Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 22:08-22:47

Lion and Beatty's loss could reshape Jutland command

Losing HMS Lion and Beatty on the Run to the South could change command of the British force, the rest of Jutland, and the later succession to Jellicoe.

Battle Of JutlandBattlecruisersHMS LionNaval LeadershipRoyal Navy
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Question

What if HMS Lion blew up during the Run to the South at Jutland and killed Beatty?

Short answer

Command might pass to Evan-Thomas, changing the rest of Jutland and the later choice of First Sea Lord.

Notes

Lion's destruction and Beatty's death would remove the commander as well as one battlecruiser. Evan-Thomas might take charge on the Run to the North, changing the decisions and reputations produced by the rest of Jutland. Whoever emerged as the visible hero of that different battle could then influence the succession after Jellicoe. The tactical loss could therefore reshape later command politics inside the Royal Navy.