Signals Relied Quote by Gilbert Andrew Hugh Gordon
““that the shaky premiss on which British fleets had, for two generations, been practised and led – the assumption that tactical signals could be relied upon to ‘get through’ in action – was fallacious, and that conditions might obtain in which manoeuvring without signals would “become essential”.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Naval Warfare, 1914‑1918 by Gilbert Andrew Hugh Gordon, 1915
The belief that signal communication would always work in naval battles was mistaken; commanders must be ready to fight without relying on signals.
In simple terms: Signal reliance is unreliable; be prepared to maneuver without them.
Key Takeaway
Train crews for signal‑free operations.
Themes
naval tactics
communication
adaptability
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
historical
strategic
When to use this quote
- fleet exercises
- combat drills
- emergency scenarios
- historical analysis
Key Concepts
signal reliability
command decision‑making
Questions to Reflect On
- How can modern navies reduce dependence on signals?
- What training best builds signal‑free maneuver skills?
A Different Perspective
Signals can fail under combat stress, limiting effectiveness.
![“My comments are directed at the system which was responsible for their poor performance, not at the officers concerned. I do not recall ever having taken part [before the war] in an exercise that was other than a set ritual, which, while not without value, certainly did little to prepare us for…” quote by Gilbert Andrew Hugh Gordon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/12c/gilbert-andrew-hugh-gordon-156_poor-performance_my-comments-are-directed-at-the-system-w_497405.jpg)
