Captain Burgess's report of 6 December 1931 describes how HMS Nelson prepared for sea during the protest. Ordinary routines continued, ladders and booms were brought in, and sea-duty personnel went to stations, but a silent, respectful group gathered around the anchor gear. Burgess judged that forcing the issue in peacetime would be folly and never gave the final order to weigh anchor. The commander addressed the men, who heard him respectfully and explained that sailing would betray their squadron mates and families. Burgess regarded their wish to act together as a logical consequence of the fleet's collective claim. When sailing was cancelled, both watches fell in and restored the normal routine without trouble. His report supports the distinction between a demand on the government over pay and a revolt against the ship's officers.
Notable Point · 2:11:57-2:15:39
HMS Nelson's captain avoids forcing a formal mutiny
Captain Burgess withheld the final order to weigh anchor while Nelson's sailors insisted on solidarity with the fleet, allowing normal routine to resume when sailing was cancelled.