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The Invergordon Mutiny of 1931
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Benefits of the mutiny
The benefits of the mutiny
The breakdown between divisional officers and their crews meant that some now took more notice of their men and their grievances. The appointment of Sir John Kelly cultivated a good spirit on the lower deck. For the officers a new sense of confidence and authority resulted.
Captain Jimmy Pack describes changes in the welfare of naval personnel as a result of the mutiny at Invergordon (RNM)
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In more widespread terms the effect of the mutiny on the financial markets was important. It resulted in Britain abandoning the gold standard, which although feared, actually strengthened the economy.
The beginnings of abandoning the policy of unilateral disarmament and the resulting rearmament meant a lift in morale of all officers and ratings. The Admiralty appointed new and more dynamic personnel and the government altered their opinion about pay cuts for the armed forces. The Atlantic Fleet was renamed the Home Fleet in an attempt to make a new start.
Captain Jimmy Pack talks about the affects of the Invergordon Mutiny (RNM)
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The Invergordon Mutiny was a significant event for the Royal Navy, indeed for Great Britain's economy, because it was the widest act of industrial action since the Nore mutiny of the 19th Century. The Invergordon mutiny involved around a thousand sailors of the British Atlantic Fleet. This well co-ordinated and widespread action had the effect of concentrating the minds of the Admiralty and the Government to review the pay and conditions of all personnel in the Royal Navy. The loss of confidence in the Royal Navy felt by the public at the time was short lived and utterly dispelled by their actions in World War Two.
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