Fisher sought more radios, but he also worked on making existing flag communications usable in real fleet conditions. Port-side and starboard-side halyards could be hard to distinguish at sea, especially when ships were spread out or their view was obstructed. A centrally visible signal was more dependable for a squadron moving at speed. A signal system therefore had to support the manoeuvres the fleet expected to use in battle.
Chapter · 7:44-13:14
Fisher's practical approach to fleet signalling
Renown's flagship service illustrates why Fisher focused on reliable visual signalling for fast manoeuvre at sea.