Q&A · 12:16-12:44

Would Sturdee keep HMS Lion as flagship?

A viewer asks whether changing the Battlecruiser Fleet commander would also mean changing its flagship.

Question

What ship would Sturdee use as his Battlecruiser Fleet flagship?

Short answer

HMS Lion would remain the flagship; Sturdee was accustomed to battlecruiser command, and replacing Beatty did not require moving the headquarters to another ship.

Notes

HMS Lion remains the Battlecruiser Fleet flagship because changing the admiral does not require changing the command platform. Lion already fits the role, and Sturdee had experience commanding from battlecruisers. Jellicoe's relationship with him combines trust with close supervision, so the important change is the commander and staff rather than the ship. The familiar flagship preserves continuity while the force adopts different communications, training, and tactical habits.