Wartime orders sent the Second Light Squadron toward the Channel and placed French light forces alongside British formations. The ships were poorly suited to rough Channel conditions, but their deployment still helped cover the French coast and troop movements. A simultaneous order concerning Goeben and Breslau also exposes an early risk: troop transports were to sail as isolated ships rather than in convoy, with the War Department accepting responsibility.
Notable Point · 54:11-56:02
Piver sent French light forces to secure the Channel
Louis-Joseph Piver's orders show French initiative in reinforcing the Channel even while ministers hesitated over exposure to German forces.