Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:05:42-1:05:57

How First and Third Sea Lord authority could shift

Responsibility for new construction was not fixed: a Third Sea Lord gained more influence the longer he remained in office.

AdmiraltyFirst Sea LordNaval ProcurementThird Sea Lord
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Question

Did the First Sea Lord's responsibility for new construction change between 1910 and 1930?

Short answer

Yes. A long-serving Third Sea Lord could acquire greater authority over building decisions.

Notes

The First Sea Lord's responsibility for new construction changed between about 1910 and 1930. The balance depended on the Third Sea Lord, who could accumulate more power over building decisions through a long tenure. Admiralty authority was therefore not static across different officeholders and periods.