Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 39:12-39:36

Royal Navy personnel on the Western Front

Royal Navy involvement ashore extended from aviation and armored cars to reservists fighting in the Royal Naval Division.

Royal Naval Air ServiceRoyal Naval DivisionRoyal NavyWestern FrontWorld War I
Watch at this timeFull video guide
Question

What roles did Royal Navy personnel perform on the Western Front away from the coast?

Short answer

They served through the Royal Naval Air Service, its armored-car units, and the Royal Naval Division, which put many naval reservists into ground combat.

Notes

Royal Navy participation away from the coast took several principal forms. The Royal Naval Air Service operated aircraft and armored cars, while the Royal Naval Division fought as ground troops. Many reservists entered the division despite not having enlisted for trench warfare. Naval manpower and organizations crossed service boundaries during the First World War.