Henry Harwood's promotion exposed a political-skills gap

Henry Harwood proved effective as a commodore in the South Atlantic during the Battle of the River Plate and then performed adequately in a staff appointment. In a senior Mediterranean command, however, he encountered Army and RAF leaders accustomed to interservice political conflict. Harwood lacked the experience to recognize and counter attempts to shift blame onto the Navy. When Andrew Cunningham returned, he could fight that political battle in a way Harwood had not. Their careers separate operational skill from the political skill required in the highest wartime commands.