Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:12:32-1:12:50

Why Neptune led without taking command of Force K

A ship's place at the head of a formation did not automatically make her captain the force commander.

Force KHMS NeptuneNaval CommandRoyal Navy
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Question

Did Captain Rory O'Conor take command of Force K when Neptune joined and moved to the front?

Short answer

No. Neptune led the formation, but Agnew retained command of the force.

Notes

The arrival of HMS Neptune raises a distinction between tactical station and command authority. Neptune led the formation because Captain Rory O'Conor pressed to take the forward position. Agnew nevertheless retained command of Force K. The commodore's flagship did not always have to be the leading ship in action.