The Baltic force needed forceful diplomacy, yet Admiral Walter Cowan's hard-driving command style was poorly suited to sailors who believed the war was over and expected to go home. Andrew Cunningham admired Cowan's operational aggression while recognizing the strain it placed on a force near its disciplinary limit. HMS Vindictive's crew lacked a clear sense of purpose, while HMS Delhi's conditions included poor food and cold accommodation. Forceful command did not resolve uncertainty about the mission or complaints over food and accommodation.
Notable Point · 32:53-36:22
Cowan's Baltic command meets a war-weary force
HMS Delhi and HMS Vindictive show how aggressive wartime command could clash with crews uncertain about their mission, food, accommodation, and delayed demobilization.