Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:27:52-2:28:43

Mountbatten's political skill distinguished him from Cork and Orrery

Mountbatten was a capable destroyer flotilla leader and effective politician even when his higher operational judgment was weaker.

Louis MountbattenNaval LeadershipRoyal NavyWilliam Henry Dudley Boyle
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Question

Was Mountbatten as incompetent as Lord Cork and Orrery?

Short answer

No; Mountbatten had real flotilla-command and political strengths, though these did not guarantee strategic competence.

Notes

Mountbatten and Lord Cork and Orrery do not merit the same assessment. Mountbatten's rapid rise owed much to connections, although contemporaries such as Vian recognized his skill in destroyer command. His political ability remained valuable even when it did not translate into strategic naval competence.