Command succession is a practical wartime problem rather than a choice of the most interesting personality. Sturdee is already with the Grand Fleet, has battlecruiser experience from the Falklands, and carries the public standing of a recent victory. Madden, Burney, Jerram, and Hood each offer strengths, but their existing roles, rank, experience, or political usefulness make them less likely emergency choices. A Battlecruiser Fleet commander also needs to manage public and political confidence while directing the force.
Chapter · 16:44-27:33
Why Sturdee is the plausible replacement
The alternative-history premise begins by testing the senior Royal Navy officers who could realistically replace Beatty, and why Sturdee best fits the vacancy.