Cunningham, shore command, and better communications

After Cape Matapan, Andrew Cunningham coordinated the Royal Navy's dispersed Mediterranean forces from Alexandria rather than trying to control every group from a flagship. Reliable shore communications let him gather several information streams, maintain a large operational picture, and issue theater-wide orders. This was the kind of analytical command Jellicoe might have preferred if First World War radio had made it possible. Instead, Jellicoe had to remain at sea with the Grand Fleet so he could influence events directly. His flagship HMS Iron Duke consequently fought in the line at Jutland and shot accurately, although the defective British shells reduced what those hits accomplished.