meta_pixel
Tapesearch Logo
Log in
The BrainFood Show

The Incredible Story of U-47 and “The Bull of Scapa Flow”

The BrainFood Show

Cloud10

Education, History

4.91.6K Ratings

🗓️ 22 January 2026

⏱️ 19 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Scapa Flow lies barely seven degrees below the Arctic Circle, in the cold, windswept Orkney Islands at the northern tip of Scotland. Measuring 10 kilometres wide by 8 kilometres long with an average depth of 30 metres, this natural anchorage is bounded to the north by the mainland, to the east by the islands of Burray and South Ronaldsay, and to the west by the island of Hoy. In 1904, Scapa Flow was chosen as the home base for the British Grand Fleet, allowing the Royal Navy and German Imperial Navy to glower at each other across the North Sea. It was from here that the Grand Fleet sailed to the historic 1916 Battle of Jutland, and to here that the German High Seas Fleet sailed to surrender in 1918. In the years leading up to the Second World War, Scapa Flow was thought to be impregnable, and came to symbolize the supposed invincibility of the Royal Navy itself. But in the early morning hours of October 14, 1939, a lone German U-boat succeeded in doing the impossible, penetrating the harbour’s defences, sinking a 30,000-ton battleship, and slipping away undetected. It was one of the most daring feats of the war, and one which shattered the Royal Navy’s illusion of invulnerability. This is the incredible story of the U-47 and Captain Günther Prien, “The Bull of Scapa Flow.” Author: Gilles Messier Editor: Daven Hiskey Host: Simon Whistler Producer: Samuel Avila Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

Click on a timestamp to play from that location

0:00.0

This episode is brought to you by SimpliSafe.

0:03.6

As the evenings get darker and colder, this...

0:07.0

SimpliSafe on.

0:08.4

It's the sound of peace of mind.

0:11.2

SimplySafe sensors, HD cameras and 24-7 security monitoring protect your home inside and out,

0:17.9

against break-ins, fires, water leaks and more.

0:21.2

So you can relax.

0:23.3

Visit simplysafe.co.com.uk for an exclusive discount.

0:30.6

Kelly Brook is Betway's casino ambassador and for all new customers, stake 10 pounds and get 150 free spins.

0:38.5

Download the Betway Casino app today.

0:40.6

18 plus Tis &C supply.

0:42.2

Bet the responsible way, gambleaware.org.

0:45.2

Idle money sits in your current account,

0:48.1

stuck repeating the same tired tune.

0:51.3

Never hitting play on its potential.

0:55.0

But thanks to Monzo's Savings Challenge, busy money's in the studio,

1:00.0

laying down a little extra every day, so your balance sounds sweeter week after week.

1:06.0

Monzo, the bank that gets your money moving.

1:10.0

UK residents staged 18 plus, one entry per person, Monzo personal account required, challenge

1:13.6

and prize teas and C's apply.

1:15.6

Scarpa flow lies barely 7 degrees below the Arctic Circle in the cold, wind-swept,

1:21.6

Orkney Islands at the northern tip of Scotland.

...

Please login to see the full transcript.

Disclaimer: The podcast and artwork embedded on this page are from Cloud10, and are the property of its owner and not affiliated with or endorsed by Tapesearch.

Generated transcripts are the property of Cloud10 and are distributed freely under the Fair Use doctrine. Transcripts generated by Tapesearch are not guaranteed to be accurate.

Copyright © Tapesearch 2026.