From The Great War Facebook page
Today in 1918, the Czechoslovak legion engages in its first and only naval battle.
In August of 1918, the legion was fighting the Red Army for the mountain passes around Lake Baikal, Siberia. They had managed to seize 2 enemy steamships which were fitted with howitzers. Their goal was to destroy the local harbour and train station.
On August 16 the Czechoslovaks approached the Red Army port on their vessels. The Red Army mistook them for a supply ship and allowed them to get extremely close to the port. It was too late when the mistake was realised.
The train station erupted into flames and the harbour was destroyed. The Red Army icebreaker SS Baikal tried to engage them but was heavily damaged. Red Army reinforcements arrived after about 30 minutes, with an armoured train to support. Acknowledging they had achieved their aims, the Czechoslovak legion withdrew successfully.
Word of this success reached Allied leaders and this was partly responsible for the increased intervention in the area.
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