Why the Mediterranean might suit Beatty better than Milne

Milne's strengths suited a tightly controlled force, with uncertain instructions likely to produce a conservative response. Nelson and Collingwood illustrate why a navy needs different command temperaments: an aggressive war-fighter may excel in battle, while a steadier administrator can better suit deterrence and routine fleet management. Milne's exact obedience would suit a squadron under Jellicoe, but Fisher feared it would waste unexpected Mediterranean opportunities. That temperament mattered during the confused pursuit of Goeben and Breslau, when the Admiralty's signals gave latitude without clear direction. A modern, fast battlecruiser such as Lion would have made sense as a Mediterranean enforcer and given Beatty a mission better aligned with his instincts.