Tsingtao was a major commercial, diplomatic, and military port rather than an isolated anchorage. Captain Eric Brind and many of Birmingham's officers and senior ratings had served extensively on the China Station, and some spoke Chinese or Japanese. That experience gave Brind several credible officers to send ashore while he remained aboard to coordinate the ship. Years of overseas service had produced language skills and local relationships that Brind could use immediately.
Notable Point · 33:39-35:53
China Station service as operational knowledge
Captain Eric Brind and Birmingham's experienced China Station personnel could draw on local languages, relationships, and regional knowledge during the confrontation.