Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 41:34-42:18

Could HMS Folkestone escape a close-range battle?

A viewer asks whether the small sloop had any realistic chance of surviving if the Tsingtao standoff became a firefight.

Alternate HistoryClose Quarters CombatDamage ControlHMS BirminghamHMS FolkestoneMyoko Class Heavy CruisersNaval GunneryNaval Tactics
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Question

Could HMS Folkestone have survived if the Tsingtao standoff became a battle?

Short answer

Possibly; Birmingham's opening salvo, Japanese target priorities, Folkestone's seaward position, and smoke from the fight might have given the sloop a chance to escape.

Notes

Folkestone had a real, though highly uncertain, chance of escaping. Japanese cruisers would probably concentrate on Birmingham, and Birmingham's first six-inch salvo could devastate their exposed control positions before they redirected fire. Folkestone was farther seaward and ahead of Vincent de Paul, while smoke and confusion from the larger ships might obscure her withdrawal. This remains a scenario judgement rather than a claim of certain survival, showing how target priority and position can partly offset a severe mismatch in armament.