Reinhard Scheer

Scheer commanded the German High Seas Fleet at the Battle of Jutland, the largest naval battle of World War I. His fleet inflicted heavier losses on the British Grand Fleet but was forced to retreat. Scheer's tactical handling prevented a decisive British victory but failed to break the blockade.

Scheer, as Chief of the Naval Staff, advocated for the resumption of unrestricted U-boat warfare in January 1917. He argued it would starve Britain into submission within six months. This decision led to the entry of the United States into World War I in April 1917.

Scheer, as Chief of the Naval Staff, ordered the scuttling of the German High Seas Fleet at Scapa Flow on 21 June 1919. This was to prevent the fleet from being divided among the Allies under the Treaty of Versailles. 52 ships were sunk, the largest loss of naval vessels in a single day.