Q&A · 2:09:37-2:10:39

Who commands the Grand Fleet battlecruisers without Beatty?

Without Beatty, the early-war battlecruiser squadrons could remain embedded in the Grand Fleet under their existing commanders.

Question

If Beatty commands in the Mediterranean, who commands the Grand Fleet battlecruisers?

Short answer

The existing squadrons could remain inside the Grand Fleet under their own senior officers; a distinct battlecruiser force is less automatic without Beatty.

Notes

Several commanders are possible, but a separate battlecruiser force need not appear immediately without Beatty. The existing squadrons and their senior officers can remain within the Grand Fleet structure, while Hood is still moving towards other responsibilities. Beatty's presence was part of what turned the battlecruisers into a more visibly separate formation.