This unique account describes the interplay of factors in the emergence of the Austro-Hungarian Navy from a coastal defence force in 1904 to a respectable battle force by the eve of World War I.

The key aspects of conducting naval strategy and operations in 'narrow seas' are covered in this book. It is necessary to revise the view that a fleet capable of defeating an adversary on the open ocean will automatically do the same in narrow seas.

This unique account describes the interplay of factors in the emergence of the Austro-Hungarian Navy from a coastal defence force in 1904 to a respectable battle force by the eve of World War I.

Many books and articles have been written on wars in narrow seas. However, none deals in any comprehensive manner with the problems of strategy and conduct of naval operations. The aim of this book is to explain in some detail the characteristics of a war fought in narrow seas and to compare and contrast strategy and major operations in narrow seas and naval warfare in the open ocean..

First published in 1999. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.