Second that, mello. Destroyer commanders were almost always young men, probably chosen to have a lunatic streak.
Imagine being an invincible 25 year old in charge of a 40mph all weather racing speedboat weighing 1500tons, bristling with all manner of destructive toys, a couple hundred willing servants, and being told "Well it looks like a fine morning. Why dont you take your ship down the bonny Firth of Forth at full speed and see if you cant bag yourself the Bismark. Full speed mind!"
Must have been fantastic, some days.
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