After taking command of the Mediterranean Fleet, Andrew Cunningham carried Warspite to Istanbul for talks with the Turkish government. The battleship and accompanying Tribal-class destroyers were among the Royal Navy's most capable and conspicuous vessels. Their presence made diplomatic attention visible in a way that written assurances could not. Recalling Warspite after the loss of Royal Oak therefore removed Cunningham's strongest deterrent signal just as he was trying to discourage Italy from entering the war.
Chapter · 23:00-24:11
Warspite carries British deterrence to Istanbul
Cunningham's 1939 Istanbul visit used Warspite and Tribal-class destroyers as a visible statement of British power and diplomatic commitment.