The postwar record left some ambiguity over who issued the order to send Moresby and Onslow. Rear Admiral Trevylyan Napier was the likely source because Engadine belonged to his formation and the destroyers came from his flotilla. Beatty's staff was paying little attention to the carrier's immediate operation, while Napier had both responsibility and ships available. Protecting Engadine looks like practical command judgment developed in action before standing carrier doctrine existed. The detachment offers an early example of a dedicated carrier escort emerging directly from battle conditions.
Notable Point · 47:42-50:11
The first carrier escort in action
Destroyers Moresby and Onslow were detached to protect Engadine, creating an early example of a carrier receiving a dedicated escort during battle.