Choosing Beatty's replacement is a command and political problem, with raw ability only one consideration. Cecil Burney is an excellent second-in-command but lacks the political dash expected of the battlecruiser appointment, while Thomas Jerram is capable but firmly battleship-minded. Charles Madden is highly capable but too central to Jellicoe's Grand Fleet staff and to bringing new fifteen-inch battleships into effective service. Sturdee combines independent battlecruiser command, Admiralty experience, Grand Fleet training, and the reputation earned at the Falklands. His professional incompatibility with Beatty also explains why he was available outside the battlecruiser force.
Chapter · 0:01-5:13
Why Sturdee is the plausible replacement for Beatty
The counterfactual begins by weighing the senior Royal Navy officers who could replace David Beatty and explains why Frederick Sturdee is the workable choice.