Page:The Next Naval War - Eardley-Wilmot - 1894.djvu/60

 {|
 * Hawke. || Æolus. || Surprise.
 * Amphion. || Barham. || Sandfly.
 * Arethusa. || Scout. || Skipjack.
 * Spartan. || Fearless.
 * }
 * Arethusa. || Scout. || Skipjack.
 * Spartan. || Fearless.
 * }
 * }

Though, as may be seen, this squadron was numerically inferior to that of the French, and only contained four ships of 12,000 tons and upwards, it was thoroughly well organised and in splendid order. The chief command was held by Admiral Sir Charles T—, G.C.B., an officer of great experience and energy. The Ramillies carried his flag. Rear-admiral L— was his second in command in the Trafalgar. He had gained a great reputation as a captain, and was now flying his flag for the first time.

Many problems which had been exercising men's minds for half a century were now within measurable distance of solution. The effect of steam upon tactics; for, with the exception of Lissa, no great action under this mode of propulsion had yet taken place. The fight between Tegethoff and Persano had only touched the fringe of the question. Then how far we were justified in mainly trusting to a few guns of great size. Would the improved training of seamen and the superior precision of the weapon give an adequate return under the different conditions of battle and practice? Were we right in carrying such masses of armour? Or could it be limited to keeping out the most destructive shell? What was the influence