Q&A · 2:19:26-2:20:30

Fisher's Baltic plan was feasible with the right battle fleet

A strategic answer distinguishes the feasibility of a Baltic operation from the weaknesses of Fisher's proposed execution.

Question

Was Jackie Fisher's plan to force a way into the Baltic actually feasible?

Short answer

Yes, though not in its usual form; a joint assessment with Andrew Lambert concluded that success needed numerous 28-knot Queen Elizabeth-class battleships able to break through before Germany concentrated.

Notes

Speed and concentrated battle-fleet strength are the keys: the British force must pass the narrows before German battlecruisers can delay it and before the High Seas Fleet can defeat divided elements. Once a strong force is through, Germany faces the harder choice of contesting the straits against an established fleet.