Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:16:30-2:17:03

British response to the Dogger Bank incident

Russian fire on British fishing boats brought an apology and compensation only after a crisis that pushed Britain close to war.

Dogger Bank IncidentNaval DiplomacyRoyal NavyRussian Navy
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Question

How did Britain react when the Russian Second Pacific Squadron sank fishing boats in the North Sea?

Short answer

Britain prepared for possible war, while Russia moved quickly to apologize and compensate those affected.

Notes

The Dogger Bank incident escalated rapidly beyond a maritime accident. Russia issued an apology and paid compensation for the fishing boats struck by the Second Pacific Squadron. Britain meanwhile prepared its fleet for a possible war. Prompt diplomacy was therefore essential to preventing the squadron's voyage to East Asia from opening another conflict in Europe.