Q&A · 2:47:12-2:50:38

If Iron Duke sank, which ship would take Jellicoe?

Queen Elizabeth was the prepared flagship choice, but battle position might force Jellicoe onto the nearest suitable ship, plausibly HMS Canada in the center of the line.

Question

Would HMS Warspite replace Iron Duke as Jellicoe's flagship if Iron Duke were lost?

Short answer

Queen Elizabeth was the prepared flagship choice, but battle position might force Jellicoe onto the nearest suitable ship, plausibly HMS Canada in the center of the line.

Notes

Queen Elizabeth had already been fitted to serve as a flagship for the Dardanelles and would be the preferred replacement among the fifteen-inch ships. Warspite and Barham also had or later received flagship arrangements, but the Fifth Battle Squadron would probably be near the front of the action. Jellicoe's position in the center of the battle line would make immediate access more important than an ideal communications fit after Iron Duke was disabled. The neighboring divisions and flagships make HMS Canada a ship he might reach quickly. Canada sits near vessels already carrying other admirals, which makes her a practical command platform in this scenario. Formation geometry constrains command continuity during a fleet battle. The planned successor may be far from the ship actually available after a sinking.