Battenberg's downfall was a political and administrative problem as well as a test of competence. Fisher could influence Churchill by private letter from outside the Admiralty, bypassing the serving First Sea Lord whenever the two disagreed. Beresford's rival faction also attacked Battenberg because removing him offered its own route back to power. Jellicoe was needed with the Grand Fleet, while Beatty remained too junior and could be assigned elsewhere more easily. Beresford was politically divisive and a doubtful wartime commander. With Fisher gone in January 1914, royal support and moderate officers could isolate Beresford's campaign before the war began.
Notable Point · 25:42-44:54
Could Battenberg outlast the Admiralty factions?
Fisher's continued access to Churchill and the Fisher-Beresford feud explain why Battenberg became vulnerable; Fisher's death removes a key pressure point.