Q&A · 1:38:04-1:38:51

Could Sturdee change the Admiral-class design?

A viewer asks whether Sturdee's appointment would redirect the Admiral class while its requirements were still being discussed in spring 1916.

Question

Would putting Sturdee in charge of the Battlecruiser Fleet change Jellicoe's spring 1916 ideas for the Admiral class?

Short answer

Sturdee would replace Beatty in the consultation and might influence details, but his appointment alone would not overturn Jellicoe's own design preferences.

Notes

Sturdee would be consulted in Beatty's place as Battlecruiser Fleet commander, so his views could affect design details. Jellicoe remained the senior fleet commander and would not abandon his own requirements merely because the subordinate command changed hands. The likely difference is a changed contribution to the design discussion rather than a wholly different Admiralty concept before Jutland.