Best Admiral(s) Of Ww2

[spidge]

I must admit as to why I decided to post these (3) topics on best/favourite "commanders" of the Land-Sea & Air forces of WW2.

In my research and particularly through the net, questions ultimately reply with answers from other forums. An example of a discussion on "Best Admirals WW2"
A sub post to that question was: From the following nominations who do you believe was the best/most influential? "Yamamoto - Nimitz - Spruance"

INITIAL RESPONSE TO THE POST

I think results speak for themselves; it has to be Nimitz. Remember, he took over command of the Pacific Fleet just after Pearl Harbor and led it to ultimate victory. Nimitz chose where to fight and who would fight (i.e. Halsey, Spruance, Turner, etc.).

SECOND RESPONSE

Since the Pacific was a secondary theatre and Germany the main enemy, I fail to see how any admiral in that theatre could have been particularly significant. Try Doenitz, if you don't like that Horton. The Battle of the Atlantic was far and away the most important (and longest) naval campaign of WW2.

THIRD RESPONSE (NOT ME)

The Pacific was of as equal importance to Germany - especially for the countries in the Pacific region........ namely my own, Australia. The IJN was far more powerful than the Kriegsmarine, who from the start had to engage in a gour de course (I think that's how it's spelled) a war against trade. The IJN was the most powerful force in the Pacific until Midway, while the Kriegsmarine had an overall negligable effect on Germany's situation. This is by no means discounting the Battle for the Atlantic, but I object to it being called 'more important' than the Pacific.

FOURTH RESPONSE

This isn't from your list and probably not considered globally influential, however,
Admiral Sir Andrew Cunningham, British Mediterranean Fleet Commander 1939-1941 (flagship HMS Warspite). The Med was a hotspot for the entire WW2 campaign, with more naval ships being sunk there than any other ocean in the world. Certainly must rate as an influence within Commonwealth circles.

YOU WOULD NEVER GUESS FROM THESE ANSWERS AS TO WHAT WAS THE ORIGINAL QUESTION.

THE QUESTION WAS "WHO WAS THE MOST INFLUENTIAL OUT OF THE THREE NOMINATED". ONLY ONE OF THE FOUR REPLIES ANSWERED THE QUESTION.

(IMO) IT IS COMMON COURTESY TO ANSWER THE QUESTION FIRST AND THEN, IF REQUIRED, FOLLOW IT WITH AN OPPOSING/SUPPORTIVE OPINION.

ANYWAY MEMBERS, WHO IS YOUR BEST/FAVOURITE/ MOST INFLUENTIAL ADMIRAL OF WW2?

LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR POSTS!

[Gibbo]

I think that the RN & USN were both very well led during WW2 & there are several candidates from both navies. As well as Cunningham, Spruance & Horton, I'd mention Ramsay, who organised both the evacuation from Dunkirk & the D-Day invasion.

However, I'd put Chester Nimitz first. The Pacific wasn;t as important as the Atlantic but it certainly wasn't a sideshow. He adapted quickly to major changes in the way that naval warfare was fought & successfully integrated submarines, aircraft & surface ships. He was a skilful diplomat, which was necessary in WW2, especially when he had to co-operate with MacArthur.

[Gnomey]

I'd agree with that Gibbo.

I would say mine would be Nimitz for the results of what he did, closely followed by Ramsay and Cunningham.

[Kiwiwriter]

I'd have to go with Nimitz and Cunnningham. But don't forget Horton and Noble in the Atlantic battle.

I liked a comment about the top three Americans: Halsey was the man you'd have to fight a battle. Spruance to fight a campaign, Nimitz to fight a war.