Germany celebrates completion of the widening of the Kaiser-Wilhelm-Kanal (aka Kiel Canal) allowing dreadnought warships to navigate directly between the Baltic and North Seas. German Stern view of a German Nassau-class battleship near the canal. Camera pans across the water showing several other large ships and buildings in background. German Naval officers celebrate the completion of the wider canal. Ice forming on the bow of a German warship as it plows through the North sea in Winter. Sheets of ice covering the sides of other warships. German warships forming lines as they practice battle maneuvers. The Crown Prince William and Prince Joachim of Germany along with other young men and women.
Opening scene shows a single funnel French trawler (auxiliary cruiser) armed with a deck gun. View from the trawler as she apprehends a small sailing vessel carrying cargo. Officer from the trawler aboard the smaller vessel, inspecting her papers and cargo. He converses with her Captain. View from another French auxiliary cruiser firing a large naval gun. Vvieww of French gun crew loading and firing a 5-inch deck gun.
Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany on his annual Nordlandfahrt cruise sailing the North Sea in 1914. Kaiser Wilhelm II shakes hands with dignitaries before boarding a car. The Imperial yacht, SMY Hohenzollern II, departs from port, heading back to Germany. German crowds line shore to watch the arrival of the SMY Hohenzollern II. Kaiser Wilhelm II descends gangplank from ship and enters waiting car. Cavalry marshals control crowds in Berlin waiting for Kaiser Wilhelm II arrival. Kaiser Wilhelm II rides an open topped royal carriage to travel back to the New Palace (Neues Palais), in Potsdam. Crowds wave with their hats to Kaiser Wilhelm II.