The discussion treats Somerville's famous Second World War commands at Mers-el-Kebir and with Force H as the finished product, then stops its main career study in 1932. Somerville's specialty was wireless telegraphy: he understood both the technology and its operational use, placed unusual weight on intercepted information, and helped build intelligence-gathering systems. His expertise became valuable beyond the Royal Navy when the Army and Royal Air Force sought his help with communications. It also explains why the Navy recalled him despite poor health for radar work, support to the Dunkirk evacuation, and command of Force H. His later decisions emerged from a long technical and command apprenticeship.
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Somerville's command career began with communications
The opening presents James Somerville as an exceptional signals and wireless officer whose technical judgment shaped his later command decisions.