Assessing Admiral Tom Phillips

How much of a loss was Admiral Tom Phillips to the Royal Navy?

Phillips was a capable officer whose death deprived the navy of a commander who could have developed further with a stronger force and more combat experience.

Tom Phillips was a capable admiral facing a command that demanded exceptional improvisation. With a balanced task force and time to learn under wartime pressure, he could have developed into a very good commander. Force Z gave him neither that force nor much opportunity to adapt. In this assessment, he lacked the flair needed for this particular situation, although he was considered the best available appointment at the time. His loss also helped leave Somerville with another difficult assignment in the Indian Ocean.