Wargame Articles

British Sailors Captured by the Irans 2005, Who is to blame?

I was pleased to note that the official report into the humiliating capture of 15 British sailors and marines by the Iranians earlier this year placed the blame squarely where it fell.

The MOD decision to build a billion pound frigate, HMS Cornwall, ideal for fighting the Russians, and to use a police vessel was not considered. Critics who suggested perhaps 20 fishery protection vessels with 20mm cannon might be of more use than one frigate were dismissed as not having a full understanding. The navy's decision to let small launches work in water too shallow for the supporting frigate to follow was not considered, nor was the removal of the helicopter support prior to the Iranians arrival. No mention was made of the lack of cooperation with our allies, the Americans would have had gunships over the threatened launches within minutes of a request.

The liberal Democrat spokesman, Nick Harvey, said 'Who will ultimately stand up and take responsibility for this episode?' The report actually only critised 1 person, the youngest sailor involved, Arthur, for wearing an ipod while on operations and for bursting into tears when he thought he was going to be stoned to death.

What has this got to do with wargaming? Talk to any wargamer about the last battle they lost…

As a postscript, 14 Australians in a launch in 2004 also found themselves surrounded by the Iranians. They responded by aiming their small arms at the heavier Iranian boats and swearing at them until the Iranians backed off.