I caused the most searching inquiries to be made in the Admiralty into the responsibility for this tragic event. The necessary Court of Inquiry was convened. The Court found that the responsibility for the position of the cruisers on that day was attributable to the Admiralty War Staff telegram of the 19th which has been already quoted. The First Sea Lord held that this was a reflection upon the Admiralty by a subordinate Court; but it seemed to me that the criticism was just and that it should stand. It was, however, by no means exhaustive. One would expect senior officers in command of cruiser squadrons to judge for themselves the danger of their task, and especially of its constant repetition; and while obeying any orders they received, to represent an unsatisfactory situation plainly to the Admiralty instead of going on day after day, and week after week, until superior authority intervened or something lamentable happened. One would expect also that ordinary precautions would be observed in the tactical conduct of squadrons. Moreover, although the impulse which prompted the _Hogue_ and _Cressy_ to go to the rescue of their comrades in the sinking _Aboukir_ was one of generous humanity, they could hardly have done anything more unwise or more likely to add to the loss of life. They should at once have steamed away in opposite directions, lowering boats at the first opportunity. I remitted all these matters to Lord Fisher when two months later he arrived at the Admiralty; but he laconically replied that ‘most of the officers concerned were on half pay, that they had better remain there, and that no useful purpose would be served by further action.’ CHAPTER XV ANTWERP ‘If Hopes were dupes, Fears may be liars, It may be in yon smoke conceal’d, Your comrades chase e’en now the fliers, And but for you, possess the field. For while the tired waves vainly breaking Seem here no painful inch to gain, Far back, through creeks and inlets making, Comes silent flooding in the main.’ CLOUGH.