Kountouriotis projected confidence before battle through signals that included a taunting offer to supply the Ottoman fleet with coal. His later defence of independent action rested on the principle that warships must accept danger and possible loss if a navy is to rule the seas. He combined that willingness to fight with seamanship and an understanding of his flagship's strengths. His later offices included naval minister, regent and president of Greece. He chose Averof as his flagship because he considered her more capable than the older coastal defence ships.
Notable Point · 1:04:42-1:08:14
Kountouriotis accepts the risks of fighting for sea control
Kountouriotis's signals and later defense of his conduct reveal a commander who valued initiative and accepted that fleets must be risked to command the sea.