A-hisotrical Notion: "Tra-Frigate"

[David Manley]

Um -- no?

Funny, I could have sworn you suggested the High Seas fleet was superior in all respects to the Grand Fleet :)

[csadn]

Funny, I could have sworn you suggested the High Seas fleet was superior in all respects to the Grand Fleet :)

Contrast with, say, Jutland, where for the first time since 1812, a British fleet faced a force which was its equal -- or superior -- in all aspects save sheer numbers.

Generally speaking, the Germans were better in quality of targeting gear, damage control ("There seems to be something wrong with our bloody ships today"), and ammo; inferior in sheer numbers; and equal everywhere else. It's worth noting: The British took more losses overall; but looked at in terms of fleet sizes, the damage taken by each side was equal. Where the Germans lost was in rear-echelon repair capability (the RN was ready for another engagement six weeks after Jutland; the Germans weren't ready for something like a year), and in the inability to crack the blockade (what did that American say? "The prisoner has assaulted his jailor, but he remains in jail.")