Battenberg's Admiralty staff began the war divided by the Fisher-Beresford feud. Capable officers left for the Grand Fleet, and he underestimated the effect because he expected more of those who remained. Defending his own position also consumed the time needed to supervise Admiralty work. Battenberg and Churchill nevertheless kept the fleet assembled after exercises, so it was already concentrated as war approached.
Notable Point · 45:18-46:52
Staff losses and factional disputes weakened Battenberg's Admiralty
Battenberg underestimated the loss of capable staff while factional attacks distracted him from supervising wartime administration.