The proposed accident only explains the rapid vacancy; the decisive issue is how the Admiralty would fill it. A commander already holding vice-admiral rank is far easier to install than a rear admiral or commodore who would need time and political backing to grow into the role. If the Admiralty accepted a junior emergency promotion, Harwich Force commander Reginald Tyrwhitt would have a stronger case than most rear admirals because he already held an independent, public-facing command. The Battlecruiser Fleet also needed a leader who could reassure ministers and the public after replacing the victor of Dogger Bank. That combination points to Sturdee.
Notable Point · 47:05-53:16
An emergency replacement needs an established admiral
A sudden incapacitation in late 1915 would favour a vice admiral ready to assume command immediately, rather than promoting a promising junior officer into a public-facing fleet post.