c62920e8_headquarters_ships__Topic
[No] 1 [Lesson] With the introduction of the Fighter Direction Tenders (FDTs) the usefulness of HQ ships from the RAF point of view was diminished. A reduction in personnel and equipment was recommended. However, they did provide useful visual information of low flying enemy aircraft to the FDTs and thereby to the low cover fighter aircraft of the Allies. This resulted in the interception and destruction of three enemy aircraft. The air situation plot required by the Commodore of each Assault Force could be adequately provided by information from the FDTs whose radar was superior and who had access to the same information sources as the HQ ships. It was suggested that the filter room on the HQ ships and their personnel could be "eliminated". Since the HQ ships would most likely never take over control of the Fighter cover from the FDTs it was suggested that "controlling personnel" be removed from the HQ ships or substantially reduced to two Controllers and two Deputy Controllers. In view of the superior radar and comprehensive communications equipment it was recommended that the FDTs should initiate Air Raid Warnings with the HQ ships giving warnings in their own assault areas. Two separate channels of communications between the HQ ships and FDTs were essential 24/7 one for plotting and the other for liaison. [Topic] 
FDTs influence on the role of HQ Ships
headquarters ships
Topic