John Tovey's Bismarck command and defense of subordinates

The argument against placing broad blame on Tovey covers the Norwegian campaign, the loss of HMS Hood, and the conduct of the Bismarck pursuit. His record also supports the view that he might have made a better First Sea Lord than Andrew Cunningham, although his junior status could have counted against him. The sharper leadership test came when First Sea Lord Dudley Pound wanted action against the captain of HMS Prince of Wales and Rear Admiral Frederic Wake-Walker for breaking off combat. Tovey threatened to resign and appear as a defense witness rather than let the officers be unfairly prosecuted. His response shows a commander willing to accept institutional risk for subordinates who made defensible operational decisions.