Once released to act, Hornby drove through the Dardanelles and positioned British warships to cover the route Russian siege artillery needed for a further advance. The fleet did not threaten Crimea or create an unnecessary grievance; it simply made the militarily useful course prohibitively dangerous. Russian troops could still move, but without heavy equipment they were unlikely to break the Ottoman defenses. Reinforcements at Gibraltar and preparations for a Baltic squadron made the signal credible, producing negotiations without a naval engagement.
Chapter · 55:23-1:00:24
Fleet positioning stopped Russia without opening fire
Hornby placed his fleet where it could deny Russian heavy artillery access to the decisive road while leaving room for negotiation.