Hornby's Evolutionary Squadron forced the Victorian Navy to practise as though it were fighting a war instead of preserving ships in harbour. The 1885 deployment began the annual manoeuvre system through which the fleet adapted to rapid technical and doctrinal change. Leander grounded on Hornet Rock during the exercises but returned to sea, making damage, repair, and continued operations part of the lesson. One cruiser's experience therefore shows how the new training system tested crews and ships under demanding conditions.
Chapter · 20:43-22:19
The 1885 Evolutionary Squadron made readiness a practice
Leander's work with Hornby's Evolutionary Squadron helped establish realistic annual manoeuvres as a basis for Royal Navy readiness.