One criticism of Malaya's command arrangements distinguishes planning ability from the willingness to make and enforce a decision. Percival is judged a capable staff officer who needed a stronger superior to choose among his options. Brooke-Popham is criticised for approaching the problem with habits formed in a colonial governorship rather than the urgency of an approaching campaign. Dowding is proposed as an alternative because his removal from Fighter Command coincided closely with Brooke-Popham's appointment. Keith Park could accompany him, although sending Park directly to Malta is another preference. The suggested appointments would use experienced air commanders while satisfying the Air Ministry's wish to move them out of their existing posts.
Notable Point · 1:05:54-1:10:19
Command failures in Malaya and a Dowding alternative
The defence suffered from leaders who could draft options but struggled to choose and enforce a coherent operational plan.