division of our battle fleet[1] into two or more isolated detachments. In this respect our present diposition—a single battle fleet or "Grand" fleet—is far more economical and strategically preferable as a defensive power to the old-time distribution of the Channel Fleet. Mediterranean Fleet, etc. If it had been really necessary, for any political or geographical reason, to maintain two separate battle fleets at such distance asunder as to preclude their immediate concentration in case of attack, the cost to the country would have been enormously
_-_Fig._9.png)
Fig. 9.
increased. In the case, for example, of our total battle fleet being separated into two equal parts, forming separate fleets or squadrons, the increase would require to be fixed at approximately 40 per cent.—that is to say, in the relation of 1 to √2; more generally the solution is given by a right-angled triangle, as in Fig. 9. It must not be forgotten that, even with this enormous increase, the security will not be so great as appears on paper, for the enemy's fleet, having met and defeated one section of our fleet, may succeed in falling back on his base for repair and refit, and emerge later with the advantage of strength in his favour. Also one must not
- ↑ Capital ships:—Dreadnoughts and Super-Dreadnoughts.
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