The Atlantic Fleet arrived at Invergordon on 11 September 1931, and fleet orders announced the reductions the following day for implementation on 1 October. Andrew Cunningham later admitted that many officers did not understand sailors' domestic financial pressures before the announcement. He particularly criticized senior officers and those in large ships, suggesting that attention to equipment and exercises had displaced concern for people. His initial faith that discipline would secure acceptance also underestimated the fact that the grievance concerned a government decision. At Chatham, the promised explanatory letter arrived too late, and even a borrowed copy offered nothing he thought could defuse the crisis. He included himself and shore-establishment commanders in the blame for failing to investigate household circumstances and make representations earlier.
Notable Point · 51:05-53:20
Cunningham on missed warnings and the late pay-cut letter
Cunningham admitted that officers had announced severe cuts before understanding sailors' household finances, and that the Admiralty's late explanation offered little help.