The Tribals' wartime performance created demand for another powerful general-purpose destroyer with still better air defence. Goodall received unusual freedom to develop that answer. Admiral Bruce Fraser, who had succeeded Henderson as Third Sea Lord and later commanded at North Cape and in the British Pacific Fleet, provided the programme's senior backing. The Battle class therefore carried forward the large L-class concept that Henderson had wanted but had not been allowed to build. The design lineage joined a dead officer's prewar ideas to the Royal Navy's wartime requirements.
Notable Point · 6:12-8:03
Bruce Fraser and the unbuilt L-class lineage
Admiral Bruce Fraser sponsored Goodall's work, allowing the Battle class to carry forward ideas from Henderson's unbuilt large L-class destroyer.