Sturdee could command a squadron competently, but his willingness to satisfy political instructions made him poorly suited to the Admiralty's wartime staff role. A demand for ships in many places encouraged him to distribute forces in small groups, even though effective action required concentration. Limited strategic staff education helps explain his approach and makes comparisons with modern training misleading. An officer more confident with politicians could have adapted their demands or refused them. Patey is proposed as a better fit because he had experience handling Australian politicians and might have moved into the Admiralty role if war had come later.
Chapter · 1:36:43-1:43:35
Sturdee was misplaced in the Admiralty war staff
Sturdee's difficulty resisting political demands encouraged dispersal, while the job required someone able to protect concentrated naval operations.