Wireless gave the Admiralty access to a picture extending from global movements to local and tactical conditions. Admiral J. H. Godfrey described a wartime practice of supplying raw intelligence and distinguishing information from inference. Headquarters could give general directives and position forces, while the commander at sea retained responsibility for tactical action. Shore coordination also depended on reliable communications and sometimes had to accommodate radio silence. Godfrey warned that accurate intelligence, wireless and senior rank could encourage an officer ashore to interfere with decisions best made on the spot.
Notable Point · 33:04-37:16
Better intelligence should support rather than remote-control commanders
Wireless gave the Admiralty a wider picture, but British practice still left tactical decisions to commanders who could interpret conditions on the spot.