This is a story of sea power

The Battle of the River Plate

Poster for movie, The Battle of the River Plate.
Skyline of Mgarr Harbour, Gozo.

In the early months of World War II the German battleship, Admiral Graf Spee, threatens Allied shipping. Leading the British Royal Navy to deploy hunting groups to stop it. After a fierce battle off South America damages both sides, the Graf Spee takes refuge in Montevideo, Uruguay. Deceived by British misinformation about imminent reinforcements, Captain Hans Langsdorff ultimately orders the scuttling of his ship to prevent further loss of life, earning respect from his adversaries for his humane decision.

Released


1956

Directed


Michael Powell
Emeric Pressburger

Starring

John Gregson
Anthony Quayle
Peter Finch

The producers were fortunate enough to have access to many ships from the Royal Navy’s Mediterranean Fleet, including the HMS Sheffield, which played HMS Ajax.

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