What Happened During Operation Albion in 1917?

• The battle took place in the Baltic Sea.
• Germany wanted to control important islands.
• The Russian Empire defended the territory.
• Germany used ships, planes, and ground troops.
• The operation lasted about two weeks.

During World War I, Germany and Russia were fighting on the Eastern Front. Russia was having trouble at home because of a revolution. Germany wanted to take advantage of this weakness. They planned a surprise attack by sea to capture islands near the coast of Estonia.

Germany sent a huge fleet of over 300 ships to the Baltic Sea. They sailed toward the islands of Saaremaa, Hiiumaa, and Muhu. Russian soldiers tried to stop them with shore guns and old ships. German troops landed on the beaches and moved quickly inland. The Russian defenders were outnumbered and could not hold their positions. Fighting continued for several days as Germany captured the islands one by one. By October 20, the entire area was under German control.

This operation showed how well Germany could use sea and land forces together. It made Russia feel less safe in their own capital, Saint Petersburg. The victory helped Germany control the Baltic Sea for the rest of the war. It was one of the last big battles on the Eastern Front.

• German Imperial Navy
• German Army
• Russian Imperial Navy
• Russian Army