In an 1850 paper considering a possible war with France, Alexander Milne argued that sailing ships of the line could not check the rapid movements of a steam squadron. Their slower response would hinder operations. He regarded three coastal steam squadrons as necessary for defence against invasion. With seven steam frigates and twenty-three steam sloops serving overseas, providing that force would require larger naval estimates or recalls from foreign stations.
Notable Point · 2:41:36-2:42:25
Milne argues that steam squadrons require a steam-powered defence
Steam propulsion changed the speed at which an invasion threat could develop, forcing Britain to consider new squadrons and the cost of recalling ships from abroad.