Somerville returned to sea as executive officer of HMS Ajax when John de Robeck made her his Mediterranean Fleet flagship. The appointment added practical responsibility for running a battleship while keeping him close to senior command. Much of his career had already been spent as a communications right hand who helped captains and admirals refine policy and connect their intentions to the wider fleet. He became adept at managing upward as well as communicating technical matters. That combination of technical skill and confidence with senior decision-makers made him a plausible future Third Sea Lord before illness interrupted the path.
Chapter · 39:55-43:32
Ajax and the Admiralty turned technical skill into institutional authority
Executive service under John de Robeck added battleship management to Somerville's long experience working beside admirals and made his ability to manage upward especially valuable.