Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 4:26:52-4:30:13

Rozhestvensky with the Grand Fleet in 1914

Rozhestvensky's mathematical and gunnery interests could align well with Jellicoe, while Gangut-class ships would add speed and unusually powerful 12-inch guns.

Gangut Class BattleshipsGrand FleetJohn JellicoeNaval GunneryZinovy Rozhestvensky
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Question

If Rozhestvensky were alive and joined the Grand Fleet in 1914, how might he and accompanying Russian ships fit in?

Short answer

He could work productively with Jellicoe, and any Gangut-class ships accompanying him would be valuable fast, heavily armed additions.

Notes

The scenario assumes that Rozhestvensky is alive to join the Grand Fleet in 1914, a premise the participants initially question. His interest in mathematics and gunnery gives him common professional ground with Jellicoe. The discussion contrasts the navy associated with Tsushima with the stronger Russian dreadnought-era fleet. It then imagines two Ganguts caught outside Russia when war begins and joining the British fleet. Their speed of about 23 to 23.5 knots and powerful, accurate 12-inch guns are presented as reasons they could operate near the Queen Elizabeths and withdraw from slower German opponents.