The Korean War reinforced a Second World War lesson about separating operational command from a front-line ship's fighting role. Vice-Admiral W. G. Andrewes therefore flew his flag in HMS Ladybird, a converted Yangtze River steamer, while commanding Commonwealth naval forces in Korean waters. Ladybird reportedly carried communications comparable with a cruiser. She also supported the logistics of ships from eight Commonwealth navies, showing how a modest hull could become a specialist command node.
Notable Point · 2:18:18-2:18:49
HMS Ladybird as an afloat command and logistics ship
A converted river steamer separates wide-area command and multinational logistics from the fighting duties of a front-line warship.