Dead Wake: The Last Crossing Of The Lusitania

After the Lusitania’s sinking, the British Admiralty decides to blame the entire disaster on Captain Turner. However, before the Admiralty can begin its own investigation into the disaster, an Irish coroner, John J. Horgan, begins a separate inquest. During the inquest, Horgan asks Turner to testify, and he concludes that Turner did all he could to protect the Lusitania.

Despite Turner’s testimony, the Admiralty decides that Turner is at fault, arguing that he did not properly follow the Admiralty’s orders for avoiding submarine attacks. The Admiralty is particularly incensed that Turner brought his ship close to shore in St. George’s Channel—a violation of the Admiralty’s order to remain “midchannel” (318). It is further incensed that the Lusitania was not traveling at its full speed during the attack and that it had not followed orders to maintain a zigzag course, which the Admiralty claims would have helped it evade submarines. However, some individuals, such as Consul Frost, believe that the Admiralty’s orders did not provide the Lusitania with enough information. Larson argues that the Admiralty chooses to blame Turner for the disaster to deflect attention away from its own culpability in the