Q&A · 3:15:20-3:18:24

Beatty with a standardized battlecruiser-fleet staff

Beatty probably retains command, but specialist staff officers translate intent into fleet orders and maintain reliable signals and intelligence.

Question

Does Beatty still command the battlecruiser fleet under a full staff system?

Short answer

Probably, but a trained chief of staff, signals officer, and intelligence officer would make his fleet command more coherent and reliable.

Notes

Churchill's support could still place Beatty in command of the battlecruisers. A standardized staff, comparable to those in army formations, would give the command defined specialist posts. A chief of staff would translate single-ship orders into fleet orders. A qualified signals officer would check that messages expressed Beatty's intentions, and an intelligence officer would keep him informed about the forces ahead. This support could improve his performance as a fleet commander.