Corbett argues that an enemy fleet can disappear across an ocean in a way an army cannot disappear from a road network. Finding the opponent therefore becomes a central operational problem before a battle can occur. Mostert adds that commercial shipping, recaptured vessels, logbooks, and accumulated maritime familiarity gave sailors useful signposts. Together, the passages connect naval theory with the practical intelligence needed to locate a convoy or enemy fleet.
Notable Point · 6:13-7:49
Finding an enemy fleet on an open sea
A Julian Corbett passage explains why naval pursuit lacks the fixed routes of land war, while merchant traffic and logbooks supplied vital clues at sea.