Q&A · 2:29:27-2:29:45

Would HMS Glorious's captain face a court martial?

Loss of a ship automatically triggers a court martial, although the evidence determines what judgment follows.

Command Accountability Courts Martial HMS Glorious Naval Law Royal Navy

Question

If HMS Glorious's captain had survived the loss, would he have faced a court martial?

Short answer

Yes; loss of the ship would automatically require a court martial, but the resulting judgment would depend on the evidence.

Notes

Had Glorious's captain survived, the loss of his ship would have brought an automatic court martial. That requirement would not decide his guilt. The outcome would depend on the circumstances of the loss and the court's interpretation of his conduct.