- Prof. Ian Holbourn: I think that those of us who survived have well almost duty to those who those who didn't to find out why we where left so open to attack.
- Winston Churchill: The poor baby's who perished in the ocean struck a blow at German power that proved more deadly than the sacrifice of a 100,000 fighting men.
- Captain Hobbs: In wartime, my lord, there are things more important than the truth. In wartime, my lord, the survival of the nation as a whole becomes paramount. Any hint of discredit to the Admiralty could lose us important friends among the neutral countries, do you understand?
- Lord Mersey: Are you suggesting that I declare an innocent man guilty?
- Captain Hobbs: I'm suggesting, my lord, that you find a way to conclude this inquiry without damaging our chances of winning the war.
- Prof. Ian Holbourn: I used to think a government was there to protect it's people but of course its there to protect itself .
- Avis Dolphin: You're not going to die are you?
- Prof. Ian Holbourn: Wouldn't dream of it.
- Avis Dolphin: Good!