British Fleet WWI The British Navy used Scapa Flow as its main base in WWI and was the scene of several dramatic event. The ships taking part in the Battle Jutland were mostly based here. In 1916 HMS Hampshire, carrying Kitchener to Russia, hit a mine and sank off Marwick Head, while in 1917 HMS Vanguard blew up at her moorings due to an internal explosion. coaling ship HMS Furious HMS Furious HMS Hampshire HMS Ironduke Battle of Jutland Kitchener 1916 Marwick Head HMS Royal Oak HMS Royal Oak Shorts 184 HMS Vanguard