The Royal Navy, the Bolsheviks, and the Baltic Republics

Dunn, author of a number of valuable works on naval events in the era of the Great War, gives us the first comprehensive treatment of one of the longest, and most forgotten campaigns of the times, the Royal Navy’s role in the defense of the Baltic Republics from Soviet Russia in the aftermath of the Armistice of 1918.

This massive “side show” was large measure supported by Winston Churchill, fearing Soviet expansion that would lead not only to Russian domination of the Baltic but also increase the possibility of the spread communism into Western Europe. The Royal Navy committed well over 200 warships to support the defense of Estonia and Latvia against Soviet aggression. Most of the action was in clashes between light forces, and Dunn offers several very well told battle pieces, as well as mining and mine sweeping, shore bombardment in support of friendly ground forces, the defense of ports, and the conduct of evacuations.

The campaign was plagued by shifting political alignments, as local factions changed allegiance, and with even Germany arguably an ”ally” for much of the time, while pursuing its own interests. The fleet was also troubled by morale problems, as many men had enlisted for wartime service and found their time in the ranks extended well beyond peace with Germany.

Despite the century that has passed, anyone interested in naval operations is likely to find some useful food for thought in 'Battle in the Baltic' for those interested in small naval, the interwar history of the Baltic littoral, the career of Winston Churchill, or even the roots of German fascism. .

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Note: Battle in the Baltic is also available in several e-editions.

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