The Russian Baltic Fleet's disastrous journey around the world during the Russo-Japanese War is recounted. The fleet, comprised of inexperienced and uneducated conscripts, was sent on an 18,000-mile journey to reinforce the East. Along the way, they encountered numerous mishaps, including running aground, misfiring on friendly ships, and attacking innocent civilians. The crew's paranoia and ineptitude led to false alarms, friendly fire incidents, and the sinking of a British trawler. The fleet eventually arrived in Japan, where they were decimated by the Japanese Navy in the Battle of Tsushima, resulting in 4,000 Russian deaths and 7,300 taken prisoner. The war marked the first time an Eastern power defeated a European one.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The Russian Empire wanted to expand its ports in the early 20th century.
2. Russia's ports were often frozen in the winter, making them inaccessible.
3. The Russian Empire took control of a Chinese port with warm water.
4. Japan did not approve of Russia's actions and met with them to discuss the issue.
5. Diplomacy between Russia and Japan failed, leading to the Russo-Japanese War.
6. The Russian Baltic Fleet was sent on an 18,000-mile journey to reinforce the East.
7. The journey was a logistical nightmare, and the crew was inexperienced.
8. The fleet spent months at a time frozen in port, and the crew was not well-trained.
9. The fleet was commanded by Admiral Rozhdestvensky, who had a temper.
10. The fleet encountered a small group of fishing trawlers at Dogger Bank and opened fire, sinking one trawler and damaging two of their own ships.
11. The incident became known as the Dogger Bank Incident and nearly led to war between Russia and Britain.
12. Britain revoked Russia's access to the Suez Canal, forcing the fleet to change its course.
13. The fleet continued its journey, attacking more civilians and cutting underwater telegraph cables along the way.
14. The crew brought animals on board, including a crocodile and a venomous snake, which caused chaos.
15. The fleet eventually approached Japan and engaged in the Battle of Tsushima.
16. The Russian Baltic Fleet was decimated, with 4,000 Russians killed and 7,300 taken prisoner.
17. The Japanese suffered roughly 100 casualties.
18. The war ended with the defeat of Russia, marking the first time an Eastern power had defeated a European power.