Document: Vice-Admiral Bethell’s Third Fleet Battle Orders, about 1914

Abstract

There is a frightful dearth of battle orders for this period. Those orders that are known to exist relate to the principal British fleet, which was the Home Fleet from 1909 to 1912 then First Fleet of the Home Fleets (1912–1914). Bethell’s orders, never before published, are an important addition to our knowledge of tactical orders in the run up to and beginning of the First World War. Even if unissued, they provide a unique record of one relatively senior officer’s intentions in battle.

Join Today To Read The Full Article

Filed under: WW1 | North Sea
Subjects include: Battles & Tactics | Navies