What is a naval example of a captain or commander being in over his head and succeeding anyway?
Short answerHMS Africa is the first example; the detailed case is Augustus Agar sinking Oleg in June 1919 from the tiny Coastal Motor Boat 4.
NotesHMS Africa's encounter with the Franco-Spanish fleet is presented as an action she should scarcely have survived. Augustus Agar's June 1919 attack on Oleg provides a more detailed example of success against an apparently overwhelming opponent. Coastal Motor Boat 4 carried its torpedo on top and launched it over the stern, requiring a quick turn to avoid being struck by its own weapon. The exposed crew had little room in the tiny boat, whose survival at Duxford allows its scale to be appreciated. Agar received the Victoria Cross for sinking the cruiser.