Wireless messages were assigned realistic transmission times that grew with traffic and priority demands. Maneuver signals, first contact reports, later reports, and outgoing admiral's signals could therefore reach recipients at different speeds. The Royal Navy was anticipating combat dispersed both globally and tactically, with aviation extending the battlefield and darkness increasing uncertainty. Staffs had to decide what deserved priority while avoiding congestion that could delay a commander's plan. Repeated practice helped officers exchange necessary information under pressure, even if wartime signals would never be perfect or instantaneous.
Notable Point · 31:38-33:42
Communications rules prepared fleets for dispersed warfare
Signal delays and traffic priorities were built into games because carriers and night operations were spreading actions across much wider areas.