I find your “memo to the Royal Navy” frankly insulting. I as an ex-RN sailor, who spent most of his ten years service in the gulf, I find your “we are braver / better than you are” posturing to be a little of target.

The incidents were not in the least bit similar. No RN vessel allowed itself to be boarded, the RN / RM boarding party in two rigid hull inflatable boats, armed only with assualt rifles were sorrounded by Revolutionary Guard boats toting heavy machine guns and RPG’s. Now I agree it was a travesty, the investigation was a white wash and the handling of the media was inept, but you simply can not compare it to this situation. As Peter has already noted, all western warships passing through the Straits normally do it at a ‘reduced action stations’ or ‘defence watches’ with guns manned etc. Mind you on a seperate point, I don’t think the average gunner on a .50 cal is going to have much chance of hitting a violently manourvering ’speed boat’ !

Meant to say it before: thank you for your service.

BTL

I was contrasting the American reaction to the British reaction in a similar incident several months ago (hence the title of the post). The Royal Navy ship allowed itself to be boarded and its sailors to be taken hostage. The US Navy took aim and prepared to fire. I heartily endorse the latter course of action. And I’m sure it went down exactly as you say.

BTW, this was reported by the US military, as the piece makes clear, not “a reporter”. And Iran has corroborated the report. So stand down.

BTL