Captain Augustus Agar's combat reputation

Emerald recommissioned almost as soon as war began and joined the Twelfth Cruiser Squadron on Northern Patrol duties. Captain Augustus Agar's appointment signalled that the ship was expected to undertake important wartime work. Agar had won the Victoria Cross during the Russian Civil War in a small coastal torpedo boat attack, then returned with more boats for a second strike. The first raid sank a Soviet cruiser, and the later group attack struck battleships. His command connected an older cruiser with an officer experienced in aggressive, high-risk light-force operations.