Reginald Bacon appears as an assistant in the Third Sea Lord's organization rather than a clear replacement for John Jellicoe. Bacon was skilled at firing guns and also had an uncommon officer-level understanding of how guns were made. That knowledge suited an office responsible for evaluating larger calibers, armor trials, and shell performance. Technical advisers could supply expertise that a senior procurement leader needed without displacing that leader.
Notable Point · 36:38-38:41
Reginald Bacon brought gunmaking expertise into Jellicoe's office
Bacon's uncommon knowledge of gun manufacture suited the technical decisions facing Jellicoe, although his formal role remains uncertain.