Harsh conditions experienced by seamen serving in the Baltic 1919

Admiral Cowan (S.N.O Baltic) in a letter of the 10th of November asks for a plain and definite statement to the fleet, as to the conditions of service in the Baltic and the nature of any proposed recognition for it, to be issued without delay. He gives as his reasons the increasing stress of service in the Baltic due to the wintry weather and the few attractions on shore getting less, consequent signs of irritation and incipient insubordination. In investigations he invariably notes the desire to know

"why we are here-why we are fighting the Bolsheviks-
"why it is not definately stated why we are at war and 
"under war conditions-why it has been inferred in parliament that all out here are volunteers for this service" 

Reference National Archives  ADM 1/8570/291