Gambier's experience and the Basque Roads dispute

James Gambier was an experienced admiral with a long career. The episode also notes his support for education and that Gambier, Ohio, was named in part for him. His best-known controversy followed the Battle of the Basque Roads, where Thomas Cochrane and another admiral accused him of cowardice for refusing to pursue French ships onto dangerous rocks. The pursuit promised prize money but exposed British ships and crews to losses while the French were already wrecking themselves. Political rivalry and financial interests hung over the accusations. The dispute concerns a command judgment: whether further risk could produce enough military gain.