Q&A · 1:33:24-1:34:16

Would Russia send its whole Baltic Fleet?

Russia would probably send every available ship, adding useful pressure because Germany would have to face the Russian fleet and Royal Navy together.

Question

Would Russia sortie its entire Baltic battle fleet once the Royal Navy entered the Baltic?

Short answer

Russia would probably send every available ship, adding useful pressure because Germany would have to face the Russian fleet and Royal Navy together.

Notes

The Russian commander would probably seize the unexpected chance for a major allied action. Germany might manage the Russian fleet on its own, but the same fleet becomes much more dangerous with the Grand Fleet already in the Baltic. Even an imperfectly coordinated sortie forces Germany to divide attention and resources. Canadian participation would come mostly through sailors already serving in the Royal Navy because Canada had little independent naval strength in 1915. The Russian battle fleet, along with every British monitor and supporting vessel that could reach the theater, would provide the main reinforcement.