Phillips's decision to help the forces ashore followed a Royal Navy practice visible at Dunkirk, Norway, Greece, and Crete. His commands centered on destroyers, including flotilla and Home Fleet destroyer appointments, alongside senior staff work. He also knew the China Station from service as a flag captain aboard Hawkins. His disagreements and agreements with carrier specialist Reginald Henderson included the performance of AA armament and the operation of ships. That background complicates the familiar picture of Phillips as a battleship traditionalist indifferent to air defense.
Notable Point · 31:01-34:50
Tom Phillips's destroyer career and decision to sortie
Tom Phillips's destroyer and staff background complicates the familiar picture of him as a hidebound battleship admiral.