Hitler's repeated orders and counter-orders produced intelligence that Pound had to interpret in real time, without knowing what the German ships would actually do. Pound also lacked a trusted senior colleague who could challenge his judgement at the decisive level. Before the war, Chatfield and Henderson sharpened each other's decisions by arguing opposite sides. Fraser, serving as Third Sea Lord, and other wartime colleagues were absorbed by demanding missions of their own. Ultra supplied urgent clues while leaving Pound to decide before the uncertainty could clear.
Chapter · 20:56-24:43
Ultra, high command, and the pressure on Pound
Pound had to interpret intercepted German orders while managing a global convoy war without a strong senior counterweight at the Admiralty.