Official Records
ADM 239/261: The Fighting Instructions
Section XIII- Escaping, as Opposed to a Retirement
Updated 28-Aug-2006
This document is a modern transcription of Admiralty file ADM 239/261, "The Fighting Instructions," published 1939. This particular portion deals with pages 91 & 92. 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.
(Pages 91-92)
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Clause
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Subject
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530 |
General. |
GENERAL
530. When a greatly superior enemy is met and no supports
are at hand, the object of the weaker force is, in most circumstances,
to escape unharmed.
SCATTERING
531. When the weaker force contains more than one
ship, the Senior Officer should at once order all units to scatter, ships
should then disperse in different directions at full speed ; to remain
concentrated in the hope of doing some damage to the enemy will be playing
into his hands.
EMPLOYMENT OF CATAPULT AIRCRAFT
532. In the first instance, aircraft, which carry
a suitable armament, should be employed offensively against the fastest
pursuing ships, subsequently they should report the enemy's movements
and spot the fall of shot.
SPEED AND COURSE
533. The range may be opened by developing the utmost
speed and making small alterations of course, which may often be unnoticed
by the enemy ; a large alteration of course, preferably under cover of
smoke, may also achieve this. These alterations may be of particular use
at dusk or when made towards areas where the visibility is poor.
SMOKE
534. Smoke may be invaluable when being chased. Should
the chance of escaping appear to be hopeless, the enemy should be closed
and attacked through a smoke screen if possible ; such resolute action
may surprise and defeat the enemy.
535. (Blank)
536. (Blank)
537. (Blank)
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