Does anyone out there really believe that the RN decided to go to the tabloids to put their side of the story, while the Government were informed but kept out of the decision loop? Is there any precedent for such an action from a branch of the military? Can a government that has been obsessive in its relationship with and manipulation of the media during its 10 years in office really not have had any involvement in this process?
Clearly the Second Sea Lord has either volunteered to take the rap, or been ordered to - if he gets promoted & knighted in the next year that will answer that question.
There can be no doubt that going to the press was a high level political decision, as well as a response to the media frenzy which was offering big cheques for the stories. Sadly the whole series of events, from their avoidable detention through to the current situation, has brought shame and humiliation to the individuals, the RN and the wider armed forces, the UK as a whole and last but not least, the Government.
The 15 were right not to fight when they were taken by the Iranians, that would have resulted in many deaths and possibly a wider military conflict, but they should not have been in such an exposed position. Their conduct as prisoners, whilst not admirable, is pretty much in line with current CAC training. The UK government was a toothless Lion during the diplomatic process, but then Iran held all the cards. The UN Security Council's failure to robustly support the UK, which was carrying out a UN sponsored mission, was also lamentable. Iran achieved a propaganda coup with its benevolent and merciful release of illegally held hostages. Finally, the decision to allow the ex-hostages to sell their story has raised the whole affair to the highest levels of farce. The RN which once ruled the waves and won at Trafalgar is now a laughing stock throughout the world. In the year that we commemorate the re-capture of the Falkland Islands, we witness these events. I am saddened to the core by all this.
Nelson must be doing about 2000 rpm in his grave.