A Danube flotilla gave Britain a visible naval presence inside continental Europe. The ships demonstrated an ability to reach places far from the coast. Keeping them on the river supported British involvement in European affairs. The appeal of the deployment lay partly in showing the capacity to intervene without having to use it on every occasion.
Notable Point · 22:06-22:55
British gunboats as a visible presence on the Danube
Gunboats on the Danube demonstrated British reach and supported involvement in European affairs.