After service and exercises at home, Repulse joined the Mediterranean Fleet in 1902 and participated in combined manoeuvres with the Channel Fleet and cruiser squadron. Her arrival placed her under Jackie Fisher as he commanded this strategically important formation. Fisher appreciated the evolution represented by the Royal Sovereigns, although his personal favourite was the nominally second-class battleship HMS Renown. The contrast shows how command preferences and perceived ship qualities could matter alongside official first- and second-class labels.
Notable Point · 35:12-37:24
Mediterranean Fleet service under Jackie Fisher
Repulse entered the Mediterranean Fleet just as Jackie Fisher took command, placing an older battleship in a formative command environment.