Operations Upon the Sea A Study   By: Franz Edelsheim (1868-)

OPERATIONS UPON THE SEA

A STUDY

BY

FREIHERR VON EDELSHEIM

IN THE SERVICE OF THE GERMAN GENERAL STAFF IN 1901

TRANSLATED FROM THE GERMAN

NEW YORK THE OUTDOOR PRESS 1914

Copyright, 1914, by THE OUTDOOR PRESS

Published November, 1914

VAIL BALLOU COMPANY BINGHAMTON AND NEW YORK

FOREWORD

This book is of especial importance at this time, for if Germany is to reach the degree of advantage which her military preparedness seemed to prophesy, it is plain that her navy must become increasingly active, and play a far different rôle than that it has assumed in the early stages of the war.

Covering this phase of the German operations the present volume must appeal as forecasting movements strictly within the bounds of actuality. A literal translation is all that has been attempted, with absolutely no embellishment to make it "popular" or easy reading. With characteristic bluntness this German officer brushes aside non essentials and goes to the main point in daring fashion. For that very reason it is exceedingly pertinent to present day discussions.

Issued as a military study in Germany, semi official in nature, to characterize it mildly, the material herein published for the first time in English reveals the theories of at least a portion of the military arm of the German Government, which it is only fair to state may not represent the convictions of the German people.

Americans, as neutral but extremely interested observers of happenings of the moment, cannot be blamed, however, for making note of revelations that may come from either side in the conflict. Beyond that, there are evidences on every hand that the patriotic citizens of this country are waking to the necessity to face more securely the difficulties a peace loving nation may meet because of its lack of enthusiasm for war.

THE PUBLISHERS.

PREFACE

The purpose of this book is to estimate the value of operation over the sea as demonstrated in modern warfare, to point out the most important factors in its accomplishment, to describe the powerful expedients provided by Germany for such an enterprise, and to broaden the sphere of studying these important questions of interest to our Fatherland.

THE AUTHOR.

CONTENTS

PAGE

INTRODUCTION 13

THEORETICAL VIEWS 17

I PRINCIPLES OF OPERATIONS OVER THE SEA 19

II ACCOMPLISHMENT OF SEA TRANSPORTATION 27

PREPARATIONS DURING PEACE 27

PREPARATIONS AT THE OUTBREAK OF WAR 39

EMBARKATION 46

SEA VOYAGE 56

LANDING 62

OPERATIONS 71

REEMBARKATION 75

APPLICATION 77

I CONSIDERATION OF LANDING OPERATIONS AGAINST POWERS THAT CAN BE REACHED ONLY BY SEA 79

II VIEWS ON COLONIAL EXPEDITIONS 93

III CONCLUDING VIEWS 106

OPERATIONS UPON THE SEA

INTRODUCTION