Stephen Roskill's papers contain material that he could not confidently include in an official naval history. A claim might fit the surrounding evidence yet rest on only one minor source. Multiple corroborating sources were needed before it could carry the authority of the published history. A verbal account can still discuss an isolated statement if its uncertain status is clear, as in the example of a remark heard from one U.S. Marine.
Notable Point · 7:07:02-7:08:09
Roskill's evidentiary standard for official naval history
Plausibility and a single source can justify further inquiry while remaining insufficient for an official historical claim.