Somerville became Director of Personnel Services in May 1934 and introduced a seamen's welfare scheme intended to prevent a recurrence of the conditions behind Invergordon. Kelly recommended him for the post, extending their reform partnership beyond the repair of individual ships. The policy combined open communication and responsibility for sailors' welfare with an expectation of high professional standards. Somerville was applying lessons learned through command and mentorship to the Royal Navy's personnel system as a whole.
Notable Point · 1:17:50-1:18:33
The seamen's welfare scheme turned leadership into personnel policy
As Director of Personnel Services, Somerville introduced a welfare scheme intended to prevent the conditions and communications failures that had contributed to Invergordon.