Carrier aviation makes the Baltic plan less impossible

Fisher's historical plan called for lightly protected Courageous-class ships to drive through shallow, mined waters even though cruisers and destroyers could perform that role. Carriers change the geometry because their aircraft can attack German forces concentrated behind islands or near the Kiel Canal without entering the Baltic themselves. Once the German battle fleet withdraws, the Harwich Force, monitors, and pre-dreadnoughts can operate along the North Sea coast while the Grand Fleet remains farther back. A demonstration along the coast could then induce the High Seas Fleet to assemble for canal transit, creating a dense target for torpedo aircraft. The plan still depends on intelligence and timing, but aviation makes an indirect approach possible where Fisher's historical frontal method was reckless.