Physical Education and Sports in Daily Service of Baltic Fleet Crews during World War I (August 1914 – February 1917)

This article examines the role of physical education and sports activities in the daily service of personnel within the Baltic Fleet during World War I. It investigates measures taken to maintain the physical and moral-psychological condition of the crew as factors contributing to combat readiness, and explores their evolution in comparison to the early 20th century. The authors analyze sources documenting the organization of physical education for crews (such as orders and watch logs), as well as visual representations of sailors' participation in these initiatives and their attitudes towards them (including photographs and personal accounts). Through comparative analysis, the study traces the correlation between the frequency of physical training sessions and the operational activity of ships and units, as well as their locations and seasonal variations. Utilizing a historical-genetic method, the authors identify connections between established principles of physical training from the early 20th century and emerging trends. The findings suggest that physical education and training were predominantly conducted within the traditions of that era. Furthermore, physical education and sports did not serve as a factor in strengthening crew solidarity due to the persistent caste divisions between sailors and officers.

Baltic Fleet, military everyday life, gymnastics, World War I, sports, drill exercises, physical culture