The British Fleet in the Great War |
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Common terms and phrases
12-inch guns action Admiral Beatty Admiral Jellicoe Admiral Sir Admiral von Tirpitz Admiralty Allies annihilation armament armoured Army attack Battle Fleet Battle of Jutland Battle of Trafalgar Battle Squadron battle-cruisers battleships blockade Britain British Fleet British Isles British Navy British sea-power British ships century Channel class cruisers coast command commerce Continent course craft crews decisive declared defeat defence destroyers Dreadnought Dutch Empire enemy enemy's engaged Expeditionary Force fight flag foreign fought France freedom French German Fleet German Navy Germany's Government Grand Fleet High Seas Fleet invasion knots land large number light cruisers Marineamt maritime men-of-war ment merchant military mobilization Napoleon nation naval forces naval policy naval power Nelson neutral never North Sea offensive officers oversea owing peace period piracy ports possessed realized Sea Lord speed strategic strength submarine success sunk superior territory tion to-day torpedo trade troops United vessels victory
Popular passages
Page 37 - To protect Germany's sea trade and colonies in the existing circumstances there is only one means — Germany must have a battle fleet so strong that even for the adversary with the greatest sea-power a war against it would involve such dangers as to imperil his position in the world.
Page 24 - I agree that, if either Government had grave reason to expect an unprovoked attack by a third Power, or something that threatened the general peace, it should immediately discuss with the other, whether both Governments should act together to prevent aggression and to preserve peace, and if so what measures they would be prepared to take in common.
Page 23 - From time to time in recent years the French and British naval and military experts have consulted together. It has always been understood that such consultation does not restrict the freedom of either Government to decide at any future time whether or not to assist the other by armed force.
Page 124 - I accordingly maneuvered to remain between the enemy and his bases, placing our flotillas in a position in which they would afford protection to the fleet from destroyer attack, and at the same time be favorably situated for attacking the enemy's heavy ships.
Page 82 - The control of the sea, however real, does not imply that an enemy's single ships or small squadrons cannot steal out of port, cannot cross more or less frequented tracts of ocean, make harassing descents upon unprotected points of a long coastline, enter blockaded harbors. On the contrary, history has shown that such evasions are always possible, to some extent, to the weaker party, however great the inequality of naval strength.
Page 53 - I beg to inform your lordship, that the port of Toulon has never been blockaded by me: quite the reverse. Every opportunity has been offered the enemy to put to sea: for it is there that we hope to realize the hopes and expectations of our country.
Page 57 - If we meet them we shall find them not less than eighteen, I rather think twenty sail of the line, and therefore do not be surprised if I should not fall on them immediately : we won't part without a battle. I think they will be glad to...
Page 122 - British Fleet (which commenced the action in a position of advantage on the bow of the enemy) to a quarterly bearing from the enemy battle line, but at the same time placed us between the enemy and his bases.
Page 24 - You have, however, pointed out that, if either government had grave reason to expect an unprovoked attack by a third Power, it might become essential to know whether it could in that event depend upon the armed assistance of the other.
Page 228 - When any of his Majesty's ships shall meet with any ship or ships belonging to any foreign prince or state, within his Majesty's seas, (which extend to Cape Finisterre,) it is expected that the said foreign ships do strike their topsail and take in their flag, in acknowledgment of his Majesty's sovereignty in those seas; and if any shall refuse, or offer to resist, it is enjoined to all flag officers and commanders to use their utmost endeavours to compel them thereto, and not suffer any dishonour...