Q&A · 1:03:08-1:04:07

Force K belonged to Cunningham's Mediterranean command

The command relationship explains why Force K could cooperate with Force H without becoming part of it.

Question

Was Force K under Somerville's Force H or under Cunningham?

Short answer

Force K was Cunningham's force in the Mediterranean Fleet structure, although it sometimes operated alongside Force H.

Notes

Force K was Cunningham's creation within the Mediterranean Fleet's operating zones. Somerville's Force H worked principally from the western Mediterranean and into the Atlantic. The forces could cooperate and ships could be moved between tasks when an operation demanded it. Their normal responsibilities followed the geography and command structure of the Mediterranean rather than making Force K a permanent component of Force H.