Lord Cork and Orrery receives a severe assessment for his influence on the Royal Navy during the Second World War. The criticism covers his intervention in Norway and his pursuit of investigations involving Dudley North and James Somerville. Prolonged inquiries could deprive the service of a capable officer for six or nine months even when the allegations ultimately failed. North remained out of contention long enough for other officers to advance into consideration for command. In this assessment, removing Cork and Orrery from influence would have improved wartime performance.
Notable Point · 2:30:12-2:31:49
Cork and Orrery's investigations cost the Royal Navy usable officers
A severe assessment of Cork and Orrery connects his role in Norway with prolonged inquiries that kept capable officers away from useful service.