Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 10:11-11:04

Troubridge, Arbuthnot, and command supervision

The comparison between Troubridge and Arbuthnot turns on how much independence each officer actually had and whether senior command exercised effective supervision.

Command And ControlErnest TroubridgeNaval LeadershipRobert ArbuthnotRoyal Navy
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Question

Why judge Troubridge and Arbuthnot differently when Troubridge held an independent command and Arbuthnot only led a squadron?

Short answer

Troubridge's freedom was limited by direction from London, while Arbuthnot acted with less effective supervision and might have benefited from senior intervention.

Notes

Ernest Troubridge commanded an independent force, while Robert Arbuthnot led a cruiser squadron in the Grand Fleet. Formal independence did not tell the whole story because Troubridge was receiving persistent direction from London. Arbuthnot had less immediate supervision when he made his disastrous choice, and stronger intervention from senior command might have restrained him. The comparison links command failure to an officer's judgement and the supervision or staff system around him.