When Force C joined Force A1, Rear Admiral Edward Leigh Stuart King assumed command because he was the senior officer by date of promotion. Navies need an unambiguous rule for command when formations combine unexpectedly because a dispute over precedence can paralyze a force at the moment coordinated action is most urgent. Seniority settles the issue at once, even when another admiral's original assignment or local knowledge might otherwise support a competing claim.
Notable Point · 12:04-12:40
Naval seniority gives Force C unified command
The Crete forces use date of promotion to settle command immediately when separate formations combine.