This film is part of Free
Sinking of the Lusitania
The tragic fate of the once-glorious ocean liner and its aftermath.
Overview
The torpedoing of RMS Lusitania by a German U-boat was one of the most horrific incidents at sea of WWI. This Gaumont Graphic newsreel was presumably released soon after. Older footage of the formerly glorious liner on the ocean is followed by poignant scenes of the aftermath: the chaos at Cunard's offices as relatives await news, pictures of rescued officers and the first survivors to reach London.
The Lusitania, at one point the world's largest passenger ship, was hit by a German U-boat off the coast of Ireland on 7 May 1915. She sank in just 18 minutes, with the loss of 1,198 lives.
Related
American Liner "Lusitania" Entering New York Harbour American Liner "Lusitania" Entering New York Harbour
Non-Fiction 1911 0 mins Silent
This stunningly-photographed newsreel item captures the majestic but ill-fated RMS Lusitania in happier days.
John Bull's Animated Sketchbook No. 4 John Bull's Animated Sketchbook No. 4
Animation & Artists Moving Image 1915 5 mins Silent
An animated recreation of the sinking of the Lusitania is the centrepiece of this pioneering mix of comedy, satire and outrage in cartoon propaganda.
Anti-German Riots in Liverpool following the Loss of 'Lusitania' Anti-German Riots in Liverpool following the Loss of 'Lusitania'
Non-Fiction 1915 2 mins Silent
Newsreel footage captures the aftermath of riots in Liverpool following the sinking of Cunard liner 'the Lusy' during WWI.
Funeral of the Lusitania Victims Funeral of the Lusitania Victims
Non-Fiction 1915 2 mins Silent
Queenstown (Cobh), County Cork, mourns the dead of one of WWI's greatest maritime tragedies.
Remember the Lusitania Remember the Lusitania
Non-Fiction 1916 2 mins Silent Location: Hyde Park
Remembrance is used to fuel anti-German feeling in London on the first anniversary of the sinking of RMS Lusitania.
Lusitania Day Lusitania Day
Non-Fiction 1916 1 mins Silent
One year on from the tragic sinking of RMS Lusitania, the 1198 dead are remembered with grief and anger.
Starve Acre - Exclusive Q&A Starve Acre - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 24 mins
Daniel Kokotajlo talks to Nia Childs about Starve Acre, his folk horror about a couple digging deep into grief in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.
Sky Peals - Exclusive Q&A Sky Peals - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 30 mins
Sky Peals director Moin Hussain and lead actor Faraz Ayub talk to Tomisin Adepeju about their magic realist drama.
Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell
Documentary 2024 42 mins
Documentary exploring the BFI National Archive’s role in rediscovering and remastering the early films of Michael Powell.
Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels
Short documentary 2024 12 mins
Bryony Dixon, curator of silent film at the BFI national archive, explores the origins of a series of comic travelogues, and Michael Powell's involvement in making them.
New Perspectives: Oldboy New Perspectives: Oldboy
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Discover why Dan George of Northumbria University believes everyone should experience Oldboy at least once.
New Perspectives: Wings of Desire New Perspectives: Wings of Desire
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Trixie Parkin-Christie of Northumbria University offers fresh insight into why Wings of Desire remains essential viewing.