Rola krążowników lekkich w składzie brytyjskiej Grand Fleet w czasie I wojny światowej (1914–1918) W świetle Grand Fleet Battle Orders Johna Jellicoe
The Role of Light Cruisers in the British Grand Fleet during the World War I (1914–1918). In the Light of the Grand Fleet Battle Orders of John Jellicoe

Summary/Abstract: Light cruisers appeared as a separate class of ships shortly before World War I. Today they can be boldly described as „gray eminences” in the ranks of the then navies. They are not as popular among historians and enthusiasts of naval warfare as, for example, battleships, cruisers and submarines. However, they were an important part of the two largest navies of that era, the British Grand Fleet and the German Hochseeflotte. Their main task was to conduct long-distance reconnaissance for the fleet. They were also supposed to protect battleships against light enemy forces. This article explores the role of light cruisers in the British Grand Fleet: the largest navy during the First World War. The first part of the article presents the genesis of this class of ships. The tasks assigned to light cruisers operating with the fleet are then discussed, using information contained in the Grand Fleet Battle Orders – combat instructions for the British navy, prepared by its commander Admiral John Jellicoe in 1914–1916. The article is rounded off with a presentation of the actions of British light cruisers during the Battle of Jutland (1916), aimed at analyzing how the guidelines of the British navy command proved to be successful in practice.

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