British Caspian Flotilla | |
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![]() HMSKruger, flagship of the flotilla | |
Active | 1918-1920 |
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TheBritish Caspian Flotilla was a naval force of theRoyal Navy established in theCaspian Sea in 1918. It was part of theallied intervention in the Russian Civil War. The flotilla initially reported to theRear-Admiral Commanding, Black Sea, Caspian Sea and Sea of Marmora until 1919.
The decision to form the force was made on 11 July 1918 at the British military HQ inBaghdad. Its purpose was twofold:
The force was established under the command of CommodoreDavid Norris in September 1918.[1] Norris traveled by road from Baghdad toEnzeli with a convoy of lorries transporting naval guns.[2] In January 1919 he was reinforced by 12Coastal Motor Boats sent by train fromBatumi theBlack Sea.[3] These ships were then armed with the naval guns, officered by British officers with a crew guarded byRoyal Marines.[2]
The flotilla maintained bases at Enzeli andKrasnovodsk, and in addition facilitatedlines of communication between British land units inBaku,Petrovsk (Chechen Island),Fort Alexandrovsk.
The flotilla was successful in theBattle of Alexandrovsky Fort in May 1919 against a Bolshevik flotilla.