“Do you think that it is a practicable operation to force the Dardanelles by the use of ships alone?... The importance of the results would justify severe loss.” [Illustration: SERVICE ON BOARD H.M.S. _QUEEN ELIZABETH_, SEEN BETWEEN HER 15-INCH GUNS] At the same time he stated that it was assumed that “older battleships” would be employed, furnished with mine-sweepers, and preceded by colliers or other merchant vessels as sweepers and bumpers. On January 5 Carden replied: “I do not think that the Dardanelles can be rushed, but they might be forced by extended operations with a large number of ships.” Next day Mr. Churchill telegraphed: “High authorities here concur in your opinion.” He further asked for detailed particulars showing what force would be required for extended operations.[20] [Sidenote: THE ADMIRALS IN AUTHORITY] Among the “high authorities,” Carden naturally supposed that one or more of the naval experts who attended the War Council were included. These naval experts were, in the first place, Lord Fisher (First Sea Lord) and Sir Arthur Wilson, Admirals of long and distinguished service. Both were over seventy years of age, and both were regarded by the navy and the whole country with the highest respect, though for distinct and even opposite qualities. Lord Fisher had been exposed to the criticism merited by all reformers, or bestowed upon them. Especially it was argued that his insistence upon the Dreadnought type, by rendering the former fleet obsolete, had given our hostile rival upon the seas the opportunity of starting a new naval construction on almost equal terms with our own. But, none the less, Lord Fisher was recognised as the man to command the fleet by the right of genius, and his authority at sea was hardly surpassed by Lord Kitchener’s on land. The causes of the confidence and respect inspired by Sir Arthur Wilson are sufficiently suggested by his invariable nickname of “Tug.” Both Admirals were members of the War Staff Group, instituted by Prince Louis of Battenberg in the previous November,[21] and both attended the War Council as the principal naval experts. Admiral Sir Henry Jackson and Vice-Admiral Sir Henry Oliver (Chief of the Staff) were also present on occasion. [Sidenote: THEIR DUTY AS ADVISERS]