Official Records
ADM 239/261: (C.B.04027) The Fighting Instructions (1939)
Updated 24-Apr-2005

This document is a modern transcription of Admiralty file ADM 239/261, "The Fighting Instructions," published 1939. This is sometimes known as the Admiralty Fighting Instructions. The original document is held at the The National Archives at Kew, London. This Crown Copyrighted material is reproduced here by kind permission of The National Archives.

Note: Not all sections of this transcription are complete. We ultimately plan on posting the entire document.

(A) The Fighting Instructions are promulgated herewith giving the guiding principles for all arms of the fleet in certain war operations, fleet and minor actions. They are instructions for general guidance and are not to be regarded as orders.

(B) Extensive reference to these instructions should not be necessary on the bridge at sea in time of war.

(C) In the event of war, the Fighting Instructions may be further defined by supplementary orders, which would depend on the circumstances of the war and the composition of opposing fleets.

(D) It is the duty of Captains to acquaint officers of the rank of Lieutenant and above, and other appropriate officers, with the contents of the Fighting Instructions, in particular as far as they apply to the tactics and duties of their own ships or aircraft in war.

NOTE:-This book may also be communicated to Acting Observers' Mates and Observers' Mates under the supervision of an Officer of Commissioned rank at the discretion of the Commanding Officer. [Paragraph added per Amendement No.1 to this document]

Signed Charles Forbes ADMIRAL, Commander-in-Chief, Home Fleet

Signed Dudley Pound ADMIRAL, Commander-in-Chief, Mediterranean Station

---

(Title page of 'The Fighting Instructions')

SECRET

Attention is called to the penalties attaching to any infraction of the
Official Secrets Acts.

This book is the property of H.M. Government.

C.B. 04027 (39)

THE
FIGHTING
INSTRUCTIONS

(SHORT TITLE- F.I.)

PREFACE

(i) The Fighting Instructions are based on the principles of naval warfare as laid down in the Naval War Manual. They are supplemented by the following instructions and orders:-

SUMMARY OF CONTENTS