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In January 1916 Vizeadmiral Scheer took command of the High Sea
Fleet. This aggressive and pugnacious leader embarked upon a
vigorous offensive program which culminated in the greatest clash
between dreadnought capital ships the world had seen. Although
outnumbered almost two to one, Vizeadmiral Scheer conducted a
provocative operation on 31 May 1916. Who would prevail: the
massive preponderance of British heavy calibre cannon, or the
aggressive tactics of the street fighter Scheer? Manning the ships
of both sides were the technically skilled and talented seamen who
were prepared to carry out their duties loyally and courageously
until the very end. Over 8,500 men perished in less than 10 hours
of fighting, a horrendous loss, even by World War One standards.
This book gives voice to many of the German Navy participants, from
a German perspective, on this tumultuous battle fought over 100
years ago. These men gave their all and are gone now, but not
forgotten.
In late 1917, the Russians, despite the revolution, were still
willing to continue the war against Germany. This is an account of
Operation Albion, the highly-successful seaborne operation launched
by the Germans to change their minds. The Baltic Islands were
pivotal for the defence of the Finnish Gulf and St. Petersburg, so
their capture was essential for any campaign towards the Russian
capital. Only after the fall of the islands did Russia begin peace
negotiations (freeing nearly half a million German soldiers for the
Kaiser's last gamble on the Western Front). This then was a
campaign of great significance for the war on both Eastern and
Western fronts. A large part of the High Sea Fleet took part in the
invasion of the Baltic islands, including the most modern
dreadnought battleships. The Russians mounted a resolute defence
despite being heavily outgunned and over a ten day period there
were many naval clashes around the islands as well as the campaign
ashore, all of which are described in detail with the use of both
Russian and German first hand accounts. This book shatters the myth
that the Imperial German Navy spent the last two years of the war
cowering in port.
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