Hindenburg visits the Mole after the Raid - he also met some British prisoners - see below
But Keyes was convinced the Raid had been a success and most of his supporters and allies agreed with him. The
evidence certainty seems to support his view of events. Aerial photographs taken soon afterwards showed two of the blockships in position across the mouth of the canal preventing it from being used by
homeward bound German submarines. It was later discovered that several German submarines and motor torpedo boats had been trapped in the canal and had remained there for the rest of the War. Even after the
War the Liverpool Salvage Company, with the most modern equipment, took more than twelve months to clear the canal.
After the Raid, an aerial shot, showing the three bock ships scuttled across the canal entrance
Immediately after the Raid the Germans issued a variety of propaganda stories, alleging that the Raid had not achieved its objectives and that German engineers had quickly been able to clear a
route around the block ships. The Kaiser awarded bravery medals to many of the Zeebrugge defenders, claiming the operation as a German victory. This German version of events was accepted by many people,
particularly those in England who had supported Admiral Bacon and disapproved of the young Admiral Keyes' aggressive action. It was a view held by many senior officers at the time, that strong action against
the Germans was to be discouraged, since it would only provoke damaging counter attacks.
British prisoners lined up on the Mole, the morning after the Raid
The effect of the Raid on the people in England was immediate and positive; the whole nation rejoiced in Keyes's
success. The British Army which had born the brunt of the War effort and suffered years of slaughter in France had finally been joined in combat by Royal Navy. A decisive blow had been struck against the
German U-boat fleet which had been threatening to starve Britain out of the War. Morale across the country rose dramatically and Keyes was a national hero overnight.
The day after
the Raid the King sent Keyes a message saying 'I most heartily congratulate you and the forces under your command who carried out last night's operation with such success. The splendid gallantry displayed
by all under exceptionally hazardous circumstances fills me with pride and admiration'.
