The post-manoeuvre inquiry found too many untrained second-class stokers and recorded Arethusa's shortage of engine-room artificers, leading stokers, and stokers. Her captain also reported quick, heavy rolling in beam or quartering seas that made accurate fire nearly impossible and rendered machine guns in the tops ineffective. Proposed remedies included removing square rig and fighting tops, enlarging rudders, extending the bridge, and adding an after searchlight against torpedo boats. Senior opinion divided over whether reducing topweight justified sacrificing sailing endurance and the combat value of guns aloft.
Chapter · 43:00-46:22
Manoeuvres exposed manning and seakeeping weaknesses
The inquiry found inexperienced stokers, an inadequate engine-room complement, heavy rolling, poor gunnery conditions, and excessive topweight.