John Fisher's talk of making himself an admiralissimo during World War I provides a comparison for Shimada's ambition. Effective supreme command requires strategic thinking combined with the political ability to influence events. Shimada gained power chiefly by supplying Tojo with useful information. He had no friends in the navy and depended on Tojo, while fellow officers did not regard him as a great naval leader. In this assessment, his titles gave him authority without the professional trust or strategic ability needed to use it well.
Notable Point · 4:59-6:06
Fisher's admiralissimo and the demands of supreme command
Concentrated naval command requires strategic judgement, political skill, and a durable institutional base, qualities Shimada did not bring together.