The Northern Flotilla formed in 1933 and was elevated to fleet status in 1937. A story that the formation was aimed at British and Norwegian cod fishermen does not fit the geography. A British warship visit may instead have exposed the absence of Soviet naval presence around Archangel, though the ship and exact circumstances remain uncertain. The force itself remained flotilla-like, assembled from a small number of destroyers and other vessels whose readiness was doubtful.
Notable Point · 25:15-26:40
The Northern Fleet grew from a thin flotilla
A correction on the Northern Fleet's 1933 and 1937 dates leads into the sparse forces and uncertain origin story behind the Soviet Arctic command.