Philip Vian's aggressive destroyer leadership

Captain Philip Vian combined tactical aggression with an ability to think through difficult operations. His later decision to drive destroyers across the Atlantic in pursuit of Bismarck reflected the same instinct to close with the enemy. HMS Afridi was his normal flotilla leader, while HMS Cossack temporarily carried Vian and his staff during Afridi's maintenance. The transfer also allowed Cossack's exhausted captain a break. Vian took over an already well-trained Tribal-class flotilla and demanded still more from it through personal example. His willingness to share the work helped motivate his sailors, although his exceptionally high expectations could cause friction.