Building the Anglo-Russian command and landing force

Jellicoe would draw together the Grand Fleet, monitors, destroyers, the Harwich Force, and other specialized formations while asking the Russian Baltic Fleet to sortie at the same time. Coordinating two fleets would be difficult, yet launching without Russian pressure from the east would surrender a major advantage. The army command is less certain because several British corps commanders were plausible candidates in early 1915. The seniority and availability of Haig, Smith-Dorrien, and other officers point toward II Corps under Smith-Dorrien. Reinforcements would still be necessary because two divisions could land but could not securely seize and hold the desired Baltic positions. The landing army is an operational requirement that reshapes the naval plan from the start.