The First through Fifth Sea Lords sat above a wide structure covering operations, personnel, supply, aviation, intelligence, trade protection, weapons, dockyards, engineering, and the Royal Marines. A long succession of officers filled these jobs during the war. Wartime naval leadership was a large administrative system rather than a handful of famous commanders. Deaths, transfers, and reorganizations continually created demand for additional experienced flag officers.
Chapter · 1:53:38-1:57:17
The Admiralty needed depth far below the First Sea Lord
A rapid tour of Admiralty appointments reveals how many senior specialists were needed to direct a global wartime navy.