Ben-my-Chree reached Lesbos with two Short Type 184s for reconnaissance, naval gunfire spotting, and patrols over the Dardanelles. Their regular reports let commanders grow accustomed to a steady flow of aerial information while they watched for SMS Goeben and SMS Breslau. HMS Queen Elizabeth and Lord Nelson provided the heavy ships expected to meet those vessels if they emerged, and Queen Elizabeth's 15-inch guns are presented as a deterrent. The carrier's concentration of aircraft, communications, and support staff later informed arguments for keeping carriers near flagships and giving them enough space for command work. On 2 September 1915, she also rescued Australian troops from the torpedoed HMT Southland off Lemnos. The rescue put her speed and passenger capacity to use outside aviation.
Chapter · 32:40-38:24
Dardanelles patrols create a steady information flow
At the Dardanelles, Ben-my-Chree's aircraft supplied regular reconnaissance and gunfire reports, while the carrier also rescued troops from HMT Southland.