Beatty often imagined himself as Jellicoe's natural successor, although the Grand Fleet's actual command chain placed other senior officers ahead of him. Doveton Sturdee was among those positioned to assume responsibility if Jellicoe were killed. Beatty eventually received the fleet after several senior figures moved to other appointments at once. His public prominence did not define the formal succession, which is why reputation alone is a poor guide to institutional authority.
Notable Point · 4:09-4:48
Why Beatty was not next in line for the Grand Fleet
The Grand Fleet's succession arrangements placed other senior officers ahead of Beatty despite his own expectations.