Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 4:47:59-4:48:51

Why Ashmore's selection involved more than language skills

Ashmore spoke Chinese and Japanese, but other officers could also speak those languages, so his selection cannot be explained by language skills alone.

Edward AshmoreHMS BirminghamMilitary LeadershipNaval PersonnelTsingtao Incident
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Question

Was Ashmore chosen for the boarding party because he spoke Chinese and Japanese?

Short answer

He had those language skills, but so did other officers aboard. His demonstrated ability also helps explain why he was trusted with the assignment.

Notes

Edward Ashmore spoke Chinese and Japanese. Birmingham also had other officers with relevant language skills, including a lieutenant who was not sent, so those skills alone do not explain the choice of a midshipman. A later reply stresses that Ashmore was already considered a capable officer. His eventual rise to Admiral of the Fleet is mentioned alongside that early assessment.