Britain was forced to plead with the US to take part in the flotilla challenging Iranian power in the Gulf after American commanders decided the Royal Navy had nothing to contribute to the mission.
The disparity in vessel numbers means the British presence in the flotilla was of greater diplomatic than military significance.
A source described Britain's approach as “classic willy-waving”, accusing the UK of posturing to conceal its military irrelevance to the confrontation with Iran.
A Whitehall official confirmed the sequence of events and described the international negotiations over the flotilla as “humiliating” for Britain.
Britain had to plead with US to take part in Iran flotilla - Telegraph
I suspect most of what is written above could soon become standard commentary regarding any of Britain's international military exploits.
Oh England, how the mighty have fallen!