How would an Admiral King-like First Sea Lord change the Royal Navy under Churchill?
Short answerThe fleet might not change dramatically, but a more forceful and flamboyant First Sea Lord would probably produce sharper political clashes with Churchill than the reserved Pound or Cunningham did.
NotesJackie Fisher shows that the Royal Navy had already experienced loud, forceful reforming leadership. Personality alone would not transform every wartime decision. The more likely change is political: Admiral King-style bluntness would collide more openly with Churchill. Pound and Cunningham were capable political operators whose reserved manner reduced that kind of public or cabinet-level confrontation.