 'Daffodil' in the centre) and was responsible for the installation of all of the extra fixtures and fittings needed. During the actual raid he was shot in both ankles but refused to leave the conning tower. He was awarded the DSO and promoted to Commander for his part in the planning and execution of the raid. A contemporary letter written by Rosoman is reproduced in full on pages 53 to 59 of the book 'The Zeebrugge Raid' by Philip Warner (pub. William Kimber, 1978: ISBN 0 7183 0056 4).