Four years as First Sea Lord, including two years of war, would probably bring Battenberg's tenure to a close around December 1916. Jellicoe is the likely replacement if he has won at Jutland. Before leaving, Battenberg's interest in mine warfare could have brought Flower-class sloops into service earlier, providing ships for anti-submarine escort work. His administrative approach could also prompt an investigation of the submarine war by someone such as Henderson. The Board of Invention and Research would offer a suitable subsequent role, applying his experience to technical development and preparation for the next war. Its work had grown from activities organized under the Admiralty during his tenure.
Notable Point · 2:31:52-2:39:51
Battenberg's late-1916 succession and naval research role
Earlier sloops and an anti-submarine inquiry precede a possible handover to Jellicoe in late 1916 and a research role for Battenberg.