What are the rules of engagement for British forces should a foreign force attempt their capture?

Answer 1

The usual is for nationals from out with the combat to accorded the right to free passage. The problem is that the Iranians are not normal, in a political sense, and as such should not be trusted. However as has been said before firing on the Iranians would have created a greater problem as Iran has much more firepower in the area and could overwhelm the frigate's defencive armaments. As long as the Yankee driven UN continues with its attitude to Iran the problem will not go away.

Answer 2

Just to put all the dickheads right,the British soldiers were in a small unarmed boat and they were sorrounded by six Iranian gunships there was nothing cowaradly about the British actions just a sensible life saving approach.
It seems like there is some anti-British feeling from the US side,but how many other allies has the US got in this world(sweet FA)

Answer 3

The RoE's vary from theatre to theatre.Basically you are not allowed to open fire unless fired upon except unless you expect a act of terrorism likely to inflict death or casualties or damage to property is imminent.You are to provide clear verbal warnings if nessesary & are to fire no more rounds than nessesary.
As for the Captain having to call the MoD to obtain clearance,No.The Captain has his own set of RoE's whereby he can act on his own.
As for why did'nt they open fire,It's bloody obvious!
The RN/Booties were in a small rigid raider boat & the Iranians boats were'nt much bigger.If the Captain had opened fire,he might have killed his own crew!And then we would be saying sorry to the families of the RN/Marines who were killed as well as embroiled in a international incedent over the deaths of the Iranian crew.

Answer 4

The rules of engagement vary according to theatre of war or otherwise.I am sure the idiots who say they should have fought and died have never worn a uniform in their lives.You don't take on heavily armed patrol boats form a rubber dingy with small arms that's a not a rule of engagement but common sense we do not employ suicide tactics.

Answer 5

I have operated with and closed many of pubs with the Brit's Navy for many years in the Spec Warfare area and I can say without a doubt that the 15 are kicking themselves in the butt for this but I guarantee it will not happen again. I can bet there are over 15 boat units ready to deploy and take back their own.
15 chairs will be empty till the lads and lassie come home then the beer will flow and the stories be told while we raise our mugs to the Queen.

Answer 6

I still don't understand how HMS Cornwall was out brained and gunned by a hand full of Iranian motor boats, If the Brit boats where in Iraqi waters that would surely mean the Iranians where out of line, Yet HMS Cornwall being a type 22 frigate with a very impresive list of arnments and sensory equipment failed to notice 6 speeding boats heading from Iran.
makes me wonder if the `Brits where in Iranian waters.

HMS Cornwall specs http://www.navynews.co.uk/ships/cornwall.asp

Answer 7

If Iran believed they were trespassing then they were entitled to arrest the sailors as we would if foreign sailers trespassed in the UK.
And the sailors can not just shoot the Iranian forces for wrongful arrest - Imagine the conflict that could have caused! The sailors and marines have been completly professional, I just hope that Iran can see sense and set them free.

Answer 8

I don't know. But I would like to say that your first answerer is a complete idiot. And then he wonders why the world is Anti-american!

Answer 9

I heard they called the commander and He had to call London and By the time someone got back to them it was all over. PU some way to run a war.....

Answer 10

Apparently it's not to defend yourself. I'm still not sure how they let themselves be captured