Could capital ships end up ramming one another in such a confined battle?
Short answerRamming is possible because a close, bitter fight around the Kiel Canal could collapse normal formation and fire-control distances.
NotesThe battle would be short-ranged, confused, and exceptionally violent. A German squadron trapped during canal transit would have little room to maneuver or form a conventional line. If Britain secured the Baltic exit while the High Seas Fleet charged through, ships could meet before either side established an orderly engagement. Collisions or deliberate ramming become plausible within that chaos, although they are not presented as a planned tactic. The worst German outcome is paralysis inside the canal while British forces secure the Baltic coast and withdraw the modern Grand Fleet. The High Seas Fleet would nevertheless be likely to rush out aggressively because remaining behind the minefields would surrender the Baltic without a fight.