Arctic Ocean Flotilla

Russian naval flotilla that was based during World War I at Murmansk and Iokan’ga.

The flotilla was formed in September 1916 from ships transferred from Vladivostok and others purchased abroad. It had one battleship, two cruisers, six destroyers, two submarines, and other vessels. The flotilla guarded the lines of communication with the Allies, who delivered a significant amount of weapons and cargo for the Russian Army and Navy and for enterprises working for the country’s defense. When Russia withdrew from World War I, the flotilla had about 90 warships and auxiliary vessels. In August 1918 the flotilla’s best ships were seized by the interventionists and White Guards, who also disabled or destroyed the remaining vessels.