Fisher wanted high speed and rapid procurement, while Philip Watts insisted on requirements that could become a workable ship. Their disagreement over Swift began in October 1904. Watts's effectiveness as Director of Naval Construction depended on managing naval demands, politicians and shipyards. In this assessment, his ability to challenge Fisher and reconcile those demands mattered more than any claim to exceptional brilliance as a naval architect.
Notable Point · 5:59-8:02
Fisher's speed demands meet Watts's design discipline
The origins of HMS Swift show the tension between an ambitious operational requirement and a design that can actually be built.