Grafton moved from China Station service and refit to relieving the older Warspite as Pacific Station flagship. Changing flagships was also a personnel and command transition. Rear Admiral Bickford moved his preferred flag captain to Grafton, while Grafton's original captain took the superseded Warspite home. The replacement preserved continuity in the admiral's command team while giving it a newer hull.
Chapter · 35:37-37:12
HMS Grafton transfers the Pacific Station flag
After China Station service and refit, Grafton relieved Warspite as Pacific Station flagship in a coordinated transfer of ship, admiral, and flag captain.