Why carrier flagships ran out of staff space

Vian's staff reportedly found Unicorn easier to use than British Pacific Fleet carrier flagships because her maintenance role included accommodation for visiting pilots and officers. Wartime carriers embarked more people than pre-war designs anticipated as fighter-heavy air groups increased the number of aircraft, pilots, maintainers, planners, and squadron personnel. Adding an admiral's staff intensified the shortage. Henderson had repeatedly argued for more flag accommodation, but the Illustrious class was arranged around a rear admiral rather than the larger organizations needed by vice admirals and full admirals. Senior commanders required exponentially larger staffs to coordinate multiple squadrons or task groups and to manage political and media responsibilities alongside operations.