New York Times

Lord Fisher of the English Admiralty has declared that the key factors in the next naval war will be, "speed and firepower", to the virtual exclusion of all other considerations. Therefore, he declares, the next war will be dominated by the Battlecruiser, assisted by the better of the Dreadnoughts. "The Battlecruiser will dominate the seas...", and trump all other weapon systems. Obsolete ships, submersables, aeroplanes, mines and torpedoes are predicted to be of little actual use.

In light of this extreme declaration the Times announces a contest: Submit a brief essay predicting the dominant weapon systems of a hypothetical future naval war and describe why. First place is worth 3 prestige points, second place 2, third place 1. Deadline is Sunday by midnight, results will be posted sometime Monday.

A mysterious midnight explosion rocked the city last night leaving the Battleship Roma a twisted, burning wreck. Observers describe the ship as reduced to scrap, reportedly an American salvage operation has already put in a bid to cut up and sell what is left. Italian citizens are outraged across the political spectrum. While the central government has not yet commented, the Taranto Commissioner of Police has stated, "We will not rest until those responsible have been apprehended, given the full benefit of the law, and hung by the neck until dead". A massive sweep of the city seeking out spies and saboteurs is expected. Rumor has it that the ship was to be transferred to Turkish control, there is no official confirmation or denial. There are many theories as to responsibility, most often mentioned are French agents, Russian spies, and local anarchists. However in this writer's opinion the most likely culprit is Italian incompetence.

The German fleet has made a sudden and massive commitment of forces to the Mediterranean theatre. Both ports in Sardinia have been taken over by German forces, both naval and land forces have been noted. Some Sardinians have commented on the contrast between the evident efficiency of newly arriving German forces, and the Italian naval debacle in Taranto. On the other hand German naval officers have been heard to complain of a lack of firm direction from higher command, and of inefficient use of resources. Still Teutonic inefficiency is still likely more effective than the efforts of some of the Mediterranean races at their best.

It appears that the Germans have also based a fleet in Sinop on the Black Sea. While there is no official announcement or confirmation a Canadian tourist has produced photographs purporting to be the arrival of a German battle squadron, the enthusiastic reception on the part of Turkish citizens, the mayor of Sinop awarding the German admiral a key to the city, and some intoxicated German sailors being returned to their ship with the gentle assistance of Turkish militiamen. While it is theoretically possible that this event is some kind of massive hoax it is the opinion of this writer that the Germans have elected to strongly support their weak and decadent Turkish ally.

Amidst splendid fanfare and ceremony the DN Teggethof was formally commissioned. Named for the famous Austrian admiral, this massive ship with four triple-turret primary batteries could theoretically be a decisive addition to the fleet. However the ships new captain, the elderly Commodore Conrad Paulus was heard to critique certain of the more modern aspects of the ship including the lack of sails (needed in case of problems with steam propulsion), the cramped sleeping arrangements, the "new-fangled three cannon turrets" which are predicted to never work correctly, and generally that the ship "...is just to dang big..." While some navies would likely have assigned a younger captain with a more modern outlook, the relentless process of seniority has guaranteed command to Commodore Paulus. When questioned Vize Admiral Zwischen von Zweibelhoven stated that "He had not heard any complaints".

Turkey Announces Intended Defence of Air Space above both land and sea borders

In a novel although no doubt correct interpretation of international law the Ottoman Empire has claimed the right to control the air above the nation up to an unlimited height, theoretically into the stratosphere. This apparently has come about due to over flights of Turkish territory supposedly by Russian aeroplanes. There is unsubstantiated rumor that a Russian aeroplane was shot down in Turkish Armenia. With the arrival of the German navy some predict the appearance of German pursuit aeroplanes or even heavily armed Zeppelin style airships. Certainly it is difficult to imagine how the Turk can defend his "air space" without German assistance.

Labor peace has returned to Constantinople and the economy appears to be getting back to normal. A recent press release:

Ruffians Jailed
Recent disruptions by Anarchist ruffians have ceased. A group of ringleaders were apprehended by the Prefecture of Police. They had been engaged in disrupting the tranquility of the City of Constantinople, inciting mob violence, and interfering with the Call to Prayer. They are due to appear in the Courts later this month to answer for their actions.

Officials have indicated that previous reports of strikes and violence were exaggerated. Still there seems to be some attention to the needs of the Turkish factory worker, as indicated by the press release below:

Right to Work Commission Established
In the name of the Sultan, a commission has been established to make certain that there is an official avenue for the suggestion of ways to improve productivity. The commission will also have power to discuss with owners any conditions which are slowing industrial output or interfering with the modernization of the Turkish economy. The commission will have the power to require those receiving government contracts to correct any conditions likely to interfere with the proper fulfillment of those contracts.

Reports out of Russia suggest entrenched incompetence on the part of the naval hierarchy. Naval maneuvers are said to be a "joke", with at one point a disastrous collision reminiscent of the Camperdown disaster in the British navy. Some correspondents report that a Russian battleship was sunk in the accident although there is no official confirmation. The commander, Admiral Paslovski, has been court-martialed, demoted, and transferred to command of the seal hunter protection patrol in northern Kamchatka. There are also reports of drowned soldiers washing ashore in Sevastopol, suggesting that the fleet can't even move soldiers around safely in times of peace.

Admiral Pyotr Fedorov can not be said to be unaware of the situation. Reportedly he has launched a massive purge with large numbers of naval officers reassigned or forced to resign. One report suggests that enlisted sailors are encouraged to inform on officers, if true a dangerous and bolshy expedient which may rebound on the admiral. The new naval academy is much involved in evaluating and retraining fleet officers. The principle of seniority is said to be abolished. Most observers predict failure of these so-called reforms and predict a period of chaos ahead for the Russian fleet. This writer notes however that the United States Navy has historically exercised flexibility with the seniority principle. If Fedorov is able to avoid excess his efforts may lead to a rejuvenation of the fleet.

While the French are accounted to be more competent than the Russians this may not be saying much. Certainly the Secretary of the Navy is wise to order large scale fleet maneuvers, better to discover problems during peacetime than in the middle of battle. Still it was not an encouraging sign when the AC Rousseau returned to port early with the forward turret a heap of scrap metal. But the worse was a narrowly missed collision between two of the powerful semi-dreadnoughts. The fleet commander, Admiral Davout is organizing a court-martial for Captain Weinstein whose failure to follow orders nearly led to disaster. It seems likely that Devil's Island will soon have a new occupant.

Entente naval lawyers have had many opportunities to practice their profession. The court-martial of a Captain Smythe has led to his being drummed out of the service for the crime of running his ship aground. He should be thankful that he is not Russian and thereby avoids years of watching seals on ice flows, or worse yet a French Jew which would likely result in a term on a tropical penal island. Malta continues to be built up into a world class base, reportedly including an aeroplane base. A correspondent in Gibraltar has noted surveying of the old fortifications, rumour is that soon Gibraltar will also be improved to the status of a major base. The quiet competence of British efforts is in contrast to the various mishaps afflicting many of the Mediterranean races.

Entente: Some experts believe the Entente powers are preparing for a war of bases, based on reports of heavy construction in Toulon, Malta, Port Said and Sevastopol. Certainly in a war of coal burning warships well placed and well defended port complexes are key. Other experts criticize these efforts as inefficient, better a modernized navy with old ports than modernized ports with old fashioned ships.

Greece: Debates in the Greek national assembly have revealed a depth of feeling in that country against their Entente allies, who are supposed to be neglecting Greek interests. One extreme faction argues for pulling out of the alliance entirely and embracing neutrality. Considering the weakness of the Greek fleet it is hardly a surprise to this writer if the nation be considered of secondary importance.

Suez Canal: The canal was closed briefly due to some kind of accident involving underwater obstacles off of Port Said. English authorities have assured the world that the canal is safe and it is in fact back in operation. There is no evidence other than unsubstantiated rumor of sabotage.

Ottoman Empire: While most of the worlds economy continues to rebound from the recent depression there are reports of industrial unrest and strikes in Constantinople. Other nations navies are no doubt benefiting from the economic upturn, but it appears that the unfortunate Turk will be falling behind. In the opinion of this writer it is of slight importance as the Turkish navy has little to expend its resources on in any case.

Central Powers: To the surprise of this writer the Germans have not acquired a base in the Mediterranean. While to many experts such a base would be key to any possible success of that alliance, apparently influential persons in Germany prefer a concentration in home waters. While the Italian and Austro-Hungarian fleets are strong they would be at a significant disadvantage without German battlecruisers to help cancel out the powerful English Battlecruiser squadron. In other respects the alliance seems strong, unlike their entente enemies they seem to be taking care to build up the their weaker component - the Ottoman navy.

Austria-Hungary: This inefficient despotism is apparently attempting to conserve resources with a variety of methods. For example our ambassador to Vienna has noted a reduction of expenditures in the diplomatic corps resulting in fewer messenger boys and less gold braid on embassy uniforms. Whether these economies will be of any help in building up the Imperial military seems unlikely to this writer.

Aircraft: World navies have shown little interest in this most modern invention. It seems most likely that aeroplanes are too fragile and temperamental a device to have any significant impact in any potential naval campaign. Still it is of interest that natives and foreigners in Constantinople were all excited with talk of a flight of large multi-engine craft supposedly buzzing the city at a low altitude. Some reported Turkish markings, some Russian, some Greek, some a "skull and crossbones", and others the lack of any identification whatsoever. Possibly the Turks have hired foreign advisors to create an air force. Possibly a foreign air force - most likely Russian - has tried a test flight to intimidate the Turks. Or possibly it is all an invention of fevered oriental imagination, as we have no reliable reports from English speaking observers.

Below are reprints from various sources describing the heads of admiralty or equivalent of some of the Mediterranean powers.

Vize Admiral Rudolf, Anton, Theo, Stephan, Freiherr Zwischen von Zweibelhoven

was born in Bruck an der Leitha in 1850, while his father, an officer in the Kaiserlich Marine, was between ships. Through his mother, young Rudolf was related to the famous Pietro Boccheciampe, famous sportsman and "bon vivante" of Venetian society, who was a personal friend of Archduke Ferdinand Max, later Commander of the Navy. This family influence would help young Rudy’s early career greatly.

Young von Zweibelhoven ("Zichy" to his friends) entered as a SeeKadett aboard the old school frigate Venus in Trieste Harbor at the customary age of ten. Unfortunately while there under the lax supervision of an uncaring staff, he acquired an unfortunate disease which has plagued him for the rest of his career.

He saw active service under the command of the great Admiral Tegetthof at the memorable Battle of Lissa in 1866. His post of duty aboard the gunboat Fuerspitzer was as Captain of the Cable Tier. His view of the battle was restricted to peeping through the hawsehole at the action, but this enclosed and well protected space did not save him from a nasty wound incurred in action. The wind from the passage of a solid shot across the opening of the hawsehole created such a loud and odd moan, that the startled young lad lost his balance and landed on his head in the Bilge. Severely concussed, the Admiral has ever since been handicapped with extreme forgetfulness.

Commissioned as UnterLeutenant in 1868, the Admiral passed through the usual courses, rank grades and postings, yet he has enjoyed a career of some distinction. As a participant in the Arctic explorations of Graf Festinecs in 1875 his absence was unfortunately overlooked and he was abandoned on Franz Josef Island for a winter. Subsisting on seal meat, gull eggs and the carcass of a dead polar bear which washed ashore, the Admiral has ever since relished the pleasures of the table, and is known in the service as an avid trencherman and a man of considerable "substance."

On another memorable occasion, Oberleutnant Rudolf was officer of the watch aboard the old Salamander, when Archduke Franz Salvator visited Trieste on a tour of inspection. It was important that all go well. But such was not to be. When it came time to greet the distinguished visitor with blasts from the steam whistles of all the warships in harbor, his was mute. Determined that his ship would not be found wanting, the no longer quite young Rudolf climbed to the masthead to examine the steam whistle. He fixed the whistle, all too well. His foot slipped and falling against the whistle, the jar caused it to shriek, while his head lodged between the now hot whistle and the side of the mast. For the several minutes it took the crew to free him, Rudolf listened to the blast of a warship’s main steam whistle, which anecdote is well known in the service, and which excuses his difficulty in hearing most ordinary conversations.

The Admiral, as an old sea dog of much service, is the main figure in a host of sea stories. But we lack space to do more than mention the unfortunate sinking of the Austrian Lloyd passenger vessel Kommerz von Nabresina, with its cargo of high-born passengers; which fact had a much greater effect upon his career than the mere sinking warranted. Nor can we detail the circumstances leading to his being chased and cornered by a Turkish mob at Aleppo, with his subsequent beating and jailing until the Commander of the steam Frigate Donau threatened to bombard the town, thus winning the unfortunate victim’s release.

In 1910, this officer capped fifty years of service, with promotion to Rear Admiral, and has since, by the relentless progress of seniority, come to command the Pola Fleet.

Admiral Pyotr Erak Ivanovich Fedorov (commonly called Pyotr Fedorov in "official documents, Pyotr Ivanovich by co-workers and Petya by friends) Born Dec, 14th 1860 in St. Petersburg to an old and well established mercantile family. He attended the finest schools, travelling abroad to study in Berlin in 1878. His studies were cut short in 1881, when anarchist revolutionaries killed his older brother. Returning to Russia, he helped run the family business. In 1883 he took to the sea, captaining one of the family merchantman in the Baltic. In 1894, with the rise of a more forcefull Czar, he joined the Imperial Navy. His family connections were sufficient to get him a commission as a Captain, commanding a destroyer in the Baltic Fleet. By 1900 he had risen to command a squadron of icebreakers and survey vessels working around Murmansk and Archangelsk.(Known for his attention to detail and stern discipline, he became especially endeared to his crews) Posted to a more active role, he returned to the Baltic Fleet as Inspector General after the debacles of 1904. He was instrumental in crushing several mutinies amongst Baltic Sea crews in 1905. After a brief stint with the Imperial War College reworking the training programs of the Imperial Navy, he was promoted to Admiral and given command over all Black Sea vessels and supporting elements.

Brief Biography of Michel Cordelier (b. 1867), Minister of Naval Affairs

Michel Cordelier was born in 1867 in Paris, when France was still under the 2nd Empire. The son of respectable, middle-class parents, his earliest memories are of the fighting in the Siege of Paris, after the commune had risen in 1871. This event, and France's subsequent surrender to Prussia, shaped his formative years. French politics were especially volatile as he came of age, and from early on he embraced the extreme nationalism and policies of "Revanche". He received his training as a lawyer and received some acclaim for participating as an assistant prosecutor in the trial of the notorious German agent, Captain Dreyfus. Entering politics, he found himself regularly returned by his middle- and upper-class Parisian constituency. His competency drew the attention of Clemenceau, and he entered government as the Third Secretary for Colonial Affairs. His competence and thirst for work made him an oddity amongst his peers, but his effectiveness could not be dismissed. Recently promoted to Minister for Naval Affairs, Cordelier is responsible for the growth, strengthening, and training of the French fleet. His priorities are making the fleet more ready for war, fortifying and expanding French bases of operations, and making sure France holds its own in the race for larger and better battleships.

Mustafa is the youngest son of a prominent merchant family, the Esbars. In his youth he traveled the world on family vessels, visiting even far off America. The merchant vessels he accompanied ranged throughout the Mediterranean, down the African Coast, and to India. He has spent little time in northern waters, though he was impressed by the German navy when an Esbar vessel put in to Kiel. He also found the number and quality of English ships, and the discipline of their crews, impressive. In part the choice of England to build the two dreadnoughts was due to this impression.
     He entered the Turkish navy at age 16 and fought with distinction during the recent turmoil. As the old admiral retired following loss of the war to Greece the 56 year old Mustafa assumed leadership of the navy. The Sultan has expressed great confidence, as the Esbars have been loyal subjects for generations.
     Mustafa fears the secularization that another military defeat might mean for Turkey, and the possibility that radical elements might enter into positions of leadership as a result. At the same time, he is keenly conscious of the need to upgrade the technology of his homeland, and is eager to deal with England, Germany, Austria, and even the recent enemy Italy if he can obtain what his country needs. Indeed, the recent gift of military stores from Italy has gone a long way toward soothing some of the wounds from 1912. It indicates that the Italians are serious about the coming realignment in Europe.
     Mustafa's goals are to preserve the Empire and loyally serve the Sultan, using the promising new technologies to counter the preponderance of potential enemy vessels. In particular the Russians and the Greeks must be regarded as likely enemies in the event of a renewed conflict. The size of the Russian navy in the Black Sea is disquieting.
     He is a father of 13, with only three wives. That he has such a small family is somewhat of a sore point, since his brothers have many more children. By entering the Sultan's direct service he lost out on much of the financial benefits that might have been his had he stayed in the merchant fleet.
     Mustafa has a reputation in the navy for not tolerating graft and corruption when it comes to naval contracts, but turning a blind eye to enterprises which do not endanger the navy.
     Every Turkish sailor is expected to be willing to lay down his life if it is the will of Allah, however blind obedience to nonsensical orders in the face of overwhelming odds is not expected. Cowardice is of course punishable in the traditional way.

New York – IL PROGRESSO, the Italian-American giornale settimanale, and its military columnist Tony delle Puttana has provided the Times with this fascinating and insightful glimpse of the newly appointed capo di tutti capi, of the reformed Italian Navy. The new head man officially sports the rank of Grande Ammiraglio, and is referred to formally as the Admiral Duke-of-Sea. The Italian people and its political parties view Adm. Gaetano Dominc “Dom” Ciampannino with mixed emotion and acceptance. Despite a rather inspirational, courageous and decorated accounting in two major actions during the Italo-Turkish War of 1911-1912, the Admiral has been celebrated on only one other occasion in Italy’s press. Son-in-law of General Luigi Cardornozza, supreme commander of Italy’s army, Ciampannino’s wedding to Cardornozza’s illegitimate wallflower daughter Mary Magdalena Luigianna Rizzo was criticized by some, and applauded by others, in most of the major Italian papers. La Stampa, La Tribuna, Il Giornale d’Italia, Il Mattino, Il Resto del Carlino, and Avanti! all took the opportunity to suggest nepotism of his appointment to the top naval position and the despicable, in their view, tactic of courting the General’s ugly duckling darling Signorina Rizzo for obvious reward. One paper’s lovelorn column by Bebe Louisa Mangipanni, however, actually found the gesture rather humane and romantic. All accounts made reference to Ciampaninno’s tendency to liberalism with sentiments running the range of: “He’s a breath of fresh air,” to outwardly condemning his views. Il Popolo d’Italia, the conservative interventionist paper founded by the disgruntled Benito Mussolini after quitting as editor of the socialist Avanti! was particularly outspoken. Beginning his political career to extreme right with the founding of Il Popolo, Signor Mussolini was beside himself and concerned less for the trivialities of how “Dom,” as he disrespectfully refers to Ciampannino, rose to the supreme rank than he was furious over the newest admiral’s obviously dangerous liberal views. War hero of the torpedo boat escapade into the Dardanelli harbor and in actions off the beach of Tripoli in 1912 notwithstanding, rumors of former Capitano di Vascello Ciampannino’s views two years later find “BM” screaming foul demanding a reversal of the appointment. To suggest that an alliance with the Central Powers might not be in the best interest of the Italy was simply irresponsible according to Mussolini. And to rub salt into the wounds of State, an undisclosed source purportedly eavesdropping on diplomatic party banter overheard Ciampannino’s humorous but transparent and loose-lipped, ill considered drunken comments that:

“My principal worry is not so much the ambition of Germany which is worry enough God knows, but also that of our contiguous and covetous neighbor to the northeast. Italy should be vigilant in its defense of its northern borders and more vigorously guard against too cavalier, generous or permissive attitude of sharing the Adriatic.”

Also of eyebrow-raising concern was a miscellany of comment departing from conventional Italian naval doctrine. Of significant note was Il Popolo’s baldheaded and boldface founding editor’s concern for “Dom’s” highest priorities to be assigned to rehabilitation of existing naval resources and improvement of fleet morale in lieu of building new ships. To quote Benito, “The notion is a dangerous crock of bushwa.” Less immediate although still critical measures proffered by party-goer Don Dominic was the beefing up of the defenses of bases and convoy routes along and through the Libyan Coastal area. He was no less tactful in stating the need to guard against certain ambitions of so-called “allies” with not so veiled attempts to ingratiate Italy for easier access to the Mediterranean, specifically the Adriatic. Not content to reign in his audacious opinions, the demon drink found him offering the greatest of sins; actually calling for an easing of diplomatic relations and cooperation with Turkey.

[Editor’s Comment: The Times Naval Section will endeavor to follow up on the progress of Admiral Dom’s career following this momentous appointment through its affiliated columnist, Tony Puttana.]

Due to the popularity of the Special Naval Supplement previously printed in the Times naval news will become a regular feature, with this writer covering the Mediterranean. Next issue hopefully the Times will be able to publish profiles of the different naval ministries. And the Times will always be interested in the submission of quality articles and letters to the editor. For the present this writer will comment on current news relating to the relevant navies:

In Italy as is well known the government fell in large part due to financial scandal relating to the department of the navy. The former secretary of the navy has fled the country, and has been found guilty of massive fraud and embezzlement in absentia. Happily the new government seems to have filled the position with a secretary and staff of rare honesty and competence. Resources were immediately put into long deferred maintenance. And somewhat surprisingly a program to aid the Turkish Navy was quickly put in place. Although recently the two nations were at war the new Italian government seems committed to the Central Powers alliance. No doubt they recognize that the Turkish front is a potential weak point and see it as to their advantage to strengthen this ally.

Meanwhile the Turkish Navy has towed it's 2 incomplete dreadnoughts from the English yards where they were started up to the shipyard in Constantinople. Some commentators believe this was primarily to create employment for Turkish shipbuilders. A few see it as an early war warning, perhaps the Turks have moved the ships so that England can not seize them should hostilities break out. This writer sees little advantage to this move as it seems unlikely that Turkish shipyards could produce work comparable to those of the English.

The French fleet has undergone a massive re-organization. Alone among the Mediterranean powers she has experimented with fleet maneuvers. Reports are contradictory - some supporters of the old "jeune ecole" school say that wargames demonstrated the superiority of the torpedo and the surprise attack, while other officers complain that the situation wargamed was unrealistic and would never occur in an actual war. Apparently a sneak attack was judged to have sunk a large part of the Toulon fleet.

The English have been reinforcing and building up their Malta base. It seems obvious that this will be the principal Mediterranean base for the Royal Navy in the event of war. However it is noted that crew morale seems low and Royal Navy ships appear from the outside at least to be poorly maintained. While this is also true of Greek and Turkish ships it is especially unseemly for the RN considering the fleets proud naval tradition.

Japan is of course far from the theater of action described in this article, and highly unlikely to be involved in a war so far from her homeland. However there seems to be some interest on the part of the Japanese government to profit from rearmament on the part of the Mediterranean powers. It may be that naval stores or other resources will become available for purchase in the near future.

As for the other relevant powers there seems to be little activity. Germany still lacks a base in the region, without such a base it would obviously be impossible for her to participate in a Mediterranean war. This writer still predicts that she will acquire a base in either Italy or Turkey, although many commentators predict that Germany will follow a more Mahanian strategy and concentrate in the North Sea.

While there is some activity which is discussed above the threat of war remains slight.

Contrary to the blustery claims of European propagandists there is a rough balance of power between the Entente and Central Powers naval forces in the Mediterranean. While this balance could change over time a hypothetical war in the near future would likely lead to a bloody, ineffective stalemate with no real impact on the critical land battles.

Consider first the new "Queen of Battle", the dreadnought class battleship. Currently committed to the Mediterranean are three English "Battlecruisers", a dreadnought type theoretically substituting speed for armor. The Germans have announced plans to send a single battlecruiser of their own, note that the German type is superior to the Royal Navy in both firepower and armor. In addition the Italians have commissioned their first dreadnought class, also a powerful type relative to the RN battlecruisers. Hence the balance is 3 to 2 of the dreadnought class, an even balance considering the qualitative superiority of the Central Power's ships. Many other such ships are under construction but there is no reason to believe that one side will succeed in out producing the other.

The second type of capital ship is the battleship, now sometimes referred to as the pre-dreadnought. The French currently have six of this class as their core fleet which they class as "semi-dreadnoughts", a misleading appellation acting as a salve to French pride in comparison to the existing the English and German dreadnought warships in the North Sea. In addition the Greeks have available 2 US rejects, giving a total of 8 operation Entente battleships in the Mediterranean. The Austrians field 3 similar battleships while the Italians have 6 somewhat weaker versions of this class operational, totaling 9. This gives a balance of 8 to 9 battleships favoring the Central Powers, although the Entente ships average out a little more powerful - once again a situation of rough parity. There are a number of weaker battleships mothballed by the major fleets but these ships are expensive to activate and crew - it seems unlikely that one side or the other we gain an advantage in this class of ship.

The third type of capital ship is the armored cruiser, generally a bit faster but more lightly armed version of the battleship. The English deploy 4 examples of this class which combined with 3 French and 1 respectable Greek ship are a total of 8 in the Mediterranean. Meanwhile the Germans are planning to deploy 3 powerful versions of this type, which combined with 4 fast Italian and 1 average Austrian vessel also totals 8. The ratio of 8 to 8 is once again parity with no real advantage to either side.

Farther afield we have the Russians and the Turks facing each other across the Black Sea. Although neither nation has a notable naval tradition it is of interest that each fleet fields a small battleship squadron - 3 Russian compared to 2 Turkish. However as the Turkish ships are German built and the Russians built their own it is reasonable to see an encounter as a fair match. In any case this is a distant, unimportant theatre of operations unlikely to be of much significance.