Rear Admiral Ernest Troubridge could not catch or outfight Goeben with the ships available, and his flag captain advised against a suicidal attack. He was nevertheless court-martialed after Goeben escaped, while officers who had supported the decision distanced themselves from it. Troubridge never received another seagoing command. Cradock knew this precedent when the Admiralty declared his own force sufficient and expected him to seek action.
Chapter · 2:34:25-2:38:02
Troubridge's court-martial haunted Cradock
The recent pursuit of Goeben taught Royal Navy officers that declining a hopeless engagement could still destroy an admiral's career.