Freyberg inherited command without the staff structure needed to direct a divisional battle across a large island. Weston had been on Crete earlier and commanded an organisation with administrative experience, communications, and local knowledge. A commander cannot personally gather, process, distribute, and act on every report in a modern battle. Senior command depends on staff capacity as well as personal ability.
Notable Point · 12:03-14:30
Command changes leave Crete without a ready staff
Freyberg arrives late, while Major General Weston and the naval base organisation already have local knowledge and a functioning staff.