Q&A · 3:17:18-3:18:10

Cunningham was the practical successor if Pound retired early

Cunningham combined sufficient seniority with the rare ability to manage Churchill, making him the likely First Sea Lord in 1942-43.

Andrew Cunningham Dudley Pound First Sea Lord Naval Leadership Winston Churchill

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Question

Who would replace Dudley Pound if he retired in late 1942 or early 1943?

Short answer

Andrew Cunningham, because he was senior enough and one of the few admirals able to manage Churchill.

Notes

Alexander is the only plausible alternative, although he had left senior command for convoy work. The Admiralty would not accept Lord Cork and Orrery. Cunningham remained the officer capable of leading the Navy while resisting disruptive political intervention.