Podcasts History Laughs from the Past 103. Little Laughs | The World's Dumbest Naval Attack

103. Little Laughs | The World's Dumbest Naval Attack

Published: July 16, 2020, 7 a.m.

At the start of the 20th century, the Russo-Japanese War would break out as the result of both trying to expand their empires. Striking first, Japan would corner and defeat the Russian Far Eastern Fleet in Port Arthur in modern day China. 

 

In response to this resounding defeat, Tsar Nicholas II authorised an unbelievable proposal from his government. Forty-five ships from the Russian Baltic Fleet would sail 18,000 miles around the world from its bases in northern Europe to defeat the Japanese navy and relieve the trapped Russian ships.

 

From the outset the expedition was doomed to failure, rendering it one of the greatest naval follies of history.