German Sailors in Hampton Roads: A World War I Story at the Norfolk Navy Yard

Download or read book German Sailors in Hampton Roads: A World War I Story at the Norfolk Navy Yard written by Gregory J. Hansard and published by History Press Library Editions. This book was released on 2018-03-05 with total page 130 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: During World War I, two German surface raiders sought harbor to make repairs at Hampton Roads after sinking twenty-five merchant ships. Allied ships nearby kept them from leaving, so more than eight hundred German sailors took up residence at the Norfolk Navy Yard in Portsmouth, Virginia. They built their own miniature German village, visited family and friends and attended social events in the community. Their presence made the shipyard a major tourist area before the United States entered the war. Historian Gregory J. Hansard presents the fascinating story of how Hampton Roads was a haven of safety for German sailors during World War I.