Activation of reserve destroyers during the Abyssinia Crisis made Vian Captain (D) of the 19th Destroyer Flotilla in HMS Douglas. His flotilla and the 1st Destroyer Flotilla remained at Malta after the main fleet shifted to Alexandria, providing local security and a force able to interfere with movements across the Mediterranean. He later commanded the 1st Destroyer Flotilla from HMS Keppel. These appointments gave him repeated opportunities to operate without close supervision at sea. Senior officers selected him for crisis commands because they trusted his character as well as his competence. His willingness to admit mistakes suited a service culture that accepted failed calculations as part of developing officers willing to take necessary risks.
Chapter · 9:49-17:08
Reserve flotillas gave Vian independent leadership experience
Commands in HMS Douglas and HMS Keppel during the Abyssinia Crisis gave Vian practical responsibility for flotillas, Malta's defense, and calculated risk.