The sinking of the RMS Britannic is an incredible piece of history that every student should be taught. On November 21, 1916, the Britannic, the sister ship of the Titanic, sank in the Aegean Sea. While the Titanic is a well-known shipwreck, the Britannic’s story is often overshadowed, despite the fact that it’s a fascinating and educational event to study. As such, here are some points to consider when teaching students about how the Britannic sank.
1. Background information
It’s important to provide some background information about the Britannic before going into its sinking. The ship was built to be a luxurious ocean liner, but like its sister ship, the Titanic, the Britannic was pressed into wartime service as a hospital ship. It was the largest ship to serve in this capacity at the time, and it was painted in white with red crosses to signify its status as a medical vessel. Students should know about the ship’s size, capacity, and the nature of its service during wartime.
2. Causes of the sinking
Students should be aware that although the Britannic was designed to be safer than the Titanic, it still sank. The actual causes of the sinking are still up for debate, but there are several theories that students can explore. Some theories suggest that a German mine caused the sinking, while others argue that it was torpedoed by a German U-boat. Regardless of the cause, students should be taught about the safety features that failed to save the ship.
3. The impact of the sinking
The sinking of the Britannic had a significant impact on the war effort and the world. The loss of life was much lower than the Titanic, with just 30 fatalities, but it still had a profound effect on the war. The Britannic was the largest vessel to be sunk in the First World War, and the tragedy brought about changes in international law regarding naval warfare. Students should be taught about the consequences of the sinking and how it changed the course of history.
4. Lessons learned
The sinking of the Britannic provides valuable lessons for students to learn. Its story can teach students about the consequences of war, the impact of technological advancement, the importance of safety regulation and the dangers of overconfidence. Additionally, students can learn about the value of teamwork, leadership, and emergency planning. The Britannic’s sinking provides a wealth of resources and historical context to explore in the classroom.
