The personnel shortage reached senior command as well as the crews needed to operate ships. The Indian Ocean required an admiral with training, experience, and the confidence of the Admiralty. James Somerville received that assignment despite Churchill's earlier attempt to have him court-martialled. His appointment illustrates how few trusted alternatives were available when important commands outnumbered suitable officers. By January 1942, the assessment finds little immediate remedy beyond measures the Royal Navy was already taking.
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Global commands outnumbered trusted British admirals
Somerville's Indian Ocean appointment illustrated a Royal Navy with more major commands than trained, experienced senior officers it trusted to fill them.