Maund was found negligent on two counts: insufficient readiness for possible damage and failure to keep properly constituted damage-control parties aboard. Concern for the crew and memories of earlier carrier losses help explain the decision without removing command responsibility. Ark Royal's survival for many hours showed that this was a different tactical situation from Courageous being struck repeatedly or Glorious being destroyed by gunfire. Maund still reached rear-admiral and later served as Rear-Admiral, Landing Ships and Craft, but the finding ended the trajectory expected of a previously high-flying officer. His later book, Assault from the Sea, examined the development and wartime use of Royal Navy landing craft. The case shows why naval command requires trained procedure to survive the pressure of an emergency.
Notable Point · 55:17-58:31
The inquiry's judgment on Captain Maund
The inquiry found Captain Loben Maund negligent for the carrier's readiness and for failing to retain adequate damage-control parties after evacuation.