Warspite's role during the Second Battle of Narvik reflects the aggressive culture surrounding British destroyer crews. The destroyers were willing to pursue German ships toward the shore, leaving the battleship to act as the restraining presence. Her Swordfish floatplane also provided scouting for the action. Ship design and officer culture reinforced each other: fast flotillas were expected to press attacks hard enough that even Warspite could appear cautious by comparison.
Notable Point · 2:35:58-2:38:26
Warspite as the calming influence at Narvik
At Narvik, Warspite restrained aggressive destroyer crews while her Swordfish floatplane helped scout the German force.